Thursday, July 31, 2014

The Frontstretch Newsletter: Ives to Replace Letarte on Earnhardt Jr.'s Pit Box

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

July 31st, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CXXVI
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What to Watch: Thursday

- Today, the race weekend officially begins at Pocono Raceway.  While the Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series teams are loading into the garage today, the ARCA Racing Series will have two hours of practice this afternoon from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

Today's TV Schedule

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
 
DVR Theater (late Thursday night/early Friday morning)
1:00 AM - 2:00 AM       Formula Off-Road: Toronto                                                                 NBC Sports Network* (from July 19)
2:00 AM - 3:00 AM       Red Bull Global RallyCross: Charlotte                                                NBC Sports Network*/# (from July 26)
3:00 AM - 6:00 AM       TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Brickyard Grand Prix           FOX Sports 1*# (from July 25)
 
*- Tape Delayed
/- Highlighted Coverage
#- Repeat Coverage
$- Available via password-protected online streaming. Check with your internet and/or programming provider for availability.

Top News
by Phil Allaway

Ives to Replace Letarte as Earnhardt Jr.'s Crew Chief in 2015

On Wednesday, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Greg Ives, currently the crew chief for Chase Elliott in the Nationwide Series, will serve as the crew chief for Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s No. 88 team in the Sprint Cup Series starting in 2015.  He will replace Steve Letarte, who was previously announced as a booth analyst for NBC's NASCAR coverage beginning next summer.  Read more at Frontstretch.

Goodyear Tire Test Announced for Homestead... With Caveats

NASCAR and Goodyear announced Wednesday that a tire test has been scheduled for August 26th at Homestead-Miami Speedway, site of the final race of the season.  However, with the new Chase format, some caveats have been added in to make sure no Chaser gets an unfair advantage from the test.  Read more at Frontstretch.

Thrivent Financial to Sponsor McDowell at Bristol

On Wednesday, Leavine Family Racing announced that Thrivent Financial, a financial services company that caters to Christians, will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 95 Ford at Bristol Motor Speedway in the Irwin Tools Night Race.  In addition, the company will serve as an associate sponsor in four as-yet-unnamed races.  Read more at Frontstretch.

Entry List Update:
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night.  However, they are still subject to change.


Sprint Cup Series GoBowling.com 400: 43 cars entered


Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 40
- Landon Cassill for Hillman Racing

No. 66 - Joe Nemechek for Michael Waltrip Racing/Identity Ventures Racing

No. 93 - Johnny Sauter for BK Racing*

 

Driver Changes:
No. 33
- Alex Kennedy returns to the seat, replacing David Stremme. Kennedy is running a limited schedule in the car based on funding.
No. 37 - Dave Blaney is in the seat, replacing Bobby Labonte. Blaney is running for a new, third car trotted out by Tommy Baldwin Racing this summer. It's unknown whether he will go the distance.
No. 66 - Joe Nemechek returns to the seat, replacing Brett Moffitt. Nemechek runs for Jay Robinson when a funded, Toyota-sponsored driver does not take the seat.

No. 93 - Johnny Sauter is in the seat, replacing Mike Bliss. Sauter is driving a fourth car for BK Racing to "fill the field" and will start-and-park.

 

Since there are only 43 cars entered, no one will fail to qualify.

 

Not Entered:
No. 12
- Juan Pablo Montoya for Team Penske
No. 21 - Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing
No. 29 - Matt Crafton for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard
No. 95 - Michael McDowell for Leavine Family Racing

 

Nationwide Series U.S. Cellular 250 presented by New Holland: 39 cars entered


Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 20
- Michael McDowell for Joe Gibbs Racing

No. 22 - Brad Keselowski for Team Penske

No. 31 - Chase Pistone for Turner Scott Motorsports

No. 40 - Josh Wise for The Motorsports Group

No. 87 - Joe Nemechek for Identity Ventures Racing

 

Driver Changes:
No. 5
- Josh Berry is in the seat, replacing Kevin Harvick.  Berry will be making his Nationwide Series debut.

No. 20 - Michael McDowell returns to the seat, replacing Matt Kenseth. McDowell is running a limited schedule for JGR at some standalone events.

No. 22 - Brad Keselowski returns to the seat, replacing Joey Logano. Keselowski is part of a merry-go-round of Penske drivers sharing this seat.

No. 23 - Josh Reaume returns to the seat, replacing Robert Richardson, Jr.

No. 29 - Kenny Wallace returns to the seat, replacing Scott Lagasse, Jr.

No. 31 - Chase Pistone returns to the seat, replacing Dylan Kwasniewski.

No. 42 - Dylan Kwasniewski returns to the seat, replacing Kyle Larson. Kwasniewski runs this car at the standalone events when Larson does not compete.
No. 44 - Hal Martin returns to the seat, replacing David Starr.

No. 46 - An unknown driver will be in the seat, replacing Matt DiBenedetto.
No. 54 - Sam Hornish, Jr. returns to the seat, replacing Kyle Busch. Hornish is running seven races this season.

No. 74 - Mike Harmon returns to the seat, replacing Kevin Lepage.

No. 87 - Joe Nemechek returns to the seat, replacing Josh Reaume. Nemechek is also running in the Cup event, at Pocono so it's possible this entry may change.

 

Since there are only 39 cars entered, no one will fail to qualify.  However, these drivers must still qualify on speed:

No. 5 - Josh Berry for JR Motorsports

No. 10 - Blake Koch for TriStar Motorsports

No. 17 - Tanner Berryhill for Vision Racing

No. 29 - Kenny Wallace for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

No. 46 - Unknown driver for The Motorsports Group
No. 70 - Derrike Cope for Derrike Cope Racing

No. 74 - Mike Harmon for Mike Harmon Racing

No. 84 - Chad Boat for Billy Boat Motorsports

No. 89 - Morgan Shepherd for Shepherd Motor Ventures*

 

Not Entered:

No. 25 - John Wes Townley for Athenian Motorsports

No. 72 - Carl Long for Carter Racing
No. 98 - David Ragan for Biagi-DenBeste Racing

 

Camping World Truck Series Pocono Mountains 150: 32 trucks entered


Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:

No. 3 - Austin Dillon for Richard Childress Racing

No. 28 - Ryan Ellis for FDNY Racing

No. 32 - Kyle Larson for Turner Scott Motorsports


Driver Changes:
No. 07
- An unknown driver will be in the seat, replacing Jared Landers.

No. 08 - Ray Black, Jr. is in the seat, replacing Korbin Forrester.

