The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 9th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CX
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by Ashley McCubbin
NASCAR announced Tuesday that the No. 41 NASCAR Sprint Series Cup team of Stewart-Haas Racing has been penalized for a rules infraction that was found during post-race inspection at Daytona International Speedway last weekend, costing Busch 10 driver points towards the series championship. Read more.
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman will drive the Official NASCAR 2014 Toyota Camry SE Pace Car at the start of the Camping World RV Sales 301 Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, July 13th. How did the NFL veteran get involved? Read more.
IndyCar Clears Jack Hawksworth To Resume Driving Duties
IndyCar announced Tuesday that Jack Hawksworth has been cleared to drive this weekend in the Iowa Corn Indy 300 presented by DEKALB at Iowa Speedway. Hawksworth had been injured in a crash at Pocono. 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
So, I'm in the checkout line at my local grocery store. It's the day before a major national holiday and the place is teeming with rushed shoppers. I looked over the pile of goods on the conveyor belt and matched it against my list when I noticed a smiling Dale Earnhardt, Jr. near the end of the line. If I lived in Mooresville, North Carolina it would not be a wholly unusual event. But given that I was shopping at a grocery store just outside Traverse City, Michigan... that caused me to stop and take notice.
I quickly realized that I was not (on that day, at least) losing my mind. Junior's grinning face was plastered across the cover of a TV Guide magazine. Text across the cover wondered if 2014 was, perhaps, the year when Junior might finally win his first Sprint Cup championship. One can only speculate as to the odds of such an outcome (they look pretty good given Brian France's new-and-improved "Race for a place in the Chase" format) but there Junior was: grinning at the queue of hurried shoppers from over his right shoulder. If it's Fourth of July weekend, it must be Daytona….
As my mind mulled over the notion that a return to Daytona just might mean a return to victory lane for NASCAR's perpetually most popular driver, another sight caught my attention. This one was a few checkout lines away from where I stood scanning my credit card and answering the all-important question of "paper or plastic?" What I saw was a flashback of sorts.
A few checkout lines away, there stood an older man wearing a Dale Earnhardt, Sr. tee-shirt. It was one of those familiar black with red and white lettering shirts that used to be seen up and down souvenir row at every then-Winston Cup Series stop on the tour. The back featured "The Intimidator's" autograph in white script and just below that was a line that said "7-time NASCAR champion" in red. It was worn by a man who appeared to be in his mid-to-late sixties, although physical age is difficult to judge around these parts given the severity of our winters.
Want an example? Snowfall for last winter measured a collective total of 22 feet across Leelanau County. Dealing with that much over nearly six months' time is enough to make even the strongest back ache. That said, whenever I try to gauge age, I usually undershoot the target by half a decade or so.
Anyway, here's this older man wearing a memento celebrating an accomplishment that seems – by 2014 standards, at least – to be little short of ancient history. Given that Jimmie Johnson will very likely etch his name into the record book alongside those of Dale Sr. and "King Richard" Petty, it got me wondering if the addition of a fairly "young gun" like Johnson will further dilute the successes of legendary drivers who were part of NASCAR's inaugural Hall of Fame induction class?
Let's face it: Jimmie Johnson has made winning six Sprint Cup titles looks pretty simple. Read any article about Jimmie and you will learn all the particulars about how long he's been racing and how well he's done in such a relatively short period of time; the statistics speak volumes for themselves. Toss in the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Cup championship countdown clock (Will it be 2014? Why hasn't it been sooner?), and all of a sudden, you see a limited perspective on "big names" in the sport.
I guess one contemporary "big name" is that of Jeff Gordon. The four-time Sprint Cup champion seems to be entering old-timer territory. When Carl Edwards told the media after his victory at Sonoma that he grew up watching Gordon race there on television, I wondered if Edwards wasn't making a deliberate joke aimed at Jeff and his foray into middle agedom. Gordon will most certainly be regarded as a legendary driver, but can such a designation be valid when such a relatively-young one is still racing each week? If Gordon is old at the age of 42, then I must be dead.
