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11/23/2006
Happy Thanksgiving From FRM Fanz: Just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving
from myself and Front Row Motorsports!!!
11/7/2006
PTG Studios To Sponsor #34 Dodge At Homestead: PTG Studios will be the primary sponsor of the #34 Front Row Motorsports
entry driven by Kevin Lepage at Homestead-Miami Motorsports Complex on Sunday November 19th, for the Ford
400.
“I’m excited about driving the PTG Studios car for the last race of the year at Homestead,”
commented driver Kevin Lepage. “We look forward to making the race and ending the year with a good finish.”
PTG Studios, founded in 1997, is an independent media production company that specializes in educational
programming for national and international markets. It is headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL. PTG Studios producers
have helped companies from around the world gain exposure via nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distributions
systems. For over eight years, PTG Studios has produced magazine-style shows, nationally and internationally televised specials
as well as a variety of corporate communications. The shows provide information on the latest in cutting edge technology,
travel, sports, fashion, business solutions, health and a mix of many other exciting topics.
“We are thrilled about this opportunity with Front Row Motorsports. The Ford 400 is an ideal race
for us because it is only 30 minutes from our corporate headquarters and brings an international appeal. We think NASCAR
will provide a great vehicle to promote PTG Studios,” said Doug Scott, Chief Executive Officer of PTG Studios.
“We appreciate the support of PTG Studios for the Homestead race,” said team owner Bob Jenkins. “We
look forward to closing the year on a strong note and we’re glad PTG Studios can be part of that.”
For more information about PTG Studios, please visit www.ptgstudios.com.
10/31/06
MyAutoLoan.com to Sponsor Chaffin at Texas: myAutoloan.com will be an associate sponsor of the #34
Front Row Motorsports entry driven by Chad Chaffin at Texas Motor Speedway, for the Dickies 500.
“I look forward to driving the myAutoloan.com
car at Texas,” commented driver Chad Chaffin. “The guys have been working real hard to get the cars ready
each week. I’m confident we will put together a strong showing this weekend.”
myAutoloan.com is a subsidiary of Horizon Digital
Finance, L.L.C., and a nationally-licensed direct-to-customer, Internet-based auto financing marketplace utilizing Preferred
Placement technology and processes. Preferred Placement helps consumers obtain auto financing with real lenders providing
real loans in real time. Preferred Placement also matches approved and qualified customers with participating qualified franchised
auto dealers through their auto lead generation program called Preferred Dealer. Horizon Digital Finance and myAutoloan.com
are quickly becoming recognized leaders of the online direct-to-customer lifestyle financing process by providing innovative
technology-driven solutions. They are located in Irving, Texas.
“We are excited about our partnership with
Front Row Motorsports for the Dickies 500. This is our first venture in the arena of auto racing. We think NASCAR
demographics is a good fit with our client base,” said Greg Thibodeau Chief Executive Officer of myAutoloan.com.
“We look forward to the entire weekend.”
“We appreciate the support of myAutoloan.com
for the Texas race,” said team owner Bob Jenkins. “We think the myAutoloan.com car will be strong this weekend
and hopefully we can give myAutoloan.com a good finish their first time out.”
For more information about myAutoloan.com please
visit www.myAutoloan.com.
10/11/06
Lepage to Drive #34 Entry for the Remander of 2006: NASCAR Nextel Cup Series veteran,
Kevin Lepage will be finishing the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season in the No. 34 Chevy Monte Carlo for Front Row Motorsports. Lepage
joined Front Row Motorsports last week and is looking forward to driving the rest of the season with his new team.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to finishing
the 2006 season driving the No. 34 Chevy Monte Carlo for Front Row Motorsports,” said Lepage. “I cannot thank
Bob Jenkins enough for giving me the chance to drive for him. I’m hoping we can finish out this season on a positive
note. We are all looking forward to some strong runs to end the season.”
Lepage and the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Team will be close to home for this
week’s race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. This Saturdays Bank of America 500 will be held under the lights. Qualifying
will be held on Thursday, October 12th and the race can be seen ‘live’ 7:00pm (EST) Saturday night
on TNT. The race can also be heard ‘live’ on MRN, PRN, and XM Satellite Radio. Check your local listing
for times and channel locations.
The Front Row Motorsports Racing organization, formed in 2004, is a relatively
new team in the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit. FRM is owned by restaurant entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins.
10/5/06 Heading To Talladega/Front Row Looking to Make 5 in a Row: Front
Row Motorsports heads to Talladega looking to make it five in a row. FRM has made the last four races dating back to Richmond,
where they put two cars in the race field. This week at Talladega Chad Chaffin will drive the #61 Taco Bell Chevrolet and
Kevin Lepage will pilot the #34 Oak Gloves Dodge.
“As an un-sponsored team it’s tough week in and week out to
compete against teams with $10-$20 million dollar budgets. I credit our recent success to the guys working on the cars and
the job drivers are doing behind the wheel. We have some great people in place, starting at the top with our two crew chiefs
Gere Kennon and Randy Seals. I believe we have all the pieces in place to be successful week in and week out. If we can find
a sponsorship partner that can see the tremendous benefits we have to offer, I believe we can be really competitive in 2007.”
Commented team owner Bob Jenkins.
“I look forward to driving the Taco Bell car at Talladega,”
said driver Chad Chaffin. “I appreciate Taco Bell coming on board for this race. The guys have done a great job getting
this car ready and I’m confident we will have a strong showing this weekend.”
FRM is still looking for primary and associate sponsors for the reminder of 2006
and 2007. We are going to the track each week with or without sponsors, but it’s a shame to go un-sponsored when we
know there are companies out there that can benefit from a partnership with our team. It’s just a matter of us finding
them or them finding us.
Additional information about Front Row Motorsports can be found at www.frontrowmotorsports.com or by calling 865-898-0946.
