ROAR! - Weekly Racing Magazine - April 13, 2020

PRESENTED BY

workarmor.com

IN THE INDYCAR HOT SEAT WITH DALE JR.

THE JEFF GORDON OF HER GENERATION THE MOST UNDERRATED DRIVERS IN NASCAR

OUT OF THE GROOVE WHEN THEY LOST CONTROL OF DEGA

GYMSHORTS LEAD SINGER SARAH GREENWELL DISHES ON VIRAL VIDEO

MEMORY LANE JEFF GORDON TAKES HOME NO. 50

JUST SAYIN’ FIGURE OUT THE NEW CALENDAR

AVAILABLE NOW: RICHMOND

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

THE CONTROVERSIAL FINISH AT DEGA 2015 In this week’s episode of Out of the Groove, host and creator Eric Estepp brings us a different kind of show than we typically see.

With 2020 having been off to an incredible start before the season suspension, and many changes to the sport over the last 18 months, Eric uses this as a jumping off point to explore the recent history of NASCAR. At the end of the 2015 season, at the Camping World 500 at Talladega 0 0 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: DATE

Superspeedway, the last few laps of the race led to one of the most controversial finishes in recent memory. This was the time when fans believed that NASCAR had “lost control of the race,” a dark time for the sport.

So what caused all the controversy that led to this black mark on the governing body’s reputation, at least with the fans in the audience?

Watch the latest episode of Out of the Groove as Eric takes you through all the gritty details.

PROTECT YOUR RACING INVESTMENTS WITH

THE HIGHEST QUALITY TRUCK HITCHES ON THE MARKET Our TORSION-FLEX Technology gives the user both power and control over adverse road conditions by isolating truck and trailer. It ensures cargo is delivered safely and smooth.

The combination of control, safety and a smoother ride creates the ultimate towing experience to the racetrack.

RACING & MOTORHOME HITCH With a specific flatplate that will slide in on a C-channel on the Super C hitch, this is ideal for towing race haulers or motor homes.

GOOSENECK COUPLERS GEN-Y’s Gooseneck Couplers range in tongue weight and go up to 30,000 LB towing capacity. The Torsion-Flex coupler is the best hitch for ultimate control & performance.

DROP HITCHES Our Boss Adjustable Drop Hitches start at 10,000 LB towing capacity and go up to 21,000 LB towing capacity. The Torsion-Flex Drop Hitch is the best hitch for ultimate control and safety while towing any bumper style trailer on the market including pintle style couplings.

PIN BOXES

The Executive pin boxes are available in 2 different styles. The King Pin allows you to connect to the 5th wheel hitch, while the 5th to Goose conversion style frees up your truck bed

sales@genyhitch.com | (574) 218-6363

www.genyhitch.com

workarmor.com

TOP 4 MOST UNDERRATED CUP SERIES DRIVERS

TOP

4

MOST UNDERRATED CUP SERIES DRIVERS Some NASCAR Cup Series drivers are deservingly the focus of much attention from fans, media outlets and track promoters alike. Others drivers, despite not delivering the results on the track to back it up, somehow manage to garner similar accolades from the same groups. Then there are those drivers who consistently perform at a high level and in many cases overachieve but tend to more often be ignored or have their talents and potential overlooked. Following is a list of the four most underrated drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series today.

BY JA RED TURNER

0 0 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

workarmor.com

TOP 4 MOST UNDERRATED CUP SERIES DRIVERS

4

RYAN NEWMAN

W

hile the inclusion of a veteran with as much premier series experience and notoriety as Ryan Newman might seem like an odd fit for this list, it’s important to consider a couple of things. No. 1 is that many people seem to forget that Newman came as close to winning a championship — without actually winning it — as one possibly can, when he finished as the championship runner-up to Kevin Harvick by a single point in 2014. No. 2 is the fact that Newman is rarely mentioned in the discussion of “championship contenders” despite having competed for several of the sport’s top teams and won the sport’s biggest race when he captured the 2008 Daytona 500. When Newman walked away mostly unscathed from a horrific crash on the final lap of this year’s Daytona 500, the outpouring of prayers and support he received in the hours, days and weeks that followed served as a reminder of just how much influence he actually wields in the sport.

