THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
February 23rd, 2014
Volume VII, Edition XII
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WHAT TO WATCH: SUNDAY
The 55th running of the Great American Race has arrived. Coverage begins at noon on FOX with the green flag at shortly after 1:20 EST. FOX Sports 1 will have NASCAR RaceDay live from Daytona at 11:00am EST,
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FRONTSTRETCH AT DAYTONA: Remember, our own Tom Bowles and Mike Neff are in Daytona and have all the latest news on their Twitter feeds: @MNeffShortTrack and @NASCARBowles. Add them and join in the discussion.
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FRONTSTRETCH FANTASY: GET IN THE GAME
Frontstretch's own Jeff Wolfe is once again running a private NASCAR Fantasy league this season on Yahoo! We'll have more of our writers onboard to compete against you. If you're interested, go here and create a Yahoo! account (if you don't already have one). Once that's completed, create your team and click on Join a Group. Then, click on Join a Private Group once there. Here, you'll have to enter our League ID and password. The League ID is 10532, and the password is "stenica." We hope to see you there!
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.
Nationwide Series: Smith Squeaks Out Victory at Daytona
by Phil Allaway
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
February 23rd, 2014
Volume VII, Edition XII
~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT TO WATCH: SUNDAY
The 55th running of the Great American Race has arrived. Coverage begins at noon on FOX with the green flag at shortly after 1:20 EST. FOX Sports 1 will have NASCAR RaceDay live from Daytona at 11:00am EST,
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH AT DAYTONA: Remember, our own Tom Bowles and Mike Neff are in Daytona and have all the latest news on their Twitter feeds: @MNeffShortTrack and @NASCARBowles. Add them and join in the discussion.
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH FANTASY: GET IN THE GAME
Frontstretch's own Jeff Wolfe is once again running a private NASCAR Fantasy league this season on Yahoo! We'll have more of our writers onboard to compete against you. If you're interested, go here and create a Yahoo! account (if you don't already have one). Once that's completed, create your team and click on Join a Group. Then, click on Join a Private Group once there. Here, you'll have to enter our League ID and password. The League ID is 10532, and the password is "stenica." We hope to see you there!
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.
Nationwide Series: Smith Squeaks Out Victory at Daytona
by Phil Allaway
Saturday's DRIVE4COPD 300 was quite a bit different as compared to last year. NASCAR's ban of tandem drafting led to a race that looked similar to Friday night's Camping World Truck Series event. The inside line dominated the proceedings, while a second line tried their best to catch up.
However, the end of the race was very similar to last year. Regan Smith and Brad Keselowski battled for the victory on a Green-White-Checker final restart. Smith was able to get ahead of Keselowski coming out of Turn 4 and just held on to take the victory. Behind Smith and Keselowski was Trevor Bayne in third, followed by Kyle Busch and Elliott Sadler. Check out our Nationwide Series Breakdown later today at Frontstretch for more on the 300 mile shootout.
Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
Row 1
3 - Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
78 - Martin Truex, Jr., Chevrolet
Row 2
20 - Matt Kenseth, Toyota
11 - Denny Hamlin, Toyota
Row 3
24 - Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
5 - Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet
Row 4
9 - Marcos Ambrose, Ford
41 - Kurt Busch, Chevrolet
Row 5
88 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Chevrolet
27 - Paul Menard, Chevrolet
Row 6
98 - Josh Wise, Ford
33 - Brian Scott, Chevrolet
Row 7
43 - Aric Almirola, Ford
21 - Trevor Bayne, Ford
Row 8
47 - AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
42 - Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
Row 9
38 - David Gilliland, Ford
40 - Landon Cassill, Chevrolet
Row 10
31 - Ryan Newman, Chevrolet
15 - Clint Bowyer, Toyota
Row 11
14 - Tony Stewart, Chevrolet
1 - Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet
Row 12
26 - Cole Whitt, Toyota
32 - Terry Labonte, Ford
