THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Sept. 5, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CLII
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This Weekend's TV Schedule
Friday, September 5
Time Telecast Network
1 - 2:30 p.m. Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour ESPN 2
3:30 - 5 p.m. Nationwide Series Qualifying ESPN 2
5 - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America NBC Sports Network
5:30 - 7 p.m. Sprint Cup Series Qualifying ESPN 2
7 - 7:30 p.m. NASCAR Countdown ESPN 2
7:30 - 10 p.m. Nationwide Series Virginia 529 College Savings 250 ESPN 2
Saturday, September 6
Time Telecast Network
1 - 2:30 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Free Practice No. 2 NBC Sports Network*# (from September 5)
5 - 6 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Free Practice No. 3 NBC Sports Live Xtra$
6:30 - 8 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Free Practice No. 2 NBC Sports Network*# (from September 5)
8 - 9:30 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Qualifying NBC Sports Network
10 - 11 a.m. NASCAR RaceHub Special FOX Sports 1
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. K&N Pro Series West Bakersfield 150 FOX Sports 1*/ (from August 30)
3 - 5 p.m. Lake County Speedway Hot Laps FansChoice.tv^
3:30 - 5 p.m. TORC: The Off-Road Championship Series Keys to the Big House NBC Sports Network* (from August 30-31)
5 - 5:30 p.m. TORC: Crandon Reality Show NBC Sports Network
5:55 - 9:55 p.m. Lake County Speedway Grandparents' Night FansChoice.tv^
6 - 7 p.m. NASCAR RaceDay FOX Sports 2
6 - 8 p.m. Tucson Speedway Practice FansChoice.tv^
7 - 7:30 p.m. NASCAR Countdown ABC
7:30 - 11:00 p.m. Sprint Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 ABC
8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Tucson Speedway Qualifying FansChoice.tv^
9:55 p.m. - 12:40 a.m. Tucson Speedway Minute Man 50 FansChoice.tv^
Sunday, September 7
Time Telecast Network
12:30 - 2 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Qualifying NBC Sports Network*# (from September 6)
3:30 - 4 a.m. NASCAR Victory Lane FOX Sports 1
3:30 - 5:30 a.m. Sprint Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 ESPN 2*/# (from September 6)
6 - 7:30 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Qualifying NBC Sports Network*# (from September 6)
7:30 - 8 a.m. F1 Countdown NBC Sports Network
8 - 10 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy NBC Sports Network
9 - 9:30 a.m. NASCAR Victory Lane FOX Sports 1#
10 - 10:30 a.m. F1 Extra NBC Sports Network
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. 1 NBC Sports Network#/
1 - 1:30 p.m. Formula DRIFT: Road to the Championship, Part 2 NBC Sports Network*/ (from May 10)
2 - 3 p.m. GP2 Championship Series: Monza, Race 2 NBC Sports Network*
3 - 3:30 p.m. F1 Countdown NBC Sports Network*#
3 - 5 p.m. Blancpain Sprint Series: Algarve CBS Sports Network* (from September 6-7)
3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy NBC Sports Network*#
5:30 - 6 p.m. F1 Extra NBC Sports Network*#
10:30 - 11:00 p.m. NASCAR's The List: Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Moments NBC Sports Network#
11:00 - 11:30 p.m. NASCAR's The List: Tracks NBC Sports Network#
* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
# - Repeat Coverage
^ - Available via free online streaming
$ - Available via password-protected online streaming. Check with your internet and/or programming provider for availability
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by the Frontstretch Staff
Nationwide Expands Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Sponsorship
Nationwide is on your side. In May, Nationwide Insurance joined Hendrick Motorsports to back Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as a part of three-year deal to serve as primary sponsor for 12 Sprint Cup races in 2015 and 13 each in 2016 and 2017. Having stepped away from series title sponsorship of the Nationwide Series in favor of individual team backing, the insurance company has now expanded its involvement with the No. 88 team. Read more.
Chris Buescher, Ty Dillon Pace Nationwide Practices at Richmond
Chris Buescher and Ty Dillon paced the field as the Nationwide Series hit the track at Richmond International Raceway Thursday afternoon. The series returned to the track as preparations began for Friday night's Virginia 529 College Savings 250. Read more.
Hendrick Motorsports Releases Statement on National Guard Relationship
On Friday morning, Hendrick Motorsports released a statement pertaining to their relationship with the National Guard, which currently serves as a co-primary sponsor on Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s No. 88 Chevrolet. The National Guard announced in August that they plan on pulling out of motorsports at the end of the season, despite a contact with Hendrick Motorsports through the end of 2015. Read more.
