Thursday, July 28, 2016

The Frontstretch Newsletter: 2017 Rules are in for Michigan

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Jul. 28, 2016
Volume X, Edition CXXVI
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What to Watch: Thursday
 
- Today, Sprint Cup and XFINITY teams are parking their haulers and loading in at Pocono Raceway.  It should be a relatively quiet day, but if any additional news breaks, we'll have it for you at Frontstretch.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday's TV Schedule can be found here.

Top News
by the Frontstretch Staff

Sprint Cup to Use 2017 Rules at Michigan

On Thursday morning, NASCAR announced that the Sprint Cup Series will use the provisional 2017 rules package at the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 28.  It will be the third race of the year with the proposed rules.  Read more


Have news for the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.

~~~~~~~~~~
Editor's Note: Potts' Shots will return soon.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Critic's Annex: Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200
by Phil Allaway

Welcome back, race fans.  Last weekend, while the Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series were racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards was headlining multiple nights of racing at nearby Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.  This is essentially a standalone ARCA race, so coverage was perhaps a tad limited.  For instance, only one pit reporter was used on the broadcast (Jim Tretow) as opposed to the usual two.

Prior to the race, FOX Sports 1 ran a piece on Myatt Snider, the son of Marty Snider who has a part-time deal to drive the No. 22 for Cunningham Motorsports.  Here, we learn a bit about Snider's background in motorsports, which is to say that it's a pretty rich history that dates back to the early years of NASCAR.  Snider also talked a little bit about his career to this point and his adjustment to ARCA.  I found the piece to be a little quick, but informative.

Once the race got underway, viewers saw a decent amount of racing for position.  Granted, I do need to preface that we're talking about ARCA here.  There's roughly 18-20 competitive cars out there.  Granted, they had much better car count than races like Madison, but it's not like watching a Cup race.

Due to the long 27 minute red flag due to a multi-car crash, the race ran long.  Post-race coverage was fairly brief.  Viewers got interviews with the top 2 finishers (winner Chase Briscoe and Travis Miller), a result check and a point check before FOX Sports 1 signed off to get to FOX Sports Live with Jay and Dan.

The somewhat limited production is more or less what can be afforded when ARCA isn't piggybacking off of Sprint Cup, XFINITY or the Camping World Truck Series.  The production has to be scaled back to cut costs.  That's why FOX Sports 1 didn't have a second pit reporter on Friday night.  Same for why the ASN broadcasts don't have in-car cameras (although I'm told that they're working on it).  Problem is, Tretow can only do so much at a time.  I feel like viewers (and myself, for that matter, since I watched the race no less than twice all the way through) missed out on a lot of information.

We'll use the Big One as an example.  We did get an interview with Brady Boswell, who got caught up with it.  However, I don't recall any updates on Ray Ciccarelli, who appeared to be in a fair bit of pain when he got out of his No. 2 Chevrolet.  Ciccarelli obviously wasn't a frontrunner in the race, but as far as I'm concerned, it's a story that FOX Sports 1 should be covering.  It's situations like this where someone needs to step up and add to the narrative.  If that means FOX Sports 1 has to bring in a freelancer who would have been at the race anyway to provide additional content and context, so be it.

We did get a lot of coverage of the tire situation and how it affected the race.  This was a good move because it more or less determined who won the race (and in Parker Kligerman's case, it determined whether he could finish on the lead lap or not).

Personally, I enjoyed watching the race, but I do admit to being exhausted when it was on originally because it aired live after I got home from Lime Rock Park last Friday.  There was some good action out there.  Myatt Snider brought his A-game, but that just wasn't enough.  Also, I think that FOX Sports 1 was expecting a little more out of Ty Majeski last weekend, but he just didn't have it.

Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Manager and a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com.  He can be reached via e-mail at ashland10@mail.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Line of the Week
 
From Beyond the Cockpit: Jeff Green on the State of the XFINITY Series, His Lasting Legacy

"I really didn't know back then. I was so young – I say I was young, I was late 20's or early 30's, that's old these days! I really didn't realize what opportunity I had. I had Dale Earnhardt on the other end of the phone trying to get me to drive his Busch car and Junior Johnson wanting to come drive for him.

Between '94 and '95, that was a big year for me and it gave me an opportunity to get my face out there and get my recognition I needed to get to the next level, the Cup Series. Without Dale Earnhardt or Junior Johnson, Earl Sadler out of Nashville gave me an opportunity to drive some Cup races before all that even happened."  - Jeff Green, on his busy times in late 1994, juggling offers to race for Sadler Racing, Junior Johnson and DEI.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY AT FRONTSTRETCH:

by P. Huston Ladner

by Sean Fesko and Jason Schultz

by Tom Bowles

by Bryan Gable
by Toni Montgomery

by Beth Lunkenheimer

 
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q: In the 1994 Miller Genuine Draft 500 at Pocono, Geoff Bodine led 156 laps on his way to his first win of the season.  What was notable about this victory and the finishing order?

Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Wednesday's Answer:

Q:  Here's a random question that might be easy on the surface.  Who got to race in what is now Sprint Cup first?  Wally Dallenbach, Jr., or his wife?

A: Dallenbach's wife is Robin Dallenbach.  Before the two were married in the mid-1980's, she was known as Robin McCall.  As McCall, Robin Dallenbach made her Winston Cup debut at the age of 18 at Michigan in 1982 in the No. 5 Buick for the infamous J.D. Stacy, eight years before Wally did. 

Finding footage on YouTube of Robin Dallenbach's racing career is difficult to say the least.  She made her Cup debut in the Gabriel 400, which had a 5+ hour rain delay.  She did compete in the other Michigan race that as well, which is on YouTube.  In addition, there is also this race from 1986 for the IMSA Kelly American Challenge where she competes in an Oldsmobile Calais.

~~~~~~~~~
COMING TOMORROW
In The Frontstretch Newsletter:
We'll preview the Sprint Cup Series' return engagement at Pocono Raceway, while also providing news from Thursday.

