Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
March 5th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition XX
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Frontstretch seeking NASCAR Nationwide Series Writer
Do you have strong writing, communication skills and a passion for racing? If so, The Frontstretch is looking for YOU! We have an opening on our staff for a writer to focus on the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2014, including post-race coverage and a weekly column covering current storylines in the series. If you have extensive knowledge of the Nationwide Series, the ability to work on a deadline, and want to join a staff of passionate writers, please click HERE for application instructions. Show us what you've got!
Editor's Note: 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!
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Top News
by Ashley McCubbin
Kurt Busch announced Tuesday that he will be attempting to do the Indianapolis 500 / Coca Cola 600 double. The 35-year-old will attempt to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 for Andretti Autosport, while running the Coca Cola 600 later that same day in his No. 41 Haas Automation Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing.
“This is really to challenge myself within motorsports,” Busch commented. “Perhaps I am a bit of an old-school racer; a throw-back I guess. I enjoyed the era of drivers racing different cars and testing themselves in other series. It is tough to do now for a variety of factors, but when the opportunity is there, I want to do it. While NASCAR is my home, I have been fortunate to compete in Pro Stock on the NHRA circuit a number of years ago and test a V8 Supercar. This opportunity was a talk with Michael (Andretti) over dinner one night on ‘what if?’ and now it’s all becoming a reality for me to drive in the Indy 500 with Andretti Autosport. It’s literally a dream come true. To go to the famous Brickyard with the iconic Andretti name, it doesn’t get much cooler or better than that.”
The 2004 Sprint Cup Series Champion becomes the fourth driver to attempt the “Double” – following in the steps of Robby Gordon, John Andretti and his car owner Tony Stewart.
Busch participated in a test session with Andretti last year, driving Ryan Hunter-Reay’s car. He got up to speed quickly and was able to pass the mandated Rookie Orientation program.
“I’m really excited to have Kurt come onboard for the Indy 500,” Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti stated. “He did a great job for us when he tested last year. He’s obviously a natural talent and we feel he is going to take to the IndyCar quickly and have a competitive month with us.”
Busch’s journey to qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 will start with practice on Monday May 11th, right after finishing up the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas. Busch will participate in two weeks of Indy practice and qualifying leading up to the event - while squeezing in practice at Charlotte and the All-Star Race leading up to Memorial Day weekend. Busch will hopefully start the Indianapolis 500 at noon ET time and be done to be back in Charlotte for the 6 p.m. EST green flag. Andretti Autosport notes that Busch will make more than ten trips between the cities during the two week period.
TV Ratings Down After Phoenix Hits All-Time Low
There was hope after Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Daytona 500 victory that the TV ratings for The Profit on CNBC 500 would be higher. However, that was not the case.
Sunday’s race earned a 4.8 overnight rating on FOX, down 9% from a 5.3 last year, and down 4% from a 5.0 in 2011. The 4.8 is the lowest overnight for the second Sprint Cup race of the season since FOX began airing coverage in 2001.
Despite the number being low, Sunday’s race was easily the top sporting event of the weekend on broadcast.
Some fans have expressed that they are not interested in the coverage due to who is in the broadcast booth, while other fans say it’s due to the number of commercials. Cawsnjaws.com reported that in the 189 minutes of the broadcast for this past weekend, fans saw 142 minutes of racing, 47 minutes of full-screen commercials and six minutes of split-screen commercials with 60 companies advertising products.
Richard Petty Receives North Carolina Winner’s Circle Award
Governor Pat McCory and the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development announced that Richard Petty is one of the recipients of the North Carolina Winner’s Circle Award for 2014.
The award is given to people who have made significant and continuing contributions to the growth and success of North Carolina's tourism industry. Petty was honored for his contributions in helping grow the attendance at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Have news for Ashley 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
Inside Nextant's Partnership With ThorSport Racing
by Greg David
In today’s NASCAR, partnerships between teams and brands that provide not just exposure for the sponsor, but real tangible value, through leads or sales is something that the sport’s top owners and marketing executives only dream of. It means that sponsors will be more likely to return to the track with your team year after year, in good times and bad. And sometimes just such a partnership with a distinctive brand is found in a truly unique way.
For ThorSport Racing of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, their partnership with Nextant Aerospace, sponsor of Johnny Sauter’s No. 98 Toyota Tundra, has been just that – unique. Unique to not only the Truck Series, but to the sport of NASCAR.
The partnership that exists today between ThorSport and Nextant, the world’s leader in private jet remanufacturing, started about six months ago when the race team, owned by Duke and Rhonda Thorson, began a search to find a private corporate jet for the company. After talking to pilots, and doing research on finding the right jet to fit their needs, ThorSport discovered Nextant.
Founded in 2007 by aviation entrepreneur Kenneth C. “Kenn” Ricci, Nextant is located in Cleveland, just a one-hour drive up the coast of Lake Erie from ThorSport headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio. The company was the first in the world to introduce aircraft remanufacturing to the business jet market, essentially completely rebuilding Beechjet 400A/XP model aircraft, down to the fuselage. The jets are then transformed into Nextant’s signature 400XTi jets, fully customizable with entertainment features, lighting, seating configurations, and other options.
