THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
January 20th, 2014Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Volume VIII, Edition III
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For a full schedule of our driver reviews, click here.
- TV Schedule for January 20-January 26, 2014:
Monday, January 20
Time Telecast Network
4:00pm-5:00pm NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 1
Tuesday, January 21
Tuesday, January 21
Time Telecast Network
4:00-5:00pm NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 1
Wednesday, January 22
Time Telecast Network
Thursday, January 23
Time Telecast Network
Time Telecast Network
4:00pm-5:00pm NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 1
7:00-8:00pm Road to Rolex 24 FOX Sports 1
Friday, January 24
Time Telecast Network
6:00pm-8:00pm IMSA Continential Tire SportsCar Challenge: Daytona FOX Sports 2*/
Saturday, January 25
Time Telecast Network
2:00pm-4:00pm TUSC Rolex 24 at Daytona: Start FOX
4:00-9:00pm TUSC Rolex 24 at Daytona: Hour 1.5-6.5 FOX Sports 2
9:00pm-7:00am TUSC Rolex 24 at Daytona: Hour 6.5-16.5 IMSA.com^
10:30pm-1:30am AMA Monster Energy Supercross: Oakland FOX Sports 1
Sunday, January 26
Time Telecast Network
7:00am-3:00pm TUSC Rolex 24 at Daytona: Finish FOX Sports 1
*- Tape Delayed
/- Highlighted coverage
^- Available via free online streaming
Also note that the entire Rolex 24 at Daytona is available on the FOX Sports GO app (Requires a participating internet service or programming provider and a password for access).
What to Watch: January 20-26
- We've got some racing on tap. This weekend is the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the first race of the Tudor United SportsCar Championship (TUSC), the result of the merger of the American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am's Rolex Sports Car Series. The whole race will be televised, as well as highlighted coverage of the Friday afternoon Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge support race. We will have a preview article at Frontstretch prior to the race. A team-by-team breakdown is in progress. However, like last year, it will likely be too long to run on the site. When the link is active, we will provide a link.
Top News
by Phil Allaway
by Phil Allaway
Radical New Chase Format For 2014?
In the past, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France has stated a desire for NASCAR to have "Game 7" moments as often as possible, especially in regards to the Chase. To that end, the Chase has been tinkered with multiple times in the past to create more excitement. Recently, France has stated dissatfaction with the current version of the Chase, stating that it lacks risk taking and that drivers don't race hard enough. A possible solution to France's issues that has been recently floated may be the most radical of all the changes ever made to the Chase.
The Charlotte Observer's Jim Utter is reporting that the proposed changes would expand the Chase from 12 to 16 drivers, while also making a victory nearly mandatory to qualify for the Chase. Winning would be paramount to anything. If there are more than 16 drivers that win in the first 26 races, then the top-16 winners in points would qualify. If less than 16 drivers win, then the top non-winners in points would fill out the field.
Once the Chase starts, eliminations would be introduced. The Chase field would be cut to 12 drivers after the third Chase, then to eight after the sixth race. After Phoenix (Chase Race No. 9), there would be not only be a cut down to the top four drivers, but another point reset would occur. All four drivers would have the same points and race straight up for the title in Homestead.
The report states that while it is not finalized, it appears that this format is the direction that NASCAR wants to take in 2014 pertaining to the Chase.
NASCAR did not fully acknowledge the format, but did release a statement in response to the news.
"NASCAR has begun the process of briefing key industry stakeholders on potential concepts to evolve its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship format," wrote Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Vice President and Chief of Communications. "This dialogue is the final phase of a multi-year process that has included the review of extensive fan research, partner and industry feedback and other data-driven insights. NASCAR has no plans to comment further until the stakeholder discussions are complete. We hope to announce any potential changes for the 2014 season to our media and fans very soon."
"NASCAR has begun the process of briefing key industry stakeholders on potential concepts to evolve its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship format," wrote Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Vice President and Chief of Communications. "This dialogue is the final phase of a multi-year process that has included the review of extensive fan research, partner and industry feedback and other data-driven insights. NASCAR has no plans to comment further until the stakeholder discussions are complete. We hope to announce any potential changes for the 2014 season to our media and fans very soon."
There has been quite a bit of fallout since the report came out Friday. Many articles have been written against the proposal. However, at least one of the drivers is willing to keep an open mind.
"This points system change is going to be a really good thing. Trust in it and watch how exciting each chase race is going to be," Denny Hamlin tweeted. "Every race will be a fight to get out of the bottom four of the standings. Races will play out like Richmond each race. Minus the arm scratching."
"This points system change is going to be a really good thing. Trust in it and watch how exciting each chase race is going to be," Denny Hamlin tweeted. "Every race will be a fight to get out of the bottom four of the standings. Races will play out like Richmond each race. Minus the arm scratching."
Expect any changes to the Chase to be announced during the NASCAR Media Tour next week.
