THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
November 2nd, 2011
Volume V, Edition CCXXXII
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
November 2nd, 2011
Volume V, Edition CCXXXII
~~~~~~~~~~
Editor's Note: The votes are in! You guys overwhelmingly approved overnight delivery so that's what you're going to get going forward - and in 2012. Even in extreme cases, like this one where we had to wait until the following morning the latest your Newsletter will come out is now - around 10:15 AM EST.
Thanks for writing in to help make your reading experience even better with us! - The Frontstretch Eds.
What To Watch: Wednesday
- Brad Keselowski has a major sponsorship announcement scheduled for Las Vegas, where he's expected to announce 2012 primary backing in the Truck Series for Parker Kligerman. Kligerman, finishing his rookie season in the series has four top-5 finishes, eight top 10's and is sitting 10th in the season standings. The 21-year-old is also expected to run some Nationwide Series events next season in a Roger Penske-backed Dodge.
- Confirmation could come as soon as today David Reutimann is out of the No. 00 ride next season (see below). The 2012 Truck Series schedule is also close to completion; that one could be released at any time.
Top News
by Tom Bowles
Update On Rick And Linda Hendrick
In case you missed yesterday's news, Rick and Linda Hendrick are home in North Carolina, resting comfortably after Monday's plane crash in Key West. Hendrick Motorsports released the following statement late Tuesday morning:
Monday evening, a Gulfstream G150 aircraft operated by Hendrick Motorsports ran off the runway after experiencing braking issues upon landing at Key West International Airport in Key West, Fla.
All four people on board -- Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, his wife, Linda Hendrick, and two Hendrick Motorsports pilots -- were released from Lower Keys Medical Center early Tuesday morning.
Rick Hendrick was diagnosed with a broken rib and a broken clavicle, and Linda Hendrick was treated for minor cuts and bruises. Both pilots were evaluated and released without injury. All four have safely returned to North Carolina.
The aircraft, which is joint-owned by Hendrick Motorsports and Jimmie Johnson Racing, remains in Key West.
For initial information on the incident, pictures of the aircraft and the sheriff's report, click here. Jimmie Johnson, who co-owned the plane also responded to the incident through Twitter, grateful for the outpouring of generous support from fans.
"Thank you everyone for your thoughts and well wishes," he said. "We are so thankful that Rick, Linda and the pilots are home and not seriously injured."
There's no word yet whether either of the Hendricks will make it out to Texas Motor Speedway this weekend; meanwhile, the investigation into the incident is continuing with no new information available at this time.
Reutimann Out Of Michael Waltrip Racing Ride?
David Reutimann has a contract with Michael Waltrip Racing for 2012. But if the rumors are true, that signature is nothing more than a pretty name on a piece of paper. Multiple sources are reporting this Wednesday Reutimann will be out of the No. 00 Toyota after the season, a ride he's held since its debut on the Cup level in 2007 as sponsorship has not materialized to pursue a full, 36-race schedule. Instead, rumors have Mark Martin inheriting the seat next season, running 18 to 24 races while additional funding initially on the No. 00 transfers over to MWR's new car, the No. 15 driven by Clint Bowyer.
Bowyer, who brought sponsorship from 5-Hour Energy Drink to the team only had enough primary sponsorship money for 20 of 36 races. With these adjustments, he'll have money for all 36, without having to adjust the budget and Martin would get the limited schedule from a fully-funded team he's looking for. Aaron's, who had backed the team for just over half of this season's races would return to fund Martin for whatever races he planned to run. As for Waltrip, he would continue to drive a fourth car, perhaps the No. 55, in up to four restrictor-plate races next season.
The move is surprising, considering at Bowyer's introduction to MWR at Kansas Waltrip was adamant he'd have three full-time cars next season. As for Reutimann, his tenure with the team has produced its only two victories along with four poles, 12 top-5 results, ans 25 top 10s. His highest finish in the point standings has been 16th; however, 2011 has been a struggle for the veteran. He's posted just a single top-5 performance - fourth at Kentucky - and has just eight total laps led on the year.
