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Jimmie Johnson wins the Sprint All-Star race.....again
posted by Mike Neff
Sunday May 19, 2013
Five-time is now four-time when it comes to the Sprint All-Star race. Coming into Saturday night’s race, Johnson was tied with Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt for most wins in the annual event with three wins. Johnson bided his time, restarted the last segment in the second spot, dueled Kasey Kahne for two laps to secure the lead and pulled away to a convincing win. Joey Logano started the last segment in the seventh position, took advantage of a slip up by Kyle Busch on the start of the final segment, and ultimately came home in the runner-up spot. Kyle Busch rebounded from his slip up to muscle his way back to third. Kahne started the final segment on the pole but couldn’t hold off Johnson on the first few laps of the restart and ended up fourth. Kurt Busch won two segments, was the first on pit road for the money pit stop, but finished the event in fifth place. Jimmie Johnson summed up his results in two words, “we’re lucky”. It was tongue in cheek but Johnson was poking fun at the people who continue to accuse the No. 48 of preferential treatment, fixed races, and a blind eye to cheating. Johnson has one of the highest winning percentages in NASCAR history and it comes from natural talent and chemistry with his crew. This race also now ties Johnson with Davey Allison as the only two drivers to win the race in back-to-back years. Logano and Busch visited with the media after the race to speak about their runs. Logano was understandably upbeat about his second while Busch was quite dejected, having another All-Star race slip out of his grasp. Kahne spoke about the elephant in the room that is the length of the segments in the race during his post race availability on pit road. He noted that the inherent problem with the format is that the car is designed with downforce, on a track that is cool and has a bunch of grip. The only way to make the races exciting after the first couple of laps of racing would be to extend the segments to the The first 20 lap segment was won by Kurt Busch. Segment two went to his brother Kyle. That segment win allowed Bruton Smith to breathe more easily since he put up a $1,000,000 bonus to anyone who won all four of the segments. Segment three also went to the younger Busch, while the fourth segment win was tallied in brother Kurt’ s account.
Kyle Busch wins the North Carolina Education Lottery 200
posted by Mike Neff
Friday May 17, 2013
‘Rowdy’ Busch was back in his familiar No. 51 truck at his favorite track on the Truck schedule. Busch led 80 laps and thought he should have led more but had a fuel issue on pit road that resulted in him having to battle back through the field. The race was slowed by eight cautions that helped him work his way back through the field. Busch beat Brendan Gaughan to the finish by .488 seconds, while Max Gresham chased them both to the line for his first top three finish of his Truck career. Matt Crafton came home in fourth place after having to battle through a couple of tire mishaps during the event. Ty Dillon rounded out the top 5 for his first finish that high this season. Busch led the race three times for his 80 laps. Miguel Paludo was second on the laps led board with 33. Gaughan, Gresham and Dillon also scored bonus points for leading laps. There were two cautions in the first 72 laps of the race while 29 of the last 62 laps were completed under the yellow flag. Jeb Burton started the race on the pole but did not lead a lap. He did however end the race as the Rookie of the Race for his 13th place finish. Matt Crafton leads Burton by 22 points in the season standings after five races this season.
Matt Kenseth Snatches Victory from the Jaws of Defeat at Darlington
posted by Mike Neff
Sunday May 12, 2013
Kyle Busch appeared to be headed for another weekend sweep after winning the Nationwide race at Darlington on Friday night. However, a funny thing happened as they were bringing out the dustpan. Matt Kenseth chased down the dominant car of the night, passed him with relative ease and then strolled away to a 3.165 second victory. Kenseth led the final 13 laps after Busch had held the point for 265 of the 354 laps leading up to Kenseth’s race winning pass. After Kenseth worked around Busch, the No. 18 slid rapidly backwards over the final eight laps to fall from second to sixth place. Joe Gibbs Racing did manage a 1-2 finish after sweeping the podium in Friday night’s Nationwide tilt. Denny Hamlin, in his first full race back in the car since his vertebrae fracture at California, soldiered through the pain of his arms, neck and shoulders more than his recovered back to wrestle a second place finish away from the Lady in Black. Coming home in third was Jeff Gordon, who turned his 700th career start into a top 3 finish. Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick rounded out the top 5 in the Bojangles Southern 500. Kurt Busch started the race on the pole and led the first 51 laps before coming to the pits for a green flag stop. After the stops cycled through Busch was back at the point for 18 more laps before his brother began his domination. The race went green for the first 302 laps save a seven lap caution stint from lap 125 to lap 131. The final 65 laps saw four more cautions that flew for accidents involving Regan Smith, Brad Keselowski, Casey Mears, Kurt Busch, Josh Wise, David Reutimann and Kasey Kahne. The race saw four leaders including Jeff Gordon in addition to the Busch brothers and Kenseth. The win is Kenseth’s 27th of his career and breaks a tie between himself and his teammate Kyle Busch. The win is Kenseth’s third this season which is the most among all of the competitors in the Cup series. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was the Rookie of the Race. Jeff Gordon’s top 5 finish was his 300th of his career. He joins Richard Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison as the only four drivers in the history of the sport to accomplish such a feat.
