THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 13th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CXXXV
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Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 13th, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CXXXV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's TV Schedule
Time Telecast Network
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Empty Cup: Quest for the 1992 NASCAR Championship FOX Sports 1#
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Formula DRIFT: Atlanta (Road to the Championship), Part 1 NBC Sports Network*/# (from May 9)
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM NASCAR America NBC Sports Network
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 1
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 2*#
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM The Mudsummer Classic: The 2013 NASCAR Truck Race at Eldora FOX Sports 2#
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM K&N Pro Series Autolite Iridium XD 150 FOX Sports 2*/# (from August 1)
* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
# - Repeat Coverage
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Top Newsby the Frontstretch Staff
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!
Sherriff Povero: Investigation Of Stewart/Ward Incident Will Last "At Least Another Two Weeks"
On Tuesday, Ontario County Sherriff Philip C. Povero released a statement with regards the investigation into Kevin Ward Jr.'s death.
"The investigation into the death of Kevin Ward, Jr., of Lewis County, N.Y., is ongoing and is expected to continue for at least another two weeks or more," Povero said. "Investigators continue to seek witnesses, gather evidence, and develop the racetrack crash reconstruction. However, it would be inappropriate to discuss details or findings of the investigation with the media at this time. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation as the Ontario County Office of Sheriff continues this investigation and for having patience as we conduct a thorough review of all of the relevant facts involving this tragic accident. Read more.
Brad Keselowski Comments On Possible Rules Change Following Canandaigua Tragedy
On Tuesday, Brad Keselowski was the featured guest on NASCAR's weekly media teleconference call as he heads into this weekend's event at his home track of Michigan International Speedway. During the media teleconference, Keselowski was asked whether he thinks NASCAR should make a rule prohibiting drivers from getting out of their cars on track following an incident in order to express frustration with a fellow competitor. Read more.
Hendrick Motorsports Announces 3M Partnership
Hendrick Motorsports announced early Tuesday that current Greg Biffle sponsor 3M will join the organization next year as a primary sponsor for Jeff Gordon. As part of the three-year deal that runs through the 2017 season, the company will serve as an associate sponsor throughout the season and primary backer in 11 events. Read more.
Wynonna Judd and The Big Noise to Perform Pre-race at Bristol Motor Speedway
Country music and NASCAR tend to mix rather well and Bristol Motor Speedway is bringing both of those things together for the Irwin Toold Night Race weekend. Wynonna Judd and The Big Noise will perform during the Built Ford Tough Pre-Race Show before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday August 23rd at Bristol Motor Speedway, the first time Judd will ever perform a concert at the self-acclaimed "Last Great Colosseum". Read more.
Multiple Nationwide Series Teams Partner With Nationwide Children's Hospital
As part of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champion program, multiple cars in the Nationwnide Series for this weekend's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will feature special children on either the hood or side panel. Read more.
Alex Tagliani, Kenny Habul Among Road Course Ringers Entered for Nationwide Series at Mid-Ohio
Habul. Marks. O'Connell.
Maybe not household names in the vocabulary of most NASCAR fans, but this weekend, they'll get their time to shine.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series is running its second consecutive road course race this weekend, with this one taking place at a relatively new track for the sport's second-tier division: the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Read more.
Alex Tagliani, Ray Courtemanche, Jr. Enter Truck Race at Mosport
Two Canadian drivers have decided they'll take their talents to the Camping World Truck Series when the circuit visits Canadian Tire Motorsports Park at the end of the month.
Brad Keselowski Racing announced Tuesday that Alex Tagliani will drive the No. 19 Ford F-150 in the Aug. 31 Truck Series race at the road course. A native of Montreal, Canada, Tagliani has five Nationwide Series starts over the past six seasons, including a second-place finish earlier this year at Road America. 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.
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Today's Featured Commentary
On Meeting Royalty
Last Monday night, on Jeff Gordon's 43rd birthday, the Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren appeared on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon". When talking about a recent photograph taken of her with the Queen of England, Mirren admitted that she – like most other people who meet the monarch – often suffers from "Queenitis", a condition that renders commoners nearly speechless. Merely being in the presence of the Queen reduces a person to an inarticulate state of being: a point where the calm and collected becomes the clueless and confused.
I know that condition all-too-well, only I refer to it as "Harry Gantitis". Allow me to explain…
It was the day after Thanksgiving back in 1987. I had spent the holiday with family outside of Statesville, North Carolina and was looking to explore the area's ties to what we today refer to as NASCAR Nation. As regular readers of my essays likely already know, I was born and raised in a stock-car-crazy family, so the allure of spending the holiday weekend immersed in racing culture was as exciting to me as the promise of tables laden with home cooking.
I knew that Taylorsville was nearby, and I understood that famed Winston Cup driver Harry Gant owned a restaurant there, so it was decided that lunch there easily trumped the prospect of crowded shopping malls and clogged highways in-and-around Charlotte. My decision turned out to be the point of contagion for me: the moment when I would – unbeknownst to me – become infected with Harry Gantitis.
