THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Dec. 8, 2014Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Volume VIII, Edition CCX
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What to Watch: Week of December 9-15:- With Champions' Week complete, the teams will return to their focus on the 2015 season. Preparations are ongoing at shops all over the country.
- On Tuesday and Wednesday, Goodyear will be holding a tire test at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the first held using the 2015 rules package. Unlike last year, when most of the teams participated in an open test, only a few selected teams will be at the track. Those are Richard Petty Motorsports' No. 9 for Sam Hornish, Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 19 for Carl Edwards, Richard Childress Racing's No. 27 for Paul Menard and Hendrick Motorsports' No. 88 for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Fans can attend the test by going through the second floor of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Ticket Office, then taking the elevator there up to the fifth floor clubhouse.
Tuesday, December 9
4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Formula DRIFT: Final Fight, Part No. 2 NBC Sports Network*/# (from October 10) ~~~~~~~~~~
TV Schedule for December 8-14, 2014
TV Schedule for December 8-14, 2014
Monday, December 8
Time Telecast Network
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 17 p.m. - 8 p.m. NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 2*#
8 p.m. - 9 p.m. NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 2*#
Tuesday, December 9
Time Telecast Network
5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America NBC Sports Network
Wednesday, December 10
Time Telecast Network
5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America NBC Sports Network
Thursday, December 11
Time Telecast Network
Time Telecast Network
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 1
5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America NBC Sports Network#
8 p.m. - 9 p.m. NASCAR RaceHub FOX Sports 2*#
Friday, December 12
Time Telecast Network
5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. NASCAR America NBC Sports Network1
Saturday, December 13
Time Telecast Network
1 a.m. - 2 a.m. SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road: Las Vegas NBC Sports Network*# (from November 6)1 p.m. - 2 p.m. FIA Formula E Championship: Punta del Este FOX Sports 2
9 p.m. - 10 p.m. FIA Formula E Championship: Punta del Este FOX Sports 1*#
Sunday, December 14
Time Telecast Network
2 a.m. - 3 a.m. British Superbike Championship: Assen Velocity*/# (from September 21)3 a.m. - 4 a.m. European Rally Championship: Switzerland Velocity*/# (from October 23-25)
4 a.m. - 4:30 a.m. FIA World Touring Car Championship: Shanghai Velocity*/# (from October 12)
6 a.m. - 7 a.m. British Superbike Championship: Silverstone Velocity*/ (from October 5)
6 a.m. - 7 a.m. Rigid Industries SCORE Desert Challenge CBS Sports Network*/# (from September 27-28)
7 a.m. - 8 a.m. European Rally Championship Tour de Corse Velocity*/ (from November 6-8)
8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. FIA World Touring Car Championship: Japan Velocity*/ (from October 26)
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. World of Outlaws World Finals, Night No. 1 CBS Sports Network*/ (from October 12)
*- Tape Delayed
/- Highlighted coverage
#- Repeat Coverage
Top News
by Phil Allaway
by Phil Allaway
Champions Week Culminates with Banquet and Award Distribution
Last week, the NASCAR industry gathered in Las Vegas in order to celebrate Kevin Harvick's Sprint Cup Championship and to celebrate the 2014 season. It was a multi-day affair with events for the fans on the Las Vegas Strip, culminating with Friday's awards banquet and related fanfare.
In addition to feting Harvick on his first Sprint Cup Championship and Tony Stewart on his second Sprint Cup Owners' Championship, there were plenty of checks to be handed out, both at the banquet and during the NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon.
In a change from past years, the Sprint Most Popular Driver Award was handed out during the banquet Friday night. Despite the adjustment, the winner remained the same as Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the award for the 12th straight year.
The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award was won by Best Buddies Kentucky, a non-profit dedicated to social inclusion programs for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Founder Daniel Noltemeyer was presented with a $100,000 donation from the NASCAR Foundation for his cause, in addition to a 2015 Toyota Camry for himself.
