Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Frontstretch Newsletter: Tony Stewart Case Headed to Grand Jury "Soon"

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Sept. 17, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CLX

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What to Watch: Wednesday

- Joe Gibbs Racing is holding a press conference today at their shop.  It appears likely that they are announcing a new primary sponsorship that will co-sign with the previously announced ARRIS on Carl Edwards' new ride for 2015.  We've previously reported that Stanley Tools has notified their employees privately that they are leaving Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the 2014 season in favor of Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 19.  We'll have more on the announcement later today at Frontstretch and in tomorrow's edition of the Newsletter.

Today's TV Listings

Time                                  Telecast                                                                 Network
4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.         Formula DRIFT: Miami Heat, Part No. 1                NBC Sports Network*/# (from May 30)
5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.         NASCAR America                                                  NBC Sports Network
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.              NASCAR RaceHub                                                FOX Sports 1
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.              NASCAR RaceHub                                                FOX Sports 2*#

* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
# - Repeat Coverage

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Top News
by Ashley McCubbin

Tony Stewart / Kevin Ward, Jr. Case Headed to Grand Jury

On Tuesday Sept. 16, the Ontario County, NY District Attorney's Office released a statement with regards to the Kevin Ward, Jr. / Tony Stewart case, stating it will go to a grand jury. Read more.

Wendell Scott to be honored at Martinsville Speedway by KBM and Front Row Motorsports

As a group announcement, NASCAR, Front Row Motorsports, Kyle Busch Motorsports and Martinsville Speedway announced on Tuesday that they will honor Wendell Scott, the first African-American driver to win a NASCAR premier series event, with a series of tributes during the Martinsville race weekend from Oct. 24-26. Read more.

Ron Hornaday to Run Las Vegas and Texas for NTS Motorsports

Ron Hornaday will drive the No. 9 Chevrolet Silverado for NTS Motorsports on September 27th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and October 31st at Texas Motor Speedway with sponsorship from Rheem Manufacturing Company. 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. And be sure to visit the website for more news, delivered 24/7!

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Today's Featured Commentary
What If...?
Professor of Speed
by Mark Howell

It's time to talk about the Sprint Cup Series and its new-and-improved "Chase for the Championship" format. As in: let's consider what may happen once the series gets to the final race of the season at Homestead….

If Brian France wanted to create a "Game Seven" moment for the Cup series, the procedure leading up to Homestead is a pretty decent way to accomplish such a mission. With all the discussion about brackets and eliminations, the Cup series is beginning to take on an NCAA "Final Four" sort of vibe. And that's precisely what we'll see come Homestead: the final four teams eligible to win the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship running one last winner-take-all race for all the proverbial marbles.

Speaking of marbles and other things spherical in shape, maybe it's time for me to whip something out, to borrow the vernacular of the late Cleavon Little of Blazing Saddles fame….

Don't panic. It's just my slightly-clouded crystal ball of racing extrapolation. With it, I can explore assorted scenarios NASCAR Nation might experience once the "Super Sixteen" gets whittled down to the "Fantastic Four".

How Homestead measures on the racing radar will be determined by who's still in the championship mix come late November. The four drivers/teams in contention will shape the course of NASCAR's brief off-season and what comes down the pike as pre-season testing and Speedweeks 2015 draw near.

In other words: if Brian France wants bucks, it'll all depend on how much bang we see in the final event of 2014….

One possibility (and, mind you, all of the following are based on little more than totally wild speculation) is that Hendrick Motorsports will put all four of its cars in the final four. If that's the case, the driver voted most-likely-to-snag-the-national-media-spotlight will be Dale Earnhardt, Jr. If Junior makes it to the final round, the tilting sensation you feel will be the Earth tipping on its axis.

That'll happen before they switch on the lights at Homestead.

An all-HMS finale would produce some mixed emotions. On one hand, you'd have two multiple-championship drivers in Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon squaring off against two "newbies" in the likes of Junior and Kasey Kahne. Such a situation would make for interesting racing, especially when things get all "Lord of the Flies" and you'd have good pals turning into vicious teammates.

So how about splitting the difference? How about a final race where one car from each mega-team runs for the title? Imagine Homestead with a car from Hendrick, a car from Roush Fenway, a car from Gibbs, and a car from Penske each running for the big hardware. That could make for quite the evening….

So let's shake up that equation; replace the car from Gibbs, let's say, with the car from Richard Petty Motorsports. Might there not be, now, a sentimental favorite hogging fan interest, as in "All hail King Richard"?

