THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
Best seat at the track, best view on the net!
Oct. 15, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CLXXX
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TUESDAY'S FOCUS: Diversity In The NHRA
MONDAY'S FOCUS: NHRA's Family Affair
by Toni Montgomery
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Today's TV Listings
Time Telecast NetworkPresented by Frontstretch.com
Best seat at the track, best view on the net!
Oct. 15, 2014
Volume VIII, Edition CLXXX
~~~~~~~~~~
October 13th-17th: "Next Hot Racing Association" Week on the Frontstretch!
While NASCAR's Chase marches on, there's also another major racing series title being decided across the U.S. Join us as we spend a week taking a look at the recent growth of drag racing across America, focusing on the NHRA. If you're not watching? We'll have ten stories that will explain why you should be...
TODAY'S FOCUS: Sponsorship in the NHRA
by Toni Montgomery and Mike Neff
by Toni Montgomery
by Toni Montgomery
as told to Toni MontgomeryMONDAY'S FOCUS: NHRA's Family Affair
as told to Toni Montgomery
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Today's TV Listings
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Top News
by the Frontstretch Staff
Brad Keselowski and Tony Stewart Penalized for Post-race Actions at Charlotte
On Tuesday afternoon, NASCAR announced that Brad Keselowski and Tony Stewart will be penalized for actions taken at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday evening following the Bank of America 500. Read more.
Marching Tar Heels Will Play National Anthem at Martinsville Speedway
NASCAR is filled with many timeless traditions that fans participate in. Tailgating outside the track, infield camping, cheering loudly during driver intros for the ones you like, booing those you don't, standing respectfully while listening to the national anthem… Read more.
Christian PaHud Captures Victory Thanks to Opportunity with Michael Waltrip and Bill McAnally
Christian PaHud isn't the average 21-year-old race car driver. With the help of the Peak Stock Car Dream Challenge held by Michael Waltrip Racing, this young man was able to do something that very few have done over the past few years. Read more.
Have news for 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
Friend or Foe?
Professor of Speed
by Mark Howell
Here in the Northern Midwest, on the shores of Lake Michigan, sports loyalties are as sharply defined as your blood type. The lines around this region are clearly drawn. Do you follow Michigan State, the University of Michigan or the University of Wisconsin? Are you a devoted fan of the Milwaukee Brewers or the Detroit Tigers? When it comes to the NFL, do you follow the Green Bay Packers or the Detroit Lions? In the NBA, do you cheer for the Milwaukee Bucks or the Detroit Pistons?
Not that your geographical location, however, denotes such loyalties. Given that the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin sits about fifty miles due west as the crow flies from where I live, you will find Packers fans roaming the sidewalks of our village. The city of Detroit, which lies about 250 miles to the south, may be considered the epicenter for our various "home teams," but that's not to say that state boundaries trump proximity on a map. Not being a lifetime native of Northern Michigan, I find such loyalty dynamics fascinating.
Having grown up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the idea of sports team loyalties was much easier. You either followed Philadelphia-based teams or Pittsburgh-based teams. that was it. Your favorite organizations were the ones that closely suited your personality, or they were the teams located nearest to relatives. The teams you did not support – even though they were still located within your state – were pretty much relegated to "enemy" status. The unwritten rules were fairly well-defined.
So imagine the dilemma of NASCAR fans in Northern Lower Michigan following the end of Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Here was the Wolverine State's beloved son – Brad Keselowski – getting into a tussle (we won't call it a fight) with Wisconsin's very own Matt Kenseth. Both drivers are points of pride for us here in the Great White North; both are past champions and each qualified for the 2014 Chase for the Championship. Keselowski did so by winning multiple races for Roger Penske; Kenseth did so through his tried-and-true method of staying consistent. Both drivers seemed poised to challenge for this year's title until Saturday evening.
Seeing the fracas between "Bad Brad" and "Mild Matt" was unsettling on a couple of levels. First of all, the involvement of Kenseth was a bit of a surprise – not that he's above showing emotion, but that he did so in such a public/televised manner. Keselowski, on the other hand, gives no doubts about his temper and penchant for speaking his mind. His feelings about the state of the Chase seemed obvious at Charlotte…
But Keselowski's feelings took a hazardous turn (pardon the pun) when he nosed his No. 2 Ford into Kenseth's Toyota as the cars slowed down to enter pit road after the race. Kenseth had already removed his helmet and seat belts, so an impact at even 50 mph (as Kenseth suggested to reporters) could have caused injury.