9/27/06 Fox Collision Centers to Sponsor #92 Chevrolet of Chad Blount at Kansas: Kansas
City company FOX Collision Center will sponsor the #92 Front Row Motorsports entry driven by Chad Blount at Kansas Speedway,
for the Banquet 400.
“I look forward to driving the FOX Collision Center car at Kansas,”
commented driver Chad Blount. “The guys have been working real hard to get the cars ready each week. I’m confident
we will have a strong showing this weekend.”
Owned and operated by Kansas native and industry veteran Todd FOX, FOX Collision
Center, Inc., FOX Collision has 15 locations in five markets. FOX Collision began in 2001 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and quickly became
Tulsa’s premier Collision Center. There are currently five FOX Collision Centers in Wichita, one in Kansas City, Kansas;
six in Tulsa; one in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and two in Arkansas. The company is in the process of opening new locations in
Arkansas, Kansas City and Oklahoma City.
“Our partnership with Front Row Motorsports in 2005 provided excellent
exposure for our Collision Centers and gave us the opportunity to connect with the core of our customer base,” said
Todd Fox owner of FOX Collision. “This is a really great, fun way to strengthen our relationship with our existing customers
while exposing our company and our services to a broader array of people.”
“We appreciate the support of FOX Collision Center for the Kansas race,”
said team owner Bob Jenkins. “The FOX Collision car qualified 27th last year and had a good run until handling problems
forced us to retire about two-thirds through the race. We look forward to a stronger race and a solid finish this year.”
For more information about Fox Collision please visit www.foxcollision.com.
8/25/06 Thompson Metal Services, LLC to Sponsor #61 Chevrolet at Bristol: Front
Row Motorsports announced local East Tennessee company Thompson Metal Services will sponsor the #61 Front Row Motorsports
Chevrolet Monte Carlo piloted by Chad Chaffin this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Sharpie 500.
This will
mark the fourth Bristol race that Thompson Metal Services has adorned a Front Row Motorsports entry. They were on the car for both races at the track last year and the spring race this season. ''We appreciate
Thompson Metal Services coming abroad once again. We have enjoyed partnering with them in past and look forward to a great
weekend this time around,'' commented team owner Bob Jenkins.
Thompson
Metal Services is an industrial scrap metal recycler. They are a privately owned
company that has been in business for over 25 years. ''We understand what it
takes to own your own business,'' said Thompson Metal Services President Bradley Thompson.
''We recognize what Bob and Front Row Motorsports are trying to do to compete at this level and we are happy to be
a part of their effort this weekend.'' In addition, to the original location in Piney Flats, TN they own and operate Kingsport
Iron and Metal in Kingsport, TN. Both locations specialize in solving the scrap
metal recycling needs for businesses and individuals.
''I'm looking forward to driving the Thompson Metal Services
Chevrolet,'' commented Front Row Motorsports driver Chad Chaffin. ''As always
I have the utmost confidence in the team to give me a good car and I feel we will give Thompson Metal Services a great effort
on the track this weekend.''
Thompson Metal Services is in the process of putting the final touches on their website
www.tmsitn.com, but in the meantime can be reached at 423-245-5124 or 423-538-6137.
8/22/06 Long To Pilot #34 at Bristol: North
Carolina-native Carl Long, and Front Row Motorsports crew cheif Mike Steruer are ready to team up once again, this time at
the Bristol Motor Speedway. This is a track were Long has ran well at in the past, and both are looking forward to a
solid weekend.
Last year Carl Long qualified for both races, as well did Front
Row Motorsports. Front Row ended up 41rst in April due to engine woes, and 30th in August. Long experienced overheating problems
early in the Food City 500, which spiraled him to 42nd, but rebounded nicely in August and came away with 32nd, his best finish
of 2005.
Carl Long and teammate Chad Chaffin will tackle the track starting Friday at 12:05pm with First Practice.
Qualifying is also Friday at 3:40pm/et on SPEED.
10/16/06 Michigan Race Report: What started like a promising week for
both Front Row Motorsports teams, ended with disappointment.
In the last lap of practice prior to qualifying, Chad
Chaffin tried to avoid the spinning car of another driver and ended up backing the #61 Dodge into the
wall, resulting into the team going to a back up car. The back up car, with no track-time before it's qualifying attempt, laid
down a lap of 179.390mph which would not be fast enough to earn the team a spot in Sunday's race.
Mike Skinner and the #34 team tried
to find a bit more speed from practice. The #34 Oak Glove Chevrolet had a late qualifying draw that would produce faster
speeds then drivers who went out early. Skinner did pick up a tenth but like Chaffin, would not have a time good
enough to make the field.
Next race for Front Row Motorsports is the Sharpie
500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
8/1/06 Front Row Motorsports and Race El Paso to team up at Indy: Race El Paso, the
race team based out of El Paso, Texas owned by Gregg and Ryan Jackson plan to attempt the Brickyard 400 at Indy this August.
The Jacksons nearly made it in 2004, when Geoff Bodine drove the team's car [was #34 then], the Border Bandit, to a qualifying
run that put it one slot from earning its way into the Brickyard race. This year, the team is in a partnership with two race
teams: Gary Trout Autosports and Front Row Motorsports. Those teams are helping to put together the pit crew and have been
storing Race El Paso's cars. The team also has more than one car and more than one engine, which is being built by Ernie Elliott,
the brother of longtime NASCAR driver and semi-retired Bill Elliott. The car also will have a capable driver. The team already
has NASCAR Craftsman Trucks series driver Chad Chaffin lined up, but it also still is negotiating with NASCAR veteran Mike
Skinner. Still, the Jacksons know it won't be easy to get a car into a Nextel Cup race. "Our primary goal is to qualify,"
Ryan said. "Our second goal is to finish the race." More info at suncityracing.com.(El Paso Times/kvia.com)
7/23/06-Front Row Motorsports responds to
Disqualification: After qualifying 38th for this weekend’s race at Pocono, The
#61 Front Row Motorsports entry driven by Chad Chaffin was disqualified after a random post-qualifying inspection determined
the car to be a quarter of an inch too low. This marks the first time in the history of the series that a competitor has been
disqualified after successfully making a race field. Since the team must also forfeit at least $70,000 of purse winnings,
this also becomes the largest financial penalty ever levied by NASCAR. The team requested, but was denied the opportunity
to appeal NASCAR’s decision regarding the disqualification.
