Frontstretch Newsletter: LeBron James Joins The Fenway Sports Group

Published: Wed, 03/17/21

Frontstretch Newsletter: March 17, 2021
Volume: XV, Edition XXXIII

Around the World in Motorsports: March 16-17

- Frikadelli Racing announced Tuesday that team co-owner Sabine Schmitz has passed away at the age of 51 after a long cancer fight. To race fans, Schmitz is best known for her exploits at the Nurburgring, where she won numerous times over the years in what is now known as the Nurburgring Endurance Series. She also ran the Ring Taxi service there, where patrons could pay to have Schmitz (or others) scare the pants off of them on laps of the Nordschleife. In addition, she recently served as one of hosts of TopGear in the United Kingdom.

In their post (written in German), the team stated "Sabine was the soul of Frikadelli Racing and an icon of the Nurburgring. With her warm and affectionate manner, her humor and zest for life, her tireless energy and her positive attitude, she was a shining example for us all. She motivated us all."

We at Frontstretch send our condolences to the Schmitz family.

- Tuesday night saw Cooper Webb led flag-to-flag to win Round No. 11 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross in Arlington, Tex. Eli Tomac was second, followed by Ken Roczen, Justin Barcia and Chase Sexton.

After 11 rounds, Webb has a 12-point lead over Roczen. Tomac is third in points, then Barcia and Plessinger.

- In the 250cc West main, Hunter Lawrence snatched the lead away from Mitchell Harrison. From there, he held on to take the victory. Jalek Swoll was second, then Kyle Peters, Garrett Marchbanks and Justin Cooper.

Lawrence also claimed the points lead by virtue of winning. He is one point ahead of Cameron McAdoo, who finished 10th. Cooper is third in points, then Marchbanks and Swoll. Round No. 12 is Saturday night.

What to Watch: Wednesday

- Today, the starting lineups will be revealed for this weekend's action in Las Vegas. In addition, practice starts in Sebring for the support classes including IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. We'll have those and anything else that breaks for you at Frontstretch.

TV Schedule: Here

Today's Top News:

Report: LeBron James New Partner of Roush Fenway Racing’s Parent Company

LeBron James and his business manager Maverick Carter have bought into the Fenway Sports Group. While most of the focus has been on James now having a stake in the Boston Red Sox, it also means that he has a stake in Roush Fenway Racing as well.

Stewart Friesen to Make NASCAR Cup Debut for Spire in Bristol Dirt Race

Spire Motorsports announced Tuesday that Stewart Friesen will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol in the No. 77 Chevrolet. Halmar International will sponsor the team.

Brad Keselowski, Daniel Suarez Find Replacement Crew Chiefs

As previously noted, both Team Penske's Brad Keselowski and Trackhouse Racing Team's Daniel Suarez will have to have replacement crew chiefs this week after both cars were found with two missing lug nuts after Sunday's Instacart 500k in Phoenix. The replacements have been named.

Entry List: 2021 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500

For Sunday's Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500, there are 39 cars entered. Team Penske has entered the No. 33 Ford for Austin Cindric, while Joey Gase returns to Rick Ware Racing.

Entry List: 2021 EchoPark 250

For Saturday's Xfinity Series EchoPark 250, there are 43 cars entered. Martin Truex Jr. will be in the No. 54 Toyota, replacing Ty Gibbs for his first start since 2010. Cody Ware and Mason Massey are also entered.

Entry List: 2021 Fr8 Auctions 200

For Saturday's Camping World Truck Series race in Atlanta, there are 42 trucks entered. Bill Lester will replace David Gilliland in the No. 17, while Codie Rohrbaugh and Spencer Davis return. Ross Chastain makes his season debut as well.

NASCAR Introducing COVID-Detecting Dogs for Atlanta Weekend

This weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, NASCAR will be trailing a new effort with COVID-19 sniffing dogs to help detect the presence of the virus. This is something that the Miami Heat have been using for months.

Pocono Raceway Hosting COVID-19 Vaccination Site

The Lehigh Valley Health Network announced Tuesday that they will be using Pocono Raceway as a COVID-19 mass vaccination site. The Lehigh Valley Health Network also mans the infield care center at Pocono during race weekends.

eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series: Logan Clampitt Snaps Long Winless Streak at Atlanta

Logan Clampitt dominated much of the race Tuesday night and won the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series round at the virtual Atlanta Motor Speedway. Nick Ottinger was second, then Zack Nichols, Michael Conti and Steven Wilson.

Photos are courtesy of Nigel Kinrade Photography, NASCAR Media via Getty Images and iRacing via eNASCAR.

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:

Cliff Daniels Finding His Role as Leader While Kyle Larson Finds Success

as told to Zach Sturniolo

Waid’s World: It Took a While, but NASCAR is Going Dirt Track Racin’ One More Time

by Steve Waid

Did You Notice?: NASCAR Track Rotation Not the Worst Idea

by Tom Bowles

Frontstretch 5: Honorable Female Driving Pioneers in NASCAR

by Jesse Johnston

NASCAR Mailbox: First Michael Jordan, Now LeBron James?

by Davey Segal

Tomorrow at Frontstretch.com:

We'll take a look at the Xfinity Series ahead of Saturday's EchoPark 250. In addition, Bryan Keith will be back with another edition of Thursday Morning Thunder.

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