The Frontstretch Newsletter: August 1st 2008
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Jul 31, 2008, 11:53:02 PM7/31/08
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THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 1st, 2008
Volume II, Edition CXLV
Today's Top News
by Kurt Smith
Childress Family Donates $5 Million To Medical Center
Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing, and his family have partnered with the Wake Forest University Medical Center to form the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. The Childress family has donated $5 million to the project. They are currently involved in a fundraising project with a goal of $20 million.
"Most people don't know that traumatic injury is the biggest killer of our children," said Richard Childress. "The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be the focal point of a national movement to improve the level of pediatric trauma care available across the country. We will assemble the right team to conquer this national crisis in pediatric trauma. The Childress family is committed to making the Childress Institute the leader in pediatric trauma care."
Wake Forest Baptist already has programs and an infrastructure in place, so most of the funds raised for the project can be devoted to research, education and treatment. Their goal is to become the most comprehensive research center in the country.
Yates Lands Sponsorship For No. 28 Car In Michigan Race
Carfax, a service that bills itself the most trusted provider of vehicle information, will be sponsoring the No. 28 car driven by Travis Kvapil in the August 17 3M Performance 400 race at Michigan International Speedway. This is the company's first entry into NASCAR team sponsorship.
"We're thrilled to expand our presence in NASCAR to the Sprint Cup Series by teaming up with Yates Racing to sponsor the No. 28 Carfax Ford Fusion," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "Travis is having his best season yet as a Sprint Cup driver and we join the millions of NASCAR fans in cheering him on during the race. Anyone at Michigan International Speedway or watching on TV is in for a fun-filled race weekend, beginning Saturday with the Carfax 250."
Kvapil is having the best season of his Sprint Cup career, with three Top 10s including a sixth at Talladega. He is currently 23rd in the points standings.
In Case You Missed It
by Kurt Smith
Newman Places Blame For Indianapolis On NASCAR
Ryan Newman, driver of the Alltel No. 12 Dodge for Penske Racing, said Wednesday that ultimately, the blame for the tire problems at Indianapolis lies with NASCAR. Newman's home state is Indiana.
"NASCAR has the ultimate responsibility. They are the Barnum and Bailey. They know what's going on in the center ring. And if they put a tiger out there that's going to bite somebody, then that's their responsibility."
Newman was visiting the Buffalo Bills training camp while making the comments. He said he did not believe that the apology worked for the fans, because "you've got 250,000 people that spent time there, their money and took their families to see a great race. And all they saw was a 12-lap window max, I think, of racing."
Tony Stewart Fined $10,000 For Actions In USAC Midget Race
Following a shoving incident with an official in the USAC National Midget race at O'Reilly Raceway Park, team owner Tony Stewart was fined $10,000 and placed on probation for the remainder of the 2008 USAC season. Stewart was fined for violation of USAC competition rules 10.28 (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) and 10.32 (Conduct Detrimental to Racing).
"USAC immediately assessed the incident and it was determined that unacceptable behavior detrimental to the sport had occurred, and that the professionalism and the integrity of the series and its promoters had been severely compromised," stated Jason Smith, Vice President of Racing Operations for USAC. "While we respect the passion of our teams in the spirit of competition, we regret this incident occurred and are dedicated to averting a recurrence in the future."
Tony Stewart also issued an apology for his actions as the penalty was assigned, saying that he regretted his handling of the incident.
Chad McCumbee To Pilot The No. 45 At Pocono
Chad McCumbee, one of three drivers to pilot the No. 45 for Petty Enterprises, will be in the car this weekend at Pocono Raceway. Kyle Petty will drive the car at Watkins Glen, while Terry Labonte will be taking the wheel in Michigan.
Robbie Loomis, vice president of race operations, said that "everyone at Petty Enterprises is committed to doing whatever it takes to get this team back inside the Top 35. That is one of our highest priorities as an organization." Currently the No. 45 car is 41st in owner points. Terry Labonte has been driving the car while Kyle Petty has been working in the broadcast booth at TNT.
This will be McCumbee's third Cup start. In two starts for Petty Enterprises in 2007, he finished 25th at Pocono and 41st at Michigan.
Kannapolis Answers To Angry Earnhardt Fans After Flags Removed
After the city of Kannapolis took down flags that marked the "Dale Trail" last week, the mayor issued a public letter, explaining that the wear and tear on the flags may have been unattractive to people visiting a science research park.
Angry callers called the development firm believing that either Oprah Winfrey or Martha Stewart was behind the development and thought that Earnhardt's legacy was being disrespected.
The letter said that it plans to expand its enhancement of tourism based on Earnhardt and stated that in no way do they plan to change their commitment to honoring the NASCAR icon. The flag removal was suggested by a billionaire developer who felt that they were in poor shape.