Busch Dominates at Darlington as JGR Sets Nationwide Series Record
posted by Amy Henderson
Friday May 10, 2013
Kyle Busch dominated the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 on Friday night en route to his 56th career Nationwide Series victory and fifth series win of 2013. Joe Gibbs Racing in general was the class of the field all night at Darlington Raceway, claiming four of the top 5 finishing spots, with only fourth-place Joey Logano keeping them from sweeping the top four spots. It was a historic night for JGR, as no team has ever before placed four cars in the top 5. Elliott Sadler finished second to Busch and Brian Vickers third, with Logano and Matt Kenseth rounding out the top 5. Busch led 107 of 147 laps on the way to the win. Sadler was the best among the Nationwide Regulars, finishing second despite an early spin in Turn 2, and gained points on leader Regan Smith, who finished seventh. Kyle Larson continued to impress at the Lady in Black, posting a sixth-place finish in his first Darlington start as he runs for rookie honors. Sam Hornish, Jr., who remained second in points, finished eighth while Kasey Kahne and Justin Allgaier filled the top 10. Smith now leads Nationwide Series points by 28 over Hornish. Sadler jumps two spots to third on his second-place run as Justin Allgaier fell one place to fourth. Vickers gained three sports and is now fifth, 49 behind Smith. Austin Dillon, Parker Kligerman, Brian Scott, Alex Bowman, and Kyle Larson round out the top 10.
Joe Gibbs Racing Penalties Reduced Following Appeal
posted by Summer Bedgood
Wednesday May 8, 2013
Joe Gibbs Racing had many of their penalties for the No. 20 team reduced during the appeal process on Wednesday. Driver Matt Kenseth and owner Joe Gibbs had their points penalties reduced from 50 to 12 points. Crew chief Jason Ratcliff’s suspension has also been dropped from seven races to one, though he will still be forced to pay the $200,000 fine. Not all of the penalties were reduced, however. Toyota Racing’s manufacturer points penalty was increased from five points to seven. All other penalties were dropped, including the suspension of Joe Gibbs’ owners license, the loss of bonus points for the Chase earned at Kansas Speedway, and the loss of eligibility into the Sprint Unlimited garnered from the pole at Kansas Speedway. JGR has accepted the penalties and will not appeal further. Following a dominant win at Kansas Speedway a few weeks ago, Kenseth’s car failed post-race inspection when it was found that a connecting rod was 2.7 grams below the minimum weight. Toyota Racing Development accepted the blame for the incident. The reduction moves Kenseth up to fourth in points, 66 points behind leader Jimmie Johnson. JGR has not announced who will replace Ratcliff this weekend in Darlington. The appeal was heard by Mark Arute, Dennis McGlynn, and Jack Housby. NASCAR cannot appeal the revised penalties.