New Sponsor For Newman In 2012
The sponsorship package for Stewart-Haas' second car continues to come together next season. Newman, backed by the U.S. Army for 12 races next year announced an additional, nine-race deal with Quicken Loans for next season. Also becoming an associate sponsor for the No. 14 car, driven by Tony Stewart the nation's largest online retail mortgage lender is thrilled to make their initial foray into stock car racing.
"As a company that prides itself on the speed and ease of its loan process, it only made sense for Quicken Loans to partner with NASCAR – a sport built around amazingly fast cars and extremely talented drivers," said Jay Farner, the company's president and chief marketing officer at the car's unveiling Tuesday. "More than just sponsoring Ryan Newman, we've found a perfect partner in Stewart-Haas Racing. Right from the first conversation with them, we knew we had found a team as driven to amaze as we are."
"We're very proud to partner with Quicken Loans," added SHR co-owner Stewart. "They're new to the sport and we aim to make their entry into NASCAR a positive one that will grow their business, and ultimately, grow their involvement within the sport and Stewart-Haas Racing."
Both Newman and Quicken will kick off their partnership this weekend at Texas. The No. 39 car will be showcasing the Quicken Loans Classic on his car; this November college basketball game will be played on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Carl Vinson, this Veteran's Day between traditional powerhouses North Carolina and Michigan State to open the 2011-12 season.
Between Haas Automation, the Army, Quicken Loans, and likely returning sponsor Tornados 28 of the No. 39's 36 races on the 2012 schedule are now fully financed. Marketers for SHR claim they're closing in on a deal that would complete their primary sponsorship lineup in the coming days.
TV Ratings Up For Martinsville
Hardly anyone argued about the quality of racing at Martinsville, the half-mile paperclip who has long showcased some of the sport's most exciting events. It was the type of 500-lapper that left fans glued to their seats, their televisions, or their smartphones for the majority of the three-hour competition.
That positive vibe was backed by the Nielsen Ratings, with this 500-lapper posting the biggest year-to-year increase of any playoff race. Jumping from a 2.8 to a 3.6 HH rating, the 28.5 percent boost in viewership made it the third-most viewed event of the Chase. In fact, those numbers were the best Fall race ratings for the paperclip-shaped oval since being broadcast on ABC in 2008.
Viewership numbers for this race also jumped significantly, increasing from 3.954 to 4.923 million people. Overall, TV is averaging 4,347,000 viewers through seven postseason events this season, including the Monday rain-delayed event from Chicago. That's a 1.6 percent increase over the 4,276,000 average through seven races last year.
News Bites
- The rigorous fuel injection testing of recent weeks will continue into this month. NASCAR has scheduled Daytona testing for Tuesday, November 15th to help prepare the teams for Daytona Preseason Thunder January 12th-14th, 2012. Rumor has it officials will also try different packages in an attempt to break up the two-car tandems that have dominated the last year's worth of plate races.
- Country star Reba has been announced as the host for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on December 2nd. The singer is also expected to perform on stage, including her recent hit "Turn On The Radio."
Thanks for writing in to help make your reading experience even better with us! - The Frontstretch Eds.
What To Watch: Wednesday
- Brad Keselowski has a major sponsorship announcement scheduled for Las Vegas, where he's expected to announce 2012 primary backing in the Truck Series for Parker Kligerman. Kligerman, finishing his rookie season in the series has four top-5 finishes, eight top 10's and is sitting 10th in the season standings. The 21-year-old is also expected to run some Nationwide Series events next season in a Roger Penske-backed Dodge.
- Confirmation could come as soon as today David Reutimann is out of the No. 00 ride next season (see below). The 2012 Truck Series schedule is also close to completion; that one could be released at any time.
Top News
by Tom Bowles
Update On Rick And Linda Hendrick
In case you missed yesterday's news, Rick and Linda Hendrick are home in North Carolina, resting comfortably after Monday's plane crash in Key West. Hendrick Motorsports released the following statement late Tuesday morning:
Monday evening, a Gulfstream G150 aircraft operated by Hendrick Motorsports ran off the runway after experiencing braking issues upon landing at Key West International Airport in Key West, Fla.