On Frontstretch.com:
Zach Catanzareti returns to answer Four Burning Questions heading into this weekend's action in Pocono.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
©2016 Frontstretch.com

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Posted by Curious ... at 12:41 PM 0 comments

Digest for rec.games.trivia@googlegroups.com - 21 updates in 6 topics

R. Ess <Chifan@yahoo.com>: Jul 27 05:37PM -0500

On Tue, 19 Jul 2016 20:25:41 -0700 (PDT), Calvin <334152@gmail.com>
wrote:
 
 
>1 What is the first given name of the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge?
Catherine
 
>2 In music, what is meant by the term "pianissimo"?
Softly
 
>3 New Zealander Denny Hulme won the world championship in 1967 in which sport?
Formula One Auto Racing
 
>4 Which two-word Italian term is often used to describe eating outdoors?
Al Fresco
 
>5 In the US TV show "Bewitched", which actress played Samantha's mother Endora?
Agnes Morehead
 
>6 What was discovered in 1930 but downgraded in 2006?
Pluto
 
>7 Which colour is traditionally associated with Italian racing cars?
Red
 
>8 Hydra Gyrum was the Latin name for which element?
Mercury
 
>9 In which 1978 Richard Donner film does the heroine remark: "You've got me? Who's got you?"?
Superman?
 
>10 What name is given to an ionic compound formed from reacting an acid and a base?
Salt
 
 
>cheers,
>calvin
 
ArenEss
Calvin <334152@gmail.com>: Jul 27 10:19PM -0700

On Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 1:25:42 PM UTC+10, Calvin wrote:
 
> 1 What is the first given name of the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge?
 
Charlotte
I suspect some folks misread this question
 
> 2 In music, what is meant by the term "pianissimo"?
 
[very] Softly. I accepted quietly.
 
> 3 New Zealander Denny Hulme won the world championship in 1967 in which sport?
 
Formula 1
 
> 4 Which two-word Italian term is often used to describe eating outdoors?
 
Al Fresco
 
> 5 In the US TV show "Bewitched", which actress played Samantha's mother Endora?
 
Agnes Moorehead
 
> 6 What was discovered in 1930 but downgraded in 2006?
 
Pluto
 
> 7 Which colour is traditionally associated with Italian racing cars?
 
Red
 
> 8 Hydra Gyrum was the Latin name for which element?
 
Mercury
Hence Hg
 
> 9 In which 1978 Richard Donner film does the heroine remark: "You've got me? Who's got you?"?
 
Superman
 
> 10 What name is given to an ionic compound formed from reacting an acid and a base?
 
Salt
 
 
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10 TOTAL TB Quiz 449
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 83 Aren Ess
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 9 74 Pete Gayde
1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 79 Chris Johnson
1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 8 71 Peter Smyth
0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 72 Mark Brader
1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 8 73 Bruce Bowler
1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 8 73 Gareth Owen
1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 7 63 Dan Tilque
0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 7 66 Marc Dashevsky
0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 6 55 Erland S
0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 32 Bjorn Lundin
- - - - - - - - - - --- ----------
7 10 4 9 6 11 10 11 6 9 83 75%
 
Congratulations Aren on a perfect 10 in a high scoring round.
 
cheers,
calvin
msb@vex.net (Mark Brader): Jul 28 12:48AM -0500

"Calvin":
> and Duchess of Cambridge?
 
> Charlotte
> I suspect some folks misread this question
 
Not me, I just couldn't remember it.
--
Mark Brader | "Well, in difficult circumstances, sacrifices do
Toronto | have to be made -- especially by ordinary people."
msb@vex.net | --Sir Humphrey ("Yes, Prime Minister" (2013), Lynn & Jay)
R. Ess <Chifan@yahoo.com>: Jul 28 05:50AM -0500

On Wed, 27 Jul 2016 22:19:51 -0700 (PDT), Calvin <334152@gmail.com>
wrote:
 
 
>Congratulations Aren on a perfect 10 in a high scoring round.
 
>cheers,
>calvin
 
Not perfect. I answered Catherine for Number 1.
ArenEss
Calvin <334152@gmail.com>: Jul 27 10:23PM -0700

1 According to the Internet Movie Database (among others) which character from the 1999 film "The Phantom Menace" is the dumbest in movie history?
2 In which field event is the world record currently 74.08 metres (men) and 76.80 metres (women)?
3 Which African country is quite literally named "Lion Mountain"?
4 Which of Beethoven's nine symphonies is nicknamed the "choral"?
5 The Tim Hortons fast food restaurant chain is based in which country?
6 Which Shakespeare play opens with the line "If music be the food of love, play on…"?
7 If a dish is served Florentine which vegetable will it contain?
8 Who rules in a plutocracy?
9 Though better known as a singer, who played the lead role in the 1988 film 'Buster', loosely based on the Great Train Robbery of 1963?
10 Andy Fletcher, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Alan Wilder were members of which English electronic band formed in 1980?
 
 
cheers,
calvin
msb@vex.net (Mark Brader): Jul 28 12:51AM -0500

Calvin:
> 1 According to the Internet Movie Database (among others) which
> character from the 1999 film "The Phantom Menace" is the
> dumbest in movie history?
 
Jar Jar Binks.
 
> 2 In which field event is the world record currently 74.08
> metres (men) and 76.80 metres (women)?
 
Discus?
 
> 3 Which African country is quite literally named "Lion Mountain"?
 
Lion Mountain. :-)
 
Sierra Leone.
 
> 4 Which of Beethoven's nine symphonies is nicknamed the "choral"?
 
9th.
 
> 5 The Tim Hortons fast food restaurant chain is based in which country?
 
Canada. What was the late co-founder's name?
 
> 6 Which Shakespeare play opens with the line "If music be the
> food of love, play on..."?
 
"A Midsummer Night's Dream"?
 
> 7 If a dish is served Florentine which vegetable will it contain?
 
Spinach?
 
> 8 Who rules in a plutocracy?
 
The rich.
 
> 9 Though better known as a singer, who played the lead role in
> the 1988 film 'Buster', loosely based on the Great Train
> Robbery of 1963?
 
Vicious?
 
> 10 Andy Fletcher, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Alan Wilder were
> members of which English electronic band formed in 1980?
 
The English Electronic Band (1980) Ltd.
--
Mark Brader "You have a truly warped mind.
Toronto I admire that in a person."
msb@vex.net -- Bill Davidsen
 
My text in this article is in the public domain.
Erland Sommarskog <esquel@sommarskog.se>: Jul 28 09:53AM +0200

> 2 In which field event is the world record currently 74.08 metres
> (men) and 76.80 metres (women)?
 
Hammer throw
 
> 3 Which African country is quite literally named "Lion Mountain"?
 
Sierra Leone
 
> 4 Which of Beethoven?s nine symphonies is nicknamed the "choral"?
 
The 9th.
 
> 5 The Tim Hortons fast food restaurant chain is based in which
> country?
 
