HOW SOON WE FORGET DALE JR. OVER EDWARDS?
5 THINGS TO WATCH AT TALLADEGA
CARL EDWARDS SNUBBED IN VOTING FOR NASCAR HALL OF FAME INDUCTION. BUT WHY?
IN THE HOT SEAT WITH JUSTIN ALLGAIER
GRAHAM BOWLIN’S ENASCAR WIN
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.
AVAILABLE NOW: CHICAGOLAND
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION
COMMUNITY CREATOR: ERIC ESTEPP
YOUTUBE
/outofthegroove
@ericestepp17
@eric_estepp
PATREON
/outofthegroove
WAS CARL EDWARDS SNUBBED BY THE HALL OF FAME? In this week’s episode of Out of the Groove, host and creator Eric Estepp takes a look at the results from this year’s NASCAR Hall of Fame vote. The biggest name out of the bunch was absolutely Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Eric has all the background on exactly why he was such a shoe in. But it wasn’t all no-brainers who made - or didn’t make - the list of nominees this year. Notably, Carl Edwards didn’t even make it 0 0 4
into the Top 4 finalists from the voting. How is that possible? Eric gives us his theory on what factors lead into the decision about who to vote for. And what of the other drivers who made it in this year? Eric has the all the info on who they are and just how important they are to the sport as whole. Find out everything about the ballot returns in this week’s episode of Out of the Groove!
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
5 THINGS TO WATCH
5
THINGS TO WATCH AT TALLADEGA HANDICAPPING THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF ‘DEGA Enjoying a terrific season and fresh off a win this past weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Denny Hamlin has every reason to harbor legitimately high hopes for Sunday’s GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Others do, too. After all, this weekend’s race is one of the few on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule where virtually everyone has an opportunity to make their presence felt. So, will it happen or will a familiar cast of contenders be up front and battling for the win? Following are five important things to watch for when the green flag waves. BY JA RED TURNER
0 0 6
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
RACE THROUGH * HEARTBURN Starts neutralizing acid in seconds
Available at Use as directed. *with headache or body aches and pains
©2020 Bayer
5 THINGS TO WATCH
5
THE REAL POSSIBILITY OF A SURPRISE WINNER
M
ore than perhaps any track on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Talladega Superspeedway lends itself to the possibility of a surprise winner. After all, it’s one of only two tracks (Daytona International Speedway is the other) where getting the right drafting help from the right person at the right time is as crucial to winning as having a fast car and staying out of trouble. While Talladega isn’t necessarily known for major upsets if you look at past race results, just the sheer nature of the racing gives drivers with second- and third-tier teams a fighting chance — which they don’t have, in all reality, the vast majority of the time. The truth of the matter is that it wouldn’t be that surprising at all to see a driver such as Matt DiBenedetto, Cole Custer, Christopher Bell, Ty Dillon or Tyler Reddick score his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory when all the dust settles on Sunday afternoon in Alabama.
0 0 8
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
5 THINGS TO WATCH
4
“THE BIG ONE” NOT BEING QUITE SO BIG
I
n the wake of Ryan Newman’s harrowing crash on the final lap of the 2020 Daytona 500, NASCAR wasted no time going to work on safety enhancements designed to better-protect drivers in the future, particularly at the superspeedways, where the risk of being in a major wreck and suffering an injury is always at its absolute highest. While Newman survived his Daytona accident and avoided a career-ending injury, he was still knocked unconscious and left with a brain bruise that caused him to miss multiple races. As a result, NASCAR has left no stone unturned in its efforts to avoid an accident of this magnitude at Talladega — a track notorious for multi-car pileups, often of the more violent variety. Will the changes NASCAR has made, which will slow the cars down this weekend, lessen the likelihood of another crash that leaves spectators fearing the worst? That’s certainly the goal — even if “The Big One” is all but inevitable.
0 1 0
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 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.
