*THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
*May 9th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition LXXIX
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*
Editor's Note: **Frontstretch has a brand new, redesigned Facebook page. Click
Here to "Like" Us <https://www.facebook.com/Frontstretch> and get a direct
connect to all your Frontstretch favorites along with polls, interaction
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* *
Top News
**by Brad Morgan*
*Stewart Won’t Be Penalized For Sunday Rant*
Talladega may have tripped up Smoke's temper, but one place it won't cost
him is in the wallet. In the wake of Stewart’s sarcastic post-race remarks,
NASCAR announced Tuesday that they will not pursue disciplinary action
against the reigning Sprint Cup champion. To say that Stewart was annoyed
or mad after a late race wreck ruined what could have been a special day at
Talladega Superspeedway would be an understatement. Fans and media members
alike were once again reminded of why the three-time champion is viewed as
one of NASCAR’s most polarizing figures during interviews following the
event.
Stewart began expressing his frustration by sarcastically answering
questions aimed at him concerning Talladega and the way that the governing
body handles restrictor plate races.
“I don't think it really matters,” Stewart said when asked if he believed
races there should be shortened. “I think if you made it 20 laps, we would
all still crash with five to go or eight to go. If we did that, we would
be able to fill the time that the fans deserve. I mean, they deserve to see
us run 500 miles. Like I said, if we don't crash half of the field by the
end of the race they really need to extend it because that is what the fans
want; they want to see that excitement. I feel bad that as drivers we
couldn't do a better job of crashing enough cars for them today.”
Comments like these may have shocked those who heard them simply because
many people couldn’t recognize if Stewart was serious or simply joking.
Later, when asked if he was happy or upset with the way the race played
out, the driver responded with another confusing and somewhat cynical
message.
“I'm upset that we didn't crash more cars. I feel like that is what we are
here for," he added. "I feel bad if I don't spend at least $150,000 in torn
up race cars going back to the shop. We definitely have to do a better job
with that.”
For those who have followed the sport for the past 14 years, Stewart’s
actions probably don’t come as a big surprise. Over the course of his
career in NASCAR, Stewart has created a lasting impression as someone who
is both highly opinionated -- especially regarding some of the sports more
controversial issues -- and as one who won’t hesitate to express his views
by almost any means necessary.
*Penske Crew Chiefs Fined Following Nationwide Infractions*
The atmosphere at Penske Racing shops took a hit Tuesday despite Brad
Keselowski’s win in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega over the weekend.
Following opening day inspection infractions committed by both Penske
Nationwide teams, crew chiefs Jeremy Bullins (No. 22 car) and Chad Walter
(No. 12) have each been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
Officials found several rules infractions on the cars when they were
submitted for inspection before teams ever took the track for practice.
Both cars were found to have broken the following rules: Sections 12-1
(actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4J (any determination by
NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform
to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the rule book), 20A-2.1E
(streamlining of the contours of the car, beyond what is approved by the
series director will not be permitted. Installation of air directional
devices, underpans, baffles, shields or the like beneath the car or the
car's hood and fender area, front firewall, floor, rear firewall area, rear
deck and quarter panel will not be permitted. If, in the judgment of
NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved
by NASCAR has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic
performance, will not be permitted. All cars must remain standard in
appearance), 20A-3.10A (front upper bumper cover must be from the
respective OEM manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. The front
lower bumper cover and rear bumper cover must be from an approved
manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. Once approved, the front
lower bumper covers may be used on all approved models. NASCAR officials
may use bumper covers provided by the respective manufacturer as a guide in
determining whether a competitor's bumper cover conforms to the
specifications of the NASCAR rule book. Unless otherwise authorized by the
series director, cutting and reshaping of bumper covers will not be
permitted.)
NASCAR is apparently taking a closer look at this particular section on the
Nationwide Series cars. Just last week, the crew chiefs from six
Nationwide teams from Richard Childress Racing and Turner Motorsports were
given identical penalties for similar infractions.
*Ragan to Honor Fallen Police Officers*
David Ragan’s No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford Fusion has seen several
different sponsors and badges this season, but perhaps none have had more
of an impact than those which will be sported at Darlington this weekend.