0 0 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

ALL honorably discharged Veterans are eligible to shop their military exchanges online, tax-free for life.

This benefit saves Veterans money and helps the military community by generating earnings in support of critical Quality-of-Life programs.

The Department of Defense expanded in-store military exchange and commissary shopping privileges as well as MWR resale facility use to ALL: • • • •

Veterans with service-connected disabilities Purple Heart recipients Former Prisoners of War Primary registered caregivers

Scan here to visit our Veteran page

Learn more about these benefits at shopmyexchange.com/vets

workarmor.com

TOP 4 MOST UNDERRATED CUP SERIES DRIVERS

3

TYLER REDDICK

A

s the two-time and reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, Tyler Reddick — one might assume — entered his rookie NASCAR Cup Series season as the undisputed favorite to earn rookie of the year honors in 2020. Not so. Instead, just as much attention has been placed on two of this fellow rookies — Christopher Bell and Cole Custer — despite the fact that Reddick beat both Bell and Custer when racing straight up for the championship in each of the past two years. The lack of buzz surrounding Reddick most likely stems from him competing for an organization in Richard Childress Racing that has made only infrequent trips to Victory Lane at the Cup level in recent years.

That being so, it would still be a huge mistake to sleep on Reddick, who simply needs to prove that he can be as successful with RCR at the Cup level as he was at the Xfinity level a season ago.

0 1 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

workarmor.com

TOP 4 MOST UNDERRATED CUP SERIES DRIVERS

2

ALEX BOWMAN

W

hen Alex Bowman was tabbed by team owner Rick Hendrick as a substitute driver for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2016, the Tucson, Arizona native was a largely unknown commodity.

While Bowman’s stock has since risen significantly, it’s fair to say that he is still competing somewhat in the shadow of his predecessor in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. That predecessor, of course, was Earnhardt, who was voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver in 15 consecutive seasons leading up to his retirement from full-time racing at the conclusion of the 2017 campaign. Although Bowman has now scored a pair of Cup Series wins, including a win in one of the four races held this season before the sport’s current sabbatical, the young driver still seems to sort of be searching for his own identity — especially when considering that one of his Hendrick teammates, Chase Elliott — has picked up the mantle of Most Popular Driver in the two seasons since Earnhardt’s departure.

0 1 2

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 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.

workarmor.com

TOP 4 MOST UNDERRATED CUP SERIES DRIVERS

1

MATT DIBENEDETTO

P

rior to the 2019 season, Matt DiBenedetto had recorded only four top-10 finishes in 140 NASCAR Cup Series starts. Since 2019, DiBenedetto has posted eight top-10s — including four top-fives — in 40 starts. The difference? Quite simply: equipment. After spending his first four seasons with backmarker teams that were incapable of producing competitive results on a remotely consistent basis, DiBenedetto joined a Leavine Family Racing organization last season that benefits tremendously from a technical alliance with powerhouse Joe Gibbs Racing. While DiBenedetto was not retained by Leavine Family Racing for the 2020 season, he landed in an arguably even better situation this year with the Wood Brothers Racing organization, which boasts an equally powerful technical alliance with Team Penske. After four races in his new ride, DiBenedetto is ninth in the standings and looks be on his way to a possible berth in the playoffs for the first time. And, for the first time ever, people are starting to notice him.

0 1 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

workarmor.com

JUST SAYIN’ ▶

NASCAR NEEDS TO NAIL DOWN 2020 SCHEDULE

While it’s hard to make concrete plans for virtually anything these days because of all the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn’t change the fact that NASCAR at some point in the near future is going to need to nail down a revised 2020 schedule for its top series if there’s any hope of running all 36 races. INDYCAR recently rolled out an amended schedule, and it’s time for NASCAR to follow suit for the sake of fans, track promoters and teams, who simply can’t afford to wait until the last minute to know what’s happening.

JA RED TURNER ▶ DALE JR. SHOULD MAKE CUT FOR NASCAR HALL OF FAME 2021 CLASS NASCAR recently released its nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Three of them — Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards and Jeff Burton — were particularly notable, as this will be their first time on the ballot. While all three will certainly be inducted at some point, Earnhardt is the only one who seems like a virtual shoe-in for this round. If Earnhardt is enshrined next year, he would certainly be deserving, if for no other reason than his contributions to the sport that go far beyond his on-track accomplishments.

