The Frontstretch Newsletter: March 5th, 2009
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THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
March 5th, 2009
Volume III, Edition XXVIII
Today's Top News
by Todd Abbott
Richard Petty Motorsports Says No to New Engine for 2009
Richard Petty Motorsports has reported that in an effort to conserve points and maintain consistency, it will continue to compete using the current R5 engine as opposed to converting to the new, developmental R6. The R6 engine is already being implemented by Penske Racing in all non-restrictor plate races this season, including Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 in Atlanta.
At this juncture, RPM officials are content and optimistic about the current performance of their teams, and view any deviation from the norm a risky venture. RPM's Vice President and Director of Competition, Mark McArdle, summed up RPM's plight with concerned optimism regarding the future switch to the R6.
"It’s our position that in the first third of this racing season we can’t afford the risk of giving away any points, so we are going to be very conservative in what we do," he said. "We are keeping our options open with regard to our utilization of the R6P8. When we deem it wise to race it, we will. It’s likely you will see us compete with it at some point this season, but to what level of commitment we haven’t decided.”
Currently, all four RPM drivers -- Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Reed Sorenson, and A.J. Allmendinger -- sit comfortably in the top 25 of the Sprint Cup standings, with each making impressive runs in the three point races held this season. The most notable showing came at Daytona when Allmendinger, Sadler, and Sorenson all posted top 10 finishes in the Great American Race, taking the checkers in 3rd, 5th, and 9th, respectively. Kahne, RPM's premier driver, has come on strong as well, earning a 12th place finish at Fontana and an 11th place notch at Las Vegas on Sunday to push his way up the Sprint Cup points ladder.
RPM hopes to bring back the flavor of victories past as they roll the haulers out to Atlanta for the Kobalt Tools 500 this weekend. It's a place where Richard Petty and crew chief Dale Inman teamed up for six career wins, and a track where the No. 43 team ran competitively with former driver Bobby Labonte the past few seasons.
The 500 on Sunday marks the 100th Cup race run at Atlanta Motor Speedway since its opening in 1960.
October Race in Kansas Gains Sponsors
With an ever-weakening economy causing a drain on sponsorships, NASCAR was given a shot in the arm Monday when the AP reported the October 4th race at Kansas Speedway will be backed by a combination of Supermarket chain Price Chopper and Kraft Foods.
The financial terms for the aptly named Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods were not released, yet Kansas Speedway president Jeff Boerger's excitement was evident following the announcement of the partnership. “It’s great to have a locally-owned company in Price Chopper on board to support racing at Kansas Speedway," he said. "Kraft Foods has been a great partner in motorsports, and I look forward to working with both companies."
Last year’s race found three-time defending Sprint Cup champion, Jimmie Johnson, in Victory Lane after he edged out a tenacious Carl Edwards in one of the more dramatic and exciting finishes of 2008.
Possible Rule Change for Vegas Race?
ESPN’s David Newton reports that NASCAR is looking into altering the gear ratios rule when the Sprint Cup Series returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2010. This news follows last Sunday’s Shelby 427, which saw Roush Fenway Racing drop three engines: the No. 17 of Matt Kenseth, the No. 6 of David Ragan, and the No. 99 of Carl Edwards. To put those failures in perspective, Roush Fenway Racing lost a total of three engines throughout the entire 2008 season.
Doug Yates, who oversees the Roush/Yates engine program, feels that Sunday's problems could have been averted had NASCAR implemented a more stringent gear ratio rule designed to limit RPMs. Yates attributed much of the RPM overload to a greater output of horsepower accompanied by a novice left-side tire setup, causing a greater strain on the engines than previously anticipated. He also alluded that the low humidity rate (15%) could have possibly factored in as well. Whatever the cause, the Roush/Yates cars were reportedly reaching in excess of 9800 RPMs at their peak performance -- roughly 400 RPMs greater than Yates or NASCAR expected for Sunday's 427-miler.
Yates spoke with NASCAR officials following the race and was told that NASCAR most likely "will go back and evaluate the gear ratios." Yates' concerns were further validated when Cup Series director John Darby admitted Wednesday, "All things staying the same -- the racetrack and the cars and the new tire -- we'll make a change in gear ratio."
