ROAR! - Atlanta Preview in March 2020

Atlanta Preview MAR. 12, 2020

NEWMAN’S STORY Truck Series Driver Chaos on Twitter

Danny B Talks NASCAR’s Lost Movie

What did we learn from his first interview since Daytona?

Fearless Predictions Broken Streak?

Seal the Deal Bad at Bristol

Available now: Atlanta

Magazine Subscription polepositionmag.com updates & posters Twitter @nppmag FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION

community creator: Eric Estepp

Youtube

/outofthegroove

twitter

@ericestepp17

instagram

@eric_estepp

patreon

/outofthegroove

Ryan Newman’s First Interview since Daytona In this week’s episode of Out of the Groove, host and creator Eric Estepp takes us through all the big stories heading into this week’s racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It’s been a hectic week, especially on social media, and he has some explanation behind the drama and rumors.

But first, we finally got our first interview with Ryan Newman this week on NBC’s The Today Show, where he talked about the crash 0 0 4

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

in Daytona, the specifics on his injuries, and how the various safety features of the car contributed to his survival. Eric takes us through and helps us understand what it all means.

But that’s not all. The story of the Truck Series Bounty, $100,000 to beat Kyle Busch, has taken on a life of its own on Twitter, with some drivers taking it to questionable lengths. Eric breaks it all down for us in today’s episode of Out of the Groove!

STILL #1.

We’ve got a fresh new look and we’re available in more retailers than gotBut a fresh new we’rewe’re available moretoretailers than everWe’ve before. that’s notlook all, and because alsoin proud say we’re rated ever But that’sinnot because also proud to saymagazine. we’re rated thebefore. #1 toilet paper theall, country bywe’re a leading consumer the #1 toilet paper in the country by a leading consumer magazine.

Now that’s what we call a commitment to being the top for your bottom.

Find a retailer near at you at mywhitecloud.com Available Winn-Dixie

Find a retailer near you at mywhitecloud.com

5 things to watch

5

things to watch at Atlanta The Beast of the East NASCAR returns to Atlanta where drivers face a difficult track

After three consecutive weekends out West, the NASCAR Cup Series heads back East this weekend for the series’ lone annual visit to Atlanta Motor Speedway — one of the more popular tracks on the tour. While Atlanta is a place where drivers will spend much of their afternoon racing the track itself, everyone will also be focused on racing — and beating — Joey Logano, who is off to a fast start with victories in two of the season’s first four events. Following are five things to watch for leading up to and during Sunday’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500.

by Jared Turner

0 0 6

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

Hand Cleaner Since 1948 Dirty Hands? No Water? No Problem!

For speedy clean up and excellent conditioning performance, try Joe’s Hand Cleaner

Building Relationships One Hand At A Time

www.joeshandcleaner.com Made in the USA

Available at:

5 things to watch

5

Coronavirus Concerns

W

ith the Coronavirus making its presence felt in both the United States and around the world, many people are taking what they believe to be the necessary precaution of avoiding large crowds and physical contact at all costs. One state has even gone as far as to temporarily ban gatherings of more than 250 people in certain areas until Coronavirus fears start to subside.

What if any impact all the rage will have on this weekend’s race attendance remains to be seen, but at least one driver isn’t overly worried about it. “I think everybody sees the headlines and reads the news just like anybody else,” Stewart-Haas Racing’s Clint Bowyer said. “From what I can tell, there are a lot of unknowns and mixed feelings. Some people say it is bad and the next person says it is nothing but a cold. I treat my fans no differently than the next guy. I am going to shake his hand and appreciate him being here.”

0 0 8

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

} } } } } } }

5 things to watch

4

Martin Truex Jr.’s Quest To Get His Season On Track

Q

uite possibly the biggest surprise of the 2020 season is that after four races, 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. has yet to bag a top-10 finish. It hasn’t been from lack of effort or speed, however. In fact, Truex has led at least a lap in three of the four races and looked every bit the contender that he’s been over the past several years. But lady luck has simply not been on his side. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver — who is 15th in the standings and has finished no better than 14th in his first season with crew chief James Small — is hoping for a dramatic change in fortunes this weekend at Atlanta, a track where he is winless in 21 starts but finished second one year ago. “We had the best car,” Truex said after coming home a close runner-up to Brad Keselowski in 2019. “We probably should have won that one.”

0 1 0

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

5 things to watch

3

Chase Elliott’s Homecoming

C

hase Elliott — like his NASCAR Hall of Fame father, Bill — is a native of Dawsonville, Georgia, which is only about an hour from Atlanta Motor Speedway. In fact, Chase loves Dawsonville so much that he still has a permanent residence in his hometown. So, needless to say, he’s excited about racing at home this weekend and trying to find his way to Victory Lane there for the first. “Atlanta was kind of my first 1.5-mile track, and I thought things went really good in 2016,” Elliott said. “In 2017, we went back and were even better. I thought we had a real chance that day.

And then ’18 and ’19 were dismal. So, hopefully, this weekend is better. You never want to run bad at your home track. So, hopefully, we can turn that around. It’s been, I feel like, a rough go the past two years. So, yeah, hopefully we can improve and be back like we were in 2017.”

0 1 2

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

5 things to watch

2

Slipping and Sliding

I

f Atlanta Motor Speedway is known for anything, it’s for its rugged, abrasive, aging track surface — which drivers, almost universally, love. “The surface is old, and that allows the cars to spread around more,” Wood Brothers Racing’s Matt DiBenedetto said. “It makes it more racey, more fun.” Worn pavement also puts a premium on tire management, and that’s OK with DiBenedetto.