The whole unseemly post-race altercation played out with quite the dramatic flair: Kenseth quickly grabbing Keselowski in the dark "alleyway" between the Penske Racing transporters, the Dollar General crew trying to separate the two men as, not too far away, Kevin Harvick celebrated his all-important victory and a subsequent free pass into the Eliminator Round.
Here's the simple-enough reason for the whole "headlock-by-the-haulers" deal: frustration becomes anger in the blink of an eye. Regardless of what happened on-or-off the track last Saturday night, the moral of the CMS story was two drivers sensing the impending end of their title hopes looming large. It's no surprise that Sprint Cup emotions slowly boiled over into hostility as the race wore on. The very blatant "survival-of-the-fittest" component built into this year's Chase format did not help matters too much.
It's one thing to put animals on public display in a tiny cage; it's quite another to then poke those animals with a sharp stick. Saturday night at Charlotte was the first of two sharp sticks. Talladega will be the next.
So it was disconcerting to watch popular drivers from Michigan and Wisconsin go at it after Saturday's race. If Keselowski reflected the Detroit "Bad Boy" image made famous by the Pistons, and if Kenseth channeled the no-nonsense, Lambeau Field-in-January demeanor of Packer fans, were the past champions not simply reacting to NASCAR's Spencerian vision of what the Chase was intended to be? The theory behind the Chase always seemed to be about creating a competitive fight to the finish. Is that not what NASCAR Nation is seeing this season?
What I saw Saturday night was two very talented and competitive men from the Northern Midwest letting frustration get the better of them. They wouldn't act that way unless provoked to do so. While the dramatics made for compelling television, the truth of the matter spoke volumes about what NASCAR seeks from its teams.
And most folks around here – on both sides of Lake Michigan – don't take kindly to such expectations…
Dr. Mark Howell is a contributor for Frontstretch. 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.
@SluggerLabbe: Here is @RCR27PMenard @TalladegaSuperS ride. @jstnalexander first shot at Crew chief gig! #paintisstillwet #brandnew pic.twitter.com/cSSUtyIW1Y
@2Spotter (Joey Meier): A nice pink hue @CLTMotorSpdwy tonight. #RaceForTheCure #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/BYw8W4H8yZ
@CLTMotorSpdwy: Each time you use #troopthanks to share military support, @BofA_Community will donate to @wbveterans & @wwpinc: go.bofa.com/bc6t
@Amy_Reimann: Almost to @CLTMotorSpdwy! pic.twitter.com/oOzn2toyZj
@racepix (Boyd Adams): Helped a lot on my DVR."@dustinlong: #NASCAR … ESPN ISSUES EXPLANATION FOR FANS MISSING FIRST 25 LAPS ON TV: "We started the race on ESPN3"
@nascarcasm: Dale Jr. won't go by Kurt Busch because he doesn't want to pass 40 and 41 in the same week. #nascar #BofA500
@VitoPugliese: @TeamHendrick announces new shifter design for all teams: #NASCAR #JuniorNation #bankofamerica500 pic.twitter.com/8RyK5ivd4S
@MartySmithESPN: These were left behind after the Hamlin/Keselowski garage skirmish. NASCAR studied them. pic.twitter.com/jE24WUw3In
@keselowski: Rough night. Understand a lot of folks may not understand everything that happened and that's OK. I'm not perfect but also not the only one.
@keselowski: Wish I could explain my side of last night to all of you. But it would take a beer and a whole lot more than 140 letters!
@JimmieJohnson: There is still a bullet left in the gun. Come on Talladega. #se7en
@DeLanaHarvick: A little football and play-doh pic.twitter.com/FYMs9DebxK
@ReganSmith: And it's a boy! pic.twitter.com/ZSUhyDtrqT
@DriverAppear: Big congrats to @JenJoCobb & @EddieTroconis on their engagement! Wishing them many years of love & happiness! #nascar
@RutledgeWood: If you pray, I'm asking for you to pray for my friend @SteveByrnes12 & send him strength in this fight. If you don't pray, just send love..
