THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 2nd, 2011
Volume V, Edition CLXXXII
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NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the September 2nd edition that features Kurt Busch and Martin Truex, Jr. as our main racing guests.
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Earnhardt, Jr., HMS Sign Contract Extension
by Beth Lunkenheimer
NASCAR's Most Popular Driver has agreed to remain with one of the sport's most successful organizations. Thursday morning, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports announced the two parties agreed to a five-year contract extension. The deal will keep Earnhardt in the No. 88 Chevrolet through the 2017 season, leaving him an HMS driver for at least a full decade of competition.
"We're excited to have everything formalized and announced," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "Junior and I had a handshake agreement months ago, and we let other people work out the finer points from there. It was as simple and smooth as it gets."
"My feelings haven't changed since the day he first signed with us. I'm committed as ever to putting him in the best possible situation to be successful and compete for wins and championships."
The 36-year-old joined the Sprint Cup Series full-time in 2000 and boasts 18 career victories, 94 top 5s and 159 top 10s in 423 starts, including a victory in the 2004 Daytona 500.
"It's great to have it all wrapped up so quickly and far in advance," Earnhardt, Jr. said. "Rick and I were on the same page from the first time we talked about it, so there wasn't any sense in waiting. There were never any questions or hesitations from either of us. It was just, yeah, let's do it."
"I'm really happy at Hendrick Motorsports and enjoy working with everyone here. The team's been very competitive this season, and we're all excited about the direction of things. I want to make sure we're giving our fans something to cheer about for a long time."
Since joining HMS in 2008, Junior has one win, 18 top 5s and 38 top-10 finishes in 132 starts. He currently sits ninth in the standings, on pace to score his first postseason bid in three years.
Top News
by Summer Dreyer
Fastenal Moving to Sprint Cup Series in 2012
Since beginning a partnership with Roush Fenway Racing and Carl Edwards in the Nationwide Series, in 2010, Fastenal has been in Victory Lane no less than five times and was obviously happy with the exposure. The company announced on Thursday they will jump on board as a primary sponsor in Cup, backing Edwards' No. 99 Ford for 17 races next season.
"It's hard to imagine a better driver, or a better spokesperson for our company, than Carl Edwards," said Cory Jansen, Fastenal's Executive Vice President of Operations. "He's become a true member of the Fastenal 'blue team,' and we can't wait to see him make a run for the championship in the No. 99 Fastenal Ford."
In addition to their primary sponsorship on Edwards' car, Fastenal will be on the hood of two other RFR entries in a race that has yet to be determined for next season. This will aid the team in their continuing search for sponsors, as several of their cars have open races for 2012.
"I've appreciated the long relationship that I've had with Fastenal," said Edwards. "I'm proud that they believe so strongly in our team and program that they are making the commitment to sponsor us in the Sprint Cup Series."
Edwards is currently locked into the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup, with one victory this year.
Crew Member Reinstated
Following the successful completion of NASCAR's Road to Recovery program, former Rusty Wallace Racing crewman Troy Hartman has been reinstated following his suspension on July 5th of this year for violating the substance abuse policy.
Hartman is the second crew member in a little over a week to be earn his way back after Denise Harmon-Mixon was also reinstated following her July 5th suspension. She, too, was able to successfully complete NASCAR's Road to Recovery program.
Have news for Summer 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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Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
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In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Richmond Will Hold Blood Drive
Richmond International Speedway will start its NASCAR weekend with a drive of a different kind on Thursday – a blood drive. The track has partnered with Virginia Blood Services to host its fifth annual Drive for Life from noon to 5 PM at the Old Dominion Building. Participants should enter through Gate 4 on Laburnum Avenue.
Drive for Life has collected more than 400 units of blood in its first four years. Donors can register in advance by visiting vablood.org.
RIR will also host the Rockin' the Raceway Dierks Bentley concert on Thursday. All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Cullather Brain Tumor and Quality of Life Center at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital.
Pocono Raises Money for Hurricane Relief
On Thursday, Pocono Raceway partnered with the American Red Cross to raise money for Hurricane Irene relief (as reported in Tuesday's Newsletter). For a $10 donation, fans were able to take two laps around the "Tricky Triangle" in their personal vehicles. Pocono Raceway vowed to match the dollar amount collected from fans. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross of the Poconos, Disaster Relief Fund.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Did you know The Frontstretch has a weekly podcast? Hosted by Doug Turnbull, the latest podcast comes out every Friday. This week, Doug and columnist Bristol, Atlanta and much more! Check it out here!
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Keepin' It Short: Time To Get Super
by Mike Neff
One of the biggest dirt track events in the country is getting ready to roll off in Boone, Iowa this coming Monday. The IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Cenex draws entries from across the country and outside of the United States. Total entries for the event have topped 450 cars. Over 150 of those entries are in the Modified division while the Stock Car division is nearing the 100 entry plateau as well.
"Super Nationals is a one of a kind event, the most prestigious one in dirt track racing, and drivers from across the country want to experience it," said IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root, noting early Modified entries from 20 states. "A lot of those drivers have raced at Super Nationals numerous times. There are also a number of first-time competitors. I'm confident they'll put on a great show again this year at Boone."
The Northern SportMod division has representatives from seven states and the Sport Compacts are going to sport entries from five different states. The Hobby Stock division has 75 drivers already signed up and they will be coming to Iowa from seven different states as well.
As the entry forms continue to roll in, the schedule is shaping up for some outstanding racing at the ¼-mile dirt track. Boone has been running races for over 40 years and on regular race nights pulls in 2,000 fans.
Racing during the Super Nationals will begin at 3:00 PM every day. At this point in time the schedule looks like this:
Monday, Sept 5 – Complete Deery Brothers Summer Series Late Model program; qualifying for Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods; qualifying for Arnold Motor Supply Northern SportMod Race of Champions.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – Complete Mach-1 Sport Compact program; qualifying for Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods; qualifying for Arnold Motor Supply Hobby Stock Race of Champions.
Wednesday, Sept. 7 – Last-chance qualifying features for Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods; Modified and Stock Car qualifying.