During the Bojangles’ Southern 500, Ragan will honor Scotty Richardson and
Sandy Rogers – former public safety officers who were shot and killed
earlier this year in Aiken, SC, in the form of a tributary sticker located
alongside fellow sponsor McCall Farms.
Richardson was killed in December 2011 when he and his partner pulled over
a suspect in a drive-by shooting who opened fire on them, killing
Richardson and wounding his partner. Rogers became the first female
officer in South Carolina history to be killed in the line of duty when she
was gunned down in January approaching the scene of another murder.
Ragan is coming off a top-10 finish this weekend for FRM at Talladega, his
best result in his new 2012 ride.
*Have news for Brad and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know;
email us at **phil.alla...@frontstretch.com* <ashlan...@mail.com>* with a
promising lead or tip*.
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*Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
*Send them John Potts' way at john.po...@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!
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*
**Today's Featured Commentary*
*Listening At All Times*
*Full Throttle
by Mike Neff*
After the race at Talladega, Tony Stewart’s soliloquy was an oration for
the ages. To the uneducated, it might have sounded as though Stewart was
legitimately saddened by the fact that more cars weren’t torn up during the
event. However, the point of the discourse may have been a shot at the
media for their continuing focus on the lack of wrecks over the past few
races, or it potentially could have been aimed at the fans who seem to want
more crashes, at least at Bristol Motor Speedway. Smoke may have even been
taking a shot at NASCAR and how the new restrictor plate rules package made
it extremely difficult to race with cars overheating, even in the middle of
the pack. Some in attendance were amused, others were puzzled, but surely
it made all reporters sit up and listen, right? Well, not so fast.
On *PRN's Fast Talk with Doug Rice and Kyle Petty* Monday evening, Jeff
Gluck from SB Nation made the comment that, for the reporters who asked
questions near the end of the Stewart rant, they may have just not have
been paying attention - adding to the confusion over whether the driver was
sounding sarcastic or serious. He stated that there are times, when you are
at the track every week, that you have your own agenda. You attend driver
availabilities, stick your recorder into the driver’s face, wait for your
turn, ask your question, and then listen to the responses later.
Huh? As a member of the media, I disagree with that philosophy, and while
it probably happens that way for some writers, it shouldn’t. We owe it to
the fans and the drivers to give our undivided attention during the times
we interact with people providing us information. It's troubling to think
that sometimes, certain experts in the sport might not really be listening
to what's being said. Being a member of the media is a job, a career, a
calling, a vocation, or some combination of all of those things. And while
it might sound self-serving or egotistical, it is also an important role.
The media has a duty to be factually accurate, attentive to detail and to
perform due diligence whenever pursuing a story. That applies to any
interactions with the drivers during race weekends, PR events or personal
interviews. Just like the drivers need to always focus on the task at hand,
the people who write and broadcast about them need to make sure they don’t
just "mail in" their efforts.
One of the complaints that we hear from time to time doing this job is that
the drivers have no emotion. They show up for their assigned media
availability and spit out canned answers with no thought or feeling behind
them. If an established member of the media is going to admit, on a
nationally broadcast radio show, that writers don’t always pay attention
during the times when drivers are speaking, then who can blame the drivers?
The media plays a very important role in the world of NASCAR. The views
that fans have of the drivers are most often shaped based on the words that
the print and electronic media share with them about their heroes or the
villains of the sport. The least the members of the media can do is have
the decency to give their attention to the drivers, crew chiefs, owners,
celebrities and fans that they speak to during a race weekend.
There are millions of NASCAR fans in the world, and there are thousands who
would love to bring the story to those fans on a weekly basis. The pool of
outlets that bring those written visions to the fans is getting smaller and
smaller, and the number of people supplying the narratives to the outlets
is shrinking at an even more rapid pace. It's more important than ever for
who's holding the recorder to have their ears and eyes open at all times,
because if the "agenda" they're after differs from what actually happens,
thousands or perhaps millions of fans' opinions could be unfairly affected.
Smoke may have been pulling our leg, but the media needs to make sure in
these types of situations, they're doing enough to pull their weight in the
face of a rapidly changing story.
*Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via
e-mail at mike.n...@frontstretch.com.*
*
*~~~~~~~~~~
*COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
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Hey Frontstretch Readers,
We are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for NASCAR and has an
experienced background in web design. Specifically, we are looking for
someone who can help maintain and enhance our website, increase our SEO,
and upgrade our publishing platform while producing a limited amount of
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If you are interested, contact frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Please
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*Tweet 'N' Greet*
*by Summer Dreyer*
*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, Summer Dreyer 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...
**@Rchildress3 (Richard Childress):* Have you ever been in a situation when
you really wanted to say something but !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*@KevinHarvick: *Just finished the CPR class with this little guy!
http://t.co/XKl7Yb3i
*@nascarcasm: *Really wish @KyleBusch would stop begging me for an RT JUST
because it's his birthday, sheesh... #nascar
*@RickyCarmichael: *Hey @DeLanaHarvick ol @KevinHarvick better enjoy these
last few months of freedom and doing what he wants. #babylockdowniscoming
*@ClintBowyer: *It's so sad to see this awesome facility just sitting here
with nothing going on but testing. http://t.co/D1B9dbnG
*@jeff_gluck: *Want to see the reason for the debris cautions? A top
#NASCARofficial calls people like that "a little needy" -->
http://t.co/zWKhqNPP
*@TheOrangeCone: *All you dummies watching at home who want to see debris
that causes cautions can keep wishing. It's officially NONE OF YOUR
BUSINESS.
*@jeff_gluck: *Personally, I would like to see the reason for every debris
caution just so everyone knows it's legit. But then again, I'm kind of
needy.
*@Tbayne21 (Trevor Bayne): *Bout to swing some clubs with @StenhouseJr...
No telling what's gonna happen! #foouurrr!!
*@RyanNewman39: *B's first big catch! http://t.co/TC0t4b2a
*@EmmaBlaney: *Is @RyanBlaney10 off his high horse yet from this weekend?
Yup, Mom made him do his Economics homework bright and early Monday morning.
*@PPistone (Pete Pistone): *Is #NASCAR perfect? Nope. But still better than
that mess going on in #IndyCar right now.
*@MrsDGilly (Michelle Gilliland): *Went to Lowe's w/ @DavidGilliland he ran
into me w/cart and told me he was practicing bump drafting.
*@RutledgeWood: *Here's today's office on @KPCharityRide
http://instagr.am/p/KIVNOtDApm/
*@KPCharityRide: *GORGEOUS! Million Dollar Highway! Thank you @FLUIDYNE for
our riding gloves - going to be chilly in the mountains!
*@landoncassill: *It's @echocassill birthday today and I'm trying to get
her in trouble by calling her during class. happy bday sis
*@JimmieJohnson:* #HardToBelieve http://t.co/egY0KV9j
*@DeLanaHarvick: *hey @NewmanKrissie thanks for getting me stuck on sonic
ice while i'm pregnant... baby otis insists on it! #pebbleice
*@Andy__Rock (Andy Hillenburg): *Wow remodeled bathrooms in the infield at
@TalladegaSuperS (I notice stuff like that now) used to only look at cars
*@JimmieJohnson: *Video from the ride I gave Knaus in the @TORCOffRoad
truck a few weeks ago. #goodtimes http://t.co/fhsN8PyK
*@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): *Just RAN across entire CLT airport in
under 5 min to make flight, in flip flops and with 2 bags. Need a shower.
#travellikeaboss
*@nascarcasm: *Talladega and Kentucky Derby being run on same weekend
confuses me. I begin wondering which horses are hanging in the back to
avoid trouble.
*@ClintBowyer:* OK...Think I've changed my opinion on Nashville! Right now,
on this very minute. I hate it...
*@PPistone: *I respect those with complaints and criticisms to be sure but
still believe that's a vocal minority whether it's racing, TV, or whatever
*@dennyhamlin:* Went to Tuscaloosa today for a home dedication to the
Torres family whose home was destroyed during last year's tornados.
@fedexcares
*@scottspeed: *There is nothing I have ever done in my life that has given
me more pleasure then watching my lil baby girl grow up...**
*@AJDinger (AJ Allmendinger): *Think she'll be good this
weekend...hopefully the other cars can keep wheels on in pit lane
*@RB_Mrs (Nicole Briscoe): *Random TV pet peeve: Taping. Hate it. Live is
soooo much better!