Row 13
16 - Greg Biffle, Ford
52 - Bobby Labonte, Chevrolet
Row 14
10 - Danica Patrick, Chevrolet
13 - Casey Mears, Chevrolet
Row 15
23 - Alex Bowman, Toyota
99 - Carl Edwards, Ford
Row 16
55 - Brian Vickers, Toyota
48 - Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
Row 17
2 - Brad Keselowski, Ford (in on speed)
17 - Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Ford (in on speed)
Row 18
22 - Joey Logano, Ford (in on speed)
7 - Michael Annett, Chevrolet (in on speed)
Row 19
18 - Kyle Busch, Toyota (owner points provisional)
4 - Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet (owner points provisional)
Row 20
36 - Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet (owner points provisional)
51 - Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet (owner points provisional)
Row 21
30 - Parker Kligerman, Toyota (owner points provisional)
66 - Michael Waltrip, Toyota (owner points provisional)
Row 22
34 - David Ragan, Ford (owner points provisional)
Failed To Qualify: 35 - Eric McClure, 83- Ryan Truex, 87- Joe Nemechek, 93- Morgan Shepherd, 95- Michael McDowell
Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
Row 1
3 - Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
78 - Martin Truex, Jr., Chevrolet
Row 2
20 - Matt Kenseth, Toyota
11 - Denny Hamlin, Toyota
Row 3
24 - Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
5 - Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet
Row 4
9 - Marcos Ambrose, Ford
41 - Kurt Busch, Chevrolet
Row 5
88 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Chevrolet
27 - Paul Menard, Chevrolet
Row 6
98 - Josh Wise, Ford
33 - Brian Scott, Chevrolet
Row 7
43 - Aric Almirola, Ford
21 - Trevor Bayne, Ford
Row 8
47 - AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
42 - Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
Row 9
38 - David Gilliland, Ford
40 - Landon Cassill, Chevrolet
Row 10
31 - Ryan Newman, Chevrolet
15 - Clint Bowyer, Toyota
Row 11
14 - Tony Stewart, Chevrolet
1 - Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet
Row 12
26 - Cole Whitt, Toyota
32 - Terry Labonte, Ford
Row 13
16 - Greg Biffle, Ford
52 - Bobby Labonte, Chevrolet
Row 14
10 - Danica Patrick, Chevrolet
13 - Casey Mears, Chevrolet
Row 15
23 - Alex Bowman, Toyota
99 - Carl Edwards, Ford
Row 16
55 - Brian Vickers, Toyota
48 - Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
Row 17
2 - Brad Keselowski, Ford (in on speed)
17 - Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Ford (in on speed)
Row 18
22 - Joey Logano, Ford (in on speed)
7 - Michael Annett, Chevrolet (in on speed)
Row 19
18 - Kyle Busch, Toyota (owner points provisional)
4 - Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet (owner points provisional)
Row 20
36 - Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet (owner points provisional)
51 - Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet (owner points provisional)
Row 21
30 - Parker Kligerman, Toyota (owner points provisional)
66 - Michael Waltrip, Toyota (owner points provisional)
Row 22
34 - David Ragan, Ford (owner points provisional)
Failed To Qualify: 35 - Eric McClure, 83- Ryan Truex, 87- Joe Nemechek, 93- Morgan Shepherd, 95- Michael McDowell
Withdrew: 77- Dave Blaney (Crash, no backup car)
To The Back: 1- Jamie McMurray (Crash), 10- Danica Patrick (Engine), 14- Tony Stewart (Engine), 15- Clint Bowyer (Crash), 34- David Ragan (Crash), 48- Jimmie Johnson (Crash), 52- Bobby Labonte (Engine), 66- Michael Waltrip (Crash), 78- Martin Truex, Jr. (Crash)
News n' Notes:
NASCAR Considering Limits on Double and Triple Duty For Cup Drivers
The Associated Press' Mark Long is reporting that NASCAR is considering potential limits on the number of races that Sprint Cup regulars can run in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series after Kyle Busch won Friday night's NextEra Energy Resources 250. The sanctioning body had already had discussions on the issue in the past, but the outcry brought more discussion of the issue.
NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O'Donnell responded to the criticism.
"We're definitely aware of the fan messaging we get," O'Donnell said. "There's a balance, especially talking to the tracks, of having a Cup driver or two in the Trucks or Nationwide. We have had discussions with the race teams about ownership and should Cup drivers get points and we've looked at should they be limited in the number of races. It's something we are really studying."