5 THINGS TO WATCH
ONE HITCH FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS 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 1 2
3
THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE JOEY LOGANOCHASE ELLIOTT SAGA
S
ince tangling at Bristol last month, Chase Elliott and Joey Logano haven’t been on good terms. That was evident this past weekend at Homestead when Elliott attempted to put Logano a second lap down, only to be held up by Logano and ultimately lose both the lead and the race to Denny Hamlin. While Elliott refused to point the finger directly at Logano when asked in a post-race interview about Logano’s role in the outcome, Logano later made no bones about his strategy, which was to impede Elliott’s progress. “You race people the way they race you,” Logano told Sporting News on Tuesday. “You can’t do things without repercussions of some sort. You cost me a win, I cost you a win. Those types of things go like that. I would assume that everyone kind of understands how that stuff works. And you kind of move on from there.” But will they move on prior to racing Sunday at Talladega? Stay tuned.
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
TASTY WAYS TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF GINGER. P O P G I N G E R C H E W S A R E A S W E E T,
S P I C Y A N D H E A LT H Y G I N G E R T R E AT ! F I N D A F L AV O R N E A R Y O U @
PRINCEOFPEACEGINGER.COM
P O P G I N G E R AVA I L A B L E AT:
5 THINGS TO WATCH
2
DENNY HAMLIN WITH A WIND AT HIS BACK
A
winner of the Daytona 500 in three of the last five years, Denny Hamlin is making a strong case to be designated as NASCAR’s resident superspeedway king. While the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has just one victory at Talladega — NASCAR’s other superspeedway where drivers run flat-out all race long, rarely if ever tapping the brakes — it’s fair to anoint Hamlin as the favorite coming into this weekend. Since beginning 2020 with his big win at Daytona, Hamlin has scored a victory at Darlington and Homestead, the latter of which came this past weekend. As the only three-time winner this season and the NASCAR Cup Series’ most recent race winner, Hamlin certainly has momentum on his side. That momentum paired with his demonstrated superspeedway prowess in recent times make him the clear-cut favorite to have his way when the green flag waves on Sunday afternoon and 40 drivers begin navigating the spectacular highbanked, 2.66-mile layout that is Talladega Superspeedway.
0 1 4
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 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
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
les.
REPLACEMENT
LIFETIME
OF
See www.galleryofguns.com for complete program terms and conditions.
plete co
ntest ru
While enter o at GalleryofGu ur GRE ns.com A A Winn T GUN GIVEA , See ww WAY. er Ever w.galle y Week ryofgun s.com ! for com
5 THINGS TO WATCH
1
FANS (LIKE 5,000 OF THEM) IN THE STANDS
T
his weekend — for the first time since the NASCAR Cup Series competed at Phoenix Raceway on March 8 — there will be more than 1,000 fans in the stands at a NASCAR track. While this past Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway marked the official return of fans to the track after seven races where no fans were allowed, only 1,000 were granted entry into the South Florida facility. And by the time the race ended, far fewer than that appeared to be in attendance, which was not surprising when considering that the race was stopped multiple times for lightning and ended almost six hours after it was scheduled to begin. It will be a different story, however, at Talladega, where the number of fans will be at least five times the number who were permitted inside Homestead-Miami. Even though 5,000 is a far cry from Talladega’s seating capacity of roughly 80,000, maybe, just maybe, a few cheers (or boos) will be audible.
©2020 Davidson’s, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
0 1 6
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
SUMMER GRILLING SPECIAL 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.
ORDER NOW AND RECEIVE A MrSteakv3.indd 1
FREE 10OZ NY STRIP STEAK • WWW.MRSTEAK.COM/RACING 5/15/2020 8:28:57 AM
RECAPPING JIMMIE JOHNSON’S NASCAR CAREER
■■ Jimmie Johnson won for the third time in four Richmond races in Sept. of 2008.