@RutledgeWood: If any of us can have the kind of positive & loving impact @SteveByrnes12 has & continues to have on so many, then that's doing it right
@ClintBowyer: Best baby gift ever and I mean EVER!!! come through the mail from my buddy @johnnydare pic.twitter.com/qsNrJCLwCY
@HunterRobbins18: How @JOHANNALONG watches @TheWalkingDead. pic.twitter.com/PImHpSkGx0
@RodneyChilders4: The sign of a good weekend... Instagram.com/p/uF3kG6jRV8/
@jaywpennell: Video captures @keselowski's post-race burnout in the @CLTMotorSpdwy garage foxs.pt/1sa3I87 #NASCAR @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/zOgoMscjS7
@TheOrangeCone: I love that people's first instinct to virtually any situation is to completely lose their shit and overreact.
@tireguyeighty8: Success comes with a price. Never forget that. #LifeLessonsByLopes
@BJewkes: Hug your mom. Every. Chance. You. Get.
@joshahamilton: Is there anything more annoying than leaving extra early and still showing up late? Traffic is THE worst.
@StewartHaasRcng: An armada of racecars on display in the lobby of Stewart-Haas Racing. #NASCAR instagram.com/p/uIip6QG84B/
@DaleJr: FWIW: Recent changes in land zoning laws would now allow Metrolina Speedway to race tonight if it were operational.
@FrontRowNASCAR: We are putting decals on the No. 34 Wendell Scott tribute car for @MartinsvilleSwy. @MyFOXCarolinas is here for it. pic.twitter.com/GiTtnUspQA
@FrontRowNASCAR: Door numbers going on. pic.twitter.com/JUAR3mk6Gb
@KyleFox46: The @FrontRowNASCAR Wendell Scott #34 coming to life this morning in Statesville. @NASCARHall @WendellScott_34 pic.twitter.com/IRuBVWqya0
@bscottracing: I've got an important meeting today, praying that it goes well!
@TeamBKR: Behind the scenes look at the garage area here @MartinsvilleSwy pic.twitter.com/EqZMJKkzMW
@NASCARInformer: A different look for @gbiffle in 2015. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/9MgDmAbFUn
@ryanellisracing: Every fire truck needs a fire truck dog. #NASCAR #NAStruck #NASdog pic.twitter.com/YkP7xA4ob9
@RedHorseRacing: Come support RHR crew members at @TalladegaSuperS on Sat. at 9 a.m. in the @GoodyearRacing Tire Specialist Challenge! pic.twitter.com/pCXzir0fkA
@RoushFenway: Drama is brewing at @TalladegaSuperS. #CarlEdwards needs to finish 18th or better to advance to the next round. pic.twitter.com/hlsq5lXj1A
@nascarcasm: NASCAR had stated they will announce if they'll be assessing penalties once they're done with the high-fives and bro-hugs.
@BlakeKochRacing: My little dude loved picking out pumpkins!! #stud instagram.com/p/uJCfYHOl1w/
@caralagana: Currently searching for an underground bunker below the @NASCARHall. Not trying to be an extra in Twister 2.
@Jordan_Bianchi: Carl Edwards says Brian France is kicked back with his feet up, smiling with how the new Chase format has unfolded thus far. #NASCAR
@nateryan: Saturday's race at Charlotte drew a 3.1 on ABC, down from last year's 3.4. Charlotte was highest-rated/most-viewed Chase race so far. #nascar
@TheOrangeCone: I'm shocked ratings are down for an event that got overlooked for the first 60 minutes it was supposed to be on.
@RyanBlaney22: Throttle brake roll throttle brake roll throttle brake roll throttle brake roll throttle brake roll throttle. My thoughts testing at Mville.
@RikiRachtman: Sometimes you pick your friends. Sometimes they pick you @brendan62 http://instagram.com/p/uI-hMGAnDy/
@NASCAR: NEWS: NASCAR issues penalties following Charlotte race -> http://nas.cr/1Cid7wV
@jeff_gluck: Most surprising part to me was no penalty for Kenseth. At Richmond, Mears was fined $15k for shoving Ambrose. Kenseth's move = nothing??
@bobpockrass: Since #NASCAR didn't fine Kenseth, I would say NASCAR believes he didn't connect w/punch. Just like decision on crewman in Ambrose deal.
@jaybusbee: The NASCAR penalties unnecessarily bring Tony Stewart into the conversation in a way that will twist this entire narrative.
@jeff_gluck: Is it too much to ask NASCAR to just find some consistency in the way it applies its own rules?