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Frontstretch Folio: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500
by Kim DeHaven
The Sprint Cup Series heads back to the Pocono Mountains this weekend to take on the tricky triangular Pocono Raceway. The Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 is the 21st race of the 2008 Sprint Cup season and will be broadcast live on Sunday, August 3rd at 2 pm ET on ESPN, with radio coverage by MRN affiliates nationwide. Competitors will make 200 circuits for 500 miles around the 2.5 mile tri-oval in their quest for the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Kasey Kahne holds the record for the fastest lap at Pocono Raceway, posting a qualifying lap with a speed of 172.553 mph to win the pole for the 2004 running of the Pocono 500.
Ken Schrader and Bill Elliott are tied for the record for the most poles recorded at Pocono Raceway with five. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was the pole sitter for last year's event. Kasey Kahne won the pole here in the Spring.
Rusty Wallace holds the fastest race record time at Pocono Raceway. He attained the record of 3 hours, 27 minutes, 3 seconds with a speed of 144.892 mph on July 21, 1996 in the Miller Genuine Draft 500.
Bill Elliott holds the record for most victories at Pocono Raceway with five. Kurt Busch won last year's event, while Kasey Kahne won here in the Spring.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.5 mile tri-oval, 200 laps, 500 miles
Pit Road Speed: 55 mph
Corners: Turn 1 banked 14 degrees
Turn 2 banked 8 degrees
Turn 3 banked 6 degrees
Frontstretch: 3,740 feet
Long Pond straight: 3,055 feet
North straight: 1,780 feet
Grandstand seating: 100,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice - Friday, August 1, 12:00 p.m. on SPEED
Qualifying - Friday, August 1, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2
Practice - Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. on ESPN2
Happy Hour Practice - Saturday, August 2, 11:30 a.m. on ESPN2
VIP
Grand Marshal / Command to start engines: Actor Kiefer Sutherland
Say What?!?!
"They call Pocono 'the tricky triangle' for a reason. Pocono has so many little quirks that make it unique. Each corner has a different banking, all the straight-aways are a different length and it can be extremely tough on engines and tires. This race track is not for the faint of heart – you have to maintain your concentration and continually hit your marks in order to be successful." - Elliott Sadler
"The key to winning is go fast. (Pocono is) a different track. I'm sure you've heard all the stories about it. It's a different track with three different turns and all that stuff, but you've just got to go fast. If you're not fast, it's not a fun day." - Jimmie Johnson
Unsure when to tune in for the podcast? Well, the newest version usually comes out by Thursday night and gets archived at racetalkradio.com each Friday. Download us by heading over to http://www.athlonsports.com/racing/inside-racing-powered-by-pepsi, and don't forget to listen in on iTunes each week!! We're under "Athlon Racing Podcast."
And if you're up for it, we're always looking to hear from the fans; be sure to write in and give feedback at inside...@athlonsports.com! Tell us a topic we haven't been chatting about, and we'll be sure to mention it on the air. Of course, the two individual hosts can also be reached at tom.b...@frontstretch.com and matt.ta...@frontstretch.com.
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 1st, 2008
Volume II, Edition CXLV
Today's Top News
by Kurt Smith
Childress Family Donates $5 Million To Medical Center
Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing, and his family have partnered with the Wake Forest University Medical Center to form the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. The Childress family has donated $5 million to the project. They are currently involved in a fundraising project with a goal of $20 million.
"Most people don't know that traumatic injury is the biggest killer of our children," said Richard Childress. "The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be the focal point of a national movement to improve the level of pediatric trauma care available across the country. We will assemble the right team to conquer this national crisis in pediatric trauma. The Childress family is committed to making the Childress Institute the leader in pediatric trauma care."
Wake Forest Baptist already has programs and an infrastructure in place, so most of the funds raised for the project can be devoted to research, education and treatment. Their goal is to become the most comprehensive research center in the country.
Yates Lands Sponsorship For No. 28 Car In Michigan Race
Carfax, a service that bills itself the most trusted provider of vehicle information, will be sponsoring the No. 28 car driven by Travis Kvapil in the August 17 3M Performance 400 race at Michigan International Speedway. This is the company's first entry into NASCAR team sponsorship.
"We're thrilled to expand our presence in NASCAR to the Sprint Cup Series by teaming up with Yates Racing to sponsor the No. 28 Carfax Ford Fusion," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "Travis is having his best season yet as a Sprint Cup driver and we join the millions of NASCAR fans in cheering him on during the race. Anyone at Michigan International Speedway or watching on TV is in for a fun-filled race weekend, beginning Saturday with the Carfax 250."
Kvapil is having the best season of his Sprint Cup career, with three Top 10s including a sixth at Talladega. He is currently 23rd in the points standings.