"We're definitely aware of the fan messaging we get," O'Donnell said. "There's a balance, especially talking to the tracks, of having a Cup driver or two in the Trucks or Nationwide. We have had discussions with the race teams about ownership and should Cup drivers get points and we've looked at should they be limited in the number of races. It's something we are really studying."
Busch ultimately doesn't care what people think.
"It's me in the Truck Series. People don't like it. I'm stealing candy from a baby," Busch joked in his post-race press conference. "`Til the rules are changed or everybody else grows up and can beat me, then we're racing. I just do what I'm supposed to do. I have a Truck team for a reason. If I didn't drive it in some races, it wouldn't be in existence. Everything in life happens for a reason. Sometimes people aren't happy with the way life treats them. That's their problem. I'm pretty blessed and happy to be where I'm at. I appreciate the things I've got going for me."
"It's me in the Truck Series. People don't like it. I'm stealing candy from a baby," Busch joked in his post-race press conference. "`Til the rules are changed or everybody else grows up and can beat me, then we're racing. I just do what I'm supposed to do. I have a Truck team for a reason. If I didn't drive it in some races, it wouldn't be in existence. Everything in life happens for a reason. Sometimes people aren't happy with the way life treats them. That's their problem. I'm pretty blessed and happy to be where I'm at. I appreciate the things I've got going for me."
As of now, there are no official changes to announce. If NASCAR makes any changes to the eligibility rules, we will report it here.
James Buescher Penalized For Illegal Pushing
As part of NASCAR's crackdown on tandem drafting in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, pass-through penalities would be issued to any driver deemed to have illegally pushed someone. On Lap 85, NASCAR black flagged James Buescher for allegedly pushing Brad Keselowski. Buescher served his penalty and dropped over 30 seconds behind the pack before a caution allowed him to catch up.
Buescher was quite upset over the penalty, and spoke out after the race.
"They said if you bounce off the car in front of you, there’s no call," Buescher said to MRN Radio's Dustin Long. "As far as I’m concerned, there was only bouncing, never locked the bumper."
"They said if you bounce off the car in front of you, there’s no call," Buescher said to MRN Radio's Dustin Long. "As far as I’m concerned, there was only bouncing, never locked the bumper."
NASCAR's Vice President of Competition, Robin Pemberton, begs to differ.
"We felt (Buescher) was the more aggressor in the situation, that’s why (he) got the penalty," Pemberton said.
When pressed on the replays that ESPN showed that showed that Buescher was bump drafting Keselowski and not outright pushing him, Pemberton had an explanation ready to go.
"It all depends on what lap you’re looking and where you were looking at the lap," Pemberton said. "That wasn’t the camera we had and I don’t know where on the racetrack that was taken."
"We felt (Buescher) was the more aggressor in the situation, that’s why (he) got the penalty," Pemberton said.
When pressed on the replays that ESPN showed that showed that Buescher was bump drafting Keselowski and not outright pushing him, Pemberton had an explanation ready to go.
"It all depends on what lap you’re looking and where you were looking at the lap," Pemberton said. "That wasn’t the camera we had and I don’t know where on the racetrack that was taken."
The caution that came out on Lap 94 due to debris saved Buescher from being lapped. He came back to eventually finish in 16th.
Fuhu to Sponsor Cassill for 18 Races
On Saturday afternoon, Hillman Racing announced a deal in which Fuhu will serve as the primary sponsor the No. 40 Chevrolet and driver Landon Cassill for 18 races this season. Fuhu will use the races to promote nabi, a line of Android tablet PC's designed for children.
Cassill is very happy to have Fuhu onboard to support his effort.
"Fuhu creates high-quality products that are both innovative and family friendly. As the father of a young daughter, this means a lot to me," Cassill said. "I’m looking forward to collaborating with Fuhu this season both on the track and with any donations my team is able to make on their behalf as well as helping to raise awareness to the cause."
"Fuhu creates high-quality products that are both innovative and family friendly. As the father of a young daughter, this means a lot to me," Cassill said. "I’m looking forward to collaborating with Fuhu this season both on the track and with any donations my team is able to make on their behalf as well as helping to raise awareness to the cause."
Fuhu CEO Jim Mitchell is proud to be associated with Cassill.
