THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Nov. 24, 2014Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Volume VIII, Edition CCVIII
~~~~~~~~~~
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR season complete, we're cutting our Newsletter back to a weekly edition on Mondays. But don't go anywhere! Frontstretch still plans plenty of offseason content, from driver reviews to special features as we try and keep the fire warm until February's Daytona 500. And if big news breaks over the winter, we'll still have Up to Speed pieces at Frontstretch and special Newsletters covering it all. Examples will include the decision on whether Kurt Busch will face charges in regards to the allegations made by Patricia Driscoll (the decision is expected sometime in December) and any remaining driver moves.
However, as we conclude the racing portion of the 2014 season we want to take a moment and give thanks to you -- our loyal fans. Without your support of this Newsletter, our website and various social media outlets there would be no Frontstretch. Our independent journalism coverage is based with you, the fans in mind first and foremost -- digging for the stories you haven't heard, the ones you want to hear about and the ones that will inevitably matter most. We appreciate each and every one of our readers and wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving week filled with friends and family.
Until next Monday... take care.
-The Frontstretch Staff
~~~~~~~~~~
TV Schedule for November 24-28, 2014
TV Schedule for November 24-28, 2014
Monday, November 24
Time Telecast Network
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 1
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 2*#
Tuesday, November 25
Time Telecast Network
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. NASCAR America (two repeats) NBC Sports Network*# (from November 17)5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America: Scan All 43 Special NBC Sports Network
9:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. NASCAR America's The List: Iconic Cars NBC Sports Network#
Wednesday, November 26
Time Telecast Network
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. NASCAR America (four repeats) NBC Sports Network#
5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America: Scan All 43 NBC Sports Network#
Thursday, November 27
Time Telecast Network
Time Telecast Network
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. NASCAR America (four repeats) NBC Sports Network#
Friday, November 28
Time Telecast Network
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. NASCAR America (four repeats) NBC Sports Network#
5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America: Scan All 43 NBC Sports Network#Saturday, November 29
Time Telecast Network
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Rigid Industries Score Desert Challenge CBS Sports Network*/# (from September 27-28) Sunday, November 30
Time Telecast Network
4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. NASCAR America: Scan All 43 NBC Sports Network#
4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Formula DRIFT: Final Fight, Part No. 2 NBC Sports Network*/ (from October 10)
*- Tape Delayed
/- Highlighted coverage
What to Watch: November 24-28
- Most of the NASCAR industry is settling down for vacations or gatherings with their families this week for Thanksgiving. News will likely be quite sparse. If anything notable does break, then we will cover it.
Top News
by Phil Allaway
Denny Darnell Passes Awayby Phil Allaway
Motorsports has lost one of its greatest behind-the-scenes voices. On Saturday, Denny Darnell, a longtime PR representative in NASCAR and the NHRA, died suddenly of an apparent heart attack. The native of Kingsport, Tn. was 70 years old.
Most recently Darnell, via his own company Darnell Communications was the head of Communications for Dodge in NASCAR through the end of the 2013 season. In addition to his work there, Darnell wrote for the Kingsport Times-News in Tennessee before leaving to become the General Manager and Vice President of then-Bristol International Raceway, a role he held from 1983-88. In that time, Bristol's profile rose from being an unknown gem, both races untelevised to a track that was very much in demand. By 1985, both races had live telecasts on ESPN and crowds were increasing to the point where new grandstands needed to be constructed. Busch races saw both the frontstretch and backstretch grandstands opened for the first time in 1986, while expansion began chugging to a peak of over 160,000 seats once Bristol reached the top of the NASCAR mountain in the late 1990s.