Canada
 
> 8 Who rules in a plutocracy?
 
Long-legged dogs
 
> 10 Andy Fletcher, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Alan Wilder were members
of which English electronic band formed in 1980?

Depeche Mode
 
 
--
Erland Sommarskog, Stockholm, esquel@sommarskog.se
Dan Tilque <dtilque@frontier.com>: Jul 28 02:00AM -0700

Calvin wrote:
> 1 According to the Internet Movie Database (among others) which character from the 1999 film "The Phantom Menace" is the dumbest in movie history?
 
Jar Jar Binks
 
> 2 In which field event is the world record currently 74.08 metres (men) and 76.80 metres (women)?
 
hammer throw
 
> 3 Which African country is quite literally named "Lion Mountain"?
 
Lesotho
 
> 4 Which of Beethoven's nine symphonies is nicknamed the "choral"?
 
No 4
 
> 5 The Tim Hortons fast food restaurant chain is based in which country?
 
Canada
 
> 6 Which Shakespeare play opens with the line "If music be the food of love, play on…"?
 
Love's Labour's Lost
 
> 7 If a dish is served Florentine which vegetable will it contain?
 
spinach
 
> 8 Who rules in a plutocracy?
 
the wealthy
 
 
--
Dan Tilque
msb@vex.net (Mark Brader): Jul 27 10:34PM -0500

These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2016-06-13,
and should be interpreted accordingly.
 
On each question you may give up to two answers, but if you give
both a right answer and a wrong answer, there is a small penalty.
Please post all your answers to the newsgroup in a single followup,
based only on your own knowledge. (In your answer posting, quote
the questions and place your answer below each one.) I will reveal
the correct answers in about 12 days.
 
All questions were written by members of the Usual Suspects and
are used here by permission, but have been reformatted and may
have been retyped and/or edited by me. For further information
see my 2016-05-31 companion posting on "Questions from the Canadian
Inquisition (QFTCI*)".
 
I wrote one of these rounds.
 
 
* Game 4, Round 4 - Literature - God Bless Us, Every One
 
Okay, so it's not December just now. Bah, humbug to that.
And anyway, in December it'll be the Mods setting the questions,
not us.
 
In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote a novella called "A Christmas Carol".
You may have heard of it. In fact, we hope you're familiar with it.
Please note that this is a literature round, not entertainment,
so we're talking about the original story, not any adaptations
for the screen.
 
1. In the story, Ebenezer Scrooge receives a series of supernatural
visitors. But at first he doesn't believe in any such thing.
How does Scrooge explain away the situation when the first
visitor asks why he doubts his senses?
 
2. Who is that first supernatural visitor?
 
3. Please complete the first two questions before decoding the
rot13 for the next two. Jung jnf Zneyrl'f pbaarpgvba jvgu
Fpebbtr?
 
4. Jung cnvashyyl urnil bowrpg qbrf Zneyrl'f tubfg unir gb jrne?
 
5. Give the correct name of the *last* of the supernatural visitors.
 
6. Early in the story, Scrooge is approached for a charitable
donation on behalf of the poor and destitute. He explains that
he sees no need of such charity, because of four things that
already exist. Name *any one* of them.
 
7. Give the first and last name of Ebenezer Scrooge's clerk (or
as he would pronounce it, "clark").
 
8. What present does Scrooge give <answer 7> on Christmas Day?
 
9. Also early in the story, a relative wishes Scrooge a
merry Christmas and he replies with the words "Bah! Humbug!"
Which relative? Give either the relationship or the relative's
first name.
 
10. Because the story is called "A Christmas Carol", its sections
are not called chapters or parts; what term related to music
notation is used instead?
 
 
* Game 4, Round 6 - Sports - He was the Greatest
 
As you all know -- unless you were knocked out -- the world lost
Muhammad Ali last week. Given all the TV, newspaper, and Internet
coverage, let's see how much of it you've actually retained.
 
1. While Ali was still known as Cassius Clay, and before he turned
pro, he won gold at the Olympics. Either name the city where
he won, or the weight class of the event.
 
2. The February 25, 1964, fight against Sonny Liston marked a
couple of firsts: the first time Clay used the "float like a
butterfly" line, and the first time he captured the heavyweight
championship belt. How many times in total did he gain the
title? (Defending it while already champion does not count.)
 
3. Shortly after beating Liston, Clay confirmed that he had joined
the Nation of Islam, and changed his name to *what*, before
changing it again to Muhammad Ali a bit later?
 
4. 1970 marked Ali's return to the ring after his suspension and
legal battles came to an end. In March of 1971, he suffered
his first professional defeat, which was on points. The match
became known as "The Fight of the Century". Either give the
venue, or name Ali's opponent in the bout, who was the world
champion at the time.
 
5. Three years later in 1974, Ali reclaimed the world title in the
"Rumble in the Jungle", using a method he called "Rope a Dope".
Either name his opponent--the "dope"--or give the *current name*
of the country where the fight took place.
 
6. Just under a year later came the "Thrilla in Manila", widely
considered to be one of the most brutal fights in modern boxing
history, when Ali and Frazier met for the third and final time.
How many rounds did the fight last?
 
7. 1978 marked a period where the Champ lost the world title in
February, and regained it 7 months later. Both fights went the
full 15 rounds. Name the man who was his opponent both times.
 
8. Ali came out of retirement in October 1980, in an ill-conceived
attempt at a fourth world title. This marked the only time Ali
was knocked out in his professional career. Name his opponent.
 
9. Ali's last professional fight was against Trevor Berbick in
December 1981. In his 61 professional bouts, he finished with
a record of 56-5. Within 2 on either side, how many of his 56
victories were by knockout?
 
10. Muhammad Ali was laid to rest last Friday, after a public
ceremony that featured eulogies from representatives from every
major religion, as well as friends and family. The keynote
eulogy, the last of about a dozen such tributes, was delivered
by who?
 
After completing the round, please decode the rot13: Vs lbh fnvq
"Arj Lbex" ba gur sbhegu dhrfgvba, jr arrq gur fcrpvsvp neran.
Tb onpx naq anzr vg. Naq vs lbh fnvq "Pbatb" sbe gur pbhagel ba
gur arkg dhrfgvba, jr arrq lbh gb or zber fcrpvsvp gurer gbb.
 
