Friday, March 28, 2014

The Frontstretch Newsletter: Time For Action at Martinsville

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

March 28st, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition XXXVII
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What to Watch: Friday

- Today, the Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series teams are scheduled to be on track for practice sessions (the first Camping World Truck Series session is ongoing as of right now, but is not being televised).  However, wet weather does threaten for much of today and tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
This Weekend's TV Schedule


Friday, March 28

Time                                      Telecast                                                                                                 Network
11:00am - 12:00pm                  K&N Pro Series East Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150                                    FOX Sports 1
12:00pm - 1:30pm                   Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1                                                               FOX Sports 1
1:30pm - 2:30pm                      NASCAR RaceHub                                                                                  FOX Sports 1
3:00pm - 4:30pm                     Camping World Truck Series Happy Hour                                                   FOX Sports 1
4:30pm - 6:00pm                     Sprint Cup Series Qualifying                                                                      FOX Sports 1
7:30pm - 10:30pm                    NHRA Summitracing.com Nationals Qualifying (Opening Round)                 ESPN3$

Saturday, March 29

Time                                       Telecast                                                                                          Network
4:00am - 5:30am                       Formula One Grand Prix of Malaysia Qualifying                                   NBC Sports Network
10:00am - 11:00am                    Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 2                                                       FOX Sports 1
11:00am - 12:30pm                    Camping World Truck Series Qualifying                                              FOX Sports 1
1:00pm - 2:00pm                       Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour                                                            FOX Sports 2
2:30pm - 5:00pm                       Camping World Truck Series Kroger 250                                             FOX Sports 1    
8:00pm - 10:00pm                     NHRA Summitracing.com Nationals Final Qualifying                            ESPN 2*/
8:30pm - 11:30pm                     AMA Monster Energy Supercross: St. Louis                                       FOX Sports 1

Sunday, March 30

Time                                         Telecast                                                                                           Network
3:30am - 4:00am                        F1 Countdown                                                                                   NBC Sports Network
4:00am - 6:00am                        Formula One Grand Prix of Malaysia                                                   NBC Sports Network
6:00am - 6:30am                        F1 Extra                                                                                           NBC Sports Network
11:30am - 12:30pm                     NASCAR RaceDay                                                                            FOX Sports 1
12:30pm - 1:00pm                      FOX Pre-Race                                                                                    FOX
1:00pm - 5:00pm                        Sprint Cup Series STP 500                                                                 FOX
2:00pm - 6:00pm                        NHRA Summitracing.com Nationals Final Eliminations                          ESPN3$
2:30pm - 3:00pm                        F1 Countdown                                                                                   NBC Sports Network*
3:00pm - 5:00pm                        Formula One Grand Prix of Malaysia                                                    NBC Sports Network*
3:00pm - 6:00pm                        Verizon IndyCar Series Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg               ABC
5:00pm - 5:30pm                        F1 Extra                                                                                             NBC Sports Network*
7:00pm - 7:30pm                        NASCAR Victory Lane                                                                        FOX Sports 1


PROGRAMMING KEY:
*- Tape Delayed
/- Highlighted Coverage
$- Available via password-protected online streaming. Check with your programming and/or internet service provider for availability.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Top News
by Justin Tucker

Robinson Battling Breast Cancer 

Former NASCAR driver Shawna Robinson, the first woman to win a pole in what is now the NASCAR Nationwide Series, is now competing in a different race: a race against breast cancer. 

Robinson, who competed in 72 races across NASCAR's top three national series, announced on her Facebook page late Wednesday that she would be beginning up to six months of chemotherapy and then would require surgery.  

"I'm getting ready to start a new journey that was unexpected but I am prepared to take it on as I would any challenge ..with direction and strength," Robinson posted on her Facebook page. "I have breast cancer…when they tell you you have cancer you don't hear the rest you just see talking and you seem to be there but your not hearing the words. But it is real, start Chemo next week for 5-6 months then surgery….there is such progress in cancer treatment..…still scared but prepared for battle. Thankful for the family and friends….I'm blessed to have….ready to go wide open and get this thing!!!"

Robinson's greatest on track achievements while racing included winning three races in the now-defunct Goody's Dash Series. Robinson also finished 10th in a Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen in 1994, and scored a 24th-place finish in the 2002 Daytona 500 for BAM Racing. 