“It’s more my style,” he said. “It’s a fun track. Hopefully, we can qualify decent, race well and stay up front the whole time.” While it’s inevitable that Atlanta — which hasn’t been paved since a reconfiguration from a true oval to a quad-oval in 1997 — will eventually have to be repaved, DiBenedetto hopes that can wait as long as possible. “New repaves are never fun,” he said. “It takes years to get the asphalt aged so that it races well. That asphalt at Atlanta gives the track character and makes for multiple lanes. We all love it.”

0 1 4

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

December 3 - 12

GET YOUR ROOM & TICKET PACKAGES! BoydGaming.com /NFR or 866-321-0703

ENTER TO WIN A 2020 NFR VIP TRIP ROUND TRIP AIRFARE

COMPLIMENTARY HOTEL STAY TWO GOLD BUCKLE TICKETS TO OPENING PERFORMANCE

TWO OFFICIAL 2020 BOYD GAMING VESTS

Visit Website for Rules

SM

5 things to watch

1

A Red-Hot, Justifiably Confident Joey Logano

J

oey Logano will undoubtedly arrive at Atlanta feeling confident this weekend. Not that anyone could blame him. The Team Penske driver is batting a stellar .500 this year, having won two of the season’s first four races, including this past weekend’s event at Phoenix Raceway. While Logano is winless in 13 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Atlanta, is he nonetheless optimistic about his chances in Sunday’s showdown at this rugged 1.54-mile track located in the Atlanta suburbs? “Yeah, I am,” the 2018 series champion said. “We had a really good car in Atlanta last time, was looking like we could have possibly won. The 2 (Brad Keselowski) was leading. We were running him down, then we had a loose wheel. That was the issue of why we didn’t have a good finish there. The speed was there. That’s what I look at going back. Excited to get to Atlanta. I think every driver loves that racetrack.”

0 1 6

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

WHEN YOUR ENGINE DEMANDS GREATNESS.

LISTEN TO IT.

The perfect balance of engine protection and premium performance.

See why FRAM Oil Filters leave the competition in the dust at fram.com.

fram.com

© 2020 Fram Group Operations LLC, 3255 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 Printed in USA

Fearless Predictions

FEARLESS predictions Our panel of content creators from around the NASCAR industry and online community give their picks for this week’s race.

Jared Turner

Eric Estepp

@jared_turner

@ericestepp17

Predicted winner

Predicted winner

Joey Logano

Ryan Blaney

▶▶ He’s batting .500 in four starts this year and is chasing his first Atlanta win. Enough said.

▶▶ I think this is the week Ryan Blaney breaks the streak of bad luck and finally wins.

Rob Tiongson

Jett Kraus

“Danny B”

@RobTiongson

@mdk_yet

@DannyBTalks

Predicted winner

Predicted winner

Predicted winner

Kevin Harvick

Kevin Harvick

Matt DiBenedetto

▶▶ After coming oh-so-close with the win at Phoenix, Kevin Harvick prevails with authority at Atlanta.

▶▶ He’s been one of the best in recent years at Atlanta, and has had a consistent season so far

▶▶ With an impressive start to the season, DiBenedetto’s Penske-aligned car will be good enough to get his first win.

Season Standings Keep track of our team’s picks all season long.

0 1 8

1 0

0

Jared

Eric

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

Rob

0

0

Jett

Danny B

Seal the deal presented by

■■ Jimmie Johnson won for the second time in his career at Bristol in 2017.

Tough Sledding Jimmie Johnson’s Wins at Bristol Have Been Tough to Come By

by Jared turner

T

here have been a number of tracks — among them Dover International Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway — where Jimmie Johnson has made winning look easy at various times throughout his illustrious NASCAR Cup Series career.

That has never been the case, however, at Bristol Motor Speedway, where Johnson has been to Victory Lane only twice in 36 Cup starts. The first of those wins came in the spring of 2010 and the second came in the spring of 2017.

In Johnson’s latter Bristol victory, he led 81 of 500 laps and spent a good portion of the afternoon near the front after starting from the 11th position.

“Personally, to win here and to run that competitive all day means a lot to me,” Johnson said after going to Victory Lane at Bristol in April 2017. “I’ve loved this racetrack from afar, made my first laps here in 2000 in a (NASCAR Xfinity Series) car, and was like, ‘Where am I, what’s going on, how do I get around this racetrack?’

It’s been a journey since 2000 until now.”

0 2 0

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

In both of his Bristol wins, Johnson led less than a fifth of the race but was out front when it mattered most. Although Bristol won’t go down as one of Johnson’s best tracks, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will forever cherish his victories at Thunder Valley, if for no other reason than the fact that they’ve been so hard to come by.

“I know we won here one other time, but I think from a consistency standpoint and competitive standpoint, this is the best we’ve ever been,” a visibly emotional Johnson said after his most recent victory on Bristol’s .533-mile, high-banked concrete surface. “I’ve been looking and trying to figure this place out, and I’ve come here with the identical race car that Jeff Gordon wins with, and I run 15th. That’s where a lot of that emotion came from is more in the personal category and getting that win.”

