Frontstretch Newsletter: Kyle Larson on Xfinity 500 Pole; Suspensions Assessed Out Of Kansas

Published: Wed, 10/27/21

Frontstretch Newsletter: Oct. 27, 2021
Volume: XV, Edition CXCIV

What to Watch: Wednesday

- Teams continue to prepare at their shops for this weekend's tripleheader at Martinsville Speedway. We'll have everything that breaks for you at Frontstretch.

TV Schedule: Here

Around the World in Motorsports: Oct. 26

- Tuesday saw NASCAR hold a test session at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. for the NextGen car. Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Clint Bowyer put the car through its paces ahead of February's Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.

"I think this car is a great match for this track or any track, whereas the car we have now doesn’t work everywhere and is difficult in places like this," Earnhardt Jr. told NBCSports.com's Dustin Long. "I’m sold now. I was skeptical, but I think it’s going to work really well."

No official times were released from the test, but Bowyer claimed to Long that he had a half-second on Earnhardt Jr. and a couple of tenths of a second on Stewart. Earnhardt Jr. refuted that notion on Twitter.

- Kyle Petty announced Tuesday that he has written a memoir entitled Swerve or Die: Life At My Speed In The First Family of NASCAR Racing. This book will see Petty talk about personal stories from his career, the biggest stars in the sport, dramatic moments in the history of NASCAR and more. The book is currently scheduled for release on Aug. 9, 2022, however, that date could change due to book publishing availability.

Today's Top News:

Kyle Larson Once Again on Pole for Martinsville Cup Race

After his third straight victory Sunday in Kansas, Kyle Larson will start Sunday's Xfinity 500 from the pole. Chase Elliott starts second, then Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr. and Joey Logano.

Adam Stevens Among Suspended Crew Members After Kansas Penalties

NASCAR released their penalty report Tuesday. Our Motorsports was hit with massive penalties that will continue into next season due to ballast coming out of the No. 23 Chevrolet Saturday in Kansas. Meanwhile, Adam Stevens will have to miss Martinsville due to multiple loose lug nuts.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Race Martinsville Xfinity Event in Spring 2022

During this week's edition of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced that he will make his one and only Xfinity Series start of 2022 at Martinsville Speedway in April.

Austin Cindric Has Xfinity Pole for Martinsville

Xfinity Series co-points leader Austin Cindric will start from the pole in Saturday night's Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville. Ty Gibbs starts second, then AJ Allmendinger, Justin Haley and Justin Allgaier.

John Hunter Nemechek Starting from Martinsville Pole in Trucks

Despite getting spun out coming to the finish of the Chevy Silverado 250 at Talladega a few weeks ago, Kyle Busch Motorsports' John Hunter Nemechek will start from the pole in Saturday afternoon's United Rentals 200 at Martinsville Speedway. Todd Gilliland starts second, then Ben Rhodes, Sheldon Creed and Matt Crafton.

Photos are courtesy of Nigel Kinrade Photography.

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: NASCAR Still King on Sunday Despite F1 Gains

by Daniel McFadin

Did You Notice?: What’s Next for Ford’s NASCAR Future After Rocky 2021 Playoffs?

by Tom Bowles

Waid’s World: Victory at Martinsville Was Special for Buddy Baker

by Steve Waid

From Daytona to Dagobah: Is Matt Mills NASCAR’s Biggest Star Wars Fan?

as told to Michael Massie

Frontstretch 5: Most Forgettable Seasons by NASCAR Cup Drivers in 2021

by Jesse Johnston

NASCAR Mailbox: Regardless of Championship, Has Kyle Larson’s Season Been Successful?

by Davey Segal

F1 Midweek: F1 Celebrates Stellar Return to the U.S.

by Ava Ladner

Tomorrow at Frontstretch:

Brad Harrison will be back with another look into the Xfinity Series as they travel to Martinsville to determine who will battle for the championship.

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