Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 27th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CXLV
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by Beth Lunkenheimer and 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!
On Tuesday, Matt Kenseth teamed up with Dollar General Literacy Foundation to release the first book in a four-part series. The book, entitled Matt Kenseth's Race Against Bullying was released to coincide with National Youth Literacy Day. Read more.
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Today's Featured Commentary
by Mark Howell
NASCAR needs way more short track events on its touring series' schedules.
What has always struck me about short track events is that NASCAR rules often allow young or inexperienced drivers (and teams) permission to submit entries for such races. The speeds are lower, the distances shorter, and the expenses are usually a bit more affordable (no need to build a car specifically for high-speed, aero-driven competition).
Racers typically cut their teeth on regional short tracks, so having newbies make their debuts at a place like Bristol seems obvious. The inherent difference here is that the touring series curtain for these teams comes at one of the most competitive and dynamic tracks in America; if you can make it through a Bristol slugfest, you most likely have a decent shot at future NASCAR success. And it is experiencing "the Bristol stomp" (as the old song goes) that forces drivers and crews to seriously consider what they have to offer when it comes to being part of big time NASCAR Nation.
I found it fascinating that approximately 50% of the Camping World Truck Series lineup on Thursday morning was comprised of drivers between 16 and 23 years of age; granted, such a roster made the morning a little bit easier for veterans like Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, and Ron Hornaday, Jr., but one quick scan of the lineup provided fans with a glimpse into NASCAR's crystal ball. Given focused guidance and sufficient sponsorship, several of the youngsters who competed Thursday just might find themselves advancing toward Sprint Cup careers.
The same theme rang true during Friday's Nationwide Series race when Ryan Blaney shot past Kyle ("They Call Me Mr. Bristol") Busch to earn the second NNS victory of his young career. Sure, Ryan is the son of legendary short-tracker Dave Blaney, but it is no small accomplishment to outrun/outsmart Kyle Busch on a late-race restart at a track that Shrub essentially calls his own.
Granted, Shrub wilted a bit more come Saturday night when an ill-handling race car led to a temper tantrum and verbal spanking (courtesy of crew chief Dave Rogers) of most memorable proportions. Who needs start-and-park when you can have park-and-walk (followed by gripe-and-push once the No. 18 crew found themselves rolling the M&M's Toyota back to the transporter)? Such is the beauty of Bristol, a place where any mood swing can happen to anyone at pretty much anytime.
That said: NASCAR should put more tracks of Bristol's ilk on the schedule. I know that the NCWTS gets the chance to branch out and run different kinds of layouts, but maybe that's why the racing in that series continues to improve. When you mix young drivers and hungry teams with curious sponsors and a diverse slate of speedways, the end result is – more often than not – a product that's well worth the price of admission.
One advantage to running a short track is that it often serves as a return to the sport's more egalitarian era – the days when a local team with limited funding could send in an entry form, round up a crew, and challenge the big names in racing. That period of the journeyman driver (racers such as Tighe Scott, Cecil Gordon, J.D. McDuffie, and Richard Childress) running wheel-to-wheel against established stars like Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, A.J. Foyt, and David Pearson was what helped NASCAR become the sporting phenomenon once loved and cherished by fans across the nation.
Unfortunately, as most things go, it was the double-edged sword of increased fan interest and an influx of corporate sponsorship that turned the little sport into a big business. With so much money at stake on all levels, small-time competitors were suddenly passed over in favor of big names; local hopefuls found themselves mired in regional divisions while the proven stars managed to shine brightly and increase the gap between having a shot and having a lot.
Having money might make race cars go 'round, but needing money tends to keep a young driver and his/her team stuck in neutral. Without a chance to race against the established elite, up-and-coming drivers are often overlooked because of having limited opportunities. Given the number of seats at Bristol and its whole "Roman Coliseum" kind of look, and given that just mentioning "Thunder Valley" conjures up images of bent sheet metal, short tempers, and flying equipment (like a HANS device, Denny?!), just making the show there means lots of attention and the occasional highlight on ESPN.