*@nascarcasm: *Someone please keep an eye on Bruton and Humpy, and if you
happen to hear "Hold my teeth," step in because it's about to get ugly.
#nascar
*@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): *Costly putt @dennyhamlin http://t.co/i9DNUXGW
*@dennyhamlin:* @mw55 for you yes it was. Sorry buddy
*@ESPNMcGee (Ryan McGee): *You know you're at a gas station near the
racetrack when... http://t.co/W3q3xztE
*@Kenny_Wallace: *I have not been in the @NASCAR_NNS car for 2 races and
crew members are coming up to me like I've been gone a year! I love you all
too :)
*@Kenny_Wallace: *I just entered the @NASCAR_NNS hauler and seen these "Not
Approved" Dodge noses! Oh My not again! 2 weeks in a row.
http://t.co/LjW6BHJY**
*@DNewtonESPN (Dave Newton): *Alabama paint scheme and Bama helmet? You
finally can feel like a champion @ClintBowyer. #NASCAR #CFB #RollTide
*@Elliott_Sadler: *Note to self.... Don't leave phone unattended or
unlocked around my bunch!!!
*@DeLanaHarvick: *bebe, a.k.a. the "turd burglar" isn't too happy with my
babies r us find today! #nomorekittypoosnacks http://t.co/4ULwsTz9
*@nascarcasm: *This morning, Dale Jr. woke up, walked to the bathroom,
grabbed a razor, and said, "Here comes today's top news story..." #nascar
*@nascarcasm: *This could be the coolest supermarket display of all time.
#IndyCar http://t.co/9N8GE9mo
*@Kenny_Wallace: *The Motor Home is gonna be easy to explain, Next to sell
is my Home in Concord N.C....We are moving back to St.Louis :)
*@Andy__Rock: *Being at a racetrack is like being in a giant force field to
me. I truly love this stuff. Wish you guys were ALL here!!! #NASCAR
*@KurtBusch: *"If you ain't first, you're last." http://t.co/U3Vy5t2s
*@RyanTruex: *I just tried to eat my cereal with a fork... I'm up too early
*@ClintBowyer: *Going to be interesting to see how tough it'll be to manage
temps being that it is a lot hotter than it was in February.
*@bobpockrass: *When I watched the 48 go through tech, it appeared
officials took a little longer on the c-posts before they moved on. #nascar
*@KevinHarvick: *Went for a jog through the Talladega infield learned it is
pretty warm outside and I was the only one without a beer in my hand...
*@jamiemcmurray:* Happy with the car today. I think keeping the cars cool
enough is going to be a challenge on Sunday.
*@Kenny_Wallace: *Congrats to @SPEED TV analyst @LarryMac28 on his Boy
"Brandon McReynolds" Winning the Talladega ARCA race! BIG WIN :)
*@joeylogano: *Congrats to my good buddy @franchize28 on that ARCA win.
Wish I could have seen it but with AIDB kids. @NASCARonSPEED
*@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): *Can't thank everyone at @SPEED and
@RickAllenracing and @philparsons98 for letting me commentate. Had a blast
*@Kenny_Wallace: *I must say the Fans in Talladega Alabama are Awesome :) I
stopped at a store and they attacked me! I Love Alabama! Whoooo! Earnhardt!
*@bscottracing (Brian Scott): *Well I cruised @TalladegaSuperS #blvd and I
saw some things that, quite frankly, I wish I could un-see. Still a sight
to see though!
*@DanicaPatrick: *Even more fun! @StenhouseJr http://t.co/F1uwdgxm
*@franchize28 (Brandon McReynolds): *woke up this morning as a Talladega
winner! #Hard to believe
*@scottspeed: *I just woke up... My hair is pretty awesome! ;)
http://t.co/5U64m3dT
*@DanicaPatrick: *I have to say Talladega Blvd is a damn good party and it
was fun to see! Here was my final bead shot. http://t.co/X5LO9zSj
*@DanicaPatrick:* Go to @godaddy to find out how I got them. Hehe
*@TBayne21:* Really excited to have Camping World and Good Sam Club back on
board for 4 more races!!
http://woodbrothersracing.com/?p=3851@campingworld @thegoodsamclub
*@jeff_gluck: *Carl Edwards just stopped and had a conversation with this
girl, who happened to win @odsteve's contest this week. http://t.co/zntGPIFp
*@jeff_gluck: *After Carl and the girl took the photo, he invited her to
walk with him down pit road to his car. Pretty cool.