No. 0 - Caleb Roark returns to the seat, replacing Joe Cobb.
No. 3 - Austin Dillon returns to the seat, replacing his brother, Ty Dillon.

No. 8 - Joe Nemechek returns to the seat, replacing his son, John Hunter Nemechek.

No. 9 - Jason White is in the seat, replacing Chase Pistone.

No. 20 - Justin Lofton returns to the seat, replacing Gray Gaulding.

No. 63 - Justin Jennings returns to the seat, replacing J.R. Heffner.


Since there are only 32 trucks entered, no one will fail to qualify.  However, these drivers must still qualify on speed:

No. 05 - John Wes Townley for Athenian Motorsports

No. 0 - Caleb Roark for JJC Racing*

No. 3 - Austin Dillon for Richard Childress Racing

No. 23 - Spencer Gallagher for GMS Racing

No. 28 - Ryan Ellis for FDNY Racing

No. 40 - Todd Peck for Peck Motorsports

No. 59 - Kyle Martel for Martel Racing

*- Expected to Start-and-Park

 

Not Entered:

No. 03 - Mike Affarano
No. 2 - Richard Childress Racing

No. 14 - Michael Annett for NTS Motorsports

No. 80 - Jody Knowles

No. 82 - Cody Erickson for Empire Racing

 

Verizon IndyCar Series Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio: 22 cars entered


Driver Changes: None

 

Entries:

No. 2 - Juan Pablo Montoya for Team Penske

No. 3 - Helio Castroneves for Team Penske

No. 7 - Mikhail Aleshin for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports

No. 8 - Ryan Briscoe for NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing

No. 9 - Scott Dixon for Target Chip Ganassi Racing

No. 10 - Tony Kanaan for Target Chip Ganassi Racing

No. 11 - Sebastien Bourdais for KVSH Racing

No. 12 - Will Power for Team Penske

No. 14 - Takuma Sato for A.J. Foyt Enterprises

No. 15 - Graham Rahal for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

No. 17 - Sebastian Saavedra for KVAFS Racing

No. 18 - Carlos Huertas for Dale Coyne Racing

No. 19 - Justin Wilson for Dale Coyne Racing

No. 20 - Mike Conway for Ed Carpenter Racing

No. 25 - Marco Andretti for Andretti Autosport

No. 27 - James Hinchcliffe for Andretti Autosport

No. 28 - Ryan Hunter-Reay for Andretti Autosport

No. 34 - Carlos Munoz for Andretti Autosport/HVM Racing

No. 67 - Josef Newgarden for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing

No. 77 - Simon Pagenaud for Schmidt Peterson Hamilton Motorsports

No. 83 - Charlie Kimball for Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing

No. 98 - Jack Hawksworth for Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian

 

ARCA Racing Series ModSpace 125: 33 cars entered

 

Driver Changes:
No. 00
- Wayne Peterson returns to the seat, replacing Tom Woodin.
No. 06 - Don Thompson is in the seat, replacing Wayne Peterson.
No. 6 - Josh Williams returns to the seat, replacing Mark Lambert.

No. 10 - Ed Pompa returns to the seat, replacing Blake Hillard.
No. 40 - Evan Pardo is in the seat, replacing Mike Senica.

No. 52 - Matt Tifft returns to the seat, replacing Ken Schrader.
No. 66 - Brennan Poole is in the seat, replacing J.J. Haley.
No. 68 - Michael Lira returns to the seat, replacing Chris Bailey, Jr.

No. 69 - Will Kimmel returns to the seat, replacing Michael Lira.
No. 97 - Roger Carter returns to the seat, replacing Ray Ciccarelli

 

Notable Entries:
No. 5
- Bobby Gerhart for Bobby Gerhart Racing
No. 6 - Josh Williams for Williams Motorsports

No. 15 - John Wes Townley for Venturini Motorsports

No. 22 - Austin Wayne Self for Cunningham Motorsports

No. 25 - Justin Boston for Venturini Motorsports

No. 44 - Frank Kimmel for Win-Tron Racing

No. 52- Matt Tifft for Ken Schrader Racing

No. 53- Andrew Ranger for NDS Motorsports

No. 55- Cody Coughlin for Venturini Motorsports

No. 66- Brennan Poole for Venturini Motorsports

No. 77- Tom Hessert, III for Cunningham Motorsports

No. 88- Justin Allison for Team BCR

No. 90- Grant Enfinger for GMS Racing

No. 98- Mason Mitchell for Mason Mitchell Motorsports


Not Entered:
No. 4
- Brandon Jones for Turner Scott Motorsports

No. 8- Barry Layne for Finney Motorsports

No. 11- Fast Track Racing

No. 27- A.J. Fike for Fike Motorsports

No. 29- Wayne Edwards for Brown Motorsports

No. 60- Kyle Weatherman for Roulo Brothers Racing

No. 72- Shannon McIntosh for Cunningham Motorsports

No. 80- Brian Finney for Finney Motorsports


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. Comments can also be sent to frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.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!
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Today's Featured Commentary
Potts' Shots for July 31

by John Potts

What can be done to make the Indianapolis Motor Speedway more conducive to NASCAR-style stock car racing?

The narrow track with long straightaways and comparatively flat turns (nine degrees, 15 minutes of banking – like most NASCAR straights) doesn't lend itself well to the type of rubbin' and racin' that most stock car fans are accustomed to.To be frank, I think driving a stock car around that place is just like driving an Indy Car, just 35 miles an hour or so slower. It's a precision thing. The driver has to hit his or her marks almost dead on every lap.

The passing usually takes place in the pits or on restarts. In Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race, I can only recall one on-track green flag pass for the lead that wasn't on a restart, and that was Jeff Gordon around Kevin Harvick after Harvick, the polesitter, had taken the lead on the start.

You can be sure that the Speedway's management is concerned about the fact that fans are voting with their wallets. A virtual sellout (roughly 230,000 people) for the first Brickyard 400 in 1994 compares to an estimated 70,000 or 85,000 on Sunday, depending on who you ask.

Because I'm slightly prejudiced about it, I hesitate to mention that the Nationwide race on Saturday fares even worse. If you can loose 85,000 people at IMS, 25 or 30,000 are even worse. You could have fired a cannon loaded with grapeshot at a couple of those grandstands and never hit anybody.

Before it was moved from what was then Indianapolis Raceway Park, the crowds were approaching 40,000, the place was packed, and the race was voted the best NASCAR event of the year a couple of times. Yeah, the racing was better on the .686-mile oval, too.