She now works in interior design and is the creator and owner of Happy Chair, which restores old chairs.

Hendrick to Celebrate Fans With 30th Anniversary Sweepstakes

In celebration of Hendrick Motorsports' 30th anniversary in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the race team and its partners will give 30 prizes in 30 days away to fans from March 27 to April 25. The sweepstakes launched on Thursday morning  at HendrickMotorsports.com.

In addition to the 30 daily prizes that will be given away, fans can enter to win one of four grand prizes: the special 30th anniversary firesuits worn by Hendrick drivers Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kasey Kahne during this weekend's STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. 

Fans can enter the sweepstakes once per day up to 30 times per person on HendrickMotorsports.com for a chance to win the daily prizes, such as gift cards, computer tablets, race tickets, autographed memorabilia, a 65-inch LED TV and more. All entries will be eligible for the four grand prize firesuits, which will include 30th anniversary replica helmets.

Grand prize winners will be announced via the @TeamHendrick Twitter page on April 29. The announcement falls on the 30th anniversary of the organization's first Sprint Cup Series win by Geoffrey Bodine at Martinsville in 1984. 

“Thinking back across 30 years of doing this, there are just so many people who made it possible,” Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, said in a statement. “You won’t find anyone more passionate and loyal than NASCAR fans, and we’re so thankful for their incredible support over all this time. We simply wouldn't be where we are today without them.”

South Carolina Sets Darlington Raceway Week for April

The week leading up to the Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway will take on a greater significance this year as the week of April 6-13 will be known as Darlington Raceway Week. The "Week Too Tough To Tame" was deemed such after the South Carolina House and Senate passed a concurrent resolution.

The track's rich 65-year history is a major reason why the resolution was passed by both sides of the legislature. Led by state Senator Gerald Malloy, the resolution outlines the historical significance of Darlington Raceway and addresses the role the track played in building the foundation of NASCAR. 

"We can't thank our state government, led by Senator Malloy, enough for passing this resolution declaring April 6-13 as Darlington Raceway Week, a Week Too Tough To Tame in South Carolina," Darlington Raceway President Chip Wile said. 

The Bojangles' Southern 500 race week gets underway with the 10th annual Darlington car hauler parade on April 9 making its way from the Florence Civic Center, through Darlington Square, and then on to Darlington Raceway. 

Racing action gets underway on April 10 with Nationwide Series practice from 1-4 p.m. ET. Grandstands will be open to fans for just $5. April 11 features Nationwide and Sprint Cup series qualifying  and the Nationwide Series race at 8 p.m. ET. April 12 is the Bojangles' Southern 500 with the stars of the Sprint Cup Series battling for the prestigious Johnny Mantz trophy under the lights at 6:30 p.m. ET