During their initial meeting, ThorSport made it clear to Nextant that the company was looking to trade their NASCAR assets, in terms of sponsorship, for a private jet and establish a partnership with the company.
“When we sat down with the team from Nextant they kind of didn’t get it,” said ThorSport Vice President of Motorsports Partnerships, Matt LaNeve. “You want us to sponsor your truck? NASCAR was new to them, but once they saw the marketing power of this sport, and how many fans and how many folks in their target demo were involved in the sport from the driver and owner side, that’s when the deal really came together,” added LaNeve.
In the end, Nextant agreed on a two year deal to sponsor the No. 98 truck, through the 2015 season, a total of 12 races per season as the primary sponsor, and as an associate sponsor for the remainder of the races throughout the 2 years which began at Daytona last month.
As part of the deal, Nextant wanted more NASCAR drivers, owners, sponsors, and track promoters to have exposure to the brand, and ultimately choose their private jet product over the competition. So ThorSport customized a solution that fit their new partner’s needs. The team established a secondary business called “ThorAir” which now serves as the worldwide exclusive representatives between Nextant and the motorsports world, primarily NASCAR. Currently there is a deal in the works to serve the IndyCar Series, and NHRA as well.
But the question remained… How would a seemingly unlikely sponsor in NASCAR reach out to fans and engage in brand activation at the track? The answer: they’re not.
During Daytona Speedweeks, ThorSport partnered with Nextant to showcase the sponsorship and the 98 truck in a completely new way. The team had the No. 98 Toyota Tundra and the ThorSport Nextant 400XTi corporate jet on display for guests all week long, which was then capped-off by hosting an invite-only, VIP event at Daytona Beach International Airport and FBO Yelvington Jet Aviation on Daytona 500 Sunday.
The event was complete with a catered lunch, and gifts for each guest – a choice of either a pair of Bose Acoustic Sound headphones; an iPad Air with case; or a membership for a varying selection of fine bourbons and wines sent to their home each month for a year. The event was huge success for both ThorSport and Nextant, giving the brand exposure to precisely the right target market- the high net worth individual within the NASCAR world.
But the partnership between ThorSport and Nextant reaches far beyond just the brand’s name on the side of Sauter’s truck, and events to engage business owners interested in private jets. Both companies now share technology. According to LaNeve, engineers from both organizations have spent time in the race shop in Sandusky, and at Nextant headquarters learning more about aero and how the organizations approach research and development. At the end of the day it’s about going faster, whether that’s in a jet or a race truck.
There’s no question that Nextant’s sponsorship in the truck series is a unique one and is quickly becoming a success story that will be advanced further throughout the season.
“I think you’ll see more of this in the future,” said ThorSport’s LaNeve. “Nextant really is a pioneer when it comes to how they’re using their sponsorship in the sport, and we hope our strong partnership continues.”
Currently another leader in the private jet category- Cessna has a sponsorship deal with Sprint Cup Series organization Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, and Jamie McMurray’s No. 1 Chevy SS.
Next up, ThorSport and Nextant are focusing on Kansas for a similar brand activation event at the local airport with NASCAR prospects.
Greg Davis is a Contributor for Frontstretch. He can be reached via email at greg.davis@frontstretch.com.
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Allen Bedgood
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, Allen Bedgood 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...
@JoeGibbsRacing -- Ever wonder how @NASCARONFOX gets those amazing wall shots? Here’s you answer: pic.twitter.com/ZYsMgQUgHK
@HermieSadler -- Thank you @marcuslemonis and Camping World for your commitment to NASCAR, The Truck Series, and the fans.