I wasn't doing a column at the time, but I predicted that the first couple of Brickyards would be fantastically successful, but that the race may fade in popularity due to the aforementioned non-suitability for NASCAR and the fact that NASCAR fans like to be able to see all the way around the race track.

I didn't expect it to fall as far as it has, and the economy has obviously had an effect, but 85,000 still compares well with the crowds NASCAR is getting at other venues. Even Daytona is reducing the number of seats available. They don't run in many places with 230,000 seats.

The management at IMS has one possible fix on the table, but they're obviously not completely sold on it as yet. According to IMS president Doug Boles, a new eight-foot wide apron on the inside of the turns has been approved by the board of directors, but no final decision has been made. Rest assured that the effect it may have on IndyCar racing will be a major factor in whether this project gets the go-ahead.

It's been tried on Turn Two at Pocono, but not all the competitors were happy with it. Denny Hamlin said it was like driving into a hole, and added that with today's cars, the apron has to be at the same banking and level as the rest of the turn. I suppose we'll see what we'll see.
- - - - - - - -
Spent a VERY enjoyable weekend at IMS, working for my friend Jim Morrison at Hawkeye Racing News. My 24-year-old granddaughter, Toni, was my photographer. Her first assignment, and let's just say she's learning fast.
She's been something of a race fan, but never exposed to anything like this. Now she's ready to go back for the 500 next Spring.
- - - - - - -
As always, one of the neat things about covering events at IMS is the people you meet. The girls who are essentially the brains of the operation of the Media Center are a delight to be around, and they make everyone feel welcome. I'm looking forward to the Moto GP race in a couple of weeks.

And I was happy to finally meet, in person, Larry MacReynolds. We've been corresponding by e-mail for a couple of years. His best comment was that the Kentucky decals on my three-wheel cart "just won't do." He wants to see it with a "Roll Tide" sticker. What can I say – it's a blue cart. I think he hears all of the UK talk he wants to hear from DW.

Another person I met personally for the first time was my Frontstretch colleague Mike Neff. Very knowledgeable guy, and fun to be around. Can't wait to see him again.  And it was positively super to see Susan Chrysler again after about 12 years. One of my favorite people from when I was at Indianapolis Raceway Park and her family was operating Kil-Kare.
- - - - - - -
Just how long are race names going to get? Sunday's event was the "Crown Royal presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard powered by BigMachineRecords.com."  And I thought Brock Yates' old "Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash" was a long title.

It's a sign of the times, folks. When somebody makes a significant contribution to the sponsorship and presentation of an event, they have to be recognized.

John Potts is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at john.potts@frontstretch.com.

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The Critic's Annex: Eldora and Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis
by Phil Allaway

Hello, race fans.  Welcome back to another edition of the Critic's Annex, where we take an additional look at motorsports programming.  Normally, a Camping World Truck Series race would be covered in the regular Couch Potato Tuesday article of the week at Frontstretch.  However, due to time constraints, I was unable to get it in there this week.  It's running today as a result.  It's paired with the Scott Get Geared Up 200, an ARCA Racing Series event held Friday night at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.

1-800 CarCash Mudsummer Classic

Ah yes, the Mudsummer Classic. The one time a year that a NASCAR-sanctioned series puts on treaded, bias-ply tires and has at it on a loose surface.  It also creates a quandry for me, the TV critic. Where do you start critiquing?  Normally, this isn't an issue.  Start with the Setup.  Not so much when qualifying is a series of six races.  So, my critiquing started with the heat races.  And therein, we have our first problem of the night.

Like a typical short track on a Saturday night, NASCAR ran the heat races in rapid-fire fashion.  Unfortunately, such a setup is not really conducive to FOX Sports' wishes.  FOX Sports took a commercial break after each heat race, then aired interviews as well.  As a result, by the time the heat races were done in real time, FOX Sports was only up to Heat No. 3.  It makes a mockery of calling the event live.  FOX Sports wanted to cover the heat races like they cover the regular group qualifying sessions, but that just doesn't work here.  My guess is that FOX Sports probably didn't want to have to air something else between the LCQ and the Setup, which they didn't have to do.

The Setup was somewhat typical.  We got some interviews and pre-race analysis.  No Hollywood Hotel this year, though.  What really stood out was a feature on Norm Benning, arguably the star of last year's Mudsummer Classic.  I'd argue that most viewers really don't know much about the ARCA veteran.  FOX Sports cameras followed Benning to a team meeting.  Since Benning is the only full-time employee of his race team, the meeting of himself and his volunteers took place at a local restaurant.  We see Benning (with some help) working on his race trucks in a two-car garage behind his house.  It's easy to see that Benning is a very dedicated racer, but that's he's clearly just about on his own.  It's quite an achievement just to get to the track every week.  Granted, Benning's team is not the first race team to compete in the Camping World Truck Series to operate out of a two-car garage.  As you might remember, Premiere Motorsports (No. 17 Toyota) operated out of a garage as well before it was purchased by Red Horse Racing.

I would describe the broadcast booth as "quite excitable" during any of the on-track activity, not just during the race.  I never saw Rick Allen on television before he got the play-by-play gig with SPEED back in 2003, but it seems like he's right at home calling dirt races.  And it makes sense, since he worked the PA at dirt tracks before working for SPEED.

Wednesday night was Allen's final Camping World Truck Series telecast for FOX Sports 1 as hie prepares to transition to Sprint Cup next year for NBC and NBC Sports Network.  Knowing that Allen has called every single Truck race ever aired on SPEED/FOX Sports 1, it's just not going to be the same.  Apparently, Adam Alexander and Steve Byrnes are going to split the remaining 12 truck races for the rest of 2014.  Who knows how well either one of them will work with Parsons and Waltrip.

Also, for those of you who watched practice and noticed JR Heffner mentioned as a multiple-time Mr. Dirt Track U.S.A. Champion, that is not a series of races.  Mr. Dirt Track U.S.A. is the round of the Super DirtCar Series for Northeast-style Big Block Modifieds held at Lebanon Valley Speedway (this year's edition is August 14th).  It is a 100-lap race and the winner takes home $17,500.  Heffner is a multiple-time winner of the race, including 2010, when he won despite his engine blowing and transmission beginning to seize up with a lap and a half to go.  Let's just say that the smell was quite pungent.