And since we're talking about RPM, what about an "inexperienced" driver lineup getting into the finals at Homestead? What's the reaction of NASCAR Nation going to be if the 2014 Sprint Cup title gets decided by a Hamlin/Edwards/Harvick/Almirola quartet? Do fans cheer loudest for the driver, the team, the respective narratives surrounding each competitor, or do they switch the channel and look for a football game?

Toss Dale, Jr. into this scenario, and you'll have the aforementioned tipping and tilting situation.

Speaking (again) of Hendrick Motorsports, what about a season finale where two teams stick two drivers each into the hunt? What would come of a two Penske/two Hendrick showdown? Add to that the notion that Brad Keselowski already has a championship (and a 2014 Chase Race win) while his teammate does not. On the HMS side, let's toss Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne into the fight; do the old-timers in this option look out for their younger teammates and try guiding them to a possible first championship? My guess is that team loyalties would stop at the transporter door.

Put Junior into this HMS/Homestead equation, and all reasonable bets are suddenly null-and-void. Remember: it's Junior's world; we're just lucky to share it with him.

These points of "What if?" are fun to ponder, especially given the realities of this new Chase format; regardless of what happens or when, the final race will boil down to four drivers eligible for one championship. The earlier elimination rounds will certainly shake things up, but doesn't that possibility exist throughout the entire season? A little rain plus some smart track positioning plus a red flag equals Aric Almirola in the Chase – who would have ever predicted that possibility back in February?

Another possibility suggested back in February was the fact that NASCAR could still, even with the new "win and get in" format, crown a 2014 Cup champion who never stopped in Victory Lane while on their way to the head table at Las Vegas. We all read the stories and we all heard the mathematical probabilities, but might we see such a scenario play out come Homestead?

What if, given the nature of the elimination rounds, we see drivers like Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, and Ryan Newman make the finals by running tough, finishing well, and gutting it out without ever seeing a win? Is the idea of a winless driver getting to the final race at Homestead and out-finishing the others in title contention really that far-fetched? Matt Kenseth snagged the 2003 Winston Cup championship with only one victory to his credit that season (hence the Chase format that followed the next year); is it not realistic, then, to believe that his consistent performances in 2014 might be enough to earn him a second – albeit winless – Cup championship?

Granted, it's far too early to speculate on what might be or what could happen, but that's the fun of printing off a bracket sheet, jotting down your carefully-thought out choices, and watching the sparks fly during the next (and last) nine events of the 2014 Sprint Cup season.

As the late Casey Stengel famously said: "It ain't over 'til it's over." Given this year's Chase for the Championship and its emphasis on consistency, winning, and possible elimination every three weeks, that statement would be a fitting slogan for NASCAR's "Game Seven" moment come Chase Race 10 at Homestead.

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.

@bobdillner: Blessed to have been w/ @NASCARONFOX for 12 years, but been told I'm not returning in 2015, so it looks like I'm a #FreeAgent#NASCAR

@warfieldscott: yeah, I'd say @DaleJr had fun on @jimmykimmel. great interview. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ-0UT5cbLk&feature=youtu.be …#MyChaseNation#NASCAR

@DaleJr: What an overwhelming sight.#Suepic twitter.com/DWi5E8dQGr
 
@MikeHoag88: Quick field trip to get a group photo outside... In one line guys... Let's go! #MyChaseNation pic.twitter.com/q24Wf9RRtM

@CJMearsGang: Just spent about 2 hours in the Menards not far from the track...you can get lost in that place! Not a bad way to kill time.

@bobpockrass: No I didn't get any strange looks taking a selfie in the H Mart by my hotel. pic.twitter.com/YQQ4H7zqOZ

@Kenny_Wallace: Y'all should come to these DIRT races, SHIT is Insane! We race for $500 like it's the Daytona 500 pic.twitter.com/Sb6Vb0NQbn

@jeff_gluck: Richard Petty Motorsports announces Marcos Ambrose will not return to the team next year. Calls it "personal decision." #NASCAR

@RickAllenRacing: Wishing the best to my friend @MarcosAmbrose  Such a great family man and always a refreshing smile on his face.  #respect

@DaleJr: Teal gloves for the month of September
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. @SherryPollex pic.twitter.com/az6LEkt7BP pic.twitter.com/tzRphf3Axy

@TonyStewart: After practice,@TonyStewart meets with fans@Chicagoland #nascar P26 pic.twitter.com/mUAQNviTZN

@Mother_Function: Still can't get over how awesome it was to see @KevinHarvick win the Freaky Fast 300 in @jimmyjohns backyard!  pic.twitter.com/YF8r1bvOG9

@odsteve: Race Control @ChicagolndSpdwy Time to go racing #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/YwjomC4At2

@SherryPollex: Thank you to my sweet friend  @DanicaPatrick for rocking the teal ribbon on her car! #ovariancancerawareness pic.twitter.com/WTpKUwAgcA