All four people on board -- Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, his wife, Linda Hendrick, and two Hendrick Motorsports pilots -- were released from Lower Keys Medical Center early Tuesday morning.
Rick Hendrick was diagnosed with a broken rib and a broken clavicle, and Linda Hendrick was treated for minor cuts and bruises. Both pilots were evaluated and released without injury. All four have safely returned to North Carolina.
The aircraft, which is joint-owned by Hendrick Motorsports and Jimmie Johnson Racing, remains in Key West.
For initial information on the incident, pictures of the aircraft and the sheriff's report, click here. Jimmie Johnson, who co-owned the plane also responded to the incident through Twitter, grateful for the outpouring of generous support from fans.
"Thank you everyone for your thoughts and well wishes," he said. "We are so thankful that Rick, Linda and the pilots are home and not seriously injured."
There's no word yet whether either of the Hendricks will make it out to Texas Motor Speedway this weekend; meanwhile, the investigation into the incident is continuing with no new information available at this time.
Reutimann Out Of Michael Waltrip Racing Ride?
David Reutimann has a contract with Michael Waltrip Racing for 2012. But if the rumors are true, that signature is nothing more than a pretty name on a piece of paper. Multiple sources are reporting this Wednesday Reutimann will be out of the No. 00 Toyota after the season, a ride he's held since its debut on the Cup level in 2007 as sponsorship has not materialized to pursue a full, 36-race schedule. Instead, rumors have Mark Martin inheriting the seat next season, running 18 to 24 races while additional funding initially on the No. 00 transfers over to MWR's new car, the No. 15 driven by Clint Bowyer.
Bowyer, who brought sponsorship from 5-Hour Energy Drink to the team only had enough primary sponsorship money for 20 of 36 races. With these adjustments, he'll have money for all 36, without having to adjust the budget and Martin would get the limited schedule from a fully-funded team he's looking for. Aaron's, who had backed the team for just over half of this season's races would return to fund Martin for whatever races he planned to run. As for Waltrip, he would continue to drive a fourth car, perhaps the No. 55, in up to four restrictor-plate races next season.
The move is surprising, considering at Bowyer's introduction to MWR at Kansas Waltrip was adamant he'd have three full-time cars next season. As for Reutimann, his tenure with the team has produced its only two victories along with four poles, 12 top-5 results, ans 25 top 10s. His highest finish in the point standings has been 16th; however, 2011 has been a struggle for the veteran. He's posted just a single top-5 performance - fourth at Kentucky - and has just eight total laps led on the year.
New Sponsor For Newman In 2012
The sponsorship package for Stewart-Haas' second car continues to come together next season. Newman, backed by the U.S. Army for 12 races next year announced an additional, nine-race deal with Quicken Loans for next season. Also becoming an associate sponsor for the No. 14 car, driven by Tony Stewart the nation's largest online retail mortgage lender is thrilled to make their initial foray into stock car racing.
"As a company that prides itself on the speed and ease of its loan process, it only made sense for Quicken Loans to partner with NASCAR – a sport built around amazingly fast cars and extremely talented drivers," said Jay Farner, the company's president and chief marketing officer at the car's unveiling Tuesday. "More than just sponsoring Ryan Newman, we've found a perfect partner in Stewart-Haas Racing. Right from the first conversation with them, we knew we had found a team as driven to amaze as we are."
"We're very proud to partner with Quicken Loans," added SHR co-owner Stewart. "They're new to the sport and we aim to make their entry into NASCAR a positive one that will grow their business, and ultimately, grow their involvement within the sport and Stewart-Haas Racing."
Both Newman and Quicken will kick off their partnership this weekend at Texas. The No. 39 car will be showcasing the Quicken Loans Classic on his car; this November college basketball game will be played on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Carl Vinson, this Veteran's Day between traditional powerhouses North Carolina and Michigan State to open the 2011-12 season.
