No Cup race this weekend, but there is other racing series news out there. Here are some updates and downlows.
The IRL season opener is March 29th, 8PM on ESPN2.
Danica, doing what Danica does best
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This first race should be interesting to see the new teams coming over from Champ Car.
The Rock is back, baby. JimmieJohnson tested at Rockingham Speedway on March 18. Up to forty ARCA teams are expected to test at Rockingham on March 21 and 22. This two day test will be free to the public. Among the stars testing for the ARCA Carolina 500 on May 4, are ScottSpeed, JoeyLagano, and AustinDillon. Dillon is RichardChildress' grandson. Rockingham Speedway will also host the Hooter's Pro Cup American 200 on November 1. It's cool that the two big races at Rockingham this year are called the Carolina and the American. Old schoolers will remember those were the names of the two Cup races at The Rock back in the day.
Hooters....Racing.....Rockingham!
SterlingMarlin is in the #1 Phoenix Racing, Nationwide Series ride this weekend in Nashville. This, after Phoenix fired JohnnySauter this week. I'm not a big Sauter fan, but if this car was capable of running in the top ten, he would have it in the top five.In other Nationwide news, ChaseMiller is making his first start of 2008 in the #9 Dodge. ColinBraun is making his first 2008 start in the #16 Ford. The #36 Dodge that KennyWallace had been driving is shutting down, but Kenny landed a new ride in the #28 Chevrolet.
Twenty year old ChrissyWallace, Mike's daughter, will make her Truck Series debut at Martinsville later this month. Finally, a woman racer with talent. Seems like it was just yesterday we were watching her rip it up in the bandoleros at LMS.
Good Luck, Chrissy
Memo to DarellWaltrip: Don't do us any more favors by coming to work sick. Your voice sounded like rusty nails being pulled from oak planking. What a joke. Are you afraid of being replaced if you sit out, like what happened to AlanBestwick?
I kinda enjoyed listening to old froggy (DW) during the race. You could just tell he really had to think about it before trying to speak! Then he'd blurt out something pertinate and it had to hurt. He was being a real trooper!
Sounds like the truck race circuit may have a few more curves than normal! Here's wishing Lauren's cousin a clean ride and at least a few laps in the lead!
D-Man....thanks for chiming in. I knew some people would think DW was a hero just for showing up that sick. I think he was afraid a replacement would show him up so much that he would lose his job.
Would FOX let Troy Aikman go on the air with his voice in the same condition as DW's was? Would CBS let Phil Simms?
Saw your latest post. We're going to have to start calling you Mr. NASCAR before long(8^)
Looking forward to the IRL opener next weekend. But for this weekend we'll have to make do with the NW race and the F1 race in Malaysia. I'm not sure why...but it seems that F1 is always racing on Easter Sunday.
It will be interesting to see the NW race without so many of the Sprint guys participating this weekend.
Like Dwindy...I felt bad for DW this weekend. Unable to say much of anything that came out as more than a croak. At least he has an extra week to recouperate now.
Gerrel....nice to hear from you as usual. Yes, the IRL should be good next week. I know how yu feel about DW, so I won't continue blasting him in this reply to you!*)
Speaking of Austin Dillon. I was lucky enough to be at Charlotte at the dirt track last year to see him win in the #3 black latemodel. The kid can drive. He came from near the back. He passed high and low. Kept the car clean. In victory lane, on the front strech of the track, Richard Childress owner of the car, came down and you could see the tears in his eyes. He said it was nice to see the black #3 in victory lane. Is this a possiblity of the #3 being back in cup some day? maybe.
Man do I miss Rockingham. That and Darlington are what racing was really about. 90% of the races were about great strategy. Steve Park/Bobby Labonte after Sr. died, Johnny Benson winning there, Ward Burton, Bobby Hamilton in the #43 car - awesome stuff!
Anything that forces DW to talk less is okay with me. He doesn't need to expound on everything that happens, less is sometimes more.
pop....thanks for the comment. One day when he's a big star, you'll be able to say you saw him win one of his first races. I remember seeing Austin on TV a few years ago, playing in the Little League World Series.
moseby....good memories, bro. I'm planning on going to Rockingham for the ARCA and the Hooters races this year. They should be better than any Cup race will be. The Rock used to have some great side by side finishes.
DW is pretty bad, but they must not have any qualified announcers for racing. How else would Tim Brewer, Rusty Wallace, Bill Webber, and #### Bergen be on the air?
HR...great point. Nashville---and Kentucky---always have great races in any series that will race there. Before NASCAR gives second dates to the cookie cutters they need to give a Cup date to N'ville and KY.
Hanahan,
As usual I agree with you and disagree with many commenters. DW was awful to listen to but even when his voice is healthy I tire of his rambling, blabbering delivery. As you know, and most probably don't, Tim Brewer is the winningest crew chief in Cup racing history so he knows his stuff but certainly has no charisma. I can't stand the "I kid because I care" jerk either - Chris someoone???
Bad news is Dale Jarrett is coming and he'll be almost as bad as Rusty. Personally, I'd like to see Kyle Petty retire and go to the broadcast booth. He doesn't seem to worry so much about being politically correct.
I too can hardly wait for the IRL opener. Have a great weekend my friend.
HR13...yeah, it would be great if today's TV announcers were as good as yesterday's radio guys, Ken, Eli, Barney, Joe, and Ned in the pits. Kyle surprised me last year at how good he was on the mic.
That Malaysian F1 track is awesome. You have a good one yourself.
It takes a lot of love for the sport to show up in the shape DW was in he loves the sport as much as those of us who use to go to the closed circuit theaters in the early 60's and watch the races.THANK YOU DW for all you have done and still do for the sport!!!!!!!!
As usual I agree with you and disagree with many commenters. DW was awful to listen to but even when his voice is healthy I tire of his rambling, blabbering delivery. As you know, and most probably don't, Tim Brewer is the winningest crew chief in Cup racing history so he knows his stuff but certainly has no charisma. MeetWealthyBoomer.com******I can't stand the "I kid because I care" jerk either - Chris someoone???