*@kaseykahne:* The spot where I have done majority of my interviews over
the years at Talladega. http://t.co/Rb7IsLXm
*@KevinHarvick: *That's Talladega... I'm all good looked like it was just
too many cars going for one spot. #thatsracing
*@DeLanaHarvick: *@KevinHarvick is OK... Made my heart stop for a moment.
Prayers for the 14 and all others that were involved.
*@JeffGordonWeb:* Very thankful of SAFER barriers. As bad as that was it
would have been much worse without them. Not sure why tires weren't locked
up though?
*@jeff_gluck:* Everyone on pit road watches as helicopter carrying Eric
McClure takes off. http://t.co/y78tm9Sm
*@JeffGordonWeb: *Just seeing the car on TV & seeing the steering column
tells how big of an impact that was. Wow! Really hope he's OK.
*@jeff_gluck: *This is as close as NASCAR would let me get to McClure's
car. Just tremendous damage. http://t.co/M60aigDM
*@nascarcasm:* One of those races where your only thought is, "Thank God
that's over." #nascar
*@nateryan:* Nationwide Series director Joe Balash said no drivers were
called to the Nationwide hauler after the race. #Nascar
*@jim_utter: *Apparently there was one more free pass given out after the
race by #NASCAR
*@kaseykahne: *Sure was an exciting finish today! Fun watching from the
couch every once in awhile.
*@nascarcasm: *Kyle Busch now planning on bringing a wig with long, black
hair with him into the car, just in case. #NewPrecedent #Danica #Nascar
*@DavidStremme: *Maybe it's just girls can have at it
*@skiprec (Ray Evernham):* Glad to hear good news that Eric McClure has
been alert . What these guys do is dangerous. We must never take driver
safety lightly.
*@joeylogano: *Got the hardware woooo what a fun race. Thoughts and prayers
are with Eric McClure http://t.co/F9dSJ2Mp
*@3widemiddle (Chris Lambert): *I guess Hornish didn't get the memo about
giving Danica ALL the room she needs/wants!
*@joeylogano: *Eating a burger with pops and @LarryMac28. Crazy celebration
ha @NASCARonSPEED #NASCAR http://t.co/H9xdXhkm
*@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin):* And for all of the fans b*tching saying u
want more wrecks I hope you watched today!!
*@odsteve (Steve O'Donnell): *HIPPA laws require patient/family member to
"OK" release of any information - same policy for me or you and we comply
with this at all times
*@TimmyHillRacer:* Thanks everyone for the wishes & prayers! I am doing
better now! Been having flu like symptoms all day & played it safe with a
driver swap
*@DanicaPatrick: *Just talked to @SamHornish and we are all good! He told
me he had a flat right front which explains both incidences
*@FrontRowJoe87 (Joe Nemechek): *I'm looking at a top 3 and then... it does
not get much tougher than it did today! :(
*@KevinHarvick:* Congratulations to my sister and her husband on the birth
of their new baby boy Wyatt!!! #happyuncle
*@Kris_Buescher: *Please keep my family and I in your prayers... tire blew
out on the motorhome. Everyone is okay! Thank you lord!
*@Kris_Buescher: *Everyone is okay...Gracie got stitches, James nothing, my
mom cuts, and I hit my head. Just had a ct scan.
*@Kris_Buescher:* No Disney trip for us...we are headed back HOME! I don't
think I will ever ride in a motorhome again!
*@jeff_gluck:* LOLOLOLOL... Kurt Busch is reciting the Ricky Bobby dinner
speech word-by-word.
*@jeff_gluck:* Kurt Busch just thanked the tiny, infant baby Jesus and the
new flavor of Mountain Dew mentioned in the movie.
*@PPistone:* I don't think Talladega Nights got this much attention when it
was released like 5 years ago did it?
