Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Frontstretch Newsletter: March 1st, 2013

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!

March 1st, 2013
Volume VII, Edition XXVI

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Editors' Note: Thursday's Frontstretch Newsletter was mistakenly sent out before it was complete. There were only a few errors, most notably in the "What To Watch" section so no second Newsletter was sent; however, we apologize for any inconvenience the error may have caused.

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What To Watch: Friday
- MTV News (see below) is expected to release Marty Beckerman's side of the story on the Jeremy Clements NASCAR suspension. Beckerman was the reporter in question who heard Clements say a racial slur and then confirmed to the sanctioning body what was said.

- NASCAR gets back on-track for the second race weekend of its season. Here's your TV schedule (all times ET), courtesy our Couch Potato Tuesday column...
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Nationwide Series Practice SPEED
2:00 - 3:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1 SPEED
3:30 - 4:30 PM Nationwide Series Happy Hour SPEED
6:00 - 7:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Qualifying SPEED
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Jeremy Clements Said... What? We're Still Not Completely Sure
by Tom Bowles

As word of Jeremy Clements' NASCAR suspension spread on Thursday, for violating the sport's Code Of Conduct policy, the natural question resulting from it remained unanswered.

Just what did he say?

Clements certainly isn't telling, at least not yet. During a Thursday morning interview, with ESPN's Marty Smith Clements acknowledged a racial slur was uttered in the presence of a NASCAR official and a reporter from MTV. The driver, at first was simply playing the role of giving directions, showing the reporter where Johanna Long's transporter was so he could meet up with her for a story.

"And while we're walking they started, he [the MTV reporter] started, asking me questions," Clements said to Smith. "And it wasn't recorded. We were just talking. So I said one remark about how I wouldn't ..."

"I can't say that part."

What remains unsaid is what NASCAR is calling an "intolerable and insensitive" remark that will warrant, according to sources a minimum two-week suspension (it is currently listed as "indefinite") along with some form of sensitivity training.

What we do know is the MTV reporter, confirmed as Marty Beckerman had some role in verifying those statements. Beckerman, who told the Frontstretch directly earlier today a statement would be released "soon" still has not spoken on the record about the incident at press time. The closest anyone's gotten from him is this eerie Tweet, sent Wednesday from his Twitter account.

"Ignoring your conscience when the stakes are low creates situations where it's difficult to follow your conscience when the stakes are high."

A late-night connection with Beckerman was followed by no further comment and a referral to MTV's Senior Communications Staff; through a spokesman, they said MTV News would be publishing a story on the controversy by tomorrow morning (watch our Twitter feed for it!). As for the NASCAR official in question, the sanctioning body will not release the name but David Higdon, the sport's Managing Director Of Integrated Marketing Communications did have the following Tweet on the date of the incident, issuing a warm welcome to a number of new reporters at the track - MTV's Beckerman among them.

A big #NASCAR welcome also to @kimberlynatasha, @martybeckerman, @johnlewinski, @trojae. Follow these folks all weekend!

Charles Lewandoski, a longtime friend of Clement's is now on the entry list in the No. 51 car. The 27-year-old Lewandoski, who has 26 career starts to his credit attempted five Nationwide races in 2012, finishing none in mostly start-and-park equipment.

Top News
by Justin Tucker

Five Fans Leave Hospital After Terrifying Wreck

Those injured by Saturday's horrifying, last-lap Daytona wreck in the Nationwide Series in which parts of Kyle Larson's car went over the catchfence continue to improve. Five of the seven patients sent to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach have been released, according to the most recent update Thursday morning. The two that remain in the hospital are in stable condition according to a hospital spokesman; the other 21 fans, of the 28 confirmed by NASCAR who were injured and sent to different hospitals have all gone home.

Three of the injured race fans have retained a Florida-based law firm to represent them in personal injury suits; however, no official court filings have been made. Meanwhile, NASCAR is conducting its own investigation into the wreck, which will be headed by Tom Gideon, the director for safety at NASCAR's R&D Center. NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said on Tuesday that Larson's car had been impounded but not yet inspected by NASCAR. Pemberton said there is no timetable for when the investigation might be completed.

Editor's Note: At press time, several of these fans - and their lawyer - have begun sharing their stories with reporters. Here are two we recommend:
Fan Whitney Turner Talks To David Newton (ESPN)
Lawyer For Fans Says Cases Will Be Settled Out Of Court (Yahoo!)

Annett Begins Recovery; Out Six to Eight Weeks

Richard Petty Motorsports driver Michael Annett continues to recover Thursday after being involved in one of Daytona's terrible multi-car wrecks.

Expect him to be healing a long time. While there has been no timetable set for his return, RPM officials announced they're making preparations for him to be out for as many as eight weeks. The 26-year-old Des Moines, IA native was injured in an accident with four laps to go during Saturday's Drive4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway. RPM Director of Competition Sammy Johns stated that Annett had surgery on Wednesday for a fractured sternum and to have a plate put in his chest, making it far too risky for him to drive over the short-term.

RPM Sprint Cup Series driver Aric Almirola will sub for Annett in this weekend's Dollar General 200 Nationwide Series race at Phoenix. A lineup of additional drivers will be announced in the coming days, although RPM hopes not all of them will have to be used.

"[Annett is] a young man, he's in good shape, and he takes good care of himself," Johns said from Phoenix on Thursday. "We're hoping for a little quicker [healing time] than what they're thinking."

Annett finished fifth in last year's Nationwide Series standings and was expected to be a frontrunner for this year's championship.

Mexico Series Ready to Make U.S. Debut

Mexico's most popular motorsports series will make its debut on U.S. soil today. The Mexico Toyota Series will take the green flag in its season-opening race at Phoenix International Raceway immediately following Sprint Cup Series Qualifying. The 75-lap event serves as a support race to the Subway Fresh Fit 500K which will be run on Sunday afternoon.

The series began back in 2004, then moved under the NASCAR banner three years later and has been a part of the American stock car organization ever since. NASCAR Mexico's schedule consists of 14 races on eight different different tracks in V8 stock cars. 13 of the 14 events will be contested on oval race tracks, while its lone road course will be contested at the Nuevo Autodromo de Queretaro in April.

Featured drivers in the series include Daniel Suarez from Monterrey, Mexico who is the championship favorite after finishing third in the 2012 standings. Also scheduled to compete on Friday is the highly talented young 16-year-old Ruben Garcia, Jr. who won series Rookie of the Year honors in 2012. Garcia has joined the highly acclaimed Canels race team for 2013 and is expected to be a title contender. The defending champion in the series is Jorge Goeters, who is a veteran of many different disciplines of motorsports and has made appearances in both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series.

Have news for Justin and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
 
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In Case You Missed It
by Rick Lunkenheimer

Travis Pastrana and Wife Lyn-Z Expecting

Nationwide Series driver Travis Pastrana and wife Lyn-Z announced earlier this week that they are expecting their first child. The duo took to Facebook to share the news with their nearly 4.5 million combined fans.

"Looks like Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins Pastrana and I have a baby Pastrana on the way," Travis posted. "Thumbs up!"

The post was accompanied by a photo of three custom jerseys: No. 199 for himself, Mrs. Pastrana No. 129 and a onesie with Pastrana No. 199 1/2.

Meanwhile, wife Lyn-Z posted a photo from the knees down of her standing on a skateboard with Travis alongside her. In front of the skateboard sat a "Baby Pastrana on Board" sign with a tiny pair of DC Shoes.