Thursday, Sept. 8 – Modified and Stock Car qualifying; qualifying for Harris Auto Racing Modified Race of Champions and Sunoco Race Fuels Stock Car Race of Champions.
Friday, Sept. 9 – Modified and Stock Car qualifying; Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational for Modifieds.
Saturday, Sept. 10 – Last-chance qualifying for Modifieds; races of champions and main events for Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks, Stock Cars and Modifieds.
The Super Nationals pays out an impressive purse that not only rewards the winner for taking the checkered flag during the race weekend but it also pays money in the Modifieds, Stock Car and Hobby Stock divisions for starts during the weekly point season at sanctioned tracks. The Late Model feature pays $2,000 to win, the Sport Compact feature $250. The Modified champion gets $2,000, plus an additional $100 for each of as many as 50 starts made during the weekly point season at sanctioned tracks leading up to Super Nationals. Winner of the Stock Car feature earns $1,000 plus an additional $50 per sanctioned start. The Northern SportMod champion earns $1,000, the Hobby Stock champion $600, with an additional $25 per start paid in each class.
If you're anywhere near Boone, Iowa this coming week, head over to Boone Speedway and check out some high, wide and handsome, dirt track racing at the fastest ¼ mile track in the state.
*Whelen All-American National Championship Update*
This past Saturday was setting up to be a short track race fans dream as Philip Morris and Lee Pulliam were set to make the trip to Hampton, VA to run at C.E. Falk's home track in twin races. Unfortunately Hurricane Irene turned out to be interested in seeing the track too and, as a result, the activities were called off. In the end C.E. stayed home to see what Irene was going to do, Morris sent his car to Caraway for a shakedown but decided not to run there on Friday and Pulliam ran Caraway but came home second to Garrett Campbell.
For Keith Rocco, it was a less than stellar weekend as well. He came home 18th Friday night at Stafford Speedway after having contact with Eric Berndt in turn three on the last lap. Saturday night's racing at Waterford was rained out so Rocco didn't advance his season point total at all. When it was all said and done the top four stayed exactly the same except for Pulliam adding one point to his total.
In the rest of the field Bill Leighton Jr ran two races and scored a win. Amazingly, for the first time all season he actually had a race he started where he didn't score a top five. In the race that Rocco wrecked out Ryan Preece took the victory for his seventh of the season. While Frank Deiny and Burt Myers did not run, Nate Monteith ran and grabbed his 10th win of the season at Kingsport, holding off Joey Logano who stuck around to run the race in Coleman Pressley's late model.
1) Philip Morris – 26 races – 18 wins – 21 top 5s – 23 top 10s – 775 points
2) Keith Rocco – 45 races – 23 wins – 35 top 5s – 41 top 10s – 772 points
3) Lee Pulliam – 29 races – 17 wins – 25 top 5s – 27 top 10s – 754 points
4) C E Falk, III – 23 races – 11 wins – 20 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 713 points
5) Bill Leighton, Jr – 24 races – 9 wins – 23 top 5s – 23 top 10s – 681
points
6) Ryan Preece – 30 races – 7 wins – 24 top 5s – 27 top 10s – 613 points
7) Nate Monteith – 24 races – 10 wins – 21 top 5s – 21 top 10s – 602 points
8) Frank Deiny, Jr. – 22 races – 1 win – 16 top 5s – 20 top 10s – 591
points
9)J. Herbst – 17 races – 5 wins – 12 top 5s – 16 top 10s – 589 points
10) Burt Myers – 18 races – 4 wins – 13 top 5s – 16 top 10s – 588 points
Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the
race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20. Second
place receives two fewer points, and so-on through the field. Race winners
receive an additional five bonus points. For example, if there are 20 cars,
the winner receives 45 points, second gets 38 and third 36. If there are 15
cars, the winner received 35 points, second gets 28 and third 26. The top 18
races count towards the National Championship for a driver. A perfect season
for a driver would be 18 race wins with 20 car fields which equates to 810
points. The first driver to reach 810 points is declared the National
Champion in the event of a tie.
Weekend Short Track Schedule
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Orlando Speed World Speedway ; Orlando : FL - Florida United Promoters Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Boyds Speedway ; Ringgold : GA - USCS - Sprint Car Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - LaSalle Speedway ; LaSalle : IL - USAC National Midgets
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - MARS DIRTcar Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - NCRA / Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - RPM Speedway ; Hays : KS - United Rebel Sprint Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI - Auto Value Super Sprints
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI - MCR Dwarf Cars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Winston Speedway ; Rothbury : MI - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Chateau Speedway ; Austin : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS - NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - Midwest LateModels
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Oswego Speedway ; Oswego : NY - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Salem Livestock Pavilion ; Salem : OR - Washington Midget Racing Association
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA - All Star Sprint Cars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Lindas Speedway ; Jonestown : PA - Keystone Legend Car Tour
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD - Budwesier Nationals
Fri: Sep. 2nd - El Paso Speedway Park ; El Paso : TX - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Texana Raceway Park ; Edna : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Fork Mountain Raceway ; Martinsville : VA - Capitol Region Sprintcars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Fork Mountain Raceway ; Martinsville : VA - PA Sprint Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Skagit Speedway ; Alger : WA – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Dodge County Fairgrounds ; Beaver Dam : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Midwest Sprintcars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd -Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Fastrak Late Model Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Fri: Sep. 2nd - West Virginia Motor Speedway ; Mineral Wells : WV - BRP Modified Tour
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Bridge County Raceway ; Lethbrdge : Alberta - Northern Provincial Pipeline Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Flomaton Speedway ; Flomaton : AL - Gulf Coast Mini-Sprints
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - Total Seal Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Western Speedway ; Victoria : British Columbia - ASA British Columbia Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC Western Clasic Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - Western Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Delaware International Speedway ; Delmar : DE - United Racing Company
Sat: Sep. 3rd - New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL - Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Albany Motor Speedway ; Albany : GA - National Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - MMRA - Baby Grands
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Avcom Park ; Avon : IL - IMRA TQ Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : IN - International Outlaw Figure 8 Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Baer Field Speedway ; Fort Wayne : IN - Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Indianapolis Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN - American Super Cup Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Mount Lawn Speedway ; New Castle : IN - UMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Twin Cities Raceway Park ; North Vernon : IN - Indiana Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - 81 Speedway ; Park City : KS - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - 81 Speedway ; Park City : KS - NCRA / Great Plains Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - 81 Speedway ; Park City : KS - NCRA / Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Heartland Park Topeka ; Topeka : KS - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Richmond Raceway ; Richmond : KY - STARS Midwest Dirt Racing League
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Richmond Raceway ; Richmond : KY - Volunteer Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - A-1 Raceway ; St Tammany : LA - Cajun Sprinters Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Boothill Speedway ; Shreveport : LA - Mid-South Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Seekonk Speedway ; Seekonk : MA - Pro Four Modfieds of New England
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI - Auto Value Super Sprints