"Landon Cassill is a promising, young, talented driver that exhibits real potential to be a top-10 NASCAR driver," Mitchell said. "We chose to sponsor Landon's No. 40 car because of his impeccable character and dedication to co-invest in supporting and creating awareness for autism. We are excited to join the NASCAR community and proud to sponsor Landon Cassill."
"Landon Cassill is a promising, young, talented driver that exhibits real potential to be a top-10 NASCAR driver," Mitchell said. "We chose to sponsor Landon's No. 40 car because of his impeccable character and dedication to co-invest in supporting and creating awareness for autism. We are excited to join the NASCAR community and proud to sponsor Landon Cassill."
Cassill has also pledged to donate five percent of his race winnings in Fuhu-sponsored races to nabi Inspire, Fuhu's initiative to provide assistance to families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while at the same time, raise awareness of the disease. Fuhu will fully match Cassill's contributions. According to nabi Inspire's website, Autism now affects one out of every 88 children.
The schedule of Fuhu's sponsorship is currently unclear. However, the first race in which they will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 40 will be the Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 9th.
Madison Rising Performs Controversial National Anthem
Prior to Saturday's DRIVE4COPD 300, Daytona International Speedway invited Madison Rising, a metal group that describes themselves as "America's Most Patriotic Rock Band" to perform the National Anthem. The result was one of the most unusual renditions of the anthem in recent memory. There was headbanging and growling from lead vocalist Dave Bray, mixed into ballad verses.
The performance was met with some cheers in the grandstands, but a fair amount of derision as well.
"I'm the biggest rock fan there is, and I was cussing and spitting bullets when they played that," race fan Richard Lytle told the Daytona Beach News-Journal's Andrew Gant. "That's one song you show respect for. It's so simple. Have somebody sing it the way it's written. It's not much to ask; it's three minutes or less."
"I'm the biggest rock fan there is, and I was cussing and spitting bullets when they played that," race fan Richard Lytle told the Daytona Beach News-Journal's Andrew Gant. "That's one song you show respect for. It's so simple. Have somebody sing it the way it's written. It's not much to ask; it's three minutes or less."
Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III defended Madison Rising's rendition.
"That's the rendition we knew they were going to play," Chitwood said. "We thought it was unique and interesting. Our fans are known to have very strong opinions and they're sharing that with us. Some fans did not like it. Duly noted. Our fans, we want to listen to every single one of them."
"That's the rendition we knew they were going to play," Chitwood said. "We thought it was unique and interesting. Our fans are known to have very strong opinions and they're sharing that with us. Some fans did not like it. Duly noted. Our fans, we want to listen to every single one of them."
After the race, second-place finisher Brad Keselowski was asked about the rendition.
"I just wish they could sing the dang song," Keselowski said during his post-race press conference. Later on, Keselowski stated on his Twitter page that he did not hear an anthem on Saturday.
Bray admitted prior to the performance that it wouldn't be traditional, but that it would still be reverent. Sullen, but reverent.
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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Keeping It Short: Speedweeks Are Winding Down
by Mike Neff
The 2014 Florida Speedweeks is winding down. While most people think of the International Speedway when you mention Speedweeks in February in Florida, it can also refer to the myriad of kick off series that take place at several of the local short tracks dabbled across the area. Several national sanctioning bodies run races at multiple venues during the weeks leading up to the Daytona 500 which gives fans, in the area to watch the NASCAR action, a chance to see the future stars auto racing display their talents on a much more intimate setting. Fans who want to get their monies' worth can see some fantastic racing by established stars along with raw talents.