Yates also speculated that all the toil and tear on Sprint Cup engines could have easily been reduced with time spent on the track during the offseason. He conveyed that NASCAR’s ban on testing left the limits of these engines undefined, and thus susceptible to trouble on a track that's usually hosted an open January test through the years. But in the end, Yates ultimately held his own team accountable, stating, "At the end of the day, if we run in those type of conditions again, it's our job to make the engines stronger and more durable. I didn't anticipate those type of things.”
Yates hopes that this week’s race will cure the ails of last week’s engine sickness. He anticipates that tire wear on the track at Atlanta Motor Speedway will keep speeds down, taking the RPM troubles out of the equation for that 500-miler.
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
March 5th, 2009
Volume III, Edition XXVIII
Today's Top News
by Todd Abbott
Richard Petty Motorsports Says No to New Engine for 2009
Richard Petty Motorsports has reported that in an effort to conserve points and maintain consistency, it will continue to compete using the current R5 engine as opposed to converting to the new, developmental R6. The R6 engine is already being implemented by Penske Racing in all non-restrictor plate races this season, including Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 in Atlanta.
At this juncture, RPM officials are content and optimistic about the current performance of their teams, and view any deviation from the norm a risky venture. RPM's Vice President and Director of Competition, Mark McArdle, summed up RPM's plight with concerned optimism regarding the future switch to the R6.
"It’s our position that in the first third of this racing season we can’t afford the risk of giving away any points, so we are going to be very conservative in what we do," he said. "We are keeping our options open with regard to our utilization of the R6P8. When we deem it wise to race it, we will. It’s likely you will see us compete with it at some point this season, but to what level of commitment we haven’t decided.”
Currently, all four RPM drivers -- Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Reed Sorenson, and A.J. Allmendinger -- sit comfortably in the top 25 of the Sprint Cup standings, with each making impressive runs in the three point races held this season. The most notable showing came at Daytona when Allmendinger, Sadler, and Sorenson all posted top 10 finishes in the Great American Race, taking the checkers in 3rd, 5th, and 9th, respectively. Kahne, RPM's premier driver, has come on strong as well, earning a 12th place finish at Fontana and an 11th place notch at Las Vegas on Sunday to push his way up the Sprint Cup points ladder.
RPM hopes to bring back the flavor of victories past as they roll the haulers out to Atlanta for the Kobalt Tools 500 this weekend. It's a place where Richard Petty and crew chief Dale Inman teamed up for six career wins, and a track where the No. 43 team ran competitively with former driver Bobby Labonte the past few seasons.
The 500 on Sunday marks the 100th Cup race run at Atlanta Motor Speedway since its opening in 1960.
October Race in Kansas Gains Sponsors
With an ever-weakening economy causing a drain on sponsorships, NASCAR was given a shot in the arm Monday when the AP reported the October 4th race at Kansas Speedway will be backed by a combination of Supermarket chain Price Chopper and Kraft Foods.
The financial terms for the aptly named Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods were not released, yet Kansas Speedway president Jeff Boerger's excitement was evident following the announcement of the partnership. “It’s great to have a locally-owned company in Price Chopper on board to support racing at Kansas Speedway," he said. "Kraft Foods has been a great partner in motorsports, and I look forward to working with both companies."
Last year’s race found three-time defending Sprint Cup champion, Jimmie Johnson, in Victory Lane after he edged out a tenacious Carl Edwards in one of the more dramatic and exciting finishes of 2008.
Possible Rule Change for Vegas Race?
ESPN’s David Newton reports that NASCAR is looking into altering the gear ratios rule when the Sprint Cup Series returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2010. This news follows last Sunday’s Shelby 427, which saw Roush Fenway Racing drop three engines: the No. 17 of Matt Kenseth, the No. 6 of David Ragan, and the No. 99 of Carl Edwards. To put those failures in perspective, Roush Fenway Racing lost a total of three engines throughout the entire 2008 season.
Doug Yates, who oversees the Roush/Yates engine program, feels that Sunday's problems could have been averted had NASCAR implemented a more stringent gear ratio rule designed to limit RPMs. Yates attributed much of the RPM overload to a greater output of horsepower accompanied by a novice left-side tire setup, causing a greater strain on the engines than previously anticipated. He also alluded that the low humidity rate (15%) could have possibly factored in as well. Whatever the cause, the Roush/Yates cars were reportedly reaching in excess of 9800 RPMs at their peak performance -- roughly 400 RPMs greater than Yates or NASCAR expected for Sunday's 427-miler.