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI - USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Crystal Motor Speedway ; Crystal : MI - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Owosso Speedway ; Owosso : MI - CRA Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN - Corn Belt Clash Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Jackson Speedway ; Jackson : MN - Jackson Sprint Touring Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - North Central Motor Speedway ; Brainerd : MN - Upper Midwest Sprint Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Viking Speedway ; Alexandria : MN - Northern LateModel Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Lake Ozark Speedway ; Eldon : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Sweet Springs Raceway ; Sweet Springs : MO - Ozark Mountain Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS - SUPR Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS - NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Montana Raceway Park ; Kalispel : MT - ICAR Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Bridgeport Speedway Bridgeport New Jersey ARDC Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - Championship Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - New Mexico Motor Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – The Bullring ; Las Vegas : NV - ASA / Truck Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Oswego Speedway ; Oswego : NY - Race Of Champions Modified Tour
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Attica Raceway Park ; Attica : OH - All Star Sprint Cars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Midvale Speedway ; Midvale : OH - Main Event Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Oakshade Raceway ; Wauseon : OH - American Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Salina Highbanks Speedway ; Salina : OK - Oil Capital Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Peterborough Speedway ; Peterborough : Ontario - OSCAAR Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Sauble Speedway ; Sauble Beach : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Salem Livestock Pavilion ; Salem : OR - Washington Midget Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Willamette Speedway ; Lebanon : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Lincoln Speedway ; Hanover : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA - Central Pennsylvania LegendCars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Thunder Valley Raceway ; Central City : PA - Three State Flyers
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA – World of Outlaws Late Model Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD - Budwesier Nationals
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Riverview Speedway Park ; Carthage : TN - Southern Superstock Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Gator Motorplex ; Willis : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Texas World Speedway ; Bryan : TX - NARRA - Dodge Viper Cup
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Fork Mountain Raceway ; Martinsville : VA - Capitol Region Sprintcars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Fork Mountain Raceway ; Martinsville : VA - PA Sprint Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA - NASCAR Southern Modified Tour
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Lonesome Pine Raceway ; Coeburn : VA - United Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Grays Harbor Raceway ; Elma : WA - Washington Econo Sprint Cars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Skagit Speedway ; Alger : WA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Spokane County Raceway ; Spokane : WA - NASCAR Camping World West Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI - Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI - USAC National Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Midwest Sprintcars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Black Diamond
Sat: Sep. 3rd - West Virginia Motor Speedway ; Mineral Wells : WV - BRP Modified Tour
Sun: Sep. 4th - Bridge County Raceway ; Lethbrdge : Alberta - Northern Provincial Pipeline Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Dixieland Dirt Track ; Cottonwood : AL - National Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Huntsville Speedway ; Hunstville : AL - Southern SuperStars Short Track Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - Total Seal Dirt Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - SIR Raceway ; Tucson : AZ - All American Track Racing Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sun: Sep. 4th - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sun: Sep. 4th - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC Western Classic Racing Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sun: Sep. 4th - Georgetown Speedway ; Georgetown : DE - United Racing Company
Sun: Sep. 4th - Cresco Speedway ; Cresco : IA - Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA - ChumpCar World Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - DuQuoin State Fairgrounds ; DuQuoin : IL - USAC Silver Crown
Sun: Sep. 4th - Quincy Raceways ; Quincy : IL - Sprint Invaders
Sun: Sep. 4th - Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstad : IN - Midwest Sprint Car Series (410)
Sun: Sep. 4th - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / 360 Sprints
Sun: Sep. 4th - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Great Plains Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Modifieds
Sun: Sep. 4th - Champion Park Speedway ; Haughton : LA - SUPR Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Cherry Speedway ; Fife Lake : MI - Michigan Traditional Sprints
Sun: Sep. 4th - Fairgrove Motorsports Park ; Fairgrove : MI - Unique Figure 8s
Sun: Sep. 4th - Norway Speedway ; Norway : MI - ASA Midwest Tour
Sun: Sep. 4th - Dodge County Speedway ; Kasson : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Sun: Sep. 4th - North Central Motor Speedway ; Brainerd : MN - Upper Midwest Sprints
Sun: Sep. 4th - Viking Speedway ; Alexandria : MN - Northern LateModel Racing Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Lake Ozark Speedway ; Eldon : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sun: Sep. 4th - Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS - NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - Championship Late Model Association
Sun: Sep. 4th - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - New Mexico Motor Racing Association
Sun: Sep. 4th - Utica-Rome Speedway ; Vernon : NY - Empire Super Sprints
Sun: Sep. 4th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - American Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Delaware Speedway Park ; Delaware : Ontario - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sun: Sep. 4th - Sauble Speedway ; Sauble Beach : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sun: Sep. 4th - Willamette Speedway ; Lebanon : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Hesston Speedway ; Huntingdon : PA - Three State Flyers
Sun: Sep. 4th - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA – World of Outlaws Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sun: Sep. 4th - Duck River Speedway ; Wheel : TN - Late Model Special
Sun: Sep. 4th - Speedarama Raceway ; Lufkin : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sun: Sep. 4th - Texas World Speedway ; Bryan : TX - NARRA - Dodge Viper Cup
Sun: Sep. 4th - Thunder Road International Speedbowl ; Barrie : VT - ACT US Tour
Sun: Sep. 4th - 141 Speedway ; Columbus : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sun: Sep. 4th - West Virginia Motor Speedway ; Mineral Wells : WV - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Mon: Sep. 5th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Mon: Sep. 5th - Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA - ChumpCar World Series
Mon: Sep. 5th - DuQuoin State Fairgrounds ; DuQuoin : IL - ARCA Late Models
Mon: Sep. 5th - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN - CRA Super Series
Mon: Sep. 5th - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN - USA Modifieds
Mon: Sep. 5th - 81 Speedway ; Wichita : KS - NCRA / 360 Sprints
Mon: Sep. 5th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Mon: Sep. 5th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Mon: Sep. 5th - Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC - NASCAR Camping World East Series
Mon: Sep. 5th - Travelers Rest Speedway ; Travelers Rest : SC - Southeastern Late Model Sportsmen
Mon: Sep. 5th - Grays Harbor Raceway ; Elma : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Tue: Sep. 6th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Jackpot Junction Sprint Tour
Tue: Sep. 6th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Wed: Sep. 7th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - California Sprint Car Civil War
Wed: Sep. 7th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Thu: Sep. 8th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Thu: Sep. 8th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - USAC Western Classic Racing Series
Thu: Sep. 8th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Thu: Sep. 8th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Get THE ANNUAL, 2011 Racing Preview for your mobile device!
