The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 23rd, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CXX
5:00 - 6:00 PM Camping World Truck Series Qualifying FOX Sports 1
6:00 - 6:30 PM NASCAR America NBC Sports Network
6:00 - 7:00 PM NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 1
7:00 - 8:30 PM Camping World Truck Series Heat Races/Last Chance Qualifier FOX Sports 1
8:30 - 9:00 PM NCWTS Setup FOX Sports 1
9:00 - 11:00 PM Camping World Truck Series 1-800 CarCash Mudsummer Classic FOX Sports 1
by Ashley McCubbin
Report: Costs Around $1.5 Million Per Race Weekend for Four-Car Team
Late last month, Sports Business Daily writer Tripp Mickle followed Stewart-Haas Racing for the Kentucky Speedway race weekend to determine the cost of being a competitive race team in the Sprint Cup Series. Read more.
Brian France Comments on RTA, 2015 Schedule
On Monday, Brian France was a guest on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody. On the show, France said that he anticipates small changes to the 2015 Sprint Cup Series schedule when it is released later this year in September. Read more.
Today's Featured Commentary
And James Garner was not the only movie star to develop a close relationship with automobile racing. Stories about the late James Dean and Steve McQueen are part of racing folklore, and most any motorsports fan of a certain age can tell you about the connection between auto racing and the late Paul Newman. Even George Lucas of "Star Wars" fame tried his hand at professional competition (until an accident forced him to rethink his career choice).
James Garner was part of that generation, and his passing last Saturday evening marked the turning of yet another important page in the chronicle of motorsports.
Garner's interest in automobile racing was supposedly fueled (pardon the pun) by his role in John Frankenheimer's 1966 cinematic epic "Grand Prix." The movie, regarded by many critics as perhaps the greatest racing film ever made, took its audience on a no-holds-barred journey into the exotic and so-often romanticized world of big time Formula One competition (even though smaller Formula Three cars were used during filming, but oh well). Garner appeared as Pete Aron, an American driver trying to rebuild his career after a serious accident at Monaco that critically injured his teammate.
Despite the movie's rather conventional plot structure (the familiar "driver-tries-to-resurrect-promising-career-after-wreck-that-causes-him-personal-emotional-trauma"), "Grand Prix" allowed James Garner to race (and win) against established professional open-wheel drivers. Such experiences connected him to the magic of motorsports for not just the movie but the rest of his life. Not only did Garner own a race team – American International Racers – for two years at the end of the 1960s, he also drove pace cars at the Indianapolis 500 on three occasions (1975, '77, and '85).
Garner's connection to stock car racing, however, was a bit of a surprise to me. While doing research on NASCAR for my doctoral dissertation many, many years ago, I stumbled across a photograph of the actor standing alongside the legendary (or infamous, however you want to see it) Curtis Turner. The two men were in the company of women in what appeared to be either someone's home or hotel room, and everyone appeared to be having a good time. Given Turner's reputation for mixing business with pleasure, such a candid party photo did not seem very unusual. What seemed unusual, at first glance, was the presence of James Garner at such a NASCAR-centric affair.
Given the clothing and hairstyles captured by the photograph, the picture appeared to be from the early-to-mid 1960s. This was the era when major motorsports were catching the attention of Hollywood directors. While John Frankenheimer was in the process of doing "Grand Prix," the famous Howard Hawks was making "Red Line 7000" with James Caan starring as Mike Marsh, a Fred Lorenzen-type driver (going so far as to have Caan's character drive a white-and-blue, No. 28 Holman-Moody Ford Galaxie).
As such, James Caan has continued to enjoy something akin to a relationship with NASCAR Nation over the years. He served as Grand Marshal for the Daytona 500 back in 2006, with much of his connection to racing tied to his performance in Hawks' 1965 film.
Not to say that such a connection does a lot to tie NASCAR to Hollywood. Other actors to serve as Daytona 500 Grand Marshals were Nicholas Cage (in 2007) and James Franco (in 2013). At least there was no sign of Britney Spears with her star-spangled jumpsuit, Elvis-inspired sunglasses, and security entourage when she graced pit road with her presence about a decade ago…
But this "cameo," unfortunately, is the way that Hollywood currently sees NASCAR, if not all of motorsports. Going to a speedway circa 2014 means going to promote a new film or television show or album. Being seen on race day now means being seen as the star of something larger than the 43 cars lined up along pit road. Now, it means having some product to sell, but maybe – given NASCAR's reputation for moving products – that is to be expected. Such consumerist behavior far predates the reign of Brian France and all of his show business connections.
Maybe it hearkens back to a time before "Country" co-opted urban cool.
During the early-to-mid 1980s, as NASCAR was morphing into NASCAR Nation, Willie Nelson appeared in print advertisements with Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt. The ads honored the rugged spirit of American individualism and the ties between NASCAR racing and Wrangler Jeans. Sure, Nelson was making albums and packing venues, but he clearly identified with the growing audience shared by both country music and stock car racing. The connection to authentic originals like Childress and Earnhardt tied neatly into the fact that Wrangler was across the fenders of RCR's No. 3 Chevrolets. It was a pretty sincere connection to celebrate.
Today, any one media monster with mass entertainment to sell tries hitching their wagon to the PR horsepower of NASCAR Nation. Back in the days when a movie star like James Garner showed up at a NASCAR event, it was primarily to bask in the glamour of larger-than-life "celebrities" like Curtis Turner or Fred Lorenzen. This time was also the "old school" era when drivers were known to race while nursing hangovers and carry insulated jugs full of spiked beverages alongside their roll bars. It was that pre-corporate period in NASCAR when the end of yet another race signaled the start of yet another party.