■■ It’s time for NASCAR to announce when racing will resume.

0 1 6

▶ NO IRACING ON EASTER, NO PROBLEM For the first time in several weeks since NASCAR entered its current hiatus that began with the rapid spread of the dreaded coronavirus, drivers took a break from racing altogether this past weekend in recognition of the Easter holiday. Instead of competing in an iRacing event from the comfort of their homes as has become the recent custom, drivers just spent time with their families. Hiatus or no hiatus, the NASCAR season is a long one, and the decision to not schedule an iRacing event on Easter was a good one.

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

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.

workarmor.com

IN THE HOTSEAT

IN THE HOT SEAT

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

BY ROB TIONGSON

Throughout the NASCAR season, Rob Tiongson will interview various drivers in NASCAR. This week, he talks with 2020 NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Dale Earnhardt Jr. ▶ WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS WITH YOUR FIRST INDYCAR RACE? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR DAD WOULD THINK THAT YOU DECIDED TO DO INDYCAR RACING? “I think he’d certainly have a hard time with this, just the sim racing part of it, I guess. That’s what we’re all watching on television, and everyone is enjoying it. You never know, he might have come around to be a big fan of it.

“For me, driving the INDYCAR is just an opportunity to hang out with those guys, get to know Simon Pagenaud, Scott McLaughlin, and all the rest of those guys better. It’s just fun for me to have the opportunity.

“Being a driver in NASCAR, I got a real good idea how those guys are, their lifestyles, how they interact with each other. The fact that they’re from all over the world, where NASCAR, it’s just basically guys from the United States, it’s a smaller bubble. The INDYCAR personalities are just so complex and so different from each other. It’s a lot of fun to hear them interact with each other.” ▶ WITH THE WORLD AND THE COUNTRY GOING THROUGH THIS CRISIS, HOW HELPFUL IS TO SET TIME ASIDE WITH A ROUTINE TO SIM RACE FOR FANS? “It’s great. Just for a moment, you get to forget about everything that’s going on out there. I promise you, during those laps, thinking about fuel, trying to figure out where we’re going to end up, you’re not thinking about all of the sadness and frustration and troubles going on in the world around you.

Hopefully, that’s the same feeling that a lot of people get when they tune in and watch our races on NBCSN. For a minute, things feel good. When it’s over, you snap back into reality, and you start trying to stay healthy and keep up the regimen that you have to stay healthy, wait for this thing to play itself out.”

0 1 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

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

workarmor.com

Q&A

GYMSHORTS LEAD SINGER CLAIMS SHE’S “THE JEFF GORDON OF OUR GENERATION”

START RUN STORE

BY DA N GUT TENPL A N

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

S

arah Greenwell has spent the majority of her professional career on the road. Her band, Gymshorts, is often on tour when they are not observing stay-at-home orders as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Greenwell often performs in a racing jersey while playing a rainbow guitar signed by NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Gordon.

The rest of the world was recently introduced to Greenwell’s love for NASCAR when the video for her band’s latest single, “I’m The Jeff Gordon Of Our Generation”, went viral. Greenwell recently joined us for a Q&A.

▶ HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP WITH THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK? “I’m pretty stressed about the pandemic. Our tour was canceled, and it’s crazy to think no one can play live music right now.”

WWW.STARTRON.COM PROTECTION

0 2 0

20 Ad COL.indd 1

+ PERFORMANCE

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020 1/9/20 5:03 PM

▶ YEAH, IT’S A STRANGE TIME. HOW DID THIS JEFF GORDON SONG COME ABOUT? ARE YOU A BIG NASCAR FAN? “I found this Jeff Gordon guitar online. It’s an electric guitar signed

by Jeff Gordon. I said, ‘This looks

sick, I’m gonna buy it.’ So, I got it.