The pair married in October, 2011 just four months after Travis proposed on the Megaramp at a Nitro Circus event in Las Vegas after one of Lyn-Z's runs. Pastrana finished 10th in the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway last weekend.

Iowa Governor Honors Rusty Wallace

In a special ceremony on Wednesday, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad honored NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace as an "Honorary Iowan" at the state Capitol building in Des Moines.

"As Governor of Iowa, I am very proud to honor Rusty Wallace with this Proclamation today," Branstad said. "His many contributions to NASCAR racing have earned him a well-deserved induction to NASCAR's Hall of Fame, and his forward-thinking design of Iowa Speedway helped to created a destination in central Iowa that benefits every Iowan. Rusty may have been born in Missouri, but we will always claim him as one of our own."

Among his other duties, including his role as stock car analyst for ESPN Wallace always manages to find plenty of time to promote Iowa Speedway whenever he can.

"I am humbled and honored that Governor Branstad made time to recognize me today with an official Proclamation," Wallace said. "As an 'Honorary Iowan,' I couldn't be more proud of this great state, or of the racetrack we have in Newton, and I look forward to being here for as many Iowa Speedway events as possible."

Season tickets, along with weekend passes and single-event tickets are available for the speedway's 2013 season that kicks off with the first of two Nationwide Series weekends June 7-8.

Derek White Becomes Minority Owner in SR2 Motorsports

Derek White has joined SR2 Motorsports as a minority owner, the team announced on Wednesday. The Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series and Canadian Tire Series driver brings along with him a multi-race partnership with HEADRUSH apparel that will adorn the No. 00 Toyota in select races, beginning at this weekend's event in Phoenix with driver Jason White.

"I'm very excited to continue my relationship with SR2 Motorsports," White said in a release. "I enjoyed working with them last year and was very impressed with what they achieved in their first season. They've made several improvements in the offseason and I'm glad that I can continue to be a part of the organization as it goes forward."

The organization joined the Nationwide Series last season and expanded to a three-car team after acquiring MacDonald Motorsports.

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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Frontstretch Fan Q & A will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!


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Keepin' It Short: Kicking Off the K&N West Season
by Mike Neff

The K&N drivers were the last feature during the Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Speedway last week. Now, the time for exhibitions are over; this coming Saturday will be the start of their points-paying season. This will be the 60th year of the K&N West Series, formerly the Winston West Series and the competition is just as good as ever. Many of the biggest names in NASCAR's history have competed at Phoenix, in this series with Ken Schrader taking the most checkered flags at the tricky track with four of them. It is one of the few tracks where Richard Petty takes a back seat to anyone, having three career victories in the series at Phoenix himself.

As of this writing, Greg Pursley is the only former series champion scheduled to run at Phoenix in the K&N West race. While he is one of the senior members on the circuit, several up-and-coming drivers will be chasing the trophy on Saturday including Battle at the Beach winner Cameron Hayley. Michael Self, the driver who was spun out off the second corner of the last lap at Daytona, from the lead will also be there. Derek Thorn, David Mayhew, and Carl and Daryl Harr are also scheduled to race, along with Canadian Tire Series Champion D.J. Kennington.

This weekend will be the 31st standalone K&N West series race at Phoenix. Along with Schrader and Petty, Pursley and Scott Lynch are the only other two drivers with multiple wins at the track, each visiting Victory Lane twice. That leaves 19 drivers with one win each at Phoenix in the series, including Neil Bonnett, David Gilliland, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Cale Yarborough, Mike Wallace and Bobby Allison.

Mike Duncan has won four pole positions at Phoenix. Greg Pursley, Mike David and Allison are tied with the most top-5 finishes at six apiece. Austin Cameron has run 12 races at Phoenix, scoring nine top-10 results, the most by any driver. Jack Sellers has started the most races at Phoenix in the series with 17 standalone events and five combined. Seven races have been won from the pole while three drivers have won the event from outside the top 10.

Phoenix not only starts the season for the K&N Series but also will wrap it up at the end of their 15-event schedule in November. This race will be 60 laps in length, which will be the first time the series has run a race of that length at Phoenix. So if you're lucky enough to find yourself in the desert Southwest this weekend, take a ride to the odd-shaped track by rattlesnake hill and watch some of the future stars of NASCAR.

This Weekend's Race Schedule

Friday    03/01/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Crate Late Models
Friday    03/01/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Enduros
Friday    03/01/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Hobby Stocks
Friday    03/01/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    KMSA Mini Stocks
Friday    03/01/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Pure Pony
Friday    03/01/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Sportsman
Friday    03/01/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Street Stocks
Friday    03/01/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Super Late Models
Friday    03/01/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    IMCA Modifieds
Friday    03/01/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    SWDRA Late Models
Friday    03/01/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    USAC Western States Midgets
Friday    03/01/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Friday    03/01/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    West Coast Late Models
Friday    03/01/13    Cocopah Speedway    Yuma    AZ    ASCS Winged Sprints
Friday    03/01/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    Legends
Friday    03/01/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    USRA Modifieds
Friday    03/01/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    USRA Street Stocks
Friday    03/01/13    Golden Triangle Raceway Park    Beaumont    TX    ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday    03/02/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Jackie Hughes Memorial 4-Cylinders
Saturday    03/02/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Jackie Hughes Memorial Bombers
Saturday    03/02/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Jackie Hughes Memorial Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Jackie Hughes Memorial Limited Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Jackie Hughes Memorial Open Wheel Modifieds
Saturday    03/02/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Jackie Hughes Memorial Stockers
Saturday    03/02/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Jackie Hughes Memorial Vintage
Saturday    03/02/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Crate Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Enduros
Saturday    03/02/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Hobby Stocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    KMSA Mini Stocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Pure Pony
Saturday    03/02/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Sportsman
Saturday    03/02/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Street Stocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Green Valley Speedway    Glencoe    AL    Super Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    IMCA Modifieds
Saturday    03/02/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    SWDRA Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    USAC Western States Midgets
Saturday    03/02/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Saturday    03/02/13    Canyon Speedway Park    Peoria    AZ    West Coast Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Cocopah Speedway    Yuma    AZ    ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday    03/02/13    Phoenix International Raceway    Avondale    AZ    K&N Pro Series West
Saturday    03/02/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Factory Stocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Hornets
Saturday    03/02/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Mod Lites
Saturday    03/02/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    X-Mods
Saturday    03/02/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    American Stocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Hobby Stocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Mini Stocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Modifieds
Saturday    03/02/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    Legends
Saturday    03/02/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    Super Trucks
Saturday    03/02/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    USRA Modifieds
Saturday    03/02/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    USRA Street Stocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Modified Street Bomber
Saturday    03/02/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Openwheel
Saturday    03/02/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Outlaw Pony
Saturday    03/02/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Pure Pony
Saturday    03/02/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Rookie Pony
Saturday    03/02/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Street Stock Bomber
Saturday    03/02/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Super Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Two Barrel Late Models
Saturday    03/02/13    Battleground Speedway    Highlands    TX    ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday    03/02/13    Houston Motorsports Park    Houston    TX    Bandoleros
Saturday    03/02/13    Houston Motorsports Park    Houston    TX    Ecostocks
Saturday    03/02/13    Houston Motorsports Park    Houston    TX    Legends
Saturday    03/02/13    Houston Motorsports Park    Houston    TX    NASCAR BWFS Coke Trucks
Saturday    03/02/13    Houston Motorsports Park    Houston    TX    NASCAR Fiesta Modifieds
Saturday    03/02/13    Houston Motorsports Park    Houston    TX    NASCAR Stock Cars
Sunday    03/03/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    Legends
Sunday    03/03/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    Super Trucks
Sunday    03/03/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    USRA Modifieds
Sunday    03/03/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    USRA Street Stocks
Sunday    03/03/13    Cherokee Speedway    Gaffney    SC    Southern All Stars Late Models
Wednesday    03/06/13    The Dirt Track Las Vegas    Las Vegas    NV    World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Thursday    03/07/13    The Dirt Track Las Vegas    Las Vegas    NV    USAC Southwest Sprint Cars
Thursday    03/07/13    The Dirt Track Las Vegas    Las Vegas    NV    USAC West Coast Sprints
Thursday    03/07/13    The Dirt Track Las Vegas    Las Vegas    NV    World of Outlaw Sprint Cars