Penske Has Suspensions Reduced On Appeal
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday May 8, 2013
Roger Penske’s team got some relief Tuesday from NASCAR’s Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook, as he chose to reduce penalties assessed to that organization at Texas Motor Speedway in early April. Middlebrook, after hearing the evidence from both sides Tuesday chose to reduce all suspensions in the case from six to two weeks, plus NASCAR’s All-Star Race on May 18th. That means the final consequences for both teams are the following: No. 2 car No. 22 car Other Middlebrook’s official statement was short, simply stating, “After looking at all the facts, data, and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties. However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the All-Star race to two points races and the All-Star Race.” However, it seemed both sides, after presenting their cases were far more pleased with how the case was handled during this portion of the appeal. “We were able to talk about areas we worked in,” said Roger Penske, referring to the “gray area” of the NASCAR rulebook officials ultimately felt stepped over the line. “I’m very happy with the outcome. This sport has been built on innovation. All of us have tried to innovate in areas not defined in the rulebook. We were in that area.” In conversations with the parties involved, it was clear the controversy surrounded parts designed to increase the rear-end angle at the back of both cars. In past years, with innovation limited through the Car of Tomorrow templates teams have played around with suspension systems designed to make the rear end of the car easier to “move.” The more the car skews in the corner, the easier it can be to handle and gain extra speed. However, NASCAR had made rules designed to curb those types of innovations this year and made the determination Penske parts to build the rear suspension were unapproved. Why they had gone undetected in previous inspections was never addressed, along with claims someone else in the garage had alerted officials to possible inappropriate car construction. One thing Penske did admit, though is had this decision been issued by the initial appeals panel, he would not have pressed his luck with Middlebrook. “All of us,” he said. “Have lost points for certain infractions over the years. The key thing is to have people back at the racetrack operating in full control.” The end results leave Logano 18th in points, 146 behind championship leader Jimmie Johnson and 43 outside a Chase position. Keselowski is far more stable; fifth in points, he’s 69 behind and 45 ahead of 11th-place Matt Kenseth. Neither of the Penske cars have won a race this season. “Moved on from last few weeks,” Keselowski tweeted Wednesday morning. “And ready to focus on @TooToughToTame (Darlington Raceway).” The next round of NASCAR penalty appeals, focusing on Joe Gibbs Racing and Matt Kenseth will be heard on Wednesday morning. Connect with Tom!
Penske Racing LOSES Penalty Case, Will Appeal To NSCRC John Middlebrook
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday May 1, 2013
A three-member panel Wednesday unanimously upheld penalties assessed to Penske Racing after pre-race inspection at Texas Motor Speedway. Comprised of Pocono President Brandon Igdalsky, Bowman-Gray President Dale Pinilis and former NASCAR VP Paul Brooks, the trio determined the sanctioning body’s evidence was enough to “convict” Penske to the tune of points lost, suspensions given and $200,000 in fines. Roger Penske, in response has pledged to send a final appeal to National Stock Car Racing Commissioner John Middlebrook. That hearing will occur Tuesday, May 7th at NASCAR’s Research and Development Center. Here’s a quick list of what penalties are pending (everything but the points deductions will be deferred, pending Middlebrook’s approval until after the final appeal): No. 2 team No. 22 team Both teams NASCAR’s representation included Sprint Cup Director John Darby but not Vice President Robin Pemberton, who was whisked away to Florida on jury duty. Owner Roger Penske was in attendance to defend the allegations along with Team Manager Travis Geisler, Tim Cindric, Walt Czarnecki, Joey Logano’s crew chief Todd Gordon along with several other key principles. UPDATE: The National Stock Car Racing Commission issued a brief statement, reviewing the penalties and then explaining the following. “Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.” “The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.” Connect with Tom!
Kyle Busch Wins Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown
posted by Thomas Bowles
Friday April 26, 2013
Who says Joe Gibbs Racing teammates don’t get along? Kyle Busch is certainly receiving gifts, from Denny Hamlin in the form of shiny trophies from winning the latter’s annual charity event. Rowdy was romping through the field again at Richmond Thursday night, taking control at the race’s midpoint and cruising during the latter stages to win the Showdown for the third time in the past six years. In a race that benefits the Denny Hamlin Foundation, created to help those with cystic fibrosis Busch had his late model hitting on all cyilnders down the stretch. Pulling away from fellow Cup driver David Ragan, in the final segment of the 75-lap race the outcome was simply never in doubt following a 5-minute break for pit stops prior to Lap 47. Ben Rhodes, Ronnie Bassett, Jr., and Garrett Campbell rounded out the top-5 finishers. Other Cup drivers, including defending race champion Tony Stewart were in the field but never a factor up front. Smoke, actually extending his slumping start to 2013 into this race got wrecked before the halfway point and wound up 28th. Matt Kenseth, still distraught after a midweek penalty virtually negated his win at Kansas was never truly competitive, either; he finished 22nd. Also on Thursday night, African-American driver Ryan Gifford won the first K&N Pro Series East race of his young career. Surviving a five-lap shootout, following a red flag he cruised home over Brandon Gdovic. Connect with Tom!
Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota Penalized As Engine Fails Kansas Post-Race Inspection
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Until the end of time, Matt Kenseth can say he crossed the finish line first at Kansas Sunday. NASCAR Record Books will say the same. But after a harsh series of penalties announced on Wednesday, should they stand that’s about the only thing Kenseth can hang his hat on after a successful weekend turned sour. According to multiple reports, officials at the NASCAR R & D Center in North Carolina discovered a connecting rod on Kenseth’s engine, brought in for Kansas post-race inspection weighed three grams less than the minimum weight of 525g. The consequences, announced today are crippling for both driver and team. Kenseth, along with car owner Joe Gibbs have been docked 50 driver and owner points, actually reducing their overall totals heading into Kansas even though the No. 20 car won the race. That lost chunk of points drops Kenseth from eighth to 14th in the standings. More importantly, the win “won’t count” for either bonus points in the Chase or determine postseason eligibility; that means the driver, now in “Wild Card” position is considered to have one win so far this season instead of two. That’s just the tip of the iceberg on these consequences. Crew chief Jason Radcliffe, fined $200,000 based on the infraction has also been suspended for the next six Sprint Cup points events, along with the All-Star Race. Toyota, whose TRD engine department ultimately supplies the JGR powerplants has had five points deducted from its total in the manufacturer’s championship. And finally, Joe Gibbs himself, already docked 50 owner points has had his license suspended by NASCAR, which means he’s ineligible to accrue owner points for the No. 20 until the next six Sprint Cup Series points races are completed. Gibbs, NASCAR has clarified will still be able to travel to the racetrack despite a suspended license. In a tersely worded statement, the owner says he’ll appeal the ruling, which violated three parts of the series rulebook. The one most pertinent is Section 20-5.5.3(E) which states only magnetic steel connecting rods, with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted. Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4J, which gives officials the right to penalize for parts they claim do not conform to NASCAR rules were also cited in the sport’s official release. Toyota Racing Development’s Lee White, in a statement released early this afternoon took responsibility for the violation. During NASCAR’s routine post-race tear down of Matt Kenseth’s race-winning car and engine from Kansas Speedway,” he stated, “One of our engine connecting rods weighed in approximately three grams under the legal minimum weight of 525 grams. None of the other seven connecting rods were found to be under the minimum weight. We take full responsibility for this issue with the engine used by the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team this past Sunday in Kansas — JGR is not involved in the process of selecting parts or assembling the Cup Series engines. It was a simple oversight on TRD’s part and there was no intent to deceive, or to gain any type of competitive advantage. Toyota is a company that was built on integrity, and that remains one of the guiding principles of the company. The goal of TRD has always been — and will continue to be — to build high-performance engines that are reliable, durable and powerful, and within the guidelines established by NASCAR.” Kenseth, who has led 482 laps this season, two higher than his total last year has been one of the strongest competitiors on the Sprint Cup track in 2013. His engines have also passed several previous inspections.