In recent years, roof-height violations have
been met with fines ranging from $20,000-$35,000 and usually a 25 point reduction in owner and driver points. As violations
have been discovered, teams were allowed to race and to earn points and purse money for the event. In 2005, Hendricks Motorsports
earned a victory and nearly a half million dollars in purse winnings, despite the fact that the #48 team had failed a post
race height inspection. In each case, penalties were handed out following the race weekend and the teams were afforded the
opportunity to appeal the penalties prior to going them into effect.
Team owner Bob Jenkins
released the following statement regarding the disqualification. “Our team is extremely disappointed in the series of
events that took place at the track this weekend. I want to assure our fans and sponsors that we are committed to working
within NASCAR’s guidelines to maintain the integrity of our race efforts. At no time this weekend, did anyone from our
organization purposely attempt to circumvent those guidelines. We are unclear why NASCAR chose the course of action that they
did. The penalty levied against our team does not seem to be consistent with previous penalties issued for similar offenses.
This has left our team with a number of unanswered questions. We intend to meet with NASCAR to enable us to come to a better
understanding of how they reached their decisions and find out what can be done to resolve this matter. I would like to thank
our fans for their continued support and our team looks forward to the remainder of the season.”
7/18/06 Sacks to drive #34 at Pocono and/
Chaffin to return to the #61: Greg Sacks will yet again be at the helm of the #34 Chevrolet
this weekend at Pocono. Sacks, who also atempted the most recent race at Pocono with Front Row Motorsports, hopes to improve
the performance on the #34 team. Brake problems and an ill handling setup kept Sacks from racing in the Pocono 500 just
weeks ago, and Mike Steurer and the #34 team are determined to turn their luck around. Also rejoining Front Row after two
weeks, Chad Chaffin returns to race the #61 Dodge. Chaffin, who recently signed to drive for Harris Trucking Motorsports CTS
team is looking foward to this weekend.
7/17/06 Loudon Race Report: Ted Christopher laid down two very solid laps along with Joey McCarthy at Loudon this
week. But in the end, neither team would make the Lenox Industrial Tools 300. Ted Christopher had a fast enough time to make
the field but Bill Elliot(#00), who was slower then both McCarthy and Christopher, used a Past Champions Provisional
to earn the final spot in Sunday's race.
7/10/06 Christopher & McCarthy to drive
at Loudon: Joey McCarthy and Ted Christopher will be in the car's next weekend at Loudon. McCarthy, who
drove the #92 Dodge to a 31rst place finish at Loudon in 2005, rejoins the crew for yet another weekend. This time
he will pilot the #34 Chevrolet, while Whelen Modified driver Ted Christopher drives the #61 Chevrolet.
7/10/06 Chicagoland Race Report:
Carl's car was tight for most of the weekend and Mike Steurer decided to free it up for qualifying
to try and make the car faster. Carl nearly hit the wall on lap 1 and drove the car too easy into the turns on lap 2.
He was obviously dissapointed but he did a good job to gather thing's up, and bring the car home in one piece. Blount picked
up a lot from practice but it just wasnt enough.
7/7/06 Changes at Front Row Motorsports: Chad Blount will drive the #61 Oak Gloves Dodge and Carl Long will drive the #34 Chevrolet for Front
Row Motorsports this weekend at Chicagoland. Front Row Motorsports driver Chad Chaffin is still in the fold at FRM, but has
taken a full time ride in the #59 Harris Trucking Motorsports Truck in the Craftsman Truck Series. Due to scheduling conflicts
he will be forced to miss three Nextel Cup starts for FRM. “We were able to reach an agreement with Chad that allows
him the freedom to pursue this opportunity in the Craftsman Truck Series while only missing three races for us,” commented
FRM owner Bob Jenkins. “This is an excellent opportunity for Chad that we didn’t want to stand in the way off.
It also gives us the opportunity to give more seat time to some other drivers and further allow us to evaluate our program."
7/4/06 Long to Pilot #34 Oak Glove Chevrolet at Chicagoland:
Carl Long, a Roxboro, NC native is set to rejoin FRM yet again this weekend at the Chicagoland
Speedway. Long, who recently atempted to qualify the #34 Chevy at Dover went home just a few tenth's short. Carl look's to
add another NEXTEL Cup start under his belt, and his first in 2006.
7/3/06 Daytona Race Report: After
160 laps around the Daytona International Speedway, Chad Chaffin crossed the finish line with a top-35 finish. The #61 Taco
Bell Chevrolet, which had struggled to get back on the lead lap since pitting early in the 400 mile event, was driven to the
hauler in one peice. When the green flag waved after the 5th caution in the race Chaffin was 39th, but with drafting help
from Robby Gordon(#7) and others he moved up to 35th before the yellow flag waved on lap 160 which would call the race.
6/30/06 Chaffin Qualifies 32nd place for Pepsi 400; will start
43rd: Chad Chaffin qualified to make the show for the July 1rst Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
A lap of 183.554 mph, 32nd fastest, in the #61 Taco Bell Chevrolet gets Chaffin in the lineup for
Saturday night's Cup race. It will be his 7th Cup start of 2006.
6/24/06 Looking Ahead…Daytona: Chad
Blount will be back in the #34 next weekend at Daytona.
6/23/06 Infineon Race Report: Johnny picked up a lot from his practice speed. Miller
was about two tenth's slower than Brandon Ash, who earned the final spot in the field. The early draw hurt Simo's lap pretty
bad. The #61 also had a engine problem. It's a shame, both drivers drove the wheel's of the thing's trying to qualify.