NASCAR Makes Changes to Talladega Qualifying Ahead of Fall Races
On Thursday, NASCAR announced a new qualifying format for the Oct. 17-19 race weekend that features the Camping World Truck Series Fred's 250 and Sprint Cup Series Geico 500 that includes shortening the qualifying rounds and added a third - each five minutes in length. Read more.
Aric Almirola to Return to Nationwide Series with Biagi-DenBeste Racing
On the heels of clinching his first Chase berth and first career Sprint Cup Series win at Daytona in July, Aric Almirola hopes some double duty when the Chase for the Sprint Cup begins at Chicagoland Speedway next weekend is the edge needed to propel his no.43 car to the second round of the chase. Read more.
Have news for Justin and Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.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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Frontstretch Folio: Federated Auto Parts 400
by Brad Morgan
The Sprint Cup Series travels back to Richmond International Raceway for the 26th race of the 2014 season on Saturday, Sept. 10. Television coverage of the Federated Auto Parts 400 begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC; your local Motor Racing Network (MRN) affiliate and SiriusXM Channel 90 will handle the radio broadcast. Drivers will compete for at least 400 laps (300 miles) before the checkered flag waves.
Records and Facts
Joey Logano won here in April's visit after getting around Matt Kenseth with only four laps remaining. The top 9 drivers from that race's finish order are on track to make the Chase barring anything highly unprobable happening, making it seem likely that he'll have to contend with a driver trying for another win and better Chase-grid positioning, or a wild-card qualifier looking to begin the final 10-race stretch with a bang.
Two Joe Gibbs Racing drivers, Denny Hamlin (112.5) and Kyle Busch (111.1), own the two best driver ratings at RIR since the 2005 season (19 races). The JGR duo has combined for six wins there, but Richard Petty Motorsports leads all organizations with 15 trips down Victory Lane, five more than Hendrick Motorsports.
For many drivers who are yet to win at the NSCS level, a victory at RIR would be extra special and enough to earn a spot in the Chase field. Kasey Kahne (2005) and Tony Stewart (1999) recorded their first Cup wins at the .75-mile track.
Track Facts
Track Length: .75-mile D-shaped oval
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 14 degrees
Frontstretch: 1290 ft., 8 degrees of banking
Backstretch: 860 ft., 2 degrees of banking
Grandstand Seating: 71,000
Website: http://www.rir.com/?homepage=true
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichmondInternationalRaceway
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RIRInsider
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. - noon ET
Happy Hour: Saturday, Sept. 5, 1 - 2:20 p.m. on ESPN2
Qualifying: Friday, Sept. 5, 5:45 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Chance of Storms
Precipitation: 60 percent
High: 93
Low: 63
They Said It:
"For us, it comes down to Richmond. We hoped we weren't in this position and not have all this pressure, but we're in it to win it. That's what it's going to take for us, and that's what we're going to go and try to do. We are in that group of cars that have nothing left to chance but to just go for it." - Marcos Ambrose
"I think you spend the whole year as a rookie kind of earning respect. But I think at the same time a lot of those guys that are already locked in the Chase are probably going to be up front and understand that I'm going to be doing all I can to try and get in the Chase. I don't know. You can't be dirty. Just be as aggressive as you can without really doing anything stupid and making anybody too mad." - Kyle Larson
"
When you look at the racing last year, there is no doubt that people contending for a Chase spot were racing in a way to help their cause. I think everyone has learned a lot from what happened and the consequences of it all. I think you may see a very different Richmond this time around." - Ryan Newman
"I think it's going to be a battle. It's going to be intense. It's not just about the guys on the cusp for points, it's about anyone that can win. The intensity is going to kick in. To be honest with you, it's been there all year. I think that every week you show up, your goal is to win and you do everything you can to try to get that win." - Brian Vickers
Brad Morgan is a senior writer for Frontstretch. Email him at brad.morgan@frontstretch.com.