Mike Neff is a Senior Writer and the Short Track Reporter for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MNeffShortTrack.

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Frontstretch Folio: Subway Fresh Fit 500(k)
by Rick Lunkenheimer

The second race of the season takes the Sprint Cup Series to Phoenix International Raceway for the first of two events at the track.  Some drivers will look to build up their points advantage, early in the season while some will be playing catch up after wrecks at Daytona. This Sunday's race will be broadcast on FOX at 3:00 PM ET,  If you can't watch the race on TV, live it will also be broadcast on MRN and SiriusXM radio channel 90. The race will also be re-broadcast Wednesday, March 6th at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.

Records and Facts

Kyle Busch holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 138.766 mph (25.943 sec.), set on Nov. 9, 2012 for the AdvoCare 500. Busch went on to lead 267 laps before settling for a third-place finish behind Kevin Harvick and teammate Denny Hamlin.

Tony Stewart holds the race record with a speed of 118.132 mph (2:38:28), a speed set way back on Nov. 7, 1999 when Stewart drove the No. 20 Pontiac. He led 154 laps and finished a little more than two seconds ahead of Mark Martin. Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton and Ricky Rudd rounded out the top-5 finishers.

The defending winner for this race is Denny Hamlin, who won the race by nearly eight seconds over Kevin Harvick last year. Greg Biffle, Jimmie Johnson and eventual champion Brad Keselowski rounded out the top 5.

Track Facts

Track / Race Length:
1.0-mile tri-oval; 312 laps / 312 miles / 500 kilometers)
Frontstretch: 1,179 feet
Backstretch: 1,551 feet
Grandstand Seating Capacity: 50,000
First Race: Nov. 6, 1988 – Checker 500 (won by Alan Kulwicki)

Pre-Race Schedule

Practices: Friday, March 1, 2:00 - 3:25 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, March 2, 12:00 - 12:55 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, March 2, 3:05 – 3:55 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, March 1 at 6:10 PM ET on SPEED, re-air scheduled at 9:30 PM ET and 12:00 AM ET.

VIPs

Grand Marshal / Command:
Actor Brian Baumgartner
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: TBA
Invocation: TBA
National Anthem: TBA
Military Flyover: TBA

Say What?!?

"I love going to the desert, I love the Phoenix area and Vegas.  We are looking forward to another good run out there.  We struggled a little last year in the Chase, but kind of got our car going in the middle of the race and at the end.  So we are going to try to take that knowledge back and run better the entire race.  I know we ended up in front there in the fall, but we are certainly looking forward to trying to pick up a win there this weekend." -Greg Biffle

"I'm excited to go to Phoenix this weekend. We had a decent finish in the 500, but felt like we could have done better. Still, we're not in a bad position. If you look at some other guys, they have a big hill to climb to move up, and we just need to get this No. 43 Ford up one spot and then stay in the top 12 until The Chase. It's going to be important for us to be consistent." - Aric Almirola

"Phoenix is also a place where you can see multiple strategies play out. A two-tire stop could be left sides. You're going to have to adapt to the conditions and situation and probably will have to call a few audibles along the way." -Kurt Busch

Rick Lunkenheimer is a Contributing Writer and Photographer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @FrntstretchRick.

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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 tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.

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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:


Four Burning Questions: Johnson's Momentum And The First Real Gen-6 Test
by Matt Stallknecht

NASCAR And Clements: When Nobody Is Right, Everyone Is Wronged
by Amy Henderson

Voices From The Cheap Seats: Fans That Sue Are No Fans At All!
by Jeff Meyer

Nuts For Nationwide: Annett's Anguish, Plus Seven Part-Timers To Watch In 2013
by Kevin Rutherford

Jeb Burton Driver Diary: Daytona Success, Goals And Extended Breaks
as told to Beth Lunkenheimer

Frontstretch Foto Funnies: Anyone Know Where We Can Buy This In Bulk?
by the Fronstretch Staff

Mirror Driving: Picking Up The Plate Pieces, Drivers In Trouble And Gen-6, The Next Step
by the Frontstretch Staff

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q: The 1991 Pyroil 500k was the first Cup Series at Phoenix broadcast on TNN (and only the fourth Cup race there overall). Richard Petty, who was one of the most experienced Cup drivers at Phoenix, was eliminated from the event before Lap 100. What happened?

Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Thursday's Answer:

Q: For Michael Andretti, the first few races of the 2003 IRL season served as the swan song to his illustrious career. In Phoenix, he led 23 laps, but left the one-mile tri-oval with nothing to show for his effort. What happened?

A: Andretti was racing for fifth with Gil de Ferran, approaching 14 laps to go when the two drivers collided entering Turn 1.  The wheel-to-wheel contact put both drivers hard into the wall.  Immediately, a flash fire erupted from de Ferran's No. 6 Dallara upon hitting the unprotected concrete (no SAFER Barriers there just yet).  The crash can be seen in this clip.

Andretti walked away from the crash, but appeared to be a little banged up.  De Ferran was already nursing an injury that he suffered the previous fall at Chicagoland Speedway prior to the wreck.  This crash aggravated that injury and forced him to sit out the Indy Japan 300 at the Twin Ring Motegi two weeks later.

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! 

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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Subway Fresh Fit 500 Race Recap by Justin Tucker
--
Weekend News by Phil Allaway
--
Quotes To Remember, Letter Of The Week, Underdog Central by the Frontstretch Staff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!


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Monday on the Frontstretch:


Thinkin' Out Loud: Subway Fresh Fit 500k by Matt McLaughlin
Our popular, longtime columnist, now semi-retired comes back to tell you everything you needed to know about the action from Phoenix this Sunday.

Commentary
by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes a look at one of the biggest stories to come out of the second race of the year at Phoenix.

Full Throttle by Mike Neff
Mike has one of the biggest stories coming out of a weekend of racing at Phoenix.

Big Six: Subway Fresh Fit 500 by Amy Henderson
Amy's back for 2013, returning for a weekly look at the Who, Where, What, When, Why, and How from the Phoenix weekend that was.

Pace Laps: Phoenix Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
It's back again this season! The staff gets together to help you catch up on the latest and greatest going on in each series coming out of a weekend at Phoenix.

Nationwide Series Breakdown by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday's main event for the sport's second-tier division.

-----------------------------
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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Frontstretch Newsletter: February 28th, 2013

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!