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.
 
~~~~~~~~~~

Keepin' It Short: 
Bringing Short Tracks to the Masses Via the Airwaves
by Mike Neff

Over the years there have been multiple television networks that have, at least for part of their programming, dedicated themselves to broadcasting motorsports. TNN used to show the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars along with other niche motorsports like swamp buggy racing from Naples, Fla.. Speedvision and then SPEED brought racing from all over the globe into the living rooms of race fans everywhere. ABC's Wide World of Sports occasionally showed different racing events -- and don't forget CBS broadcasting the first flag-to-flag Daytona 500 in 1979. 

Unfortunately, while Fox Sports 1, NBC Sports Network and CBS Sports Network show some local racing, the offerings are few and far between and difficult to find in their schedules. Fortunately, the future of short track racing broadcasting is quickly being established by MAVTV.

MAVTV, owned by Lucas Oil Products, has been a platform to showcase all of the company's different racing endeavors since it purchased the network in 2011. Now that the network has cut its teeth showing its own series and tracks, it's stepping up to expand its motorsports coverage with some additional programming. 

Since Wind Tunnel was canceled from Fox Sports 1, Tunnelheads have been clamoring for their fix of Dave Despain. The baritone voiced “wind bag” has found a new home on the fledgling network. Starting April 25, he will be hosting The Dave Despain Show. The program will feature Despain interviewing icons of motorsports in a one-on-one situation for 30 minutes each week. With his innate ability to coax great stories out of his guests, the show will be can't-miss television.

Another new endeavor that will be taking MAVTV to the next level of motorsports coverage is the addition of two shows from the National Speed Sport News. The journalistic compass when it comes to motorsports coverage since 1934 is expanding into television with a news program followed by a race broadcast of some form of grass roots racing. SPEED SPORT Magazine will be a program filled with in-depth reports, features and editorials about racing from across the country and covering all genres. It will be followed by SPEED SPORT, which will showcase an event from somewhere in America that involves motorized racing. From Midgets to Modifieds and motorcycles to mowers, SPEED SPORT will expose fans to some of the best racing in the country that they may have never heard of.

The camera crews from SPEED SPORT TV were in attendance at Millbridge Speedway on Wednesday night to gather footage for their four part series about the 1/6th-mile dirt track outside of Charlotte, N.C., that is quickly establishing itself as the premier Mini Outlaw race track east of the Mississippi River. Look for it to be included in the very first shows from SPEED SPORT on MAVTV. 

With the disappearance of SPEED and the reduction of racing programs on Fox Sports 1, race fans have been begging for motorsports coverage that is new and fresh. MAVTV continues to expand their motorsports coverage and the variety and quality is quickly establishing them as the definitive destination for short track coverage on national television. Keep your eyes open as April ends and May begins to see what MAVTV brings to the table. If you don't have MAVTV as part of your basic lineup on your television provider, look to add it as a premium option and dog your provider to include it in the base package. You won't be disappointed.

This Weekend's Racing Schedule

Friday 03/28/14 Merced Speedway Merced CA World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Friday 03/28/14 Orange Show San Bernadino CA USAC Quarter Midgets
Friday 03/28/14 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA 360 Sprints
Friday 03/28/14 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA Dwarf Cars
Friday 03/28/14 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA Economy Sprints
Friday 03/28/14 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA Wingless Sprints
Friday 03/28/14 Five Flags Speedway Pensacola FL Bombers
Friday 03/28/14 Five Flags Speedway Pensacola FL Modifieds
Friday 03/28/14 Five Flags Speedway Pensacola FL Pro Late Models
Friday 03/28/14 Five Flags Speedway Pensacola FL Sportsman
Friday 03/28/14 Five Flags Speedway Pensacola FL Super Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 Toccoa Speedway Toccoa GA USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Friday 03/28/14 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle IL 4-Cylinders
Friday 03/28/14 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle IL Street Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle IL Thaw Brawl Late Models
Friday 03/28/14 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle IL Thaw Brawl Modifieds
Friday 03/28/14 Humboldt Speedway Humboldt KS B-Mods
Friday 03/28/14 Humboldt Speedway Humboldt KS USMTS Modifieds – King of America IV
Friday 03/28/14 Humboldt Speedway Humboldt KS USRA B-Mods – Iron Man Challenge
Friday 03/28/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Hobby Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Modifieds
Friday 03/28/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Northern Sport Mods
Friday 03/28/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Sport Compacts
Friday 03/28/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Stock Cars
Friday 03/28/14 Lebanon Midway Speedway Lebanon MO Wingless Auto Racing 410 Sprints
Friday 03/28/14 Tri-County Race Track Brasstown NC Old Man's Garage Spring Nationals Dirt Super Late Models
Friday 03/28/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK A-Class
Friday 03/28/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Jr. Sprint
Friday 03/28/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Non-Wing Sprints
Friday 03/28/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Outlaw Sprints
Friday 03/28/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Restrictor
Friday 03/28/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Sportsman  
Friday 03/28/14 Salina Highbanks Speedway Pryor Creek OK Pure Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA Dirt Late Models
Friday 03/28/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA Mini Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA Thunder Cars
Friday 03/28/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA V-8 Super Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 Williams Grove Speedway Mechanicsburg PA 358 Sprints
Friday 03/28/14 Williams Grove Speedway Mechanicsburg PA 410 Winged Sprints
Friday 03/28/14 411 Motor Speedway Seymour TN Mini Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 411 Motor Speedway Seymour TN Nesmith Crate Late Models 