“A few years later, I was doing all of the driving for my band. When we’re on tour, I’m the only driver. Our tour lasted six weeks, so I drove something like 17,000 miles all across the U.S.” ▶ SO, YOU STARTED TO SEE YOURSELF AS A NASCAR DRIVER IN BETWEEN TOUR STOPS? “The guys in my band would say, ‘She’s the Jeff Gordor of our generation’ as a joke, poking fun. I didn’t know much about NASCAR at first.

I started watching a bunch of documentaries and little clips of NASCAR races. It’s cool.” ▶ WHY ARE YOU THE ONLY DRIVER FOR YOUR BAND? “Years ago, it was my car we toured in. For a few years, ■■ Sarah Greenwell of the band, Gymshorts, wrote a song, “I’m the Jeff Gordon of Our Generation.”

I didn’t want to give anyone else the responsibility. I would get freaked out if anyone else was driving. Maybe it was for insurance purposes. Now, we rent a van, and I sign off for insurance and liability. It’s boring to just sit in a car, so it gives me something to do.” ▶ WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE FACT THAT YOUR VIDEO WENT VIRAL? “The video came out on April 3. That was the date we originally scheduled for the start of our US tour. We were going to start in L.A. We recorded the song last summer and made the video then. It’s been cooped up, just like me right now. It was exciting to finally release it. I really wanted to get Jeff Gordon in the video, but it didn’t happen. I don’t

know how to get in touch with him.” ▶ DID YOU REACH OUT? “His team at Jeff Gordon Chevrolet in Wilmington, N.C., has been super nice and supportive. They think it’s funny, so that’s cool. They told us to stop by if we’re in the area.” ▶ SO, IT SOUNDS LIKE JEFF GORDON IS AWARE OF THE VIDEO? “I don’t know, can you make it happen?” ▶ OH, I THOUGHT YOU WERE SAYING HIS TEAM THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY? “I think it’s just the people at the dealership. If you know how to get in touch with him, let’s get it going. That’d be cool.”

0 2 1

workarmor.com

MEMORY LANE ■■ Jeff Gordon’s pit crew personnel was almost entirely new in 2000.

JEFF GORDON EARNED 50TH CUP SERIES WIN IN DRAMATIC TALLADEGA STYLE

BY ROB TIONGSON

I

n the year 2000, Jeff Gordon and his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team underwent their first tremendous change.

With longtime crew chief Ray Evernham and a bevy of the original “Rainbow Warriors” defecting from the No. 24 DuPont Refinishes team, the only constant presence surrounding Gordon and the Hendrick Motorsports campus was change.

First, Gordon welcomed a new crew chief in Robbie Loomis, a longtime head wrench from Richard Petty’s No. 43 team. As if that wasn’t enough, the No. 24 team had a new batch of pit crew personnel who inherited the unenviable position of succeeding one of the most dynamic over-the-wall crews in stock car history.

Finally, Gordon and the rest of his Bowtie comrades contended with the revised Chevrolet Monte Carlo body, an evolutionary design with a narrower grille opening, wider greenhouse, and a curvy rear spoiler.

After dominating with the radical Monte Carlo body from 1995

0 2 2

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

through ’98, it was clear their competition caught up with them in ’99 as Ford won the Manufacturer’s Championship.

The changes surrounding Gordon and his famed team were somewhat shocking for the 2000 season as it led some to wonder if “The Kid” had what it takes to win races and titles without Evernham and his original pit crew.

Early on, it was evident that Gordon and Loomis needed time to find their rhythm. Not surprisingly, Gordon struggled in the first eight races of the year, managing a 10th at Rockingham, a ninth at Atlanta, pedestrian eighth-place results at Darlington and Bristol, and a fourth at Martinsville. Their middling results saw them rank 12th in the points standings heading into Round 9 of the season.

Early on, the DieHard 500 race weekend kicked off miserably for Gordon as he mustered a 36th-place qualifying effort. Unlike the prior eight races, the then 28-year-old racer expressed

workarmor.com

MEMORY LANE confidence with his team and his car.

On race day, Gordon bided his time with his march to the front. By lap 47, Gordon climbed from his 36th starting spot to seventh. Despite shuffling just outside of the top 10 throughout the race, Gordon’s ride was clearly competitive in race conditions.

Unlike the first eight races of the year, Gordon also had good fortune on his side.