New Smyrna Speedway runs the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing every year. They have races for Super Late Models, Modifieds and Pro Late Models. This year, they also ran the season opening K&N Pro Series East race, which aired via tape delay on FOX Sports 1 Saturday morning. The half mile track just south of Daytona Beach has been hosting the World Series for 46 years. As part of their schedule, they run the Richie Evans Memorial race for Tour Type Modifieds. It is a 100 lap race that brings many of the best Modified racers in the country to the Sunshine State for the chance to claim one of the most prestigious Modified titles in the country. This year the World Series has seen the following winners:
Super Late Models
2/14 – Stephen Nasse
2/15 – Steven Wallace
2/17 – Stephen Nasse
2/19 – Stephen Nasse
2/20 – Ryan Moore
Pro Late Models
2/14 – Spencer Davis
2/15 – Brandon Johnson
2/17 – Brad May
2/19 – Spencer Davis
2/20 – Harrison Burton
Tour Type Modifieds
2/14 – Ronnie Silk
2/15 – Ronnie Silk
2/16 – Eric Goodale
2/19 – Ronnie Silk
2/20 – Justin Bonsignore
Pro Trucks
2/14 – Michael Burns
2/15 – Michael Burns
Florida Modifieds
2/14 - Tank Tucker
2/15 – Todd Stone
2/17 – Tim Moore
2/19 – Todd Stone
K&N East
2/16 – Daniel Suarez
About as far north of Daytona International Speedway as New Smyrna is south is Volusia Speedway Park. The half-mile track hosts the DIRTCar Nationals every February. The event highlights the major divisions that the World Racing Group sanctions. They include the World of Outlaws Late Models and Sprints, the UMP Late Models and Modifieds and the DIRTCar Super Series Big Block Modifieds. The event is highlighted by the unique trophies awarded to feature winners that look like three foot long alligators. Their events run from the 11th through the 22nd of February. The 2014 DIRTCar Nationals feature winners include:
UMP Modifieds
2/11 – Kyle Strickler
2/13 – Kyle Bronson
2/14 – Ty Dillon
2/15 – Ty Dillon
2/16 – Austin Dillon
2/17 – Ty Dillon – Gator Championship
2/18 – Ty Dillon & Joel Ortberg
All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars
2/13 – Joey Saldana
World of Outlaws STP Sprint Cars
2/14 – Brad Sweet
2/15 – Donny Schatz
2/16 – Steve Kinser
UMP Dirt Super Late Models
2/17 – Ivident Lloyd Jr.
2/18 – Kenny Pettyjohn
2/19 – Scott Bloomquist
DIRTCar Super Series Big Block Modifieds
2/19 – Justin Haers
2/20 – Stewart Friesen
2/22 -- Matt Sheppard
World of Outlaws Late Models
2/20 – Casey Roberts
2/22 -- Kyle Bronson
In Ocala Florida there is a 3/8 mile D-shaped gem that is owned by radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. Bubba is a famous radio voice who also loves racing. When the opportunity presented itself for him to purchase the little track in Ocala, he jumped at the chance and renamed it Bubba Raceway Park. Bubba is putting in every effort to make it a first class facility, including implementing tarps to cover most of the track, in the event of rain, so that they won't lose as many race dates to weather. Sadly, during their Winternationals this season, they still lost the first eight nights of racing to Mother Nature.
BRP hosts a vast array of vehicles during their Winternationals, from NeSmith Crate Late Models to UMP Modifieds, All Star Circuit of Champion Sprint Cars and World of Outlaw Late Models to Amsoil Sprints. With one of the longest Winter events and a great location in Ocala, BRP is a destination every race fan should visit to help shake off the Winter blues. Their race winners so far this year have included:
UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions:
2/9 – Dave Blaney
2/10 – Kerry Madsen
UMP Open Wheel Modifieds
2/10 - Kyle Bronson
World of Outlaw Late Models
2/14 – Brady Smith
2/15 – Brandon Sheppard
2/16 – Darrell Lanigan
Amsoil Sprints
2/20 – Brady Bacon
The final track that we'll mention for Winter thaw activity is East Bay Raceway Park. The Clay at the Bay is another track that hosts a smorgasboard of racing series when they knock the frost off for the season. The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models have several nights of racing at EBRP, along with UMP Modifieds, EBRP Modifieds, Crate Late Models and 360 Sprint Cars. After battling the wet weather at the end of January and the beginning of February, East Bay finally started getting in some races on February 3rd. The winners by the bay have included:
UMP Modifieds/EBRP Modifieds
2/3 – Kyle Bronson
2/4 – Dale Mathison and Kyle Strickler
Mod Lites
2/6 – Jeff Teeters
2/7 – Mod Lites
2/8 – Jimmy Wills wins both features
Crate Late Models
2/7 – Jack Nosbisch Jr.
2/9 – Keith Nosbisch
Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
2/10 – Eddie Carrier Jr.
2/11 – Billy Moyer
2/13 – Dennis Erb Jr.