--
Mark Brader | "I noted with some interest that Fahrenheit was
Toronto | also used in the weather forecast, but there the
msb@vex.net | gas marks were missing." -- Ivan A. Derzhanski
 
My text in this article is in the public domain.
tool@panix.com (Dan Blum): Jul 28 03:59AM

> visitors. But at first he doesn't believe in any such thing.
> How does Scrooge explain away the situation when the first
> visitor asks why he doubts his senses?
 
indigestion
 
> 2. Who is that first supernatural visitor?
 
Jacob Marley
 
> 3. Please complete the first two questions before decoding the
> rot13 for the next two. Jung jnf Zneyrl'f pbaarpgvba jvgu
> Fpebbtr?
 
they were business partners
 
> 4. Jung cnvashyyl urnil bowrpg qbrf Zneyrl'f tubfg unir gb jrne?
 
a chain
 
> 5. Give the correct name of the *last* of the supernatural visitors.
 
Ghost of Christmas Future
 
> donation on behalf of the poor and destitute. He explains that
> he sees no need of such charity, because of four things that
> already exist. Name *any one* of them.
 
workhouses
 
> 7. Give the first and last name of Ebenezer Scrooge's clerk (or
> as he would pronounce it, "clark").
 
Bob Cratchit
 
> 8. What present does Scrooge give <answer 7> on Christmas Day?
 
he fires him
 
> merry Christmas and he replies with the words "Bah! Humbug!"
> Which relative? Give either the relationship or the relative's
> first name.
 
nephew
 
> 10. Because the story is called "A Christmas Carol", its sections
> are not called chapters or parts; what term related to music
> notation is used instead?
 
verse; movement
 
 
> 1. While Ali was still known as Cassius Clay, and before he turned
> pro, he won gold at the Olympics. Either name the city where
> he won, or the weight class of the event.
 
heavyweight; middleweight
 
> butterfly" line, and the first time he captured the heavyweight
> championship belt. How many times in total did he gain the
> title? (Defending it while already champion does not count.)
 
3
 
> became known as "The Fight of the Century". Either give the
> venue, or name Ali's opponent in the bout, who was the world
> champion at the time.
 
Frazier
 
> "Rumble in the Jungle", using a method he called "Rope a Dope".
> Either name his opponent--the "dope"--or give the *current name*
> of the country where the fight took place.
 
Democratic Republic of the Congo
 
> considered to be one of the most brutal fights in modern boxing
> history, when Ali and Frazier met for the third and final time.
> How many rounds did the fight last?
 
12; 13
 
> December 1981. In his 61 professional bouts, he finished with
> a record of 56-5. Within 2 on either side, how many of his 56
> victories were by knockout?
 
25; 35
 
--
_______________________________________________________________________
Dan Blum tool@panix.com
"I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't just made it up."
msb@vex.net (Mark Brader): Jul 27 11:00PM -0500

Mark Brader:
> I will reveal the correct answers in about 12 days.
 
Make that 3 days.
--
Mark Brader, Toronto "More importantly, Mark is just plain wrong."
msb@vex.net -- John Hollingsworth
Joshua Kreitzer <gromit82@hotmail.com>: Jul 28 05:10AM

msb@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:U5OdnZFe2LbE4ATKnZ2dnUU7-
 
> * Game 4, Round 4 - Literature - God Bless Us, Every One
 
> 2. Who is that first supernatural visitor?
 
Jacob Marley
 
> 3. Please complete the first two questions before decoding the
> rot13 for the next two. Jung jnf Zneyrl'f pbaarpgvba jvgu
> Fpebbtr?
 
former business partner
 
> 4. Jung cnvashyyl urnil bowrpg qbrf Zneyrl'f tubfg unir gb jrne?
 
chains
 
> 5. Give the correct name of the *last* of the supernatural visitors.
 
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

> donation on behalf of the poor and destitute. He explains that
> he sees no need of such charity, because of four things that
> already exist. Name *any one* of them.
 
workhouses
 
> 7. Give the first and last name of Ebenezer Scrooge's clerk (or
> as he would pronounce it, "clark").
 
Bob Cratchit
 
> 8. What present does Scrooge give <answer 7> on Christmas Day?
 
turkey
 
> merry Christmas and he replies with the words "Bah! Humbug!"
> Which relative? Give either the relationship or the relative's
> first name.
 
Fred; nephew
 
> 10. Because the story is called "A Christmas Carol", its sections
> are not called chapters or parts; what term related to music
> notation is used instead?
 
staves

 
> 1. While Ali was still known as Cassius Clay, and before he turned
> pro, he won gold at the Olympics. Either name the city where
> he won, or the weight class of the event.
 
Rome

> butterfly" line, and the first time he captured the heavyweight
> championship belt. How many times in total did he gain the
> title? (Defending it while already champion does not count.)
 
3
 
> 3. Shortly after beating Liston, Clay confirmed that he had joined
> the Nation of Islam, and changed his name to *what*, before
> changing it again to Muhammad Ali a bit later?
 
Cassius X

> became known as "The Fight of the Century". Either give the
> venue, or name Ali's opponent in the bout, who was the world
> champion at the time.
 
Madison Square Garden
 
> "Rumble in the Jungle", using a method he called "Rope a Dope".
> Either name his opponent--the "dope"--or give the *current name*
> of the country where the fight took place.
 
Democratic Republic of the Congo
 
> considered to be one of the most brutal fights in modern boxing
> history, when Ali and Frazier met for the third and final time.
> How many rounds did the fight last?
 
15
 
> 8. Ali came out of retirement in October 1980, in an ill-conceived
> attempt at a fourth world title. This marked the only time Ali
> was knocked out in his professional career. Name his opponent.
 
Larry Holmes

> December 1981. In his 61 professional bouts, he finished with
> a record of 56-5. Within 2 on either side, how many of his 56
> victories were by knockout?
 
40; 45
 
> major religion, as well as friends and family. The keynote
> eulogy, the last of about a dozen such tributes, was delivered
> by who?
 
Bill Clinton
 
--
Joshua Kreitzer
gromit82@hotmail.com
Calvin <334152@gmail.com>: Jul 27 10:11PM -0700

On Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 1:34:55 PM UTC+10, Mark Brader wrote:
 
> How does Scrooge explain away the situation when the first
> visitor asks why he doubts his senses?
 
> 2. Who is that first supernatural visitor?
 
Marley
 
> 3. Please complete the first two questions before decoding the
> rot13 for the next two. Jung jnf Zneyrl'f pbaarpgvba jvgu
> Fpebbtr?
 