Award Winners from the NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon:
NMPA Myers Brothers Award: Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Buddy Shuman Award: Bill Joyner, Sunoco's Manager of Automotive Events
NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award: Toyota
3M Lap Leader Award: Kevin Harvick
American Ethanol Green Flag Restart Award: Kevin Harvick
Coors Light Pole Award: Brad Keselowski
Duralast Brakes "Brake in the Race" Award: Kevin Harvick
Freescale "Wide Open" Award: Kevin Harvick
Goodyear Tires Award: Kevin Harvick
MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Year Award: Billy Davis, Hendrick Engines No. 4 team
Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 team
Buddy Shuman Award: Bill Joyner, Sunoco's Manager of Automotive Events
NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award: Toyota
3M Lap Leader Award: Kevin Harvick
American Ethanol Green Flag Restart Award: Kevin Harvick
Coors Light Pole Award: Brad Keselowski
Duralast Brakes "Brake in the Race" Award: Kevin Harvick
Freescale "Wide Open" Award: Kevin Harvick
Goodyear Tires Award: Kevin Harvick
MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Year Award: Billy Davis, Hendrick Engines No. 4 team
Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 team
Mobil 1 Driver of the Year Award: Kevin Harvick
MOOG Steering & Suspension Problem Solver of the Year Award: Luke Lambert, crew chief No. 31 Richard Childress Racing team
MOOG Steering & Suspension Problem Solver of the Year Award: Luke Lambert, crew chief No. 31 Richard Childress Racing team
Sherwin-Williams Fastest Lap Award: Matt Kenseth
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award: Kevin Harvick
Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award: Kyle Larson
Champion Sponsor Award: Budweiser
Champion Crew Chief: Rodney Childers
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award: Kevin Harvick
Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award: Kyle Larson
Champion Sponsor Award: Budweiser
Champion Crew Chief: Rodney Childers
Darrell Wallace, Jr. Granted Release From Joe Gibbs Racing
MRN's Dustin Long is reporting that Darrell Wallace, Jr., recently of Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series, has been granted his release from his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing. The reasoning for Wallace's move is said to be JGR's inability to find sponsorship so that Wallace can run full-time in 2015.
A possible destination for Wallace could be Roush Fenway Racing. Motorsport.com's Lee Spencer is reporting that Wallace could be in a new, fourth full-time car in the XFINITY Series next season as a teammate to Elliott Sadler, Ryan Reed, and Chris Buescher. Chad Norris, who recently had served as Trevor Bayne's crew chief in the Nationwide Series, is expected to serve as Wallace's head wrench.
Wallace's contract with JGR was a development deal. Through that agreement, Wallace has made a few starts in their No. 20 Toyota in the Nationwide Series in the past, in addition to his two full years in the Camping World Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports. The plan for 2015 was for JGR to run Wallace in roughly ten races in the XFINITY Series. Team owner Joe Gibbs had previously stated that the team would likely have a decent sponsorship package for Wallace in those events. However, no announcements about backing for Wallace were made after Gibbs issued that statement.
Ben Rhodes to Run Limited Schedule for JR Motorsports
On Friday, JR Motorsports announced that 17-year-old Ben Rhodes, 2014's K&N Pro Series East Champion, has signed with the team to run a limited schedule in the XFINITY Series in 2015. Sponsorship will be provided by Alpha Energy Solutions, Rhodes' longtime backer in late models, the K&N Pro Series East and his appearances for Turner Scott Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series last year.
JR Motorsports co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller is very high on Rhodes' potential.
"Ben is one of the rising talents in NASCAR," Earnhardt Miller said in a press release. "As a company, JRM takes pride in cultivating young drivers, and together with Alpha Energy Solutions, we're thrilled to give Ben a platform to further develop his skills at the next level. I'm excited to see what this coming year will bring for him and the No. 88 team."
"Ben is one of the rising talents in NASCAR," Earnhardt Miller said in a press release. "As a company, JRM takes pride in cultivating young drivers, and together with Alpha Energy Solutions, we're thrilled to give Ben a platform to further develop his skills at the next level. I'm excited to see what this coming year will bring for him and the No. 88 team."
Rhodes, who will turn 18 on February 21st, is grateful for the opportunity to further his career with JR Motorsports.
"I'm thrilled to be joining one of the top teams in NASCAR for the 2015 season," Rhodes said. "It's been my goal to compete in NASCAR's top tiers, and this is a tremendous opportunity with JR Motorsports and Alpha Energy Solutions to race in the XFINITY Series. I couldn't think of a better group of people to surround myself with to continue my growth in the sport. I am looking forward to working with crew chief Dave Elenz, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet with Dale Jr., Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne, as well as sharing the track with my teammates Chase Elliott and Regan Smith."