The mess with Ty Dillon during the fifth caution is something that FOX Sports was generally on top of.  However, I don't think NASCAR was on top of it.  The official in Ty Dillon's pit should have told them that they couldn't do what they did.  Had that happened, it would have prevented a lot of his issues, most notably the fact that he got lapped in the pits.

Post-race coverage was relatively decent.  Viewers got five post-race interviews, along with a check of the point standings.  The unofficial results were displayed in the FOX Box.  In addition, there was a farewell of sorts to Allen before FOX Sports left Eldora to get to the Chevrolet Cup match between the LA Galaxy and Manchester United (which ended up being a butt-kicking).

Overall, I did enjoy the actual racing, but I think that FOX Sports needs to do away with their time shifting when heat races are in play.  It just irritates people.  I feel like the time shifting in general won't be back next year even for group qualifying (apparently, the time slots were decided before NASCAR announced the group qualifying format), but it really doesn't work at Eldora.

Scott Get Geared Up 200

On Friday night, the ARCA Racing Series returned to Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis in Clermont, IN for 200 laps of action. The race was a lot more competitive than I personally thought that it would be.  How did FOX Sports 1 cover the event?  Let's take a look.

Pre-race coverage was somewhat limited.  We got a montage that featured pretty much all the major full-time contenders in the series that could have battled for the win.  Granted, most of them were in the hunt at some point, but the man who ended up in Victory Lane wasn't in there because he's not a regular.  There were no driver interviews, taped or live.

The rade was touted as being a fully-live broadcast with little or no time shifting.  However, I felt that I noticed a little shifting in a couple of areas.  One was during the pace laps.  Also of note, they had to delay the start of the race briefly because they didn't have an ambulance in the infield.  If that was the case, why did they even crank the engines?

The race had a lot of side-by-side action (especially after restarts) that was quite enjoyable to watch.  The action was not limited to the absolute front of the field, and neither were FOX Sports' cameras. Some of the action that we saw was crazier than any of the Nationwide races that were held there until 2011.

With a race like Friday night's, Rick Allen typically shines in the booth and this occasion was no exception.  Allen mentioned during the race that he had called roughly 400 races in the broadcast booth with Phil Parsons.  Sadly, that pairing is coming to an end.  Over the past 11 years, that pairing has become the most dependable booth pairing in NASCAR.

Having said all the good things about the telecast, there were a couple of issues.  There were numerous technical issues with the FOX Box throughout the first half of the race.  My guess is that someone's transponder was going crazy, but I'm not sure.

Post-race coverage was relatively brief because FOX Sports was right up against the end of their timeslot.  Viewers saw interviews with the top-3 finishers (Brandon Jones, Austin Wayne Self and Frank Kimmel), along with the point standings and unofficial results (in the FOX Box) before FOX Sports left to go to a boxing match.

Overall, I did enjoy watching Friday night's ARCA competition.  While there were times in which drivers ran away and hid (the time that Justin Boston was up front comes to mind), other parts of the race featured side-by-side racing.  The race may not have had a last lap pass like Thursday night's USAC Silver Crown event or the CRA Super Series event that immediately preceded the ARCA race, but anyone that was in the stands watching got their money's worth.

That's all for this week.  Hope you enjoyed your two race write-up.  Next week, I'll be back with a look at Sunday's Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio for the Verizon IndyCar Series.  Until then, enjoy this weekend's racing in Pocono, Mid-Ohio and Iowa.

Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Manager and a Senior Writer at Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.  Follow him on Twitter at @Critic84.

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Frontstretch Line of the Week


From Beyond the Cockpit with Tyler Reddick – Trucks, Super Dirt Late Models and Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts


"
They are nothing like it. It is cool going around the same track but that is about the only thing in common between the Late Model and the Truck. The Truck gets around there in 21.8 or 21.9 before it gets much drier. Late Models go around there in 16 or 17 at the slowest. There is a big difference for sure but it is a lot of fun out there. It is different seeing the track from a different perspective based on the pace. Going around so much slower you get to see a few things around the race track that you didn't notice before." - Tyler Reddick, on driving his truck at Eldora.
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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 AT FRONTSTRETCH:
 
as told to Mike Neff
 
by Beth Lunkenheimer

 
by Kevin Rutherford

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q:  Dale Earnhardt, Jr. may have won at Pocono back in June, but he's never really had the best luck on the scalene triangle.  The 2006 Pennsylvania 500 was no exception to the rule, as Earnhardt Jr. walked out of Pocono with a last -place finish.  What happened?

Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Wednesday's Answer:

Q:  In the 2003 Pennsylvania 500, then-rookie Casey Mears was having a decent run in the No. 41 Target Dodge. Chip Ganassi's move to get Mears more seat time in both the Busch Series and ARCA via Braun Racing was clearly paying off. However, Mears' decent run at the triangle came up about 75 miles short of completion. What happened?

A:  Mears was having a decent run, but with 34 laps to go, Mears spun and backed hard into the wall in Turn 1.  The Target Dodge was shortened up significantly.  Unfortunately, TNT decided not to show a replay of the race at the time.  Mears was ok, but he was out of the race.

Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee:  If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs!  If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE! 

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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Justin Tucker
-- In Case You Missed It by Staff
-- Keepin' It Short by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!


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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:


Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a number of pertinent issues including Denny Hamlin's parts confiscation, Jeff Gordon getting to 90 career wins and more.

IndyCar Preview: Mid-Ohio by TBA
We'll have a preview of this weekend's Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.

Holding A Pretty Wheel by Amy Henderson
Amy returns this week with another intriguing Friday commentary.

Frontstretch Foto Funnies by the Frontstretch Staff
Pictures can lead to a thousand laughs; join us in our weekly dose of humor that comes from those candid moments at the track.

Nuts For Nationwide by Kelly Crandall
Kelly returns to bring us up-to-date on NASCAR's second-tier series as they return to the track this weekend at Iowa Speedway.

Happiness Is... by P. Huston Ladner
Don't let your life sink into the pits. Huston takes a look at the racing stories from the last seven days that should leave you smiling.
-----------------------------
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

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The Frontstretch Newsletter: NASCAR Drops the Hammer on Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 Team

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 30th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CXXV

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Today's TV Schedule


Time                                 Telecast                                                                               Network
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM            Formula DRIFT: Long Beach, Part 1                                   NBC Sports Network*/# (from April 4)
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM            NASCAR America                                                               NBC Sports Network
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM            NASCAR RaceDay                                                              FOX Sports 1
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM            NASCAR RaceDay                                                              FOX Sports 2*#
10:00 PM - 11:00 PM        Blancpain Endurance Series Total 24 Hours of Spa            CBS Sports Network*/ (from July 26-27)

* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
# - Repeat Coverage

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Top News
by Ashley McCubbin

Editor's Note: With the new website, we'll provide only a PARTIAL read of the news in the Newsletter with a link to the top story on our website. With the "new" Frontstretch, there will be far more times the website is updated 24/7 so be sure to check the website for all the latest news and information on NASCAR!