Business partner
 
> donation on behalf of the poor and destitute. He explains that
> he sees no need of such charity, because of four things that
> already exist. Name *any one* of them.
 
Workhouse, Beadle
 
> 7. Give the first and last name of Ebenezer Scrooge's clerk (or
> as he would pronounce it, "clark").
 
Tiny Tim
 
 
> 10. Because the story is called "A Christmas Carol", its sections
> are not called chapters or parts; what term related to music
> notation is used instead?
 
Stanzas
 
 
 
> 1. While Ali was still known as Cassius Clay, and before he turned
> pro, he won gold at the Olympics. Either name the city where
> he won, or the weight class of the event.
 
Rome
 
> butterfly" line, and the first time he captured the heavyweight
> championship belt. How many times in total did he gain the
> title? (Defending it while already champion does not count.)
 
3

> became known as "The Fight of the Century". Either give the
> venue, or name Ali's opponent in the bout, who was the world
> champion at the time.
 
Joe Frasier
 
> "Rumble in the Jungle", using a method he called "Rope a Dope".
> Either name his opponent--the "dope"--or give the *current name*
> of the country where the fight took place.
 
Foreman
 
> considered to be one of the most brutal fights in modern boxing
> history, when Ali and Frazier met for the third and final time.
> How many rounds did the fight last?
 
12, 13

> 7. 1978 marked a period where the Champ lost the world title in
> February, and regained it 7 months later. Both fights went the
> full 15 rounds. Name the man who was his opponent both times.
 
Spinks
 
> 8. Ali came out of retirement in October 1980, in an ill-conceived
> attempt at a fourth world title. This marked the only time Ali
> was knocked out in his professional career. Name his opponent.
 
Holmes
 
> December 1981. In his 61 professional bouts, he finished with
> a record of 56-5. Within 2 on either side, how many of his 56
> victories were by knockout?
 
15, 20

> major religion, as well as friends and family. The keynote
> eulogy, the last of about a dozen such tributes, was delivered
> by who?
 
Clinton
 
cheers,
calvin
Erland Sommarskog <esquel@sommarskog.se>: Jul 28 10:06AM +0200

> In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote a novella called "A Christmas Carol".
> You may have heard of it.
 
Only vaguely. Very vaguely.
 
 
> 1. While Ali was still known as Cassius Clay, and before he turned
> pro, he won gold at the Olympics. Either name the city where
> he won, or the weight class of the event.
 
Tokyo (Oops reading the next question makes it clear that's wrong. It
should be Rome.)

> butterfly" line, and the first time he captured the heavyweight
> championship belt. How many times in total did he gain the
> title? (Defending it while already champion does not count.)
 
Three

> became known as "The Fight of the Century". Either give the
> venue, or name Ali's opponent in the bout, who was the world
> champion at the time.
 
Fraizer
 
> "Rumble in the Jungle", using a method he called "Rope a Dope".
> Either name his opponent--the "dope"--or give the *current name*
> of the country where the fight took place.
 
Kongo-Kinshasa

> considered to be one of the most brutal fights in modern boxing
> history, when Ali and Frazier met for the third and final time.
> How many rounds did the fight last?
 
15

> 7. 1978 marked a period where the Champ lost the world title in
> February, and regained it 7 months later. Both fights went the
> full 15 rounds. Name the man who was his opponent both times.
 
Lennox

> 8. Ali came out of retirement in October 1980, in an ill-conceived
> attempt at a fourth world title. This marked the only time Ali
> was knocked out in his professional career. Name his opponent.
 
Foreman

> December 1981. In his 61 professional bouts, he finished with
> a record of 56-5. Within 2 on either side, how many of his 56
> victories were by knockout?
 
35

 
--
Erland Sommarskog, Stockholm, esquel@sommarskog.se
msb@vex.net (Mark Brader): Jul 27 10:59PM -0500

These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2016-07-25,
and should be interpreted accordingly. If any answers have changed
due to newer news, you are still expected to give the answers that
were correct on that date.
 
On each question you may give up to two answers, but if you give
both a right answer and a wrong answer, there is a small penalty.
Please post all your answers in a single followup to the newsgroup,
based only on your own knowledge. (In your answer posting, quote
the questions and place your answer below each one.) I will
reveal the correct answers in about 3 days. The current-events
round from the Final will follow in about 2 weeks, completing the
current-events game for this season.
 
All questions were written by members of the Usual Suspects and
are used here by permission, but have been reformatted and may
have been retyped and/or edited by me. For further information
see my 2016-05-31 companion posting on "Questions from the Canadian
Inquisition (QFTCI*)".
 
 
* Game 10 (2016-07-25), Round 1 -- Current Events
 
1. Canada gained a UNESCO World Heritage Site last week, so
designated because of its collection of fossils, some in excess
of 500,000,000 years old. In which province is it located?
 
2. Last week 26-year-old model and social media celebrity Qandeel
["KAN-deal"] Baloch was murdered, apparently strangled by
her own brother in a so-called honour killing because of her
provocative online persona. In what country did this occur?
 
3. Many qualities win competitions: talent, perseverance, and luck
among them, but what did Will Power win last Sunday? -- Yeah,
Will Power is the dude's name. Tell us what he won.
 
4. What form of payment did the three Wal-Mart stores in Thunder
Bay stop accepting last week, with a threat from the company
to extend the ban country-wide? Be specific.
 
5. If there's one thing we hate here at Trivia Central, it's drunk
people trying to fly airplanes. Two pilots from which airline
were arrested last week in Glasgow on suspicion of being
intoxicated, just before their flight was set to take off?
 
6. Following the coup attempt the previous week, the Turkish
government last week carried out a purge of supposed followers
of what Muslim cleric, who it is also demanding be extradited
from the US?
 
7. Who is the well-known writer, film director, and TV producer,
among his other talents, who died last week at age 81?
 
8. Name the Canadian scientist, metallurgist, anti-nuclear activist,
author, and educator who died last Friday at age 94.
 
9. He's only just turned 3, but Prince George is already causing
grief for his parents after pictures of him doing *what* were
released last week? (In response, of course. the Twitter-verse
did what it does.) Be specific.
 
10. Last week it was Hillary Clinton's turn to name a vice-
presidential minion -- er, running mate. Who did she pick?
 
--
Mark Brader, Toronto "Logic is logic. That's all I say."
msb@vex.net -- Oliver Wendell Holmes
 
My text in this article is in the public domain.
Joshua Kreitzer <gromit82@hotmail.com>: Jul 28 05:12AM

msb@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:O9CdnRBj2MiBHgTKnZ2dnUU7-
> ["KAN-deal"] Baloch was murdered, apparently strangled by
> her own brother in a so-called honour killing because of her
> provocative online persona. In what country did this occur?
 