February 28th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition XXV
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FRONTSTRETCH FANTASY: GET IN THE GAME
Want to compete against some of your favorite Frontstretch writers this season? Our fantasy guru, Jeff Wolfe has created a Yahoo! league and wants you, our faithful readers to join in the fun with us. All you need is a Yahoo! ID and an internet connection... go through the following steps:

1) Sign in to Yahoo!, then go to http://racing.fantasysports.yahoo.com/auto
2) Create Your Team
3) Join our Group!
ID: 11132
Password: rickybobby

Come back every Thursday, to the website to get Jeff's advice on who to pick for your team, all season long and see if you can beat your favorite staff members! More special announcements about this league to come.

What to Watch: Thursday


- Today, we will continue to keep tabs on the suspension of Jeremy Clements following comments made in Daytona on Saturday (see below).  If any updates break, we'll have it covered for you.

- Meanwhile, Jimmie Johnson's Daytona 500 winner's tour continues.0

Top News

by Phil Allaway

Jeremy Clements Suspended Indefinitely

Wednesday evening, NASCAR announced that Jeremy Clements, the owner and driver of the No. 51 Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series, has been suspended indefinitely from the Nationwide Series.  This suspension is due to a violation of NASCAR's Code of Conduct that occurred on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.

NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O'Donnell was quite terse when asked about it.

"During the course of an interview, Jeremy Clements made an intolerable and insensitive remark," O'Donnell said.  "NASCAR has a Code of Conduct that's explicitly spelled out in the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.  We fully expect our entire industry to adhere to that Code."

After the suspension announcement, Clements released a statement about the situation.

"I apologize and regret what I said to the NASCAR writer and to NASCAR, my sponsors, my fans, and my team," Clements wrote.  "NASCAR has a Code of Conduct that everyone must follow and I unintentionally violated that code.  I will not get into specifics of what I said, but my comment to the writer was in no way meant to be disrespectful or insensitive to anyone, or to be detrimental to NASCAR or the NASCAR Nationwide Series.  I will do what I need to do in order to atone for my error in judgment."

It is officially unclear as to what Clements said to provoke the suspension.  However, ESPN.com's David Newton is reporting that a source is claiming that it was a racial slur that prompted the suspension.  If true, it would definitely jive with NASCAR's press release.  The Code of Conduct officially bans anyone representing NASCAR in any way, shape or form from engaging in discriminatory actions towards others for any reason.

In their press release, NASCAR stated that Clements' actions violated Sections 7-5 (the Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (The catch-all "Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing") in his interview.

Despite the owner/driver's suspension, Clements' No. 51 is still entered for, and will start Saturday's Dollar General 200.  The driver will be announced at a later time.  The suspension completely overshadows an announcement the team made minutes before the suspension came down of a sponsorship from the band Hellyeah for Richmond.

Richard Petty Motorsports to Bring Back Petty Blue on a Regular Basis in 2013

Amid much fanfare, Richard Petty Motorsports announced exclusively on NASCAR RaceHub on SPEED that they will be returning the the No. 43 Ford to the traditional "Petty Blue" colors for the remaining 24 races where the team will be sponsored by Smithfield Foods and their subsidiaries. As a result, it will be the first time that the team will run a primarily Petty Blue No. 43 since the earliest days of Petty Enterprises' relationship with STP.

Team co-owner Richard Petty is very happy to make the change.

"I'm really humbled by everyone at Smithfield and all their companies to decide to make this change," Petty said.  "They have been great partners for us as a company and this really proves that.  Our fans will now be able to easily recognize the No. 43 Ford and Aric [Almirola] on the track throughout the season.  It will also bring back a lot of good memories for me each time that I see it."

Smithfield Foods CEO Larry Pope, said to be a longtime NASCAR fan in his own right, is very much in favor of the move.

"We want to connect the tradition and history of Richard Petty and Richard Petty Motorsports fans to our Smithfield Foods family of brands," Pope said.  "There is no better way to do that than to bring back the 'Petty Blue' color scheme that all race fans recognize and relate to on the No. 43 Ford.  We will now make sure that each time we race this season, our fans will be able to easily recognize Aric [Almirola] on the track and the strong heritage that the Petty and Smithfield Foods brands represent."

While both Petty and Pope are very much in favor of the Petty Blue scheme, which will debut this weekend in Phoenix with Farmland logos on the hood, the Petty Blue colors haven't been completely absent from Sprint Cup in recent years. In a number of races last season, Almirola ran a scheme very similar to what he will race this weekend, most notably at Kansas last October.

Landon Cassill to Drive for Circle Sport at Phoenix, Moon Shine Attitude Attire to Sponsor

On Wednesday, Circle Sport, Inc. announced that they have signed Landon Cassill to drive their No. 33 Chevorlet SS starting this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.  Last week, Austin Dillon drove the No. 33, but that entry was actually being fielded by Richard Childress Racing.  Cassill replaces Stephen Leicht, who drove the No. 33 for much of last season and won the Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year Award.

Cassill is very happy to be back in a race car at Phoenix.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of helping advance Circle Sport to the next level of competition in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series," Cassill said.  "I have been part of and understand what it takes for an upstart organization to compete in the Cup Series.  They have an established relationship with RCR that I believe will help us, and with the right marketing partners - a company that wants to grow their involvement in the sport - I believe we have just the right opportunity for them with the No. 33 Chevrolet."

For Phoenix, the team has primary sponsorship from Moon Shine Attitude Attire, a company that produces and sells what they describe as "attitude driven, quality, designer casual wear for the outdoor audience."  Moon Shine Attitude Attire sells t-shirts, sweaters and hats, mostly with camo-based designs.  In addition, they have camouflage wrappings available.  To match the tone of the company, Cassill's No. 33 this week will be wrapped in in the company's new Wildfire Camouflage.

This is not the first time that Circle Sport, Inc. and Moon Shine Attitude Attire have partnered up.  Last October, they sponsored the team at Kansas and had the car wrapped up in their "Muddy Girl Camouflage" colors.  Unfortunately, Leicht failed to qualify for the Hollywood Casino 400.

Phil Parsons Racing Withdraws from Phoenix

Last weekend, Phil Parsons Racing and driver Michael McDowell posted their best-ever finish, a ninth, in the Daytona 500.  Things were finally starting to look up for the small operation.

Unfortunately, good fortune in NASCAR can be very short lived.

Just three days after posting that top-10 at Daytona, driver Michael McDowell has stated that the team won't be in Phoenix this weekend for the Subway Fresh Fit 500k.

"Unfortunately, [Phil Parsons Racing] will not be in Phoenix this weekend," McDowell tweeted.  We have fallen behind building new Gen6 cars and will be back on track in Vegas."

The introduction of the new Gen6 cars have caught a number of teams out.  Some, like Carl Edwards' No. 99 team, have thrashed multiple cars over the past couple of weeks in Daytona and have to deal with limited parts availability to fix their existing cars.  Others, like PPR, got the last crack at some of the needed parts and need more time just to be able to put their cars together at all.

Entry List Update:
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night.  However, these entries are subject to change right up to race day.

Sprint Cup Series Subway Fresh Fit 500k: 43 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 35-
Josh Wise for Front Row Motorsports*
No. 44-
Scott Riggs for Xxxtreme Motorsports*
No. 87-
Joe Nemechek for NEMCO/JRR*

Number Change:
Swan Racing changes from No. 26 back to No. 30.

