THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
November 13th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CCXII
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Tom Bowles
Chad Knaus: "Title Could Still Be Thrown Away"
For all those claiming Jimmie Johnson has this sixth Cup Series title in the bag, don't buy it. That's what crew chief Chad Knaus emphasized during a national teleconference with media reporters yesterday.
"If you don't think it's a fiery ending, come over here and hop on the pit box and help me try to call the race and make sure you don't mess up," he said to reporters, blowing off Johnson's 28-point lead as irrelevant, to a point when it comes to their Sunday strategy. "It's a very fiery ending. It's so easy to throw these things away. We see it time and time again."
"If you don't think it's a fiery ending, come over here and hop on the pit box and help me try to call the race and make sure you don't mess up," he said to reporters, blowing off Johnson's 28-point lead as irrelevant, to a point when it comes to their Sunday strategy. "It's a very fiery ending. It's so easy to throw these things away. We see it time and time again."
Johnson needs just a 23rd-place finish or better to lock things up in Sunday's race. But Knaus, who is bringing the car Johnson won Texas with to the racetrack down in Homestead-Miami emphasizes that, in a way the bigger gap brings with it a different kind of pressure.
"You'll look like a bigger fool if you lose it," said Knaus of the title race. "I think that we want to -- we just want to go down there and perform."
"You'll look like a bigger fool if you lose it," said Knaus of the title race. "I think that we want to -- we just want to go down there and perform."
News 'N' Notes
- The ninth race of the Chase became just the third this year to suffer from a decline in viewership. ESPN's coverage at Phoenix posted a 2.7 final Nielsen rating, released Tuesday which was 4% lower than last year's 2.8. Viewership was listed at 4.271 million, posting a similar year-to-year decrease.
Overall, though the television numbers for the Fall race out in the desert look rather bleak. Only the 2010 edition of this event, which posted a 2.5 Nielsen rating had a lesser audience.
Overall, though the television numbers for the Fall race out in the desert look rather bleak. Only the 2010 edition of this event, which posted a 2.5 Nielsen rating had a lesser audience.
ABC/ESPN wraps up their coverage of the sport this season Sunday at Homestead.
- Corey Lajoie will make his Nationwide Series debut this weekend for Richard Petty Motorsports. The 22-year-old son of former Nationwide Series champion Randy has three victories in five ARCA starts this season. He'll drive a No. 9 sponsored by Victory Junction Gang camp as the organization hopes to throw him into a car full-time in 2014.
Lajoie was previously scheduled to run several races for Scott Lagasse's team, but funding for that No. 8 car fell through.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Racing to the Finish
WTF Wednesdays
WTF Wednesdays
by Ellen Richardson
Here we are one week away from wrapping up the 2013 NASCAR race season and crowning the champions. While I haven't always been completely blown away by much of the competition among the top three tiers, it would be very hard to argue that this one won't be one for the history books. Before we race to the actual finish let's take a drive down memory lane and reflect on the moments that kept fans on the edge of the seats breathless for what might happen next.
The Catchfence Fiasco
As fans began piling into Daytona International Speedway just nine short months ago, the air was thick with excitement for all the possibilities of what the 2013 season had in store. I am sure that these hard core race fans surely didn't expect the horrific accident that resulted in at least 30 spectator injuries during the final lap of the Drive4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.
In fact, after watching a friend of mine's car disintegrate right before my very eyes and knowing that he was awaiting its final destination I couldn't help but be praying for his safety. Little did I realize that this would be the least of my worries.
The silver lining was knowing that we were all left talking about survivors versus what could have been a serious dark cloud that would have surely stayed with us throughout the season.
Denny Hamlin Speaks His Mind
NASCAR once again found fans outraged following its first set of major driver and team penalties that would continue to become mainstream in 2013. This penalty fell square onto the shoulders of Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin. When this often opinionated competitor spoke his mind about NASCAR's newest Sprint Cup Series car, referred to as the Gen-6, the sanctioning body decided to respond by slapping Hamlin with a a $25,000 fine, leaving many fans angry and leading the charge to support this driver.
Even the Mayor of NASCAR himself, Jeff Burton, chimed in and agreed with Hamlin after stating that the Gen-6 was and is "mostly hype." According to Burton, "You're never going to get these cars to pass as long as we're running 200 mph on speedways where it's easy to get spread out. People just have to understand that it's not meant to be easy to pass. I think increasing the downforce and adding grip will improve the racing, but only marginally."