6/19/06 Road Ace’s Tapped to Drive for FRM: Johnny Miller and Brian Simo will
assume driving duties this weekend at Infineon Raceway. The two road course specialists look to put both of Front Row Motorsports
entries into the field. Miller will be in the #34, and Simo in the #61.
6/18/06 Skinner Get's A Much Needed Lead Lap Finish for FRM:
After starting from the tail end of the field, Mike Skinner and Mike Steurer used pit strategy to get the #34 Oak
Glove Chevrolet into the top-20. After another round of pit stops, Mike found himself battleing through the field yet again.
Then on lap 129, the rain came. With the race being over the half-way mark, NASCAR called the 3M Performance 400, and
Skinner and the Front Row team came home with a 37th place finish.
6/18/06 Mike Skinner Makes 3M Performance 400 by Tenth's: Mike Steurer
pushed the #34 Chevrolet into the NASCAR Garage area after the team's two qualifying lap's with a smile on. Why?
Because this will be the first time since Talladega in April that the #34 has taken the green flag. And
to think it was just minutes before when the team was racing against time to fix a unknown brake problem they found after
practice. Not knowing what the car was going to do, driver Mike Skinner put down a lap that would lock the #34 team into
Sunday's 3M Performance 400.
Both Teams FTQ at Dover: The rain came and so did the terrible luck
that has seemed to overwhelm the FRM teams the last couple of weeks. First the #61 of Chaffin crashed on his first lap and
did not post a time, then as Carl Long was going out the rain came and threw his lap time way off. Looked like Nascar gave
him another try but with the new tires being used, and two laps already locked on them it did no good. The #34 & #61 teams
hope to turn things around next week at Pocono. Special thanks to PEO Pros and Contenintal Fire & Safety for helping out
at Dover.
Chaffin places 23rd in Nextel Open: Well it
was a decent race fo Chaffin. Of course being in a back up car did not help at all. He was running with Martin Truex
in Segment #1 and ended up finishing 23rd. He had a good looking car although he was not able to hang with the field, he battled
Wallace(#30), Barrett(#95), Truex (#1), and Shelmerdine (#27). He ended up finishing 23rd in the Open after the final segment.
Good Job Chad! Now its time for the big race next week, the Coca-Cola 600.
Chaffin to start 25th in a back up car: Chad
Chaffin qualified the #61 car 25th for Saturday nights All-Star Challenge, but not in the same car he had earlier today in
practice. Chaffin crashed his Dodge Charger in practice, demolishing the front end. The new tire goodyear has is likely the
cause. Regardless, the team unloaded the 2005 Monte Carlo that they had and will race it instead. Good luck guys.
5/2/06 Testing at Lowes Motor Speedway: Ted,
Mike and the guys are getting ready to test at Charlotte tomorrow. Greg Conner was at the shop this morning discussing things
with Mike. They will work well together. Looks like they are going to stop running the 92 car, just focus on the two cars.
5/2/06 Heading to Richmond: After testing
a couple of weeks ago the teams are excited about RIR. The test went well for both cars. They are really looking forward to
going back to Richmond. "We were running lap times with Labonte and some other cars on old tires", said driver Chad Chaffin.
"We will see what happens."
5/2/06 Both FRM Teams get Top-30 Finishes in Aaron's 499 at Talladega:
A wild race as always at Talladega Superspeedway ended up giving FRM there best finish in 2006. The race was
rescheduled to Monday after a rain shower passed over Sunday. When the green flag finaly waved, Kevin Lepage moved into the
top-10 from his 23rd place starting spot. But on lap 9, a wreck in turns 3-4, caught up #34 Chad Chaffin. Chad had tried to
avoid the wreck by diving down on the aproun but the wecked car of Clint Bowyer(#07) slide down the track and cliped his right
rear sending Chaffin into the outside wall. The damage was bad, but repairable. Chaffin returned to the track after repairs
later 34 laps down. He then had a tire problem, and sudenly lost the tire liner. He was able to return the car
to pit road and once again continue. At the end of the day he came away with his best ever Nascar Nextel Cup finish(30th).
Kevin Lepage contiued running well untill lap 174 when Denny Hamlin(#11) and Dave Blaney(#22) got together. They slide
up into Lepage who then lost control of his #61 car and slide up into Joe Nemechek(#01). All of them slide back down the track
and collected several more drivers. Lepage was ok, but the car was not. He had to retire from the race and ended up 28th.
4/29/06 Lepage and Chaffin to run in Aaron's 499:
Both FRM drivers Chad Chaffin and newest member Kevin Lepage put there cars into the Aaron's 499 today with
fast enough qualifying times to start Sunday's big race. The #61 State Water Heaters Ford and driver Kevin Lepage will start
23rd, and Chad Chaffin driver of the #34 Oak Glove Chevy will start 32nd. It will be Kevin Lepage's first start with FRM.
FRM's other entry, the #92 team with Chad Blount were just not quite fast enough to qualify. Being that there were no sponsor
on the #34 FRM Entry this weekend, State Water Heaters will also be featured on the quater pannels while also the
primary for the #61.
FRM Heading to Talladega Superspeedway: After two dissapointing
weekends, FRM looks at Talladega as a track they they might be able to turn there luck around. The Dodge that Chad Blount
will drive this week is the same car that Chaffin wrecked in Feb. at Daytona. The guys fixed the chassis and changed
the body to a Charger [from a Chevy]. Chaffin will be in the car that Randy LaJoie drove in Feb. at Daytona, the 2005
Monte Carlo. 48 cars entered this week.
4/27/2006 Front Row Motorsports Merge's with Peak Performance Team: Front
Row Motor Sports owner Bob Jenkins, and Jeff Stec have formed a limited partnership to campaign the #61 Ford Fusion for the
remainder of the 2006 NASCAR season. Greg Conner and the balance of the #61 team members will be integrated into the Front
Row Motorsports organization beginning this week with the running of the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega. Kevin Lepage will
continue to drive the #61 car. “The #61 team has gotten off to a good start this year by making 6 of the first 8 races.