L A E S K H T I W

T S A F T I FIX

NSOR OF O P S D U PRO

JORDANRSON ANDE NG RACI

? k a e L t n a l CoSohake, Pour & eGaoks in the: L x i F y l t n ze Plug e e n e r a F m 9 Per ad ock / He Ju s t

9 9 9

r Radiato asing C p m u P Water ore Heater C

9 Bl Gasket d a e H 9

s d a e H d ke c a r C s l ks a c e o l S B o s s l A rou old Engine* o P d e k or C & Crac o a Hot

dded t A Silicate e B m n u i a d C o 9 ass / S l g d i ow Tank u fl r q i e l v T O O 9N d to the e d d A e NO 9 Can B NG

ON WORKS EADS

AND MOST FINE RETAILERS

MADE IN THE

G DRAININ

FLUSHI

rks on D3147 wos.

M T S A t ine mee tested to water cooled eng ly t n e d n ll e ep ha s been ind for use wit K-Seal ha plastic and safe hard

UM H ALUMIN

AVAILABLE AT:

NO

USA

kseal.com | info@kseal.com | 888.254.0150

* WARNING/Caution: Take care before opening the cooling system when engine hot as it may be under pressure and could cause injury. Always consult a qualified mechanic before proceeding. If in doubt wait until engine cools or add via overflow tank.

in the hot seat

One hitch fOr all yOur tOwing needs aluminum adjustable interchangeable hitch mounts UT623410

In the Hot seat

Stefan Parsons

6” Drop 2” Receiver

by Rob Tiongson

PLASTIC CASE MODEL

Throughout the NASCAR season Rob Tiongson will interview various drivers in NASCAR. This week, he talks with NASCAR XFINITY and Truck Series racer Stefan Parsons.

6-3/4” Rise

UT623900

UT623411

8” Drop 2” Receiver

8 3/4” Rise

PLASTIC CASE MODEL

UT623911

UT625810

8” Drop 2 1/2” Receiver

8” Rise

PLASTIC CASE MODEL

UT653910

Black Oxide Finish with Stainless Steel Hitch Balls & Locks UT623800

6” Drop 2” Receiver

6-3/4” Rise

Plastic Case Included

■■ XFINITY Series driver Stefan Parsons

▶▶ You come from a huge racing family with your father Phil and your late uncle Benny making names for themselves. How much does it mean to have that legacy continue with your contribution on the track?

“Oh, it’s really cool. NASCAR is a family sport and it always has been.

So, to continue the family legacy is really special to me. I grew up around the sport with my uncle and my dad, and this is all I’ve ever wanted to do.

So, to not only be doing it, but to do what I’ve been wanting to do since I was little and what I saw my dad do, and what I saw my uncle do, is ...

I honestly am bad at describing it because I don’t think words can do it justice how special it is. And, it’s nice, it’s really special to have the family name, but I also want to make a name for myself and be known for my contributions and for my achievements, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Scan to view our products on youtube

Patented Product only available through uriah Products® contact us for more information Uriah Products® www.alumatow.com | 800.545.9633

0 2 2

▶▶ What’s been the best advice that either your uncle or father has given you whether with racing or real life?

“I’d say, just be thankful and always reminding yourself how long you’ve wanted to be here. And the fact that you’re actually here and you’re in this environment. Not only are you at this place in the situation in the garage but you’re driving, you’re doing something that a lot of people only get to dream of, they don’t get to do. Putting it all in perspective and remembering where you came from is probably the most important thing I think.”

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

THE BEAST HAS ARRIVED XOR and you know it means One look at the 2020 RO e gressive grille, and 5:38 axl business. A new, more ag ils. tra the of a monster on ratio makes it even more , r, thanks to its steel body eve as Durable and capable bo tur dra hin L 4-cylinder Ma boxed steel frame and 2.5 20 ROXOR is truly a 20 diesel engine. The new er. side-by-side unlike any oth

$16,599

FIND YOUR DEALER AT ROXOROFFROAD.COM Š2020 Mahindra Vehicle Sales and Service, Inc. All rights reserved. ROXOR is a registered trademark owned by Mahindra Vehicle Sales and Service, Inc. *Starting price on 2020 base model (not shown) is MSRP $16,599 USD; tax, title, dealer charges, freight/delivery and registration fees extra.

crew member profile

On Track to Succeed Prevette Uses Past Athleticism in NASCAR

by Ben white

J

ustin Prevette, front tire changer for Team Penske and driver Brad Kelesowski, saw his first Cup Series race while visiting with friends in Charlotte, N.C., 10 years ago.

“That was in 2010, I believe,” Prevette said. “I went to Charlotte Motor Speedway with some college friends. My father watched NASCAR. I would watch on occasion but didn’t know anything about it like I do now.”

Prevette graduated from UNC Wilmington after studying health and physical education after excelling in track and field competition.

He completed his post-graduate studies at Baylor University where he studied exercise physiology.

While at Baylor, Prevette taught classes and coached track and field.

After applying for various jobs, he entered a brand new world of athletics he wasn’t counting on with Chip Ganassi Racing.

“I went to apply for a strength conditioning job,” Prevette said. “They brought me in and asked, ‘Hey, how would you like to try out for a pit crew position?’ I had a tryout and that’s when I started. That was in 2012.”

Prevette has been involved in countless pit stops since joining Team Penske in 2016.

“When you first come in and try to do it you’re a lot more nervous,” Prevette said. “Now with years of experience, I go back to my anchor. You really mess up when you try to do too much. So I have a cue or two that I rely on to tell me to really get down on that right front to do what I’m supposed to. It takes all five people (over the wall) to make it a successful pit stop. It really all comes down to who can be the fastest off pit road.