Most recently Darnell, via his own company Darnell Communications was the head of Communications for Dodge in NASCAR through the end of the 2013 season. In addition to his work there, Darnell wrote for the Kingsport Times-News in Tennessee before leaving to become the General Manager and Vice President of then-Bristol International Raceway, a role he held from 1983-88. In that time, Bristol's profile rose from being an unknown gem, both races untelevised to a track that was very much in demand. By 1985, both races had live telecasts on ESPN and crowds were increasing to the point where new grandstands needed to be constructed. Busch races saw both the frontstretch and backstretch grandstands opened for the first time in 1986, while expansion began chugging to a peak of over 160,000 seats once Bristol reached the top of the NASCAR mountain in the late 1990s.
For eight years, Darnell served as Director of Communications for the National Hot Rod Association. During his time with the NHRA, superstars emerged that could pull a national audience, from the presence that is John Force to Kenny Bernstein exceeding 300 m.p.h. for the first time (1992). Once again, Darnell was able to bring in the broadcasters, helping broker contracts and garnering strong support from TNN (and later, ESPN). Afterwards, Darnell left the NHRA for R.J. Reynolds, where as the Senior Manager, Media Relations for Sports Marketing Enterprises he supported Winston's motorsports sponsorships. At the time, that would have included Winston's sponsorship of the No. 23 Ford for Jimmy Spencer and their primary sponsorship of what was then the Winston Cup Series.
NASCAR released an official statement upon hearing of Darnell's death.
"NASCAR offers its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Denny Darnell," wrote Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. "For decades working with Bristol Motor Speedway, RJ Reynolds, NEXTEL and Dodge, Denny was a familiar and friendly face in media centers and NASCAR garages throughout the country. He approached his job seriously and professionally, but few could bring laughter like Denny. He was a public relations institution, and will be greatly missed."
"NASCAR offers its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Denny Darnell," wrote Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. "For decades working with Bristol Motor Speedway, RJ Reynolds, NEXTEL and Dodge, Denny was a familiar and friendly face in media centers and NASCAR garages throughout the country. He approached his job seriously and professionally, but few could bring laughter like Denny. He was a public relations institution, and will be greatly missed."
A reception of family and friends will take place on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Springdale Missionary Baptist Church in Kingsport, followed by a celebration of life service. Burial is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
We at Frontstretch send our condolences to the Darnell family.
We at Frontstretch send our condolences to the Darnell family.
Hamilton Claims Abu Dhabi Victory, World Championship
Sunday's Formula One Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi was originally supposed to be a showdown between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Hamilton had a 17-point lead entering the race. With double points in play, that meant that Hamilton needed to finish second or better to claim the title.
Ultimately, though, the championship wasn't decided on the track but in the engine compartment.
Hamilton seemed to have the better car for much of the race, with Rosberg right within striking distance. However, shortly before halfway, the ERS (Energy Recovery System) failed on Rosberg's No. 6. Losing the ERS means that a driver loses a substantial amount of speed (NBC Sports' Steve Matchett and David Hobbs estimated the engine drop at 160-170 horsepower). Rosberg began dropping like a stone as a result, eventually finishing a lap down in 14th.
Pit strategy briefly put Williams' Felipe Massa in the lead after Hamilton's final stop, but Hamilton re-claimed the lead when Massa switched onto super-soft tires on lap 44. Over the final 12 laps of the race, Massa used his softer rubber up to try to run down Hamilton, but to no avail.
Hamilton held on to take his 11th win of 2014, and with it, the 2014 World Driver's Championship. For Hamilton, it is his second title in Formula One.
Hamilton held on to take his 11th win of 2014, and with it, the 2014 World Driver's Championship. For Hamilton, it is his second title in Formula One.
Massa finished 2.576 seconds behind in second, while Massa's teammate Valtteri Bottas rounded out the podium. Behind them was Daniel Riccardo, who finished fourth after starting from the pit lane. The pit lane start was due to both Red Bulls (Riccardo and Sebastian Vettel) having their times disallowed in qualifying due to the front wings failing a post-qualifying flex test. Jenson Button, possibly driving in his final Grand Prix, finished fifth for McLaren.