By combining resources and sharing knowledge, we are confident that we can improve each of our teams,” states Front
Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins. “We are looking to upgrade both our qualifying and race day efforts. We are excited
about the opportunities this presents our team and the advantages we can gain by working together."
Both FRM Teams Miss Phoenix Field: Chaffin missed by 4 hundrenths of
a second. #49 Brent Sherman ran a 27.999 and Chad ran a 28.031. Blount was not too far behind. That is close,
but close only counts in horseshoes and hand gernades.
4/14/06 RIR Testing April 11th-13th: Below is the results from testing,
overall a decent test.
DAY 2 - Apr 12, 2006 AM Speeds:
53 34 Chad Chaffin Chevy 22.459 120.219
DAY
2- Apr 12, 2006 PM Speeds:
50 34 Chad Chaffin Chevy 22.150 121.896
Overall DAY 2- Apr 12, 2006 PM Speeds:
39
34 Chad Chaffin Chevy 22.158 121.852
CUMULATIVE SPEEDS Apr 11-13, 2006 Drivers Best:
44 34 Chad Chaffin Chevy 22.150
121.896 Day 2 AFT
DAY 3- Apr 13, 2006 AM Speeds:
4 34 Chad Chaffin Chevy 21.768 124.035
6 92 Chad
Blount Chevy 21.902 123.276
DAY 3 - Apr 13, 2006 afternoon Speeds:
1 92 Chad Blount Chevy 21.793 123.893
4
34 Chad Chaffin Chevy 21.885 123.372
Overall CUMULATIVE SPEEDS Apr 11-13, 2006 Drivers Best:
37 34 Chad Chaffin
Chevy 21.768 124.035 Day 3 AM
39 92 Chad Blount Chevy 21.793 123.893 Day 3 AFT
Pretty good test by both teams, Chaffin had a big pick up. He ended up 37th overall. Blount did greatas well, 39th
overall. Looking foward to Richmond.
4/11/06 Heading to Phoenix: Texas is behind them and now they have
a weekend off to get ready for Phoenix. The 34 & 92 cars are going to Richmond at the end of the week to test.
4/11/06 Texas Too Hot For Front Row: It's friday and both
teams are heading home already. Its a shame, since the practice sessions went well.
When qualifying rolled around Blount had a good car, it just looked like he couldnt get through turns 3-4
good. Everyone was bottoming out there, espically the #92 Dodge.
Chaffin had handling problems. Mike Steruer (crew cheif) said the car was good in practice. Just a tick
tight, so they loosened it up a little for qualifying. Chad went out and drove the car way off in the corner before he lifted.
When the car took a set to turn it just pushed up the track. It did not just push, it "PLOWED." The second lap was his
fastest, but he just basically ran what he did in practice. If he had done what most of the guys had done and picked
up a couple of tenths then he would of been in the show. He just drove way harder qualifying then he did in practice. It is
hard to predict what the car will do under those curcumstances.
4/3/06 Rough Day Leads To Decent Finish For FRM: After 500 laps around the half-mile
Martinsville Speedway, the FRM team loaded up and headed back to Denver. They came away with 36th and 42nd place finishes.
Chad Chaffin would have the more eventful day. At the drop of the dreen, Chad moved his car up several spots and
was looking to break into the top-20 early. Suddenly a big pile up in turns 1-2 set off a chain reaction crash in which Chaffin
ran into the back of Dale Earnhardt Jr (#8).
The car was badly damaged, and the collision caused an hole in the radiator. This put the team behind
the wall early. The team was quick to install the new radiator and make much needed repairs to the #34 Monte Carlo. Chaffin
returned to the track and for the time, had the quickest lap times out of the entire field.
Chaffin would battle overheating problems later in the run and would have to pit for minor repairs. He would be
there at the end though, 36th.
Blount and the #92 team battled brake problems. By lap 92 Blount had no brakes and the team called it a day.
4/2/06 MAKOTO Ginger Dressings to sponsor both FRM cars at Martinsville: MAKOTO
Ginger Dressings, which appeard on the Front Row Motorsports cars at Las Vegas earlier this year, and a few races in 2005
is once again teaming up with the team at Martinsville. MAKOTO will appear on the hood of #92 Chad Blount, and B-Pillars of
#34 Chad Chaffin. Both whom will race on Sunday.
4/1/06 Both FRM teams Qualify for Direct TV 500 at Martinsville: Chad
Chaffin ended up the fastest non-top-35 car after todays qualifying session for the Direct TV 500. Chad Blount laid down a
lap just good enough to get him and the #92 team into the field. Both teams are looking foward to Sunday.
6/13/06 Mike Skinner to drive for FRM: Mike Skinner will drive the
#34 this weekend at Michigan 'Intl Speedway. The team will have the same Chevrolet SS that was driven at Lowe's Motor Speedway
just a few week's ago.
Next Up...Martinsville: Mike and the #34 team are getting the 2005 Monte
Carlo ready for Martinsville. They are currently working on another '06 car and just put another one in the body shop. They
will soon have three '06 cars and the 2005 Chevy("Harry"). Teddy and the #92 team were working on the Intrepid getting it
ready. Hopefully they will have a good weekend, there are 48 cars entered.
Mother Nature Keeps FRM Out of Bristol: Mother nature
won today. Hard to believe that both cars are coming home again. NASCAR used the top 35 in points from 2005, and number of
attempts and points from 2006 for the non-top-35 spots.
If they went by 2005 points, then the #00-Sadler and #10-Riggs would not have made
it, which would put the #92 and #34 in the race.
It is tough going home on a technicality.
Heading to Bristol: So after a very dissapointing
Atlanta race weekend, the FRM team heads to Bristol. Mike is taking the 2005 Chevy to Bristol nicknamed "Harry". Teddy and
the #92 team are taking the Intrepid bought from the Petty's.