Hence my surprise when Aric Almirola won last Saturday/Sunday's running of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona. My surprise had nothing to do with the attention given to Almirola's victory; you don't finish third at Bristol and not show potential for eventually winding up in Victory Lane. What caught my eye was emphasis put on the fact that the No. 43 of Richard Petty Motorsports had not won a race since 1999, when John Andretti finished first at Martinsville. The car, in this regard, was more legendary than the driver behind the wheel. So how long will it be until we see another famed combination of driver and car, matched perfectly once again?
Surely, this status is emerging for Jeff Gordon and the No. 24, as it is for Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48. Dale Jr. seemed headed for such notoriety until he went from the number eight to his current number of 88. While several of these combos may not ever match the mainstream acclaim of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and the No. 3 or of Richard Petty and the No. 43, it's safe to say that future residents of NASCAR Nation will have their own memorable matchups to fondly remember.
One of the most famous quotations in movie history comes from the closing scenes of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance when newspaper publisher Maxwell Scott explains, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." How long will it be until we again acknowledge the creation of another actual and authentic NASCAR legend? Will it come with Jimmie Johnson's seventh Sprint Cup title? Will it come from Dale Jr. winning his first? Will it be when "senior citizen" Jeff Gordon finally hangs up his helmet, or will it be when Danica Patrick finally wins her first Sprint Cup race?
Maybe having the No. 43 back in Victory Lane at Daytona is a subtle reminder of Maxwell Scott's sage advice. When the opportunity presents itself, always remind folks of the legend. Legends mean more than facts because that's how we tend to generalize our memories of the past, and maybe that's the safest way to handle such things.
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.
@JRMotorsports: Red, white and blue @NAPAKnowHow ride for @chaseelliott this week featuring @IntrepidHeroes. pic.twitter.com/Y0cp2J9TQd
@JimmieJohnson: Family Fun at Disney World @ Disney's Magic Kingdom http://instagram.com/p/p6IXxAEpWg/
@ClintBowyer: Yep, definitely at the right track. Security stops me at the gate in NH and says u need a Hod Cod.
@Basso448: 9 years ago @MartinTruex_Jr won the 2005 Winn-Dixie 250 @DISupdates #NASCAR Busch Series Race pic.twitter.com/3DhiDfS1X8
@TonyOldMan10: Just landed in Daytona for some testing at New Smyrna speedway today & tomorrow
@Brett_Moffitt: Hills make runs suck. But sure make for great views up here @NHMS pic.twitter.com/NX7uciGpa7
@Just_AP: Soon. #MudsummerClassic @EldoraSpeedway @NASCAR_Trucks pic.twitter.com/ovHUxV7E9J
@DaleJr: Want to say thanks NASCAR for the donation to@TDJF. Our foundation was chosen for donations during the month of June. #reddit
@dcaraviello (David Caraviello): New, wider seats in Daytona Rising. 40,000 of these will be open for next year's 500. pic.twitter.com/HwzmOkXnHn
@Hendrick88Team: @DaleJr takes a photo of @DISupdates from a different perspective. pic.twitter.com/etHUgCFUqF
@RodneyChilders4: Just Incredible...#Z06 @TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/QULkw1TSPK
@KevinHamlin: Well, this was fun! pic.twitter.com/c84Rp95dgE
@kaseykahne: Excited to get the win tonight at Daytona. Had a great @Hellmanns Chevy! Thanks to the @JRMotorsports team!
@AshleyAllgaier: Harper was less than thrilled to take photos before the race... It was HOTTTTT! But she's still cute http://instagram.com/p/qI7SksxQAd/
@Mc_Driver (Michael McDowell): Put in an extra 500 miles after the race in the McCoach. McFamily is safe and sound back in NC.