Running fourth behind leader Mark Martin, Jeff Burton and Mike Skinner, Gordon and the lead pack were well ahead of the “Big One” that took out racers like Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Michael Waltrip, Scott Pruett, Robby Gordon, Ken Schrader, Ricky Rudd, Jerry Nadeau, Ed Barrier, Bill Elliott, Dick Trickle, Robert Pressley, Jimmy Spencer, Steve Park, Ted Musgrave and Stacy Compton.

On this day, the then threetime Cup Series champion would not be denied a trip to Victory Lane. In fact, in the final 37 laps, six lead changes but it came down to two of the best racers on this race day – Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon.

Ultimately, Gordon put 0 2 4

the spurs to his ride with six laps to go, taking Martin and Jeremy Mayfield three-wide prior to the dogleg with a daring inside pass.

This time, Gordon took the lead for good, holding off Mike Skinner and Dale Earnhardt Sr. for his 50th Cup Series win on April 16, 2000.

In Victory Lane, Gordon immediately praised his new team during his post-race interview with Dr. Jerry Punch.

“We’ve overcome a lot of things and this team never lost faith in themselves,” Gordon said. “This team, and this crew chief Robbie (Loomis), and Brian Whitesell, these guys just did an awesome job.

“We qualified horribly. But the second we got out there on the racetrack, the DuPont Chevrolet was really good. And I told these guys, ‘If we can stay out of trouble and be real patient, we’ll work our way to the front.’

“And it took a while. I was getting frustrated in the back out there for a while, come up a few spots and go way back. Once I got into the top 10, this thing was just incredibly fast.”

While Gordon and his new “Rainbow Warriors” didn’t win the Cup Series title, managing only two additional wins and a ninthplace points standings result, it was the start of great things in the second chapter of the Californian’s storied Hall of Fame career.

■■ Jeff Gordon won three races in 2000 after his team experienced massive turnover.

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

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

workarmor.com

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

10 0 2 6

CLOSEST FINISHES IN NASCAR HISTORY NASCAR’s premier racing division, the NASCAR Cup Series, has seen many close finishes since the electronic scoring system was instituted in May during the 1993 season. The closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Cup Series is 0.002 seconds.

Prior to the introduction of integrated electronic scoring in May 1993, margins of victory were scored in laps, car lengths, or feet, using handheld stopwatches or analog timing clocks. This occasionally led to controversy, such as occurred in the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959.

Initially, NASCAR declared the race won by Johnny Beauchamp, but many observers felt that Lee Petty had won. It took 61 hours before video evidence established Petty as the winner.

Here’s a list of the 10 closest finishes recorded by electronic scoring.

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

RACE THROUGH * HEARTBURN Starts neutralizing acid in seconds

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

©2020 Bayer

workarmor.com

10 CLOSEST NASCAR DEFINED: FINSHES 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

10 LAST PASS FOR SPENCER. Jimmy Spencer beat Ernie Irvan by 0.008 seconds at Daytona in 1994 on one of those perfect Daytona passes. Irvan led the last couple of laps with Spencer sitting behind him looking for the perfect opportunity to make the pass. On the last lap Spencer saw that opportunity and made the most of it which of course resulted in Spencer winning the race.

0 2 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

CHeCk out tHe CuStom rifle Builder on our weBSite FIMS IS, In every SenSe, a FaMIly buSIneSS. In 2016 FIMS acquired its Class 07 FFL in order to expand into the manufacturing of firearms.

Hiring several engineers, FIMS is now paving the way to make an impact in the defense industry. vISIt uS onlIne at

FIMSFIrearMS.coM @FimsFirearms

Proud SPonSor of

@Fims_Firearms

#98 Chase Briscoe & Stewart-Haas racing

workarmor.com

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

9 A LIFESAVER FOR BLANEY. Ryan Blaney beat Ryan Newman in a door-to-door race to the finish line to win by 0.007 seconds at Talladega in 2019 and advance to the third round of NASCAR’s playoffs.

0 3 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

workarmor.com

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

8 A GAME OF INCHES. Jimmie Johnson nipped Kevin Harvick by 0.006 seconds at the finish line to win the 2010 Gatorade Duel. There were nine drivers in the first race who had to beat each other in order to make the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 starting field.

