How can Carl think that a backhanded apology for his little blow up on national tv is going to fix six months of prima donna behavior?
Hope I didn't say too much on Inside Nextel Cup.
Biff
October 23, 2007 1:38:00 p.m.
Carl,
I know you feel like Matt is getting preferential treatment. And he probably is from Jack - you need to understand that Matt is Jack's first Cup Champion (and the only one still with him). And as such, he'll always have Jack's support. Plus, even when he's having a bad season, he's having a better season than 25-30 of the guys out there.
That's not to say there isn't room at Roush for you - you are the #2 guy there. Hey, Hamilton was #2 at McLaren and look where that got him - nearly World Champion.
Mark
October 24, 2007 8:00:10 a.m.
Humpy,
Screw Concord. Even though they caved, I want to build a new track IN Charlotte. I'm proceeding with the plans. I'm thinking it will be smaller than Lowe's in terms of distance - maybe another Bristol?
Bruton
October 27, 2007 4:56:10 p.m.
Sam,
I know you've tried to get into six Cup races and haven't gotten into any of them. We'll just have to think outside the box to make this work.
Switching from an Indy car to a Cup car isn't easy - Just ask Stewart.
Well, maybe Montoya.
OK Franchitti.
Roger
October 27, 2007 6:54:32 p.m.
Kurt,
I have a new idea on how to get Sam into a race, but I need your help. I'm thinking we can use your Champion provisional to get Sam in.
Call me.
Roger
October 28, 2007 8:33:45 p.m.
Rick,
Is there any possible way that I could start driving the #5 immediately?
Kyle's out of contention in the Chase, and frankly, I'm scared to run another race in these DEI cars. Blown engines and wheels popping off? What's next?
Junior
October 28, 2007 8:45:37 p.m.
Rusty,
If another one of ESPN's so-called reporters asks a dumb question like "So how much of the impact did your body absorb?" so help me, I will pull a Stewart.
I got nothing to lose. And I'm holding YOU responsible.
Mark
October 28, 2007 9:00:07 p.m.
Mike,
We can't confirm where the water came from in the gas. Sunoco is baffled. The liquid is brown ####.
So far all the Childress cars had water in their fuel systems, all the Penske cars, a Bill Davis and a Roush car. Johnson had dropperful in his carberator. Junior's car didn't have water, but maybe the sugar took care of that.
John
October 28, 2007 10:07:09 p.m.
Jeff
We've scoured the garage before we left and we couldn't find Ella's bottled water anywhere. Shrub thought he saw Knaus with some of that Belgian brand Ingrid prefers. I'll try to ask him about it tomorrow. I hope it wasn't too valuable.
FYI - the idea is to have a plane fly over the track at the race on Saturday. The banner will read "How much does Bobby Ginn owe you?”
The man has been sued by about everyone under the sun. The last payments were to be made by October 3, but of course they weren't. Does he really think the shop guys can live without a couple paychecks?
Are you in?
October 12, 2007 7:23:30 a.m.
Uncle Jim -
Leesa and I have been talking about the proposed switch. I think you would be great as the CEO of Nascar. I have no problem running Grand-Am for a couple years until the LA NFL team is ready to hit the ground. Then, the plan would be for Leesa to run Nascar, and you would return to Grand-Am.
Let me know if it's a deal - I'll get the lawyers drawing up the paperwork.
Brian
October 14, 2007 11:23:00 a.m.
Teresa -
Bobby Ginn called me & said that it appears that three of our employees paid for the banner that flew over the track . I'm going to let John handle the situation, but I wanted you to know it looks like our employees are involved.
I assume we are on the same page that this won't be tolerated.
Max
PS. Hmiel is the next issue we need to deal with.
October 14, 2007 3:43:23 p.m.
Rusty,
We're getting the whole team together from production on down to discuss next year.
We've also gotten some complaints about your "factual accuracy" with some of the terms, historical data, and folk stories.
Meeting is Friday at 3:00 p.m.
ESPN Nascar Broadcast Team
October 14, 2007 3:46:08 p.m.
Dale,
Your announcement about your reduced schedule next year generated a lot of excitement, with both fans and the ESPN crew.