2/14 – Billy Moyer
2/15 – Bobby Pierce
2/16 – Davey Johnson
Winter can be a very long and depressing season. With all of the snow that has gripped the eastern US over the past few weeks we're reminded that you can go to Florida to scratch the racing itch in February when most of the rest of the country is under snow cover.
Friday 02/21/14 Bubba Raceway Park Ocala FL USAC Amsoil National Sprints
Friday 02/21/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL 360 Winged Sprints
Friday 02/21/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Florida Mini Sprints
Friday 02/21/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Pro Figure-8
Friday 02/21/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Winged Outlaw Figure-8 Series
Friday 02/21/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL DIRTCar Nationals Super DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Friday 02/21/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL DIRTCar Nationals World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Modifieds
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Sport Mods
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Stock Cars
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Jr. Mini Stocks
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Street Stocks
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX Legends
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX Street Stocks
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX USMTS Modifieds – Casey's Cup Series
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX USMTS Modifieds – Gulf Coast Border Region
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX X-Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ Go-Karts
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ Mini Sports
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ Mini Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Tucson Speedway Tucson AZ Hornets
Saturday 02/22/14 Tucson Speedway Tucson AZ Late Models
Saturday 02/22/14 Tucson Speedway Tucson AZ Pro Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Tucson Speedway Tucson AZ X-Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 Bubba Raceway Park Ocala FL USAC Amsoil National Sprints
Saturday 02/22/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL 360 Winged Sprints
Saturday 02/22/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Florida Mini Sprints
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Enduro
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Kids Fast 4
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Mini Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Powder Puffs
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Racecars of Yesteryear
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Winged Outlaw Figure-8 Series
Saturday 02/22/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL DIRTCar Nationals Super DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL DIRTCar Nationals World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models
Saturday 02/22/14 Winchester Speedway Winchester TN Dirt Super Late Models
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Jr. Mini Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX ECO Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Racesaver Sprints
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Stock Cars
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX Legends
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX USMTS Modifieds – Casey's Cup Series
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX USMTS Modifieds – Gulf Coast Border Region
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX X-Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 KAM Kartway Rhome TX Texas Open Wheel Racing Restricted A-class Non Wing Mini Sprint
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Dwarf Cars
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Hobby Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Limited Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Mod Lites
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Pure Stocks
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Modifieds
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Sport Mods
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Stock Cars
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Street Stocks
Thursday 02/27/14 Phoenix International Raceway Avondale AZ K&N West Series
Thursday 02/27/14 Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces NM Mini Sprints
Thursday 02/27/14 Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces NM Street Stocks
Thursday 02/27/14 Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces NM USMTS Modifieds – Casey's Cup Series
Thursday 02/27/14 Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces NM X-Mods
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX ECO Stocks
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Modifieds
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Sport Mods
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Stock Cars
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Racesaver Sprints
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Stock Cars
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Street Stocks
by Mike Neff
The 2014 Florida Speedweeks is winding down. While most people think of the International Speedway when you mention Speedweeks in February in Florida, it can also refer to the myriad of kick off series that take place at several of the local short tracks dabbled across the area. Several national sanctioning bodies run races at multiple venues during the weeks leading up to the Daytona 500 which gives fans, in the area to watch the NASCAR action, a chance to see the future stars auto racing display their talents on a much more intimate setting. Fans who want to get their monies' worth can see some fantastic racing by established stars along with raw talents.