The best part about this whole thing was watching NASCAR come to the realization that both Hamlin and Burton actually had valid points – hence the aero push problem that this sanctioning body is now scrambling to find a resolution to for next season.
Injuries and Loss Weigh Heavy
These comments and subsequent fine weren't the only thing keeping Hamlin in the headlines this season. Both media and fans continued to buzz around the driver of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota following his near-season-ending injury after battling Joey Logano in the final laps of the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. Hamlin suffered a compression fracture when his car struck the inside wall as the two exited the fourth turn of the two-mile speedway. Fortunately, Hamlin found his way back to competition this year, but I can't help but wonder if this injury kept him from rising to the top.
Just as we were rallying behind Hamlin for a speedy recovery, NASCAR fans were dealt a tragic blow with the loss of Nationwide Series driver Jason Leffler. After a crash in a heat race for the "Night of Wings" Sprint Car event at Bridgeport Speedway took Leffler's life, many race fans and drivers all across the nation were trying to come to grips with why such a young, positive driver had to be taken from this world so soon, especially with the enhancement of safety initiatives in motorsports these days.
Of course, lack of funding for smaller series of this nature has left some of these safety initiatives lacking within the world of Sprint Car racing. While very apparent following Leffler's death, this reality also hit home when legendary driver Tony Stewart had to cut his Sprint Cup season short after a broken leg in a Sprint Car crash at Southern Iowa Speedway. This injury left Stewart's ride open for a backup driver to come along and give the Stewart-Haas team some hope. Unfortunately, the drivers chosen to cover for the injured Stewart weren't able to pull off any wins.
Which brings up the every present story this season...
Ongoing Driver Merry Go Round
NASCAR teams have continued to seek a driver who will not only bring home wins but relate to their sponsors and fans. This season surely didn't lack any of the stories of this nature as teams watched how the 2013 season played out and decided what was best for them going forward next year. As a fan, how could this not keep your head spinning though? Will Ryan Newman have a ride next year (as it turned out, he'll be competing with Richard Childress Racing next season)? Did Tony really decide that it was best to pick up Kurt Busch or was he forced into this decision? Can rookie Kyle Larson pick up where Juan Pablo Montoya was lacking? Will Trevor Bayne's recent Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis affect his chances to compete? What will happen when NASCAR loses all its true greats like Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, etc?
I guess this will at least leave us waiting and wondering about this ever spinning whirlwind. Speaking of spinning, did anyone catch on to the major controversy that almost toppled a major Sprint Cup team? Yes, I am talking about the spin that lead to this season's major...
Chase Controversy
Following what has been dubbed the "Richmond Spin," a deserving driver was left out of the chase and a whiny one was given the 13th Chase starting spot. WTF?
Well, I guess this all doesn't matter now, since we are all aware of the historic sixth Championship title that Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team are sure to be hoisting up at Homestead this Sunday.
As I wrap up this review, I invite fans to chime in on what made the 2013 NASCAR season one heck of a ride to the finish that will have you tuning in for more in 2014.
Ellen Richardson is a Newsletter Contributor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via e-mail at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Follow her on Twitter @EllenNRich.
~~~~~~~~~~
GOT A NASCAR QUESTION OR COMMENT? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
That's right; our Fan Q & A column is back once again in 2013. Send your question Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print on Thursday when she does her weekly column. It's all part of our daily mission to give back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat!
That's right; our Fan Q & A column is back once again in 2013. Send your question Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print on Thursday when she does her weekly column. It's all part of our daily mission to give back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Kevin Rutherford
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Kevin Rutherford will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
by Kevin Rutherford
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Kevin Rutherford will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@kevinharvick: Wow crazy day fast car and enjoyed with a lot of great people!!! #Respect
@erik_jones: What can I say. So proud of everyone at @KBMteam and elated to get a win in the truck series, something I have truly wanted for a long time.
@KurtBusch: 7 out of 10 cars were @chevrolet to make up the top 10 today #impressive @TeamChevy
@23SpeedRacer (Spencer Gallagher): Radio chatter from the 54 - "Sorry guys, finger slipped off the Godmode button. Be right there"
@ClintBowyer: Congratulations to @JeffBurton on making his 1000th start today. One of the best people I've met in this sport. 👍
@markmartin: Thank you to all the nice people for the amazing things you have been tweeting me. I have been blessed with the support so many people.
