THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 28th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition LXXX
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 28th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition LXXX
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- Today, teams will continue to test in preparation for future races. The two-day open test at Pocono Raceway concludes today, as well as road course testing at Virginia International Raceway ahead of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.
- NASCAR is promoting a teleconference today, but it's a rather unusual choice. Instead of someone associated with the Sprint Cup Series, they are having Jordan and Ricky Taylor, full-time competitors in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship (as well as teammates and brothers) in for the conference ahead of this Saturday's Chevrolet Sports Car Classic at Belle Isle Park. It is scheduled to take place at 1:00 PM EDT.
Today's TV Listings
Time Telecast Network
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM NASCAR America NBC Sports Network
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 1
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 2*#
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Top News
by Ashley McCubbin
After losing his sponsor and his ride just weeks before the season began, Jeb Burton has been racing one event at a time with ThorSport Racing. But on Tuesday, the organization announced that he would pilot the No. 13 Toyota Tundra for the remainder of the 2014 Camping World Truck Series season with backing from Estes Express Lines.
Estes Express Lines President and CEO Rob Estes is very happy to have Burton as their driver in the Camping World Truck Series
"To have Jeb driving the No. 13 Estes Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is a powerful combination and a perfect match for our company," Estes said. "First, it's safe to say that trucks — all trucks — are our passion. Second, it takes the effort of a large team of highly-skilled people at ThorSport Racing to make sure the No. 13 Tundra is prepared to race and to win , just like at Estes, where every member of our team is essential to the performance of the company as a whole.
"Jeb's job is to cross the finish line first each race and to do so safely, without injury or damage," he continued. "At Estes, our job is to finish that same way with our customers , with every shipment, whether it's door-to-door or coast-to-coast, 40,000 times each day."
Estes Express Lines is a "full-service freight transportation provider offering a complete range of shipping solutions including LTL, time critical, volume & truckload, global and custom solutions." It marks the first motorsports program in the company's 83-year history.
"It's an honor to be driving the No. 13 Estes Toyota," Jeb Burton said. "Each time I get behind the wheel, I'm not only representing the Burton family and ThorSport Racing, now I have the privilege of representing everyone at Estes, which means a team of almost 15,000 employees including more than 6,000 truck drivers ."
Burton currently sits eighth in points with a pair of top 10s in the four races run so far this season. He finished third in points last year driving for Turner Scott Motorsports.
Brett Moffitt to make Sprint Cup Series debut at Dover
Jay Robinson Racing announced that Brett Moffitt will make his Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at Dover International Speedway. The 21-year-old will be behind the wheel of the No. 66 Toyota that has been piloted by Joe Nemechek so far this year.
Moffitt is very excited to make his Sprint Cup debut.
"I'm honored Jay asked me to drive his car at Dover," Moffitt said. "The Monster Mile is a tough, but fun track and I can't wait to get there. I won the 2009 & 2010 K&N East races at Dover so I think I'll feel comfortable there, but Sprint Cup racing is a whole new world."
The Grimes, Iowa native is a nine-time winner in the K&N Pro Series East and a current test driver for Toyota Racing Development. Moffitt made his Nationwide Series debut in 2012 at Iowa Speedway, finishing ninth.
"Brett is a very young driver with a lot of experience for his age," said Robinson. "If you ask around the garage, you will learn he's one of the most respected young men in the sport who just hasn't had a chance at a full-time ride. We think he has a lot of talent and will show it at Dover."
Reed Sorenson, TBR Form Partnership with Theme Park Connecton
Reed Sorenson's No. 36 Chevrolet will feature a new primary sponsor, beginning with Pocono Raceway on June 8th. Tommy Baldwin Racing announced a partnership with Theme Park Connection that will last until the Coke Zero 500 at Daytona in July. After that, the company will remain with TBR as an associate sponsor.