Johnny Sauter Penalized For Fuel Cell Infraction At Kansas
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Thorsport Racing, along with former Truck Series point leader Johnny Sauter are reeling this Wednesday after a major penalty involving their No. 98 Toyota. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the team was fined $10,000, crew chief Joel Shear has been suspended for four races and 25 owner points were taken away as a result of a faulty fuel cell, confiscated during pre-race inspection at Kansas. Driver Sauter was also hit was a loss of 25 points, completely reshaping the championship Chase heading into the next race of the season at Charlotte May 17th. According to NASCAR officials, the team violated multiple sections of the rulebook. The key ones involve Section 20B-16 and 20B-16.1B, regarding the proper size and functioning of fuel cells. “Once a fuel cell or fuel cell components have been certified,” the rules say, “Modifications of any kind will not be permitted.” The 16.1B portion refers to black safety foam, with a minimum height of eight inches that must be used as a safety mechanism when putting together the fuel cell itself. By violating that rule, NASCAR is insinuating the team modified or enhanced the cell in some way by cutting back / replacing that foam. Section 12-1, actions detrimental to stock car racing was also listed as a rules violation along with 12-4K, which gives NASCAR Officials the leeway to penalize teams when they feel previously legal equipment was modified, in any manner after being initially inspected. Thorsport, as of yet has not said whether they plan to appeal. The penalties mean Matt Crafton becomes the new Truck Series point leader, by 13 over Jeb Burton while Sauter gets pushed back into a tie for second place. |
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Frontstretch Staff · Thursday January 31, 2008
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! Hard to believe that command to start the 2008 Sprint Cup season is just 9 Days away … and counting.
But as fans anxiously anticipate the end of another offseason, it’s time to get the blood racing and your mind fixated on another year of NASCAR. For the third straight year at Frontstretch, your favorite writers are previewing the upcoming year ahead, providing a look into the good, the bad, and the ugly expected to face the sport in the next nine months. Over the next few days, we’ll get you thinking on six different questions we’ve been wondering about ourselves; and as we try and find the answers, the staff you know and love will come at you with our usual blend of facts, opinion, and most of all … good humor. After all, what good are predictions if we’re not understanding enough to realize we could wind up completely wrong?
So, without further ado, here’s Part Four of our preview… and if you missed the first three parts, click the links below to catch up.
Today’s Season Preview Topic: As always, 2008 will be a year when several driver contracts are on the verge of expiring. So, which driver starts the season on the “hottest seat,” and why?
Tom Bowles, Editor-In-Chief: (Mondays / Bowles-Eye View)
I’m going to go a little unconventional on this one … it’s Michael Waltrip. I know, I know, he owns his team, but just hear me out and you’ll understand why. Waltrip desperately still wants to drive; he thinks he’s got a few more years left in him, and with the right equipment and the right circumstances he can still win races.
Here’s the problem; with so many quality teams outside the Top 35 in owner points, Waltrip will spend the first five races struggling to just qualify (he doesn’t have an exemption) – and that’s clearly not his strong suit. And should he get off to the same slow start … let me put it this way, I think NAPA is at the end of their rope. It won’t take much for them to either pull sponsorship altogether; or, tell Michael he needs to step out and put a young driver in the seat in order to keep the money coming his way.
Honorable mention here is Petty Enterprises; after moving the team to Mooresville and turning down a merger with GEM, the pressure is on for them to bring their “A” game to the table; otherwise, driver Bobby Labonte will be someone else’s ace come 2009. I’d say Sorenson’s in this category, too, but there really is no pressure for him; in my mind, he’s already been replaced by Dan Wheldon, as the way Chip Ganassi has been flooding the series with open wheelers I don’t think he stands a chance.
Kim DeHaven, Senior Editor: (Tuesdays/Numbers Game)
Greg Biffle has the “hottest seat” on the circuit; not because he is in danger of losing his ride, but because there won’t be a shortage of drivers petitioning to take over the seat of the No. 16 Roush Fenway Ford when he voluntarily moves on to another team for 2009.
Cami Starr, Fantasy Racing Editor: (Thursdays / Picks ‘N’ Pans)
Of the three top drivers who have contracts up at the end of this year – Greg Biffle, Bobby Labonte and Ryan Newman – I think the onus is on the team more than the drivers to perform. Each of these three would be hot on the free agent market, and their current teams are going to have to help ensure they have a successful season to want to stay around and sign on the dotted line.
One driver on the hot seat that has his contract up in 2009 is Jamie McMurray. With Roush Fenway needing to trim down on the number of teams they have, McMurray needs to step up his game in order to make sure he isn't the expendable driver when it comes time to whittle down the number of teams.
Toni Montgomery, Senior Editor: (Fridays / Rick Crawford Driver Diary Coordinator)
The first driver to my mind as one who needs to step it up a notch is Reed Sorenson. Yes, he's still very young, but sponsor Target has shown impatience in the past – in fact, they dropped Casey Mears in favor of Sorenson, and that followed dumping Jimmy Spencer for Mears after just one season. The funny thing is, Mears performed as well as, if not better than, Sorenson; so you have to wonder how long they're willing to wait for the finishes to improve.