Between Haas Automation, the Army, Quicken Loans, and likely returning sponsor Tornados 28 of the No. 39's 36 races on the 2012 schedule are now fully financed. Marketers for SHR claim they're closing in on a deal that would complete their primary sponsorship lineup in the coming days.
TV Ratings Up For Martinsville
Hardly anyone argued about the quality of racing at Martinsville, the half-mile paperclip who has long showcased some of the sport's most exciting events. It was the type of 500-lapper that left fans glued to their seats, their televisions, or their smartphones for the majority of the three-hour competition.
That positive vibe was backed by the Nielsen Ratings, with this 500-lapper posting the biggest year-to-year increase of any playoff race. Jumping from a 2.8 to a 3.6 HH rating, the 28.5 percent boost in viewership made it the third-most viewed event of the Chase. In fact, those numbers were the best Fall race ratings for the paperclip-shaped oval since being broadcast on ABC in 2008.
Viewership numbers for this race also jumped significantly, increasing from 3.954 to 4.923 million people. Overall, TV is averaging 4,347,000 viewers through seven postseason events this season, including the Monday rain-delayed event from Chicago. That's a 1.6 percent increase over the 4,276,000 average through seven races last year.
News Bites
- The rigorous fuel injection testing of recent weeks will continue into this month. NASCAR has scheduled Daytona testing for Tuesday, November 15th to help prepare the teams for Daytona Preseason Thunder January 12th-14th, 2012. Rumor has it officials will also try different packages in an attempt to break up the two-car tandems that have dominated the last year's worth of plate races.
- Country star Reba has been announced as the host for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on December 2nd. The singer is also expected to perform on stage, including her recent hit "Turn On The Radio."
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
What Have You Done For Me Lately?
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
In five years, David Reutimann has scored two wins for Michael Waltrip Racing in the Cup Series. Well, a quick perusal of the record books under MWR will reveal that the organization has notched exactly two victories in its short history. Reutimann's second victory came at Chicago in 2010, so he is barely a year removed from that win, as well as a year where he bordered on Chase contention before finishing comfortably within the top 20 in points. In the meantime, Martin Truex, Jr. has booked three top-5 finishes in the last two years for MWR - one-half of what Reutimann has accumulated in the same timespan. Yet the word is now coming through the rumor mill that Reutimann is out, with Mark Martin planning to run a partial schedule in the No. 00 in 2012 with team owner Michael Waltrip running most, if not all, of the plate races. It is quite disloyal if the rumors are true, considering Reutimann signed a contract extension that was announced at Indianapolis last summer, the week after he won at Chicago, which assured him he'd be in the No. 00 with Aaron's on the car through at least 2012.
Stock car racing has proven to be a very instant gratification sport in recent history, but this move just might prove to be one of the most extreme examples in the last few years. Reutimann has been with MWR since it began fielding Toyotas in the Cup Series, back in 2007, even running a race for Waltrip in 2005 before Toyota entered the sport. Reutimann has been through all of the growing pains, not only associated with starting up a racing organization, but also the trials and tribulations of a manufacturer breaking into the sport for the first time. Reutimann had occasional good runs in the first couple of years, finishing 2008 with four top-10 finishes and a pole position at Homestead to close out the season. But more than ever, during that span he was a loyal employee, putting up the best numbers in the midst of a cheating scandal, multiple DNQs by Waltrip and a fizzling end-of-career by Dale Jarrett that put the future of the organization on the line.
Fast forward to 2009, when Reutimann scored the first win for the fledgling organization in the Coca-Cola 600, a rain-shortened event that finished well short of the advertised distance on Monday. By the time the checkers flew at Homestead, he had five top 5s, 10 top 10s and two pole positions to go along with the ground-breaking victory. Reutimann finished that season 16th in the point standings. The following season, he had similar numbers with the win at Chicago, six top 5s and nine top 10s which was good enough for 18th.
