By Mark Howell

Dr. Mark Howell is a college professor whose life and area of specialization is all about motorsports. He has published two books on the topic, has appeared on numerous national television and radio programs to talk about NASCAR and has been part of the Frontstretch team since 2011. Mark also spent three years (2001-2003) as a part-time pit crew member in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. As a professor, Mark teaches courses in advanced writing, popular culture, and film studies. He is also on the nominating committee of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Daytona Beach, Florida. In January 2017, Mark was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. It has curtailed his writing for Frontstretch, but he still manages to provide content whenever possible.

Professor of Speed: A Memorial Day to Remember for NASCAR

April 28, 2022May 26, 2015 By

Last Sunday was one memorable day of racing. If we move beyond the self-serving particulars of who won, who lost, and other such personally-driven details as those, we can treat this past weekend’s slate of events as a simple matter of earnest motorsports competition. It was a Sunday as simple as one, two and three. …

Professor of Speed: NASCAR Turning a New Leaf in Virginia

April 28, 2022March 24, 2015 By

Now that NASCAR’s foray to the frontier is finished, the racing community can set its sights on another exciting venture. It’s time for Brian France’s Traveling Circus to pitch its tent at Martinsville. The .526-mile paved paperclip just might be the tonic NASCAR Nation needs after three events west of the Mississippi. While Kevin Harvick …

The Times, They Have a-Changed

January 23, 2015January 22, 2015 By

It’s been said that changes in life are inevitable, but come on, NASCAR! First, it was the Gen-6 car as a means by which to improve Sprint Cup competition. Then, it was the win-and-you’re-in, Game Seven redesign of the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. Next, it was announced that what we’ve known and loved as “souvenir row” …

2014 NASCAR Driver Review: Carl Edwards

November 8, 2021December 16, 2014 By

Credit: CIA Stock Photography

Carl Edwards visited victory lane twice in 2014, but it was his road-course win ahead of a hard-charging Jeff Gordon at Sonoma that seemed to be his shining moment for the year.

2014 NASCAR Driver Review: Clint Bowyer

November 8, 2021December 9, 2014 By

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

Clint Bowyer 2014 Ride: No. 15 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota 2014 Crew Chief: Brian Pattie 2014 Points Finish: 19th 2014 Stats: 36 starts, zero wins, 5 top fives, 15 top 10s, zero poles, 109 laps led, 5 DNFs, 15.8 average start, 17.1 average finish 2014 Best Finish: Third, (Talladega I, Richmond II, Talladega II) High Point: …

Hold my Beer…

September 10, 2014 By

Not signed up for our FREE Frontstretch Newsletter? You’re missing out on some extra features and content from some of your favorite Frontstretch staffers. Check out this preview of our Wednesday commentary writer, noted NASCAR author and Professor Mark Howell on the Richmond catchfence climber from Saturday night, a piece that appeared in today’s edition. …

Listen! What’s That Sound?

July 15, 2014 By

Photo Credit: CIA Stock Photography

Hey readers! Do you receive the Frontstretch email newsletter in your inbox each day so you can keep up on the latest in racing news, commentary, trivia and more? If you don’t, here’s just a sneak peek of what you’re missing out on. It’s absolutely free! Just click here to sign up! Listen! Do you …