Athenian Motorsports to Compete Full-Time in XFINITY Series in 2015
On Friday, Athenian Motorsports announced that they will compete full-time in both the Camping World Truck Series and XFINITY Series in 2015. John Wes Townley, son of team owner Tony Townley, will continue to drive the No. 05 Zaxby's Toyota Tundra full-time in the Camping World Truck Series. In addition, Townley will drive the No. 25 with Zaxby's backing in the XFINITY Series for anywhere from 18 to 21 races. Funded drivers and sponsors, a combination the team is actively seeking will round out the remaining races on the schedule.
Townley appears to be quite confident ahead of his fourth full-time Camping World Truck Series campaign.
"I can't wait to get to Daytona in February," Townley said in a press release. "I had a chance at the end of the 2014 season to work with my new crew chiefs. I think that time together is going to pay off big-time for us at the beginning of the new season."
"I can't wait to get to Daytona in February," Townley said in a press release. "I had a chance at the end of the 2014 season to work with my new crew chiefs. I think that time together is going to pay off big-time for us at the beginning of the new season."
Michael Shelton will continue in his role as crew chief for Townley in the Camping World Truck Series, while Mike Ford will hold the role for Townley in Nationwide.
The XFINITY team will also be switching from Toyota to Chevrolet.
The XFINITY team will also be switching from Toyota to Chevrolet.
Have news for Phil and The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Race fans, do you love Frontstretch.com's coverage of NASCAR's top 3 series, IndyCar, Formula One and Short Track Racing? Do you want to read even more about your favorite sport? Then check out the industry's newest racing publication, Motorsport Illustrated News!, which is available both in print and in digital format! As one of our loyal readers, you'll receive 15% off any subscription when you use the coupon code fs2013.
Race fans, do you love Frontstretch.com's coverage of NASCAR's top 3 series, IndyCar, Formula One and Short Track Racing? Do you want to read even more about your favorite sport? Then check out the industry's newest racing publication, Motorsport Illustrated News!, which is available both in print and in digital format! As one of our loyal readers, you'll receive 15% off any subscription when you use the coupon code fs2013.
~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Last week, Extreme Speed Motorsports announced that they will compete full-time in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2015 while also competing part-time in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. While American teams competing in the WEC is rare, it's not unprecedented. When was the last time an American prototype team competed in the WEC?
Check back next Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Last Monday's Answer:
Last Monday's Answer:
Q: Fans of the Champ Car World Series (and its predecessor, CART) may remember the series being synonymous with Lola chassis right up until the end. However, the performance of the Lola chassis went in the toilet at the beginning of 1997 and didn't recover for years. Why did this happen?
A: In 1996, Lola announced that they were starting a new Formula One team for the 1998 season. The team already had sponsorship from MasterCard and Pennzoil. However, it appears that MasterCard decided that they wanted to be on the grid at the beginning of 1997. As a result, it became a rush job just to get the team to the first race of the season in Australia.
Lola designed a chassis without the use of a wind tunnel, obtained the use of two-year-old Ford Zetec-R V8 engines and signed sophomore Ricardo Rosset (formerly of Footwork/Arrows) and rookie Vincenzo Sospiri to drive. Unfortunately, the chassis was terrible. The best Lola could do all weekend was Sospiri's lap of 1:40.972, more than 11 seconds off of pole sitter Jacques Villeneuve. Since that time was not within 107% of Villeneuve's time, both Lola's DNQ'd. The team folded before it ever began, right there in the paddock in Brazil.
While active, the MasterCard Lola team built up substantial debts that put Lola Cars into bankruptcy. As a result, Lola was unable to provide the support that their CART teams needed and their performance fell off a cliff. Former Winston Cup car owner Martin Birrane eventually bought the company out of bankruptcy and built it back up.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday, December 1st, 2014 in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles and more!
This week at Frontstretch:
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
--
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Frontstretch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thefrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
No comments:
Post a Comment