Yates spoke with NASCAR officials following the race and was told that NASCAR most likely "will go back and evaluate the gear ratios." Yates' concerns were further validated when Cup Series director John Darby admitted Wednesday, "All things staying the same -- the racetrack and the cars and the new tire -- we'll make a change in gear ratio."
Yates also speculated that all the toil and tear on Sprint Cup engines could have easily been reduced with time spent on the track during the offseason. He conveyed that NASCAR’s ban on testing left the limits of these engines undefined, and thus susceptible to trouble on a track that's usually hosted an open January test through the years. But in the end, Yates ultimately held his own team accountable, stating, "At the end of the day, if we run in those type of conditions again, it's our job to make the engines stronger and more durable. I didn't anticipate those type of things.”
Yates hopes that this week’s race will cure the ails of last week’s engine sickness. He anticipates that tire wear on the track at Atlanta Motor Speedway will keep speeds down, taking the RPM troubles out of the equation for that 500-miler.
Have news for the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashl...@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.
Listen In To Frontstretch On iTunes!
Tune in every Thursday afternoon to the Inside Racing Podcast presented by Wrigley's to get the inside dish on the week’s racing news. The Frontstretch’s Matt Taliaferro and Tom Bowles break down last week’s events, discuss current issues within the sport, and take a look ahead to this weekend’s upcoming race. With host Braden Gall keeping things in order for segments like Tom's Track Talk, Matt's Hot Laps, and more, it's an action-packed, fast-paced 30 minutes of racing debate. So if you’re tired of the cleaned-up, glossed-over network coverage, Inside Racing presented by Wrigley's is the place for you — Matt and Tom ask all the tough questions and provide the politically incorrect answers you seek. Look for our podcast on iTunes under the keyword: Athlon
Today's Featured Commentary
What's Vexing Vito: Gone With The Wind? Possible Future Government Involvement With Automakers Jeopardizes Racing's Future
by Vito Pugliese
During his State of The Union address a couple of weeks ago, President Barack Obama asserted that despite these tough times, “America’s best days are ahead of us.” Conversely, one of my favorite bands, Shinedown, has a song whose chorus is, “staring down the barrel of a .45…” Which got me to thinking... is NASCAR and motorsports as we know it staring down the barrel of an untimely demise?
Let me first preface my comments with this: I will do my best to straddle the political fence here. I am not pointing fingers in any direction, and am only looking at this through the binoculars of a race fan.
But it doesn’t take a microeconomics major to see that things aren’t going so well in this country lately. All you have to do is take a look at your own bank balance or give a gander at your 401k (assuming you still have one) to know that right now, it’s “mourning” in America. The stock market has lost nearly a third of its value since the first of the year, General Motors sales are down 53% from a year ago, and outside of the new Dodge Ram or Challenger, is there any reason to buy a Chrysler product? Things aren’t nearly as bleak at Ford, I guess, unless you can get past the fact that the Flex looks like an Edge that broke the fall of an Expedition.
To help combat this festival of fumbling, the notion that a “Car Czar” – (Czars? Referencing pre-Communist Russia? Disconcerting, but whatever…) or a team of them would be appointed to help right the ship of America’s automakers. It was then revealed a few days later that within this proposed "team," only a couple of the members actually owned American cars. If that's the case, I am going to go out on a limb here and predict that not many of them are NASCAR fans.
So, given the environmentalist leanings of many these days, one might wonder just where motorsports fits into the bigger picture within the government -- as well as with those who are keeping the Big Three afloat?
Considering General Motors is blowing through money like…well, General Motors, the very real possibility exists that the General might get court-marshaled sometime this year, becoming little more than an extension of Uncle Sam. A similar fate would likely await Chrysler who -- if not for racing -- would have very little way in promoting its most popular and profitable vehicles.
So, if a full government takeover were to happen to either one of the auto giants, what are the chances they would be allowed to keep funding their extensive motorsports budgets and involvements? It costs General Motors nearly $30 million a year to be able to help back a championship-winning organization. Last year, before the economic wrecking ball came crashing through Charlotte by way of Detroit, GM’s annual budget was believed to be $120-$140 million dollars. That has been slashed significantly since, just as with many other companies involved in racing -- the trickle-down fallout in full effect.