Schumacher Still in Coma, Showing Some Improvement
It has been 22 days since seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher suffered severe head trauma after hitting a rock while skiing in the Alps. Since then, updates have been few and far between. Schumacher's family and management has pleaded for privacy, while Schumacher's doctors have stated that they would not speak to the media unless there was a significant change in Schumacher's condition.
On Friday, Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, e-mailed a press release. In it, Kehm wrote that Schumacher is still in a coma, but in a stable condition. However, there was no mention of the word "critical" in the statement.
In addition, Kehm again warned against accepting any updates on Schumacher's condition that doesn't come from the doctors, or his management. Any of that information should be considered speculation.
The lack of information has led some outlets to assume the worst. Articles written last week insinuated that Schumacher's coma could be permanent, or that he would never be the same if he ever wakes up.
Some media members have taken rather excessive steps in order to get information. One reporter dressed as a priest in order to sneak up to Schumacher's hospital room unnoticed a couple of weeks ago in a brazen attempt to obtain raw footage. However, he was intercepted before reaching Schumacher's room.
Gene Haas to Formula 1?
On Thursday, Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner Gene Haas announced that he has filed an application with the FIA for a slot on the 2015 World Championship Grid. Haas is one of three applicants for a new 12th team. This team will effectively replace HRT (Hispania Racing Team), which withdrew after the 2012 season.
If Haas' proposal is accepted, his team would be officially based in the Charlotte area. However, there would likely also be a smaller European base as well. In addition to Haas Automation, Haas also owns Windshear, a wind tunnel that would prove crucial for development of a chassis.
Haas was matter-of-fact in his press release.
"We have responded to the FIA's 'call for expression of interest' regarding a Formula One entry on behalf of Haas Racing Development," Haas wrote. "We respect the FIA's evaluation process and will share more details in the coming weeks."
"We have responded to the FIA's 'call for expression of interest' regarding a Formula One entry on behalf of Haas Racing Development," Haas wrote. "We respect the FIA's evaluation process and will share more details in the coming weeks."
In order to apply for inclusion, Haas had to submit paperwork to the FIA and a non-refundable fee of $5000 by January 3rd. If Haas' application is accepted, Haas would then have to pay a substantial fee in the eight figures to get onto the grid.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, Haas plans to eventually build his own chassis in North Carolina. However, at first, he would race a chassis built by Dallara. The car would run with Ferrari engines. Günther Steiner, former manager of Red Bull Racing, would oversee the operation.
News n' Notes:
- Richard Petty Motorsports announced the re-signing of Smithfield Foods to a three-year deal to serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 43 Ford and driver Aric Almirola for 29 races.
- According to the Times Union (Warsaw, IN), ML Motorsports is no more. In a phone interview, team owner Mary Louise Miller stated that the No. 70 team has shut down due to a lack of primary sponsorship. In 193 races, Miller fielded Chevrolets for over a dozen drivers. The team's best finish was a fifth at Talladega in 2008 with Mark Green. David Stremme earned the team's other top-10 finish with a ninth in the Spring of 2011.
- Win-Tron Racing announced on Sunday that they will be moving up to the Camping World Truck Series full-time in 2014. Mason Mingus, who finished second in ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards points in 2013, will drive the No. 35 for the full season and compete for the Rookie of the Year award. Call 811 Before You DIg will continue their sponsor of Mingus that began in ARCA. The team will also switch from Chevrolet to Toyota.
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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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: With the merger of Grand-Am and ALMS forming the new Tudor United SportsCar Championship (TUSC), a new driver rating system has been implemented. Every driver that races is given either a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze rating based on a series of criteria. If 2014 Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year contender Michael Annett were entered in this weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona (he's not), which rating would he have?
Check back next Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Last Monday's Answer:
Last Monday's Answer:
Q: In 1983, A.J. Foyt claimed overall victory in the 24 Hour Pepsi Challenge at Daytona with teammates Bob Wollek and Claude Ballot-Lena in a Porsche 935. However, he was not originally entered in that car. What was he originally entered in for the race?
A: Foyt was originally entered in a Pepsi Challenger-sponsored No. 11 Nimrod (with Aston Martin power) that he was shared with Darrell Waltrip and Guillermo Maldonado. The car was painted up similarly to Waltrip's Winston Cup at the time. Unfortunately, the No. 11 blew an engine and dropped out early. Afterwards, Preston Henn, owner/driver of the No. 6 Porsche 935 asked Foyt to join his team. Foyt agreed, much to the chagrin of Wollek.
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, January 27th, 2014 in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Rolex 24 at Daytona Race Recap by Phil Allaway
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles and more!
This week at Frontstretch:
2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona Preview by Phil Allaway
Who are the big guns to look out for in this weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona? Phil will be here to show you what to expect in the first race for the Tudor United SportsCar Championship.
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