Go to Frontstretch.com and click on "The Annual" link on the right side to order and download this special issue that includes: Track Information, Driver profiles and In-Depth Features.
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Frontstretch Folio: Advocare 500
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the AdvoCare 500. Sunday's race will be the 25th of 36 races this season and the semi-final race before the field is set for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Coverage of the race begins Sunday, September 4th at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN and 6:30 PM ET on PRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 325 laps (500.5 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Geoffrey Bodine holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 28.074 sec at 197.478 mph during qualifying for the 1997 NAPA 500. Bodine led a total of four laps after starting on the pole that day but wound up finishing 33rd, 11 laps off the pace. Bodine won a total of two poles in the 1997 season, but failed to qualify for two events that year and took the green flag in only 29 of 32 races. He ended the year with an average finish of 21st, and finished 22nd in points.
Dale Earnhardt holds the record for the fastest race run at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He did it at a speed of 163.633 mph in the 1997 NAPA 500, leading 24 laps and finishing 16th. Earnhardt went winless that season, but still managed to finish fifth in points with an average result of 12th.
Tony Stewart is the defending race winner of this event, leading 176 of 325 laps to win by 1.316 seconds over second-place Carl Edwards. Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Burton, and Kyle Busch rounded out the top 5. Though Stewart won a total of two races last year; he has yet to reach Victory Lane in 2011 and may need to win a race in order to maintain his current spot in the Chase.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.54-mile quad oval, 325 laps (500.5 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 24 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 2,332 ft., 5 degree banking
Backstretch: 1,800 ft., 5 degree banking
Grandstand Seating: 99,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, September 2nd, 6:00 PM – 7:20 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, September 3rd, 1:30 – 3:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, September 3rd at 5:10 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
National Anthem: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Cloudy, 20% chance of rain
High: 86
Low: 69
Say What?!
"Atlanta is one of the fastest and most fun tracks we go to. But it's also challenging because the conditions change over the course of the race. It's tough anytime a race starts during the day and ends at night. The track changes a lot throughout the race. Atlanta is probably one of the tracks that changes the most just because of the lack of grip during a long run. Once the sun sets, it will help the grip, but the first 100 miles or so are going to be tricky." -David Gilliland
"I'm so proud of my guys and all the hard work they continue to do. It's nice for them to get a reward like the finish at Bristol. I sure wish we could have ended up in Victory Lane. We were close and it may very well happen this weekend in Atlanta. It's another good track for me and my crew chief Chad Johnston continues to do a great job with setting up the NAPA Toyota. It would mean a lot to get the race win at NAPA's home track. With all the momentum we have been carrying, I think we can go out and win Atlanta as well as Richmond. Chad has come up with some new things for our NAPA Toyota this weekend." -Martin Truex, Jr.
"This has been a great track for me, all the way back to my first race here. It's real tough to get a 'hold' of the track, but the thing I love is you can run up high against the wall or down low on the line. You can search for the line that works best for you." -Jeff Gordon
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Four Burning Questions: Wild Cards, Jr.'s Future, And Look Out For JJ Again
by Mike Lovecchio
Has Richard Childress Racing Gone Back To 2009?
by Garrett Horton
Marcos Ambrose Driver Diary: A Long Time Coming and Finishing Some Unfinished Business
as told to Toni Montgomery
Tearing Apart the Trucks: Previewing the Good Sam Club 200
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: September 2nd Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The first race on Atlanta Motor Speedway's current configuration was the Reese's 400k, the season finale for the ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series. That race came to an epic duel where Harris Devane picked up his one and only ARCA victory. However, that wasn't the end of the craziness. What happened after the start-finish line?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the late 1990's, the United States Formula Ford 2000 Series held at least one race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. However, they did not use the full 1.54 mile quad-oval configuration for their races. How was the track modified to fit the smaller open-wheeled cars?
A: The Formula Ford 2000 cars would start the lap by stomping on the brakes and downshifting to second gear for a quick left-right chicane. This would put the cars onto the end of pit road. From there, they would traverse the rest of the 1.54 mile quad-oval as normal. Those cars would average (in qualifying trim) roughly 136 mph around the track. It is more or less the same configuration that the ASA National Tour used at both Atlanta and Lowe's (now-Charlotte) Motor Speedway in 2004.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take 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:
-- Advocare 500 Race Recap by TBA
-- Mouthing Off: Advocare 500 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Advocare 500 by TBA
With Matt still out of commission, one of your favorite Frontstretch writers will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday night's action from Atlanta.
Bubble Breakdown by Bryan Davis Keith
Who's hot and who's not towards the back end of the owner points battle? Bryan brings the stories you didn't hear about into print from Sunday's race from Atlanta.
Special Commentary by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Atlanta.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom brings back his weekly post-race commentary with all of the insight you need from a weekend of racing from Atlanta.
Big Six: Advocare 500 by Amy Henderson
Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Atlanta.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Great Clips 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday night's Nationwide Series race from Atlanta.
Tracking the Trucks: Good Sam Club 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Atlanta.
-----------------------------
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!
