Frontstretch Newsletter: Garrett Smithley Rejoins Rick Ware Racing

Published: Wed, 02/23/22

Frontstretch Newsletter: Feb. 23, 2022
Volume: XVI, Edition XVIII

What to Watch: Wednesday

- NASCAR did not release a penalty report from Daytona on Tuesday. As a result, said report will likely be released today. In it, expect to see a strict penalty being given to The Money Team Racing for Kaz Grala's wheel coming off during the race Sunday, along with potential penalties to Team Penske and RFK Racing for their confiscated wheels.

- Action from official Formula 1 preseason testing at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona starts today. The first half of the first day is already complete (see below), but additional coverage is ongoing. There is no TV coverage of the testing, either on TV or via streaming. However, Formula 1's website is running a live blog of the testing with live updates.

- Teams are currently en route to Fontana for this weekend's race action. Meanwhile, load-in for various series in St. Petersburg starts today. We'll have any news that breaks for you at Frontstretch.

TV Schedule: Here

Around the World in Motorsports: Feb. 22-23

- In the morning session of Day No .1 of Formula 1 preseason testing, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fastest overall with a lap at 130.456 mph. Leclerc's lap was three-tenths of a second faster than McLaren's Lando Norris. Mercedes' George Russell was third, then Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel. AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda was fifth. Max Verstappen was sixth, while Lewis Hamilton did not participate in the morning session.

- Two-time and defending W Series champion Jamie Chadwick announced Tuesday that she will return to the W Series to try for three championships in a row. She will fill one of the two seats at the new Jenner Racing team.

Today's Top News:

Garrett Smithley Returning to RWR

Rick Ware Racing announced Tuesday-that Garrett Smithley will drive the No. 15 Ford during the three-race West Coast trip, replacing David Ragan.

Josh Berry Adds PUBG Mobile Sponsorship

JR Motorsports announced Tuesday that Player Unknown's Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG Mobile) will serve as the primary sponsor of Josh Berry's No. 8 in four races in 2022.

Ernie Francis Jr. Returning to SRX in 2022

In the newest episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Ernie Francis Jr.. revealed that he will be returning to Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) to run a limited schedule this year.

Photos are courtesy of Nigel Kinrade Photography and our own Tom Bowles.

Have news for Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com with a promising lead or tip.

Today at Frontstretch:

Dropping the Hammer: Ryan Blaney Stuck to the Plan in Daytona 500

by Daniel McFadin

Matt DiBenedetto Discusses Trials & Finding Happiness in New Truck Series Ride

as told to Dalton Hopkins

Techbench Tuesday: IndyCar at St. Petersburg in 2022

by Christopher DeHarde

Tomorrow at Frontstretch.com:

Josh Roller will take another look inside of the Xfinity Series ahead of Saturday's Production Alliance Group 300 in Fontana.

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