@jimmyelledge3: Me and my big girl @KarsynElledge3 at the Wild West shoot out this weekend, we had a blast w all our racing friends pic.twitter.com/U3XExM7CzV
@RyanBlaney22: Just watched Captain Phillips for the first time, awesome movie. That's why Tom Hanks is one of the best actors ever.
@KurtBusch: Made it home for nice swim, dinner, & a fire. Life isn't too bad.
@SteveLetarte: Took this one a while into final rain delay of the day today. Last time in this office @DisUpdates. http://instagram.com/p/qIkiOAAmjI/
@aric_almirola: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! To all our sponsors, supporters, and fans. We put the 43 back in VL. So proud of my guys and @RPMotorsports
@aric_almirola: Taking home some Hardware on the plane!!! http://instagram.com/p/qH-Az2nE06/
@NASCARonNBC: Richard Petty's 200th win trophy with @aric_almirola's 1st ever win trophy! #BestPhotoEver
@RCR62BGaughan: BG is more afraid of the "sharks" he races @BMSupdates than the ones in the tank today! pic.twitter.com/dCbrSESMyX
@BenKennedy31: Ben and his No. 31 @TSMotorsports team will sport a hot new look at @iowaspeedway. Here's a preview...stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/Er9wGepJVB
@JakeSnakeCrum: NEWS: I'll be racing @NHMS with the #86 DRG Motorsports team & @Bubbaburger in the @NASCAR_NNS. My friends @MyFreedomSmokes are on board too
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): The mayor is back up in the house! @JeffBurton@toyotaracing@NHMS@MWRteam #66 pic.twitter.com/MtAeT3Cfxp
@KelliStavast: The King's 200th win & @aric_almirola 's 1st ever @NASCAR Cup win, 30 yrs later. pic.twitter.com/PspmA6YOqw
@paulieharraka: If you call yourself a @NASCAR fan, you need to read @EdHintonESPN's Firecracker 400 farewell column. http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/11170325/nascar-memories-covering-firecracker-400-40-years-ago-come-flooding-back …#legend
@KevinHarvickInc: Happy 2nd birthday to @KeelanHarvick. RT to wish him a happy birthday! pic.twitter.com/fNPE5ALxBc
@Noble_Jim: Cup entry list @NHMS is out - 72yr old Morgan Shepherd in 33. Why? This has got to stop. Give a young or unknown driver an opportunity.
@AndyLally: Small but semi useless as of yet update on the #NASCAR front. Talking to two teams about Mid-Ohio. Really trying to make that happen.
@iowaspeedway: We know you're ready for the #AmericanEthanol200 and the #IowaCorn300 but are you prepared for the #Meltdown?!? pic.twitter.com/jyJhC4eGQ2
@SteveByrnes12: Winning race car from Daytona! pic.twitter.com/WuDUBL6d1C
@nascarcasm: The rough and bumpy frontstretch of Kentucky Speedway is nothing compared to your IPhone when you try to apply a new screen cover yourself.
@nascarcasm: Seriously, just applied new IPhone screen cover myself and there's enough air trapped under it for me to survive underwater for 30 minutes.
@RickAllenRacing: 19 years ago, she said "I do." I Love you Kris http://instagram.com/p/qMJIy3lZQ7/
@dennyhamlin: Makin laps at Richmond today and tomorrow working on our short track program. pic.twitter.com/izl0DpmjWW
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:
as told to Phil Allaway
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: The 1997 Busch Series U.S. Cellular 200 at New Hampshire is probably best known for a duel to the finish between Mike McLaughlin and Steve Park, a couple of Northeastern standouts. However, an incident on-track set up the four-lap dash at the end. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Andretti's No. 37 was too damaged to continue and was withdrawn from the race, resulting in a 40th-place finish.
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
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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. This week, Kevin checks out how the Cup Series is shaping up at the halfway point of 2014.
Tech Talk by Mike Neff
Mike is back with your look at the technical side of NASCAR. This week, Jason Ratcliff checks in before heading off to New Hampshire.
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 New Hampshire.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth returns with your weekly look at the state of the Camping World Truck Series.
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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