©2011 Frontstretch.com
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 2nd, 2011
Volume V, Edition CLXXXII
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NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the September 2nd edition that features Kurt Busch and Martin Truex, Jr. as our main racing guests.
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Earnhardt, Jr., HMS Sign Contract Extension
by Beth Lunkenheimer
NASCAR's Most Popular Driver has agreed to remain with one of the sport's most successful organizations. Thursday morning, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports announced the two parties agreed to a five-year contract extension. The deal will keep Earnhardt in the No. 88 Chevrolet through the 2017 season, leaving him an HMS driver for at least a full decade of competition.
"We're excited to have everything formalized and announced," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "Junior and I had a handshake agreement months ago, and we let other people work out the finer points from there. It was as simple and smooth as it gets."
"My feelings haven't changed since the day he first signed with us. I'm committed as ever to putting him in the best possible situation to be successful and compete for wins and championships."
The 36-year-old joined the Sprint Cup Series full-time in 2000 and boasts 18 career victories, 94 top 5s and 159 top 10s in 423 starts, including a victory in the 2004 Daytona 500.
"It's great to have it all wrapped up so quickly and far in advance," Earnhardt, Jr. said. "Rick and I were on the same page from the first time we talked about it, so there wasn't any sense in waiting. There were never any questions or hesitations from either of us. It was just, yeah, let's do it."
"I'm really happy at Hendrick Motorsports and enjoy working with everyone here. The team's been very competitive this season, and we're all excited about the direction of things. I want to make sure we're giving our fans something to cheer about for a long time."
Since joining HMS in 2008, Junior has one win, 18 top 5s and 38 top-10 finishes in 132 starts. He currently sits ninth in the standings, on pace to score his first postseason bid in three years.
Top News
by Summer Dreyer
Fastenal Moving to Sprint Cup Series in 2012
Since beginning a partnership with Roush Fenway Racing and Carl Edwards in the Nationwide Series, in 2010, Fastenal has been in Victory Lane no less than five times and was obviously happy with the exposure. The company announced on Thursday they will jump on board as a primary sponsor in Cup, backing Edwards' No. 99 Ford for 17 races next season.
"It's hard to imagine a better driver, or a better spokesperson for our company, than Carl Edwards," said Cory Jansen, Fastenal's Executive Vice President of Operations. "He's become a true member of the Fastenal 'blue team,' and we can't wait to see him make a run for the championship in the No. 99 Fastenal Ford."
In addition to their primary sponsorship on Edwards' car, Fastenal will be on the hood of two other RFR entries in a race that has yet to be determined for next season. This will aid the team in their continuing search for sponsors, as several of their cars have open races for 2012.
"I've appreciated the long relationship that I've had with Fastenal," said Edwards. "I'm proud that they believe so strongly in our team and program that they are making the commitment to sponsor us in the Sprint Cup Series."
Edwards is currently locked into the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup, with one victory this year.
Crew Member Reinstated
Following the successful completion of NASCAR's Road to Recovery program, former Rusty Wallace Racing crewman Troy Hartman has been reinstated following his suspension on July 5th of this year for violating the substance abuse policy.
Hartman is the second crew member in a little over a week to be earn his way back after Denise Harmon-Mixon was also reinstated following her July 5th suspension. She, too, was able to successfully complete NASCAR's Road to Recovery program.
Have news for Summer and The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Richmond Will Hold Blood Drive
Richmond International Speedway will start its NASCAR weekend with a drive of a different kind on Thursday – a blood drive. The track has partnered with Virginia Blood Services to host its fifth annual Drive for Life from noon to 5 PM at the Old Dominion Building. Participants should enter through Gate 4 on Laburnum Avenue.
Drive for Life has collected more than 400 units of blood in its first four years. Donors can register in advance by visiting vablood.org.
RIR will also host the Rockin' the Raceway Dierks Bentley concert on Thursday. All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Cullather Brain Tumor and Quality of Life Center at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital.
Pocono Raises Money for Hurricane Relief
On Thursday, Pocono Raceway partnered with the American Red Cross to raise money for Hurricane Irene relief (as reported in Tuesday's Newsletter). For a $10 donation, fans were able to take two laps around the "Tricky Triangle" in their personal vehicles. Pocono Raceway vowed to match the dollar amount collected from fans. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross of the Poconos, Disaster Relief Fund.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Did you know The Frontstretch has a weekly podcast? Hosted by Doug Turnbull, the latest podcast comes out every Friday. This week, Doug and columnist Bristol, Atlanta and much more! Check it out here!
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Time To Get Super
by Mike Neff
One of the biggest dirt track events in the country is getting ready to roll off in Boone, Iowa this coming Monday. The IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Cenex draws entries from across the country and outside of the United States. Total entries for the event have topped 450 cars. Over 150 of those entries are in the Modified division while the Stock Car division is nearing the 100 entry plateau as well.
"Super Nationals is a one of a kind event, the most prestigious one in dirt track racing, and drivers from across the country want to experience it," said IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root, noting early Modified entries from 20 states. "A lot of those drivers have raced at Super Nationals numerous times. There are also a number of first-time competitors. I'm confident they'll put on a great show again this year at Boone."
The Northern SportMod division has representatives from seven states and the Sport Compacts are going to sport entries from five different states. The Hobby Stock division has 75 drivers already signed up and they will be coming to Iowa from seven different states as well.
As the entry forms continue to roll in, the schedule is shaping up for some outstanding racing at the ¼-mile dirt track. Boone has been running races for over 40 years and on regular race nights pulls in 2,000 fans.
Racing during the Super Nationals will begin at 3:00 PM every day. At this point in time the schedule looks like this:
Monday, Sept 5 – Complete Deery Brothers Summer Series Late Model program; qualifying for Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods; qualifying for Arnold Motor Supply Northern SportMod Race of Champions.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – Complete Mach-1 Sport Compact program; qualifying for Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods; qualifying for Arnold Motor Supply Hobby Stock Race of Champions.
Wednesday, Sept. 7 – Last-chance qualifying features for Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods; Modified and Stock Car qualifying.
Thursday, Sept. 8 – Modified and Stock Car qualifying; qualifying for Harris Auto Racing Modified Race of Champions and Sunoco Race Fuels Stock Car Race of Champions.
