Frontstretch Newsletter: Heavy Penalties Given to The Money Team, Kaulig Racing

Published: Thu, 02/24/22

Frontstretch Newsletter: Feb. 24, 2022
Volume: XVI, Edition XIX

What to Watch: Thursday

- Day No. 2 of Formula 1 Preseason Testing at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona in Spain is ongoing. There is no TV or streaming coverage, but Formula 1's website does have a live blog available.

- Today, on-track activity is scheduled to begin in St. Petersburg for this weekend's Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. GT America Powered by AWS has practice sessions scheduled, in addition to Indy Pro 2000 and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

- NASCAR teams are currently en route to Auto Club Speedway for this weekend's action. We'll have any news that breaks for you at Frontstretch.

TV Schedule: Here

Around the World in Motorsports: Feb. 23-24

- McLaren's Lando Norris ended up being fastest overall Wednesday at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona in the first day of Formula 1 preseason testing. Norris' lap at 131.435 mph was nearly six-tenths of a second faster than Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who was fastest in the morning session. Teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. was third, then Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

The day was relatively clean. Red Bull's Max Verstappen had a brief off-course excursion, but continued without issue. He ended up ninth quickest for the day.

- In this morning's session in Barcelona, McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo was fastest with a lap at 130.148 mph. The lap was nearly two-tenths of a second faster than Sainz. AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly was third fastest, followed by Williams' Alexander Albon. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll rounded out the top five.

The session was interrupted by a 15-minute red flag when Red Bull's Sergio Perez stopped on the circuit. His car was towed back to the paddock. A track inspection was also conducted during the stoppage.

- The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series announced Wednesday that the races at Magnolia Motor Speedway in Mississippi and Monroe, La.'s The Rev, scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, respectively, have been cancelled due to recent rainstorms and oversaturated grounds. They will not be rescheduled.

Today's Top News:

NASCAR Doesn’t Penalize Roush, Penske Over Confiscated Wheels

NASCAR released the Daytona penalty report on Wednesday and laid down the law on The Money Team Racing and Kaulig Racing for their wheel issues in the Daytona 500. However, there are no penalties coming to RFK Racing or Team Penske.

Here Are the Changes to the Auto Club Entry Lists

A series of changes have been made to the entry lists for this weekend's races at Auto Club Speedway. Three teams have withdrawn from the Xfinity race, dropping that entry to 41. Meanwhile, Garrett Smithley and Josh Bilicki are in for the Cup race.

Josef Newgarden, Ryan Hunter-Reay Joining SRX in 2022

Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press reported Wednesday that a number of current and former INDYCAR drivers have committed to compete in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) in 2022. Ryan Hunter-Reay will run a number of races, while Josef Newgarden will compete in his hometown race in Nashville.

Photos are courtesy of Nigel Kinrade Photography and Chris Owens of INDYCAR Media.

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

Newsletter Exclusive:

Frontstretch Line of the Week

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

"What my career has been full of is humbling me a lot, so that’s been awesome. It’s just so neat to look back at how many obstacles in my whole career and, really, life, has thrown at me and how much it’s made me a better person and changed my life. Honestly, saved my life just through humbling me. I understand now why everything has happened the way it has, and it’s been absolutely a true blessing. But it’s been a rollercoaster ride up and down to say the least, but it’s been awesome. Now it’s cool I get to check this one off the box, racing in the Truck Series for the first time." - Matt DiBenedetto, on his career to this point.

Today at Frontstretch:

Only Yesterday: NASCAR’s California Kings

by Amy Henderson

So It's a New Car

by Mike Neff

Eyes On Xfinity: Paying Attention to Car Counts and Qualifying

by Josh Roller

Podcast: BJ and Jessica McLeod on Live Fast’s Growth, Next Gen Ownership and Incremental Gains

with BJ and Jessica McLeod, Davey Segal and Zach Sturniolo

2-Headed Monster: Will Kyle Busch Ever Win the Daytona 500?

by Brad Harrison and Clayton Caldwell

Truckin’ Thursdays: Does Daytona Need a Wreckfest to Be Entertaining?

by Beth Lunkenheimer

Venturini Chasing ARCA Trophies this Year

by Trenton Worsham

Tomorrow at Frontstretch.com:

We'll bring you some burning questions to look at ahead of NASCAR's on-track activity in California.

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