This season has been a tough year for MWR in general, with the teams taking a step back in speed, Truex's crew chief getting let go and then the penalties last week over windshield violations at Talladega. A glance at the current standings shows that Truex sits 24th, with two top 5s and 10 top 10s while Reutimann finds himself a distant 28th - he has just a lone top 5, at Kentucky and only two top 10s overall. While the year has obviously been a disappointing one for the entire organization, it hasn't been exceptionally worse for Reutimann vs. Truex, Jr.
But performance aside, loyalty in NASCAR is far from what it used to be and the result has been drivers being dropped from rides much more quickly than they would have been in previous years. Gone are the days when a driver would spend his entire career with one organization and, often one sponsor. Now the series has only a handful of drivers who have driven for the same owner for their entire career and even fewer who have driven for one sponsor. Team owners have lost control of their products and are bending over backwards to fulfill their sponsors' whims, whether it makes good racing sense or not. And in the end. the entire sport is suffering because fans are being torn in multiple directions thanks to drivers and sponsors switching around among teams and manufacturers.
Interestingly, it would seem like the one owner among all of them who would truly appreciate loyalty would be Waltrip. His story was quite well documented after he finally broke into the victory column after nearly 500 starts without a win, driving for the late, great Dale Earnhardt. People told Earnhardt he was crazy to give Waltrip a ride, seemingly washed up after an 0-for-462 Cup career but the Intimidator ignored the popular belief. Instead, he put the journeyman driver in a car that ended up winning the Daytona 500 in his first start for Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated - a ride he would keep for the next five years. Waltrip's success came because someone believed in him, rewarding his heart and ignoring the head-scratching stats on paper. Now, Waltrip is doing the opposite; after five years of loyalty, Reutimann is kicked to the curb in favor of the veteran Martin. Martin might have the better stats, yes, but it is a shame that Waltrip's memory is so short.
Reutimann has been a great company man for Waltrip. He's even allowed himself to be the brunt of the Aaron's commercials, ads that continually feature Waltrip even though he seldom climbs behind the wheel anymore. All the while, he has kept his nose to the grindstone, worked to make the organization better and been a great spokesperson for the sponsor and the team. In return, he is apparently out of a Cup ride.
There is no question that MWR and Reutimann in particular have struggled this season. It seems like a long time ago that he was in Victory Lane at Chicagoland, and apparently it's too long for his boss. Now, Reutimann is being given just a couple of months to find a new ride at a time when open seats are few and far between. His unemployment is almost guaranteed for next season, the guaranteed money from his contract is in question and the bonds of loyalty have been replaced by business. In the end, it apparently has come down to what have you done for me lately which, in Reutimann's case, is not enough.
But it shouldn't have to end this way.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Jay Pennell
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Jay Pennell will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
What Have You Done For Me Lately?
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
In five years, David Reutimann has scored two wins for Michael Waltrip Racing in the Cup Series. Well, a quick perusal of the record books under MWR will reveal that the organization has notched exactly two victories in its short history. Reutimann's second victory came at Chicago in 2010, so he is barely a year removed from that win, as well as a year where he bordered on Chase contention before finishing comfortably within the top 20 in points. In the meantime, Martin Truex, Jr. has booked three top-5 finishes in the last two years for MWR - one-half of what Reutimann has accumulated in the same timespan. Yet the word is now coming through the rumor mill that Reutimann is out, with Mark Martin planning to run a partial schedule in the No. 00 in 2012 with team owner Michael Waltrip running most, if not all, of the plate races. It is quite disloyal if the rumors are true, considering Reutimann signed a contract extension that was announced at Indianapolis last summer, the week after he won at Chicago, which assured him he'd be in the No. 00 with Aaron's on the car through at least 2012.
Stock car racing has proven to be a very instant gratification sport in recent history, but this move just might prove to be one of the most extreme examples in the last few years. Reutimann has been with MWR since it began fielding Toyotas in the Cup Series, back in 2007, even running a race for Waltrip in 2005 before Toyota entered the sport. Reutimann has been through all of the growing pains, not only associated with starting up a racing organization, but also the trials and tribulations of a manufacturer breaking into the sport for the first time. Reutimann had occasional good runs in the first couple of years, finishing 2008 with four top-10 finishes and a pole position at Homestead to close out the season. But more than ever, during that span he was a loyal employee, putting up the best numbers in the midst of a cheating scandal, multiple DNQs by Waltrip and a fizzling end-of-career by Dale Jarrett that put the future of the organization on the line.