Like the passing of those rough-and-tumble, more hardy-and-heartfelt days, the passing of James Garner marks yet another transition in the history of NASCAR and motorsports in general. Big fun has become big money, and there are plenty of fair-weather "racing fans" lined up to hawk their latest product at the next stop on the circuit.
That is what, to me, makes Garner's death last Saturday even more tragic. Not only did the world lose a charming and talented actor, but motorsports lost yet another dedicated, albeit famous, fan.
His enthusiasm for the sport will be missed…
Mark Howell is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mark.howell@frontstretch.com.
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Tweet 'N' Greet
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.
@TonyStewart - If you haven't heard already, I ran my sprint car tonight and won! Felt great to run it again. Was a 2nd place car but had a little luck :)
@NASCARonFOX - With@TonyStewart's big sprint car win, we remember some of#NASCAR's other Tough Guys: http://foxs.pt/WqOYGO
@kaseykahne - Getting heat in our car. thanks @codydarrah4 http://instagram.com/p/qo1Zq4BVW0/
@MikeLingerfelt - Ready to get this bird in the air. Got some business to take care of in Chicago with the 60. Got an extra 100k on the line tonight
@WendyVenturini - Welcome to the mommy club @MonicaPalumbo !! Congrats you three!
@chocolatemyers3 - Back in the day? pic.twitter.com/xuFOUhrLaF
@Josh_Wise - Me and my buddies getting ready for the start of the triathlon this morning http://instagram.com/p/qseg6ko-9F/
@LarryMac28 - Perfect way to end the off weekend with Lilly Love these dogs! Finally got to do the boat this afternoon! #sunout pic.twitter.com/9OEi4EqJ0q
@TonyOldman10 - All clean from our trip to WV. Now it's back to work tomorrow, Indy here we come pic.twitter.com/bf6j3q94MY
@ClayGreenfield - Lake Sunday pic.twitter.com/16mE5YsFlE
@MissJFish - Bath time is hilarious! #babygigglesarethebest http://instagram.com/p/qsSOQpLtiN/
@bscottracing - At the movies to watch Sex Tape with @whitneykay. I feel strange just tweeting that.
@22carPR - Hope NASCAR PR pals have great final off weekend. Only 116 days till season ends. Respect each & every one of you guys. #DoNotMissGrindAtAll
@Bmcreynolds28 - Rocking the new @NewEraCap #NASCARNext pic.twitter.com/zMFLNCVpFc
@APgelston - NASCAR driver @KevinHarvick and KHI client Cowboy Cerrone after #UFC Fight Night win. pic.twitter.com/uCZpBnLSO0
@BenKennedy31 - We've been through thick and thin! Finally retiring the old iPhone pic.twitter.com/aqeHEzQRr3
@Kris_Buescher - Miss Presley is 1 month old today...where has the time gone? pic.twitter.com/x0fKvdAk7a
@NASCARStats - #Brickyard 1995: Dale Earnhardt had five top-10 finishes in his seven @IMS starts. #NASCAR
@IMS - Here's what you'll be seeing during the @CrownRoyal 400 this weekend on the new scoring pylon. pic.twitter.com/Na6HYeyFvo
@DanicaPatrick - Thanks to everyone who took the time to help vote me best dressed at the ESPYs! Amazing! Y'all got it done!
@sn_nascar - Kyle Larson can't wait to wipe his butt http://bit.ly/1r2Tg0a #nascar
@nascarcasm - Kyle Larson's future. #nascar #cottonelle pic.twitter.com/OgARO6TUs3
@KevinHamlin - Is @KyleLarsonWipin user name available? Yep, yes it is. @KyleLarsonRacin
@JDMotorsports01 - @landoncassill's car is on surface plate getting dialed in for @IMS! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/RtZI4zoe0P
@BlakeKochRacing - Been drinking minimum 1 gallon of water per day. Feels great @CelsiusOfficial#bkchallenge
@FordRacing - What's better than your Tuesday in the office? @gbiffle @StenhouseJr and #CarlEdward's Tuesday testing at MIS pic.twitter.com/2XCtwvX1IH
@mw55 - Mom loves @kfc I don't show up at lunch time without the #colonel #HowDoYouKFC pic.twitter.com/N5lXTSYpK3
@jeff_gluck - @kauffmanrob responds to France comments pic.twitter.com/LKrOuy2VAW
@dustinlong - 4 those wondering, drivers at Indy tire test last month: Stewart, Newman, Biffle, Bowyer, Logano & Kyle Busch.
@ClintBowyer - Just a tad humid out I'd say! pic.twitter.com/sHTd75K0Vf
@iowaspeedway - @Brendan62: "I love the people @iowaspeedway because it has a Big 10 college football atmosphere."
@bobpockrass - NASCAR to make only minor changes to 2015 Cup schedule, Brian France says http://dlvr.it/6P6M1S #nascar
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!
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: A.J. Foyt qualified 40th and finished 33rd in the inaugural Brickyard 400 back in 1994. Foyt was the final driver to get into the field on speed in Second Round Qualifying. Had Foyt put up his lap in first round qualifying, where would he have timed in?
Tuesday's Answer:
Cope was out on the spot. Waltrip's No. 21 CITGO Ford was extensively damaged and required a bunch of work in Gasoline Alley. However, Waltrip did return and eventually finished 39th. Musgrave ended up five laps down in 33rd, while Elliott and Hamilton both posted lead lap finishes (eighth and 20th, respectively).
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Potts' Shots by John Potts
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Vito returns to the website this week with his unique views on everything racing.
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 will talk to Danica Patrick's crew chief Tony Gibson as they gear up for a visit to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
This week, Jeff previews the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and who you should be keeping an eye on.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
This week, Beth is back with a recap of the 1800CarCash Mudsummer Classic at Eldora Speedway.
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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