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ADVERTISEMENT
Have a keen eye for racing news and want to show off your chops in front of an international audience? Frontstretch is looking for news writers to join our staff! We're looking for writers who can help us break and report on news from inside the racing community, from fielding press releases to going out and getting the story yourself. Interested applicants should email frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com with your name, contact info and three audition pieces -- two news stories taken from the day's breaking stories and one column/commentary piece. Please email Frontstretch with any questions.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Crowning the King of California Sprints
by Mike Neff
The USAC/CRA Sprints are in the midst of California Sprint Week. The series holds five races in eight days at four tracks around the state. The week kicked off last weekend at historic Calistoga Speedway with the Louie Vermeil Classic. Christopher Bell took home the hardware on Saturday night while Rico Abreu was the winner on Sunday. The week continues Thursday at Chico before heading to Watsonville and concluding at Santa Maria.
The USAC/CRA Sprints are a Californiacentric division of USAC that races all of its events in the state except the season opener and the season finale, which take place in Peoria, Ariz. The western United States is a true hot bed for Sprint car racing and California Sprint Week gives a driver bragging rights that he can not only carry for a year but for his entire life.
Saturday's races at Calistoga saw Christopher Bell score his first every USAC/CRA win. Ryan Bernal was the dominant car of the event but, after Bud Kaeding flipped and brought out a red flag, Bernal's car would not refire and he was forced to retire from the event. Once Bernal was out of the picture, Bell ran away from the field to score his victory. Damion Gardner crossed the line in second ahead of Abreu, Brody Roa and Robert Ballou. Abreu was also victorious in the USAC Western Midget Feature that was run in conjunction with the Sprint race.
Sunday it was Abreu's turn to grab the hardware in the Sprint cars. It was Abreu's second non-winged Sprint start of the year and he made a late-race pass to score the win. Saturday's winner Bell led 18 laps of the feature before settling for a third-place finish. Kevin Thomas, Jr. came home in second while Geoff Ensign and Colby Copeland rounded out the top 5. Bell was the winner of the $10,000 midget feature that ran alongside the Sprints.
Current point standings heading into Thursday night's feature for California Sprint Week.
Pos. Drivers Pts.
1. Christopher Bell 135
2. Rico Abreu 132
3. Damion Gardner 113
Kevin Thomas Jr. 113
5. Matt Mitchell 105
6. Mike Spencer 92
7. Colby Copeland 89
8. Bradley Terrell 87
9. Cody Williams 83
10. Brody Roa 77
11. Robert Ballou 76
12. Geoff Ensign 73
13. D.J. Johnson 67
14. Terry Schank Jr. 55
15. Logan Williams 52
16. Tim Barber 49
17. Ryan Bernal 47
Austin Williams 47
19. Jake Swanson 45
20. Marty Hawkins 44
21. Scott Hall 40
22. Adam Brenton 38
23. Chris Gansen 37
24. Bud Kaeding 36
25. Trevor Schmid 14
A note about Louis Vermeil: Vermeil was a fixture in California Sprint Car racing for over five decades. His influence was critical in the development of racing and racers in the West for most of his life. Vermeil was a car owner and a sanctioning body president whose passion for racing not only helped shape the sport but helped men who had the desire to race realize their dreams. Vermeil and his wife Alice provided the avenue for so many of the Sprint Car racers in northern California from the thirties through the eighties that he now has his own race at Calistoga Speedway.
If you are in the Watsonville or Santa Maria area this weekend, head over to check out the best Sprint Car drivers in the western states. The history and tradition of Sprint Cars in California will be on display with the latest standard bearers of the sport.
Whelen All-American National Championship
Anthony Anders had the week off thanks to Greenville-Pickens Speedway preparing for the K&N race this coming weekend. Anders had said earlier in the year that he'd be traveling to race with Lee Pulliam this weekend but it apparently did not happen. Speaking of Pulliam, he ran two races and scored a win but did not start 10th or lower so he did not increase his point total. He still trails Anders by 10 points with three weekends left in the season. Keith Rocco ran twice this week but did not visit Victory Lane. His lone top 5 didn't add to his point total. Dillon Bassett ran three more races this past week, increasing his season win total by one but not increasing his point total. Ryan Preece held onto the top 5 thanks to a top-5 finish in his one race he contested.
In the second half of the top 10, Chad Finchum made a big jump thanks to running four races and adding four wins to his season total. The 29 points Finchum added to his season total moved him ahead of Peyton Sellers for sixth on the list by one point. Sellers ran two races but added just a top 5, which didn't increase his season points. Kres Vandyke ran in four races this week and netted four top-5 finishes. Unfortunately he did not win and therefore remains at 620 points for the season. Tommy Lemons Jr. notched two top-5 finishes in his two races this week but didn't improve his 611 season points. Stewart Friesen did not race this week but remains in the 10th position in points with his 605 season total.