Both FRM teams FTQ at Atlanta: Qualifying is over
and to the dissapointment of the FRM team, neither car or driver will be in Sunday's race. Chad Chaffin seemed to have a decent
car. It wasnt on the top of the charts but at least he was quicker than alot of other non-top 35 teams, and almost made
the field. Blount and the 92 team were not up to speed at all. It was the same car from Vegas.
Driver Change? Chad Blount In, Randy LaJoie Out?-Update:
Chad Blount is in the 92 car this weekend. He was at the shop this morning putting his seat in the car.
Update-Hearing it is official. Randy is no longer affiliated with the FRM team.
3/13/2006 Chaffin and FRM Fall to 42nd Place Finish After
Dropping a Vaulve: Chad Chaffin started the UAW DiamlerChrysler 400 from the final row and battled his car from there
on out. Caffin came in early to change tires for a unknown vibration, then was penalized for being too fast entering pit road.
While trying to regain lost time on pit road, on lap 24 Chaffin got loose and slid up the track. Just missing the wall,
Chad pulled his car into the pit's again and made several more adjustments. It appeard the team had some type of overheating
problem late in the going. When the fourth caution hit the speedway on lap 157 for debris in turn two, Chad came down pit
road and the team did a quick survey of the car. They sent Chad back out but the #34 MAKOTO Ginger Dressing Chevy only made
several more laps under caution before the engine expired. The team ended up with a 42nd place finish. Next up for FRM is
Atlanta.
3/12/2006 Chaffin 43rd quickest during Happy Hour
at Vegas: Not much to report from Happy Hour but the fact that the guys are still making progress.
Chaffin was 43rd quickest. Full Happy Hour Results Here.
3/11/2006 Chaffin Qualifies 38th; FRM will make first
start of 2006 Sunday: Chad Chaffin put the #34 Oak Glove Chevy in the field for Sundays race at
Vegas. Chaffin, who had came so close to making the Daytona 500 before losing the right front tire with just a few laps to
go, will start his and FRM's season off Sunday as they compete in there first Nascar Nextel Cup Series race of 2006. What
was good for Chad was bad for Randy LaJoie, as he was the slowest car in qualifying placing his #64 MAKOTO Ginger Dressings
Dodge 49th. Mike Steruer and the guys are getting the #34 Oak Glove Chevy ready for Practice tomorow. Full Qualifying Results Here.
3/10/2006 Vegas Qualifying Order; LaJoie 25th Out, Chaffin
28th: The Qualifying Order is set for the Nascar Nextel Cup Series. First out is #66 Jeff Green
and last is #89 Morgan Shepherd. Both FRM cars will go out about half way through qualifying. LaJoie 25th, Chaffin 28th. Full Qualifying Order Here.
3/10/2006 Chaffin 41rst, LaJoie 48th after 1rst Practice
at Las Vegas: Chad Chaffin and Randy LaJoie both competed in practice today.
Chaffin ended up a respectable 41rst, while LaJoie couldnt find speed in his Charger, and ended up 48th. Full Practice Results Here. Both teams are getting ready for qualifying. Chaffin just needs to be faster than one more non-top-35 team
to make the show.
3/9/2006 UAW DiamlerChrysler 400 Entry List; 49 Drivers:
Entry List for the UAW DiamlerChrysler 400 is up to 49 drivers [for 43 spots]. Full Entry List Here
2/26/06 Equipment Problems keep FRM out of Auto Club 500:
Bad luck struck FRM last weekend at Daytona, and appears to have struck again this week at California. Randy
LaJoie was not fast enough to make the field. Both teams had major issues which kept both out from Sundays race.
Randy was in a newly purchased Dodge Charger which was bought from James Finch with an Ernie Elliott motor. It looked like
a real hot-rod. In qualifying the #34 hood had bumps in it. Both Darrel Waltrip and Larry McReynolds on the Speed Channel
mentioned the 'bumps' on the car hood being bad for the aero, which can decrease the top speed of the car. It did not
have enough support at the base next to the cowl area. They have it off and are fixing the situation right now. Mike
Steruer told us what happened to the 92. "Of all things the body location was off. The company that hung
the body put the roof in the wrong location and that throws everything off. They put the roof on as if it were a Nascar Busch
Series car, one inch to far back." This really puts them behind the eight ball if they werent there all ready. They only
have one other car ready, and it's the 2005 car from last year. They have this weekend off so it does give them
a couple of days to find some more cars if there lucky. Hopefully the team will get a little more out of that
engine horse power wise to get up in the mix, as being 10 mph off the pace is hard to make up. We're all keeping our fingers
crossed for the team to get into the race at Las Vegas.
2/24/2006 #92 Front Row Motorsports Entry Withdrawn: Hearing that the #92 FRM Chevy and driver Chad Chaffin have been removed from the entry list.
2/24/2006 Auto Club 500 Qualifying Order: The Qualifying Order for Nascar Nextel Cup Series Qualifying this evening is posted. Ken Schrader (#21) is the
first car out, and Dale Jarrett (#88) is the last car out. Chad Chaffin is the 20th car to hit the track, and not to
far behind is Randy LaJoie who will be the 25th driver to take time. Full Qualifying Order Here.
2/24/2006 LaJoie 47th after California 1rst Practice: Practice is over for the Nascar Nextel Cup Series at California. This is the first and final practice before qualifying.
Randy LaJoie, in a brand new Dodge Charger was only 47th quickest. Chad Chaffin, who did not make a practice run, was
50th quickest. Both teams will have to find some speed in order to make the field. Full Practice Results Here.
2/20/2006 Auto Club 500 Entry List; 50 drivers [for 43 spots]:
So far 50 drivers [for 43 spots] are scheduled to atempt to qualify for this weekend's Auto Club 500 at
California. Among the 50 drivers are Chad Chaffin and Randy LaJoie who both hope to rebound after hard luck at Daytona.
Full Entry List Here.