*@KurtBusch:* Driver intros just got pushed back an hour. That idea is
about as good as a velvet painting of a whale & a dolphin gettin it on
*@NASCAR_WXMAN (Brian Neudorff):* I blame @rainonraceday for it raining,
the person behind the account is ACTUALLY @TalladegaSuperS that's bad joojoo
*@RutledgeWood:* Respect the nap time folks! @JimmieJohnson means quiet !
pic.twitter.com/MJdpC8VG
*@jeff_gluck: *Just saw like a 5-year-old kid wearing a wife beater, camo
shorts and a Dale Jr. hat. TALLADEGA!!!
*@ClintBowyer: *I'll be Damned if I don't have blisters on my feet... and
matching 2 1/2 inch blisters on "BOTH" ass cheeks. Can't help but laugh!
#FML
*@SherryPollex:* Hearing "4 wide, you're on the top" is not what I'd like
to hear on MT's radio. Seriously?!! It's lap 20.
*@JimmieJohnson:* A view of the race I would rather not have... Oh well,
let's go @TeamHendrick! #200 http://pic.twitter.com/kmpMiSAG
*@Regan_Smith_:* For those wondering our engine never got hot before it
blew up. It was something else internal
*@SherryPollex:* Pretty sure we're junk. What the hell happened back
there?? Geez. Come on ppl. http://t.co/QvYKUaHW
*@landoncassill:* Ugh. Looks like some folks missed their fuel mileage
numbers. Headed to the care center. I'm fine.
*@SherryPollex:* I wonder if everyone that was complaining that there
weren't enough wrecks in the last few races are happy now?
*@MrsDGilly:* I asked our car chief to hold my hand. He thought I was
joking until they wrecked.. I grabbed him. He just moved lol!!
*@Samantha_Busch:* @MrsDGilly I do death grips on our engineer's arm too lol
*@queers4gears:* what the cameras didn't show: when @keselowski had his
hand out the window at the restart.... he was tweeting a pic
*@MartinTruexJr56:* Holy crap people relax. All i said was the 24 hit me
when i went spinning down the track i had no control. Never said it was
anyone's fault
*@dennyhamlin:* Man what a bad ending.. I thought the 22 knew I was already
there but I guess not. That's speedway racing. Sorry to all involved
*@gbiffle (Greg Biffle):* Had a good run today just wish @mattkenseth and I
could have stayed hooked up we would have been gone!!! Another nice job by
the team
*@KyleBusch:* Proud of the effort by my guys, gave me a good car, just wish
I could have stuck to @keselowski and made a run to the line. Good weekend.
*@Tymwr (Ty Norris): *Holy hell .. Glad that's over. I love dega, just
friggin hard to spot and tell ur driver everything. On to Lady in Black
*@KurtBusch: *Damn - I hate this for @PhoenixRacing51
@SupportAFF@Patricia_AFF they deserved @ least a top 5 today. Wish I could
have brought it home.
*@keselowski: *Wooop woop I love plate racing!
*@TimmyHillRacer:* Just want 2 let everyone know that I feel a lot better
today! I have been able to eat & drink fluids! My energy is also just about
all back!
*@nateryan: *If this #nascar thing doesn't work out, Tony Stewart might
have a future in standup comedy. It's the best deadpan since Steven
Wright's heyday.
*@JennaFryer: *You know what sucks? When @55MarkMartin tweets about his
workouts. He should consider more butter, french fries and chocolate cake.
*@nascarcasm: *Smoke's quip about turning Talladega into a figure 8 and
running it backwards was a joke - sorry to disappoint you, Travis Pastrana.
#nascar
*@2spotter (Joey Meier): *Back @TalladegaSuperS enjoying the last few hours
at track b4 they dig it up for the figure 8 redesign ......
*@HigNASCAR (David Higdon): *#TonyStewart's comments were not disparaging
given the context in which he delivered them nor were they a direct shot at
the sport. #NASCAR
*@keselowski: *Leaving post apocalyptic @TalladegaSuperS First ones in,
last ones out. Good work team! Hard work= Results http://t.co/aStDGLwF
*@FrontRowJoe87:* Still amazing we can go from planning for the win to
being out in an instant. Racing! Now focus on Darlington. Thanks to all!