1 Anthony Anders Anderson, Myrtle, Hickory, Greenville 46 27 40 44 718
2 Lee Pulliam Caraway, S Boston, Greenville, Motor Mile, Southern Natl 42 22 37 38 708
3 Keith Rocco Waterford, Stafford, Thompson 40 13 31 34 690
4 Dillon Bassett East Carolina, Caraway, Motor Mile, Langley, Anderson, Greenville, Southern Natl, Hickory 34 13 29 33 649
5 Ryan Preece Riverhead, Thompson, Stafford, Waterford 40 12 33 37 639
6 Chad Finchum L Pine, Kingsport 30 16 26 27 630
7 Peyton Sellers Langley, Motor Mile, Caraway, S Boston 31 5 25 31 629
8 Kres Vandyke Kingsport, Motor Mile, L Pine 32 8 28 30 626
9 Tommy Lemons, Jr Southern Natl, Caraway, Motor Mile, S Boston 38 6 24 31 611
10 Stewart Friesen Utica Rome, Grandview 19 7 18 18 605
The Whelen All-American Series features an "inverted" point format. Car count determines the points competitors can receive. Points are awarded in ascending order from last place at a rate of two points per position. Last place receives two points, next-to-last scores four and on up through the field to the winner. The maximum number of cars awarded points in a single event is 18. The winner of the event receives three bonus points if they start the race in position one through nine. If they start in 10th or further back they will receive five bonus points. Drivers can collect points for their 18 best finishes recorded before Sept.22. The maximum number of points a driver can receive is 738.
This Week's Racing Schedule can be found here.
Mike Neff is a senior writer for Frontstretch.com. Feedback can be sent to mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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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 tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
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TODAY ON FRONTSTRETCH:
Holding the Pretty Wheel: The Man Nobody Remembers
by Amy Henderson
Happiness Is…Drama, Not Fighting & Intelligence
by Huston Ladner
Nuts for Nationwide: To XFINITY and Beyond
by Kelly Crandall
Mirror Driving: Best in Show, Can Kasey Kahne Contend, and Screening Smoke
by the Frontstretch Staff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: In the 2008 SunTrust Indy Challenge, Conquest Racing's Jaime Camara came from the back of the field to 12th, then took advantage of pit strategy to lead 44 laps. Camara was having a career night at the short track, but it ended early. What put him out?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. drove to Victory Lane in the 2002 Funai 250 at Richmond while driving a No. 8 Chevrolet with the Looney Tunes character Gossamer (the red hair monster that wears hi-tops) on the hood. However, the race is likely best known for a huge crash for Derrike Cope. What happened?
A: Cope was all alone on the track when throttle hung on the frontstretch. Cope locked up the brakes, but they could not prevent Cope's Petro Express Chevrolet from going hard into the outside wall entering turn 1. The hit was so hard that the roof and windshield peeled back on the Monte Carlo as it ground itself along the wall before coming to a halt in turn 2. The crash can be seen here.
Cope was unable to exit the car under his own power. As a result, members of the safety team had to pull him out through the drivers' side window. Cope suffered a broken patella (knee cap) and was out of action for seven weeks. While Richmond turned out to be his last Busch Series race of 2002, Cope did return to BAM Racing's No. 49 Dodge at Atlanta in the Winston Cup Series in late October.
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 Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Federated Auto Parts 400 Race Recap by Justin Tucker
-- Never Fear, The Underdogs Are Here by Amy Henderson
-- Sidebar Stories: Richmond by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch Columns and More!
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This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Four Burning Questions: Richmond by Justin Tucker
Subbing for Matt Stallknecht, Justin covers all the big stories and questions heading into the final Chase qualifier race in Richmond.
Nationwide Breakdown: Virginia 529 College Savings 250 by Joseph Wolkin
Joseph has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Nationwide Series race from Richmond.
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Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Federated Auto Parts 400 by Mike Neff
Mike covers all the details and post-race analysis from Richmond.
Big Six: Federated Auto Parts 400 by Amy Henderson
Amy tackles the who, what, when, where, how and why from Richmond.
Pace Laps: All Racing Series by the Frontstretch Staff
Our staff keeps you posted on all the racing action that occurred over the weekend.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom returns to tackle one of the most important storylines post-Richmond.
Cracking the Case by Aaron Creed
Aaron has his take on a developing story from the weekend.