Friday 03/28/14 411 Motor Speedway Seymour TN Sportsman  
Friday 03/28/14 Boyd Raceway Boyd TX Texas Winged Modified Tour
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX Bombers
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX IMCA Modifieds
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX IMCA Sport Mods
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX IMCA Stock Cars
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX Jr. Mini Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX Outlaw Twisters
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX Street Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 Heart O' Texas Speedway Elm Mott TX Twisters
Friday 03/28/14 Lonestar Speedway Kilgore TX Factory Stocks
Friday 03/28/14 Lonestar Speedway Kilgore TX Limited Modifieds
Friday 03/28/14 Lonestar Speedway Kilgore TX Modifieds
Friday 03/28/14 Lonestar Speedway Kilgore TX World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 East Alabama Motor Speedway Phenix City AL Bombers
Saturday 03/29/14 East Alabama Motor Speedway Phenix City AL Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 East Alabama Motor Speedway Phenix City AL Limited Sportsman
Saturday 03/29/14 East Alabama Motor Speedway Phenix City AL Nesmith Crate Late Models 
Saturday 03/29/14 East Alabama Motor Speedway Phenix City AL Road Warriors
Saturday 03/29/14 East Alabama Motor Speedway Phenix City AL Rookie Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 East Alabama Motor Speedway Phenix City AL Southern All Star Super Dirt Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Mobile International Speedway Irvington AL Bombers
Saturday 03/29/14 Mobile International Speedway Irvington AL Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Mobile International Speedway Irvington AL Pro Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Mobile International Speedway Irvington AL Pro Trucks
Saturday 03/29/14 Mobile International Speedway Irvington AL Sportsman  
Saturday 03/29/14 Crawford County Speedway Van Buren AR 360 Economy Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Crawford County Speedway Van Buren AR Front Wheel Drives
Saturday 03/29/14 Crawford County Speedway Van Buren AR Grand Nationals
Saturday 03/29/14 Crawford County Speedway Van Buren AR Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Crawford County Speedway Van Buren AR Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Crawford County Speedway Van Buren AR Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 I-30 Speedway Little Rock AR World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Northeast Arkansas Speedway Harrisburg AR E-Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Northeast Arkansas Speedway Harrisburg AR Factory Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Northeast Arkansas Speedway Harrisburg AR Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Northeast Arkansas Speedway Harrisburg AR Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Avalon Raceway Geelong AU AMCAs
Saturday 03/29/14 Avalon Raceway Geelong AU Juniors
Saturday 03/29/14 Avalon Raceway Geelong AU Production Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Avalon Raceway Geelong AU Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Avalon Raceway Geelong AU Super Sedands
Saturday 03/29/14 Avalon Raceway Geelong AU Wingless Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ AMA Modlites
Saturday 03/29/14 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ Mini Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ Pure Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Southwest Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Cocopah Speedway Somerton AZ IMCA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Cocopah Speedway Somerton AZ IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Cocopah Speedway Somerton AZ IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Cocopah Speedway Somerton AZ Pro Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Cocopah Speedway Somerton AZ Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA California Lightning Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Dixon Speedway Dixon CA Clone Karts
Saturday 03/29/14 Dixon Speedway Dixon CA Outlaw Karts
Saturday 03/29/14 Dixon Speedway Dixon CA Speedway Karts
Saturday 03/29/14 Kings Speedway Hanford CA IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Kings Speedway Hanford CA IMCA Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Kings Speedway Hanford CA Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Kings Speedway Hanford CA USAC West Coast Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Kings Speedway Hanford CA West Coast Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA BCRA Midgets
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA BCRA Vintage Midgets
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA Northern California Modified Association/PBR Spec Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA Super Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA USAC HPD Midgets
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA USAC/BCRA Midgets
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA Vintage Super Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Madera Speedway Madera CA Winged Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Orange Show San Bernadino CA USAC Quarter Midgets
Saturday 03/29/14 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA Dwarf Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Silver Dollar Speedway Chico CA World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA Dwarf Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA Focus Midgets
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA Go-Karts
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA Junior Midgets
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA Mini Dwarfs
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA Senior Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA Sport Compacts
Saturday 03/29/14 Ventura Raceway Ventura CA VRA Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Waterford Speedbowl Waterford CT Valenti Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Limited Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Outlaw Fours
Saturday 03/29/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL V8 Warriors
Saturday 03/29/14 North Florida Speedway Lake City FL Box Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 North Florida Speedway Lake City FL Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 North Florida Speedway Lake City FL Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 North Florida Speedway Lake City FL Pure Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 North Florida Speedway Lake City FL Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Enduro