Fast forward to 2009, when Reutimann scored the first win for the fledgling organization in the Coca-Cola 600, a rain-shortened event that finished well short of the advertised distance on Monday. By the time the checkers flew at Homestead, he had five top 5s, 10 top 10s and two pole positions to go along with the ground-breaking victory. Reutimann finished that season 16th in the point standings. The following season, he had similar numbers with the win at Chicago, six top 5s and nine top 10s which was good enough for 18th.
This season has been a tough year for MWR in general, with the teams taking a step back in speed, Truex's crew chief getting let go and then the penalties last week over windshield violations at Talladega. A glance at the current standings shows that Truex sits 24th, with two top 5s and 10 top 10s while Reutimann finds himself a distant 28th - he has just a lone top 5, at Kentucky and only two top 10s overall. While the year has obviously been a disappointing one for the entire organization, it hasn't been exceptionally worse for Reutimann vs. Truex, Jr.
But performance aside, loyalty in NASCAR is far from what it used to be and the result has been drivers being dropped from rides much more quickly than they would have been in previous years. Gone are the days when a driver would spend his entire career with one organization and, often one sponsor. Now the series has only a handful of drivers who have driven for the same owner for their entire career and even fewer who have driven for one sponsor. Team owners have lost control of their products and are bending over backwards to fulfill their sponsors' whims, whether it makes good racing sense or not. And in the end. the entire sport is suffering because fans are being torn in multiple directions thanks to drivers and sponsors switching around among teams and manufacturers.
Interestingly, it would seem like the one owner among all of them who would truly appreciate loyalty would be Waltrip. His story was quite well documented after he finally broke into the victory column after nearly 500 starts without a win, driving for the late, great Dale Earnhardt. People told Earnhardt he was crazy to give Waltrip a ride, seemingly washed up after an 0-for-462 Cup career but the Intimidator ignored the popular belief. Instead, he put the journeyman driver in a car that ended up winning the Daytona 500 in his first start for Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated - a ride he would keep for the next five years. Waltrip's success came because someone believed in him, rewarding his heart and ignoring the head-scratching stats on paper. Now, Waltrip is doing the opposite; after five years of loyalty, Reutimann is kicked to the curb in favor of the veteran Martin. Martin might have the better stats, yes, but it is a shame that Waltrip's memory is so short.
Reutimann has been a great company man for Waltrip. He's even allowed himself to be the brunt of the Aaron's commercials, ads that continually feature Waltrip even though he seldom climbs behind the wheel anymore. All the while, he has kept his nose to the grindstone, worked to make the organization better and been a great spokesperson for the sponsor and the team. In return, he is apparently out of a Cup ride.
There is no question that MWR and Reutimann in particular have struggled this season. It seems like a long time ago that he was in Victory Lane at Chicagoland, and apparently it's too long for his boss. Now, Reutimann is being given just a couple of months to find a new ride at a time when open seats are few and far between. His unemployment is almost guaranteed for next season, the guaranteed money from his contract is in question and the bonds of loyalty have been replaced by business. In the end, it apparently has come down to what have you done for me lately which, in Reutimann's case, is not enough.
But it shouldn't have to end this way.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Jay Pennell
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Jay Pennell will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@JennaFryer: One more thing ... Mark Martin may have a deal done for a partial schedule in 2012.
@jim_utter: Hearing sponsorship money not used on No. 00 running partial schedule will go toward Bowyer's team #NASCAR
@JennaFryer: Yeah, put two and two together between my tweet and @jim_utter and you can see what might be happening with Mark Martin.
@jaywpennell: Hendrick Motorsports: Plane carrying Rick Hendrick, Linda Hendrick & two pilots ran off runway in Key West Monday night. No serious injuries.
