Welcome to RSO on this Cupless weekend of racing. The Nationwide guys are South of the Border. Mexico, not that cheesy tourist trap on the NC-SC border. On to the highlights and downlows.
First up, because you gotta love this. The original SkoalBandit is back, baby. StantonBarret---Son of Bandit---is letting his 65 year old dad, StanBarrett try to qualify one of his cars at the RodriguezBrother's road course. Stan was the original Skoal Bandit driving the #22 in Winston Cup for HalNeedham and BurtReynolds. Stan started 19 Cup races and had two top ten finishes. Stan last raced Cup in 1990. He completed every lap and finished 17th for HMS at Sonoma that year. Stan also was the first man to break the sound barrier on the ground, in 1979.
In other Nationwide ride changes for Mexico, Truck Series regulars, RonHornaday will drive the KHI #33, and ErikDarnell will be in RFR's #17. for his first NWS start. Truck Series rookie, ColinBraun will be in the RFR #16 for only his second NWS start. Road aces BorisSaid and PatrickCarpentier will also be in the race, as will SamHornish.
Every Said Head's Hero, Boris Said
Three weeks ago I almost wet myself because BAMRacing announced a big new sponsor, and changed manufacturers. KenSchrader qualified the new Toyota seventh in the first---and only---race since the big announcement. Bam hasn't tried to make a race since then, and I'm hearing that, no matter what they may be saying about returning, they have closed up shop, and laid off their employees. Meanwhile, Schrader has moved on to the HAASCNC #70 Chevy.
ChipGanassi swapped crew chiefs between two of his cars. DonnieWingo leaves #42 and JuanPabloMontoya, to go to the #41 driven by ReedSorenson. Lucky JimmyElledge gets to take over with JPM. Yeah Chip, this should cure everything.
Ashley Force
Move over Danica. AshleyForce has made NHRA history. She is the first woman to lead the funny car points standings, ever. Like Danica, she still hasn't won a race, but it's just a matter of time.
Finally, MikeSkinner and ESPN/ABC talking head, JamieLittle are both entered in the ToyotaPro/Celebrity Race this Saturday. It's part of the preliminaries for the ToyotaGrandPrixofLongBeach. Wonder if Mike knows it's a street course? Doesn't make any difference, he'll just use the car in front of him for brakes. Like he does in the Truck Series.
Ashley has certainly grown up and a doll at that.. I can recall when she was a little tyke at the races with her dad.
UUMMM . That makes me older than dirt. Crikey!
Lets see. If you go to the race in Mexico, don't drink the water, don't eat the Enchalatas or Tacos,
Bring your own food and drinks, and oh yes, Wave old glory proudly. Yep. That should allow you to be safe while down there.
husker...Have you seen the reality show with John Force and his three daughters? Fortunately, none of the three look like him. All three are smoking hot drag racers.
Cigars ok from Mexico but not from Cuba What gives there?. Prescription drugs? I would not think so. Might run into trouble at the border. Know what I mean?
photo....A friend of mine bought Cuban cigars in Mexico. He says they're legal there. A bunch of drugs that need a rx here, are over-the-counter in Mexico. I think that as long as it's not a controlled substance you can bring it back into the USA.
Thanks for the scoop on all the team and driver changes for the NW race. Too bad that Schrader's ride with BAM isn't really working out. You know that guy can race...just doesnt seem to be able to get with a really good cup team anymore.
kristen....Ashley is gorgeous, but I think Danica's type of racing requires more skill. Special request....When you next go to the garage area---Sonoma?---Could you get some pics, or interviews with some of the old timers? Like Richard Petty, etc. Thanks.
I heard from a BAM employee that they were just told to leave in the middle of the day but then they were asked to please wait around and not get another job because they are waiting for the stock money to come in and then they will need all their employees back...one day.
Dwind....No, I haven't seen it. The commercials look pretty funny, but the reviews I've seen were not too favorable. Is it worth seeing now, or wait for DVD?
I couldn't figure out if your av was Leatherheads, or Rudy. Or, if it was you back in the day.(:>)
PFan...Thanks for the update. I've worked at a couple of places like that. Once they get paid, then you'll get paid. I'm still waiting to get paid. I hope they find new jobs quickly.
H- Ashley is a cutey too...not quite to the level of Danica in my mind..........uh......er r...welll...ummmmmmm let me see....What? If Ash had a less loud Papa I could get behind her so to speak!
BNut....Hasn't Boris said that before? I notice he's not bald yet.
Go to pearlvision.com they have coupons for free eye exams. Ashley blows Danica out of the water. Danica really should give her figure back to the 10 year old boy that she borrowed it from. B^)
Hey guys! Danica is pretty tiny. IRL wants to add weight to her car even, like a freaking jockey! Ash is sexy, Danica is cute. Since both are young enough to be my daughter, I should not be saying anything by please pass the LAGER!
You got it BN - One beer coming right up. Since they are both over the age of 18 and I don't know either personally, I have no problem in thinking evil thoughts. Sorry, that's how I roll.
Bartender line up another round. Jameson's for my buddy Hanahan.
Wow that ole conger Stan The Man is back behind the wheel? I guess he misses being a thrillseeker. Thanks for the info and I'll be pullin' for the Bandit.
Ashley Force is some sweet eye candy. If she's anywhere near being the racer that her 14-time world champion father John Force is, we'll be seeing more pics of her.
davcat82..... Harry Gant still lives near Taylorsville, NC. He mainly raises cattle now. He sold Harry Gant Steakhouse a couple of years ago. It is still open though, in Taylorsville.
Harry still makes several personal appearances for Shoal. He is always at Bristol signing autographs during the race weeks.
You might try writing for an autographed picture to...Harry Gant Family Steakhouse, 800 Hwy. 90 East, Taylorsville, NC 28681.
Thanks for reminding us of the skoal bandit. It also makes me remember the Harry Gant days. Also the eye candy of Ashley Force. Hope she wins some. Just like Photogr and a lot of others here, I might be to lod for her but I can look. Thanks.
