Race Weekend Central

Did You Notice? Mayfield Burned at the Stake, Sadler’s Recurring Nightmare & a Champ Cashing In

Did You Notice? That in light of everything that’s happened over the past week, there’s a large army of media, fans, garage members, etc. looking to tar and feather Jeremy Mayfield before all the evidence has even been collected? I had a hard-nosed debate with Dennis Michelsen of RaceTalkRadio.com Monday night about this issue, one …

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5 Points to Ponder: 2009 Lifelock 400 at Chicagoland Edition

Each week, Frontstretch hosts a live blog during the Sprint Cup race. It’s a great way for readers to interact alongside their favorite Frontstretch writers with videos, live commentary and live polls. Each of this week’s “Five Points” were polls taken during the Chicago live blog. ONE: Will Martin Truex Jr. make the Chase in …

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Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: Jeremy Mayfield Innocent Until Proven Guilty

News broke shortly before last weekend’s Darlington race that owner/driver Jeremy Mayfield had tested positive for a banned substance after a random test conducted under NASCAR’s new drug program. Mayfield was the first driver to run afoul of that new testing program and, obviously, the news raised some eyebrows. Let me go on record as …

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What’s Vexing Vito: Smokin’ Weed or a Smoke Screen? Mayfield’s Suspension for Banned Substance Provides More Questions Than Answers

The biggest story to break in NASCAR over the last few days has been Jeremy Mayfield’s suspension for a positive test of a banned substance following the May 2 race at Richmond. A subsequent follow up “B” test confirmed the original findings, causing the sport to take what they deemed necessary action. There’s just one …

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Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: Appreciating The Lady in Black

This week, the Cup circuit heads to Darlington, S.C. for what will regrettably be its only stop at the “Track Too Tough To Tame” this season. Even given the awkward eve of Mother’s Day race date that no other track ever wanted, the fact they’ll be racing there this weekend still makes my heart rejoice. …

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Remembering a NASCAR Legend: Tim Richmond – Part II

Editor’s Note: Wednesday, Aug. 13 marked the 19-year anniversary of a tragic death of one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers – and most controversial figures. Matt McLaughlin takes a look at Tim Richmond‘s long and storied career in a special two-part story for Frontstretch this week. Read part one here. Tim Richmond was back with the …

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Remembering a NASCAR Legend: Tim Richmond (Part I)

Editor’s Note: Wednesday, Aug. 13 marked the 19-year anniversary of a tragic death of one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers – and most controversial figures. Matt McLaughlin takes a look at Tim Richmond‘s long and storied career in a special two-part story for Frontstretch this week. It’s been over a decade now since Tim Richmond last …

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Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2008 Watkins Glen Race Recap

The Key Moment: Dale Earnhardt Jr. pitted under caution on lap 66, handing the lead to Kyle Busch – who would never come close to relinquishing it at Watkins Glen. In a Nutshell: Busch once again spanks the field handily, offering fans a chance for a nice late-summer nap. Dramatic Moment: Unfortunately, the only high drama …

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