So that's why I was thrilled to see the composition of Thursday's NCWTS race lineup, and that's why it was so much fun to see a kid like Ryan Blaney outfox a cagey veteran like Kyle Busch (who was, not too long ago, a young upstart looking for a chance to showcase his talent – NASCAR even changed its eligibility rules because of his potential at such an early age!)
Racing at a place like Bristol gives the inexperienced the essential track and seat time they need against teams with more money and more opportunities, and that's just what NASCAR needs if the sport hopes to earn a youth audience. It's also a way to keep an older crowd that's become bored with seeing the same names atop the point standings year in and year out.
Change is good, and more events at tracks like Bristol might be just the positive adjustment NASCAR Nation is seeking. I understand that many fans have made this plea for many years, but much more can be done than simply shifting race dates around the calendar. How about we increase the number of events at more popular and practical venues? Short track racing is what gave NASCAR its start, and who says hiring more fabricators is such a bad thing?
Dr. 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
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.
@DaleJr: Y'all asked for em. Going on sale Sept/Oct. probably around Talladega. Trackside/NASCAR.com pic.twitter.com/xtBQ5WU9Gp
@pixelcrisp: @Matt_Crafton sits aboard the no. 88 #NASCAR @BMSupdates pic.twitter.com/EMTFeyDagY
@SherryPollex: Took a little walk outside today to get some fresh air, felt so good!!!! Getting stronger each day! home soon! pic.twitter.com/VhakkxhKyw
@BMSupdates: VIDEO: Battered chariots return to their haulers after duking it out in the #UNOH200. #ItsBristolBaby https://vine.co/v/MLh3I1DqaEz
@jeff_gluck: Via @GeoffreyMiller: TSN viewers in Canada heard full conversation between Newman and Johnson last week. http://athlonsports.com/nascar/round-2-jimmie-johnson-vs-ryan-newman-bristol …
@ttiana: View from the roof. #itsbristolbaby pic.twitter.com/XmqmRBAcR0
@realtimeRowdy: Yup that's @KyleBusch up checking out high groove turns 3 and 4 post race #Cupresearch after p2 NNS finish pic.twitter.com/Wa2uILwxlx
@DaleJr: Dave Blaney is good people. Happy for him and @RyanBlaney22 and the whole family.
@joshahamilton: I'd say we got this thing done just in time.. #lostthetrack pic.twitter.com/2BdyvdGHo5
@jeff_gluck: Listened to this 3X to ensure I heard right. Dave Rogers to Kyle Busch: "Park it behind the truck and take your whiny little ass to the bus"
@KevinHarvick: Too many driver mistakes tonight... Apologize to my team for the speeding penalty to ruin our night & to @dennyhamlin for ruining his.
@AlexBRacing: So definitely didn't mean to get into @DanicaPatrick she checked up and her brakes were just better than mine. Did all I could to stop
@ClaireBLang: Wide awake (2am)... takes awhile to kick it down. Better pic of tire @joeylogano burned down in burnout @SiriusXMNASCAR pic.twitter.com/XNZmG3CP8D
@BubbaWallace: He wins he buys! @WaffleHouse on point as always! @RyanBlaney22 @Carson_Apple pic.twitter.com/lseV2xdm2f
@kylepetty: Got to see my niece Helen play soccer today. She's great! The closest I got to soccer was kickball... http://instagram.com/p/sFiOwZJ0CH/
@MikeCalinoff: All of you who are @dennyhamlin fans, please raise your HANS. #NASCAR
@EmmaBlaney: Such a cool weekend.. So happy I got to be there! pic.twitter.com/nV5OxFstsQ
@2Spotter: Guess what sponsor will be on the Deuce this wkend @amsupdates ? Giving some love to our @allianceparts on @MRNRadio pic.twitter.com/0gNvOycFoq
@DeLanaHarvick https://vine.co/v/Mlm3TM9g3h1 -- Oh ya know... Just dump truck racing after lunch.