We'd like to discuss a possible "Retirement" plan, similar to your father's.
How about a meeting Friday around 4:15 pm.?
ESPN Nascar Broadcast Team
October 15, 2007 4:34:33 p.m.
Jacques -
Being an owner in this series is no piece of cake. Owning the team and driving for it is very rewarding, but I built my way in. Obviously, you have the finances to buy in right away.
You are exactly right that you should be worried with the Toyota issue - where you land in the pecking order is important. HMS is first with Chevy. BDR is probably 3rd behind Gibbs next year and Waltrip.
Let me know if you need any other advice.
Jeff
October 16, 2007 8:23:03 a.m.
Steve -
Can we get together to discuss things?
I know that DEI has changed since Dale Sr. started it. Times have changed, and the organization has evolved. I know that we had a serious difference of opinion on Junior's contract, the No. 8, and the Bud sponsorship.
I'm hopeful that things can be configured to our mutual satisfaction.
Max
October 16, 2007 5:32:10 p.m.
Junebug -
Wanted to let you know I'm leaving DEI effective immediately.
Call me.
Steve
October 16, 2007 8:30:59 p.m.
Dario,
Connie & I would love to have you and Ashley over for lunch next week. The Cup cars are different to drive than the Indy type cars. The drivers here were helpful, but there wasn't anyone who had recently come from open wheel to help me make the transition. Obviously, Chip was great.
JPM.
October 16, 2007 9:43:41 a.m.
Biff + Jack + Carl + David + Jamie,
The Bachelor's Party starts at Magnolia's after the groom's dinner.
Bring lots of cash!
And let your wife/girlfriend know you won't be home early.
Matt
October 17, 2007 11:03:45 p.m.
Matt -
I don't care how old your son is, if he EVER makes another pass at my girlfriend, it won't be pretty.
Carl
PS - I don't appreciate the stories about the bachelor party you told my mother either.
October 21, 2007 7:23:41 p.m.
Teresa,
Another blown engine? Think we can get him an engine that doesn't lay down at the track?
Good grief, I'M starting to get hate mail on this.
Pretty soon the Sugar Story is going to be viewed as legitimate.
Richard
PS - It is a story, right?
October 21, 2007 7:43:10 p.m.
JPM -
No worries. Junior was knocking everyone out of the way. I know you didn't intend to nearly side-swipe my car.
At least he was consistent - he hit both of us, and about half the field.
Smoke
October 21, 2007 10:10:10 p.m.
David,
Thanks for the spin-out. I know you didn't intend to bring the race to the end, but the fact that you didn't restart the car helped me hold off Newman. I'm sure another couple corners and he would have knocked me out of the way.
I'll remember it.
JJ
October 22, 2007 12:34:40 p.m.
Smoke,
Whatever. I wasn't running everyone off the track. It's Martinsville. Cars come home wrecked. What's your worry - you finished decent anyway.
You're right - I think nearly every employee Dad hired is now gone from DEI.
Plus a couple newbies who apparently don't like Ginn.
As the mayor of Harrisburg, North Carolina, let me be the first to offer my help in relocating the Lowe's Motor Speedway. I understand you have run into trouble with the Concord mayor and city council regarding the building of a drag strip at your current facility.
I'd remind you that the Speedway's relationship with Harrisburg goes back several decades, as the original mailing address for the Speedway was Harrisburg. Obviously, due to short-sighted Harrisburg politicians at the time, Concord spot annexed the Speedway property in order to allow liquor sales.
In short, we want you back as a Harrisburg business. I speak for our city council, and we are willing to annex the Speedway back into Harrisburg. However, if you would prefer to build a new facility, complete with condos, an airport, and other amenities, we have several parcels of available property to show you. Please contact me to discuss the details.
Harrisburg Mayor Larry Krupkey
October 9, 2007 7:32:43 a.m.
Dear Mr. Bruton Smith:
Rowan County, North Carolina would be delighted to have a Bruton Smith Speedway located within its borders. I know that the Concord city council proposed some minor tax incentives before your recent spat with them.
Whatever they have offered, I believe Rowan County can better by several degrees.
Please contact me to discuss relocating in Rowan County.
John Kennison, Rowan County Board
October 9, 2007 6:00:00 p.m.