New Smyrna Speedway runs the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing every year. They have races for Super Late Models, Modifieds and Pro Late Models. This year, they also ran the season opening K&N Pro Series East race, which aired via tape delay on FOX Sports 1 Saturday morning. The half mile track just south of Daytona Beach has been hosting the World Series for 46 years. As part of their schedule, they run the Richie Evans Memorial race for Tour Type Modifieds. It is a 100 lap race that brings many of the best Modified racers in the country to the Sunshine State for the chance to claim one of the most prestigious Modified titles in the country. This year the World Series has seen the following winners:
Super Late Models
2/14 – Stephen Nasse
2/15 – Steven Wallace
2/17 – Stephen Nasse
2/19 – Stephen Nasse
2/20 – Ryan Moore
Pro Late Models
2/14 – Spencer Davis
2/15 – Brandon Johnson
2/17 – Brad May
2/19 – Spencer Davis
2/20 – Harrison Burton
Tour Type Modifieds
2/14 – Ronnie Silk
2/15 – Ronnie Silk
2/16 – Eric Goodale
2/19 – Ronnie Silk
2/20 – Justin Bonsignore
Pro Trucks
2/14 – Michael Burns
2/15 – Michael Burns
Florida Modifieds
2/14 - Tank Tucker
2/15 – Todd Stone
2/17 – Tim Moore
2/19 – Todd Stone
K&N East
2/16 – Daniel Suarez
About as far north of Daytona International Speedway as New Smyrna is south is Volusia Speedway Park. The half-mile track hosts the DIRTCar Nationals every February. The event highlights the major divisions that the World Racing Group sanctions. They include the World of Outlaws Late Models and Sprints, the UMP Late Models and Modifieds and the DIRTCar Super Series Big Block Modifieds. The event is highlighted by the unique trophies awarded to feature winners that look like three foot long alligators. Their events run from the 11th through the 22nd of February. The 2014 DIRTCar Nationals feature winners include:
UMP Modifieds
2/11 – Kyle Strickler
2/13 – Kyle Bronson
2/14 – Ty Dillon
2/15 – Ty Dillon
2/16 – Austin Dillon
2/17 – Ty Dillon – Gator Championship
2/18 – Ty Dillon & Joel Ortberg
All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars
2/13 – Joey Saldana
World of Outlaws STP Sprint Cars
2/14 – Brad Sweet
2/15 – Donny Schatz
2/16 – Steve Kinser
UMP Dirt Super Late Models
2/17 – Ivident Lloyd Jr.
2/18 – Kenny Pettyjohn
2/19 – Scott Bloomquist
DIRTCar Super Series Big Block Modifieds
2/19 – Justin Haers
2/20 – Stewart Friesen
2/22 -- Matt Sheppard
World of Outlaws Late Models
2/20 – Casey Roberts
2/22 -- Kyle Bronson
In Ocala Florida there is a 3/8 mile D-shaped gem that is owned by radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. Bubba is a famous radio voice who also loves racing. When the opportunity presented itself for him to purchase the little track in Ocala, he jumped at the chance and renamed it Bubba Raceway Park. Bubba is putting in every effort to make it a first class facility, including implementing tarps to cover most of the track, in the event of rain, so that they won't lose as many race dates to weather. Sadly, during their Winternationals this season, they still lost the first eight nights of racing to Mother Nature.
BRP hosts a vast array of vehicles during their Winternationals, from NeSmith Crate Late Models to UMP Modifieds, All Star Circuit of Champion Sprint Cars and World of Outlaw Late Models to Amsoil Sprints. With one of the longest Winter events and a great location in Ocala, BRP is a destination every race fan should visit to help shake off the Winter blues. Their race winners so far this year have included:
UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions:
2/9 – Dave Blaney
2/10 – Kerry Madsen
UMP Open Wheel Modifieds
2/10 - Kyle Bronson
World of Outlaw Late Models
2/14 – Brady Smith
2/15 – Brandon Sheppard
2/16 – Darrell Lanigan
Amsoil Sprints
2/20 – Brady Bacon
The final track that we'll mention for Winter thaw activity is East Bay Raceway Park. The Clay at the Bay is another track that hosts a smorgasboard of racing series when they knock the frost off for the season. The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models have several nights of racing at EBRP, along with UMP Modifieds, EBRP Modifieds, Crate Late Models and 360 Sprint Cars. After battling the wet weather at the end of January and the beginning of February, East Bay finally started getting in some races on February 3rd. The winners by the bay have included:
UMP Modifieds/EBRP Modifieds
2/3 – Kyle Bronson
2/4 – Dale Mathison and Kyle Strickler
Mod Lites
2/6 – Jeff Teeters
2/7 – Mod Lites
2/8 – Jimmy Wills wins both features
Crate Late Models
2/7 – Jack Nosbisch Jr.
2/9 – Keith Nosbisch
Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
2/10 – Eddie Carrier Jr.
2/11 – Billy Moyer
2/13 – Dennis Erb Jr.