In Case You Missed It
by Kurt Smith
Newman Places Blame For Indianapolis On NASCAR
Ryan Newman, driver of the Alltel No. 12 Dodge for Penske Racing, said Wednesday that ultimately, the blame for the tire problems at Indianapolis lies with NASCAR. Newman's home state is Indiana.
"NASCAR has the ultimate responsibility. They are the Barnum and Bailey. They know what's going on in the center ring. And if they put a tiger out there that's going to bite somebody, then that's their responsibility."
Newman was visiting the Buffalo Bills training camp while making the comments. He said he did not believe that the apology worked for the fans, because "you've got 250,000 people that spent time there, their money and took their families to see a great race. And all they saw was a 12-lap window max, I think, of racing."
Tony Stewart Fined $10,000 For Actions In USAC Midget Race
Following a shoving incident with an official in the USAC National Midget race at O'Reilly Raceway Park, team owner Tony Stewart was fined $10,000 and placed on probation for the remainder of the 2008 USAC season. Stewart was fined for violation of USAC competition rules 10.28 (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) and 10.32 (Conduct Detrimental to Racing).
"USAC immediately assessed the incident and it was determined that unacceptable behavior detrimental to the sport had occurred, and that the professionalism and the integrity of the series and its promoters had been severely compromised," stated Jason Smith, Vice President of Racing Operations for USAC. "While we respect the passion of our teams in the spirit of competition, we regret this incident occurred and are dedicated to averting a recurrence in the future."
Tony Stewart also issued an apology for his actions as the penalty was assigned, saying that he regretted his handling of the incident.
Chad McCumbee To Pilot The No. 45 At Pocono
Chad McCumbee, one of three drivers to pilot the No. 45 for Petty Enterprises, will be in the car this weekend at Pocono Raceway. Kyle Petty will drive the car at Watkins Glen, while Terry Labonte will be taking the wheel in Michigan.
Robbie Loomis, vice president of race operations, said that "everyone at Petty Enterprises is committed to doing whatever it takes to get this team back inside the Top 35. That is one of our highest priorities as an organization." Currently the No. 45 car is 41st in owner points. Terry Labonte has been driving the car while Kyle Petty has been working in the broadcast booth at TNT.
This will be McCumbee's third Cup start. In two starts for Petty Enterprises in 2007, he finished 25th at Pocono and 41st at Michigan.
Kannapolis Answers To Angry Earnhardt Fans After Flags Removed
After the city of Kannapolis took down flags that marked the "Dale Trail" last week, the mayor issued a public letter, explaining that the wear and tear on the flags may have been unattractive to people visiting a science research park.
Angry callers called the development firm believing that either Oprah Winfrey or Martha Stewart was behind the development and thought that Earnhardt's legacy was being disrespected.
The letter said that it plans to expand its enhancement of tourism based on Earnhardt and stated that in no way do they plan to change their commitment to honoring the NASCAR icon. The flag removal was suggested by a billionaire developer who felt that they were in poor shape.
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Matt Taliaferro's way at matt.ta...@frontstretch.com; 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 next Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
Frontstretch Folio: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500
by Kim DeHaven
The Sprint Cup Series heads back to the Pocono Mountains this weekend to take on the tricky triangular Pocono Raceway. The Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 is the 21st race of the 2008 Sprint Cup season and will be broadcast live on Sunday, August 3rd at 2 pm ET on ESPN, with radio coverage by MRN affiliates nationwide. Competitors will make 200 circuits for 500 miles around the 2.5 mile tri-oval in their quest for the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Kasey Kahne holds the record for the fastest lap at Pocono Raceway, posting a qualifying lap with a speed of 172.553 mph to win the pole for the 2004 running of the Pocono 500.
Ken Schrader and Bill Elliott are tied for the record for the most poles recorded at Pocono Raceway with five. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was the pole sitter for last year's event. Kasey Kahne won the pole here in the Spring.
Rusty Wallace holds the fastest race record time at Pocono Raceway. He attained the record of 3 hours, 27 minutes, 3 seconds with a speed of 144.892 mph on July 21, 1996 in the Miller Genuine Draft 500.
Bill Elliott holds the record for most victories at Pocono Raceway with five. Kurt Busch won last year's event, while Kasey Kahne won here in the Spring.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.5 mile tri-oval, 200 laps, 500 miles
Pit Road Speed: 55 mph
Corners: Turn 1 banked 14 degrees
Turn 2 banked 8 degrees
Turn 3 banked 6 degrees
Frontstretch: 3,740 feet
Long Pond straight: 3,055 feet
North straight: 1,780 feet
Grandstand seating: 100,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice - Friday, August 1, 12:00 p.m. on SPEED
Qualifying - Friday, August 1, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2
Practice - Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. on ESPN2
Happy Hour Practice - Saturday, August 2, 11:30 a.m. on ESPN2
VIP
Grand Marshal / Command to start engines: Actor Kiefer Sutherland
Say What?!?!