-----------------------------
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
-- Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Sept. 5, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CLII
~~~~~~~~~~
This Weekend's TV Schedule
Friday, September 5
Time Telecast Network
1 - 2:30 p.m. Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour ESPN 2
3:30 - 5 p.m. Nationwide Series Qualifying ESPN 2
5 - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America NBC Sports Network
5:30 - 7 p.m. Sprint Cup Series Qualifying ESPN 2
7 - 7:30 p.m. NASCAR Countdown ESPN 2
7:30 - 10 p.m. Nationwide Series Virginia 529 College Savings 250 ESPN 2
Saturday, September 6
Time Telecast Network
1 - 2:30 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Free Practice No. 2 NBC Sports Network*# (from September 5)
5 - 6 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Free Practice No. 3 NBC Sports Live Xtra$
6:30 - 8 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Free Practice No. 2 NBC Sports Network*# (from September 5)
8 - 9:30 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Qualifying NBC Sports Network
10 - 11 a.m. NASCAR RaceHub Special FOX Sports 1
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. K&N Pro Series West Bakersfield 150 FOX Sports 1*/ (from August 30)
3 - 5 p.m. Lake County Speedway Hot Laps FansChoice.tv^
3:30 - 5 p.m. TORC: The Off-Road Championship Series Keys to the Big House NBC Sports Network* (from August 30-31)
5 - 5:30 p.m. TORC: Crandon Reality Show NBC Sports Network
5:55 - 9:55 p.m. Lake County Speedway Grandparents' Night FansChoice.tv^
6 - 7 p.m. NASCAR RaceDay FOX Sports 2
6 - 8 p.m. Tucson Speedway Practice FansChoice.tv^
7 - 7:30 p.m. NASCAR Countdown ABC
7:30 - 11:00 p.m. Sprint Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 ABC
8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Tucson Speedway Qualifying FansChoice.tv^
9:55 p.m. - 12:40 a.m. Tucson Speedway Minute Man 50 FansChoice.tv^
Sunday, September 7
Time Telecast Network
12:30 - 2 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Qualifying NBC Sports Network*# (from September 6)
3:30 - 4 a.m. NASCAR Victory Lane FOX Sports 1
3:30 - 5:30 a.m. Sprint Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 ESPN 2*/# (from September 6)
6 - 7:30 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy Qualifying NBC Sports Network*# (from September 6)
7:30 - 8 a.m. F1 Countdown NBC Sports Network
8 - 10 a.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy NBC Sports Network
9 - 9:30 a.m. NASCAR Victory Lane FOX Sports 1#
10 - 10:30 a.m. F1 Extra NBC Sports Network
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. 1 NBC Sports Network#/
1 - 1:30 p.m. Formula DRIFT: Road to the Championship, Part 2 NBC Sports Network*/ (from May 10)
2 - 3 p.m. GP2 Championship Series: Monza, Race 2 NBC Sports Network*
3 - 3:30 p.m. F1 Countdown NBC Sports Network*#
3 - 5 p.m. Blancpain Sprint Series: Algarve CBS Sports Network* (from September 6-7)
3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Formula One Grand Prix of Italy NBC Sports Network*#
5:30 - 6 p.m. F1 Extra NBC Sports Network*#
10:30 - 11:00 p.m. NASCAR's The List: Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Moments NBC Sports Network#
11:00 - 11:30 p.m. NASCAR's The List: Tracks NBC Sports Network#
* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
# - Repeat Coverage
^ - Available via free online streaming
$ - Available via password-protected online streaming. Check with your internet and/or programming provider for availability
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by the Frontstretch Staff
Nationwide Expands Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Sponsorship
Nationwide is on your side. In May, Nationwide Insurance joined Hendrick Motorsports to back Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as a part of three-year deal to serve as primary sponsor for 12 Sprint Cup races in 2015 and 13 each in 2016 and 2017. Having stepped away from series title sponsorship of the Nationwide Series in favor of individual team backing, the insurance company has now expanded its involvement with the No. 88 team. Read more.
Chris Buescher, Ty Dillon Pace Nationwide Practices at Richmond
Chris Buescher and Ty Dillon paced the field as the Nationwide Series hit the track at Richmond International Raceway Thursday afternoon. The series returned to the track as preparations began for Friday night's Virginia 529 College Savings 250. Read more.