Saturday 03/29/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Kids Fast 4
Saturday 03/29/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Outlaw Winged Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Pro Figure-8
Saturday 03/29/14 Showtime Speedway Pinellas Park FL Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL Florida Mini Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL Limited Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL Top Gun Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL V8 Thunder Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville FL VSP Mini Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Toccoa Speedway Toccoa GA USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 34 Raceway Burlington IA 360 Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 34 Raceway Burlington IA 4-Cylinders
Saturday 03/29/14 34 Raceway Burlington IA Illinois Midget Racing Association Midgets
Saturday 03/29/14 34 Raceway Burlington IA Midget Lites
Saturday 03/29/14 34 Raceway Burlington IA Mod Lites
Saturday 03/29/14 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle IL 4-Cylinders
Saturday 03/29/14 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle IL Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle IL Thaw Brawl Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle IL Thaw Brawl Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Anderson Speedway Anderson IN CRA Late Model Sportsman
Saturday 03/29/14 Anderson Speedway Anderson IN Legends
Saturday 03/29/14 Anderson Speedway Anderson IN ThunderCars
Saturday 03/29/14 Humboldt Speedway Humboldt KS B-Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Humboldt Speedway Humboldt KS USMTS Modifieds – King of America IV
Saturday 03/29/14 Humboldt Speedway Humboldt KS USRA B-Mods – Iron Man Challenge
Saturday 03/29/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Northern Sport Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Sport Compacts
Saturday 03/29/14 RPM Speedway Hays KS IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Hagerstown Speedway Hagerstown MD 4-Cylinders
Saturday 03/29/14 Hagerstown Speedway Hagerstown MD Dirt Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Hagerstown Speedway Hagerstown MD Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Hagerstown Speedway Hagerstown MD Pure Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Hagerstown Speedway Hagerstown MD Topless Late Model Sportsman
Saturday 03/29/14 Caraway Speedway Asheboro NC Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern National Motorsports Park Kenly NC Bandoleros
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern National Motorsports Park Kenly NC Chargers
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern National Motorsports Park Kenly NC Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern National Motorsports Park Kenly NC Legends
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern National Motorsports Park Kenly NC Limited Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern National Motorsports Park Kenly NC Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern National Motorsports Park Kenly NC UCARs
Saturday 03/29/14 Bridgeport Speedway Swedesboro NJ Crate/Sportsman
Saturday 03/29/14 Bridgeport Speedway Swedesboro NJ Outlaw Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Bridgeport Speedway Swedesboro NJ Race of Champions Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Atomic Speedway Chillicothe OH AMRA Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Atomic Speedway Chillicothe OH AMRA Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Atomic Speedway Chillicothe OH Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Atomic Speedway Chillicothe OH Winged Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Brill Motor Speedway Meeker OK Oil Capitol Racing Series Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK A-Class
Saturday 03/29/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Jr. Sprint
Saturday 03/29/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Non-Wing Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Outlaw Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Restrictor
Saturday 03/29/14 Port City Speedway Tulsa OK Sportsman  
Saturday 03/29/14 Salina Highbanks Speedway Pryor Creek OK Factory Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Salina Highbanks Speedway Pryor Creek OK Grand Nationals
Saturday 03/29/14 Salina Highbanks Speedway Pryor Creek OK Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Salina Highbanks Speedway Pryor Creek OK Pure Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Salina Highbanks Speedway Pryor Creek OK USRA Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern Oklahoma Speedway Ardmore OK Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern Oklahoma Speedway Ardmore OK Limited Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern Oklahoma Speedway Ardmore OK Limited Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern Oklahoma Speedway Ardmore OK Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Southern Oklahoma Speedway Ardmore OK Stock Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Lincoln Speedway Abbottstown PA 410 Winged Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Lincoln Speedway Abbottstown PA Central Pennsylvania Legends
Saturday 03/29/14 Lincoln Speedway Abbottstown PA Super Sportsman
Saturday 03/29/14 Mercer Raceway Park Mercer PA NDRL Northeast Dirt Super Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA 270 Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA 305 Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA 600 Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA Pennsylvania Sprint Series Sprint
Saturday 03/29/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA Thunder Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Path Valley Speedway Park Spring Run PA V-8 Super Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Port Royal Speedway Port Royal PA 355 Econo Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Port Royal Speedway Port Royal PA 410 Winged Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Port Royal Speedway Port Royal PA Dirt Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Shippensburg Speedway Shippensburg PA 125 Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Shippensburg Speedway Shippensburg PA 270 Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Shippensburg Speedway Shippensburg PA 600 Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Shippensburg Speedway Shippensburg PA Go-Karts