Pakistan
 
> 3. Many qualities win competitions: talent, perseverance, and luck
> among them, but what did Will Power win last Sunday? -- Yeah,
> Will Power is the dude's name. Tell us what he won.
 
an auto race; Coca-Cola 600 (?)
 
> 7. Who is the well-known writer, film director, and TV producer,
> among his other talents, who died last week at age 81?
 
Marshall

> 10. Last week it was Hillary Clinton's turn to name a vice-
> presidential minion -- er, running mate. Who did she pick?
 
Tim Kaine
 
--
Joshua Kreitzer
gromit82@hotmail.com
Erland Sommarskog <esquel@sommarskog.se>: Jul 28 10:00AM +0200

> ["KAN-deal"] Baloch was murdered, apparently strangled by
> her own brother in a so-called honour killing because of her
> provocative online persona. In what country did this occur?
 
Pakistan

> government last week carried out a purge of supposed followers
> of what Muslim cleric, who it is also demanding be extradited
> from the US?
 
Gülen
 
> 10. Last week it was Hillary Clinton's turn to name a vice-
> presidential minion -- er, running mate. Who did she pick?
 
So what was the exact name now? Tim K....lein?
 
 
 
--
Erland Sommarskog, Stockholm, esquel@sommarskog.se
msb@vex.net (Mark Brader): Jul 27 10:32PM -0500

Mark Brader:
> These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2016-06-13,
> and should be interpreted accordingly... I will reveal the correct
> answers in about 12 days.
 
Due to an unscheduled illness, I'm back home earlier than expected.
I assume everyone who would've been going to answer has already done
so, so I'm closing this one now.

 
> * Game 4, Round 2 - Entertainment - Podcasts
 
> The following questions deal with popular podcasts, some of which
> also exist in other media.
 
This was the hardest round in the original game.
 
> 1. One of the most widely-listened-to podcasts these days is
> "Serial". Who is the host of "Serial"?
 
Sarah Koenig ["KAY-nig"]. 4 for Stephen.
 
> from Season 2. Either the first or the last name of any one
> of the three people will do; you don't have to tell us which
> one you mean.
 
Adnan Syed ["Sigh-ED"], Hae ["Hay"] Min Lee, Bowe ["Bo"] Bergdahl.
4 for Dan Blum, Pete, Bruce, and Stephen.
 
> column. It is co-hosted by a best-selling author whose
> best-known book, a non-fiction account of her personal odyssey,
> was released in 2012 and made into a movie in 2014. Name her.
 
Cheryl Strayed. 4 for Stephen.
 
("Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail"; just "Wild"
for the movie.)
 
> has been running since 2002 and deals with a wide range of topics
> of a scientific and philosophical nature. It is syndicated on
> over 300 radio stations.
 
"Radiolab". 4 for Marc, Dan Blum, Bruce, and Stephen.
 
> podcast, which began in 2009. In it he interviews other
> celebrities, drawn largely from the comedy world. The podcast's
> name is a 3-letter acronym for a rude expression. What is it?
 
"WTF". 4 for Marc, Dan Blum, Pete, Joshua, Bruce, and Stephen.
 
> 2009 consisting of interviews and discussions on a variety of
> topics such as current events, politics, and comedy. Its title
> is four words: "The Joe Rogan"... what?
 
"Experience". 4 for Pete and Stephen.
 
> 7. Name the radio show and podcast that began in 2010 and is
> hosted by Roman Mars. It deals with architecture and design
> and its title comes from a quote by Buckminster Fuller.
 
"99% Invisible". 4 for Stephen.
 
> 8. This NPR-affiliated podcast began in 2008 and covers economics
> and financial matters. It has a number of hosts, including
> Robert Smith and David Kestenbaum. Name it.
 
"Planet Money". 4 for Pete and Stephen.
 
> 9. This podcast is hosted by Jesse Brown and exists mainly to dig
> up dirt on Canadian media. It had a role in breaking the Jian
> Ghomeshi scandal story. Name it.
 
"Canadaland". 4 for Stephen.
 
> 10. What is the recent CBC podcast that looked at the cold case
> of a 5-year-old boy who disappeared without a trace in 1972
> while on a family fishing trip at an Ontario lake?
 
"Somebody Knows Something".
 
 
> symbols.
 
> 1. What is the 3-letter stock symbol for beer giant Anheuser-Busch
> InBev?
 
BUD. 4 for Marc, Dan Blum, Peter, Joshua, Dan Tilque, Bruce,
and Stephen.
 
> 2. What is the 3-letter stock symbol for Harley-Davidson?
 
HOG. 4 for Marc, Dan Blum, Joshua, Dan Tilque, Bruce, Jason,
and Stephen.
 
> refers to and you may guess the line of business of the company.
> You don't need to name the company; just tell us what they
> produce there.
 
Pianos. (Accepting "musical instruments". It's Steinway.)
4 for Pete, Joshua, Dan Tilque, Bruce, and Stephen.
 
> name it; just tell us what business it's in. Hint: this is
> not a dating site or a condom manufacturer; their LUV is a
> geographical reference.
 
Airline. (It's Southwest, whose home airport is Love Field
in Dallas.) 4 for Dan Blum, Pete, Joshua, Dan Tilque, Bruce,
and Stephen.
 
> 5. Which Canadian company has the symbol ZZZ?
 
Sleep Country Canada. 4 for Stephen.
 
> 6. The well-known Canadian company with symbol POT is *not* in
> the marijuana business. Name that company.
 
Potash Corp. 4 for Stephen.
 
> 7. What is the 4-letter, appropriately mythological symbol for
> the US firm Olympic Steel?
 
ZEUS. 4 for Dan Blum, Peter, Joshua, and Stephen.
 
> 8. What is the 4-letter, appropriately *geographical* symbol for
> the US firm Gibraltar Industries?
 
ROCK. 4 for Marc, Dan Blum, Peter, Pete, Joshua, Dan Tilque, Bruce,
Jason, and Stephen.
 
> 9. What is the 3-letter symbol for the Avis Budget Group, from
> which you can rent a vehicle?
 