The short drive to Taylorsville went smoothly enough, and locating Harry Gant's Steakhouse was equally as simple. Taylorsville in 1987 was a small town fairly easily navigated by even the most directionally-challenged traveler. Lunch was both satisfying and fascinating. The food was excellent in a charbroiled meat-and-potatoes kind of way, even one day after queuing up at the family Thanksgiving trough. And the restaurant was decorated in the style one would expect from such an establishment: photographs of Gant's various race cars over the years from his local late model days through his Sportsman career and up through his respected then-Winston Cup years. There were pictures of Gant posing with trophies after winning races mixed in with photos of the more-commonly recognized rides he had had, including Cup seasons in the No. 47 Race Hill Farms Chevrolet and his success behind the wheel of the No. 33 Skoal Bandit. As a lifelong NASCAR fan, I reveled in my surroundings, even when faced with the occasional piece of "Stroker Ace" memorabilia.
When I stepped up to the counter to pay my bill, I mentioned to the hostess that I was visiting the area from my home in Pennsylvania, and that I stopped there for lunch because I heard that Harry Gant owned the restaurant. The young woman smiled nodded toward the dining room and said, "And he's sitting right there…."
I turned in the direction of her nod and sure enough, there was "Handsome Harry" himself, sitting in a booth having a cup of coffee and talking with another man. It struck me as unusual to see a famous NASCAR driver sitting and drinking coffee on Thanksgiving Friday, but then I remembered that racers have real lives, too, just like the rest of us.
"Why don't you go over and say 'Hello'" the hostess suggested, "He's really very approachable…."
So I turned toward Gant's booth and walked over to it. I quickly recognized the man sitting with him – it was Larry Pollard, Gant's son-in-law and a stock car driver in his own right. Both men looked up at me, and it was at that moment, right at that very second, when I found myself absolutely speechless. Those who know me can attest to the fact that I'm absolutely speechless about as often as Halley's Comet appears in the night sky, but there I was: staring blankly and sucking wind with my mouth agape…. a victim of Harry Gantitis!
I stood before Gant and Pollard totally dumbstruck. Being around racers was nothing unusual for me in the least, but being face-to-face with someone I'd watched and respected for years suddenly reduced me to little more than a six-foot tall bag of silent flesh. Maybe my silence was fueled by sympathy for Gant, whose 1987 Cup season with owner Hal Needham and crew chief Travis Carter included a painful 21 DNFs for 29 starts.
Fortunately, my then-wife was standing beside me (did I mention that in 1987 I was newly-married to the woman who would eventually become my ex-wife?). She was a NASCAR newbie, learning about the sport by being dragged to races, race shops, and driver-owned restaurants. Luckily for me, neither Gant nor Pollard were on her racing radar, so she was able to turn her thoughts into coherent words and organize those words into understandable sentences.
She introduced us to the two men, and Harry introduced us to Larry. Her follow-up sealed the deal and saved the day: "My husband and I are big NASCAR fans and in the area visiting family for the holiday. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and it's a pleasure to meet you both in person…."
I stood there slack-jawed and blinking, making about as much sense as the napkin dispenser and sugar packets.
Gant and Pollard asked us where we were from and what we were planning to do while in town. When my wife said that the steakhouse was our primary stop, both men provided us with additional options, including a swing by Gant's race shop (where we got to climb in-and-around the car being built for the 1988 Daytona 500) and a visit to the office from where Harry operated his racing enterprises, including his fan club.
The office visit meant going to his house, where we spent time talking with Gant's wife and daughter (Pollard's wife), and where we learned that most of Gant's fans came from Pennsylvania and Michigan (with Pennsylvanians being the most likely to send floral arrangements the day following a win). I didn't know it then, but such information would eventually inspire my research into NASCAR's effect on American culture in the years to come.
I'm glad I got over my speechlessness when in the presence of NASCAR folks. My career in the sport would have come to a sudden end if I continued to be star-struck in the company of drivers, car owners, crew chiefs, and media personalities. All the while I stood in the presence of Harry Gant (and Larry Pollard, as well), I found myself crippled by what my family came to call "Harry Gantitis". You will not find the ailment in any medical journal or textbook, but it's a very real and very awkward condition to experience.
I will never be an Academy Award-winning movie star, but I can readily identify with someone like Helen Mirren when she talks about "Queenitis" and losing her usual patterns of speech when face-to-face with Her Royal Majesty.
I was face-to-face with Taylorsville "royalty" in North Carolina some 27 years ago and I suffered a similar affliction. Here's a bit of advice, Ms. Mirren: keep in mind that without the impressive occupations and public recognition, famous people are still just people, all the same. That's how I managed to get through encounters with folks like "King Richard" Petty and the late Dale "The Intimidator" Earnhardt….
My guess is that it will work for the Queen of England, too.
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.