@jaywpennell: The Hendrick Motorsports plane experienced "braking issues upon landing." All taken to local hospital, but no serious injuries are reported.
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): And y'all wonder why I hate flying... glad everyone appears to be OK! Don't take things in life for granted. Life is too short.
@Just_AP (Ashley Parlett): Really glad to hear that everyone is OK after the crash landing in Key West. We have lost too many folks in motorsports this month.
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Praying for Rick Hendrick and family after their plane crash today. Glad to hear they only have minor injuries.
@ivandebosch (Ingrid Vandebosch): Crazy to hear about Jimmie's plane having to land without brakes! So thankful Mr. Hendrick and his wife Linda and of course the pilots are OK.
@JimmieJohnson: Thank you everyone for your thoughts and well wishes. We are so thankful that Rick, Linda and the pilots are home and not seriously injured.
@jaywpennell: Rick Hendrick suffers broken rib and broken clavicle in plane crash Monday. Hendrick, wife Linda & 2 pilots released from hospital Tuesday.
@MikeCalinoff (Matt Kenseth's Spotter): #thingslongerthankimsmarriage The number of car owners calling @BrianLVickers with ride offers.
@MikeCalinoff: Vickers showed up at the Electronic Fuel Injection test today at @ms1947. He thought EFI stood for "Every Freakin' Incident."
@DonRohr: @MikeCalinoff Good spotter would've told his driver to back off - let him go. Instead, you're now a lot further back in points than just 1 spot.
@MikeCalinoff: Okay. I'll pass that on to the other nine spotters too. Thanks for the help.
@DonRohr: @MikeCalinoff no problem. Always happy to lend a hand. Or in this case a finger/tweet/etc.
@MikeCalinoff: So you think that we should have just let him go and follow him for the rest of the run?
@DonRohr: @MikeCalinoff yes. with that many laps left, [let] the tire fall off, and the chance to possibly run back down.. sure why not. 22 point difference
@MikeCalinoff: I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be idiots.
@jaywpennell: @BrianLVickers say it's not right to blame him for all the cautions @ms1947. Regrets timing of last incident w/ Kenseth sbn.to/sX1VPf
@KurtBusch22: Damage from yesterday's race. yfrog.com/hsco7zrj yfrog.com/ntc86qj yfrog.com/kkncewtj
@nateryan: This will mark first season since 2005 Jimmie Johnson hasn't won a short-track race. Came this close to making it six straight years. #Nascar
@NASCARBowles: A jackman for the No. 38 team, Sean Irvan, was treated/released from a M'Ville hospital today after being hit by Mark Martin on pit road. #NASCAR
@NASCARBowles: Irvan lost consciousness briefly and suffered a concussion, neck strain and MCL strain in his right knee. #NASCAR
@Elliott_Sadler: I hope NASCAR keeps 2 races at Martinsville for a long time... By far one of the best races of the year with all the ups and downs...
@matt_kenseth17: Not the highlight reels I wanted to be on. Feel bad I let my fans and team down. Sorry guys, hope next week is better.
@KyleBusch: Oh well. That's racing. Great car and was gonna be a great day... No difference in only running cup on weekends. Time for all 3 in TX!!
@BrianKez29 (Brian Keselowski): Hope my buddy shawn [Sean] is ok after getting hit on pitroad today. He sounds pretty banged up. He does all the electrical at Front Row next door.
@KevinHarvick: Solid finish but was some rough racing... I like it!!
@dennyhamlin: Sorry fans. Frustrating not getting a win with a car that good but just got stuck on every restart.. #movingforward
@keselowski: Certainly a disappointing day for the 2 team. Looked like we had a 6th or better run going until on the final yellows we got the bad lanes.
@keselowski: Not sure what to say about all the wrecks today. As a whole, us drivers sure didn't make a case for being the best 43...
@keselowski: Seems like we have rules/procedural package in the sport that makes demo derbies on short track a near certainty (lucky dog, d-file restart)
@kaseykahne: Well that didn't go as planned! Demolition Derby
@kaseykahne: The chase is getting exciting. Best part of my day was watching all the chase guys fight for points. It was changing all day. Good stuff!!