Driver Changes:
No. 30-
David Stremme returns to the seat, replacing Michael Waltrip.
No. 32-
Ken Schrader returns to the seat, replacing Terry Labonte.
No. 33-
Landon Cassill is in the seat, replacing Austin Dillon.  The team is back to just Joe Falk's Circle Sport organization running the show.
No. 44-
Scott Riggs is in the seat, replacing David Reutimann (from Homestead last year).
No. 51-
AJ Allmendinger returns to the seat, replacing Regan Smith.

Entered, but Already Withdrawn:
No. 98-
Michael McDowell for Phil Parsons Racing

Not Entered:
No. 21-
Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing
No. 52-
Brian Keselowski for Hamilton Means Motorsports

Nationwide Series Dollar General 200: 39 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 5-
Jimmie Johnson for JR Motorsports
No. 18-
Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22-
Brad Keselowski for Penske Racing
No. 33-
Kevin Harvick for Richard Childress Racing
No. 43-
Aric Almirola for Richard Petty Motorsports
No. 54-
Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing

Driver Changes:
No. 4-
Daryl Harr returns to the seat, replacing Danny Efland.
No. 5-
Jimmie Johnson is in the seat, replacing Kasey Kahne.
No. 23-
Harrison Rhodes is in the seat, replacing Robert Richardson, Jr.  This will be Rhodes' Nationwide Series debut.
No. 33-
Kevin Harvick returns to the seat, replacing Tony Stewart.
No. 43-
Aric Almirola is in the seat, replacing Michael Annett.  Annett stepped out of the seat for the weekend due to a broken sternum suffered in Daytona.
No. 51-
An unknown driver will be in the seat, replacing Jeremy Clements.  Clements is suspended after an inappropriate comment in an interview last weekend.

Since there are only 40 cars entered, no one will fail to qualify.  However, these teams must still qualify on speed:
No. 10-
Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports*
No. 18-
Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 42-
Josh Wise for Team Motorsports Group*
No. 46-
Chase Miller for Team Motorsports Group*
No. 54-
Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 55-
Jamie Dick for Viva Motorsports
No. 60-
Travis Pastrana for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 74-
Mike Harmon for Mike Harmon Racing*
No. 92-
Dexter Stacey for KH Motorsports
*- Expected to Start-and-Park

Entered, but Already Withdrawn:
No. 27-
Michael McDowell for SR2 Motorsports
No. 89-
Morgan Shepherd for Shepherd Motor Ventures

Not Entered:
No. 8-
Scott Lagasse, Jr. for TeamSLR/Tommy Baldwin Racing
No. 34-
Danica Patrick for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 85-
Bobby Gerhart for Bobby Gerhart Racing
No. 88-
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for JR Motorsports

Rolex Sports Car Series' Grand-Am of the Americas presented by GAINSCO and Total: 34 total entries (16 DP, 15 GT, 3 GX)

Daytona Prototype Entries:
No. 01-
Memo Rojas and Scott Pruett for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
No. 2-
Ryan Dalziel and Alex Popow for Starworks Motorsport
No. 3-
Enzo Potolicchio and Stephane Sarrazin for 8Star Motorsports
No. 5-
Christian Fittipaldi and Brian Frisselle for Action Express Racing
No. 6-
Antonio Pizzonia and Gustavo Yacaman for Michael Shank Racing
No. 8-
Brandon Hartley and Scott Mayer for Starworks Motorsport
No. 9-
Joao Barbosa and Burt Frisselle for Action Express Racing
No. 10-
Max Angelelli and Jordan Taylor for Wayne Taylor Racing
No. 27-
Emmanuel Anassis and Anthony Massari for BTE Sport
No. 42-
Dane Cameron and Wayne Nonnamaker for Team Sahlen
No. 43-
Joe and Will Nonnamaker, along with Joe Sahlen for Team Sahlen
No. 60-
Oswaldo Negri, Jr. and John Pew for Michael Shank Racing
No. 76-
Nic Jonsson and Tracy Krohn for Krohn Racing
No. 77-
Jon Bennett and Colin Braun for Doran Racing
No. 90-
Ricky Taylor and Richard Westbrook for Spirit of Daytona Racing
No. 99-
Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney for GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing

Grand Touring Entries:
No. 03-
Mike Hedlund and Johannes van Overbeek for Extreme Speed Motorsports
No. 19-
Eduardo Costabal and Eliseo Salazar for Muehlner Motorsports America
No. 31-
Eric Curran and Boris Said for Marsh Racing
No. 44-
Andy Lally and John Potter for Magnus Racing
No. 52-
Ian Baas and Matt Bell for APR Motorsport
No. 57-
John Edwards and Robin Liddell for Stevenson Motorsports
No. 59-
Andrew Davis and Leh Keen for Brumos Racing
No. 61-
Max Papis and Jeff Segal for R. Ferri/AIM Autosport
No. 63-
Alessandro Balzan and Alessandro Pier Guidi for Scuderia Corsa Michelotto
No. 69-
Emil Assentato and Anthony Lazzaro for AIM Autosport Team FXDD
No. 71-
Jason Hart and John McCutchen for Park Place Motorsports
No. 72-
Mike Skeen and Mike Vess for Park Place Motorsports
No. 73-
Patrick Lindsey and Patrick Long for Park Place Motorsports
No. 93-
Michael Marsal and Gunter Schaldach for Turner Motorsport
No. 94-
Bill Auberlen and Paul Dalla Lana for Turner Motorsport

Grand Touring Experimental Entries:
No. 00-
Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez for SpeedSource
No. 38-
Jeff Mosing, Dr. Jim Norman and Spencer Pumpelly for BGB Motorsports
No. 70-
Tom Long and Sylvain Tremblay for SpeedSource

Have news for Phil and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
 
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Frontstretch Fan Q & A will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!

Today's Featured Commentary
A Post-Daytona Diatribe
What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese

NASCAR has suspended Nationwide Series driver Jeremy Clements for an apparent insensitive remark to a reporter, this past Daytona 500 weekend.  Much speculation has centered on this alleged comment, from fans who have been asking things such as "what on earth did he say?" and "who is Jeremy Clements?" Some accounts have to do with accusing Danica Patrick's team of having cheated to win the pole – and NASCAR being well aware of it.  Isn't accusing your opposition of cheating one of the long-standing traditions of NASCAR, particular on the superspeedways?  If that's the case, Jack Roush probably would have been punted some time ago.  What used to be the culture of "Have At It Boys" has already been reduced to PC Policing run amok.  Editor's Note: ESPN.com's David Newton is reporting that Clements apparently used a racial slur towards a writer in Daytona last Saturday.

-----

Danica Patrick's Daytona 500 was honestly quite impressive.  Keep in mind, she's still a rookie at the Cup level and in its biggest race put it on the pole, kept it straight the entire race, didn't put a wheel wrong, didn't cause a massive pile-up (that would be two of the favorites to contend for the Sprint Cup who did that), and didn't bump draft somebody into a spin.  She's running a full season in new cars, but is on equal footing in a car that's new to everyone.  She also seems a lot more comfortable, relaxed, and not as out of place in her first couple seasons.  You can track her comfort level along the same timeline has filing for her divorce I believe.  After all, any driver will run quicker after unloading 180lbs of dead weight.  Yes, she got her headlight decals sucked off on the final lap, but as Viper told Maverick in Top Gun, "Best to save your airplane – and fight another day."  Wait until she posts a top-10 at Bristol, and I bust out some life lessons for you from Rambo: First Blood Part I.