Denny Hamlin and No. 11 Team Penalized Following Indianapolis Race

NASCAR announced on Tuesday that the No. 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team of Joe Gibbs Racing has been penalized for a rule infraction that was found during post-race inspection at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this past weekend. NASCAR has suspended crew chief Darian Grubb and car chief Wesley Sherrill for the next six races and placed both on probation for the next six months. Grubb has also been fined a total of $125,000. Hamlin will lose 75 championship drivers points, while car owner J.D. Gibbs will lose 75 championship owner points. Read more.

Maaco to Serve as Associate Sponsor for Jeff Gordon at Pocono Raceway

When Jeff Gordon takes to the Tricky Triangle this weekend, he will have Maaco on the rear quarter panels of his No. 24 Chevrolet SS as they will serve as an associate sponsor for the GoBowling.com 400. Gordon will have Axalta in the hood, as normal. Read more.

Overnight Ratings From Indianapolis Down Slightly from 2013

The TV broadcast of Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway brought in a 3.4 U.S. Rating, averaging 5.196 million viewers. The viewership is down from the 2013 race, which boasted an average of 5.46 million viewers. Read more.

Hermie Sadler to Make Two Nationwide Series Starts for TriStar Motorsports

TriStar Motorsports announced that Hermie Sadler will drive the No. 19 Toyota Camry for TriStar Motorsports at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 22nd and at Richmond International Speedway on September 5th. It will marks the first Nationwide Series start for the FOX Sports 1 analyst since 2010. Read more.

Hal Martin to Run Iowa Speedway for TriStar Motorsports

TriStar Motorsports announced on Monday that Hal Martin will be behind the wheel of the No. 44 American Custom Yachts Toyota Camry this weekend at Iowa Speedway. Read more.

Jason White to Run Part-Time Truck Series Schedule for NTS Motorsports

NTS Motorsports announced on Tuesday that Jason White will run a part time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule, beginning with this weekend's Pocono Mountains 150 on Saturday. Read more.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~

Today's Featured Commentary
Now It's Our Turn
Professor of Speed

by Mark Howell


Race fans of the world: unite!

Conventional wisdom says that what's good for one organization should be good for another, given that they have similar interests and goals. That said, I propose the following: the creation of a collective for those of us who follow NASCAR and seek increased value for our time, attention, and spending.

Call it the Race Fans Alliance, or the RFA, for short.

Let's face it; if everyone in NASCAR is suddenly concerned about excessive costs and massive spending (and we all know that's nothing new when it comes to the sport of automobile racing), why shouldn't fans be up-in-arms about how they've been treated over the decades?

Residents of NASCAR Nation can organize just as easily as race teams can, and they should.

If race teams are exploring ways to trim expenses through cooperation with service providers like hotels and car rental chains, why couldn't members of the RFA be given the same consideration? Whenever a hotel or motel near a racetrack (and "near" is a very general term) requires a specific number of nights stay for what are obviously wildly inflated prices, fans should have some kind of recourse other than looking for other lodging options.

The same goes for restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores that suddenly raise their prices as soon as NASCAR Nation crosses the county line. Such advantage-taking is both inappropriate and immoral. Unfortunately this kind of behavior is typical whenever people are deemed to be in need; it's the kind of gouging that occurs after (and often even before) natural disasters ravage an area.

I know a little about price-gouging because I live it. The village where my family and I reside (population 688) sits on the shores of Lake Michigan where it comes inland around the Leelanau Peninsula. Needless to say, it's a very scenic area and very popular with tourists nearly year-round.

As such, the region I call home sucks annually from the teat of tourism.

Sure, tourism helps pay the bills (seasonal homes around here have property taxes nearly twice the rate of primary residences), but the habit of raising prices is felt every time I go to the grocery store or stop to buy gasoline come the month of May. The same is true for the region south of us each summer when it's time for the National Cherry Festival or the Traverse City Film Festival; the signs go up and so do the prices on most everything. I guess it's all connected to the theory of supply and demand.

That said: when the tourists go home, they take their money with them. The cash only hangs around as long as the visitors do….

So if race teams are actively demanding more control of their annual budgets and their competitive leverage within NASCAR, the audiences who pay to watch them compete should expect the same courtesy, should they not?

It has often been said that if it was not for the fans, there would be no NASCAR. As attendance numbers continue to dwindle, and as television ratings continue to drift about like clouds on a windy day, it seems as though right now is the best time for fans to make their own demands heard.

All of it goes back to a basic fact: NASCAR is little more than show business. Like all mass entertainments, the enterprise only succeeds if large numbers of interested people pay their admission price and watch the show.

This notion can be traced back to the Hippodromes and arenas of ancient Rome and the era of chariot races, mock naval battles, and feeding Christians to lions. The entertainment back then may have been violent and brutal to watch, but at least fans in the stands occasionally received a free loaf of bread….

Have you seen the prices at most NASCAR concession stands lately? I'd happily watch a gladiator skewer an opponent with a spear in exchange for free food! Why should I be expected to drop twenty dollars (or more) for lunch at a race and smile about the privilege?

Don't the citizens of NASCAR Nation (and all sports fans, for that matter) deserve better?

Finding workable solutions to such problems should not be difficult. First thing to do: vendors of all sorts – from hotels to grocery stores to trackside food stands – could agree to make overall profit less of a priority. Race fans WILL spend money, so offering good services to fans at lower prices will still put you in the black once NASCAR folds up its tent and moves on.

Why harshly gouge the few when you could gently squeeze the many?

As has been suggested in regard to race teams trying to buy common parts and pieces in bulk amounts as a means of cutting costs (the Costco school of race shop management), why couldn't a similar strategy be used by NASCAR Nation? If a hotel chain like Holiday Inn agreed to set an affordable bulk room rate for one of its facilities near a race, wouldn't the assurance that people would rent rooms be of more comfort to corporate bean-counters than soaking a handful by imposing Draconian stay requirements? Maybe provide race fans with a membership card of sorts that allows for some kind of group discount plan?

As the RTA seems to believe, there is strength to be found in organized numbers.