@DanicaPatrick: Ohhhh my that was a rainstorm! pic.twitter.com/Q0b0XlsFDs
@Team_Penske: Hi. My name is @jpmontoya. How can I help you with your @VerizonWireless service today? pic.twitter.com/PaJKDsvVXI
@jjyeley1: Here's a shot of Axle Rose (@Faithanneyeley) and Slash (me) from our Bristol driver intro!! We had fun!! pic.twitter.com/uHMIyKbPl8
@AshleyAllgaier: Crazy what a difference 1 year makes! @j_allgaier http://instagram.com/p/sFkfg9xQIt/
@AshleyAllgaier: Bristol was Harpers first race last year... Crazy how much she's grown & how rested I look one year later… http://instagram.com/p/sFknQ8RQI8/
@jbossracing (Justin Boston): That one was for everyone who gives me the opp 2 do what I love. Special thanks 2 @VenturiniMotor @ZLOOPRacing @toyotaracing @BillyVenturini
@joeylogano: I'm not the most comfortable holding babies but @Spotter_Tab let me hold his new addition Bentley. didn't drop him ha pic.twitter.com/hHKUrfHAZV
@ReganSmith Had 2 put one of my best buds to sleep last night. Champ gave us 12 1/2 amazing years. pic.twitter.com/s4xHOo7B4F
@PRNlive: At JGR to unveil "Race Against Bullying" book by @mattkenseth kicking off back to school season w/ a great message! pic.twitter.com/zrUS16R7LP
@NASCARonFOX #NASCAR Chase Grid after 24 races.#RaceHub pic.twitter.com/SJUS6rEbcn
@NewmarkRFR: Happy Birthday to @ClaireBLang - one of the hardest working people in @NASCAR. She makes our sport better every week.
@StenhouseJr: @DallasStenhouse Guarding @DanicaPatrick coffee or maybe drinking some this morning #NationalDogDay pic.twitter.com/hQ4wxl50k3
@JeffGordonWeb: Thinking of everyone affected by the earthquake in Napa. Glad to hear my family there is OK, but sad to hear of others who were injured.
@ESPNMcGee (Ryan McGee): Props to #NASCAR for righting a decade-old wrong. Darlington back to Labor Day wkd where it always belonged.
@PPistone (Pete Pistone): In 10 years the next new NASCAR contract will include a streaming service like NetFlix - that'll be the next evolution of televised sports
@Patricia_AFF (Patricia Driscoll): Big boy! Went to school this morning as a 4th grader. @TheMiniOutlaw pic.twitter.com/3Cvey9Rum0
@MattWeaverSBN: I get that it's a one-time deal but moving Coke Zero 400 to Sunday night is playing with fire... or rain. Almost feels destined for Monday.
@SZipadelli13 (Scott Zipadelli): Car Chief is putting finishing touches on setup! Off to @amsupdates @PR42TSM #cartwheel pic.twitter.com/ZppkiwDQji
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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 Wednesday 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:
Did You Notice... An "Old School" Question, Rules Mistake And Earnhardt's Effort
by Tom Bowles
The Frontstretch Five: Schedule Changes NASCAR Should Have Made
by Amy Henderson
NASCAR Mailbox: NASCAR Listened .... Now The Fans Have A Job To Do
by Summer Bedgood
Beyond the Cockpit: Corey LaJoie on Looking for Sponsors, Learning from the King and Concord Speedway
as told to Mike Neff
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Bristol
compiled by Mike Mehedin
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: Up until the start of NASCAR's series-wide TV deals in 2001, the spring race at Atlanta Motor Speedway was one of the few races that was on network television every year. Coverage was shown live on ABC. However, 1993 was an exception to that rule. Why was this so, and what happened to the race telecast?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 1998, Jeff Gordon won the rain/lateness-shortened NAPA 500 to claim his modern era record 13th win of the season. However, a late race pit stop put him back in the pack with 30 laps to go. Gordon's charge to the win was not unblemished. What happened?
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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!
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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 talks to Greg Biffle's crew chief Matt Puccia heading into Atlanta.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff is back with your look at the best bets to fill your fantasy roster. This week, he sets you up for success as we head into Atlanta.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth returns with your weekly look at the state of the Camping World Truck Series. This week, she takes a closer look at the 2015 schedule released on Tuesday.
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Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2014 Frontstretch.com
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