Amy Henderson, Assistant Editor: (Fridays / Holding A Pretty Wheel)
Ditto what Toni said – Sorenson is the man on the hot seat. That’s especially considering not just Target, but the way Ganassi has removed his stock car veterans for open wheel talent in recent years.
Matt Taliaferro, Assistant Editor: (Thursdays / Fanning The Flames)
Click here to email Matt your questions for Fanning The Flames this season – our weekly Fan Q & A column!
Although Jamie McMurray's contract does not expire until 2009, I think he has to be on a boiling-hot seat. Yes, the Daytona win last July was impressive – but it was also long overdue. Following a messy departure from Chip Ganassi Racing at the end of 2005, McMurray has recorded all of six Top 5s in two full seasons with Roush Racing. And this is what all the hubbub was about?
Matt McLaughlin, Senior Writer: (Mondays / Thinkin’ Out Loud)
It pains me to say so, but my guess is that the first drivers out of a ride this year will be David Gilliland and Travis Kvapil. That won’t be because of any success or failure of their own, but because I don’t see Yates Racing – the one-time powerhouse that once enjoyed such success with Davey Allison, Dale Jarrett and Ernie Irvan – lasting out this season. Weeks before the Daytona 500, there are no firm sponsorship plans for either team, and they have resorted to starting a website in hopes of finding some sort of sponsorship (sponsoryates.com). That’s usually a pretty clear indicator that a team is about to go under.
As for drivers who need to step it up to the next notch or find a new ride for 2009, my nominee is Casey Mears. In the Rick Hendrick Fab Four, he’s clearly Ringo.
After a perplexing last few seasons, Ryan Newman could be on his way out at Penske once his contract expires at the end of 2008.
Jeff Meyer, Senior Writer: (Thursdays / Voices From The Heartland)
I'm going with Ryan Newman on this one. While Ryan is a good driver, I don't think he has lived up to his full potential – especially the last couple of years. On one hand, Ryan may desire a position with a stronger team than Penske; and on the other hand, Penske is dumb enough to let him go.
Mike Neff, Senior Writer: (Thursdays / Picks ‘N’ Pans)
Even though his contract does not expire until 2009, Jamie McMurray has to be on a very hot seat. Hyped beyond belief as such a budding superstar, he’s done almost nothing to live up to any of the hype. If he doesn’t come out of the box and get himself firmly near the Top 12 in the first quarter of the season, he could be looking for a job by the end of the year.
Tommy Thompson, Senior Writer: (Wednesdays / Thompson In Turn 5)
Popular writer Tommy Thompson couldn’t look into the crystal ball this year – he was too busy having a ball of his own getting married! Congratulations on your marriage, Tommy, from all the Frontstretch Staff … to the fans, Tommy sends his regards and looks forward to returning to the fold next week!
Beth Lunkenheimer, Frontstretch Truck Series Expert: (Fridays / Tearing Apart The Trucks)
Of the contracts that are set to expire at the end of the 2008 season, Ryan Newman just might be in the hottest seat. Newman has had his ups and downs, but he has failed to make the Chase the last two seasons; with nine DNF’s and an average finish of 18.6, the driver of the No. 12 Dodge has plenty to prove coming into the 2008 season.
Vito Pugliese, Senior Writer: (Tuesdays / Voice Of Vito)
J.J. Yeley. He didn't really do much besides wad up a ton of No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolets in his short stint with Joe Gibbs Racing. While he’s a nice enough guy with the credentials and demeanor to be a star in the sport, Yeley now starts 2008 off with Hall of Fame Racing. It’s a small team that is reminiscent of MB2 / Ginn Racing; and considering they didn't give Tony Raines much time to develop – despite doing pretty good considering what he was given to work with – what will they do if Yeley wrecks a bunch of equipment out of the box?