@nascarcasm: When we go to @WGI, I am reminded that of all sports, our athletes are the most fan-accessible. Right, @mattkenseth? pic.twitter.com/9pKEfABpEh
@ivandebosch: African leaders State dinner at the White House @JeffGordonWeb pic.twitter.com/WMYXfcCDMW
@tydillon: Best autograph session ever @Yuengling_Beer #cold beer pic.twitter.com/ZmRlRBdLY5
@nascarcasm: This weekend, Carl Edwards will turn right, AND (probably wishes he already) left. #nascar #wgi #rfr
@DaleJr: Saw this ol Dave Marcis car in the@WGI infield. This Olds is #oldschool. They still love ya Dave! pic.twitter.com/ulBLdLb7Fn
@SprintCarNews: Thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin Ward Jr & his family pic.twitter.com/LXYFh9CNC8
@ABC7: Driver Kevin Ward Jr. dies after being struck by NASCAR's Tony Stewart in New York http://abc7.la/1oyKA3c
@EmilyKozel: My Daddy always told me -- "When you assume, you make an ass out of u and me."
@TonyStewart: @TonyStewart has just released the following statement. pic.twitter.com/UtigLafKWb
@Patricia_AFF: @KurtBusch has been working hard... Left me a sweat print to remember him by pic.twitter.com/7KC0Vru2FL
@CJMearsGang: Headed home...http://instagram.com/p/riZgRmhKtU/
@jeff_gluck: End of a long day. Quiet Track, Watkins Glen. #NASCAR http://instagram.com/p/ridY_QNXgJ/
@DaleJr: It was bad enuff you had to split into 2 apps. Now U messin with my lists?!? Ain't no1 got time for this! @foursquare #WheredYouGoiMissYaSo
@landoncassill - listening to voicemails from @Josh_Wise 's#dogecoin fans, very cool stuff!
@Bobby_Labonte: An angry Bumble Bee decided to ride with me inside my cycling jersey this morning on my bike ride! Scrambling for a moment, he flew off…
@jaybusbee: Tony Stewart has pulled out of a dirt race planned for this weekend in Indiana. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/tony-stewart-withdraws-from-dirt-track-race-planned-for-this-weekend-152246554.html …
@SerinityBalloon: A beautiful view of@kansasspeedway from our flight Sat morning at@GMBalloonFest pic.twitter.com/qRAsXsehVf
@MatthewDillner: Disgusted by social media this wknd after tragedy. Actually Thought about leaving it completely but why let a few bad apple ruin the basket
@RyanBlaney22: Here@CooperStandard headquarters in Novi, Michigan. Excited to get a tour of the place! pic.twitter.com/Y6hEPRSm79
@AJDinger: Im scared to fall asleep and wake up from this dream. Such an amazing feeling. No wonder@JimmieJohnson is always so happy haha.@NASCAR47
@ClintBowyer: Boy, I'm such a MAN! Sitting here on the porch, in the dark taking it all in, having a drink and the sprinklers just scared the shit outta me!
@Driver_Problems: Social media is a really depressing place to be the last few days. Do your part and do not speculate or make assumptions. #RacingFamily
@ChaseElliott: Terrible hearing about Robin Williams, I have so many great memories of his movies from when I was little. One of my favorites.#ripRW
@TheOrangeCone: Everyone handles tragedy and grief in their own way. Should NASCAR have postponed the Glen? No. Should Tony have raced? His decision…
@Brendan62: Huge thanks to @KaiForbath and the @redskins guys for letting me shank a few today! I'm gonna start practicing again now!
@Mc_Driver: How cool is it that @AJDinger won yesterday? I am so happy for him and @NASCAR47 they are great people.
Editor's Note: For those of you looking for more Twitter reactions on the Tony Stewart / Kevin Ward, Jr. tragedy, you can find many of them by clicking here.
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:
Did You Notice? ... NASCAR Leadership Needed... It's Only A Matter Of Time
by Tom Bowles
The Frontstretch Five: Things We Have NOT Learned So Far in 2014
by Amy Henderson
NASCAR Mailbox: Mainstream Media Should Probably Stay Away From Racing
by Summer Bedgood
Open Wheel Wednesday: Building Momentum and the Final Stretch Run
by Toni Montgomery, Huston Ladner and Matt Stallknecht
Beyond the Cockpit: Joey Coulter on Getting Started, Making Changes and Learning More
by Beth Lunkenheimer
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Watkins Glen
compiled by Mike Mehedin
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: The 2003 GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway is best known for the multiple year rivalry between Kurt Busch and Jimmy Spencer coming to a head when Busch tried to intentionally cut Spencer's tire. How did fans watching the race on television find out that Busch had done it intentionally?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: For Todd Bodine, the 1993 Champion Spark Plug 400 was a huge opportunity. Bodine qualified sixth fastest for only his third career Winston Cup start (the first outside of Watkins Glen). However, it went bad really quick. What happened?
A: Bodine may have started sixth, but quickly fell out of the top-10 by getting out of the groove in Turn 4. On Lap 3, Bodine, in only his second race in Butch Mock Racing's Factory Stores of America-sponsored No. 75 Ford, simply lost control all by himself and backed into the wall in Turn 1. The crash can be seen here.
Bodine's Thunderbird was significantly damaged and went behind the wall for repairs. Bodine did eventually return to the race to run a few more laps before pulling out for the day. He was credited with 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!
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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, Matt Kenseth's crew chief Jason Ratcliff checks in just in time for a trip to Michigan.
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 Michigan.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth returns with your weekly look at the state of the Camping World Truck Series.
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Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
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