JOHNSON CAUGHT RICHMOND LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE BY JA RED TURNER
I
t’s been almost a dozen years since Jimmie Johnson won at Richmond Raceway, but there was a time prior to his current Richmond drought that the Hendrick Motorsports driver was virtually unstoppable at the Virginia short track. That time was from the spring of 2007 to the fall of 2008, when Johnson and his No. 48 team led by crew chief Chad Knaus went to Victory Lane three times over a four-race stretch at the threequarter-mile D-shaped oval. After going winless in his first 10 Richmond starts, Johnson found the magic he had been missing when NASCAR competed here in both May and September 2007. In addition to capturing the season sweep at Richmond, Johnson started from the pole in September and managed to lead just over 100 laps in each Richmond race. The result was two wins at a track where prior to that season he had finished in the top 10 just one time. Johnson couldn’t have been any happier to get his first Richmond win and then make it 2-for-2 later in the year. The real icing on the cake came in
0 1 8
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
the fall of 2008, however, when Johnson pulled into Victory Lane at Richmond for the third time in four starts. After years of struggling to get a handle on the facility, Johnson made it clear with this triumph that he and his team had found something. “Very, very happy with the performance today,” Johnson said after leading 32 of 400 laps and winning for the fourth time in 2008. “Great, great fight throughout the entire day. Momentum is certainly something we are looking at and trying to carry, but more than anything, I think we are just confident in our stops and what I’m doing on the track and the way we can adjust on the car. “We even showed up here a bit off in practice on Friday and worked throughout the practice and got it right. So very, very proud of the effort.”
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.
NASCAR STANDINGS
NASCAR CUP SERIES
STANDINGS NO. DRIVER
PTS.
1
DENNY HAMLIN
395
Dual-Action Topical Analgesic Cream
2
KEVIN HARVICK
463
3
JOEY LOGANO
434
4
BRAD KESELOWSKI
412
5
CHASE ELLIOTT
455
Provides penetrating, fast pain relief from:
6
MARTIN TRUEX JR.
410
7
ALEX BOWMAN
380
8
RYAN BLANEY
411
9
KYLE BUSCH
359
10 KURT BUSCH
338
11 JIMMIE JOHNSON
322
12 CLINT BOWYER
316
13 ARIC ALMIROLA
303
14 MATT DIBENEDETTO
301
Arthritis Sore Muscles Back Pain
15 WILLIAM BYRON
291
16 AUSTIN DILLON
281
17 TYLER REDDICK
279
18 ERIK JONES
273
19 CHRIS BUESCHER
233
20 BUBBA WALLACE
231
21 RICKY STENHOUSE JR.
218
22 JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK 209
Low Price Available at:
Wal-Mart, HEB, Local drugstores & buy “online”
www.Thera-gesic.com Copyright © 2020 MainPointe Pharmaceuticals, LLC. All rights reserved.
23 MICHAEL MCDOWELL
206
24 CHRISTOPHER BELL
196
25 RYAN NEWMAN
191
26 COLE CUSTER
181
27 COREY LAJOIE
161
28 TY DILLON
159
29 RYAN PREECE
136
30 MATT KENSETH
130
31 BRENNAN POOLE
91
32 QUIN HOUFF
52
33 KYLE LARSON
121
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
0 2 0
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
WINS
POLES
TOP 5
TOP 10
3 0 6 7 2 0 6 9 2 0 3 6 2 1 5 9 1 1 6 8 1 0 2 6 1 0 2 3 0 0 6 6 0 1 6 7 0 1 3 8 0 0 2 6 0 1 2 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS
W
NASCAR STANDINGS
XFINITY SERIES
STANDINGS Engage Your Freedom!
• All Pistols, Pistol Frames, & Accessories are designed and manufactured in U.S.A.
NO. DRIVER
PTS.