"It's great to have Theme Park Connection join Tommy Baldwin Racing and the No. 36 team," Sorenson said. "Whenever you have a sponsor that really wants to get involved with something the team is doing like our "Salute the Troops" campaign it's great. Theme Park Connection has some awesome memorabilia and I encourage everyone to check out their website to see what new items they have."
Theme Park Connection has been "America's online choice for Disney Collectibles and Movie Memorabilia for over a decade."
Have news for Kevin 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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Today's Featured Commentary
No Pain, No Gain?
by Mark Howell
The fortunes of NASCAR seem to go hand-in-hand with those of the NFL. Just as the NFL recently addressed the problem of head injuries and brain trauma suffered by players, so, too, did NASCAR when the sanctioning body implemented its own concussion-awareness policy earlier this year. And now, as the NFL faces scrutiny over accusations that players were supplied pain killers to mask the discomfort of injuries in order to keep them playing while hurt, should NASCAR also broach a similar subject: what demands does NASCAR place on injured drivers?
Racers driving hurt is nothing new in NASCAR. The experiences of Ricky Rudd racing at Daytona in 1984 with his eyes taped open following a violent wreck in that year's Busch Clash is the stuff of NASCAR folklore. So is the plight of the late Davey Allison, who raced for several weeks in 1992 with an electroshock "vest" and customized casts intended to ease the pain he was suffering from a broken arm, a broken collarbone, and bruised ribs after a hard accident at Pocono Raceway. Allison also drove that summer with a severe concussion.
Driving while hurt was necessitated by the structure of the NASCAR points system back in those days; missing a race meant missing valuable championship points, in addition to prize money. Since stock car racers (and most other racers, for that matter) are considered independent contractors, the decision to compete is left entirely up to them and their teams and/or car owners.
As such, deciding to race while injured was a non-choice since sitting out a race would also mean losing a possible seat at the awards banquet head table. Missing a race meant missing the opportunity for a championship, and missing that opportunity was not worth the recovery time.
And it's erroneous to think that NASCAR drivers don't compete while injured anymore. Look at Dale Earnhardt, Jr. racing, for several months in 2002 with an obvious concussion – obvious to him, at least, given his public admission (after-the-fact) to experiencing headaches and memory lapses – and you'll see signs of the sport's competitive demands overshadowing common sense.
Consider the plight of the late Neil Bonnett, as well. A serious head / brain injury suffered at Darlington in 1990 left him with amnesia, but that setback faded enough for him to get back behind the wheel at Talladega in 1993 (and notice the length of recovery time needed). Another serious wreck in his return to racing left Bonnett again seeking medical clearance to drive. Neil Bonnett was given said medical clearance by NASCAR and he was subsequently hired by James Finch to race at Daytona to open the 1994 Winston Cup season, but we all know about the tragic result. Bonnett lost control of the No. 51 Country Time Lemonade Chevrolet and died while practicing for "The Great American Race."
But isn't "playing hurt" the American way? Doesn't playing while injured teach athletes valuable lessons about honor, dedication, and perseverance? Are those not admirable qualities to encourage and espouse?
While pondering these questions, I sat down to watch a bit of Sunday's running of the Indianapolis 500. There was James Hinchcliffe racing against thirty-two other drivers in what's often called "The Greatest Spectacle in Sports." Hinchcliffe had recently received medical clearance to drive again after recovering from a serious concussion (is there any other kind?), and he wowed the crowd by putting his car in the middle of the front row – a choice starting position given the three-wide lineup used in the 500. Hinchcliffe led early and looked strong, but duty called on Memorial Day Sunday and I moved on to other responsibilities (all that bratwurst wouldn't grill itself).
When I checked the results of the Indy 500 later, I learned that James Hinchcliffe wrecked on lap 175 with pole-sitter Ed Carpenter, knocking both drivers out of the race. There are often multiple reasons for accidents, but the notion that Hinchcliffe had recently been cleared to race after recovering from a concussion led me to think that perhaps the demand to race at Indianapolis and earn championship points may have trumped a decision to sit out a few more weeks just in case what doctors saw and how Hinchcliffe felt were two different things.
