The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.
*With 2013 on the horizon, what was the biggest issue in NASCAR that has, thus far, gone unresolved?*
Matt S.: Aero push.
Mike N.: Aero dependency.
Amy: Aero dependency and late season ratings.
Summer: The way these cars race (even with the new ones coming). No one likes them. Not the drivers, not the crews, not the fans.
After finally gaining the opportunity to compete against Sprint Cup competition, again Brian Vickers proved to be a nice acquisition for Michael Waltrip Racing.
While it came at the expense of fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr., Regan Smith’s shining moment came when he had the opportunity to compete in Hendrick Motorsports equipment for two races.
Qualifying for two consecutive pole positions in August (at Pocono and Watkins Glen) was the highlight of Montoya’s year.
2012 was not a banner season for Ryan Newman. After he won at Martinsville in April, it looked like he and teammate Tony Stewart might be forces to be reckoned with throughout the season.
In all seriousness, there wasn’t much for Bobby Labonte to smile about in 2012, as has been the case for the last several years for a former Cup champ who’s now almost a decade removed from victory lane.
Considering that Landon Cassill was rideless and overlooked this time last year, the very fact that the young Iowa native got a steady ride for 2012 has to be a high point in and of itself.
Following a slow start to his young Penske Racing career with bad luck defining some mediocre performances, AJ Allmendinger found himself at Martinsville Speedway for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500.
Martin Truex Jr. dominated at the 1.5-mile Kansas track, leading a race-high 173 laps, but lost in a duel with Denny Hamlin late and had to settle for second.
*Brad Keselowski is the 2012 Sprint Cup champion, and is a bit polarizing with his “Bad Brad” moniker. How do you think Keselowski will be remembered as champion…and how many more will he win?*
Phil: Especially since Brad’s only 28, it’s a little early to say how many he’ll win. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he snags a couple of more.
Mike N.: Keselowski is going to be a great spokesperson for the sport. I believe he’ll be able to effect change, unlike some other champs because he is extremely smart and very introspective. I believe he’ll be remembered for changing the social media aspect of the sport, making it mainstream and speaking his mind. That, and drinking out of the biggest Miller Lite glass he could find after winning.