The Frontstretch Newsletter - July 15th, 2008
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Jul 15, 2008, 2:23:35 AM7/15/08
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THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 15th, 2008
Volume II, Edition CXXXII
Today's Top News
by Phil Allaway
Newman to leave Penske Racing at the end of the season
In a press release on Monday, Penske Racing announced they will not re-sign Ryan Newman to drive the No. 12 Dodge once his contract expires at the conclusion of the 2008 season. This was described as a mutual split between the team and Newman.
"I appreciate Penske Racing and all they have done for me, but more importantly, I appreciate their friendship and what they have done for my career," Newman said in the release. "I would also like to thank all of the sponsors, especially Alltel, who have supported me."
"We want to thank Ryan for his hard work and contributions to Penske Racing over the past nine years," added Roger Penske, team owner. "We wish Ryan all the best for the future, and we'll continue to focus our efforts on making the Chase with Ryan and the Alltel Dodge team this season."
As for potential places where Newman could possibly end up for 2009, there is the strong rumor that Newman will be the second driver at Stewart-Haas Racing. According to ESPN.com, Newman already has a firm contract offer from Stewart-Haas, but has not signed yet. Other potential openings include the new No. 33 for Richard Childress Racing and the No. 20 ride at Joe Gibbs Racing (where he would replace Stewart).
For instant analysis and what this move means for both Penske and Newman, click here.
"Tow Truck in a Box" to sponsor Carpentier later this season
Canoe Sports, a Canadian sports website, is reporting that Gillett Evernham Racing has reached a deal to have "Tow Truck in a Box" on Patrick Carpentier's No. 10 Dodge in two Sprint Cup races later this season.
"Tow Truck in a Box" is a product manufactured by San Francisco-based Porter Prescott, Inc. It is a series of aluminum plates that, when placed under the drive tires, allows drivers stuck in snow, ice, sand, mud, or gravel to extricate themselves easily. The whole package, as one would expect, fits inside of a relatively small box, and can be stored in the trunk of a car or the bed of a truck.
The Tow Truck in a Box logo will appear on the No. 10 Sprint Cup car at Michigan on August 17th and at Talladega on October 5th. In addition, the colors will be featured on Evernham's No. 9 Nationwide Series car at Watkins Glen on August 9th (also scheduled to be driven by Carpentier). This will be the company's first foray into the Sprint Cup Series, but they have also been the primary sponsor of the No. 22 of Scott Steckly this year in NASCAR's Canadian Tire Series (formerly the CASCAR Super Series). With the Tow Truck in a Box sponsorship on his Dodge, Steckly has won the last two events and currently holds a 113 point lead in the point standings after four races.
Numbers Game : LifeLock 400
by Kim DeHaven
1
Car which fell to the back of the field at the start of racing at Chicagoland.
(No. 78 - Joe Nemechek for an engine change)
1st
Kyle Busch's starting position in the LifeLock 400 on Saturday.
1st
Weekend sweep since Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races at Atlanta in March of this year.
2
Drivers that failed to qualify for the Cup race at Chicagoland.
(No. 34 – Tony Raines, No. 08 – Johnny Sauter)
2 hours, 59 minutes, 20 seconds
Time it took to complete the Lifelock 400.
4
Consecutive races won by the Busch brothers. The last time this feat was accomplished was between Sept. 11 and Oct. 6, 1955 by Fonty and Tim Flock.
5
Number of times winner Kyle Busch led the LifeLock 400 Saturday.
9
Caution flags for a total of 33 laps at Chicagoland.
11
Career wins for Kyle Busch in 133 starts.
16
Lead changes among 10 drivers Saturday.
17
Penalties handed down by NASCAR during the running of the LifeLock 400 on Saturday.
18
Positions gained by Scott Riggs in the LifeLock 400, to win the USG Improving the Finish Award.
30th
Patrick Carpentier's finishing position, earning him Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the third time this season.
42
Cars running at the end of the Lifelock 400; 29 of those finished on the lead lap.
43rd
Michael McDowell's finishing position Saturday in the LifeLock 400, depsite completing 259 of the race's 267 laps.
66
Career Cup wins for Joe Gibbs Racing after Kyle Busch's trip to Victory Lane on Saturday.