1
CHASE BRISCOE
417
2
NOAH GRAGSON
435
3
HARRISON BURTON
390
4
BRANDON JONES
345
5
AUSTIN CINDRIC
380
6
ROSS CHASTAIN
374
7
JUSTIN HALEY
330
8
JUSTIN ALLGAIER
328
9
RYAN SIEG
266
10 MICHAEL ANNETT
260
11 RILEY HERBST
256
12 BRANDON BROWN
223
13 JOSH WILLIAMS
206
14 MYATT SNIDER
204
15 ALEX LABBE
174
16 JEREMY CLEMENTS
163
17 JESSE LITTLE
158
18 B.J. MCLEOD
152
19 JOE GRAF JR.
147
20 CHAD FINCHUM
130
21 VINNIE MILLER
128
• Next Generation Ergonomics & Features
22 DANIEL HEMRIC
237
23 ANTHONY ALFREDO
145
• Stainless Steel Slides & Barrels
24 AJ ALLMENDINGER
113
25 TOMMY JOE MARTINS
109
26 JEFFREY EARNHARDT
103
27 COLBY HOWARD
94
• Perfect for Every Day Carry!
Visit Us
www.Polymer80.com Save 20% by using Coupon Code:
0 2 2
NASCAR
28 RAY BLACK JR.
92
29 MATT MILLS
80
30 J.J. YELEY
78
31 DAVID STARR
59
32 MASON MASSEY
52
33 ROBBY LYONS
48
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
WINS
POLES
TOP 5
TOP 10
3 0 5 8 2 0 7 8 2 0 7 10 1 1 4 7 0 0 5 7 0 0 2 8 0 0 3 6 0 0 2 4 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 2 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 1 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS
NASCAR STANDINGS
GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES
STANDINGS NO. DRIVER
THE
JAMPUI
Say goodbye to sweaty and smelly feet with the Jampui boot featuring ultra breathable eVent membrane. Light as a trail runner, supportive as a boot—Jampui is perfect for work as well as ultra light backpacking and through hiking.
MISHMITAKIN.COM
PTS.
1
GRANT ENFINGER
161
2
AUSTIN HILL
209
3
CHRISTIAN ECKES
165
4
BEN RHODES
161
5
TODD GILLILAND
148
6
ZANE SMITH
147
7
JOHNNY SAUTER
140
8
BRETT MOFFITT
137
9
SHELDON CREED
135
10 TYLER ANKRUM
133
11 DEREK KRAUS
132
12 MATT CRAFTON
132
13 RAPHAEL LESSARD
114
14 STEWART FRIESEN
112
15 TANNER GRAY
111
16 TY MAJESKI
109
17 CODIE ROHRBAUGH
86
18 AUSTIN SELF
72
19 JORDAN ANDERSON
69
20 CORY ROPER
69
21 SPENCER BOYD
67
22 TATE FOGLEMAN
65
23 ANGELA RUCH
58
24 SPENCER DAVIS
66
25 NATALIE DECKER
58
26 KORBIN FORRISTER
45
27 TIMMY HILL
39
28 JASON WHITE
27
29 JENNIFER COBB
26
30 CLAY GREENFIELD
26
31 RYAN TRUEX
24
32 BRYAN DAUZAT
18
33 GRAY GAULDING
16
WINS
POLES
TOP 5
TOP 10
2 0 2 2 0 0 2 5 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 2 3 0 1 2 4 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS
0 2 4
Mishni Takin-3rdpage.indd 1
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020 5/15/2020 8:30:21 AM
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
CREW MEMBER PROFILE
WEARER OF MANY HATS ALDRIDGE IS DEDICATED TO TEAM EFFORT BY BEN WHITE
C
urtis Aldridge, transporter driver for GOFAS Racing and driver Corey Lajoie, saw his first NASCAR race at Darlington Raceway in 1965 and the age of 5. “My mother, father and grandfather used to go to races,” Aldridge said. “I was at Darlington in 1965 when Ned Jarrett won by 14 laps. All those guys were like Superman to me. We would go to Darlington and other tracks, and we would camp out. We would go to races where everybody could get back to work on Monday so we didn’t travel very far.” The Aldridge family would also attend local tracks when NASCAR’s premier races were held far away. That’s where he saw stock car legends Speedy Thompson and Ralph Earnhardt headline events at Monroe Speedway and Concord Speedway. While in his teens, Aldridge raced go-karts, dirt Late Models and NASCAR asphalt Touring cars, finally ending his driving career at the end of the 1999 season. He also drove Late Models owned by Jay Robinson, and with the move to NASCAR’s Busch (now Xfinity) Series in 2000, Aldridge became Robinson’s spotter and also found sponsorship dollars for the team. His ventures in transporter driving began with Robinson’s team and continued through 2011. In 2012, he made the move to Go Fas Racing and team owner Archie St. Hilaire. “If I find something I’m happy with, I don’t shop around,” Aldridge said. “I’ve had opportunities to go to big name teams but I like being with the smaller teams because you get to do more things. I can do things that are a direct help.”