0 3 2

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

W ORK A RMOR BUILT TO LAST

the last gloves you’ll ever need puncture, tear, flame, abrasion, and cutresistant SAVE 10%. USE CODE ‘VETERAN’ A portion of all proceeds go to the Gary Sinise Foundation

learn more at workarmor.com

workarmor.com

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

7

THE WAY THE CRACKER CRUMBLES. Kevin Harvick was looking to win in only the third race of his NASCAR career at the 2001 Crack Barrel Old Country Store 500 at Atlanta. On top of all that, Harvick was looking to win in Dale Earnhardt’s car, less than a month removed from the passing of the NASCAR legend. He did just that, edging Jeff Gordon by 0.006 seconds.

0 3 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

UP TO 4 YEARS OF PROTECTION IS ONLY 5 MINUTES AWAY.

FRAM Ultra Air provides expectational engine protection in all driving conditions

• Extended protection – blended multi-fiber filter media provides long term durability • Superior dirt holding capacity – Traps and holds smaller dirt and dust particles* • Installs in as few as 5 mins†

* Based on FRAM Group testing of dirt holding capacity of models 4309, 9683 and their FRAM Extra Guard air filter equivalents under ISO-5011 † See vehicles owner manual for proper installation

fram.com

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

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

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

By:

BLACK

MAMBA

TOUGHEST GLOVES ON THE MARKET

6

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 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

NOBODY BEATS BURTON. Jeff Burton crosses the finish line ahead of Clint Bowyer by 0.005 seconds in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Gatorade Duel at Daytona International Speedway in 2011.

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.

workarmor.com

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

100% GENUINE USA Dog Chews • Made in Chicago from USA beef hide • Tougher and thicker • Never contain dangerous chemicals, bacteria, shards or scraps • Dogs love ’em!

MCMURRAY’S MATCHUP. Jamie McMurray crosses the finish line ahead of Kyle Busch by 0.005 seconds to win the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway in 2007.

Go to www.wholesomehide.com for dealers

0 3 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

5

4 THE INTIMIDATOR’S IRE. Dale Earnhardt edged out Ernie Irvan by 0.005 seconds at Talladega in 1993. They produced the closest finish in NASCAR history (at the time).

0 3 9

workarmor.com

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

3

BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH. Mike Skinner held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 0.004 seconds at the 2001 Gatorade Duels at Daytona International Speedway.

0 4 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

workarmor.com

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

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

2 A WELCOME PUSH. Jimmie Johnson crosses the finish line ahead of Clint Bowyer by 0.002 seconds to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway in 2011.

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 4 2

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

workarmor.com

NASCAR DEFINED: 10 CLOSEST FINSHES

1 CRAVING A WIN. Eventual winner Ricky Craven passes Kurt Busch on the final lap of the NASCAR Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 in 2003 at Darlington Raceway. He won by 0.002 seconds.

0 4 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

} } } } } } }

workarmor.com

NASCAR COMMUNITY

REDDIT REACTIONS COMPILED BY ROB TIONGSON r/NASCAR . Submitted by u/smokefan4000

3

Whose side were you on in 2015?

I personally sided with Logano even though I don’t like him that much

It’s incredible how the Joey Logano-Matt Kenseth feud from 2015 garners reaction nearly five years later. Of course, both have moved on from that moment despite both having excellent chances with contending or possibly winning the Cup Series championship. However, both drivers duked it out with each other versus their competition with incidents at Kansas and Talladega leading up to the Mayhem at Martinsville. It appears that with the passage of time, fans sympathized with Logano, the dominant Playoff contender.

r/NASCAR . Posted by u/ SkittleCar1

40

Odd driver/sponsor pairings.

What are some of your driver/sponsor pairings that seemed odd to you?

Off the top of my head, Jamie McMurray and Bass Pro Shops. Jamie doesn’t seem like the type to be fishing out on a lake. And maybe even Budweiser and Kasey Kahne.