2/16/2006 Heartbreak at Daytona for both FRM teams; Heading to
California: Both Randy LaJoie and Chad Chaffin had problems not of there making which kept them
and FRM out of the Daytona 500 starting field.
Chaffin blew a tire fighting for the transfer spot with just a few laps left. "I could
feel it going down", said Chaffin. "But when you have to race your way in you have to gamble. We stayed out hoping for
a caution, unfortunately we were the caution." LaJoie also cut a tire at the start of the race and finished the race
a few laps off the pace.
Both teams will head to California for the Auto Club 500, the second race in
the Nascar Nextel Cup Series.
2/15/2006 Chaffin 9th, LaJoie 37th after Daytona 500 Practice
#4: The final practice session before tomorows big races is over. Talk about FAST, you
were describing Chad Chaffin's #92 Chevy. Chaffin ran a super lap to put the Front Row Motorsports team in the top 10 for
the first time during Daytona Speedweeks. Chad was 9th quickest at 47.427 secs. But that wasnt all that excited the FRM
team as Randy LaJoie had great pickup to which put him 37th with lap of 47.806 secs. Full Practice Results Here. The Gatorade Duels @ Daytona start at 2:00 on TNT. Both Randy & Chad will be in race one. Randy starts 21rst, Chaffin
starts 25th. Full Starting Line Up Here.
2/15/ 2006 Chaffin 42nd, LaJoie 52nd after Daytona 500 Practice
#3: Todays first of two practices are over. Chad Chaffin wound up 42nd at a respectable time of
47.810 secs, while Randy LaJoie also had a decent time of 48.070 secs which put him 52nd. Full Practice Results Here.
2/12/2006 Qualifying Results; LaJoie 42nd, Chaffin 50th:
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is over. Although neither FRM team put themselves in the field, both teams
seem very convinced that they can race there way into the field Thursday during the Gatorade Duels @ Daytona. At the end of
qualifying LaJoie found himself 42nd at a speed of 184.540 mph, while Chaffin wound up 50th at 181.763 mph. Complete Qualifying Results Here. Finishing positions in Thursday's Gatorade Duel races will determine starting positions in the Daytona 500. First
the front-row qualifiers will be removed from the equation. The remaining eligible highest ranked 35 in car owner points,
plus the two highest finishing non-top 35 teams from each Duel and the fastest drivers not among those 35 (by time from Daytona
500 qualifying) or a past champion will make up the field for the 2005 Daytona 500.
2/11/2006 Daytona 500 Qualifying Order List: Qualifying Order List for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway is up, 58 drivers [for 43 spots] are listed.
#80-Carl Long is due out first on Sunday, Feb 12th at 12:00pm/et on NBC, and the last driver scheduled out is #19-Jeremy Mayfield.
Front Row Motorsports #92-Chad Chaffin is the third car scheduled to qualify, and #64-LaJoie is the 31rst car to go out.
2/11/2006 LaJoie 42nd & Chaffin 48th after Daytona 500 Practice
#2: The second and final practice session before tomorows qualifying for the Daytona 500 is over.
Randy LaJoie was 42nd quickest car running a total of two laps with a best time of 49.167 secs. at 183.050 mph. Chaffin was
48th with a best time of 49.398 secs. at 182.194 mph. Chaffin also completed a toal of two laps. Full Practice Sheet Here.
2/11/2006 LaJoie 44th & Chaffin 46th after Daytona 500 Practice
#1: The first practice session for the Daytona 500 is over. Randy LaJoie posted the 44th quickest car
running a total of six laps with a best time of 49.223 secs. at 182.841 mph. Not to far behind
was Chad Chaffin in 46th with a total of five laps at a best speed of 49.266 secs. at 182.682 mph. Full Practice Sheet Here. The next practice session begins shortly.
2/11/2006 Randy LaJoie's #34 to #64?: Randy LaJoie's
number was changed from #34 to #64. He is a teammate to Rookie of the Year candidate #92-Chad Chaffin with Front Row Motorsports.
LaJoie will run the #64 for Daytona only using #34 owners points [if needed]
and will go back to #34 the next race.
2/9/2006 Daytona 500 Entry List, 58 cars entered: The Entry List for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway is up, 58 drivers are listed [for 43 spots]. Complete Entry List Here.
1/27/2006 Randy LaJoie to drive the #34 car in 2006: Front Row Motorsports announced that Randy LaJoie has been retained to drive the #34 car for the 2006 season. Randy
will join teammate Chad Chaffin, driver of the #92 FRM Chevy. The second team was formed as a partnership between car owners
Bob Jenkins and Chris Edwards [former Mach 1 owner]. " We worked with Chris and his team last year, and felt like we were
able to share information between the two cars. With the success that Randy has had in the Busch series, and Chad has had
in the truck series, we believe that we will continue to improve upon last year's results. We have a unique opportunity for
these two teams to compete for spots with in the top 35 in points and we intend to do everything within our power to get them
there. Our philosophy is that in this sport, you have to make your own place at the table and our goal is to do exactly that,”
stated Jenkins. Both teams will be based out of FRM's Denver, NC facility. The team is currently adding additional positions
including crew chief, fabricators, and track personnel.
Update- Front Row Motorsports announced that Randy LaJoie has been retained
to drive the #34 car for the 2006 season. Randy will join teammate Chad Chaffin, driver of the #92 FRM Chevy. The second team
was formed as a partnership between car owners Bob Jenkins and Chris Edwards [former Mach 1 owner]. Both teams will be based
out of FRM's Denver, NC facility. The team is currently adding additional positions including crew chief, fabricators, and
track personnel. Resumes can be faxed to 865-357-2734 or emailed to mcs5252@hotmail.com.