■■ Curtis Aldridge, transporter driver for GOFAS Racing
EXTRA LAPS WITH CURTIS ALDRIDGE HOMETOWN: WINGATE, N.C. FAVORITE VACACTION SPOT: MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. FAVORITE HOLIDAY: CHRISTMAS FAVORITE SEASON: FALL FAVORITE TV SHOW: HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL FAVORITE MOVIE: GRAND PRIX FAVORITE MUSIC: 1950S-1980S ROCK
“To me, driving the hauler is very relaxing. I’m not one that likes to fly in airplanes so having a CDL (commercial driver’s license) keeps me on the ground.” -CURTIS ALDRIDGE 0 2 6
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
IN THE HOTSEAT
IN THE HOT SEAT
Justin Allgaier BY ROB TIONGSON
During the season, Rob Tiongson interviews various drivers in the world of NASCAR. Today, he talks with Justin Allgaier, NASCAR XFINITY Series racer. ▶ IT’S YOUR FIFTH SEASON WITH JR MOTORSPORTS. WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE TO DRIVE FOR YOUR TEAM AND TRULY SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS WITH THEM? I think that what you said at the end there is probably the most important piece – truly showcasing talent. To race for JR Motorsports and have the people and team around me, it’s really been fun. I’ve had great opportunities, good opportunities, and not so good opportunities in this sport. The thing that I love about JR Motorsports is that it’s a lot like driving for my mom and dad when I was coming up through the lower ranks and in ARCA. It’s a unique, family-oriented atmosphere in this big, high-end business of NASCAR. It’s run well and we have good people. It’s been fun and an absolute blast. It doesn’t seem like five years to me, but I’ve had a lot of success and fun throughout the time I’ve been there. ▶ YOU’RE A PART OF THE TWITCH COMMUNITY. WOULD YOU SAY THAT DOING TWITCH STREAMS IS CALMING OUTLET FOR YOU? I think, for me, I was a Twitch fan before I became a Twitch streamer. I’ve enjoyed watching other gamers play. That community is great. There’s a lot of support and conversation. It’s a tightknit group of people. I think the thing that’s interesting about gaming is that there’s no criteria for being a gamer. You can be a great gamer at an older or younger age. You can be good at it or bad at it like I am. I’m terrible with most games. But I still have fun with them, and I like being a part of that community.