@Regan_Smith_: probably the craziest race I've ever been involved in... glad we ended up 13 after the way it started
@keselowski: we agree on something! :) "@dustinlong: #NASCAR ... Edwards told he's the points leader ... "That's just unbelievable good luck.''"
@Tjmajors: Saw some good short track racing and I also saw some stupid a$$ $h?!
@KevinHamlin (Clint Bowyer's Spotter): Sometimes I love Martinsville, and sometimes I hate it. Today was a little of both. More of the latter tho.
@KevinHamlin: Oh, and to the 14 people scanning us: Sorry about the couple of s & f-bombs. Frustrated today and I'm normally not like that.
@jaywpennell: Stewart calls on #NASCAR to make drivers show more respect: "Let them get their butt kicked, because that's what happened in the old days."
@KrissieNewman: Don't see too many cars on track without damage. Lots of sheet metal for charity.
@SherryPollex: I think the 83 needs to park it. Haha. Holy crap, he's been in like 40 wrecks today :-p Is this race ever gonna end??? #icantfeelmyfingers
Jay Pennell is an Assistant Editor to Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at jaywpennell@yahoo.com, and you can also check out his work at SB Nation, allleftturns.com or jaywpennell.blogspot.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Cash Over Loyalty, Three Winless Drivers Who Could Cash In And System Shutdown
by Tom Bowles
Mirror Driving: Martinsville Chaos, Cheating Chad and Settling For a Job
by Summer Dreyer
Beyond the Cockpit: Johnny Sauter On His Bucket List... And Title Chances
as told to Mike Neff
Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Martinsville-2
compiled by Mike Neff
Top Ten Things Brian Vickers DIDN'T Run Into at Martinsville
by Jeff Meyer
The Frontstretch Foto Funnies! Martinsville, October 2011
by Kurt Smith
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Beyond the Cockpit: Johnny Sauter On His Bucket List... And Title Chances
as told to Mike Neff
Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Martinsville-2
compiled by Mike Neff
Top Ten Things Brian Vickers DIDN'T Run Into at Martinsville
by Jeff Meyer
The Frontstretch Foto Funnies! Martinsville, October 2011
by Kurt Smith
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 2007, Ted Musgrave picked up his final Truck Series victory in the Silverado 350k at Texas Motor Speedway. However, Musgrave inherited that victory after a crash on a late restart. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 1990 AC-Delco 500 was won by Alan Kulwicki, who took his second career Winston Cup win. Ken Schrader was looking good to finish on the podium, but an error dropped him back to a still decent fifth-place finish. What happened?
A: With three laps to go, Darrell Waltrip spun out in Turn 4, bringing out the yellow. Since there were no green-white-checkers back then, the race ended under caution. Coming to the white flag, Schrader pitted and took four tires. ESPN's commentators hypothesized that Schrader's team thought that it was a 500-lap race instead of just 492. Regardless, Schrader was the last driver on the lead lap in fifth at the finish.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Shakedown Session by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight. This week's column can be summed up in just three words: "The Rocket Car." You'll have to click the link to find out!
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 tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Shakedown Session by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight. This week's column can be summed up in just three words: "The Rocket Car." You'll have to click the link to find out!
Going Green by Garrett Horton
Garrett's column has moved to Thursdays now, but it's still the same great commentary it has always been! This week, Garrett takes a look at Carl Edwards' point lead... how insurmountable is it? He crunches the numbers to see whether Tony Stewart or Brad Keselowski can take home the championship.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com, and you just may see your question in print next week!
Fantasy Insider by Brett Poirier
Did your fantasy racing team take a hit at Martinsville? Well, Brett has just what you need to know to turn things around when choosing your teams for the AAA Texas 500 from Texas Motor Speedway.
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark takes a look at NASCAR's difficulties in capturing the teen / young adult crowd and whether it will become problematic in the future.
-----------------------------
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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
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
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