----

What was up with 50 Cent – sorry – Actor, Curtis Jackson – going Joe Namath on Erin Andrews before the Daytona 500?  Nothing like getting a head turn on national TV.  At least he didn't bust out with his chorus from "Get In My Car".

----

Think the economy has rebounded and everything is back to 2006 awesomeness?  Think again.  The entry list is down to 43 cars for Sunday's Subway Fresh Fit 500k, and only 40 cars are entered for Saturday's Dollar General 200.  Perhaps it's the long trek out west after having spent a weekend in plate race purgatory for many of the smaller teams.  Never understood the schedule or what sadist put this thing together.  Don't go to Homestead or anything where it's somewhat close and on the way from Daytona. How about you drive as far as physically possible for three times in the next four weeks. Isn't one of NASCAR's mantras to help cut the cost for teams – particularly the smaller privateers who keep series such as Nationwide with enough cars to fill the field?

----

I know I was on about this last year for a good while, but I am absolutely floored that Dodge bailed on NASCAR.  With brand identity being the focus of the Generation 6 car, they had the most honest interpretation of a stock car for stockcar racing – and they quit. AFTER winning the championship no less. Interesting as well, as soon as Dodge left, Chevrolet decided it was suddenly safe to bring the Camaro out to the Nationwide Series.  Also, Dodge, feel free to can those awful Dodge Dart commercials.  They aren't smart or funny.  They're irritating.  Also, note how everything the Dodge line up used to have to look like the Ram truck; now it looks like the Dart.  Don't make it look like the Challenger or anything.  It's only the most desirable car in your line up.

----

Which brings me to my final comment. Somebody start passing the collection plate around, so FOX will stop going to commercial with less than 15 laps to go at restrictor plate races. They did it first during the Sprint Unlimited the Saturday before with eight laps to go.  Eight.  Awesome.  Thanks for that.

All afternoon long it was apparent that nobody was going to do anything until the last 20 laps.  The last two practice sessions, less than 20 cars each participated, and drivers had said as much they would wait until the end to actually race – as we have seen in virtually every speedway race the past five years.  Knowing this, and seeing the lack of action during the middle portions, would you not take the opportunity to run the one last bank of commercials, and not break away from the race, as the actual race begins to take shape and unfold?

I don't need to see the GEICO gecko fake crying or the GEICO pig for the 30th time in three hours, or another irritating Dodge Dart commercial.  I was actually longing for an old Michael Waltrip NAPA commercial at one point. At least they had the side-bar coverage, but what is supposed to be the Super Bowl of motorsports, it is treated as a speed bump for the same commercials that have been running for the past three hours.

And for the love of God…STOP with the pre-race concert.  It sounds terrible.  It's not the Super Bowl halftime show.  Stop being something you are not.  Like the underground rock band who gets big by being themselves, then goes corporate and tries to be all things to all people, it devolves into instant suck.  NASCAR is a lot better at being NASCAR than it is at trying to be the NFL.  If only somebody would help communicate the message to them.

Vito Pugliese is a Senior Writer/Assistant Editor for Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at vito.pugliese@frontstretch.com.  Follow him on Twitter at @VitoPugliese.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Critic's Annex: NextEra Energy Resources 250
by Phil Allaway

Hello, race fans.  Welcome back to the Critic's Annex, where we take an additional look at motorsports-related programming.  The original grandmaster plan was to cover SPEED's Richard Petty special that premiered on February 18th.  However, Saturday's savage crash at Daytona put the kibosh on that.  Substantial emphasis had to be placed on how the networks handled that situation.  As a result, I'll cover SPEED's special next week.

For today, we cover the season opener for the Camping World Truck Series on SPEED.  2013 sees essentially no changes to the broadcasts from 2012, and no real change to the style of racing at Daytona as well.  How did SPEED do Friday night?  Let's find out.

The 2012 Camping World Truck Series season was a battle of epic proportions.  There were multiple drivers in contention for the championship right up to the season finale in Homestead, and a record 16 different drivers (including nine first time winners) visited Victory Lane.  So naturally, SPEED's first move was to review the 2012 season, montage-style.  I'm not against that, but I could see it coming a mile away.

Ray Dunlap, who might be a little more well-known in the sports community since his attempted interview with Mike Stefanik last week went viral, gave a brief review of all the various driver changes and team changes that have taken place in the offseason.  I thought it was ok, but I don't think he gave enough explanations of why certain people are off the board.  Most notably, Justin Lofton, who was in the race.  In his case, he's going to be running in Robby Gordon's Stadium SUPER Trucks in addition to Camping World Truck races.  According to the schedule, there are three same day conflicts and a number of same weekend, but different day races.  Missing three races means he won't be able to compete for the title, but he'll still be a threat whenever he shows up.

In addition, there was a brief piece where drivers described their final thoughts before the command to start engines.  Unfortunately, this didn't really work out all that well.  Most of the drivers talked about not being able to hear the command, which took the sails out of the piece.

The primary feature of the Setup was a feature with defending Camping World Truck Series Champion James Buescher...narrated by James Buescher.  The idea behind the piece was Buescher talking about how he can repeat as champion in 2013.  Buescher came off as determined in the piece, but also boring at the same time.  That's gotta be a new one.  As a result, the footage from last season ended up being the lynchpin.

Luckily for us viewers, this was a restrictor plate race.  As a result, it's very difficult for SPEED to miss much of the action on the track.  SPEED (even though it is part of News Corporation) also tends not to zoom in quite as tight as FOX does in their telecasts.  Therefore, you can see just a little bit more. 

There was more than the appropriate amount of enthusiasm out of the broadcast booth during the telecast as well, which makes the telecast that much better to watch.  I know a lot of my readers get irritated with Michael Waltrip's constant presence on telecasts.  Here, he's just not as insufferable as he is on FOX.  Maybe it's just me being used to him that I don't feel the need to constantly rake him over the coals every week for everything under the sun.  I would be stretching to do it.  I can deal with Michael now.

On the business side of things, Friday night's race marked the first Camping World Truck Series since NASCAR acquired their own website.  Here's a true fact regarding the website: 2013 will be the first full season that NASCAR has ever run their own website.  ESPN basically started it in 1996 and ran it until 2000.  NASCAR operated it for a few months in 2001, then sold it to Turner Sports, who operated it through the end of last year.  Obviously, that lack of website experience shows.  While they've come up with a nice looking site and a nice app (NASCAR Mobile '13), they've got problems up the yin yang.  You've probably already heard about the RaceView quagmire, so I'm not going to rehash here.

Friday was the first time that NASCAR has a live leaderboard available on their website for the Camping World Truck Series.  It's about time.  I had wanted that on TruckBuddy for years.  Unfortunately, it came at a cost.  There's no more TruckBuddy.  As TruckBuddy is owned by Turner Sports, they picked it up and went home.  No more streaming shots, in-truck cameras and battle cams.  Sad thing is, TruckBuddy was the easiest form of RaceBuddy for me to use.  It was less graphically intensive, and synced to SPEED's broadcast (that's huge).  RaceBuddy for Sprint Cup and Nationwide has been so slow and annoying that I basically can't use it anymore, and that's a shame.  It seems so weird not being able to see action during the commercials.  Hopefully, NASCAR can come up with something to appease Truck fans.