It's just a hunch, but look at what happened to the late Neil Bonnett. Might there be some correlation?
No one ever said motorsports are easy, nor are they – regardless of safety advances and medical observation – truly free from physical harm. If there's any truth to the recent NFL accusations about players being supplied with pain killers, perhaps it'll be a good time to revisit the demands placed on race car drivers.
Even with the new-and-improved Sprint Cup "Chase for the Championship" format, drivers may still feel expected to compete each week. Sure…. a win just about assures you a place in the chase, but what about not putting yourself firmly in the top-sixteen in points? What if it takes two or three wins to guarantee your team a chance at the title? Maybe racing hurt must equate with racing success.
Apparently these traits are one and the same in the eyes of NASCAR, like they seem to be for the NFL, too. In that case, what is the true value of winning?
Dr. Mark Howell is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mark.howell@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...
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...
@mw55: They are talking about it..... @tse80sc: @mw55 Are they really going to make a movie out of your book?"
@TonyOldman10: Getting the @GoDaddy Chevy ready to head over to charlotte motor speedway tonight. pic.twitter.com/Pp9s9Y2iI7
@TonyStewart: Dinner is served. Cold! Life of a bachelor pic.twitter.com/wBJo4gSH4G
@TonyStewart: This is what happens when one of my WoO crew chiefs gets to my house before I get home. #lockyourdoors pic.twitter.com/zvHBhu0v6s
@DaleJr: Proud of my niece Kennedy. Won her class last night. pic.twitter.com/ZmPmpbI7kb
@_JasonHunt_ (Jackman for Austin Dillon): Little man was pumped up to finally meet @DanicaPatrick pic.twitter.com/d814TsNXw2
@HermieSadler: Y'all don't tell @Elliott_Sadler , but me , Wyatt and Austin enjoying a lil ice cream before bed at the track!! pic.twitter.com/rUa1yCMYfo
@JimmieJohnson: A strong night at the office http://instagram.com/p/oUjb76EpbW/
@DaleJr: Fields around the house are getting cut. @Amy_Reimann will be runnin into mice around every corner in the house. pic.twitter.com/rGAtYjXPot
@DaleJr: We got a cat. He brings mice IN the house. Woke @Amy_Reimann up in bed with a mice one morning. Best cat ever.
@speed51dotcom: The high-tech track drying system. Yes that's a pine tree. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/mbHVyBQMhk
@CandiceSpencer: How do you impress a new sponsor? Take 'em to Victory Lane just like @KyleLarsonRacin
@MartySmithESPN: 16 years ago we lost my momma. I really miss her. Most Godly, kind person I've ever known. Tell em you love em, y'all. http://instagram.com/p/oZqfHlgo7V/
@RIRInsider: Remember those who served. All gave some, some gave all. pic.twitter.com/PwMo5EAGPY
@MikeMassaroESPN: Thank you to all the military families who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.
@BenKennedy31: Thank you to everyone who has served past and present. Hope you all have a fun and safe Memorial Day
@JimmieJohnson: We had to line up the new guys and blast them, Mr. H even got in on it!
#se7en http://instagram.com/p/odZDf3Epam/
@jeffowens_sn: Capping a long, long day at the Waffle House. Can't think of a better place after a NASCAR race. #CocaCola600
@MartySmith: ESPN Huh pic.twitter.com/goHAm3BDHB
@jeff_gluck: Quiet Track, Coca-Cola 600. #NASCAR http://instagram.com/p/ocl7vrtXu8/
@JebBurtonRacing: Excited to say that I will be racing full time for @ThorSportRacing and Estes-Express-Lines. @NASCAR_Trucks
@BrettMoffitt11: Brett will make his @NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at @MonsterMile this weekend!
@bobpockrass: Brett Moffitt will make his #NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Dover International Speedway driving the Identity Ventures No. 66 car.