165
Laps led by LifeLock 400 winner Kyle Busch, the most of any driver.
262
Points that Kyle Busch leads Dale Earnhardt, Jr. by in the NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings.
133.996
Average race speed (in mph).
267
Laps in the LifeLock 400, equaling 400.5 miles.
80,000
Estimated crowd in attendance at Chicagoland.
$331,175
Kyle Busch's purse for winning the LifeLock 400.
$6,134,923
Total purse for the LifeLock 400.
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Matt Taliaferro's way at matt.ta...@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. Fanning The Flames returns Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
Today's Featured Commentary
Surfing the Channels for the Perfect Race…and Finding It
In The Stands : A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady
Part of being a commentator for the Frontstretch is committing my weekends to watching NASCAR. This is really not a problem: I'd be tuning in to the race coverage even if I didn't have a Monday night deadline. I really do love this sport, and because of that, most of the time -- even if I don't particularly like the driver that wins on any given day -- I can still find something worth paying attention to during the three hours that the cars go in circles.
This week, however, it was really rather difficult to stay tuned, so to speak. With the cameras zoomed in on the M&M gang, I wasn't much interested in watching the provided coverage. Most of the news stories were days old, except for the complete panic over the No. 96's drinking system. What the TV guys had to say had been said before, by fans and reporters alike. So…what then? When both the Sprint and Nationwide series are stuck in a single-file yawn fest, how am I supposed to keep entertained?
Ahhh…but when NASCAR appears to be stuck in Summer repeats -- with Kyle Busch taking home every trophy within reach -- it is always good to know that racing does not end with stock cars.
Flipping through my TiVo listings, I found several options. While the F-1 series is on hiatus this week, I did enjoy watching the season in review. Now, they have a points race worthy of some serious TV ratings. The top three drivers are tied! Fourth place is but a mere two points behind. Last time I checked, when our points are bound up like that, every NASCAR fan can't put down their remote.
In other pointy-car action, on a rather familiar track, Chip Ganassi took home his 100th auto racing trophy when Scott Dixon won the rain shortened IndyCar event at Nashville. I even sat still while Danica complained about her fifth place finish.
But each time I hit the pause button on my alternative programming and headed back to coverage of the Chicagoland races, I sighed. Kyle was still out in front. This only encouraged me hit the play button and resume deleting old listings on the TiVo.
Oh! A Racing Across America recording! These are always awesome. This particular race was from Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, CT. Ted Christopher, one of the legendary Northeast racers, was running for his 100th win at Stafford. I settled in for the hour long fast forward of this event, enjoying all the bumping and banging the SK Modifieds presented. Teddy didn't win, but it still got my blood pumping. It's too bad he got put to the back for rough driving, but it's par for the course.
Finally, I flicked back to the Cup race with about 25 to go. This was starting to get interesting. Jimmie Johnson was closing in on the Shrub, and it looked like some muscle was coming into play. One restart teased us into believing the No. 18 had lost the race. The next one brought me and my husband to our feet.
There! That moment. That's what I was looking for! I was angry, bitter, and disappointed. That kid had done it again. Finally, after two days of torment and utter boredom, my NASCAR gave me the feeling I tune in every week to experience.
Yes, there's lots of racing out there. But for some odd reason, it's still NASCAR that makes it real for me.
S.D. Grady is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com; her Fan's View column appears every Tuesday in the Frontstretch Newsletter. She can be contacted at sonya...@frontstretch.com.
Newsletter advertising works!
You just proved it! We have packages from single insertions to monthly or annual packages surrounding news, columns, and even complete newsletter sponsorships. If you'd like to find out more, head over to our advertising information page and get started now!
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
It's Official : Newman And Penske Part Ways After 2008. Now What?
by Bryan Davis Keith
18 Into 12 Just Doesn't Go : Handicapping The 2008 Chase Down To The Wire
by Danny Peters
Enjoy It While It Lasts : Kyle Busch's Dominant Season To Be Derailed By Chase Format
by Vito Pugliese
Talking NASCAR TV : SPEED's Announcement Debacle Overshadows TNT Season Finale
by Doug Turnbull
Running Their Mouth : Lifelock.com 400
by Beth Lunkenheimer
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q. He was the first African-American driver to compete at the Grand National level. Who is he?