There was a bit of bad editing during the caution for the big wreck around Lap 55 when SPEED aired an audible F-bomb from Buescher's spotter in a replay.  My thoughts on that are simple.  If it's something like a live interview, or a crewmember swearing while checking out their stricken car, that's one thing.  It's a whole 'nother thing if you have three to five minutes to get rid of that F-bomb, and you fail to do it.  TNT screwed up like that a few years ago when Kyle Petty got spun out at Sonoma by Marc Goossens when serving as a "in-car reporter."  Oops.  That's inexcusable.

Compared to previous truck races in Daytona, Friday night's race ended quite early.  SPEED had about 20 minutes that they could fill.  Did they use up their slot?  No!  They chose to do a few post-race interviews, then skedaddle to the sneak preview of RU Faster Than a Redneck?  What the heck, man?  I know SPEED's been pimping that show all winter, but couldn't it have waited until the appropriate start time.  C'mon.  I felt shafted.  Also, Jon Reep irritates me.

In regards to RU Faster Than a Redneck, it tangentially relates to motorsports.  If you guys want me to sit down and review the show for you, I will.  I just really feel for Ken Squier.  Why the heck was he there with Reep screaming over the top of him with platitudes that make him look like a complete idiot?  And who gave Reep a show?  I suppose we'll never know.

That's all for this week.  Next week, we'll finally sit down and look over SPEED's Richard Petty special, Richard Petty: A Racer's Life.  Until then, enjoy this weekend's action from Phoenix and Austin.

Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Manager and a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.  Follow him on Twitter at @Critic84.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frontstretch Line of the Week


From Side By Side: Is There a Place in NASCAR for Plates?

"Given recent developments within NASCAR, I believe it's a good time for the sanctioning body to re-think its adherence to superspeedway restrictor plate racing. My proposal involves two fairly simple changes to the status quo. First off, allow teams to tweak or manipulate their electronic fuel injection systems so as to reduce speed by cutting horsepower. We've been told about the relative ease with which EFI allows for custom-tuned allotment of fuel into the engine cylinders…. why not alter the motors and eliminate the need for a restrictor plate that essentially serves the same purpose? "- Dr. Mark Howell, with a proposal to take advantage of fuel injection to rid the sport of the plates.
~~~~~~~~~~

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 tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.

~~~~~~~~~~

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Frontstretch Fan Q&A: A Changing NASCAR World Of Lawsuits & Stereotypes
by Summer Bedgood

NASCAR Fantasy Insider: Are You Ready For Real Racing To Begin?
by Jeff Wolfe

Tech Talk: Alan Gustafson Takes The New Car, And Jeff Gordon Back To The Desert
by Mike Neff

Truckin' Thursdays: Three Drivers To Watch One Race Into 2013
by Beth Lunkenheimer

Beyond the Cockpit: Daytona 500 Finish Gives Yeley Great Hope For 2013

by Tony Lumbis

~~~~~~~~~~

FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q:  For Michael Andretti, the first few races of the 2003 IRL season served as the swan song to his illustrious career.  In Phoenix, he led 23 laps, but left the one-mile tri-oval with nothing to show for his effort.  What happened?

Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Wednesday's Answer:

Q:  For 1996, the Craftsman Truck Series' first visit to Phoenix International Raceway was separated from the Copper World Classic and given it's own weekend.  However, the attrition followed as well.  Future Sprint Cup driver Kevin Harvick was knocked out of the event very early.  What happened?

A:  Dave Smith and Bob Keselowski collided on Lap 8 exiting Turn 4.  Smith continued on, but Keselowski spun his Winnebago Dodge in front of a pack of drivers.  Harvick, Walker Evans, Terry McCarthy, Butch Gilliland and Mike Chase piled in.  Kenny Irwin, Jr. also spun to avoid the pile.  The crash can be seen live at the 16:00 mark of the race telecast.  Keselowski, Harvick, McCarthy and Evans were all eliminated on the spot.  Chase and Gilliland went to the garage for repairs, but came back out to finish the race in 29th and 24th, respectively.  Irwin and Smith continued on, but later dropped out of the race.

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 Tom Bowles
-- In Case You Missed It by Rick Lunkenheimer
-- Keepin' It Short by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!


~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:


Four Burning Questions: Phoenix by Matt Stallknecht
Matt gets your engines revved up for 2013 with a preview of the weekend's Subway Fresh Fit 500k.

Holding A Pretty Wheel
by Amy Henderson
Amy returns this week with another intriguing Friday commentary.
 
Nuts For Nationwide by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin takes over this column for 2013 with a preview of Saturday's Dollar General 200.

Voices From the Heartland by Jeff Meyer
Our Tennessee transplant returns with another interesting take on recent events.

Driver Diary: Jeb Burton
The driver of the No. 4 Arrowhead Chevrolet in the Camping World Truck Series stops by to give you a look into his life.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
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©2013 Frontstretch.com

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The Frontstretch Newsletter: Lowe's Signs Extension With Johnson

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!

February 27th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition XXIV
~~~~~~~~~~

Top News

by Tom Bowles

BREAKING: Lowe's And Johnson Together Through 2015

Jimmie Johnson's primary sponsor isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Lowe's Home Improvement company, who's been with the five-time champion since his debut on the Cup Series level in 2001 announced today they've signed an extension through the end of the 2015 season.

"Lowe's believed in me before I had any success," said Johnson as the deal was announced. "They are all I've ever known in my Sprint Cup career, and their support of me and the No. 48 team is second to none in the sport."

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The contracts for Johnson, No. 48 crew chief Chad Knaus and Lowe's now are all set to expire at the same time.

News 'N' Notes
-  Phil Parsons Racing, fresh off a ninth-place effort with driver Michael McDowell has withdrawn from the entry list at Phoenix. Reasons for the change were unavailable at press time; the team has struggled for sponsorship, remaining mostly a start-and-park effort since coming into existence as PRISM Motorsports in 2009. McDowell, in his 115th career start earned his best ever result in the Cup Series in Sunday's Daytona 500.

- Final TV Ratings for NASCAR at Daytona were the best in five years. The 10.2 rating, tying the 2008 edition of the race came with increases in all major demographics, in particular women and the coveted 18-49 age group. The sport hopes to build on that momentum with another strong audience in Phoenix this Sunday.


- NASCAR's All-Star Format is getting retooled for 2013. The major announcement, in Charlotte Tuesday evening involved a change in both segments and payout. Moving forward, the race will be run in four 20-lap segments with a 10-lap, final segment to determine the winner. A $1 million dollar prize will be paid to the winner of the fifth segment with an added twist -- another $1 million payout if a driver can capture all five segments.

Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.


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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!
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Today's Featured Commentary
NASCAR's Newest Stars
Bringing the Spark Back to This Sport
by Ellen Richardson

As both television ratings and track fan attendance have continued to plummet over the past few years, NASCAR seems to have found a spark in the darkness. In fact, this year's Daytona 500's television ratings soared to the highest seen in seven years, while both social media as well as many national news outlets continued to stay abuzz with the happenings in Daytona. So what has caused such a positive resurgence?

While some may say the controversy surrounding Kyle Larson's last lap move in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series inaugural Battle at the Beach, Danica and Ricky Stenhouse's dating announcement, or the frightening crash during the final laps of Saturday's Nationwide Race are the direct cause of new fan attention, this writer believes in the bigger picture.