Saturday 03/29/14 Shippensburg Speedway Shippensburg PA Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Shippensburg Speedway Shippensburg PA Strictly Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Shippensburg Speedway Shippensburg PA Thunder Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Shippensburg Speedway Shippensburg PA Truck Enduros
Saturday 03/29/14 Trail Way Speedway Hanover PA Mason Dixon Series 270 Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Greenville-Pickens Speedway Easley SC 4-Cylinders
Saturday 03/29/14 Greenville-Pickens Speedway Easley SC Chargers
Saturday 03/29/14 Greenville-Pickens Speedway Easley SC Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Greenville-Pickens Speedway Easley SC Renegades
Saturday 03/29/14 Greenville-Pickens Speedway Easley SC Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Greenville-Pickens Speedway Easley SC Trucks
Saturday 03/29/14 411 Motor Speedway Seymour TN Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 411 Motor Speedway Seymour TN Thunder and Lightning
Saturday 03/29/14 412 Motor Speedway Seymour TN Nesmith Crate Late Models 
Saturday 03/29/14 Smoky Mountain Speedway Maryville TN American Modified Series Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Smoky Mountain Speedway Maryville TN Old Man's Garage Spring Nationals Dirt Super Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Tennessee National Raceway Hohenwald TN Dirt Super Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Tennessee National Raceway Hohenwald TN E-Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Tennessee National Raceway Hohenwald TN Limited Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Tennessee National Raceway Hohenwald TN Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Tennessee National Raceway Hohenwald TN Modified Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Tennessee National Raceway Hohenwald TN Open Wheel Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Tennessee National Raceway Hohenwald TN Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Jr. Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Abilene Speedway Abilene TX Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Battleground Speedway Highlands TX Dwarf Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Battleground Speedway Highlands TX Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Battleground Speedway Highlands TX Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Battleground Speedway Highlands TX Limited Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Battleground Speedway Highlands TX Pure Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Bronco Raceway Park Cleveland TX 360 Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Bronco Raceway Park Cleveland TX Limited Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Bronco Raceway Park Cleveland TX OEM Pro Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX ECO Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Cotton Bowl Speedway Paige TX Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Devil's Bowl Speedway Mesquite TX Factory Stock
Saturday 03/29/14 Devil's Bowl Speedway Mesquite TX Late Models
Saturday 03/29/14 Devil's Bowl Speedway Mesquite TX Limited Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Devil's Bowl Speedway Mesquite TX Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Devil's Bowl Speedway Mesquite TX Racesaver Winged Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Gator Motorplex Willis TX Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Gator Motorplex Willis TX Limited Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Gator Motorplex Willis TX Pure Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Gator Motorplex Willis TX Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Gulf Coast Speedway Alvin TX Eighth Mile Sprint Association Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX Factory Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX IMCA Southern Sport Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX Jr. Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX Racesaver 305 Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX Texas Open Wheel Racing Mini Sprints
Saturday 03/29/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Dwarf Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Hobby Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Limited Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Mod Lites
Saturday 03/29/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Modifieds
Saturday 03/29/14 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX Pure Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Slaton Speedway Slaton TX Go-Karts
Saturday 03/29/14 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Dwarf Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Hot Stock Trucks
Saturday 03/29/14 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Limited Sport Mods
Saturday 03/29/14 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Mini Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Pure Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Street Stocks
Saturday 03/29/14 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Winged Sprint Cars
Saturday 03/29/14 The Broken Trail Wichita Falls TX 125CC Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts (Wingless)
Saturday 03/29/14 The Broken Trail Wichita Falls TX 250CC Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts (Wingless)
Saturday 03/29/14 The Broken Trail Wichita Falls TX Advanced Beginner Box Stock Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts (Wingless)
Saturday 03/29/14 The Broken Trail Wichita Falls TX Beginner Box Stock Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts (Wingless)
Saturday 03/29/14 The Broken Trail Wichita Falls TX Junior Outlaw Clone Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts (Wingless)
Saturday 03/29/14 The Broken Trail Wichita Falls TX Open Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts (Wingless)
Saturday 03/29/14 Evergreen Speedway Monroe WA Hornets
Saturday 03/29/14 Evergreen Speedway Monroe WA Stingers
Saturday 03/29/14 Evergreen Speedway Monroe WA Trains
Saturday 03/29/14 Evergreen Speedway Monroe WA V8 Extreme
Sunday 03/30/14 Orange Show San Bernadino CA USAC Quarter Midgets
Sunday 03/30/14 Waterford Speedbowl Waterford CT Valenti Modifieds
Sunday 03/30/14 Indianapolis Speedrome Indianapolis IN Hornets
Sunday 03/30/14 Indianapolis Speedrome Indianapolis IN Jr. Faskarts
Sunday 03/30/14 Indianapolis Speedrome Indianapolis IN Jr. Hornets
Sunday 03/30/14 Indianapolis Speedrome Indianapolis IN Roadrunners

Mike Neff is a senior writer for The Frontstretch. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com

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Frontstretch Folio: STP 500