Friday, Sept. 9 – Modified and Stock Car qualifying; Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational for Modifieds.
Saturday, Sept. 10 – Last-chance qualifying for Modifieds; races of champions and main events for Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks, Stock Cars and Modifieds.
The Super Nationals pays out an impressive purse that not only rewards the winner for taking the checkered flag during the race weekend but it also pays money in the Modifieds, Stock Car and Hobby Stock divisions for starts during the weekly point season at sanctioned tracks. The Late Model feature pays $2,000 to win, the Sport Compact feature $250. The Modified champion gets $2,000, plus an additional $100 for each of as many as 50 starts made during the weekly point season at sanctioned tracks leading up to Super Nationals. Winner of the Stock Car feature earns $1,000 plus an additional $50 per sanctioned start. The Northern SportMod champion earns $1,000, the Hobby Stock champion $600, with an additional $25 per start paid in each class.
If you're anywhere near Boone, Iowa this coming week, head over to Boone Speedway and check out some high, wide and handsome, dirt track racing at the fastest ¼ mile track in the state.
*Whelen All-American National Championship Update*
This past Saturday was setting up to be a short track race fans dream as Philip Morris and Lee Pulliam were set to make the trip to Hampton, VA to run at C.E. Falk's home track in twin races. Unfortunately Hurricane Irene turned out to be interested in seeing the track too and, as a result, the activities were called off. In the end C.E. stayed home to see what Irene was going to do, Morris sent his car to Caraway for a shakedown but decided not to run there on Friday and Pulliam ran Caraway but came home second to Garrett Campbell.
For Keith Rocco, it was a less than stellar weekend as well. He came home 18th Friday night at Stafford Speedway after having contact with Eric Berndt in turn three on the last lap. Saturday night's racing at Waterford was rained out so Rocco didn't advance his season point total at all. When it was all said and done the top four stayed exactly the same except for Pulliam adding one point to his total.
In the rest of the field Bill Leighton Jr ran two races and scored a win. Amazingly, for the first time all season he actually had a race he started where he didn't score a top five. In the race that Rocco wrecked out Ryan Preece took the victory for his seventh of the season. While Frank Deiny and Burt Myers did not run, Nate Monteith ran and grabbed his 10th win of the season at Kingsport, holding off Joey Logano who stuck around to run the race in Coleman Pressley's late model.
1) Philip Morris – 26 races – 18 wins – 21 top 5s – 23 top 10s – 775 points
2) Keith Rocco – 45 races – 23 wins – 35 top 5s – 41 top 10s – 772 points
3) Lee Pulliam – 29 races – 17 wins – 25 top 5s – 27 top 10s – 754 points
4) C E Falk, III – 23 races – 11 wins – 20 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 713 points
5) Bill Leighton, Jr – 24 races – 9 wins – 23 top 5s – 23 top 10s – 681
points
6) Ryan Preece – 30 races – 7 wins – 24 top 5s – 27 top 10s – 613 points
7) Nate Monteith – 24 races – 10 wins – 21 top 5s – 21 top 10s – 602 points
8) Frank Deiny, Jr. – 22 races – 1 win – 16 top 5s – 20 top 10s – 591
points
9)J. Herbst – 17 races – 5 wins – 12 top 5s – 16 top 10s – 589 points
10) Burt Myers – 18 races – 4 wins – 13 top 5s – 16 top 10s – 588 points
Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the
race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20. Second
place receives two fewer points, and so-on through the field. Race winners
receive an additional five bonus points. For example, if there are 20 cars,
the winner receives 45 points, second gets 38 and third 36. If there are 15
cars, the winner received 35 points, second gets 28 and third 26. The top 18
races count towards the National Championship for a driver. A perfect season
for a driver would be 18 race wins with 20 car fields which equates to 810
points. The first driver to reach 810 points is declared the National
Champion in the event of a tie.
Weekend Short Track Schedule
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Orlando Speed World Speedway ; Orlando : FL - Florida United Promoters Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Boyds Speedway ; Ringgold : GA - USCS - Sprint Car Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - LaSalle Speedway ; LaSalle : IL - USAC National Midgets
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - MARS DIRTcar Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - NCRA / Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - RPM Speedway ; Hays : KS - United Rebel Sprint Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI - Auto Value Super Sprints
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI - MCR Dwarf Cars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Winston Speedway ; Rothbury : MI - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Chateau Speedway ; Austin : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS - NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - Midwest LateModels
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Oswego Speedway ; Oswego : NY - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Salem Livestock Pavilion ; Salem : OR - Washington Midget Racing Association
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA - All Star Sprint Cars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Lindas Speedway ; Jonestown : PA - Keystone Legend Car Tour
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD - Budwesier Nationals
Fri: Sep. 2nd - El Paso Speedway Park ; El Paso : TX - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Texana Raceway Park ; Edna : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Fork Mountain Raceway ; Martinsville : VA - Capitol Region Sprintcars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Fork Mountain Raceway ; Martinsville : VA - PA Sprint Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Skagit Speedway ; Alger : WA – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Dodge County Fairgrounds ; Beaver Dam : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Midwest Sprintcars
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sep. 2nd -Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Fastrak Late Model Series
Fri: Sep. 2nd - Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Fri: Sep. 2nd - West Virginia Motor Speedway ; Mineral Wells : WV - BRP Modified Tour
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Bridge County Raceway ; Lethbrdge : Alberta - Northern Provincial Pipeline Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Flomaton Speedway ; Flomaton : AL - Gulf Coast Mini-Sprints
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - Total Seal Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Western Speedway ; Victoria : British Columbia - ASA British Columbia Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC Western Clasic Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - Western Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Delaware International Speedway ; Delmar : DE - United Racing Company
Sat: Sep. 3rd - New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL - Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Albany Motor Speedway ; Albany : GA - National Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - MMRA - Baby Grands
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Avcom Park ; Avon : IL - IMRA TQ Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : IN - International Outlaw Figure 8 Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Baer Field Speedway ; Fort Wayne : IN - Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Indianapolis Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN - American Super Cup Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Mount Lawn Speedway ; New Castle : IN - UMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Twin Cities Raceway Park ; North Vernon : IN - Indiana Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - 81 Speedway ; Park City : KS - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - 81 Speedway ; Park City : KS - NCRA / Great Plains Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - 81 Speedway ; Park City : KS - NCRA / Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Heartland Park Topeka ; Topeka : KS - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Richmond Raceway ; Richmond : KY - STARS Midwest Dirt Racing League
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Richmond Raceway ; Richmond : KY - Volunteer Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - A-1 Raceway ; St Tammany : LA - Cajun Sprinters Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Boothill Speedway ; Shreveport : LA - Mid-South Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Seekonk Speedway ; Seekonk : MA - Pro Four Modfieds of New England
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI - Auto Value Super Sprints