I attribute much of this new found glory and success to NASCAR's recent wave of up-and-coming young drivers. While there are those drivers who are both loved and hated, i.e., Danicamania, fans are talking and causing the much needed publicity and chatter that this sport needs.

So who are my top five NASCAR rising stars, who are sure to bring the spark back to NASCAR's three top series?

Danica Patrick
Stewart-Haas Racing Driver of the No. 10 Go Daddy Chevrolet in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Love her or hate her, Danica Patrick has continued to make waves in the world of motorsports and brings a wave of publicity no matter where she goes. Starting her rookie season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series off by making history as the first woman to start a Sprint Cup race from the pole as well as bringing home a top-10 finish in the Daytona 500, she is sure to continue to attract the young female fan base that has continued to stay just out of reach.

Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.
Roush Fenway Racing Driver of the No. 17 Ford in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Despite being one half of NASCAR's newest power couple, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. has continued to make a name for himself during his rise to the top of NASCAR's top series. As the 2013 season begins, this 25-year-old, two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion has stepped into the ride of well-known and respected driver, Matt Kenseth.  After he started his season off with a top-15 finish at Daytona, fans are sure to keep their eyes on this young driver.

Kyle Larson
Turner Scott Motorsports Driver of the No. 32 Chevrolet in NASCAR Nationwide Series

Known as one of NASCAR's next rising superstars, this 20-year-old Japanese-American has been praised by the likes of Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Kasey Kahne for his passion and growing skill. In fact, the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion was one of the few drivers to compete in five of the seven races held at Daytona International Speedway last week. Next to Danica Patrick, Larson was also one of the most talked about drivers at Speedweek in Daytona due to his controversial last lap punt of C.E. Faulk III in the inaugural Battle at the Beach as well as his shocking crash at the end of Saturday's Nationwide Series race.

Travis Pastrana
Roush Fenway Racing Driver of the No. 60 Ford in NASCAR Nationwide Series

Gaining the attention of many young sports fans, this former motorcycle daredevil and stunt performer has won championships and X Games gold medals. Within the last few years, Pastrana has decided to try his hand at stock car racing. After proving he has what it takes to succeed in this sport while competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East along with limited NASCAR Nationwide Series races last season, Pastrana, is competing full-time in the Nationwide Series with Roush Fenway. While his Daytona finish was a bit disappointing Travis Pastrana's young fans are sure to continue to follow him on his rise to fame with NASCAR.

Darrell Wallace, Jr.
Joe Gibbs Racing Driver of the No. 54 Toyota in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Darrell Wallace, Jr. continues to be a role model for all aspiring African-American drivers. While competing with NASCAR's Drive For Diversity Team, Rev Racing, in the past, this now 19-year-old driver continued to blow away fans with numerous wins. While rising through the ranks with Joe Gibbs Racing, this king of social media has gained a continuously growing supportive fan base that is sure to support Wallace no matter where he may go.

Ellen Richardson is a newsletter contributor for Frontstretch.com.  She can be reached via e-mail at ellen.richardson@frontstretch.com.  

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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...

@JimmieJohnson: This trophy rules! http://instagr.am/p/WIg4eckpZf/

@MarkMartin: I think @50cent brought me luck. Thanks man. http://yfrog.com/nw2soiorj  http://yfrog.com/nzz9kkej

@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Race reminded me a lot of the highest rated #Daytona500 's of all time. I.E. 2004,2005,2006,2007 I like it, it took skill 2 win #NASCAR

@MichaelAnnett: Feels good to be headed home but thinking about those that weren't as fortunate as me yesterday. Thank you to the medic crew and whole staff

@TimGeorgeJr: Racing a torn up truck in the pack isn't fun- but things happen. Too bad we got caught up in other people's mess... I want to win! #NASCAR

@joeylogano: Say what you want a about the 2 car tango but this @NASCAR_NNS race is a good one

@TravisPastrana: Looks like @lynzskate and I are going to need more closet space. RT to welcome the future #Pastrana199AndaHalf pic.twitter.com/ZN2CGaKjAf

@JamesBuescher: Tony Stewart = class act.

@jjyeley1: I am still very happy to get a top 10 and now Kids eat free tomorrow!!!! Thank you Golden Corral.. #JJsMondays

@JenJoCobb: Ponce Inlet and Daytona Beach PD are awesome! Recovered our stolen team van & had such class and great attitudes!!! Thank you!!!

@aric_almirola: Praying for the fans injured today. We appreciate you guys tremendously and you're the reason we have jobs. Sucks when this stuff happens

@bscottracing (Brian Scott): I wonder if tv is going to update us whenever Danica takes a drink of water too. #danica500

@landoncassill: This GoPro baby commercial has proved that all you need is a GoPro and some dubstep and anything can look awesome

@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Spent some time with the Lesa and Brian from the NASCAR team after yesterday's article, the passion we all share for our sport is amazing!

@Kenny_Wallace: Should have NEVER drove for Felix :( ruined me for 5 years ......RT"@gkunk79: go back and change one decision you've made over your career?

@TimmyHillRacer: I am no longer a teenager! I turned 20 today! I have the best friends & family that I could ever ask for & I couldn't ask for anything else!

@claygreenfield: It's back to the real world Monday. My customers don't really care I've been in Daytona.

@MC_Driver (Michael McDowell): Why can't we have a layer of lexan on the inside of catch fence to protect fans and drivers. Steel cables are like paper shredders at 200.

@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): The giving to Newtown to 80888 continues. Please text! #sandyhook #26 #Daytona500 #racingforareason

@Elliott_Sadler: Uncle @HermieSadler is a great influence... 3 minutes in charge of Wyatt.. Mud puddle splashing now ice cream with M&M's... #nap time?

Kevin Rutherford is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Side By Side: Is There a Place in NASCAR for Plates?
by Mark Howell and Summer Bedgood

Top Ten Ways To Celebrate A Daytona 500 Victory: The Jimmie Johnson Edition
by the Frontstretch Staff

NASCAR Writer Power Rankings Poll: Top 15 Heading To Phoenix
by the Frontstretch Staff

Beyond The Cockpit: David Donohue
by Phil Allaway

Did You Notice? ... Here Come The Lawsuits, Good Samaritans And NASCAR's Public Perception
by Tom Bowles


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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
 
Q:  For 1996, the Craftsman Truck Series' first visit to Phoenix International Raceway was separated from the Copper World Classic and given it's own weekend.  However, the attrition followed as well.  Future Sprint Cup driver Kevin Harvick was knocked out of the event very early.  What happened?
 
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Tuesday's Answer:

Q:  The 2005 Bashas' Supermarkets 200 saw Greg Biffle win from way back in 20th on the grid.  However, it was far from easy for him.  What did he have to overcome in order to take his Henkel Ford to Victory Lane for Brewco Motorsports?

A:  It should be noted that this was the first Spring race for the then-Busch Series at Phoenix.  Just a few laps into the race, Biffle spun his Henkel Taurus exiting Turn 2 and ended up in the combination of grass and dirt that used to populate the backstretch just before the dogleg.  Luckily, Biffle did not hit anything and quickly resumed.

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!

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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!

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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:


Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a variety of different subjects. This week's topics include the Gen-6 car, Danica Patrick making history and so much more!

Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your 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 Racing by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff brings fantasy racing back to Frontstretch this season. This week, he takes a look at your best bets for racing out in the Phoenix desert.

Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest to come out of the Truck Series.
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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

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