@NASCAR_Wonka -- Google is ready for Vegas. pic.twitter.com/ltg5STOHEe
@SwanRacingCo -- The @SwanRacingCo team is already hard at work in Vegas preparing the cars for Sunday's #Kobalt400 @LVMotorSpeedway pic.twitter.com/RJ0CvkadgC
@JClements51 -- Getting her rdy for Vegas this weekend! http://instagram.com/p/lGPC3mvDfn/
@LVMotorSpeedway -- A few teams already here at LVMS switching out cars and preppping for #NASCAR Weekend in #Vegas! #Kobalt400 pic.twitter.com/IgczecVZe2
@JDMotorsports01 -- The @GKServices No. 01 Chevy of @landoncassill on the scales getting ready for the setup to be tweaked. #GodspeedKyle pic.twitter.com/BEyum894D6
@BJewkes -- Jacked about going out to @LVMotorSpeedway this weekend... and forecast for mid-70s, no rain sounds good to me as well. #NASCAR
@kaseykahne -- Flew over the Hoover Dam on the way to Vegas. http://instagram.com/p/lIbYMlhVfU/
@roushfenway -- #CarlEdwards takes to the track on the wings of the No. 99 @aflacduck Racing Ford Fusion in @LVMotorSpeedway pic.twitter.com/Wqt2ei4AgS
@LowesRacing -- History lesson! The first time jimmiejohnson drove the No. 48 Kobalt Tools Chevy, he pulled into… http://instagram.com/p/lIstolPHLp/
@PPistone -- #NASCAR reinstates Ryan Hess, former crew member in Nationwide Series, and Curtis Martin Jr., former crew member in Truck Series
@RedHorseRacing -- Happy Birthday @SaraPeters17, from your Red Horse Racing family! pic.twitter.com/ApRswTXjgv
@MSTheGunSlinger (Mike Skinner) -- Just got news today in June I will be inducted into the west coast hall of fame what a great honor I am pumped after 37 years I owe a lot
@MSTheGunSlinger (Mike SKinner) -- I owe a lot of people it's been a hell of a ride thanks to our sport for giving back
@SteveByrnes12 -- That beer was cold, @KevinHarvick! pic.twitter.com/Ie3P4AO68E
@Brent_Wentz -- Couldn't ask for a nicer day too be working @worldofoutlaws style at @redrockcasino #oldschool pic.twitter.com/XQniTxWIOV
@nascarcasm -- Danica to Allgaier: "1st time this year I've had tense, post-wreck confrontation with a driver I'm not dating." #phoenix #sprintunlimited
@NigelKinrad -- Victory flag #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/3jqBl45JTZ @PhoenixRaceway @KevinHarvick @StewartHaasRcng @jimmyjohns @RodneyChilders4
@larrymcreynolds28 -- This is about as good as it gets for race in Phoenix FOX SPORTS 1 pic.twitter.com/1vaBwx6rQH
@RCR3ADillon -- The view from @AmericanEthanol hospitality. pic.twitter.com/LIAOXTpPG1
@Jeff_Gluck -- Credit goes to @PhoenixRaceway for bringing @keselowski to tweetup. Some tracks are just more social media friendly than others!
@JamesBuescher -- I'm sure you all agree with me, but I'm really enjoying @DaleJr being on Twitter! Really good tweets!
@odsteve -- Love the Air Titan #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/mBlEhAYNMm
@SamanthaBusch -- Current conditions pic.twitter.com/K7Doh2k14K
@CandiceSpencer -- Yes, @bubbawallace your winning Martinsville truck is in the @nascarhall pic.twitter.com/XThy1Ld8oJ
@jeff_gluck -- Certified meteorologist @NASCAR_WXMAN on the vortex theory: "It would actually cause rain by creating a mini low pressure circulation."
@joshahamilton -- #AirTitan doing work! Check out the difference in asphalt color on pit road from one run. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/MTChPYqtBq
@nascarcasm -- If you're at the track, that device slowly circulating is the #AirTitan, not another qualifier cooling his radiator. #nascar #phoenix
@MartySmithESPN -- Settle down Air Titan. pic.twitter.com/wfGVAQeahO
@tomjensen100 -- The passion @keselowski has for vets is well known. He is now working with Paralyzed Veterans of America vehicle donation program.
@KevinHamlin - A spotters dream for qualifying today: 100% cloudy.
@nascarcasm -- This settles it - the woman can drive... RT @DanicaPatrick: Forgot to show y'all my near hole in one yesterday! pic.twitter.com/TqnNXYMOJ3”
@Kenny_Wallace -- 25 thousand for MOTOR gets you all those Trophies
Allen Bedgood is a Newsletter Contributor and Photographer for Frontstretch. He can be reached via email at allen.bedgood@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter @bedgood15.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
NASCAR Mailbox: Chase System - So Far So Good
by Summer Bedgood
The Frontstretch Five: Drivers Who Deserve A Second Look From Fans and Media
by Amy Henderson
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Phoenix
compiled by Mike Mehedin
Beyond the Cockpit: Timmy Hill on CircleSport, Commitment and Racing Sims
by Summer Bedgood
Did You Notice? ... The Details Behind Busch Double-Duty And NASCAR Teams/Series Needing A Boost
by Tom Bowles
Kurt Busch & the Double: Really?!
by Huston Ladner
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: Sebastien Bourdais won the last Champ Car race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2005 (at that time, the Champ Car World Series shared a bill with the then-Craftsman Truck Series). Bourdais won the race without a piece of bodywork for most of the race. What was he missing and why?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 2000, Shane Hall had a very miserable experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Not only did he fail to qualify for the Sam's Town 300, but he also had a very miserable test session on the then-relatively flat oval. What happened?
A: At the time, Las Vegas Motor Speedway would host an open test in between the January tests in Daytona and Speedweeks. Hall was driving for Alumni Motorsports, a short-lived Busch Series team owned by a number of alumni of The Ohio State University. During the test, Hall crashed exiting Turn 2 and ended up rolling his Monte Carlo down the backstretch. It was a nasty beginning for a team that only managed 11 starts before folding. Hall only qualified for one of those races before being released.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
Vito returns to the website this year with his unique views on everything racing.
Going by the Numbers by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin returns with a look at the statistical side of NASCAR.
Tech Talk by Mike Neff
Mike is back with your look at the technical side of NASCAR. This week, Greg Biffle's crew chief Matt Puccia checks in as the series prepares for another week out west.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff is back with your look at the best bets to fill your fantasy roster. This week, he's got the inside take on who to choose for Vegas.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with your weekly look at the state of the Camping World Truck Series.
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