It's a tough thing to think about, as this stuff doesn’t just effect team sponsorships. Tracks suffer, races suffer.... and the sport suffers as a whole if those automakers go down.
If you remember the last time the government took a vested interest in motorsports sponsorship and funding, it was when the tracks used to be swathed in Winston livery – not cellular telephone providers. But should the unthinkable happen and the world’s largest health care and pension company files for bankruptcy, it could cause a ripple effect that is felt much deeper than is being realized even now in the motorsports community.
Sure, the manufacturers have scaled back their funding of auto racing during similar hardships, as evidenced back in the early-to-mid 1970’s. But back then, it was different. The schedule wasn’t having to criss-cross the United States 36 weeks a year, or put on a show that was consistent with being one of the premier forces in broadcast sporting events as it is today. Nowadays, these things aren’t cheap to put on, and without the continued support of America’s automakers, there is a very real possibility things may just be a little too expensive to keep together -- meaning racing as we know it may never be the same again.
Listen In To Frontstretch On iTunes!
Tune in every Thursday afternoon to the Inside Racing Podcast presented by Wrigley's to get the inside dish on the week’s racing news. The Frontstretch’s Matt Taliaferro and Tom Bowles break down last week’s events, discuss current issues within the sport, and take a look ahead to this weekend’s upcoming race. With host Braden Gall keeping things in order for segments like Tom's Track Talk, Matt's Hot Laps, and more, it's an action-packed, fast-paced 30 minutes of racing debate. So if you’re tired of the cleaned-up, glossed-over network coverage, Inside Racing presented by Wrigley's is the place for you — Matt and Tom ask all the tough questions and provide the politically incorrect answers you seek. Look for our podcast on iTunes under the keyword: Athlon
Today's Featured Commentary
What's Vexing Vito: Gone With The Wind? Possible Future Government Involvement With Automakers Jeopardizes Racing's Future
by Vito Pugliese
During his State of The Union address a couple of weeks ago, President Barack Obama asserted that despite these tough times, “America’s best days are ahead of us.” Conversely, one of my favorite bands, Shinedown, has a song whose chorus is, “staring down the barrel of a .45…” Which got me to thinking... is NASCAR and motorsports as we know it staring down the barrel of an untimely demise?
Let me first preface my comments with this: I will do my best to straddle the political fence here. I am not pointing fingers in any direction, and am only looking at this through the binoculars of a race fan.
But it doesn’t take a microeconomics major to see that things aren’t going so well in this country lately. All you have to do is take a look at your own bank balance or give a gander at your 401k (assuming you still have one) to know that right now, it’s “mourning” in America. The stock market has lost nearly a third of its value since the first of the year, General Motors sales are down 53% from a year ago, and outside of the new Dodge Ram or Challenger, is there any reason to buy a Chrysler product? Things aren’t nearly as bleak at Ford, I guess, unless you can get past the fact that the Flex looks like an Edge that broke the fall of an Expedition.
To help combat this festival of fumbling, the notion that a “Car Czar” – (Czars? Referencing pre-Communist Russia? Disconcerting, but whatever…) or a team of them would be appointed to help right the ship of America’s automakers. It was then revealed a few days later that within this proposed "team," only a couple of the members actually owned American cars. If that's the case, I am going to go out on a limb here and predict that not many of them are NASCAR fans.
So, given the environmentalist leanings of many these days, one might wonder just where motorsports fits into the bigger picture within the government -- as well as with those who are keeping the Big Three afloat?
Considering General Motors is blowing through money like…well, General Motors, the very real possibility exists that the General might get court-marshaled sometime this year, becoming little more than an extension of Uncle Sam. A similar fate would likely await Chrysler who -- if not for racing -- would have very little way in promoting its most popular and profitable vehicles.
So, if a full government takeover were to happen to either one of the auto giants, what are the chances they would be allowed to keep funding their extensive motorsports budgets and involvements? It costs General Motors nearly $30 million a year to be able to help back a championship-winning organization. Last year, before the economic wrecking ball came crashing through Charlotte by way of Detroit, GM’s annual budget was believed to be $120-$140 million dollars. That has been slashed significantly since, just as with many other companies involved in racing -- the trickle-down fallout in full effect.