Check back in tomorrow's Frontstretch Newsletter for the answer!
Monday's Answer:
Q. He was the first Grand National driver to win four races in a row. Who is he?
A. In 1964, Billy Wade, driving Bud Moore's Mercury, became the first driver to win four Grand National races in succession. Wade, the 1963 Grand National Rookie of the Year, captured four straight races on the annual "Northern tour" at Old Bridge, N.J. and Bridgehampton, Islip and Watkins Glen -- all in New York.
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 of charge!
Still haven't joined the Frontstretch Forums? Here's a peek at what you're missing this week:
Who will make the Chase and who will drop out?
With the purchase of Budweiser by InBev, could Budweiser be on their way out of NASCAR?
Pondering Kyle Busch and the effect he's had on racing this season...
Click here to join the forums and tell us what you think. Don't miss out on a chance to share your opinion with a growing community of fans just like you!
TOMORROW IN THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER:
– Mike Neff's Full Throttle Commentary -- Why DEI's For Sale Sign Should Have Teresa Burying Her Head In Shame
– Top News by Bryan Davis Keith
– And Much, Much More!
TOMORROW ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Top 15 Power Rankings
by The Frontstretch Staff; compiled by Mike Neff
Who got blown out of our rankings after a weekend in the Windy City? Find out tomorrow, only on the Frontstretch!
Frontstretch Top Ten
by Jeff Meyer
We don't know who Jeff's offending tomorrow, but if it's you this week, there's an unsubscribe link at the end of the newsletter for your convenience!
Mirror Driving
by the Frontstretch Staff
This week, among the topics the Frontstretch roundtable discusses are Chicago at night: Better racing or just easier to dose off in the middle of it? Newman: Out of the Penske and into the fire? And is the Milwaukee Mile threatened?
Did You Notice…
by Tom Bowles
The latest and greatest things you might have missed over the past week of NASCAR News and Notes.
Thompson In Turn 5
by Doug Turnbull
Doug fills in for Tommy this week, and is currently on his way up to Turn 5 to find a topic. He'll surprise you tomorrow, only on the Frontstretch!
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? Well, it's as easy as replying directly to this newsletter email or sending an email to edi...@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2008 Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 15th, 2008
Volume II, Edition CXXXII
Today's Top News
by Phil Allaway
Newman to leave Penske Racing at the end of the season
In a press release on Monday, Penske Racing announced they will not re-sign Ryan Newman to drive the No. 12 Dodge once his contract expires at the conclusion of the 2008 season. This was described as a mutual split between the team and Newman.
"I appreciate Penske Racing and all they have done for me, but more importantly, I appreciate their friendship and what they have done for my career," Newman said in the release. "I would also like to thank all of the sponsors, especially Alltel, who have supported me."
"We want to thank Ryan for his hard work and contributions to Penske Racing over the past nine years," added Roger Penske, team owner. "We wish Ryan all the best for the future, and we'll continue to focus our efforts on making the Chase with Ryan and the Alltel Dodge team this season."
As for potential places where Newman could possibly end up for 2009, there is the strong rumor that Newman will be the second driver at Stewart-Haas Racing. According to ESPN.com, Newman already has a firm contract offer from Stewart-Haas, but has not signed yet. Other potential openings include the new No. 33 for Richard Childress Racing and the No. 20 ride at Joe Gibbs Racing (where he would replace Stewart).
For instant analysis and what this move means for both Penske and Newman, click here.
"Tow Truck in a Box" to sponsor Carpentier later this season
Canoe Sports, a Canadian sports website, is reporting that Gillett Evernham Racing has reached a deal to have "Tow Truck in a Box" on Patrick Carpentier's No. 10 Dodge in two Sprint Cup races later this season.
"Tow Truck in a Box" is a product manufactured by San Francisco-based Porter Prescott, Inc. It is a series of aluminum plates that, when placed under the drive tires, allows drivers stuck in snow, ice, sand, mud, or gravel to extricate themselves easily. The whole package, as one would expect, fits inside of a relatively small box, and can be stored in the trunk of a car or the bed of a truck.
