First off, I have to extend my condolences to the entire Blaney family.  The patriarch Lou Blaney passed away this Sunday, January 25,2009, at the age of 69.  You can read about it here.

Now to Dave Blaney. 

You thought he was gone, didn't you?  Didn't think you would have to hear about him again now that the CAT sponsorship for the #22 Bill Davis Racing machine went to RCR, and subsequently BDR sold his race team during the off season.  Well, you'd be wrong.

Seems Blaney will be driving for Prism Motorsports after Daytona.  Terry Labonte is slated to command that ride for the Daytona 500.  It is being reported that Prism Motorsports formed a technical alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing and will buy engines from Joey Arrington.  Bill Henderson is reported to be Blaney's crew chief for 2009.

I am guessing the o-fer streak for the Buckeye Bullet will continue.  Hope not.

Good luck Blaney!!

I had to share the contents of this post by Doug Demmons from my local newspaper.  The original post can be found by clicking here.

"Scott Speed is not one of those drivers that people talk about when they complain that NASCAR drivers are too politically correct and don't say what they really think. Speed has no such restraint.

On Wednesday he was asked about a theme that has come up many times this week during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour -- the need for drivers to do more for fans to encourage greater attendance at tracks.

Speed is not on board that train.

"American fans are obnoxious," he said. "It's ridiculous to get a picture or an autograph. Everywhere else in the world there's just more respect. We'd get off the airplane in Tokyo and there'd be people everywhere. The whole airport would be shut down but not one would ask you for a picture.

"They (American fans) are just not shy at all. They have no problem saying, 'Hey can I have a picture?' Like you're at a bowling alley or something, a bar, whatever, and they say, 'I want a picture.' All right, so you say you want a picture and then everybody else wants a picture and then the next thing you know, it's a whole autograph session."

Granted, drivers shouldn't be hounded 24/7 for autographs, but contrast Speed's perspective with Richard Petty's. Petty will sign autographs until his hand falls off.

He said this week that when he signs an autograph he considers it a thank-you note to a fan for supporting NASCAR."

(Credit:  Doug Demmons/Blog of Tomorrow/ www.al.com)