@SteveRichards57: Here at Martinsville, @keselowski told me he'd rather not comment on the penalty. Wanted to concentrate on testing. @PRNlive
@bobpockrass: Team Penske says Keselowski will not appeal the penalty. #nascar
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
The Frontstretch Five: Reasons NASCAR Blew the Penalty for the Charlotte Fracas
by Amy Henderson
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Charlotte
by Amy Henderson
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Charlotte
by Michael Mehedin
Beyond the Cockpit with Andy Seuss, 2014 Whelen Southern Modified Tour Champion
compiled by Mike Neff
Beyond the Cockpit with Andy Seuss, 2014 Whelen Southern Modified Tour Champion
compiled by Mike Neff
by Toni Montgomery
by Toni Montgomery and Mike Neff
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ADVERTISEMENT
Frontstretch.com is pleased to announce that American Muscle, our longest running marketing partner, has renewed for another year! Help us celebrate our partnership by checking out the highlights from their 2014 American Muscle Car show by clicking here.
This show featured over 2,600 Mustangs, 10,000 spectators and raised $35,000 for the Special Olympics. This clip is a "must see" for Mustang and sports car enthusiasts! After checking out the video, be sure to sign up for the American Muscle YouTube channel and of course, check out the American Muscle link on the Frontstretch homepage any time you need quality parts for your Mustang!
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: Talladega is well-known for instances in which you can be eliminated through no fault of your own. The 1999 Winston 500 is no exception to the rule as Jerry Nadeau was eliminated from the race by pure chance. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 1992, Davey Allison came into the DieHard 500 at Talladega hurting after his infamous flip at Pocono the previous week. However, despite his injuries, he still managed to start the race. Who relieved Allison at the first caution?
A: Allison was relieved in the No. 28 Texaco/Havoline Ford by Bobby Hillin, Jr. At the time, Hillin was running a part-time schedule in the No. 31 Team Ireland Chevrolet, but the Martin Birrane-owned team chose to skip Talladega. Once in the No. 28, Hillin drove the Thunderbird up from the rear of the field to challenge the leaders. Hillin lost the leaders' draft toward the end of the race, but held on for a third-place finish.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to triviaanswer@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News by Phil Allaway
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Potts' Shots by John Potts
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Happiness Is... by P. Huston Ladner
Huston's weekly column pops up on a new day as he runs through what's good in the world of racing.
Going by the Numbers by TBD
We look at the statistical side of NASCAR heading to Talladega.
Tech Talk by Mike Neff
Mike is back with your look at the technical side of NASCAR. This week, Tony Gibson checks in before heading into Talladega.
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 Talladega.
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 look at the debut of Daniel Suarez.
~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Frontstretch.com is pleased to announce that American Muscle, our longest running marketing partner, has renewed for another year! Help us celebrate our partnership by checking out the highlights from their 2014 American Muscle Car show by clicking here.
This show featured over 2,600 Mustangs, 10,000 spectators and raised $35,000 for the Special Olympics. This clip is a "must see" for Mustang and sports car enthusiasts! After checking out the video, be sure to sign up for the American Muscle YouTube channel and of course, check out the American Muscle link on the Frontstretch homepage any time you need quality parts for your Mustang!
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q: Talladega is well-known for instances in which you can be eliminated through no fault of your own. The 1999 Winston 500 is no exception to the rule as Jerry Nadeau was eliminated from the race by pure chance. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 1992, Davey Allison came into the DieHard 500 at Talladega hurting after his infamous flip at Pocono the previous week. However, despite his injuries, he still managed to start the race. Who relieved Allison at the first caution?
A: Allison was relieved in the No. 28 Texaco/Havoline Ford by Bobby Hillin, Jr. At the time, Hillin was running a part-time schedule in the No. 31 Team Ireland Chevrolet, but the Martin Birrane-owned team chose to skip Talladega. Once in the No. 28, Hillin drove the Thunderbird up from the rear of the field to challenge the leaders. Hillin lost the leaders' draft toward the end of the race, but held on for a third-place finish.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to triviaanswer@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News by Phil Allaway
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Potts' Shots by John Potts
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Happiness Is... by P. Huston Ladner
Huston's weekly column pops up on a new day as he runs through what's good in the world of racing.
Going by the Numbers by TBD
We look at the statistical side of NASCAR heading to Talladega.
Tech Talk by Mike Neff
Mike is back with your look at the technical side of NASCAR. This week, Tony Gibson checks in before heading into Talladega.
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 Talladega.
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 look at the debut of Daniel Suarez.
~~~~~~~~~~
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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