A little fairness and kindness can go a long, long way when it comes to generating fan loyalty, and isn't such loyalty the character trait that Brian France attributes to the citizens of NASCAR Nation?

In the annals of NASCAR history, fan loyalty equals consumer loyalty. It's the key reason why corporate sponsors get involved with the sport in the first place. Treat the fans properly, and the fans will respond in kind.

Let's get the wheels rolling by starting with price/cost management. If that proves successful, then the RFA can focus on improving the overall state of competition from the audience's perspective; as long as the "have nots" thrash against the deep pockets of the "haves", the same names will be in the Chase every year. Maybe fans do not require diversity among the drivers who win races, but from what I read and hear most weeks, they really do want more names in Victory Lane.

That's why I think it's time for the formation of a collective like the Race Fans Alliance.

If Brian France is having issues with the newly-organized RTA, maybe he'd have an easier time dealing with the RFA. At least he would have no need to communicate solely through lawyers. Race fans, regardless of the series, are just regular folks looking to enjoy the sport they love.

Brian France only needs to remember one simple fact: if the fans ain't happy, ain't nobody happy….

Mark Howell is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mark.howell@frontstretch.com.

~~~~~~~~~~

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 frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.

~~~~~~~~~~

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.

@MattWeaverSBN: Some of the best concession prices are located at Eldora. pic.twitter.com/zDjekf0paA
 
@KevinSwindell: I love the fact dirt is on live tv and in NASCAR but can't we get one. Just one commentator with an ounce of dirt knowledge…
 
@DaleJr: Hoag, these sharpies don't work. When you get done taking photos with people I need a fresh one.#AutographSession pic.twitter.com/D2mqi1XPKU
 
@TannerBerryhill: 1 year anniversary of my father passing his watch down to me. I'm a huge watch fanatic and it was a… http://instagram.com/p/q76cdJr653/
 
@bobpockrass: Roush Fenway announces Edwards won't be back in 2015. Biffle will return.
 
@bobpockrass:
Fastenal will remain at Roush Fenway as the anchor sponsor of Stenhouse.#nascar

@DaveFurst: If anyone's looking for a sweet set of @GoodyearRacing tires, I know where to find some. #NASCAR @IMS pic.twitter.com/2fQft2Drlw
 
@Dstockman3 (Danny Stockman): Thanks to everyone @RCRracing and @ECRengines that made kissing the bricks possible. Thanks to all of our great sponsors and all of the fans
 
@PPistone:
This is the last time#ESPN will televise Brickyard 400 for at least a decade#NASCAR
 
@GoodyearRacing: A @dennyhamlin autographed #NASCAR #SupportOurTroops tire is up for auction! Funds raised help military! #GivesBack http://bit.ly/1hc6GS0
 
@DaleJr: I love my mom. pic.twitter.com/eLEe7KDzbt
 
@KurtBusch: Dang. pic.twitter.com/bFBnNaAPjm
 
@RodneyChilders4: Our race car for this weekend.. Big thanks to everyone at Mobil for coming on board for @poconoraceway pic.twitter.com/h9oOjEOLM2
 
@markmartin:
Little seat time today pic.twitter.com/v1nvFhVcTT
 
@travalex01: Nice day @WGI all warmed up ready to go pic.twitter.com/rGiS939TOt
 
@MaxPapis: My working desk for today @WGI pic.twitter.com/R3hqruUu7O
 
@Knighter01 (Chris Knight): @TriStarRaceTeam announces that @HermieSadler returns to @NASCAR_NNS action since '10 @BMSupdates @RIRInsider. Virginia Lottery sponsor
 
@TonyOldMan10:
The boys are working hard on @GoDaddy Chevy. Turning the Indy car around so we can race it at Pocono pic.twitter.com/zwki8Te74t
 
@RodneyChilders4: It's a good thing when your sponsors even want your team looking good riding bikes...@jimmyjohns #seriousdelivery pic.twitter.com/DHyLAQbTKs
 
@Kenny_Wallace: CONGRATS to the WINNING Designer of our #USCellular250 @USCellular #NASCAR Race Car, Here it is in Reality now pic.twitter.com/ZoZRYdPKQZ
 
@ClintBowyer: Bet this guy has the door open when he's backing this baby in. At least 100 ft cliff on back side! pic.twitter.com/eWzUyHjgFQ
 
@ESPNASCAR: @keselowski surprises employees with a special thank you by giving each a case of @MillerLite!pic.twitter.com/a6rqNc6gA0
 
@tydillon:
Ready to rock with this @FerrisMowers super late model pic.twitter.com/LWWgCB2xRD
 
@maxpapis: Just got back my @chevrolet from service from @RandyMarionAuto looking awesome pic.twitter.com/68jEKcFAuG
 
@Kenny_Wallace: Those HANS devices are not cheap so it gets SERIOUS when I can't find ONE of MY 4 HANS pic.twitter.com/7Qdt2zHTLZ
 
@plourde_billy: Pocono ready to go #round2 pic.twitter.com/zBvnD8wcUM
 
@aric_almirola: Been a productive test so far for @RPMotorsports here @WGI. pic.twitter.com/E25aSnyIpW
 
@NASCAR_NNS:
Facts & Figures: There have been 12 different winners through 19 races this year -- the most at this point since 2007.#NASCAR
 
@mikejoy500:
Drove this beauty all around Reno and to Carson City yesterday. 50 Packard. Smooth #hotaugustnights #barrettjackson pic.twitter.com/S6D2tBDlaR

@MattTaliferro:
#NASCAR's "penalty chart," as you may need to reference sooner rather than later: pic.twitter.com/LFkanPRKot

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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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 2014. 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!

~~~~~~~~~~

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Did You Notice? ... A Story Already Told, "Penalties" And Quick Hits
by Tom Bowles

The Frontstretch Five: Reasons Why NASCAR Made the Right Call on Hamlin's Penalty
by Amy Henderson

NASCAR Mailbox: The Sport from an Outsider's Perspective
by Kevin Rutherford

Increased TV Ratings Finally Match INDYCAR's Momentum
by Matt Stallknecht

Beyond the Cockpit with Tyler Reddick - Trucks, Super Dirt Late Models and Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts
by Mike Neff

NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Indianapolis
compiled by Mike Mehedin

~~~~~~~~~~

FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA


Q: In the 2003 Pennsylvania 500, then-rookie Casey Mears was having a decent run in the No. 41 Target Dodge. Chip Ganassi's move to get Mears more seat time in both the Busch Series and ARCA via Braun Racing was clearly paying off. However, Mears' decent run at the triangle came up about 75 miles short of completion. What happened?

Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Tuesday's Answer:

Q: Early in the 1999 Pennsylvania 500, Ward Burton was a contender, leading 14 laps. However, his competitiveness for the day ended way too early. What happened?

A: Burton was leading the race on Lap 38 when he blew a right front tire heading into the Tunnel Turn. With no way to turn the race car, Burton's Caterpillar Pontiac went hard into the outside wall. The crash can be seen here.

Burton's team was able to repair the No. 22 Pontiac Grand Prix, but Burton finished 45 laps back in 40th.


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 triviaanswer@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
-- Potts' Shots by John Potts
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!

~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:

Voice of Vito by Vito Pugliese
Vito returns to the website this week 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, Mike catches up with Matt Puccia as the teams head off for a second round at Pocono.

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 Pocono.

Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth returns with your weekly look at the state of the Camping World Truck Series.

~~~~~~~~~~
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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

The Frontstretch Newsletter: Mobil 1 to Harvick... But Just for Pocono

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

July 29th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CXXIV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HELP KEVIN OUT! Our Kevin Rutherford is stepping in for Summer Bedgood on NASCAR Mailbox this week. Feel free to send him a question or comment @surfwax83 on Twitter or kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com to get a different perspective on the sport.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What to Watch: Tuesday

- In NASCAR, Tuesday is usually penalty day, and this week, we have a taker.  Denny Hamlin's No. 11 was found to have questionable rear firewall block-off plates after going through post-race inspection at Indianapolis.  Expect to see a penalty either today or tomorrow.  Points, fines, and even a suspension could be in play.

Today's TV Schedule
Time                                         Telecast                                                                                                                     Network
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM               ARCA Racing Series Scott Get Geared Up 200                                                         FOX Sports 1*# (from July 25)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM                 K&N Pro Series East JEGS 150                                                                                 FOX Sports 1*/# (from July 19)
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*#

* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
# - Repeat Coverage

Top News
by Ashley McCubbin and Staff

Mobil 1 to Sponsor Harvick at Pocono

On Monday, Stewart-Haas Racing and ExxonMobil announced that Mobil 1 will serve as the primary sponsor on Kevin Harvick's No. 4 Chevrolet this weekend at Pocono Raceway.  The oil company, which typically backs Tony Stewart's No. 14 will do so as part of a one-race deal.  Read more at Frontstretch.

Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 TV Ratings Decline

The Indianapolis Star is reporting that overnight TV ratings from the Brickyard 400 are in, and they aren't all that good for NASCAR.  The National overnight rating for the broadcast was a 3.2, down six percent from last year's 3.4.  The rating, once finalized will represent a number close to five million viewers. Unfortunately, the trend continues for a sport which has seen virtually every event produce a decline both in its Nielsen rating and total audience watching on television.

In the Indianapolis market, however, the race showed big gains.  The event achieved a local rating of 15.0, an 8.7 percent increase from last year's 13.8.  Final ratings are due later this week, where the Nielsen numbers will likely increase once smaller markets are accounted for.

News 'N' Notes

- Testing yesterday at Watkins Glen was hampered by bad weather, but that didn't stop a number of Sprint Cup teams from getting important laps in while preparing for next Sunday's road course race. JTG-Daugherty Racing, with AJ Allmendinger was there along with Richard Petty Motorsports and Marcos Ambrose, two smaller organizations hoping to pull upsets in what will be the most "unpredictable" race left in the regular season. Richard Childress Racing and Furniture Row Racing, with Martin Truex, Jr. were also in attendance.

- Despite two straight years of Eldora success, don't expect a Nationwide or Sprint Cup race at the dirt track facility in 2015. NASCAR Vice President Steve O'Donnell told Bob Pockrass of the Sporting News the sanctioning body has had no discussions with track owner Tony Stewart for any additional racing at the oval beyond the Truck Series.

"We haven't had any discussions with Tony beyond that (truck race)," O'Donnell said. "I wouldn't rule out looking at potential other venues for trucks, but I think for the most part, we want to keep the uniqueness of that event. It has been really successful.

"They have done a great job for us. They set the bar very high. But we like where we're at right now with it."

The statement comes despite a NASCAR Fan Council survey, released today that asks heavily about the future of dirt track racing in the sport, along with whether fans would like to see similar type of competition in Nationwide and Cup. No Eldora ratings were released, but sources say FOX Sports 1 handily beat ESPN and ESPN2 during the 8 PM - 11 PM primetime hours Wednesday while the race was on. Overall, the Truck Series audience has remained strong this season despite audience declines in both Nationwide and Cup.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~

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 2014. 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!

~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Indianapolis Motor Speedway: A NASCAR Track Meant for All Time
Sitting in the Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady

Many years ago, I stopped at Cooperstown to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame.  While the displays filled with balls, gloves and jerseys added to my enjoyment of the sports nostalgia, it was the time I spent at Doubleday Field that enlivened the entire experience.  Some little league teams took to the diamond for a scrimmage, and it didn't matter that there were no home runs or head-first slides into home plate.  All that mattered is that the field lived through the actions of the sport it represents.

Along those same lines, Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains one of the world's hallmarks for automotive racing.  It's undeniably the most recognizable track in America as for over 100 years, man and machine have rumbled over those bricks at the start/finish line.  Their sweat, tears and grease have seeped into the asphalt, leaving a living pulse for fellow gearheads to wallow in when we visit this hallowed ground.  The pagoda glows with an energy not to be matched anywhere else the command "Gentlemen, start your engines!" is given.

Yet, after the conclusion of Sunday's Brickyard 400, I was pretty much unimpressed with the afternoon's competition.  Yes, I was thrilled with Gordon's 90th career victory, but it wasn't like there had been a whole lot of beatin' and bangin' over 160 laps.  We experienced a blown tire, a broken axle, a couple of on-track passes for the lead... and that's about it.  Those 400 miles, in the lexicon of the NASCAR fan, produced a yawner of a race.  I did have a nice nap, thank you very much.

Thus, during a time of year when NASCAR is chewing over the track line-up for the 2015 Sprint Cup season, the question is always asked: Should we even be racing on a track that was never designed for stock cars and annually fails to present the kind of competition we look forward to watching?