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI - USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Crystal Motor Speedway ; Crystal : MI - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Owosso Speedway ; Owosso : MI - CRA Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN - Corn Belt Clash Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Jackson Speedway ; Jackson : MN - Jackson Sprint Touring Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - North Central Motor Speedway ; Brainerd : MN - Upper Midwest Sprint Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Viking Speedway ; Alexandria : MN - Northern LateModel Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Lake Ozark Speedway ; Eldon : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Sweet Springs Raceway ; Sweet Springs : MO - Ozark Mountain Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS - SUPR Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS - NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Montana Raceway Park ; Kalispel : MT - ICAR Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Bridgeport Speedway Bridgeport New Jersey ARDC Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - Championship Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - New Mexico Motor Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – The Bullring ; Las Vegas : NV - ASA / Truck Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Oswego Speedway ; Oswego : NY - Race Of Champions Modified Tour
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Attica Raceway Park ; Attica : OH - All Star Sprint Cars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Midvale Speedway ; Midvale : OH - Main Event Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Oakshade Raceway ; Wauseon : OH - American Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Salina Highbanks Speedway ; Salina : OK - Oil Capital Racing Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Peterborough Speedway ; Peterborough : Ontario - OSCAAR Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Sauble Speedway ; Sauble Beach : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Salem Livestock Pavilion ; Salem : OR - Washington Midget Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Willamette Speedway ; Lebanon : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Lincoln Speedway ; Hanover : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA - Central Pennsylvania LegendCars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Thunder Valley Raceway ; Central City : PA - Three State Flyers
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA – World of Outlaws Late Model Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD - Budwesier Nationals
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Riverview Speedway Park ; Carthage : TN - Southern Superstock Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Gator Motorplex ; Willis : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Texas World Speedway ; Bryan : TX - NARRA - Dodge Viper Cup
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Fork Mountain Raceway ; Martinsville : VA - Capitol Region Sprintcars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Fork Mountain Raceway ; Martinsville : VA - PA Sprint Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA - NASCAR Southern Modified Tour
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Lonesome Pine Raceway ; Coeburn : VA - United Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Grays Harbor Raceway ; Elma : WA - Washington Econo Sprint Cars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Skagit Speedway ; Alger : WA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Spokane County Raceway ; Spokane : WA - NASCAR Camping World West Series
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI - Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI - USAC National Midgets
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Midwest Sprintcars
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat: Sep. 3rd - Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Black Diamond
Sat: Sep. 3rd - West Virginia Motor Speedway ; Mineral Wells : WV - BRP Modified Tour
Sun: Sep. 4th - Bridge County Raceway ; Lethbrdge : Alberta - Northern Provincial Pipeline Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Dixieland Dirt Track ; Cottonwood : AL - National Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Huntsville Speedway ; Hunstville : AL - Southern SuperStars Short Track Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - Total Seal Dirt Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - SIR Raceway ; Tucson : AZ - All American Track Racing Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sun: Sep. 4th - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sun: Sep. 4th - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC Western Classic Racing Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sun: Sep. 4th - Georgetown Speedway ; Georgetown : DE - United Racing Company
Sun: Sep. 4th - Cresco Speedway ; Cresco : IA - Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA - ChumpCar World Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - DuQuoin State Fairgrounds ; DuQuoin : IL - USAC Silver Crown
Sun: Sep. 4th - Quincy Raceways ; Quincy : IL - Sprint Invaders
Sun: Sep. 4th - Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstad : IN - Midwest Sprint Car Series (410)
Sun: Sep. 4th - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / 360 Sprints
Sun: Sep. 4th - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Great Plains Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Modifieds
Sun: Sep. 4th - Champion Park Speedway ; Haughton : LA - SUPR Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Cherry Speedway ; Fife Lake : MI - Michigan Traditional Sprints
Sun: Sep. 4th - Fairgrove Motorsports Park ; Fairgrove : MI - Unique Figure 8s
Sun: Sep. 4th - Norway Speedway ; Norway : MI - ASA Midwest Tour
Sun: Sep. 4th - Dodge County Speedway ; Kasson : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Sun: Sep. 4th - North Central Motor Speedway ; Brainerd : MN - Upper Midwest Sprints
Sun: Sep. 4th - Viking Speedway ; Alexandria : MN - Northern LateModel Racing Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Lake Ozark Speedway ; Eldon : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sun: Sep. 4th - Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS - NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - Championship Late Model Association
Sun: Sep. 4th - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - New Mexico Motor Racing Association
Sun: Sep. 4th - Utica-Rome Speedway ; Vernon : NY - Empire Super Sprints
Sun: Sep. 4th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - American Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Delaware Speedway Park ; Delaware : Ontario - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sun: Sep. 4th - Sauble Speedway ; Sauble Beach : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sun: Sep. 4th - Willamette Speedway ; Lebanon : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Sun: Sep. 4th - Hesston Speedway ; Huntingdon : PA - Three State Flyers
Sun: Sep. 4th - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA – World of Outlaws Late Model Series
Sun: Sep. 4th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sun: Sep. 4th - Duck River Speedway ; Wheel : TN - Late Model Special
Sun: Sep. 4th - Speedarama Raceway ; Lufkin : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sun: Sep. 4th - Texas World Speedway ; Bryan : TX - NARRA - Dodge Viper Cup
Sun: Sep. 4th - Thunder Road International Speedbowl ; Barrie : VT - ACT US Tour
Sun: Sep. 4th - 141 Speedway ; Columbus : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sun: Sep. 4th - West Virginia Motor Speedway ; Mineral Wells : WV - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Mon: Sep. 5th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Mon: Sep. 5th - Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA - ChumpCar World Series
Mon: Sep. 5th - DuQuoin State Fairgrounds ; DuQuoin : IL - ARCA Late Models
Mon: Sep. 5th - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN - CRA Super Series
Mon: Sep. 5th - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN - USA Modifieds
Mon: Sep. 5th - 81 Speedway ; Wichita : KS - NCRA / 360 Sprints
Mon: Sep. 5th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Mon: Sep. 5th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Mon: Sep. 5th - Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC - NASCAR Camping World East Series
Mon: Sep. 5th - Travelers Rest Speedway ; Travelers Rest : SC - Southeastern Late Model Sportsmen
Mon: Sep. 5th - Grays Harbor Raceway ; Elma : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Tue: Sep. 6th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Jackpot Junction Sprint Tour
Tue: Sep. 6th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Wed: Sep. 7th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - California Sprint Car Civil War
Wed: Sep. 7th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Thu: Sep. 8th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Thu: Sep. 8th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - USAC Western Classic Racing Series
Thu: Sep. 8th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Thu: Sep. 8th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Get THE ANNUAL, 2011 Racing Preview for your mobile device!