Humpy -
Tell Concord to take their tax incentives and stick'em where the sun don't shine! I'm fed up! The council had a meeting without notice, changed zoning without notice, and are costing me money!
I have a date with the NHRA. I have two dates with Nascar.
I have money to burn on a new track, and it can be done in time for the All-Star.
And, I'll enjoy tying them up in court over this for the next 5 years!
B.S.
October 10, 2007 10:32:08 a.m.
Happy Birthday! I've arranged your schedule for tomorrow to start even later than usual, and naturally, today is clear.
Karson and Kennedy can't wait to have lunch with you. I think they're as excited about your birthday as you are. See you in about an hour.
Kelley
October 10, 2007 5:34:11 p.m.
Junior -
Is your Birthday party out at Whiskey River again? What's the security gate code again?
I assume girlfriends are not invited?
ESad
October 11, 2007 at 8:23:54 a.m.
Leesa -
Sorry that the Kentucky Sale information was leaked to the press. It would have been so much easier if we had bought that track back then. Oh, well. I'm confident we'll still win in Court.
Makes me miss Dad, since he's not around to give his advice or encouragement.
Bri
October 11, 2007 at 2:23:42 p.m.
Buschy -
Did you see that a Dodge Charger built to Nascar specs set a World Speed Record? It went 244.9 mph! Can you imagine?
I just wish ours would perform at, say, 195 mph! I'd be Rocketman again.
Newman
October 11, 2007 at 8:45:33 p.m.
Sam,
I didn't catch you at the track. I'm sure you'll get this Cup qualifying down soon. I mean, you've only failed to qualify 3 or 5 times, right? Hang in there. We'll keep working on it.
Roger
October 12, 2007 at 9:31:56 a.m.
Bri,
I thought that #### Rep. Bennie Thompson was from MIssissippi! Isn't he required to be a Nascar fan?
WTF does he think he is doing requiring more immunizations than is required to go to the Amazon!
I thought he sent you a nice letter about what they were doing? Given this, I'm sure they'll find we're deficient in security, public health and everything else. God only knows what they saw in the infield at Talladega. The only good thing is that the aides are unlike to remember anything - the alcohol fumes alone will raise your blood alcohol content.
At least it looks like the fans and the media are ridiculing it.
Fortunately, money doesn't transmit any of these diseases.
Leesa
October 12, 2007 2:34:00 p.m.
Bruton
This business with immunizations has turned into a gold mine for us. That Congressman bungled into giving us more publicity than we could have gotten or paid for.
I'm trying to come up with a gag for the beginning of the race.
I'll let you know.
Humpy.
October 14, 2007 11:04:43 a.m.
Junior,
Sorry about the bump yesterday.
Believe me, when I win this Championship, I'll remember that you didn't retaliate and were a true team member.
Jeff
October 14, 2007 11:06:32 a.m.
Jeff,
I didn't retaliate because I wanted to win. Not to help you.
But if you want to help me out, remember it at Daytona in February.
As a Nascar fan, I'm delighted that you, as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, decided to investigate how federal, state, and local governments were handling mass gatherings of people.
Nascar events offer the perfect analysis - large crowds of people, events sponsored by corporate businesses and policed by local agencies. Nascar and its fans handle these weekly "family" gatherings well - even though the traveling circus moves from coast to coast each week. The way this organization works with a variety of local and state governments is a testament to what can happen when organizations work together for the good of sport.
I understand that you had your democratic congressional aides who attended the event last week at Talladega get their immunizations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, and seasonal influenza. This is certainly more shots than American citizens are required to get to travel to most third world countries. Some outlets have slammed you and your staff for the inference that Concord, North Carolina; Talladega, Alabama, or Nascar fans carry diseases.
However, I believe you did the most disservice to your staff by failing to advise them on a few matters which could affect their safety at any Nascar event. I realize these pointers may lead to more questions than answers, but perhaps as Chairman you can get to the bottom of these issues too.