2/14 – Billy Moyer
2/15 – Bobby Pierce
2/16 – Davey Johnson
Winter can be a very long and depressing season. With all of the snow that has gripped the eastern US over the past few weeks we're reminded that you can go to Florida to scratch the racing itch in February when most of the rest of the country is under snow cover.
Friday 02/21/14 Bubba Raceway Park Ocala FL USAC Amsoil National Sprints
Friday 02/21/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL 360 Winged Sprints
Friday 02/21/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Florida Mini Sprints
Friday 02/21/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Pro Figure-8
Friday 02/21/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Winged Outlaw Figure-8 Series
Friday 02/21/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL DIRTCar Nationals Super DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Friday 02/21/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL DIRTCar Nationals World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Modifieds
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Sport Mods
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Stock Cars
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Jr. Mini Stocks
Friday 02/21/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Street Stocks
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX Legends
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX Street Stocks
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX USMTS Modifieds – Casey's Cup Series
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX USMTS Modifieds – Gulf Coast Border Region
Friday 02/21/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX X-Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ Go-Karts
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ Mini Sports
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ Mini Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Mohave Valley Raceway Mohave Valley AZ Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Tucson Speedway Tucson AZ Hornets
Saturday 02/22/14 Tucson Speedway Tucson AZ Late Models
Saturday 02/22/14 Tucson Speedway Tucson AZ Pro Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Tucson Speedway Tucson AZ X-Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 Bubba Raceway Park Ocala FL USAC Amsoil National Sprints
Saturday 02/22/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL 360 Winged Sprints
Saturday 02/22/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Florida Mini Sprints
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Enduro
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Kids Fast 4
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Mini Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Powder Puffs
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Racecars of Yesteryear
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Winged Outlaw Figure-8 Series
Saturday 02/22/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL DIRTCar Nationals Super DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL DIRTCar Nationals World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models
Saturday 02/22/14 Winchester Speedway Winchester TN Dirt Super Late Models
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Jr. Mini Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX ECO Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Racesaver Sprints
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Stock Cars
Saturday 02/22/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX Legends
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX Street Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX USMTS Modifieds – Casey's Cup Series
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX USMTS Modifieds – Gulf Coast Border Region
Saturday 02/22/14 El Paso Speedway Park El Paso TX X-Mods
Saturday 02/22/14 KAM Kartway Rhome TX Texas Open Wheel Racing Restricted A-class Non Wing Mini Sprint
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Dwarf Cars
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Hobby Stocks
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Limited Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Mod Lites
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Modifieds
Saturday 02/22/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Pure Stocks
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Modifieds
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Sport Mods
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Stock Cars
Sunday 02/23/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Street Stocks
Thursday 02/27/14 Phoenix International Raceway Avondale AZ K&N West Series
Thursday 02/27/14 Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces NM Mini Sprints
Thursday 02/27/14 Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces NM Street Stocks
Thursday 02/27/14 Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces NM USMTS Modifieds – Casey's Cup Series
Thursday 02/27/14 Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces NM X-Mods
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX ECO Stocks
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Modifieds
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Sport Mods
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Stock Cars
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Racesaver Sprints
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Stock Cars
Thursday 02/27/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Street Stocks
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY AT THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Four Burning Questions: Will The 2014 Daytona 500 Be One For The Ages?
by Tom Bowles
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1997, NASCAR basically told Delma Cowart to not come back after failing to qualify for the Daytona 500. What happened to cause NASCAR to issue that edict?
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Daytona 500 Race Recap by Justin Tucker
-- Daytona 500 News 'N' Notes, Quotes To Remember, Stat Of The Week & More by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Daytona 500 by Mike Neff
Mike will be here to tell you everything you needed to know about the 500 miles of action from Daytona this Sunday.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom will be here with a post-race commentary about today's race.
Commentary by Aaron Creed
We'll have a second interesting opinion piece about today's race.
Big Six: Daytona 500 by Amy Henderson
As NASCAR's Super Bowl concludes, get in-depth with the 500 by finding out Who, When, What, Where, Why and How things happened during the race weekend.
Pace Laps: Post-Daytona by the Frontstretch Staff
Get yourself set for the week ahead, major racing series by series, with the biggest news story you should be focused on that spins forward from Speedweeks.
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