SkittleCar1 had many Reddit users considering some of the oddest driver and sponsor pairings in recent NASCAR history. For some reason, Kasey Kahne and Budweiser came up in this case even though the 2004 Cup Series Rookie of the Year piloted the famed beer brand to four of his 18 victories. Then again, Kahne looked about eight years too young under the legal drinking age. Earning honorable mention was Mark Martin and his infamous Viagra ride from 2001 through 2005.

0 4 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

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

SUBSCRIBE TO NASCAR POLE POSITION

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

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY

workarmor.com

NASCAR COMMUNITY r/NASCAR . Posted by u/LilDawg22

151

Carl Edwards joins RaceHub to talk being a nominee for the Hall of Fame | NASCAR ON FOX

While we may never get the real story that led to Carl Edwards’ surprise retirement following the 2016 Cup Series season, the likeable racer was on FOX NASCAR’s RaceHub program last week to discuss his nomination into the Hall of Fame. NASCAR’s Barry Sanders still garners respect with race fans.

r/NASCAR . Posted by u/dontremembermyoldus 103

TIL: Greg Biffle qualified the No. 88 Chevrolet for NEMCO Motorsports at Chicagoland.

Who remembers when Greg Biffle drove a Chevrolet in 2003? User /idontremembermyoldus shared a clip of a NASCAR XFINITY Series qualifying session at Chicagoland Speedway from 2003. Fans recalled the circumstances leading to Biffle in a Chevy and the odd time when Jack Roush owned a Pontiac entry in late 1997.

0 4 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 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:

workarmor.com

NASCAR COMMUNITY

ONE HITCH FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS

TWEETSTORM COMPILED BY ROB TIONGSON

ALUMINUM ADJUSTABLE INTERCHANGEABLE HITCH MOUNTS UT623410

6” Drop 2” Receiver

6-3/4” Rise

PLASTIC CASE MODEL

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

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 5 0

▶ One of the neatest things about sim racing is that it allows drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to realize experiences that can be accomplished without logistical challenges. In his case, he partook in a virtual IndyCar Series race at a track that treated him kindly in his motorsports career. Sure, Earnhardt parlayed fuel strategy to earn his podium result, but he had fun and he found himself back in a beloved number close to his family’s heart – the No. 3.

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

•

W

Engage Your Freedom! ▶ When you’re a seven-time Cup Series champion who’s brought many good memories for NASCAR, you absolutely deserve your own day. Humble and gracious, Jimmie Johnson took time to thank the community for the shared memories on April 8, 2020, or 4/8/2020.

May there be more on-track memories soon in 2020.

• All Pistols, Pistol Frames, & Accessories are designed and manufactured in U.S.A. • Next Generation Ergonomics & Features

▶ While Michael Palmer is not a racecar driver, he absolutely deserves the accolades and praises that his racing heroes get during normal times. An ER nurse serving in the battlefront of a Michigan hospital, Palmer is a devout, loyal race fan who’s a true hero, every day. Thank you, Michael.

▶ What does NASCAR’s Benjamin Button do to look so young?

Kasey Kahne may be 40 years old, but he looks about the same as he did about 10 or 20 years ago. Celebrating his birthday with son Tanner, Kahne enjoyed his special day and gave props to his cupcake boss.

• Stainless Steel Slides & Barrels • Perfect for Every Day Carry!

Visit Us

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

NASCAR

0 5 1

workarmor.com

2020 SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

NASCAR CUP SERIES

SCHEDULE & RESULTS DATE LOCATION

SUNDAY, FEB. 9 THURSDAY, FEB. 13 SUNDAY, FEB. 16 SUNDAY, FEB. 23 SUNDAY, MARCH 1 SUNDAY, MARCH 8 POSTPONED POSTPONED POSTPONED POSTPONED POSTPONED POSTPONED POSTPONED 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

0 5 2

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

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 2020

WINNER

ERIK JONES JOEY LOGANO, WILLIAM BYRON DENNY HAMLIN JOEY LOGANO ALEX BOWMAN JOEY LOGANO

Virtual races to be held as part of the eNASCAR Pro Invitational iRacing Series

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

workarmor.com

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: JOHN GALLUP, JUSTIN HAND, MARK MORALES OFFICE MANAGER: DENNIS FASONE

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

ART DIRECTOR: 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: RICHMOND MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION

0 5 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: APR. 13, 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.