Possible Dangers Lurking at Nascar Events:
1. Don't stand too close to Jeff Gordon. Like him or not, Gordon is a living legend with four titles, and a good chance to win his fifth this year. However, Gordon has a curious impact upon Nascar fans. First, Gordon's fans are rabid, adoring him with devotion. These fans will collect in herds, and shower Gordon with praise at any opportunity. In contrast, grinding teeth, uncontrolled extremity behavior (such as throwing objects) and loud voices are symptoms of the Nascar fans who hate Gordon. At some tracks, there are as many anti-Gordon T-Shirts as Pro-Gordon T-Shirts. Why shouldn't your staffers stand too close to Gordon? The fans will corner them along with Gordon, and the haters will toss objects (preferably Bud cans) at him. This could lead to concussions, claustrophobia, and labeling as a "Rainbow Warrior" (either high praise, or a sexual slur depending on present company). Also be aware that Gordon has shoved a few people out of his way on the way to the checkered flag - this behavior seems to only apply to competitors, and your staffers should be safe from direct attacks by Gordon.
2. Avoid Tony Stewart like the plague. Stewart is a focused competitor who hates the media. Frankly, he's not above driving his competitors into the grass either or even slugging it out in the garage. In any event, Stewart instigated several confrontations with the media, ranging from swearing, ducking out of media obligations, and knocking a tape recorder out of one reporters hand. He does not like Questions! As volatile as Stewart is, the fans are worse - much like Gordon, he's both hated and loved passionately. Stewart's fan base has dirt in their veins, and is as likely to be found at a dirt track as the Nascar event. Stewart engages in other dangerous activities such as fence climbing and owning exotic animals. Oh, and under NO circumstances should your staff accept an invitation to go fishing with him.
3. Being trampled by a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan gaggle is no fun, and your staff should be aware that much like standing near Gordon, being in the same zip code as Junior is a health hazard. Nascar fans are divided into three groups: 50% are die-hard Jr fans, 25% hate him passionately, and 25% could care less. OK, I made those figures up, but if you poll the fanbase by counting T-Shirts, you'll achieve about the same mix at the track. Junior fans are either (1)women who will do anything (and I do mean anything) for Junior and (2) men who want to be Junior because of (1). The young women fans in particular have a set of symptoms upon merely seeing Junior: dizziness, lightheadedness, knee-knocking, fainting, shaking, speechlessness, and dreamy glass-eyed looks. They will also engage in breast flashing and stampeding. Congressman, your female staff should avoid being alone with Junior to combat infection by these highly contagious symptoms. Plus, Junior's fans also tend to backstab and besmirch women who appear with Junior in public. People standing around Junior also have a high incidence of increase blood alcohol content due to the post-victory parties, and the free beer provided by his sponsor. Oh, and this malady can also affect Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards, and Casey Mears fans.
4. Do not wear a Busch Brother T-Shirt! Both Kyle and Kurt Busch incite angry reactions in the Nascar crowd. In essence, as much as Nascar fans love Junior, they hate the Busch brothers. The boys ought to join forces and officially become the Nascar villians. It would probably generate as much money as they earn now, as Nascar fans love to hate villians. A few years ago, a news organization tried to start a racial incident by having a couple Muslim/Arab looking men attend a race at Martinsville. Nothing happened. I maintain had they put them in a Kurt or Kyle Busch T-Shirt, the fans would have run them out of town on a rail or at least tipped over the port-a-potty while they were inside. By the way, Kurt promotes an alternate beer company- Thus the Earnhardt Jr. fans are sworn enemies. Wearing this T-Shirt could be a simple mistake that could lead to angry confrontations, taunting, and even name-calling.
5. Your ears are not deceiving you, it's just Rusty Wallace. Wallace announces races for ESPN. He makes things up, such as words like "Draft Lock" and facts like Juan Pablo Montoya has never raced at Indianapolis. Sometimes he just plain does not make sense. For all this, your staff will be delighted if their hearing is affected by the loud noise, as it will be an excuse to ignore Wallace's commentary. Fans at home will not be so lucky, and will resort to anger management no-no's like throwing things at the TV, yelling at the TV and storming out of the room. Wallace may be directly responsible for several emergency room visits, a few marriage counseling issues, and an increase in sales of replacement TVs.