@TonyStewart: Guess who got back in a sprint car for the first time today :) pic.twitter.com/HBWG4DNO8Q
@TonyStewart: Thank you to Rusty Rush and everyone @rushtruckcenter for helping me. This was a huge day for me. 9 1/2 months since I've been in one
@ReganSmith: They did an awesome repave job @VIRNow, I miss the old slippery stuff though. Might be enough cars here for an A and B main.
@KevinHarvick: Road course testing today! http://instagram.com/p/ogNOUmRkKz/
@dustinlong: Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano are testing at Road Atlanta today. (Tuesday)
@MichaelAnnett: Testing @poconoraceway today.
@BrianLVickers: Its back to work with @mwrteam after the holiday - Testing at Pocono Raceway for the next two days.
@KurtBusch: @VIRNow (Virginia International Raceway) today testing my @Haas_Automation car today. Tomorrow I finally get a day off
@joeylogano: Time to do a little more road course testing at Road Atlanta today.
Allen Bedgood is a Photographer and Newsletter Contributor for Frontstretch. He can be reached via email at allen.bedgood@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter @AllenBedgood.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Chase Stability, A Missed Opportunity And Quick Hits
by Tom Bowles
Beyond the Cockpit: Ryan Truex on Bad Luck, Homeschooling and Getting Kicked Out
by Mike Neff
Racing to the Point: Hall Voting is Easy ... For Now
by Brett Poirier
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Charlotte I
compiled by Mike Mehedin
by Summer Bedgood
by Matt Stallknecht
Partner Link from Athlon Sports:
by Tom Bowles
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: The 2004 MBNA America 400: A Salute to Heroes is the only Cup Series race at Dover to average less than 100 mph for the full distance. The race was marred by a 19-car crash right after a restart, but what else added substantially to the race's length?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 1992 Goodwrench 200 for the Busch Grand National Series had a short field of just 27 cars. Of those 27, second-year driver Jeff Gordon was one of the fastest, starting from the outside pole and leading 75 laps. However, he ended up with a very disappointing finish. What happened?
A: Gordon was minding his own business when Jimmy Spencer hit the wall exiting Turn 4 and spun the Daily's 1st Ade Oldsmobile ahead of him on the frontstretch. Spencer spun into the outside wall again, then came down the "self-cleaning" frontstretch right into Gordon's path. Gordon could not avoid hitting the Oldsmobile and the inside wall as well. The crash can be seen in this clip.
Gordon was ok, but had to go behind the wall for repairs. The Baby Ruth Ford would eventually return to the race, but finish in 18th, 42 laps down. Spencer was out on the spot.
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:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: The 2004 MBNA America 400: A Salute to Heroes is the only Cup Series race at Dover to average less than 100 mph for the full distance. The race was marred by a 19-car crash right after a restart, but what else added substantially to the race's length?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 1992 Goodwrench 200 for the Busch Grand National Series had a short field of just 27 cars. Of those 27, second-year driver Jeff Gordon was one of the fastest, starting from the outside pole and leading 75 laps. However, he ended up with a very disappointing finish. What happened?
A: Gordon was minding his own business when Jimmy Spencer hit the wall exiting Turn 4 and spun the Daily's 1st Ade Oldsmobile ahead of him on the frontstretch. Spencer spun into the outside wall again, then came down the "self-cleaning" frontstretch right into Gordon's path. Gordon could not avoid hitting the Oldsmobile and the inside wall as well. The crash can be seen in this clip.
Gordon was ok, but had to go behind the wall for repairs. The Baby Ruth Ford would eventually return to the race, but finish in 18th, 42 laps down. Spencer was out on the spot.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Voice of 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, Matt Puccia checks in as the series heads off to Dover.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff is back with your look at the best bets to fill your fantasy roster. This week, he preps you for your best bets as we head into Dover.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with your weekly look at the state of the Camping World Truck Series ahead of Friday's Lucas Oil 200.
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