0 2 8
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
DRIVER Q&A
EYES ON THE PRIZE JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK EAGER TO COMPETE FOR ROOKIE TITLE BY JOSEPH WOLK IN
The competition has arguably never been stronger for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year trophy. But that won’t stop Front Row Motorsports’ John Hunter Nemechek, who’s had a strong start to his first year in the Cup Series. But can driver No. 38 stay ahead of his peers? ▶ WHAT HAS THE ADJUSTMENT BEEN LIKE TO COMPETE IN THE CUP SERIES? “One of the biggest things moving up to the Cup Series is the package that we run. It’s completely different from trucks and XFINITY at most tracks, so you’re constantly learning how to adjust, and what’s worked in the past may not be relevant. Race length is always going to be an adjustment when it comes to transitioning to the Cup level, too.” ▶ WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU COMPETING IN NASCAR’S TOP DIVISION? “It doesn’t get any more competitive than at the Cup level, and it’s always going to be a challenge to be a rookie among the top drivers. Still being new to the Cup car, there’s a lot to learn about the different packages when it comes to things like downforce and horsepower.” 0 3 0
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
■■ John Hunter Nemechek, driver of the No. 38 Ford in the Cup Series
▶ HOW THANKFUL ARE YOU TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY WITH FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS? “This is something I’ve worked towards my entire career, and my entire life. I grew up literally at the track. I’ve been watching my dad race for as long as I can remember. I’ve developed a lot of great relationships in the garage and have admired a lot of my fellow competitors since I was a kid. I’m really lucky to be able to run in the Cup Series with Front Row Motorsports.” ▶ WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR WITH THIS NO. 38 TEAM? “My goal coming into this season has been, and continues to be, to run every single lap. You can’t learn from your experiences if you’re sitting in the garage. Ultimately, the expectation is to make progress as a team. We want to be contenders each week and finish the season stronger than when we started.”
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:
IRACING ■■ Graham Bowlin won the eNASCAR CocaCola iRacing All-Star Race.
GRAHAM BOWLIN STRIKES WITH ALL-STAR RACE WIN ROB TIONGSON
A
fter eight thrilling rounds of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series, the world’s best sim stock car drivers celebrated the 2020 season with the All-Star Race in rather unique fashion. Instead of driving their familiar virtual stock cars on one of the series’ regular stops, the likes of Graham Bowlin, Justin Bolton, and Nick Ottinger found themselves racing in trucks at the beloved North Wilkesboro Speedway. Tuesday night’s late spring exhibition consisted of a single truck, two-lap qualifying session, two 20-lap heats in which the top-10 finishers of each preliminary advanced to the main event, a “last chance qualifier” in which the top-six received a ticket into the big dance, and the actual main attraction, a 120-lap race in which drivers could only avail of two sets of fresh tires. In the first 20-lap heat, Christian Challiner of JTG-Daugherty
0 3 2
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
Racing took the checkered flag while Sanitago Tirres, Justin Mullis, Kollin Keister, Logan Clampitt, Bobby Zalenski, Jake Nichols, Ray Alfalla, Michael Guest, and Justin Bolton advanced. Meanwhile, defending series champion Zack Novak won the second heat with Alex McCollum, Graham Bowlin, Corey Vincent, Blake Reynolds, Caine Cook, Brad Davies, Nathan Lyon, Michael Guariglia, and Mike Conti advanced. As for the “last chance qualifier,” it was quite a surprise for those who didn’t advance with Ryan Luza, Dylan Duval, and Chris Overland among those who missed the cut. However, Casey Kirwan, Phil Diaz, Keegan Leahy, John Gorlinsky, Matt Bussa, and Nick Ottinger earned the final spots for the All-Star Race. With the field set for the 120-lap paint trading special at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the action was plentiful with Jake Nichols leading in the early going before Caine Cook
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