1/18/2006 FRM 12th quickest during Jan 18th PM Drafting Testing:
Chad Chaffin drove the #92a Monte Carlo SS to the 12th best ranked speed of 188.996 mph. The test went
real well. They found a few things that worked well on Wednesday, especially for the drafting practice. They were running
with the #88, #99 and the #25 in a pack and Chad could run with those guys. The car drove well and sucked up to the car
in front of it. Chad even worked his way to the front and stayed there. It was a group of about six cars on a 20 lap run and
they really could hold their own. They really felt good about the runs and were looking forward to Speedweeks.
1/18/2006 FRM 45th quickest during Jan. 18th AM Drafting Testing:
Chad and the guys had a very solid run in todays morning drafting test session at Daytona. The #92a
Monte Carlo SS ranked 45th at the end of testing, at a speed of 184.498 mph. The car ran very well in the draft and the team
looks for even more improvement in this afternoons test session.
1/15/06 Mach 1 Racing Auction-Update: Mach
1 Racing's Gavel Auction ended yesterday. After being asked how the auction went, owner Chris Edwards responded.
"The auction went as well as could be expected. You never get what you think the stuff is worth. I did not take my Chevy's
to the sell and good thing because they would have went cheap. But I did sell the 2 intermediate cars today to an ARCA team
and hopefully the speedway car will sell by Friday. I have talked to several people about it today." PR-mach1racing
1/17/2006 FRM 51rst and 58th quickest during Jan. 17th PM Testing:
Crew Chief Mike Stuerer and the whole Front Row Motorsports team were working hard to get Chad Chaffin
speed during this afternoons testing at Daytona. While they nailed the setup on the #92a Monte Carlo SS, which was ranked
51rst with a speed of 182.020 mph at the end of testing, the #92b Monte Carlo struggled and was only 58th quickest at 180.639
mph.
1/17/06 FRM 51rst and 52nd quickest during Jan. 17th AM Testing:
After this morning's test session both cars seem to be up to about the same speed. The #92a Monte Carlo
SS timed in 51rst with a speed of 180.825 mph, but the #92b Monte Carlo was right behind it, ranking 52nd at a top speed of
180.716 mph.
1/16/2006 FRM 54th and 60th quickest during Jan. 16th PM Testing:
Chad Chaffin was able to find a little more speed this afternoon at Daytona in his #92a Monte Carlo
SS. However the extra speed didnt improve his ranking. FRM sits 54th quickest with a best speed of 182.726. There was
no speed for the #92b Monte Carlo, as the driveshaft broke, so it wound up 60th. Also want
to note that Chad Chaffin and Mike Wallace ran an identical best lap of 182.726. However Wallace was scored 53rd, and Chaffin
54th.
***Update***-Hearing it wasnt the driveshaft but the pinon that broke on
the car. John Tenney's interview with Chad Chaffin.
1/16/2006 FRM 52nd quickest during Jan. 16th AM Testing:
Chad Chaffin and the Front Row Motorsports team struggled to find speed during the first test session
with there #92b Monte Carlo. The team ended up 52nd out of 58th during this mornings session, with a best speed of
182.101 mph.
1/4/06 Daytona Jackson-Hewitt Preseaon Thunder: Testing at Daytona sponsored by Jackson Hewitt begins Jan. 9th. Front Row Motorsports and driver Chad Chaffin will
test Jan. 16th-18th. I have been told that the team will take both a new 2006 Monte Carlo SS and a 2005 Monte Carlo.
1/4/06 Mach 1 Racing Auctioning Off Team & Supplies:
It looks like Mach 1 Racing will discontinue their efforts in 2006 as there will be an
auction to sell the remaining assets of the #34 Nextel Cup team on Tuesday Jan 17th. The auction is scheduled to start
at 6:00pm/et in Mooresville, NC at 212 Performance Rd. More info and images at www.gavelauction.com or www.mach1racing.com. PR-mach1racing
FRM going to Dodge's in '06? UPDATE; Chad Chaffin Returns:
Chad Chaffin, who landed a part-time job in the Nextel Cup Series in 2005 with #92 Front Row Motorsports
of Denver, N.C., has hired Chaffin to run the full Nextel Cup schedule in 2006. Front Row has yet to land a sponsor, but owner
Bob Jenkins said he is committed to running all 36 races without one if necessary. "We may not be in the top 20," Jenkins
said of his fledgling race team, "but we plan to grow and progress." Jenkins owns two North Carolina companies, one that manufactures
vinyl gloves, the other a food franchise. He chose Chaffin for the full-time job next season "because Chad's a good driver
and he knows how to communicate with the pit crew. That's very important." The team raced Chevrolets this season and is debating
going to Dodges next year. In addition to his full Cup schedule, Chaffin also will compete in the NASCAR Busch Series for
Goodlettsville-based Wayne Day Enterprises. While Front Row plans to run all 36 Cup races, Chaffin said he may turn the car
over to a substitute driver for the two annual road-course events. PR-jayski.com
12/2/2005 Steurer To Assume Crew Chiefing Duties:
Have been by told a rep. at Front Row Motorsports that Mike Steurer is the crew chief of
the #92 team, and will be in 2006 also.PR-jayski.com
12/2/2005 FRM Retains Crew & Chad Chaffin for 2006:
Veteran car chief Ted Kennedy announced Friday afternoon that his plans are to continue to serve as the
car chief on the #92 Front Row Motorsports Nextel Cup Series team for the 2006 season with driver Chad Chaffin despite rumors
flowing that Kennedy will join Michael Waltrip Racing in association with FitzBradshaw Racing next year in the Busch Series.
"I'm not sure how the rumor was started, but I plan on staying with Front Row Motorsports and driver Chad Chaffin as we intend
to put together a competitive package for the Nextel Cup Series in 2006." Kennedy, who spent the latter part of the 2005 Nextel
Cup Series season with Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins also stated "At this time, I don't forsee me heading to
another organization. PR-jayski.com
11/19/2005 Chaffin Hopes To Stay With FRM:
Chad Chaffin said there is a chance he could drive for the team full-time next year. He also
plans to run a limited Busch Series schedule for #16 Wayne Day Racing. PR-jayski.com
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