CAR. 4 for Dan Blum, Peter, Pete, Joshua, Dan Tilque, Björn, Bruce,
Jason, and Stephen.
 
> 10. Which company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
> the symbol BID? It's a multinational founded in Britain and
> now headquartered in New York City.
 
Sotheby's. 4 for Dan Blum, Peter, Bruce, and Stephen. 3 for
Dan Tilque.
 
 
Scores, if there are no errors:
 
GAME 4 ROUNDS-> 2 3 TOTALS
TOPICS-> Ent Mis
Stephen Perry 36 40 76
Dan Blum 12 28 40
Bruce Bowler 12 28 40
Joshua Kreitzer 4 28 32
Pete Gayde 16 16 32
Dan Tilque 0 27 27
Peter Smyth 0 20 20
Marc Dashevsky 8 12 20
Jason Kreitzer 0 12 12
Björn Lundin 0 4 4
 
--
Mark Brader | "shenli" Silent Domolition Agent uses in exploiting
Toronto | and cutting rock and non-explosive fragmentate and
msb@vex.net | demolish concrete. --seen in spam
 
My text in this article is in the public domain.
swp <Stephen.W.Perry@gmail.com>: Jul 27 08:41PM -0700

On Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 11:33:02 PM UTC-4, Mark Brader wrote:
 
> Due to an unscheduled illness, I'm back home earlier than expected.
> I assume everyone who would've been going to answer has already done
> so, so I'm closing this one now.
 
get well soon.
 
and let me know how you schedule your illnesses, I'd like to give that a try too.
 
swp
msb@vex.net (Mark Brader): Jul 27 10:51PM -0500

Mark Brader:
> > Due to an unscheduled illness, I'm back home earlier than expected.
 
Stephen Perry:
> get well soon.
 
I didn't say whose illness it was, but thanks.
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "Gadgetry abounded everywhere, almost all of which
msb@vex.net | he could justify." -- Robert Asprin
msb@vex.net (Mark Brader): Jul 27 10:28PM -0500

Mark Brader:
> and should be interpreted accordingly. If any answers have changed
> due to newer news, you are still expected to give the answers that
> were correct on that date.
 
In fact, one question as originally written was obsoleted *before*
it was asked: when we finalized the questions on 2016-07-16, Pokémon
Go had not yet been released in Canada. This required an emergency
update, which is how I ended up accidentally deleting "Name the game"
from the question.
 
> I will reveal the correct answers in about 12 days, and then post
> the current-events round from Game 10.
 
Due to an unscheduled illness, I'm back home earlier than expected.
I assume everyone who would've been going to answer has already done
so, so I'm closing this one now.
 
 
 
> 1. It was announced last week that *which sports organization*
> would be sold for $4,000,000,000? The buyer is a group led by
> a Hollywood talent agency.
 
UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). 4 for Peter, Pete, Joshua,
Jason, and Stephen.
 
> 2. A 29-year-old American ballet dancer, Melanie Hamrick, is
> expecting a child. Who's the daddy?
 
Mick Jagger. (It'll be his eighth.) 4 for Joe, Joshua, and Stephen.
 
> 3. Last week Forbes magazine published its list of the highest-paid
> celebrities in 2015. Who was on top, with earnings last year
> of $170,000,000 US?
 
Taylor Swift. 4 for Pete, Joshua, and Stephen.
 
> millions of downloads. In Canada, on Wednesday it was reported
> as being on 6% of Android devices already, even though it didn't
> officially become available until yesterday.
 
Pokémon Go. 4 for everyone -- Marc, Erland, Dan Blum, Peter, Pete,
Joe, Joshua, Dan Tilque, Jason, and Stephen.
 
In the original game, we noted:
 
And if you urgently need to download it now that you know it's
available -- wait until half-time, please!
 
> François Hollande came in for heavy mockery last week when
> it was revealed that one of his staff members was being paid
> almost 10,000 euros per month for doing what job?
 
Hairdresser. 4 for Erland, Dan Blum, Peter, Pete, Joe, and Stephen.
 
> 81-year-old Canadian musician has won big again, this time
> garnering the $1,000,000 grand prize in a London, Ontario,
> charity lotto. Name him.
 
Walter Ostanek. (Three consecutive Grammys, in fact -- for Best
Polka Album, 1992-94.) 4 for Stephen.
 
> required supermajority by 1 vote -- and then, the next day,
> that some votes had been wrongly recorded and the measure had
> actually passed. Name that Canadian religious organization.
 
Anglican Church of Canada (accepting Church of England). 4 for Peter,
Joshua, and Stephen.
 
> latest apprentice, as well as a highly mockable logo, since wiped
> from his website. Okay, so name The Donald's vice-presidential
> running mate.
 
Mike Pence. 4 for Marc, Erland, Dan Blum, Peter, Pete, Joshua,
Dan Tilque, Jason, and Stephen.
 
Here's the short-lived logo:
 
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CnaykXJUAAAb143.jpg:large
 
> 9. Last Monday Justin Trudeau signed a free-trade agreement with
> which country?
 
Ukraine. 4 for Stephen.
 
> 10. Which agency of the Canadian government sent out its first
> tweet last week, saying "Now it's your turn to follow us"?
 
CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service). 4 for Stephen.
 
 
Scores, if there are no errors:
 
GAMES-> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 BEST SEVEN
Pete Gayde 16 14 15 4 24 12 16 24 20 129
Joshua Kreitzer 16 8 12 4 20 16 20 20 24 128
Peter Smyth 12 4 12 4 23 0 8 20 20 99
Dan Blum 16 23 11 0 -- -- 12 24 12 98
Erland Sommarskog 4 8 20 0 16 8 16 12 12 92
Dan Tilque 12 12 16 0 8 4 8 20 8 84
Marc Dashevsky 8 12 -- -- -- -- 16 20 8 64
Bruce Bowler -- -- 12 0 20 16 -- -- -- 48
Jason Kreitzer 12 8 -- -- -- -- 8 4 12 44
Stephen Perry -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 40 40
"Joe" -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 12 12
 
--
Mark Brader | "But [he] had already established his own reputation
Toronto | as someone who wrote poetry that mentioned the el."
msb@vex.net | --Al Kriman
 
My text in this article is in the public domain.
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Posted by Curious ... at 4:03 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

The Frontstretch Newsletter: Brad Keselowski Walks Away from Nasty Testing Crash

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Jul. 27, 2016
Volume X, Edition CXXV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What to Watch: Wednesday

- Today, the open test wraps up at Watkins Glen International.  Yesterday was rather painful for Brad Keselowski (see below).  Let's hope no one else stuffs it in the barriers.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday's TV Schedule can be found here.