IRACING took the lead on Lap 35. Just as Cook nabbed the number one spot, Nichols spun in Turn 1, resulting in the first yellow flag of the evening. Once the race resumed on Lap 40, Cook’s tenure in the lead was short-lived as Clampitt put the spurs to his Toyota Tundra into the lead on Lap 46. Not long after, Keister and Kirwan saw their All-Star Race efforts end rather ingloriously as they wrecked on Lap 58, prompting another caution period. The race’s longest green flag run kicked off on a restart with 57 to go with Clampitt leading the way in his Burton Kligerman eSports ride. Not surprisingly, the action was intense behind Clampitt as Bowlin made a race-saving move that would’ve made Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask quite proud with 49 to go. Strategy became the name of the game just nine laps later with Challiner seemingly set on winning the All-Star Race with a well-intended gamble for track position. Unfortunately, it was all for naught when the 0 3 4
caution came out for a crash in Turn 2. Clampitt raced his way back into the lead following a restart with 28 to go, holding the spot through the competition caution and into the final lap of the race. It seemed like Jeff Burton and Parker Kligerman’s gearjammer was ready to win it all Suddenly, on the final lap, Blake Reynolds attempted the “bump and run” on Clampitt in Turn 3, a move that eliminated both drivers from a shot at the All-Star Race win. Making like Jeff Gordon in the 1995 NASCAR All-Star Race, Bowlin slithered to the inside of the fracas to score a surprising but opportune victory at the short track. Following the thrilling finish, Bowlin said, “I thought that maybe Blake (Reynolds) was going to move him (Logan Clampitt) out of the way. I was just really lucky.” Lucky or not, Bowlin earned the $500 prize, an All-Star Race win, and a smile, a trait that the rest of his peers likely did not
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
■■ X
IRACING
Snakeskin-PolePos-ColAd.qxp_Layout 1 1/27/20 10:58 AM Page 1
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
express after a Tuesday night tussle. Still, it was a great night not only for Bowlin, but also for Bolton, Ottinger, Vincent, Nichols, Cook, Tirres, Gorlinsky, Guest, and Guariglia as they all placed in the top-10. Guariglia, who drove through some of the carnage, expressed gratitude after the race. “It was a solid day for our Jim Beaver eSports Polaris RZR No. 15 F-150,” he said. “I’m kinda happy with our result considering we played the long game. We got shuffled to the back on the outside line in the opening. From there, it was tire conservation and wreck avoidance. Tires meant the world in the race since we had one set of tires in the
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: JUNE 19, 2020
pits for the entire race. It really showed who saved the most and who burned them up early. Overall, it was a good race. I think the format was really well done and it had and exciting finish. Nothing better than some short track tempers following the all-star race. We will try to take this effort and translate that to Indianapolis in two weeks and hopefully be in the mix up front there.” Sure, the glitz and glamor of the All-Star Race may be in the books for the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series. Next, the series heads to the virtual Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Round 9 of the year on June 30 at 9 p.m. EST. NASCAR.com and iRacing’s Twitch channel will live stream the action.
BY THE NUMBER
12
BY THE NUMBER
CAR NO. BY K EITH WA LTZ
A
total of 106 drivers have wheeled NASCAR Cup Series cars carrying No. 12, but the number is most closely associated with 1983 series champion Bobby Allison. Allison made 170 starts in No. 12 during his Hall of Fame career, with 25 of his 84 victories coming in cars with that number. He also used the number during his time as a Cup Series car owner in the early 1990s.
■■ 1972 – Bobby Allison (ISC Archives via Getty Images photo)
Team Penske has been the caretaker of No. 12 since 2002 with Ryan Newman winning 13 times in 252 starts. Ryan Blaney, the current driver of Team Penske’s No. 12 Ford, has two wins in 85 races. Overall statistics show that cars carrying No. 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series have visited Victory Lane 59 times while posting 507 top-10 finishes in nearly 1,400 starts. Woodie Wilson was the first driver to use No. 12 in NASCAR’s premier series. The 1949 Mercury Wilson drove to a 17th-place finish on July 10, 1949, on the Beach and Road Course in Daytona Beach, Florida, was numbered 12. Speedy Thompson was the first driver to win a Cup Series race in No. 12. That victory came on Sept. 13, 1953, at Central City Speedway, a half-mile dirt track located in Macon, Georgia. Thompson started 12th and led 24 laps in beating Lee Petty to the checkered flag. ■■ 2020 – Ryan Blaney (Getty Images photo)
0 3 8
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
At Tracks Benefits* Receive 20% OFF your next Racing Electronics Rental! Garate Tours. Up Close Access to Driver Introductions. Pace Car Rides. Attending the Driver’s Meeting. Joining the Race Winner in Victory Lane. * at selected tracks
Exclusive Members Only Online Store Up to 70% OFF your Favorite Driver NASCAR Licensed Products.