Mike Lovecchio, Senior Writer: (Tuesdays / Who’s Hot And Who’s Not)
The driver on the hottest seat is a driver whose contract doesn't expire until 2009 – and that's A.J. Allmendinger. Allmendinger struggled in his rookie campaign, and was outperformed by Red Bull Racing teammate Brian Vickers throughout the season. With Toyota turning its program around, I wouldn't be surprised to see a veteran Toyota driver from either the Nationwide Series or the Truck Series in the No. 84 by the end of the year.
Besides Allmendinger, he one driver in a contract year that should be looking over his shoulder is Greg Biffle. With NASCAR limiting each team's car count, and a number of young Roush Racing developmental drivers waiting for an opportunity, Biffle may finish out the year this year, but will not be in a Roush car in 2009.
Tony Lumbis, Frontstretch NASCAR Rookie Expert: (Mondays / Rookie Report)
Although his contract doesn't expire until 2009, Jamie McMurray has got to feel the heat on his rear end this year. While he did capture his first win with Roush Fenway in 2007, the rest of the season yielded lackluster results, resulting in a dismal 17th final points position, the worst of the non-rookie drivers in that stable. If this team does not make the Chase this year, it could make Jack Roush's decision a lot easier as to which team he should cut to meet NASCAR's four team restriction.
Nikki Krone, Senior Writer: (Fridays / David Starr Driver Diary Coordinator)
I got blasted a couple of years ago when I suggested that even though he had made the Chase for two straight years, Mayfield needed to pick it up or Evernham was going to get rid of him. Turns out I right. However, I don’t think I will make such a “bold” prediction this time. While his contract may not be set to expire soon, I think Brian Vickers is at least one of the drivers who needs to step it up. Vickers is a veteran in the series now, has won a Busch championship, and has won a Cup race. In turn, Toyota now has a year behind them, and will probably start expecting more out of their teams - especially if JGR turns out to be real successful. I think Vickers has tons of talent and will probably challenge a lot this year because of the changes; but, I think he may need to challenge in a big way to keep his ride. I would say Allmendinger, too, could be on the hot seat, but Red Bull pulled him over from CART with a lot of confidence, and I don’t think they are ready to give up on him. As far as those whose contracts are on the verge of expiring, I think this season is a huge one for Ryan Newman. If things don’t turn around quick, I think Newman may be the one telling Penske to take a hike.
S.D. Grady, Newsletter Contributor & Fan Columnist: (Tuesdays / Fan View)
While A.J. Allmendinger would appear to be sitting on the edge, I believe that Red Bull Racing will extend a kind hand, hoping that the influx of Gibbs knowledge will flow into their Toyota program.
Jamie McMurray… now he has something to worry about. Even though he brought his car to Victory Lane last year, his overall performance during the past two years has not measured up to the Roush standard. When looking for success this year, the Cat in the Hat will be turning to Jamie to step it up … or step on out.
Editor’s Note : Not subscribed to the Frontstretch newsletter yet? Don’t miss your chance; it comes back full-time on Monday, February 4th. Click here to view the archives – including S.D.‘s column from Tuesday – and make the move to sign up so you’re all set to go for 2008!
Want a chance to win a FREE Frontstretch T-Shirt! How about a shot at a FREE membership to our Ultimate Fantasy Player Program? Well, Frontstretch has a new 2008 survey out just for YOU! We’re attempting to see what you like about us the most, and what areas you’d like to see improved. Click here to take the survey and do your part to help make one of your favorite websites a better place to be!
It’s that time of year again; are you ready to flip the ignition on another fantasy season? Well, Frontstretch holds the keys to start your dream team, with a long list of new games to go along with the return of our popular Game Of Tomorrow. Check out what we have to offer by clicking here – and don’t forget to come back next week and sign up for our season-long championship. That’ll give you a chance to become the Ultimate Frontstretch Fantasy Player – and win the season-ending trophy and multitude of prizes that go with it!
Tuesday on the Frontstretch:
Five Points to Ponder: Jimmie vs. Matt And The Best Day In Motorsports
Who’s Hot / Who’s Not in NASCAR: All-Star – Charlotte Edition
The Art Of Closing The Deal In NASCAR’s Longest Race
Racing To The Point: A Radical Idea For The All-Star Race
Couch Potato Tuesday: SPEED’s Last-Gasp Sprint Cup Hurrah
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