#nascar #fb
*@keselowski: *Thank u sir, May I have another? #NASCAR http://t.co/7Svrpxdk
*@nascarcasm:* #NASCAR has said that Smoke will not be fined for his
comments after the Talladega race, which is good. Wait... were they being
sarcastic?
*@ericmcclure:* Miranda & I would like to say thank you to everyone for the
thoughts & prayers the past few days. The outpouring of concern & support
from
*@ericcmclure:* the motorsports community, its participants and, most
importantly, the fans is overwhelming and humbling. It's something I'll
never forget
*@ericmcclure:* There will be continued updates as needed and I look
forward to talking with everyone very soon. Thank you again to each of you..
*@keselowski: *Wow just saw my car for @CLTMotorSpdwy Memorial Day weekend.
#Sweet Here it is ---> http://t.co/SRKeFBbK
*@rchilders55 (Rodney Childers):* Yeah, quite a few rule changes just came
out from NASCAR... Some of them are going to change some things up big time
with setup stuff...
*@rchilders55:* Effective May 16th.. So we can have a week to get things
changed around and get ready for it.
*@rchilders55:* Biggest thing that will affect the teams is a new minimum
side skirt height for all tracks. 1.5" higher left side and 1" higher right
side.
*@rchilders55:* One thing on shocks, one thing on crush panels, shark and
deck lid fins at tracks 2mi and longer, that was about it.*
*
*Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached
via email at summer.dre...@frontstretch.com.
*~~~~~~~~~~
*ADVERTISEMENT
*Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way
to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the
Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at
tony.lum...@frontstretch.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
*
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:*
*
**Who's Hot / Who's Not: Talladega-Darlington
Edition*<http://www.frontstretch.com/bpoirier/38904/>
*
by Brett Poirier
**
**Mirror Driving: Overheating Objections, Winless Streaks & Dangerous
Double Standards* <http://www.frontstretch.com/md/38903/>*
by the Frontstretch Staff
**Racing, Not Wrecking Others Will Help Danica's
Reputation<http://www.frontstretch.com/ghorton/38911/>
*
*by Garrett Horton
**Beyond the Cockpit: A New "King" On The NASCAR
Circuit*<http://www.frontstretch.com/mneff/38914/>
*
**by Mike Neff
**NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After
Talladega*<http://www.frontstretch.com/sdreyer/38910/>
*
compiled by Summer Dreyer
*
*Top 10 Rejected Racetrack
Nicknames*<http://www.frontstretch.com/article/38909/>
*
by the Frontstretch Staff
*
* *~~~~~~~~~~
*
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
*
*Q:* Today, Darlington Raceway's only Sprint Cup race is a 500-mile event.
However, the "old" Spring race at Darlington - back when the venue had two
Cup dates - was shortened, for a time from 500 miles (367 laps) to 400
miles (293 laps) in 1994. Why did that happen?
*Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
*
*Tuesday's Answer:*
*Q:* Here's an easy one. For the 1997 Mountain Dew Southern 500, the
start-finish line was moved to the backstretch. Why?
*A:** Darlington Raceway was looking to potentially add more seating for
fans. However, the original frontstretch (current backstretch) is
effectively right up against the Harry Byrd Highway (South Carolina Routes
34 and 151). In addition, the NMPA (National Motorsports Press Association)
Hall of Fame is also right behind the existing grandstand. For lack of
better words, there was simply no room to expand.*
*
**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* <tri...@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
-- **Critic's Annex **by Phil Allaway*
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and
more!
~~~~~~~~~~
*
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:*
Did You Notice?... by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with his series of quick hits after Talladega. (Postponed from
Wednesday)
*MPM2Nite* *by Matt McLaughlin*
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of
humor ... and incomparable insight. This week, Matt tackles Tony Stewart's
postrace rant from Talladega and what those comments could tell us about
the state of the sport.
*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.po...@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print
next week!
*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 looks ahead to the upcoming race at
Dover and the focus NASCAR places on autism as an emerging epidemic.
*Dollars and Sense* *by Jesse Medford*
The newest addition to the Frontstretch family will take a look at the
business side of NASCAR.
*Truckin' Thursdays **by Beth Lunkenheimer
*Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary
you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series!
-----------------------------
*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
edit...@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them
here!
*©2012 Frontstretch.com*