Ultimate VIP Experience Special Member Opportunities throughout the Season. Exclusive Offers from Our Proud Partners.
OWNER SPOTLIGHT
START RUN STORE Start up with ease every time Store with confidence between use Run faster, cleaner, smoother
A TRUE FRIEND TO ALL COTTON OWENS FIELDED CARS FOR NASCAR’S GREATEST DRIVERS BY BEN WHITE
OWNER: COTTON OWENS TEAM: COTTON OWENS GARAGE MANUFACTURER: DODGE, PONTIAC, CHRYSLER NOTABLE DRIVERS: DAVID PEARSON. BUDDY BAKER, PETE HAMILTON, CHARLIE GLOTZBACH
B
efore turning his attention solely to team ownership in NASCAR competition in 1964, Everett “Cotton” Owens wheeled his own cars from 1958 to 1961, recording six victories. Before moving to NASCAR’s premier Grand National division, he was quite successful in modified stock cars in the 1950s, claiming over 200 feature wins on various short tracks. Born in Union, South Carolina, on May 21, 1924, the whitish-blondehaired Owens became interested in stock car racing after completing a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy in 1946. In 1949, he entered 23 races and won 19 of them. Then in 1951, he racked up another 54 wins and enjoyed championships in the United States Modified series in 1950, 1953 and 1954. Owens’ first major win in NASCAR came on February 17, 1957, on the Daytona Beach and Road Course at Daytona. In 1959, he logged
WWW.STARTRON.COM PROTECTION
0 4 0
020 Ad COL.indd 1
+ PERFORMANCE
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020 1/9/20 5:03 PM
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
OWNER SPOTLIGHT a second-place finish to Lee Petty in NASCAR’s premier series championship but preferred the Modified circuit. In 1961, he had his most productive season with 11 top-fives and four wins in only 17 starts. He had a win at his home track in Spartanburg, S.C., at Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds. When he elected to leave the driver’s seat to become a full-time owner in 1964, he fielded his No. 6 Pontiacs with drivers Bobby Johns, Ralph Earnhardt, Marvin Panch, Fireball Roberts, Junior Johnson and David Pearson behind the wheel. He came out of retirement and scored a final career win at Richmond, Va., in September of that year. In 1966, Owens and Pearson logged 15 victories and the Grand National Series title, along with 26 top-five and 33 top-10 finishes in 42 starts. Other notable drivers climbed aboard Dodges he fielded in 1966 and 1967, including Buddy Baker, Bobby Isaac, Bobby Allison, Darel Dieringer, Ray Hendrick, Sam McQuagg, as well as open-wheel star Mario Andretti. Charlie 0 4 2
■■ Cotton Owens and Marvin Panch celebrate their induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Glotzbach would be Owens’ primary driver in 1968, 1969 and 1970 with Glotzbach winning at Charlotte in 1968 and Baker taking the prestigious Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in 1970. In all, a total of 25 drivers climbed behind the wheel of Owens’ cars in 291 races, earning 32 victories and 29 pole positions. As a car owner and as a driver, Owens’ career statistics include 41 wins and 38 poles in 487 races. Owens was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 1970. In 1998, he was named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers, and in 2012 was selected as a member of the fourth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Owens passed away of cancer June 7, 2012, at the age of 88. “He was such a nice guy, one of the nicest I ever drove for,” Pearson said in a Jan. 17, 2013 release from NASCAR. “He was a real smart, sensible man. They (his competitors) liked him as much as he liked them. If somebody wanted to know something, he’d answer them.”
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 2020
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: AARON LEHMANN, 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: CHICAGOLAND MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION
0 4 4
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JUNE 19, 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.