The Tow Truck in a Box logo will appear on the No. 10 Sprint Cup car at Michigan on August 17th and at Talladega on October 5th. In addition, the colors will be featured on Evernham's No. 9 Nationwide Series car at Watkins Glen on August 9th (also scheduled to be driven by Carpentier). This will be the company's first foray into the Sprint Cup Series, but they have also been the primary sponsor of the No. 22 of Scott Steckly this year in NASCAR's Canadian Tire Series (formerly the CASCAR Super Series). With the Tow Truck in a Box sponsorship on his Dodge, Steckly has won the last two events and currently holds a 113 point lead in the point standings after four races.
Numbers Game : LifeLock 400
by Kim DeHaven
1
Car which fell to the back of the field at the start of racing at Chicagoland.
(No. 78 - Joe Nemechek for an engine change)
1st
Kyle Busch's starting position in the LifeLock 400 on Saturday.
1st
Weekend sweep since Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races at Atlanta in March of this year.
2
Drivers that failed to qualify for the Cup race at Chicagoland.
(No. 34 – Tony Raines, No. 08 – Johnny Sauter)
2 hours, 59 minutes, 20 seconds
Time it took to complete the Lifelock 400.
4
Consecutive races won by the Busch brothers. The last time this feat was accomplished was between Sept. 11 and Oct. 6, 1955 by Fonty and Tim Flock.
5
Number of times winner Kyle Busch led the LifeLock 400 Saturday.
9
Caution flags for a total of 33 laps at Chicagoland.
11
Career wins for Kyle Busch in 133 starts.
16
Lead changes among 10 drivers Saturday.
17
Penalties handed down by NASCAR during the running of the LifeLock 400 on Saturday.
18
Positions gained by Scott Riggs in the LifeLock 400, to win the USG Improving the Finish Award.
30th
Patrick Carpentier's finishing position, earning him Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the third time this season.
42
Cars running at the end of the Lifelock 400; 29 of those finished on the lead lap.
43rd
Michael McDowell's finishing position Saturday in the LifeLock 400, depsite completing 259 of the race's 267 laps.
66
Career Cup wins for Joe Gibbs Racing after Kyle Busch's trip to Victory Lane on Saturday.
165
Laps led by LifeLock 400 winner Kyle Busch, the most of any driver.
262
Points that Kyle Busch leads Dale Earnhardt, Jr. by in the NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings.
133.996
Average race speed (in mph).
267
Laps in the LifeLock 400, equaling 400.5 miles.
80,000
Estimated crowd in attendance at Chicagoland.
$331,175
Kyle Busch's purse for winning the LifeLock 400.
$6,134,923
Total purse for the LifeLock 400.
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Matt Taliaferro's way at matt.ta...@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. Fanning The Flames returns Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
Today's Featured Commentary
Surfing the Channels for the Perfect Race…and Finding It
In The Stands : A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady
Part of being a commentator for the Frontstretch is committing my weekends to watching NASCAR. This is really not a problem: I'd be tuning in to the race coverage even if I didn't have a Monday night deadline. I really do love this sport, and because of that, most of the time -- even if I don't particularly like the driver that wins on any given day -- I can still find something worth paying attention to during the three hours that the cars go in circles.
This week, however, it was really rather difficult to stay tuned, so to speak. With the cameras zoomed in on the M&M gang, I wasn't much interested in watching the provided coverage. Most of the news stories were days old, except for the complete panic over the No. 96's drinking system. What the TV guys had to say had been said before, by fans and reporters alike. So…what then? When both the Sprint and Nationwide series are stuck in a single-file yawn fest, how am I supposed to keep entertained?
Ahhh…but when NASCAR appears to be stuck in Summer repeats -- with Kyle Busch taking home every trophy within reach -- it is always good to know that racing does not end with stock cars.
Flipping through my TiVo listings, I found several options. While the F-1 series is on hiatus this week, I did enjoy watching the season in review. Now, they have a points race worthy of some serious TV ratings. The top three drivers are tied! Fourth place is but a mere two points behind. Last time I checked, when our points are bound up like that, every NASCAR fan can't put down their remote.
In other pointy-car action, on a rather familiar track, Chip Ganassi took home his 100th auto racing trophy when Scott Dixon won the rain shortened IndyCar event at Nashville. I even sat still while Danica complained about her fifth place finish.
