October 6th - October 10th, 2008
Monday: Did Regan Smith get the short end of the rulebook at Talladega? And what about Goodyear's explosive weekend? Bryan Davis Keith gives the rundown on NASCAR's low down day in Alabama.
Tuesday: The Voice of Vito tells you why Talladega was a microcosm of the Chase in 2008 - and how that spells championship for Jimmie Johnson.
Wednesday: Did your driver survive the Talladega carnage, or did the Big One spell disaster for his spot in the Top 15? Find out where the Frontstretch Staff rates your favorite in this week's Power Rankings!
Thursday: Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off about whether a broadcaster's interest in a race team constitutes a conflict of interest when they're on the air.
Friday: Our John Potts tells it like it is in racing because he lived it - and he'll share it all with you in Driven to the Past.
- This week on the Frontstretch!
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In Frontstretch’s newest feature, Senior Staff Writer Becca Gladden scours the NASCAR news front to bring you the week’s curious, offbeat, and just plain wacky news from the intriguing world of big-time stock car racing. Trust us, folks, these stories are all true – we just couldn’t make this stuff up!
- Christmas shopping alert! Sam’s Club is selling a “Once-in-a-Lifetime Package NASCAR Insider’s Racing Experience,” which just went on sale Wednesday. Among the many features of this gift package are the opportunity to become an honorary crew member at the May 2008 Charlotte race, a hot lap around the track in the official pace car, and a spot in the Petty Enterprises suite from which to watch the race. Your cost? Just $24,800. I know for that price you’ll be tempted to stock up for all your gift giving needs! (Sadly, there is just one package available).
- Last week, we mentioned that Tony Stewart attended a Halloween party dressed as Elvis Presley. Now comes word that Matt Kenseth went to a costume party at Jamie McMurray’s house wearing a Bill Clinton costume. But here’s the really funny part – Matt’s wife Katie came dressed as Monica Lewinsky – giving a whole new meaning to the concept of NASCAR’s Oval Office.
- On another office-related topic, Denny Hamlin’s sponsor Fed Ex Kinko’s has been airing a commercial during the race broadcasts called “The Office Meeting.” The dialogue moves kind of fast, so you have to listen closely … but if you’ve ever worked in a corporation of any kind, you will definitely be able to relate to these characters:
Office Supervisor: OK, the presentation is tomorrow, so let’s make sure we all know our usual responsibilities. Jeff, you keep feeding me old information. Dean, I need you to continue not living up to your resume. Sue, you’re in charge of waffling.
Sue: Are you sure?
Supervisor: Jerome, you’ll talk a big game, then do nothing.
Jerome: Let’s do it!
Supervisor: Rick, can you fold under pressure for me?
Rick: Like a lawn chair.
Supervisor: And Ted, you just keep thinking everyone’s out to get you.
Ted: They are.
I wonder if the meetings at DEI sound anything like that.
- Texas Motor Speedway would love to change the date of its Fall race, due in large part to slow ticket sales in the Fall compared to the Spring. The reason? For the third straight year, the Fall race in Texas coincided with the opening of deer hunting season.
“We’re the most successful major-market speedway this circuit has, even with deer hunting season,” said Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage. “Imagine what it would be like if we didn’t go up against that every year.” Indeed. Now, remind me again why NASCAR is no longer considered a redneck sport?
- If you miss out on the Sam’s Club racing package described above, why not console yourself with these affordable little trinkets:
Found in the online store at RacingOne.com, the description of this Christmas ornament set reads: “Tony Stewart’s pit crew is an important part of any race day. You can show your appreciation for the tire turners on the track by hanging this Trevco® Stewart Mini Monkey Ornaments on the Christmas tree.” Okay, we’re not sure about the connection between the mini monkey ornaments and Tony’s pit crew, unless it’s the use of – a monkey wrench?
Like I said, we just can’t make this stuff up. Until next week …
Still haven’t joined the Frontstretch Forums? Here’s a peek at what you’re
missing this week:
How do you feel about A.J. Allmendinger’s release from Red Bull Racing?
Are you surprised to see Paul Menard leaving DEI?
If you’d prefer to stay out of controversial NASCAR topics, feel free to join us in The Infield, where we talk about everything from politics to stick and ball sports to jokes and odd news from around the world.
And for those of you that might visit The Frontstretch Forums to kill time, feel free to join in our Games forum. It’s the perfect place to waste away countless hours playing word association, hangman, and much, much more.
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!
Message Board Quote of the Week: “I don’t see how Rusty + DEI + COT = competitive on the racetrack in 2009. I do see how Rusty could hook a sponsor, though, which DEI needs more than ever with Paul Menard leaving and taking the Menards money with him.” Scott B on rumors that Rusty Wallace would be making a return to NASCAR behind the wheel of a DEI-owned machine
©2000 - 2008 Becca Gladden and Frontstetch.com. Thanks for visiting the Frontstretch!