@MillerLite: The sweet taste of victory begins w/ the first sip of Miller Lite. Nice work,@keselowski! #ItsMillerTime #GoingFor2 pic.twitter.com/XuL9AIK0MJ

@jeff_gluck: Quiet Track, Chicagoland.#NASCAR @ Chicagoland Speedway http://instagram.com/p/s8j4kVtXhc/"

@AshleyAllgaier: Harper loves her Uncle Jonny!http://instagram.com/p/s8qOIqRQOq/

@KyleLarsonRacin: Umm @Katelyn_Sweet asks "is this miss America or miss United States?"#blonde

@JeffGordonWeb: Very solid team performance today@ChicagolndSpdwy & great start to#thechase. Looking forward to NH.

@2spotter: By request. RT@JMorris_NP: Awaiting @2Spotter trophy selfie. Congrats. pic.twitter.com/633rG1n7CG

@ericmcclure: Sometimes I have thoughts about why I, a 35 yr old man, loves disney.  But when I get worried I just...(wait for it)...Let it Go
#imsosorry

@mw55: My dearest @EmmaSlaterDance we have our voting number! 1-800-868-3409
1-800-Vote4-09
@DancingABC premieres Monday.#TeamTangodegaNights

@NewmanKrissie: Love ya to the moon and back aunt@SherryPollex now go kick some cancer ass http://instagram.com/p/s9PknErb1o/

@dfieldsfry: This was just on @FoxNews. Really? This has got to get old for @DanicaPatrick @StenhouseJr... pic.twitter.com/421NebSxBM

@DeLanaHarvick: I <3 talking "shop" & strategizing with@KevinHarvick. Amazing how right we are about SO much stuff. Makes me think we should...#ohhellno

@Kenny_Wallace: I admire "The Balls"@mw55 laid on the dashboard to even do #DWTS GREAT JOB Mikey

@DaleJr: John Madden was the king. But @ESPNMondayNight football & Jon Gruden are a perfect fit. Him and @miketirico get it right.

@KrisJohnson_NI: Pretty much addicted to @WordsWFriends. First step is admitting you have a problem.

@ChaseElliott: 42, such a good movie. Couldn't imagine what that man went through back then.#respect

@ClintBowyer: So what did y'all think of@mw55 last night on@DancingABC? Shouldn't have put him in @markmartin firesuit but I thought he did pretty good.

@wtrentowens: Happy Birthday LEFturn, truly missed everyday.

@JohnNemechek: Really looking forward to this weekend and getting back in the truck at @NHMS! #8in14

@nascarcasm: Fantasy-football discussion is like that new U2 album - you don't care about it, then suddenly you're somehow listening to it. #IPhone

@Team_Penske: Our version of window dressing aka cool curtains @MillerLite @DiscountTire @shellracingus @PUMA firesuits. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/tHdCqbW5Sh

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 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:

by Summer Bedgood

by Amy Henderson

compiled by Mike Mehedin

by Toni Montgomery

by Toni Montgomery and Matt Stallknecht


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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA

Q: In 2005, Kurt Busch came into Loudon as not only the defending champion of the Sylvania 300, but the defending NEXTEL Cup Champion.  However, Busch could not produce another stellar performance to get his Chase off on the right foot.  What happened that essentially killed his title defense?

Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Tuesday's Answer:

Q:  In the Chase, getting off to a good start is imperative.  In the inaugural playoff, Kurt Busch won the first Chase race at Loudon and eventually won the title.  However, Jeremy Mayfield was nowhere near championship contention once Homestead came around.  What happened early on at Loudon to set Mayfield back?

A: Mayfield was more or less a victim here.  On Lap 64, Robby Gordon got in the back of Greg Biffle in Turn 2.  Biffle spun and clipped Mayfield, spinning out the No. 19 Dodge.  Biffle was then hit by Tony Stewart, another Chaser.  The move was payback for Biffle spinning Gordon into the wall earlier in the race.  NASCAR penalized Gordon two laps for rough driving in response.  The wreck can be seen here.

After work on pit road, Stewart went behind the wall for additional repairs.  He would return to the race and run 19 additional laps before pulling out for the day and finishing 39th.  The wreck for Mayfield was actually quite minor.  However, during the caution, Mayfield stalled on the backstretch.  After being pushed back to the garage, the "Dew Crew" fixed up Mayfield's Intrepid.  Mayfield would return to the race and finish 35th, 49 laps down.  However, any chance of Mayfield being competitive in the Chase was already over.

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 by 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 Danica Patrick's crew chief Tony Gibson as the series heads 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 sets you up for success 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.

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