"They call Pocono 'the tricky triangle' for a reason. Pocono has so many little quirks that make it unique. Each corner has a different banking, all the straight-aways are a different length and it can be extremely tough on engines and tires. This race track is not for the faint of heart – you have to maintain your concentration and continually hit your marks in order to be successful." - Elliott Sadler
"The key to winning is go fast. (Pocono is) a different track. I'm sure you've heard all the stories about it. It's a different track with three different turns and all that stuff, but you've just got to go fast. If you're not fast, it's not a fun day." - Jimmie Johnson
Frontstretch On The Radio:
Unsure when to tune in for the podcast? Well, the newest version usually comes out by Thursday night and gets archived at racetalkradio.com each Friday. Download us by heading over to http://www.athlonsports.com/racing/inside-racing-powered-by-pepsi, and don't forget to listen in on iTunes each week!! We're under "Athlon Racing Podcast."
And if you're up for it, we're always looking to hear from the fans; be sure to write in and give feedback at inside...@athlonsports.com! Tell us a topic we haven't been chatting about, and we'll be sure to mention it on the air. Of course, the two individual hosts can also be reached at tom.b...@frontstretch.com and matt.ta...@frontstretch.com.
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH
by Amy Henderson
by John Potts
by Danny Peters
by Rick Crawford
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q. Everyone knows that Richard Petty is the winningest driver ever in Cup level competition with 200 victories. In fact, he became the winningest driver when he scored his 55th win in the 1967 Rebel 400 at Darlington. What driver did he surplant to become the "King" of stock car racing?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer
Q. In September 2000, Jeff Burton led every lap in a race at New Hampshire. Who was the only other driver to lead every lap at a superspeedway (track one mile or larger) event in Cup level competition?
A. In March of 1961, Fireball Roberts lead from flag-to-flag while winning the 250-mile Grand National race at the 1.4-mile Marchbanks Speedway in Hanford, Calif. It was the only superspeedway event in which a driver led every lap until Jeff Burton accomplished the feat at New Hampshire in September 2000.
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
Monday on the Frontstretch
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud : Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500
by Matt McLaughlin
Before you take that first break mid-morning on Monday, be sure you check out Matt for the best in water cooler fodder.
Bowles-Eye View
By Tom Bowles
Tom gives his views on the weekend events on SI.com. Want to know what he really thinks? You get that only on the Frontstretch.
Ten Points To Ponder
by Tommy Thompson
Hopefully, this week, eight of Tommy's Ten Points won't use the words "Tire Dust." Check for yourself Monday!
Sprint Cup Rookie Report : Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500
by Tony Lumbis
Tony runs down which of the '08 rookie class played the Pocono triangle the best
Nationwide Series Breakdown : NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge
by Bryan Davis Keith
Don't miss Bryan's race recap of theNAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge.
Monday, Only In The Frontstretch Newsletter :
Latest news and Highlights from Pocono and Montreal
Secret Star of the Race
Frontstretch Stat Of The Week
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA
Q. Everyone knows that Richard Petty is the winningest driver ever in Cup level competition with 200 victories. In fact, he became the winningest driver when he scored his 55th win in the 1967 Rebel 400 at Darlington. What driver did he surplant to become the "King" of stock car racing?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer
Q. In September 2000, Jeff Burton led every lap in a race at New Hampshire. Who was the only other driver to lead every lap at a superspeedway (track one mile or larger) event in Cup level competition?
A. In March of 1961, Fireball Roberts lead from flag-to-flag while winning the 250-mile Grand National race at the 1.4-mile Marchbanks Speedway in Hanford, Calif. It was the only superspeedway event in which a driver led every lap until Jeff Burton accomplished the feat at New Hampshire in September 2000.
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
Monday on the Frontstretch
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud : Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500
by Matt McLaughlin
Before you take that first break mid-morning on Monday, be sure you check out Matt for the best in water cooler fodder.
Bowles-Eye View
By Tom Bowles
Tom gives his views on the weekend events on SI.com. Want to know what he really thinks? You get that only on the Frontstretch.
Ten Points To Ponder
by Tommy Thompson
Hopefully, this week, eight of Tommy's Ten Points won't use the words "Tire Dust." Check for yourself Monday!
Sprint Cup Rookie Report : Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500
by Tony Lumbis
Tony runs down which of the '08 rookie class played the Pocono triangle the best
Nationwide Series Breakdown : NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge
by Bryan Davis Keith
Don't miss Bryan's race recap of theNAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge.
Monday, Only In The Frontstretch Newsletter :
Latest news and Highlights from Pocono and Montreal
Secret Star of the Race
Frontstretch Stat Of The Week
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 and publish them here!
©2008 Frontstretch.com
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 and publish them here!
©2008 Frontstretch.com
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