I think the flow feels slower with any type of sport while you’re doing it. When you overthink things it can be a little hectic. When it feels good and feels easy is when you’re doing your best. - Justin Prevette 0 2 4

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

■■ Justin Prevette, front tire changer for Team Penske

EXTRA LAPS WITH Justin Prevette RELATIONSHIP: Single HOMETOWN: Lexington, N.C. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: the beach FAVORITE HOLIDAY: Halloween FAVORITE SEASON: Summer FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Office FAVORITE MOVIE: Tombstone FAVORITE MUSIC: Outlaw Country

mr.steak THE MAN - THE LEGEND - THE STEAKS

®

SteakhouSe Quality MeatS Mr. Steak’s ranch to table steaks and burgers are hand-selected, hand-cut, and delivered directly to your door from local midwestern ranchers. Mr. Steak’s goal is to bring steakhouse quality meats to your home by offering the same USDA Prime and Choice steaks sold at many of the finest steakhouses in America, featuring no additives, humanely raised, and with a focus on sustainability. For every box sold, Mr. Steak donates a meal to hungry families in our community.

Pre-order now and receive free craft burgerS with your firSt box • www.MrSteak.coM/racing

THE ONLY CHARGER FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES

Manufactured and Serviced in the USA

INTELI-POWER® PD9100L Series Designed to meet the stringent voltages required for properly charging & maintaining lithium ion batteries NOW OFFERING: PDI PLUS Extended Lifetime Warranty

Learn More: www.progressivedyn.com | (269) 781-4241

By the Number

3

BY THE NUMBER

Car no.

by K eith Waltz

D

ue to its long and successful association with racing legend Dale Earnhardt, No. 3 is one of the most storied and beloved car numbers in the history of NASCAR Cup Series racing.

Richard Childress Racing has been the caretaker of No. 3 since the 1976 season and it was with RCR that Earnhardt recorded 67 of his 76 Cup Series victories and claimed six of his seven series championships.

Following Earnhardt’s fatal crash in the 2001 Daytona 500, team owner Richard

■■ 2019 – Austin Dillon at Charlotte (Getty Images photo)

0 2 6

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

■■ 2019 – Richard Childress driving the #3 that Dale Earnhardt made famous at Talladega (Getty Images photo)

Childress chose not to use the number.

It returned to the track in 2014 when Childress’ grandson, Austin Dillon, was promoted to the team’s roster of NASCAR Cup Series drivers.

Overall statistics show that cars carrying No. 3 in the NASCAR Cup Series have been to Victory Lane 99 times and have logged 645 top-10 finishes in nearly 1,360 starts.

Bill Snowden was the first to use No. 3 when he wheeled a 1949 Chevrolet owned

by Al Wagoner to a fourth-place finish in the Aug. 7, 1949, race at Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsboro, North Carolina.

The most recent triumph for car No. 3 came when Dillon topped the 2018 Daytona 500.

In addition to Earnhardt, the list of drivers who have won multiple races in car No. 3 includes Dillon, Ricky Rudd, Buddy Baker, Junior Johnson, Paul Goldsmith, David Pearson, Dick Rathmann and Buck Baker.

PREMIUM QUALITY

AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS WITH...

THE

POWER

TO PROTECT No. 105 Motor Assembly Grease

• The “Original” Prelube for Installed Engine Parts.

• Prevents “Dry Start” During Initial Start Up. • Trusted By Top Engine Builders For Decades.

Chain & Cable Fluid - Penetrating Oil

• A Superior, Non-Gumming Penetrating Oil. • For Chains, Cables, Tools and General Lubrication.

• Loosens Rusty Nuts & Bolts. Also For Metalworking.

Spray Lube `A´ White Lithium Grease

• Sprays Like a Fluid, Congeals To A Grease.

• For Locks, Latches, Hinges, Battery Terminals and More.

• Creamy White Color - Correct For Classic Show Cars.

Gear Shield Extra Heavy

• Heavy-Duty, Extreme Pressure Spray Lubricant.

• For Gears, Pins, Bushings and Jack Screws.

• Excellent Fifth Wheel Lubricant for Trucks.

Biodegradable Penetrating Oil

• ECO-Friendly, Bio-Based, Multi-Purpose Lubricating Oil. • For Tools, Locks, Latches and General Lubrication.

• Displaces Moisture and Will Deliver a “Wet Start.”

SYNXTREME HD-2 Grease

• 100% Synthetic, Calcium Sulfonate Complex Formula.

• NLGI GC-LB Certified Wheel Bearing & Chassis Lube.

Visit Our Online Webstore At: www.lubriplate.com Also Available At:

Newark, NJ 07105 / Toledo, OH 43605 / 800-733-4755 LubeXpert@lubriplate.com / www.lubriplate.com

for store locations CARQUEST.com

NASCAR Health

Precautions to Decrease Risk of Coronavirus Motorsports Safety Group is a collaboration of innovators who are determined to improve the safety of racing. Like most medical professionals, the doctors with MSG are focused on limiting the risk of coronavirus.

Acknowledged as one of the country’s leading neurosurgeons, Dr. Jason Cormier has helped MSG provide a comprehensive, grassroots marketing campaign focused on preventative health care education and wellness training. Dr. Cormier’s work with MSG ties together his passion for racing with his professional expertise.