by Brad Morgan

The Sprint Cup Series travels to Martinsville Speedway for the sixth race of the 2014 season this Sunday, March 30. Television coverage of the STP 500 begins at 1 p.m. ET on FOX; your local Motor Racing Network (MRN) affiliate or SiriusXM Channel 90 will have the radio broadcast. Drivers will compete for at least 500 laps (263 miles) before the checkered flag waves.

Records and Facts

Jimmie Johnson won this event last season as part of a Hendrick Motorsports sweep at Martinsville. Johnson and HMS teammate Jeff Gordon have combined to win the last three races there.

Gordon holds the record for consecutive starts without a DNF (42).

Kurt Busch won the 2002 Old Dominion 500 from the 36th starting position – the furthest back any driver has come from to win.  That said, starting position is very important, because Sprint Cup Series winners at Martinsville start from the front row 27.6 percent of the time.

Track Facts

Track Length: 0.526-mile paperclip-shaped oval
Pit Road Speed: 30 mph
Degree of Banking: 12 degrees
Frontstretch: 800 ft., 0 degrees of banking  
Backstretch: 800 ft., 0 degrees of banking
Grandstand Seating: 61,000

Pre-race Schedule

Practices: Friday, March 28, 12 – 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1
Saturday, March 29, 10 – 10:55 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1
Happy Hour: Saturday, March 29, 1 – 1:50 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 2
Qualifying: Friday, March 28, 4:40 – 6 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1

VIPs

Grand Marshal: Dale Inman
Command: TBA
Honorary Starter/Green Flag Wave: Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe
Invocation: TBA
National Anthem: Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Army Band
Flyover: the Warbirds

Race Day Forecast

Sunday: Partly Cloudy
High: 61
Low: 34

They Said It:

“Martinsville is a unique track. Next to Bristol, it is probably the longest day in racing, for me anyway. You are done with that race and 95 percent of the drivers are boiling mad. The driver that won, of course, is happy. Everybody else has been knocked, shoved, and pushed around. It is just one of those deals where, going into it, you know you are going to get run into — probably multiple times and you’re going to run into people. You have to know that going in, and you have to try to control your emotions in the car.” – David Gilliland

“[The Martinsville mentality] is a balance between being patient and making the right moves. You can be lapped quickly if your car is off. You want to take care of your race car, but you want to take advantage of the opportunities when you get them.” – Kevin Harvick

“I like going to Martinsville. The track has a lot of heritage and it is one of those places that helped to build NASCAR into what it is today. As a person that enjoys history, I cannot help but reflect on the great history that Martinsville brings. When we go to this track we are getting back to the roots of our sport.” – Brad Keselowski

“Martinsville Speedway is my favorite track on the schedule, and is special to me since it is where I made my NASCAR Sprint Cup debut. Being a true short track, Martinsville provides the underdog a shot at running well. This is my DAYTONA 500. I would rather have that famous grandfather clock that is given to the winner at Martinsville Speedway than a DAYTONA 500 ring.” – Michael McDowell

“It can be a very long day because you work extremely hard. You are pressing the brake a thousand times, the gas pedal a thousand times going back and forth. Mentally, it is tough and physically it can be a tough day.” – David Ragan

“I’d love to get a clock. I do not have one of those yet. We have come close. We have led laps, but we need to get a clock. I think it is a beautiful piece. It is one of the most unique and special trophies on the circuit. I know a few guys that have one -- it is one of their prized trophies.” – Brian Vickers

Brad Morgan is a staff writer for The Frontstretch. He can be reached via email at brad.morgan@frontstretch.com.

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In Case You Missed It
by Ashley McCubbin

Dario Franchitti to Drive Camaro Pacecar at Indianapolis 500


Indianapolis Motor Speedway has announced that three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti will drive a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 for the pace car at the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25.


“It is a tremendous honor for me to be asked to drive the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500,” Franchitti said. “As a historian of motorsport and as a three-time winner of this great race, I will appreciate every minute of getting to pace the field in the new 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Although I won’t be competing in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, this will be as close as one person can get to the action. I can’t wait until May in Indianapolis.”


Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500 in 2007, 2010 and 2012 and is only the third driver ever to win at least three consecutive IndyCar titles, with four overall. He retired after the 2013 season.


For Chevrolet, it marks the 25th time a Chevrolet has paced the race, and the eighth time a Camaro has been the pace car, starting in 1967.


Katie and Matt Kenseth Welcome Baby Girl


On Tuesday evening, Matt Kenseth and wife Katie welcomed their third child. 


Clara Mae Kenseth was born March 25 at 7:39 p.m. EST, weighing in at 8 pounds, 5 ounces. She joins Kaylin and Grace, the Kenseths' other daughters. Matt Kenseth also has a son, Ross, from a previous relationship.


Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed that both Katie and Clara are doing well.


Dollar General to Sponsor Kyle Busch Motorsports for Four Races


Kyle Busch Motorsports announced today that Dollar General will be the primary sponsor of the  team's No. 51 Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for four races in 2014. 


Busch will be behind the wheel for three of the four events -- Kentucky (June), Bristol (August) and Chicagoland (September) -- while Erik Jones will drive the fourth race at Phoenix in November.


Dollar General, the nation's largest small-box discount retailer, has sponsored Busch and his team previously in the Camping World Truck Series, and is a major sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing, Busch's Cup organization.


Ashley McCubbin is a newsletter contributor and one of The Frontstretch's new writers for the 2014 season. She can be reached via email at ashley.mccubbin@frontstretch.com.

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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!