Hendrick Motorsports Releases Statement on National Guard Relationship
On Friday morning, Hendrick Motorsports released a statement pertaining to their relationship with the National Guard, which currently serves as a co-primary sponsor on Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s No. 88 Chevrolet. The National Guard announced in August that they plan on pulling out of motorsports at the end of the season, despite a contact with Hendrick Motorsports through the end of 2015. Read more.
NASCAR Makes Changes to Talladega Qualifying Ahead of Fall Races
On Thursday, NASCAR announced a new qualifying format for the Oct. 17-19 race weekend that features the Camping World Truck Series Fred's 250 and Sprint Cup Series Geico 500 that includes shortening the qualifying rounds and added a third - each five minutes in length. Read more.
Aric Almirola to Return to Nationwide Series with Biagi-DenBeste Racing
On the heels of clinching his first Chase berth and first career Sprint Cup Series win at Daytona in July, Aric Almirola hopes some double duty when the Chase for the Sprint Cup begins at Chicagoland Speedway next weekend is the edge needed to propel his no.43 car to the second round of the chase. Read more.
Have news for Justin and Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Federated Auto Parts 400
by Brad Morgan
The Sprint Cup Series travels back to Richmond International Raceway for the 26th race of the 2014 season on Saturday, Sept. 10. Television coverage of the Federated Auto Parts 400 begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC; your local Motor Racing Network (MRN) affiliate and SiriusXM Channel 90 will handle the radio broadcast. Drivers will compete for at least 400 laps (300 miles) before the checkered flag waves.
Records and Facts
Joey Logano won here in April's visit after getting around Matt Kenseth with only four laps remaining. The top 9 drivers from that race's finish order are on track to make the Chase barring anything highly unprobable happening, making it seem likely that he'll have to contend with a driver trying for another win and better Chase-grid positioning, or a wild-card qualifier looking to begin the final 10-race stretch with a bang.
Two Joe Gibbs Racing drivers, Denny Hamlin (112.5) and Kyle Busch (111.1), own the two best driver ratings at RIR since the 2005 season (19 races). The JGR duo has combined for six wins there, but Richard Petty Motorsports leads all organizations with 15 trips down Victory Lane, five more than Hendrick Motorsports.
For many drivers who are yet to win at the NSCS level, a victory at RIR would be extra special and enough to earn a spot in the Chase field. Kasey Kahne (2005) and Tony Stewart (1999) recorded their first Cup wins at the .75-mile track.
Track Facts
Track Length: .75-mile D-shaped oval
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 14 degrees
Frontstretch: 1290 ft., 8 degrees of banking
Backstretch: 860 ft., 2 degrees of banking
Grandstand Seating: 71,000
Website: http://www.rir.com/?homepage=true
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichmondInternationalRaceway
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RIRInsider
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. - noon ET
Happy Hour: Saturday, Sept. 5, 1 - 2:20 p.m. on ESPN2
Qualifying: Friday, Sept. 5, 5:45 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Chance of Storms
Precipitation: 60 percent
High: 93
Low: 63
They Said It:
"For us, it comes down to Richmond. We hoped we weren't in this position and not have all this pressure, but we're in it to win it. That's what it's going to take for us, and that's what we're going to go and try to do. We are in that group of cars that have nothing left to chance but to just go for it." - Marcos Ambrose
"I think you spend the whole year as a rookie kind of earning respect. But I think at the same time a lot of those guys that are already locked in the Chase are probably going to be up front and understand that I'm going to be doing all I can to try and get in the Chase. I don't know. You can't be dirty. Just be as aggressive as you can without really doing anything stupid and making anybody too mad." - Kyle Larson
"
When you look at the racing last year, there is no doubt that people contending for a Chase spot were racing in a way to help their cause. I think everyone has learned a lot from what happened and the consequences of it all. I think you may see a very different Richmond this time around." - Ryan Newman
"I think it's going to be a battle. It's going to be intense. It's not just about the guys on the cusp for points, it's about anyone that can win. The intensity is going to kick in. To be honest with you, it's been there all year. I think that every week you show up, your goal is to win and you do everything you can to try to get that win." - Brian Vickers
Brad Morgan is a senior writer for Frontstretch. Email him at brad.morgan@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Have a keen eye for racing news and want to show off your chops in front of an international audience? Frontstretch is looking for news writers to join our staff! We're looking for writers who can help us break and report on news from inside the racing community, from fielding press releases to going out and getting the story yourself. Interested applicants should email frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com with your name, contact info and three audition pieces -- two news stories taken from the day's breaking stories and one column/commentary piece. Please email Frontstretch with any questions.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Crowning the King of California Sprints
by Mike Neff
The USAC/CRA Sprints are in the midst of California Sprint Week. The series holds five races in eight days at four tracks around the state. The week kicked off last weekend at historic Calistoga Speedway with the Louie Vermeil Classic. Christopher Bell took home the hardware on Saturday night while Rico Abreu was the winner on Sunday. The week continues Thursday at Chico before heading to Watsonville and concluding at Santa Maria.