0 2 8

For the April/May edition of NASCAR Pole Position, Dr. Cormier shared some preventative measures people can take to decrease the risk of spreading the coronavirus. ▶▶ How do you think the coronavirus will affect NASCAR? “The drivers range in age from 15 to 54. They’re

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

relatively healthy otherwise, but when you talk about the wear and tear on the body during a race, when they’re losing 2,000 or 3,000 calories, it certainly puts them in a situation where their immune system won’t function at its best. The body can become vulnerable to opportunistic organisms. Hydration and nutrition is so important, as is making sure to keep their bodies in tip-top shape before they even get around the circuit.” ▶▶ What preventative measures can fans take before heading to the track races?

“At this point, I don’t feel that fans should avoid racing events, but this could change.

I would encourage all fans to follow the latest updates from the CDC, FDA and your

local outlets. If people are sick, don’t go near them until they come out of it. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. In these times, it’s important to pay attention to how much we touch our eyes, noses and mouths. Stay home if you’re under the weather. If you really want to see a race, you can probably watch it on TV so that you’re not exposing yourself to the outdoors. Some people cough and sneeze and don’t cover up. It’s very important to cover your nose, mouth and face whenever you sneeze.

Keep tissues on hand. Once you’re done with the tissue, throw it in a garbage can. Keep disinfectants and anti-bacterial oils that you can put on your hands, something that kills viruses. That’s good to have every day.

“Clean and disinfect things you frequently touch. Use a cleaning spray with Klorox to disinfect surfaces. The same goes for an ice

chest, mobile homes and RVs. Make sure to clean them daily. Wipe down doors daily.” ▶▶ Do you recommend people wear face masks?

“People don’t have to wear face masks everywhere they go. The CDC doesn’t recommend that. Those should be worn by those who show symptoms to help prevent the spread. If you’re a healthcare worker or care-taker, then it’s probably appropriate.

Other than that, if you’re above the age of 60, it might be a good idea to have it. That’s the opportunistic demographic.

“Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after you use the restroom or before eating. Use soaps and detergents with an antibacterial base. If that’s not available, use one with at least 60 percent alcohol.”

What Are the Symptoms?

Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, fever and shortness of breath. Those typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

“Symptoms are similar to the normal flu,” Cormier said.

“You could think you have the flu. The most important thing to do when you start having symptoms is to avoid contact

with other people. That’s when it’s most appropriate to put on a mask.”

Cormier also recommended people who feel they may have contracted the virus to call ahead to the hospital so that the staff can prepare for the patient.

“It’s something they’ll want to pay attention to,” Cormier said. “Make sure they know what your symptoms are.”

0 2 9

NASCAR Release

NASCAR’s Statement

on Atlanta and Miami-Homestead NASCAR Statement:

A

t this time, NASCAR will hold its race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway and HomesteadMiami Speedway without fans in attendance. These events will be restricted to competitors, crews, officials and other necessary personnel to conduct the race. We will work with public health officials as we determine future scheduling beyond these events.

Atlanta and Miami will run without fans 0 3 0

Only competitors and crews allowed

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

No word on events in the weeks after

community creator: Danny B

Youtube

/Danny B Talks

twitter

@DannyBTalks

instagram

@danielbaldwin17

patreon

/DannyBTalks

The NASCAR Documentary We Never Got to See This week YouTuber Danny B brings us another of his video essays exploring some of the more obscure and forgotten pieces of NASCAR history. Last time he told us about NASCAR’s ill fated Saturday morning cartoon, and this week he takes a look at the NASCAR Documentary we never got.

Morgan Spurlock is a filmmaker who rose to prominence in the early 2000’s with his hit Super Size Me and Where in the World is 0 3 2

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

Osama Bin Laden? Apparently Spurlock is also a lifelong NASCAR fan, and sometime in the early 2010’s, he was set to turn this fandom into a full length feature documentary.

But unfortunately, the perils of “development hell” are real, and the project devolved into bitterness and lawsuits.

Check out Danny B’s latest essay to find out the whole story of the NASCAR Movie we never got.

SUBSCRIBE TO NASCAR POLE POSITION

FIVE EDITIONS +BONUS GIFT $29.95 PLUS SHIPPING & HANDLING FIVE EDITIONS PLUS A SEASON PREVIEW MAGAZINE

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY

NPP20 Subscrip 0405 HALF Ad.indd 1

2/27/2020 12:46:47 PM

Snakeskin-PolePos-ColAd.qxp_Layout 1 1/27/20 10:58 AM Page 1

Driver q&A

Stacking the Deck Natalie Decker ready to grow with Niece

By:

BLACK

MAMBA

TOUGHEST GLOVES ON THE MARKET Long lasting for tough jobs that need tough gloves and ultimate protection.

3 times chemical protection of latex or vinyl gloves!

NEW! Snakeskin 7 mil Enhanced Grip Nitrile

Black Mamba 6.25 mil Tough Black Nitrile

Orange Mamba 6.0 mil Hi-Viz Orange Nitrile

ProBlu Mamba 14 mil HD Long Blue Latex

Mamba Torque 6.25/10.25 Raised Torque Grips

Waterproof Detail Gloves Ideal for Auto Detailing and General MechanicWork

For samples or to find a dealer in your area, please visit: BLACKMAMBAGLOVES.COM

0 3 4

BY Joseph wolkin

Change can be a good thing.