Top News
by the Frontstretch Staff

Rodney Childers Suspended Due to Lug Nuts

On Wednesday morning, NASCAR released their weekly penalty report.  In it, NASCAR revealed that Kevin Harvick's No. 4 was found to have loose lug nuts at the end of Sunday's race.  As a result, he has been suspended for Sunday's Pennsylvania 400 and fined $20,000.  Read more

Brad Keselowski Involved in Crash at Watkins Glen Test

During the first day of the Watkins Glen open test, Brad Keselowski lost his brakes on the frontstretch at nearly 165 mph and plowed into the tire barriers in turn 1.  Keselowski was OK, but his Miller Lite Ford was thrashed.  Read more

Dakoda Armstrong to Drive Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 18 at Iowa

Tuesday, Joe Gibbs Racing announced that JGL Racing's Dakoda Armstrong will drive the NoS Energy Drink No. 18 Toyota this weekend at Iowa Speedway.  Armstrong is driving in place of Matt Tifft, the team's development driver who is still recovering from open brain surgery.  Read more

Indianapolis NASCAR TV Ratings Set NBC Sports Network Record

Good news on the TV ratings front.  Sunday's broadcast of the Crown Royal Presents the Combat Wounded Coalition 400 earned a 3.1 rating, a slight increase over last year.  It might not sound like much, but the race's numbers produced the most watched broadcast ever aired live on NBCSN.  Read more

BAR1 Motorsports Announces Junqueira, Second Car for Road America

On Tuesday, BAR1 Motorsports announced the additional of Bruno Junqueira to their driving lineup.  He will partner with Matt McMurray in the No. 20 PC car.  In addition, they are bringing the No. 26 back to the track with regular drivers Johnny Mowlem and Don Yount.  Read more

Have news for The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today's Featured Commentary
More Than Just a Race
Professor of Speed
by Mark Howell
 
One cannot help but reminisce whenever NASCAR Nation visits Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The sacred aura of the facility and the sense of history one feels when they enter the gates to Gasoline Alley make the Brickyard 400 one of those truly landmark events. Winning at the Brickyard means etching one's name in ledger of motorsports accomplishments. This achievement is what Kyle Busch did this past weekend in Indiana when he swept the pole positions and checkered flags in both the XFINITY race on Saturday and in the Cup race on Sunday.

Such dominance is the stuff of sports legend, but – for me – the idea of legend and history at Indianapolis takes a much more basic, and personal, shape.

One might say my idea of Indy legend is more concrete than abstract:  as in the form of two bricks that once paved the two-and-a-half mile track surface of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

How I came to receive these two bricks is directly related to how I began dating the beautiful woman who is now my wife. Like so much else connected to Indy, the story involves family ties, hard work, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and good luck. Of all the artifacts I've collected over many decades of working in-and-around motorsports, these two scarred and well-worn bricks are the centerpiece of my possessions.

It all began with a cottage remodeling project in Michigan.

My now-father-in-law and brother-in-law are builders who do a lot of summer home and vacation cottage construction. For this one particular job, almost twenty years ago, they were hired to rebuild a patio that was beginning to show the signs of aging. I guess the cottage's owner liked the distressed look, but wanted this outdoor area to be more stately and substantial. The pavers initially used were breaking away, and it seemed like bricks were a better way to go. While new bricks would produce a nice patio, their finish would look too clean; the owner wanted bricks with a patina of age that would better match their family's treasured old vacation property.

My now father-in-law began searching for the appropriate bricks and found a place in Indiana that dealt in used (what we today call "repurposed") building materials. When he traveled to Indiana to buy the old bricks he needed, though he noticed a pile that seemed especially worn. Asking the yard foreman about these pavers, my father-in-law was told that the weathered bricks were actually quite historic.

The bricks once paved the track surface at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

My father-in-law called home that evening from the road and he mentioned the Indy bricks to his daughter. The daughter thought of a racing historian she knew at work and how he might be interested in seeing one of the historic pavers. She said she'd ask him the next day.

The builder's daughter (now my wife) asked the historian (me) if I'd be interested in getting an old Indy brick. The thought of owning a piece of early auto racing history that had been driven over by the likes of Barney Oldfield, Ralph DePalma, and Eddie Rickenbacker was too good to ignore, so I said that I'd love to have one, if possible.

To show my gratitude for her consideration, I offered to take the builder's daughter to dinner. The rest, as they say, now nearly two decades later, is history.

I thought of this story last Saturday afternoon while sitting on my father-in-law's front porch in Northern Michigan and listening to the XFINITY race. I thought about it again when I saw a tweet from Goodyear Racing with a photo of the famous "Yard of Bricks" that Kyle Busch and team kissed Sunday after their dominating win. The yard of bricks is all that remains of that early surface.

Except for a couple pavers located in Michigan. Of the more than three million bricks used to initially pave the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I own two of them. They are great sources of personal pride and deeply heartfelt value.

Just like my wife and her family.

Dr. Mark Howell is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at mhowell@nmc.edu.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY AT FRONTSTRETCH:

as told to Zach Catanzareti

by Amy Henderson

compiled by Aaron Bearden

by Joseph Wolkin
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q: Here's a random question that might be easy on the surface.  Who got to race in what is now Sprint Cup first?  Wally Dallenbach, Jr., or his wife?

Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Tuesday's Answer:

Q:  In the 1984 Like Cola 500 at Pocono, Bobby Allison started tenth and had a decent run going early.  However, Allison didn't even get 100 miles into the race before trouble struck.  What happened?

A: Allison was running about seventh when he had a tire let go in the Tunnel Turn.  Allison slid hard into the outside wall before spinning back in front of traffic and coming to rest in the grass.  Tommy Ellis also spun in the wreck, which can be seen here.

Allison spent a number of laps behind the wall getting repairs before returning to the race.  He would eventually finish 28th, 72 laps down.  Ellis would later be eliminated in another crash.
~~~~~~~~~~
COMING TOMORROW
In The Frontstretch Newsletter:
We'll have any news that breaks in the world of NASCAR, plus a look at some more broadcasts in the Critic's Annex.

On Frontstretch.com:
Toni Montgomery returns with her weekly look at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Nitro Shots.
---------------------------
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!
©2016 Frontstretch.com

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Posted by Curious ... at 12:06 PM 0 comments