Race Weekend Central

Frontstretch NASCAR Power Rankings: Top-15 Free Agents for 2009

With the off week in full swing, it presented an opportunity for the Frontstretch experts to do something a little different. Instead of grading the Cup guys, we took a look at those drivers who often get shunned from the spotlight these days… the drivers exclusive to the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series desperate …

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Talking NASCAR TV: ESPN Needs to Learn From Mistakes to Improve 2008 NASCAR Coverage

The third network to cover the Sprint Cup Series takes their turn at glory this week, as ESPN/ABC begins their NASCAR coverage at the historic Brickyard on Sunday, July 27. The final 17-week stretch to finish off the year follows a 21-race schedule that was covered by both FOX and TNT. Those networks had their …

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Nationwide Series Breakdown: 2008 Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 at Gateway

In a Nutshell: With the Sprint Cup Series taking the weekend off, many Cup stars took the opportunity to return to their old stomping grounds – and the Nationwide Series race at Gateway International Raceway was no exception. Midwest drivers Jamie McMurray and Clint Bowyer had strong runs; but in the end, it was Carl …

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Driven to the Past: Bob Daniels

I said last week I’d talk about Bob Daniels in a future column. This being Brickyard week, it seems like a good time. Actually, at IRP we used to call it “Kroger Week.” I met Bob Daniels when I was flagging for ASA and working full-time as a weekly newspaper editor in southern Indiana. He, …

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Nuts for Nationwide: Where is the Focus at Braun Racing?

Jason Leffler came into the 2008 season as one of only a handful of Nationwide regulars thought to have even a shot at taking down the Cup whackers for the series championship. After being one of only two Nationwide Series regulars to win a Nationwide race last season (not counting Aric Almirola’s “win”) and finishing …

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Mirror Driving: Can Stewart Save Haas, Fans Save Milwaukee & NASCAR Stop Toyota’s Dominance?

Welcome to Mirror Driving. Every week, your favorite columnists sit down and give their opinion about the latest NASCAR news and rumors. Love us or hate us, make a comment below and tell us how you feel about what we’ve said! This Week’s Participants: Tom Bowles (Editor-in-Chief; Mondays/Bowles-Eye View & Wednesdays/Did You Notice?) Mike Neff (Wednesdays/Power Rankings …

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10 Points to Ponder… After the 2008 Lifelock.com 400 at Chicagoland

1. Difficulties With Rejection? – New York City and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel’s Grand Ballroom have once again been selected as the site for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony, to be held December 5, 2008. Guys, isn’t this the same place that has time and time again rejected your attempts to bring Sprint Cup …

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Holding a Pretty Wheel: Has NASCAR Finally Found a Race It Could Fix?

“I’m humbled by this award. This means more to me than you’ll ever know.” Those were Kenny Wallace’s words in 2006 at the NASCAR Busch Series (now Nationwide Series) end-of-year banquet. The award wasn’t for series champion, nor for any other points position. Wallace was the series Most Popular Driver in 2006, as voted by …

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Beyond the Cockpit: Marcos Ambrose After His Cup Debut

Recently Assistant Editor Amy Henderson sat down with Marcos Ambrose in New Hampshire to talk about the Tazmanian native’s Sprint Cup debut, his family’s move halfway around the world, and just how much gold he’s found away from the track while participating in his favorite hobby. Strap in as Frontstretch goes Beyond the Cockpit with …

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Mirror Driving: No More Green-White-Yellow?, Truex’s Face Turns Green & Red-Flagging NASCAR Scoring

Welcome to Mirror Driving. Every week, your favorite columnists sit down and give their opinion about the latest NASCAR news and rumors. Love us or hate us, make a comment below and tell us how you feel about what we’ve said! This Week’s Participants: Tony Lumbis (Mondays/Rookie Report) Tommy Thompson (Mondays/10 Points to Ponder & Wednesdays/Thompson in …

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10 Points to Ponder… After the 2008 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona

1. The Other Big Three – American automakers GM, Ford and Chrysler have just about reached the panic stage as their financial well-being becomes a critical concern. GM stock has lost approximately 75% of its value over the last year, Ford Motor Company has seen a 50% decline of stock value in the last three …

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