For Natalie Decker, she’s hoping that a chance will be the start of a long NASCAR career. The Wisconsin native moved to Niece Motorsports, starting the year off with a fifth-place finish at Daytona.

Now, she’s hungry for more.

■■ Natalie Decker, Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series driver

▶▶ How excited are you to grow with Niece Motorsports?

“I’m so ready and so excited to grow and learn with my No. 44 team at Niece. The year started off so well in Daytona. I’m really enjoying learning and working with everyone at Niece Motorsports.” ▶▶ How can you learn from teammates like Ross Chastain, Ryan Truex and Ty Majeski?

“When we were in the offseason, looking for a team, we were very drawn to Niece for many reasons. One of the top reasons was having teammates like Ross, Ryan and Ty. To be able to learn and communicate every race weekend with teammates like that is priceless.” ▶▶ What are your expectations for this season?

“My only expectation I have for myself is every time I’m at the track, I give my 100 percent no matter what the situation is.” ▶▶ What do you feel your greatest strength is on the track?

“One of my strengths I have had since I started racing is to be strong on long runs and to be consistent.”

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

Experience security and peace of mind with the Honda EG2800i Inverter Generator. It provides quiet power, long run times, and a 30A receptacle for easy connection to a transfer switch. And at only 67 lbs., it’s trusted, portable home backup and DIY power where you need it, when you need it—for your home, and life. Find out more at gen.honda.com.

Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in an enclosed or partially enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide.

Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. Specifications subject to change without notice. © 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Owner spotlight

In Search of the Elusive Victory Yarborough’s Time as a Team Owner Challenging

by Ben white

owner: Cale Yarborough Team: Cale Yarborough Motorsports Manufacturer: Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Ford Cup series Driver: Cale Yarborough, John Andretti, Jeremy Mayfield, Lake Speed, Dick Trickle

0 3 6

D

uring his 25-year driving career, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Cale Yarborough was known as one of the most fierce and determined competitors in the sport’s 71-year history. The native of Timmonsville, S.C., logged 83 career victories from 1965 through 1985 while with some of the sport’s most prophetic teams.

He would eventually come to realize his 14-year tenure as a team owner would not come close to the success he enjoyed as a driver.

After leaving team owner Harry Ranier at the end of the 1985 season, Yarborough decided to try his hand at team ownership while also serving as driver of his own Cale Yarborough Motorsports Oldsmobiles. In 1986, Jack Beebe sold his Cup Series team to Yarborough with the idea to continue driving part-time, having done so since 1981.

During the 1988 season, Yarborough shared driving duties with rising star Dale Jarrett, a future Cup Series champion. When Yarborough announced his retirement from driving at the end of the

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

1988 season, Jarrett was named the full-time driver for 1989, and posted two top-five finishes and finished 24th in points.

In 1990, Jarrett was replaced by Dick Trickle for the full 29-race Cup Series schedule, resulting in only two top-fives and four top-10s in 29 starts. Trickle returned for four races in 1991 but left the team, handing driving duties over to Lake Speed, Dorsey Schroeder, Chuck Bown and Randy LaJoie.

Jimmy Hensley, Bobby Hillin Jr. and Chad Little raced for Yarborough in 1992 with Hensley entering 22 of the season’s 29 races. From 1993 through 1999, Derrike Cope, Jeremy Mayfield, John Andretti, Rich Bickel, Greg Sacks and Rick Mast were hired for Yarborough’s Fords.

Among them, Andretti gave Yarborough his lone trip to victory lane as a team owner at Daytona International Speedway in 1997. Andretti, the nephew of Mario Andretti, led 113 of 160 laps before taking his lone Cup Series win.

Andretti passed away on Jan. 30, 2020 after a lengthy battle

with colon cancer.

■■ NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough During the 1998 season, Bickel and Sacks entered the full schedule with Bickel running the majority of the races. In 1999, Mast entered the full 34-race season to complete Yarborough’s final year as a team owner. Mast logged two top-10s and completed every race without a single crash or mechanical failure.

In January 2000, Yarborough talked with various parties interested in buying the team but finances to close the deal often fell through. Yarborough eventually elected to close the team for good.

“I enjoyed a lot of success as a driver in other people’s cars,” Yarborouh said during his 2012 induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “After I got through with Harry Ranier, I formed my own team like Harry did and Buddy (Baker) did and a lot of us did, and I’ll tell you, that was a big mistake. I drove part-time and I had different drivers and I got Dale Jarrett started.

“I could win in everybody else’s car but never did win in my car.”

0 3 7

2020 schedule and results

Nascar cup series

schedule & Results date location

Dual-Action Topical Analgesic Cream Provides penetrating, fast pain relief from:

Arthritis Sore Muscles Back Pain

Low Price Available at:

Wal-Mart, HEB, Local drugstores & buy “online”

www.Thera-gesic.com Copyright © 2020 MainPointe Pharmaceuticals, LLC. All rights reserved.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

0 3 8

Sunday, Feb. 9 Thursday, Feb. 13 Sunday, Feb. 16 Sunday, Feb. 23 Sunday, March 1 Sunday, March 8 Sunday, March 15 Sunday, March 22 Sunday, March 29 Sunday, April 5 Sunday, April 19 Sunday, April 26 Sunday, May 3 Saturday, May 9 Saturday, May 16 Sunday, May 24 Sunday, May 31 Sunday, June 7 Sunday, June 14 Sunday, June 21 Saturday, June 27 Sunday, June 28 Sunday, July 5 Saturday, July 11 Sunday, July 19 Sunday, Aug. 9 Sunday, Aug. 16 Sunday, Aug. 23 Saturday, Aug. 29 Sunday, Sept. 6 Saturday, Sept. 12 Saturday, Sept. 19 Sunday, Sept. 27 Sunday, Oct. 4 Sunday, Oct. 11 Sunday, Oct. 18 Sunday, Oct. 25 Sunday, Nov. 1 Sunday, Nov. 8