Yes, we should, for all the reasons Little League teams take to Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.  Indy breathes racing.  Fast cars belong here.  Fans will leave the crowded city streets behind, enter into the stately grandstands and inhale the atmosphere of blown engines and dreams.  They will walk the yard of bricks, their fingers lingering over the rough surface, recalling the year when NASCAR first visited.  Eyes will raise to the pylon, ears absorb the unique rumble that the tunnel-like frontstretch generates, and hearts race.

This track whispers to you.  It speaks of lives lost and looks forward to a time when the next generation of fast machines will come.  It is... Indy.  It is immortal.

If there is one race that should never be removed from the schedule, the Brickyard 400 is it.  When it comes down to ratings, TV deals, sponsorships and even ticket sales, this place simply doesn't enter into the calculation.  It exists in bucket lists and dreams. There should always remain the opportunity for NASCAR fans to join the rest of the world in visiting this icon and see their heroes stand on its pavement, watch the green flag drop, and thrill to the checkers flying one more time.

We return to the flat rectangle in another year and if you've never visited, well, you should.  The memories you'll build will remain with you for all time.

2014 Sonya Strictly by the Stats

Top Three Rookies for 2014 Brickyard 400

1.) No. 42 Kyle Larson - Started 15th, Finished 7th (1st in RoTY Standings)

2.) No. 3 Austin Dillon - Started 17th, Finished 10th (2nd in RoTY Standings)

3.) No. 51 Justin Allgaier - Started 31st, Finished 27th (3rd in RoTY Standings)

S.D. Grady is a Senior Editor for Frontstretch and runs a NASCAR blog called the S-Curves. She can be reached via e-mail at sonya.grady@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter at @laregna and on her Facebook page (she's an author, too!) at https://www.facebook.com/Author.SDGrady.

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Numbers Game: Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard
by Tom Bowles

0
Laps led by defending champion Ryan Newman at Indianapolis. Newman was never a factor, although his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet remained consistent in running 11th, the driver's sixth top-15 finish in the last seven 2014 Sprint Cup races.

0
Laps led Sunday by the five drivers with Indianapolis 500 experience. None of them ran inside the top 15, with Tony Stewart (17th) the best of the bunch. AJ Allmendinger ran 18th, Juan Pablo Montoya a disappointing 23rd, while Kurt Busch was 28th, off the lead lap and Danica Patrick broke a rear gear (42nd).

1
Lap led by Austin Dillon at Indianapolis, the first time the No. 3 car has led at the Brickyard 400 since Dale Earnhardt, Sr. in 1998. It's just the fourth lap Dillon has led in Cup all year en route to just his third top-10 finish (10th).

2
Rookies inside the top 10 at Indianapolis, Dillon and Kyle Larson (7th). It's the first time that's happened since 2006, when Denny Hamlin and Clint Bowyer accomplished the feat.

2
Drivers who have competed in all 21 Brickyard 400s: Jeff Gordon and Bobby Labonte. Labonte, driving a limited schedule this season ran 37th in a one-race deal for Tommy Baldwin Racing.

3
Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas inside the top 5, with Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth running second, third, and fourth respectively. It's the first time ever Joe Gibbs Racing has had three drivers run inside the top 5 in a Cup race.

4
Cautions for 16 laps at Indianapolis, the second race in a row this event has had four cautions or less.

5
Victories for Jeff Gordon at Indianapolis, more than any other driver in NASCAR history.

7
Races out of 21 won by Hendrick Motorsports this season, more than any other organization. Jeff Gordon now has two victories, along with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. while Jimmie Johnson has three.

12
Straight victories for Chevrolet at Indianapolis. Overall, they've won 16 of 21 Brickyard 400s, with Bill Elliott the last to break their streak, driving a Dodge to the win back in 2002.

15
Lead changes at Indy. It's the third time in the last five races NASCAR has had 15 lead changes or fewer in an event.

110
Of 160 laps at Indianapolis Sunday led by Hendrick Motorsports.

$307,890
Money won by Denny Hamlin for running third at Indianapolis.

$309,151
Money won by Matt Kenseth for running fourth.

Tom Bowles is the Editor-in-Chief of Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at tom.bowles@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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 frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~~

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Brett Poirier
by Greg Davis
by Jeff Meyer

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q:  Early in the 1999 Pennsylvania 500, Ward Burton was a contender, leading 14 laps.  However, his competitiveness for the day ended way too early.  What happened?

Check back Wednesday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Monday's Answer:


Q:  The 1991 Miller Genuine Draft 500 was a rather slow affair, taking nearly four hours to run despite being stopped 21 laps short of the scheduled distance due to rain.  However, Derrike Cope and Jimmy Spencer weren't on track for anywhere near four hours on this day.  What happened?

A:  Cope spun his Purolator Chevrolet out in Turn 2 and hit the outside wall.  Behind Cope, Dave Marcis spun to avoid the No. 10 car.  Davey Allison spun to the inside and hit the inside wall as well.  With a cloud of dust on the low side, Spencer took to the outside to avoid the crash, but ran directly into the rear of Cope.  The wreck can be seen here.

Cope and Spencer were out on the spot.  Despite suffering significant damage to the front end of the Texaco/Havoline Ford, Allison recovered to finish a lap down in 14th.  Marcis finished two laps down in 17th.

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

Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:

-- Top News from Ashley McCubbin
-- Professor of Speed by Mark Howell
-- Tweet 'N' Greet by Allen Bedgood
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!

~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:


Open-Wheel Wednesday
by the Frontstretch Staff
We'll take another look inside the Verizon IndyCar Series as the teams prepare for this weekend's action at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Did You Notice?... by Tom Bowles
What's changed about Silly Season -- and why is it bad for the sport? Tom Bowles explains and runs through some quick hits in his list of small but important observations about the sport.

The Frontstretch Five by Amy Henderson
Amy steps up with 1,2,3,4,5 reasons you should be concerned about something going on in NASCAR this week.

NASCAR Mailbox
by Kevin Rutherford
With Summer on vacation, Kevin steps in for our weekly session of answering questions from you, our loyal fans. Do you have a question or comment for Kevin? Don't be shy. Just send him an email (kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com) and you might just see your name in print!

NASCAR Power Rankings: Top 15 after Indianapolis
compiled by Michael Mehedin
Jeff Gordon re-assumed control of the standings with his second win of the year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  However, does that mean he's also at the top of the Power Rankings?  Not necessarily. Find out how your favorite experts voted in the latest edition of our weekly poll.

Beyond The Cockpit: Tyler Reddick by Tom Bowles
Find out how the former local track star is adapting to Truck Series racing as Mike sits down with this rookie, driving a high-profile ride this season run by Brad Keselowski Racing.
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