Go to Frontstretch.com and click on "The Annual" link on the right side to order and download this special issue that includes: Track Information, Driver profiles and In-Depth Features.
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Frontstretch Folio: Advocare 500
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the AdvoCare 500. Sunday's race will be the 25th of 36 races this season and the semi-final race before the field is set for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Coverage of the race begins Sunday, September 4th at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN and 6:30 PM ET on PRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 325 laps (500.5 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Geoffrey Bodine holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 28.074 sec at 197.478 mph during qualifying for the 1997 NAPA 500. Bodine led a total of four laps after starting on the pole that day but wound up finishing 33rd, 11 laps off the pace. Bodine won a total of two poles in the 1997 season, but failed to qualify for two events that year and took the green flag in only 29 of 32 races. He ended the year with an average finish of 21st, and finished 22nd in points.
Dale Earnhardt holds the record for the fastest race run at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He did it at a speed of 163.633 mph in the 1997 NAPA 500, leading 24 laps and finishing 16th. Earnhardt went winless that season, but still managed to finish fifth in points with an average result of 12th.
Tony Stewart is the defending race winner of this event, leading 176 of 325 laps to win by 1.316 seconds over second-place Carl Edwards. Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Burton, and Kyle Busch rounded out the top 5. Though Stewart won a total of two races last year; he has yet to reach Victory Lane in 2011 and may need to win a race in order to maintain his current spot in the Chase.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.54-mile quad oval, 325 laps (500.5 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 24 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 2,332 ft., 5 degree banking
Backstretch: 1,800 ft., 5 degree banking
Grandstand Seating: 99,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, September 2nd, 6:00 PM – 7:20 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, September 3rd, 1:30 – 3:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, September 3rd at 5:10 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
National Anthem: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Cloudy, 20% chance of rain
High: 86
Low: 69
Say What?!
"Atlanta is one of the fastest and most fun tracks we go to. But it's also challenging because the conditions change over the course of the race. It's tough anytime a race starts during the day and ends at night. The track changes a lot throughout the race. Atlanta is probably one of the tracks that changes the most just because of the lack of grip during a long run. Once the sun sets, it will help the grip, but the first 100 miles or so are going to be tricky." -David Gilliland
"I'm so proud of my guys and all the hard work they continue to do. It's nice for them to get a reward like the finish at Bristol. I sure wish we could have ended up in Victory Lane. We were close and it may very well happen this weekend in Atlanta. It's another good track for me and my crew chief Chad Johnston continues to do a great job with setting up the NAPA Toyota. It would mean a lot to get the race win at NAPA's home track. With all the momentum we have been carrying, I think we can go out and win Atlanta as well as Richmond. Chad has come up with some new things for our NAPA Toyota this weekend." -Martin Truex, Jr.
"This has been a great track for me, all the way back to my first race here. It's real tough to get a 'hold' of the track, but the thing I love is you can run up high against the wall or down low on the line. You can search for the line that works best for you." -Jeff Gordon
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Four Burning Questions: Wild Cards, Jr.'s Future, And Look Out For JJ Again
by Mike Lovecchio
Has Richard Childress Racing Gone Back To 2009?
by Garrett Horton
Marcos Ambrose Driver Diary: A Long Time Coming and Finishing Some Unfinished Business
as told to Toni Montgomery
Tearing Apart the Trucks: Previewing the Good Sam Club 200
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: September 2nd Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The first race on Atlanta Motor Speedway's current configuration was the Reese's 400k, the season finale for the ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series. That race came to an epic duel where Harris Devane picked up his one and only ARCA victory. However, that wasn't the end of the craziness. What happened after the start-finish line?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the late 1990's, the United States Formula Ford 2000 Series held at least one race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. However, they did not use the full 1.54 mile quad-oval configuration for their races. How was the track modified to fit the smaller open-wheeled cars?
A: The Formula Ford 2000 cars would start the lap by stomping on the brakes and downshifting to second gear for a quick left-right chicane. This would put the cars onto the end of pit road. From there, they would traverse the rest of the 1.54 mile quad-oval as normal. Those cars would average (in qualifying trim) roughly 136 mph around the track. It is more or less the same configuration that the ASA National Tour used at both Atlanta and Lowe's (now-Charlotte) Motor Speedway in 2004.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take 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:
-- Advocare 500 Race Recap by TBA
-- Mouthing Off: Advocare 500 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Advocare 500 by TBA
With Matt still out of commission, one of your favorite Frontstretch writers will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday night's action from Atlanta.
Bubble Breakdown by Bryan Davis Keith
Who's hot and who's not towards the back end of the owner points battle? Bryan brings the stories you didn't hear about into print from Sunday's race from Atlanta.
Special Commentary by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Atlanta.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom brings back his weekly post-race commentary with all of the insight you need from a weekend of racing from Atlanta.
Big Six: Advocare 500 by Amy Henderson
Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Atlanta.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Great Clips 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday night's Nationwide Series race from Atlanta.
Tracking the Trucks: Good Sam Club 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Atlanta.
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