The USAC/CRA Sprints are a Californiacentric division of USAC that races all of its events in the state except the season opener and the season finale, which take place in Peoria, Ariz. The western United States is a true hot bed for Sprint car racing and California Sprint Week gives a driver bragging rights that he can not only carry for a year but for his entire life.
Saturday's races at Calistoga saw Christopher Bell score his first every USAC/CRA win. Ryan Bernal was the dominant car of the event but, after Bud Kaeding flipped and brought out a red flag, Bernal's car would not refire and he was forced to retire from the event. Once Bernal was out of the picture, Bell ran away from the field to score his victory. Damion Gardner crossed the line in second ahead of Abreu, Brody Roa and Robert Ballou. Abreu was also victorious in the USAC Western Midget Feature that was run in conjunction with the Sprint race.
Sunday it was Abreu's turn to grab the hardware in the Sprint cars. It was Abreu's second non-winged Sprint start of the year and he made a late-race pass to score the win. Saturday's winner Bell led 18 laps of the feature before settling for a third-place finish. Kevin Thomas, Jr. came home in second while Geoff Ensign and Colby Copeland rounded out the top 5. Bell was the winner of the $10,000 midget feature that ran alongside the Sprints.
Current point standings heading into Thursday night's feature for California Sprint Week.
Pos. Drivers Pts.
1. Christopher Bell 135
2. Rico Abreu 132
3. Damion Gardner 113
Kevin Thomas Jr. 113
5. Matt Mitchell 105
6. Mike Spencer 92
7. Colby Copeland 89
8. Bradley Terrell 87
9. Cody Williams 83
10. Brody Roa 77
11. Robert Ballou 76
12. Geoff Ensign 73
13. D.J. Johnson 67
14. Terry Schank Jr. 55
15. Logan Williams 52
16. Tim Barber 49
17. Ryan Bernal 47
Austin Williams 47
19. Jake Swanson 45
20. Marty Hawkins 44
21. Scott Hall 40
22. Adam Brenton 38
23. Chris Gansen 37
24. Bud Kaeding 36
25. Trevor Schmid 14
A note about Louis Vermeil: Vermeil was a fixture in California Sprint Car racing for over five decades. His influence was critical in the development of racing and racers in the West for most of his life. Vermeil was a car owner and a sanctioning body president whose passion for racing not only helped shape the sport but helped men who had the desire to race realize their dreams. Vermeil and his wife Alice provided the avenue for so many of the Sprint Car racers in northern California from the thirties through the eighties that he now has his own race at Calistoga Speedway.
If you are in the Watsonville or Santa Maria area this weekend, head over to check out the best Sprint Car drivers in the western states. The history and tradition of Sprint Cars in California will be on display with the latest standard bearers of the sport.
Whelen All-American National Championship
Anthony Anders had the week off thanks to Greenville-Pickens Speedway preparing for the K&N race this coming weekend. Anders had said earlier in the year that he'd be traveling to race with Lee Pulliam this weekend but it apparently did not happen. Speaking of Pulliam, he ran two races and scored a win but did not start 10th or lower so he did not increase his point total. He still trails Anders by 10 points with three weekends left in the season. Keith Rocco ran twice this week but did not visit Victory Lane. His lone top 5 didn't add to his point total. Dillon Bassett ran three more races this past week, increasing his season win total by one but not increasing his point total. Ryan Preece held onto the top 5 thanks to a top-5 finish in his one race he contested.
In the second half of the top 10, Chad Finchum made a big jump thanks to running four races and adding four wins to his season total. The 29 points Finchum added to his season total moved him ahead of Peyton Sellers for sixth on the list by one point. Sellers ran two races but added just a top 5, which didn't increase his season points. Kres Vandyke ran in four races this week and netted four top-5 finishes. Unfortunately he did not win and therefore remains at 620 points for the season. Tommy Lemons Jr. notched two top-5 finishes in his two races this week but didn't improve his 611 season points. Stewart Friesen did not race this week but remains in the 10th position in points with his 605 season total.