@TJBell_Racing: It is so hard to lose a pet especially this one. She was such a fighter and a special little girl that always brought a smile to your face. Her body finally gave up but I know she didn't. She is in a better place now but will be missed a ton. RIP Zoie http://instagram.com/p/goQ8E6M93A/
@tbayne21 (Trevor Bayne): So thankful for this day and for everyone's encouragement! James 1:2-4
@BlakeKochRacing: Proud of my buddy @Tbayne21 his faith in God is incredible. Being thankful for the trials is tuff but worth it!
@joeycoulter: Anyone know a good fishing spot where I could try and catch a break??? #notmuchluck
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): "Too strung out on compliments, Overdosed on confidence..." Hmm, suppose this may be a Good song for me in 2013. A year and a half late
@TravisPastrana: My official statement concerning my future in @NASCAR https://www.facebook.com/TravisPastrana/posts/10151768702037473 …
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): My fav part of @TravisPastrana #NASCAR was getting to meet a genuine kind sweet caring superstar. He is what role models are made of.
@Josh_Wise: Thankful for all those who have fought for our freedom. #veteransday
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Thank you to all those who have served and given their today for our tomorrow, as well as those who will serve in the future. #VeteransDay
@AndyLally: This stuff in the Philippines is horrible, but that aside, their president is wearing a bowling shirt, fanny pack & comb over in interviews.
@rosschastain: Made me laugh! But I may be biased.. What Does The Farmer Say? (Ylvis - The Fox PARODY) http://youtu.be/vyMv4kkSCvk
Kevin Rutherford is an Assistant Editor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @surfwax83.
~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Huston Ladner
NASCAR Writer Power Rankings: Top 15 After Phoenix II
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Happiness Is...Goodbye, Hello, and Football
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Happiness Is...Goodbye, Hello, and Football
by Huston Ladner
Top Ten Ways Matt Kenseth And Kevin Harvick Can Beat Jimmie Johnson For the Title at Homestead
by the Frontstretch Staff
Beyond the Cockpit: Timmy Hill on Learning, Setting Goals, and Favorite Things
by Amy Henderson
~~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: When the now-Camping World Truck Series was launched in 1995, the races were quite short and designed to be run with only one pit stop at the halftime break. Season two saw the series start off at the mini-Indy configuration in Homestead. How did NASCAR alter the pit rules for this 400 kilometer race?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: The inaugural Jiffy Lube Miami 300 in 1995 was shaping up to be an excellent duel for the win between Larry Pearson, Kenny Wallace and Hermie Sadler. However, it all ended in tears. What happened?
A: Coming to the white flag, the three Busch Grand National regulars were racing hard for the lead. Sadler got a run on Wallace exiting Turn 2 and got alongside. However, Pearson got a strong run as well and ran into the back of Sadler entering Turn 3. Sadler spun and collected Wallace and Pearson. All three cars then careened into the wall. The crash can be seen here.
Dale Jarrett, who was just behind the trio in fourth, scooted by and inherited an unlikely win for first time primary sponsor Hudson Technologies. Sadler, Wallace and Pearson were also, but none too pleased at missing out on pay dirt.
Dale Jarrett, who was just behind the trio in fourth, scooted by and inherited an unlikely win for first time primary sponsor Hudson Technologies. Sadler, Wallace and Pearson were also, but none too pleased at missing out on pay dirt.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a variety of weekly storylines. This week's topics include the health of the Nationwide Series, how a Jimmie Johnson championship would affect the sport and so much more.
Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a variety of weekly storylines. This week's topics include the health of the Nationwide Series, how a Jimmie Johnson championship would affect the sport and so much more.
Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your NASCAR questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff brings fantasy racing back to Frontstretch this season. The week, he has your best bets as you fill out your roster for Homestead.
Tech Talk: Paul Wolfe by Mike Neff
Mike has a Sprint Cup Series crew chief stop by to talk about the technical side of NASCAR. This week, Paul Wolfe checks in as the series prepares for the season finale.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest storylines to come out of the Truck Series. This week, Beth has a look at the people who are most often forgotten in the garage area: the crews.
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2013 Frontstretch.com
--
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Frontstretch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thefrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
No comments:
Post a Comment