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

The Clash Duels at Daytona Daytona 500 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Auto Club Speedway ISM Raceway Atlanta Motor Speedway Homestead-Miami Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Richmond Raceway Talladega Superspeedway Dover International Speedway Martinsville Speedway All-Star Race at Charlotte Charlotte Motor Speedway Kansas Speedway Michigan International Speedway Sonoma Raceway Chicagoland Speedway Pocono Raceway Pocono Raceway Indianapolis Motor Speedway Kentucky Speedway New Hampshire Motor Speedway Michigan International Speedway Watkins Glen International Dover International Speedway Daytona International Speedway Darlington Raceway Richmond Raceway Bristol Motor Speedway Las Vegas Motor Speedway Talladega Superspeedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Kansas Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Martinsville Speedway ISM Raceway

winner

Erik jones Joey logano, William Byron Denny hamlin Joey logano Alex bowman Joey Logano

RACE THROUGH * HEARTBURN Starts neutralizing acid in seconds

Available at Use as directed. *with headache or body aches and pains

©2020 Bayer

2020 schedule and results

Xfinity series

schedule & results

START RUN STORE

date location

Saturday, Feb. 15 Saturday, Feb. 22 Saturday, Feb. 29 Saturday, March 7 Saturday, March 14 Saturday, March 21 Saturday, March 28 Saturday, April 4 Saturday, April 25 Saturday, May 2 Saturday, May 23 Saturday, May 30 Saturday, June 6 Saturday, June 13 Saturday, June 20 Sunday, June 28 Saturday, July 4 Friday, July 10 Saturday, July 18 Saturday, Aug. 1 Saturday, Aug. 8 Saturday, Aug. 15 Saturday, Aug. 22 Friday, Aug. 28 Saturday, Sept. 5 Friday, Sept. 11 Friday, Sept. 18 Saturday, Sept. 26 Saturday, Oct. 10 Saturday, Oct. 17 Saturday, Oct. 24 Saturday, Oct. 31 Saturday, Nov. 7

Start up with ease every time Store with confidence between use Run faster, cleaner, smoother

WWW.STARTRON.COM PROTECTION

0 4 0

020 Ad COL.indd 1

+ PERFORMANCE

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020 1/9/20 5:03 PM

Daytona International Speedway Las Vegas Motor Speedway Auto Club Speedway ISM Raceway Atlanta Motor Speedway Homestead-Miami Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Talladega Superspeedway Dover International Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Mid-Ohio Michigan International Speedway Iowa Speedway Chicagoland Speedway Pocono Raceway Indianapolis Motor Speedway Kentucky Speedway New Hampshire Motor Speedway Iowa Speedway Road America Watkins Glen International Dover International Speedway Daytona International Speedway Darlington Raceway Richmond Raceway Bristol Motor Speedway Las Vegas Motor Speedway Charlotte Roval Kansas Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Martinsville Speedway ISM Raceway

winner

Noah Gragson Chase Briscoe Harrison Burton Brandon Jones

•

W

gander outdoors truck series

schedule & results date location

Friday, Feb. 14 Friday, Feb. 21 Saturday, March 14 Friday, March 20 Friday, March 27 Saturday, April 18 Friday, May 1 Friday, May 15 Saturday, May 30 Friday, June 5 Friday, June 12 Friday, June 19 Saturday, June 27 Thursday, July 9 Thursday, July 30 Saturday, Aug. 8 Friday, Aug. 21 Sunday, Sept. 6 Thursday, Sept. 17 Friday, Sept. 25 Saturday, Oct. 3 Friday, Oct. 30 Friday, Nov. 6

Daytona International Speedway Las Vegas Motor Speedway Atlanta Motor Speedway Homestead-Miami Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Richmond Raceway Dover International Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Kansas Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Iowa Speedway Chicagoland Speedway Pocono Raceway Kentucky Speedway Eldora Speedway Michigan International Speedway Gateway Motorsports Park Canadian Tire Motorsports Park Bristol Motor Speedway Las Vegas Motor Speedway Talladega Superspeedway Martinsville Speedway ISM Raceway

winner

Grant Enfinger Kyle Busch

Engage Your Freedom!

• All Pistols, Pistol Frames, & Accessories are designed and manufactured in U.S.A. • Next Generation Ergonomics & Features • Stainless Steel Slides & Barrels • Perfect for Every Day Carry!