~~~~~~~~~~

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:
~~~~~~~~~~

FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q: For Randy Renfrow, 1996 was his first taste of national exposure.  Driving a No. 41 Ford partially sponsored by the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission, Renfrow ran very well, putting his truck up into the top-10 on multiple occasions.  The Hanes 250 at Martinsville was no exception.  Renfrow started ninth and kept himself in the top 10 all day, often taking advantage of the rarely used outside line.  Racing-Reference says that Renfrow crashed out, but that's not true.  What really put Renfrow out for the day?

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

Q:
 The 2006 Goody's 250 is the most recent appearance at Martinsville Speedway for what is now the Nationwide Series.  Darrell Waltrip made his last NASCAR start in a Dodge entered by brother Michael (Darrell struggled and finished 28th).  However, something else that was supposed to happen did not come to pass.  What was it?

A: Originally, the Goody's 250 was scheduled to be a night race.  Temporary lighting was going to be brought in for what would have been Martinsville Speedway's first-ever night race (since then, they've accomplished this feat, but for the Virginia Is For Lovers 300 for late models).  The race was scheduled to be aired on TNT.  However, a late change saw the race move to NBC.  NBC dictated a 3 p.m. start instead of 7:30, nixing the night race idea.

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 totrivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!  

~~~~~~~~~~

Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- STP 500 Recap by Justin Tucker
-- Never Fear, the Underdogs Are Here by Amy Henderson
-- Sidebar Stories: Martinsville by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!

~~~~~~~~~~

This Weekend on the Frontstretch: 


Four Burning Questions: Fontana by Matt Stallknecht
Matt will be here to give readers a few things to look forward to in Sunday's STP 500.

Tracking the Trucks by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth gives us detailed analysis on what occurred Saturday in Martinsville for the Truck Series' second race of 2014.

~~~~~~~~~~

Monday on the Frontstretch: 


Thinkin' Out Loud: Martinsville by Mike Neff
After a weekend in Martinsville, Mike has all your post-race analysis and a full report on the action in Virginia.

Big Six: STP 500 by Amy Henderson
Amy tackles the Who, What, When, Where, How and Why from what's expected to be a few days of drama, action, and excitement out in Martinsville.

Pace Laps: All Racing Series by the Frontstretch Staff
Our staff keeps you posted on all the racing action that occurred over the weekend.

Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom gives some detailed analysis on one of the biggest stories to come out of a weekend of racing in Martinsville.

Creed's Commentary by Aaron Creed
Aaron has in-depth reaction to a storyline resulting from the Cup race at Martinsville.
-----------------------------
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!
©2014 Frontstretch.com

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