It's a tough thing to think about, as this stuff doesn’t just effect team sponsorships. Tracks suffer, races suffer.... and the sport suffers as a whole if those automakers go down.
If you remember the last time the government took a vested interest in motorsports sponsorship and funding, it was when the tracks used to be swathed in Winston livery – not cellular telephone providers. But should the unthinkable happen and the world’s largest health care and pension company files for bankruptcy, it could cause a ripple effect that is felt much deeper than is being realized even now in the motorsports community.
Sure, the manufacturers have scaled back their funding of auto racing during similar hardships, as evidenced back in the early-to-mid 1970’s. But back then, it was different. The schedule wasn’t having to criss-cross the United States 36 weeks a year, or put on a show that was consistent with being one of the premier forces in broadcast sporting events as it is today. Nowadays, these things aren’t cheap to put on, and without the continued support of America’s automakers, there is a very real possibility things may just be a little too expensive to keep together -- meaning racing as we know it may never be the same again.
Vito Pugliese is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com and can be reached at vito.p...@frontstretch.com. His What's Vexing Vito column appears every Thursday in the Frontstretch Newsletter.
Think you have what it takes to write for the Frontstretch?
Are you looking for a fast-growing website that can give you an opportunity to not only share your thoughts on racing, but have FUN doing it with a group of laid-back, dedicated personnel? Well, we have the place for you. Frontstretch is actively seeking 1-3 additional writers for both our newsletter and website to add to our dedicated staff in 2009. Follow this link for more information on how you can become a weekly columnist for the site and/or newsletter!
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Is 2009 The Re-Emergence Of The Single Car Team?
by Bryan Davis Keith
Fanning The Flames: Drivers Weigh In On The Test Ban, And Crew Chiefs Weigh In On A Driver
by Matt Taliaferro
Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: A Tale Of Two Cities
by Matt McLaughlin
No Need For Jeff Gordon To Toot His Own Horn
by Tommy Thompson
Fantasy Insider: Filling The Toolbox For Atlanta Success
by Bryan Davis Keith and Mike Neff
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q. From 1988 through 2000, Atlanta hosted the season finale to what was then the Winston Cup Series. During that 12-year stint, the point leader going into that final race failed to win the championship just once during that span. What year was it, and who were the two drivers involved (the one that lost the championship, AND the one that won it?)
Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Wednesday's Answer:
Q. Opening in 1903, this track is the oldest operating motor speedway in the world. What is it?
A. The Milwaukee Mile has been letting fans watch cars go 'round in circles since its debut season of operation in 1903.
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 tri...@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
Q. Opening in 1903, this track is the oldest operating motor speedway in the world. What is it?
A. The Milwaukee Mile has been letting fans watch cars go 'round in circles since its debut season of operation in 1903.
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 tri...@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News by Kurt Allen Smith
-- In Case You Missed It by Kurt Allen Smith
-- Frontstretch Folio : Kobalt Tools 500
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
-- Top News by Kurt Allen Smith
-- In Case You Missed It by Kurt Allen Smith
-- Frontstretch Folio : Kobalt Tools 500
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Driven To The Past by John Potts
No need to source his tales of past racing glory: John IS the source as Frontstretch's resident flagging expert! This week, keep your seat belt fastened, because it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Holding A Pretty Wheel by Amy Henderson
Pointed NASCAR commentary from one of the site's longest-tenured columnists. Like it or not, Amy calls it like she sees it ... and more often than not, she catches NASCAR red-handed.
Happy Hour: The Official Journalist Of NASCAR by Kurt Allen Smith
Kurt takes a trip through the time machine and reminds us of perhaps the most defining Atlanta finish this decade: the Kevin Harvick-Jeff Gordon battle to the checkered in 2001. Eight years later, what impact has that race had on the sport today? Happy Hour will revisit and reanalyze for us all.
Frontstretch Driver Diary: Scott Speed as told to Tony Lumbis
Scott Speed talks about overcoming recent adversity to post his best finish of the season at Las Vegas, as well as how he's adjusting to life as a rookie on the Sprint Cup circuit driving the No. 82 Team Red Bull Toyota.
Tearing Apart The Trucks by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the News 'n' Notes of the Truck Series following their off week, as NASCAR's third-tier division gets busy preparing for its third race of the season at Atlanta this Saturday.
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