Rhodes is scheduled to make his XFINITY Series debut in the No. 88 Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway, a track that Rhodes has experience at from his time in the K&N Pro Series on May 17. From there, Rhodes will compete at Chicagoland in June, New Hampshire in July and the second Iowa race in August. Rhodes will race in all three road course events (Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio and Road America) before finishing up at Kentucky (September), Dover (October) and Homestead.
John Hunter Nemechek Wins Snowball Derby
The Snowball Derby has itself a teenage champion, the son of one of NASCAR's famous drivers. 17-year-old John Hunter Nemechek, who made a daring three-wide move on a restart with five laps to go, took the trophy for his first ever victory in the big race. Nemechek held off attempts from Dalton Sergeant and former K&N Pro Series West regular Derek Thorn on multiple late-race restarts, then survived the dreaded post-race inspection to win the 47th running on Sunday at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.
Afterwards, Nemechek was overcome with the emotion that comes not only with winning one of the biggest late model races in the country, but his very first Super Late Model victory.
"A little bit of emotion set in when we got the checkered flag and I climbed out and got to see all of my guys," Nemechek told Speed51.com after the race. "Words can't describe this right now. It's amazing to even have your name in the history books with so many great drivers that have run this race over the years."
"A little bit of emotion set in when we got the checkered flag and I climbed out and got to see all of my guys," Nemechek told Speed51.com after the race. "Words can't describe this right now. It's amazing to even have your name in the history books with so many great drivers that have run this race over the years."
Behind the podium finishers were pole sitter Hunter Robbins and ARCA Racing Series regular Grant Enfinger. Other notables included Anderson Bowen in ninth, Kyle Grissom (son of Steve Grissom) in tenth and part-time NASCAR competitors Jeff Choquette and Clay Rogers in 11th and 12th, respectively. Corey LaJoie was a lap down in 13th while Johanna Long finished 17th, leading 59 laps before getting caught up in a crash. Erik Jones crashed out and finished 27th, while Nationwide Series Champion Chase Elliott was forced to settle for 29th.
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.
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~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
2014 Driver Reviews Continue! Click here for the full upcoming schedule of reviews.
Today's reviews:
by Phil Allaway
by Brett Poirier
by Toni Montgomery
by Amy Henderson
Last Week's Reviews:
by Beth Lunkenheimer
by Phil Allaway
by Tom Bowles
by Huston Ladner
by Joseph Wolkin
by Joseph Wolkin
by Joseph Wolkin
by Mike Neff
by Tom Bowles
by Huston Ladner
by Kevin Rutherford
by Kevin Rutherford
by Kevin Rutherford
by Kevin Rutherford
by Tom Bowles
by Joseph Wolkin
by Justin Tucker
by Summer Bedgood
by Summer Bedgood
by Mike Mehedin
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: After the move away from closed-top IMSA GTP prototypes following the 1993 season, the World Sports Cars became IMSA's top class. One of the most successful cars in that era was the Ferrari 333sp, a Dallara-built prototype with a Ferrari V12 engine. Years later, Doran Racing raced what they called the "Lista Special" in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series in 2001. What is the difference between the Lista Special and a Ferrari 333sp?
Check back next Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Last Monday's Answer:
Last Monday's Answer:
Q: In the past, west coast races for what is now the Sprint Cup Series were held as conjunction races with what is now the K&N Pro Series West. When is the last time that a West Series racer defeated the Cup regulars to win a Cup race?
A: The last West Series racer to pull off that feat was Ray Elder, who won the Golden State 400 at Riverside in June 1972. Back then, the race was 400 miles in length. Elder took the lead when Bobby Isaac's transmission broke on lap 110 and pulled away from there to win by a full lap over Benny Parsons. It was Elder's second and final win in what is now the Sprint Cup Series (the first came the previous year in the Motor Trend 500) and helped him earn his fourth consecutive NASCAR West Series championship.
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 in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles and more!
This week at Frontstretch:
Our annual driver reviews continue this week. Check out the schedule at Frontstretch to see when your favorite driver's season will be profiled.
-----------------------------Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
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