1 Anthony Anders Anderson, Myrtle, Hickory, Greenville 46 27 40 44 718
2 Lee Pulliam Caraway, S Boston, Greenville, Motor Mile, Southern Natl 42 22 37 38 708
3 Keith Rocco Waterford, Stafford, Thompson 40 13 31 34 690
4 Dillon Bassett East Carolina, Caraway, Motor Mile, Langley, Anderson, Greenville, Southern Natl, Hickory 34 13 29 33 649
5 Ryan Preece Riverhead, Thompson, Stafford, Waterford 40 12 33 37 639
6 Chad Finchum L Pine, Kingsport 30 16 26 27 630
7 Peyton Sellers Langley, Motor Mile, Caraway, S Boston 31 5 25 31 629
8 Kres Vandyke Kingsport, Motor Mile, L Pine 32 8 28 30 626
9 Tommy Lemons, Jr Southern Natl, Caraway, Motor Mile, S Boston 38 6 24 31 611
10 Stewart Friesen Utica Rome, Grandview 19 7 18 18 605
The Whelen All-American Series features an "inverted" point format. Car count determines the points competitors can receive. Points are awarded in ascending order from last place at a rate of two points per position. Last place receives two points, next-to-last scores four and on up through the field to the winner. The maximum number of cars awarded points in a single event is 18. The winner of the event receives three bonus points if they start the race in position one through nine. If they start in 10th or further back they will receive five bonus points. Drivers can collect points for their 18 best finishes recorded before Sept.22. The maximum number of points a driver can receive is 738.
This Week's Racing Schedule can be found here.
Mike Neff is a senior writer for Frontstretch.com. Feedback can be sent to mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON FRONTSTRETCH:
Holding the Pretty Wheel: The Man Nobody Remembers
by Amy Henderson
Happiness Is…Drama, Not Fighting & Intelligence
by Huston Ladner
Nuts for Nationwide: To XFINITY and Beyond
by Kelly Crandall
Mirror Driving: Best in Show, Can Kasey Kahne Contend, and Screening Smoke
by the Frontstretch Staff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: In the 2008 SunTrust Indy Challenge, Conquest Racing's Jaime Camara came from the back of the field to 12th, then took advantage of pit strategy to lead 44 laps. Camara was having a career night at the short track, but it ended early. What put him out?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. drove to Victory Lane in the 2002 Funai 250 at Richmond while driving a No. 8 Chevrolet with the Looney Tunes character Gossamer (the red hair monster that wears hi-tops) on the hood. However, the race is likely best known for a huge crash for Derrike Cope. What happened?
A: Cope was all alone on the track when throttle hung on the frontstretch. Cope locked up the brakes, but they could not prevent Cope's Petro Express Chevrolet from going hard into the outside wall entering turn 1. The hit was so hard that the roof and windshield peeled back on the Monte Carlo as it ground itself along the wall before coming to a halt in turn 2. The crash can be seen here.
Cope was unable to exit the car under his own power. As a result, members of the safety team had to pull him out through the drivers' side window. Cope suffered a broken patella (knee cap) and was out of action for seven weeks. While Richmond turned out to be his last Busch Series race of 2002, Cope did return to BAM Racing's No. 49 Dodge at Atlanta in the Winston Cup Series in late October.
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 Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Federated Auto Parts 400 Race Recap by Justin Tucker
-- Never Fear, The Underdogs Are Here by Amy Henderson
-- Sidebar Stories: Richmond by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch Columns and More!
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This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Four Burning Questions: Richmond by Justin Tucker
Subbing for Matt Stallknecht, Justin covers all the big stories and questions heading into the final Chase qualifier race in Richmond.
Nationwide Breakdown: Virginia 529 College Savings 250 by Joseph Wolkin
Joseph has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Nationwide Series race from Richmond.
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Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Federated Auto Parts 400 by Mike Neff
Mike covers all the details and post-race analysis from Richmond.
Big Six: Federated Auto Parts 400 by Amy Henderson
Amy tackles the who, what, when, where, how and why from Richmond.
Pace Laps: All Racing Series by the Frontstretch Staff
Our staff keeps you posted on all the racing action that occurred over the weekend.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom returns to tackle one of the most important storylines post-Richmond.
Cracking the Case by Aaron Creed
Aaron has his take on a developing story from the weekend.
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