But each time I hit the pause button on my alternative programming and headed back to coverage of the Chicagoland races, I sighed. Kyle was still out in front. This only encouraged me hit the play button and resume deleting old listings on the TiVo.
Oh! A Racing Across America recording! These are always awesome. This particular race was from Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, CT. Ted Christopher, one of the legendary Northeast racers, was running for his 100th win at Stafford. I settled in for the hour long fast forward of this event, enjoying all the bumping and banging the SK Modifieds presented. Teddy didn't win, but it still got my blood pumping. It's too bad he got put to the back for rough driving, but it's par for the course.
Finally, I flicked back to the Cup race with about 25 to go. This was starting to get interesting. Jimmie Johnson was closing in on the Shrub, and it looked like some muscle was coming into play. One restart teased us into believing the No. 18 had lost the race. The next one brought me and my husband to our feet.
There! That moment. That's what I was looking for! I was angry, bitter, and disappointed. That kid had done it again. Finally, after two days of torment and utter boredom, my NASCAR gave me the feeling I tune in every week to experience.
Yes, there's lots of racing out there. But for some odd reason, it's still NASCAR that makes it real for me.
S.D. Grady is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com; her Fan's View column appears every Tuesday in the Frontstretch Newsletter. She can be contacted at sonya...@frontstretch.com.
Newsletter advertising works!
You just proved it! We have packages from single insertions to monthly or annual packages surrounding news, columns, and even complete newsletter sponsorships. If you'd like to find out more, head over to our advertising information page and get started now!
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
It's Official : Newman And Penske Part Ways After 2008. Now What?
by Bryan Davis Keith
18 Into 12 Just Doesn't Go : Handicapping The 2008 Chase Down To The Wire
by Danny Peters
Enjoy It While It Lasts : Kyle Busch's Dominant Season To Be Derailed By Chase Format
by Vito Pugliese
Talking NASCAR TV : SPEED's Announcement Debacle Overshadows TNT Season Finale
by Doug Turnbull
Running Their Mouth : Lifelock.com 400
by Beth Lunkenheimer
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q. He was the first African-American driver to compete at the Grand National level. Who is he?
Check back in tomorrow's Frontstretch Newsletter for the answer!
Monday's Answer:
Q. He was the first Grand National driver to win four races in a row. Who is he?
A. In 1964, Billy Wade, driving Bud Moore's Mercury, became the first driver to win four Grand National races in succession. Wade, the 1963 Grand National Rookie of the Year, captured four straight races on the annual "Northern tour" at Old Bridge, N.J. and Bridgehampton, Islip and Watkins Glen -- all in New York.
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 of charge!
Still haven't joined the Frontstretch Forums? Here's a peek at what you're missing this week:
Who will make the Chase and who will drop out?
With the purchase of Budweiser by InBev, could Budweiser be on their way out of NASCAR?
Pondering Kyle Busch and the effect he's had on racing this season...
Click here to join the forums and tell us what you think. Don't miss out on a chance to share your opinion with a growing community of fans just like you!
TOMORROW IN THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER:
– Mike Neff's Full Throttle Commentary -- Why DEI's For Sale Sign Should Have Teresa Burying Her Head In Shame
– Top News by Bryan Davis Keith
– And Much, Much More!
TOMORROW ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Top 15 Power Rankings
by The Frontstretch Staff; compiled by Mike Neff
Who got blown out of our rankings after a weekend in the Windy City? Find out tomorrow, only on the Frontstretch!
Frontstretch Top Ten
by Jeff Meyer
We don't know who Jeff's offending tomorrow, but if it's you this week, there's an unsubscribe link at the end of the newsletter for your convenience!
Mirror Driving
by the Frontstretch Staff
This week, among the topics the Frontstretch roundtable discusses are Chicago at night: Better racing or just easier to dose off in the middle of it? Newman: Out of the Penske and into the fire? And is the Milwaukee Mile threatened?
Did You Notice…
by Tom Bowles
The latest and greatest things you might have missed over the past week of NASCAR News and Notes.
Thompson In Turn 5
by Doug Turnbull
Doug fills in for Tommy this week, and is currently on his way up to Turn 5 to find a topic. He'll surprise you tomorrow, only on the Frontstretch!
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? Well, it's as easy as replying directly to this newsletter email or sending an email to edi...@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2008 Frontstretch.com
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