Visit Us

www.Polymer80.com Save 20% by using Coupon Code:

NASCAR

0 4 1

2020 schedule and results

Arca Menards series Date Track

2/8/20 3/6/20 4/19/20 4/24/20 5/22/20 5/29/20 6/5/20 6/18/20 6/25/20 7/3/20 7/11/20 7/17/20 8/1/20 8/7/20 8/14/20 8/23/20 9/5/20 9/17/20 9/26/20 10/16/20

winner

Daytona Int. Speedway Michael Self ISM Raceway Chandler Smith Salem Speedway Talladega Superspeedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Michigan Int. Speedway Chicagoland Speedway Pocono Raceway Lucas Oil Raceway Elko Speedway Iowa Speedway WWT Raceway at Gateway Madison Int’l Speedway Watkins Glen International Illinois State Fairgrounds DuQuoin State Fairgrounds Bristol Motor Speedway Memphis International Raceway Kansas Speedway

Pinty’s series Date Track

5/17/20 6/6/20 6/27/20 7/4/20 7/10/20 7/25/20 7/29/20 7/29/20 8/9/20 8/18/20 9/6/20 9/12/20 9/26/20

0 4 2

winner

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park Jukasa Motor Speedway Autodrome Chaudiere Sunset Speedway Exhibition Place Edmonton International Wyant Group Raceway Wyant Group Raceway Circuit Trois-Rivieres Ohsweken Speedway Canadian Tire Motorsports Park Circuit ICAR Jukasa Motor Speedway

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

East Date Track

2/10/20 3/14/20 4/4/20 5/16/20 7/25/20 8/21/20 9/12/20

winner

New Smyrna Speedway Sam Mayer Five Flags Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Toledo Speedway Berlin Raceway Dover International Speedway New Hampshire Motor Speedway

West Date Track

2/20/20 3/28/20 5/16/20 6/6/20 6/13/20 8/8/20 8/29/20 10/10/20 10/24/20 11/6/20

winner

Daytona Int.Speedway Sam mayer ISM Raceway Salem Speedway Talladega Superspeedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Michigan Int.Speedway Chicagoland Speedway Pocono Raceway Lucas Oil Raceway

Whelen modified tour Date Track

3/21/20 4/5/20 4/26/20 5/8/20 5/23/20 6/6/20 6/20/20 7/11/20 7/18/20 7/31/20 8/7/20 8/19/20 9/5/20 9/12/20 9/19/20 9/27/20 10/11/20

winner

South Boston Speedway Thompson Speedway Stafford Motor Speedway Martinsville Speedway Jennerstown Speedway Seekonk Speedway Riverhead Raceway Wall Stadium Speedway New Hampshire Motor Speedway Iowa Speedway Stafford Motor Speedway Thompson Speedway Oswego Speedway New Hampshire Motor Speedway Riverhead Raceway Stafford Motor Speedway Thompson Speedway

Whelen Euro series Date Track

4/25/20 4/26/20 6/6/20 6/7/20 6/20/20 6/21/20 7/11/20 7/12/20

9/12/20 9/13/20 10/3/20 10/4/20 10/17/20 10/18/20

winner

Valencia Valencia Brands Hatch Brands Hatch Most Most Venray (oval) Venray (oval) Playoffs (double points)

Vallelunga Vallelunga Zolder Zolder Hockenheim Hockenheim

Peak Mexico Series Date Track

3/29/20

Autódromo del Ecocentro

4/26/20

Autodrómo Monterrey

5/17/20

Súper Óvalo Chiapas

6/7/20

Super Ovalo Potosino

6/28/20

Trióvalo Internacional

7/19/20

Autódromo Miguel E. Abed

8/2/20

Autódromo Internacional

8/23/20

Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

9/20/20

Autódromo del Ecocentro

winner

10/11/20 Super Ovalo Potosino 11/8/20

Autódromo Internacional

11/29/20 Autódromo Miguel E. Abed

Whelen All-American Date Track

3/21/20 4/5/20 4/26/20 5/8/20 5/23/20 6/6/20 6/20/20 7/11/20 7/18/20 7/31/20 8/7/20 8/19/20 9/5/20 9/12/20 9/19/20 9/27/20 10/11/20

winner

South Boston Speedway Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Stafford Motor Speedway Martinsville Speedway Jennerstown Speedway Seekonk Speedway Riverhead Raceway Wall Stadium Speedway New Hampshire Motor Speedway Iowa Speedway Stafford Motor Speedway Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Oswego Speedway New Hampshire Motor Speedway Riverhead Raceway Stafford Motor Speedway Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park

0 4 3

credits

ROAR! WEEKLY RACE MAGAZINE 11880 28TH ST. N, SUITE 101 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716 PHONE: (727) 209-0792 FAX: (727) 209-1776 ROAR! SITE: polepositionMAG.COM CORPORATE: AE-ENGINE.COM EMAIL: ROAR@AE-ENGINE.COM

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT

PUBLISHER: CRAIG BARONCELLI EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: DAVID WATSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTS: DAYNE MAASDORP VICE PRESIDENT, MOTORSPORTS: CHRIS VITA SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: PETER GILCHRIEST, JOHN GALLUP, justin hand, Mark Morales office manager: dennis fasone

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

ART DIRECTOR: JASON TEDESCHI GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joe Rabuck director, digital: NICOLE COOPER director, digital content: josh mull MANAGING EDITOR: DAN GUTTENPLAN contributors: JARED TURNER, BEN WHITE, JOSEPH WOLKIN , Keith waltz, Rob Tiongson A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POSTPUBLISHING CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED.

available now: Atlanta Magazine Subscription polepositionmag.com updates & posters Twitter @nppmag FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION

0 4 4

Atlanta Preview: Mar. 12, 2020

SUBSCRIPTIONS: YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE AT POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM. SALES INQUIRIES: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN ROAR! WEEKLY RACE MAGAZINE, OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID WATSON AT (727) 209-0789, OR DKW@AE-ENGINE.COM.