6. An invitiation by Mike Helton to visit the Trailer is not welcome by most in the Nascar family. In fact, such an invitation will produce knee-knocking, nausua, shaking, anxiety, and fear. No one will say what happens in the trailer, but those invited in come out contrite, pale, calm and sometimes with tear-tracks. All those exiting promise to "never, ever do that again," regardless what the complaint was. I think it merits a congressional investigation myself.
7. Rain-outs of events inspire a rash of "sick days" on the new race date. This is especially true in the locale closest to the rained-out event, but can cascade throughout the country. You should not fear the outbreak of anything more than Nascar fever. If a rain-delay occurs, fans break-out into small groups huddled near coolers, campfires, and hot dog venders. The wet, clammy feeling experienced by most fans disappears or is forgotten as soon as racing resumes.
8. Brown-Bottle Flu is rumored to infect a high number of Nascar event attendees. However, it is more likely that the fans at home actually encounter this aggravating condition more frequently. I'm sure the past history with moonshine, rumrunning, and beer & liquor manufacturers has nothing to do with this. Wear shoes that are replaceable or at least can be washed. Trust me on this.
Congressman, I've attended many Nascar events, and to me these eight things are much more hazardous to your staffer's well-being than the diseases they were immunized for. I have yet to meet a fan who suffered from Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, or diphtheria. But I've encountered the above problems at every Nascar event I've attended.
I'd like to make a $10,000 donation to the "Wax Smoke Fund." I figure it's the least I can do for the guy who knocked me out of the race yesterday.
Carl
Monday, October 1, 2007 4:22:57 p.m.
Junior,
Hi! Do you remember meeting me at Daytona a couple years ago? Just wonderin' if we could get together sometime soon.
Text me!
Britney Spears
PS. Do you still get free Bud?
PPS - Was 60 minutes really right about how much you make per year?
Monday, October 1, 2007 7:37:00 p.m.
Jacques,
Please don't take my comments personally. I think you'll do fine in Nascar. The issue is that your first race is at Talladega. Talladega is not a kind track - have you watched the footage from Bobby Allison's crash? Did you know that several drivers have died there testing?
I know you need restrictor plate track experience before Daytona, but maybe you should start with Scott and Dario in the ARCA series.
Unless you're planning to help with Montoya, you'd be better off watching the race Sunday. Montoya is a big moving chicane. We don't need another one to worry about.
Jeff
Monday, October 1, 2007 10:34:21 p.m.
JJ -
Thanks for saying I should have won yesterday. What I don't get is why none of us was penalized if Biff was keeping a reasonable speed. In fact, didn't you pass me at the end under the caution?
Clint
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 9:10:08 a.m.
Bumgarner,
I don't understand how we passed the pre-race inspection and then failed the post-race inspection with the manifold.
At least we found out before Sunday. That would have been a disaster.
So Knaus was in the garage when you left Friday night?
Kyle
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 2:04:22 p.m.
Bill -
I don't understand why Montoya was welcomed with opened arms and I'm not. I mean, my credentials are even better - I'm an F1 Champ!
What do I need to do? Gordon is clearly upset, and he's the calm one of the bunch! I don't even want to know what that hot-head Stewart thinks.
JV
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 11:34:50 p.m.
Kurt,
Thank you for your kind words. I'm holding up pretty good, even though the rehearsal schedule is horrible! It's worse than the Indy 500 for endurance!
I sure will put in a good word for you with the producers. Why wouldn't they want a former Nascar Champ as a contestant? I'd hate for those dance lessons for your wedding last year to go to waste!
Helio
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 6:43:24 p.m.
Humpy
Of course I'm serious about moving the track if the City won't let me build the drag strip!
Curtis & I built this. And I can tear it down.
I plan to tell them that at the meeting.
Bruton
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 2:34:12 p.m.
Denny,
I don't think we've met, but I heard about you from Paris.
Let me put it this way: Anything she can do, I can do better.
Text Me!
Britney Spears
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 4:32: 08 p.m.
Kyle -
Big congrats on the M&M deal! I loved that sponsorship.
Enjoy!
Elliott
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 7:23:34 p.m.
Shrub,
I expect chocolate stocked everywhere next year.
Don't forget my motorhome.
Congrats on the new sponsor.
Smoke
Thursday, October 4, 2007 7:23:34 a.m.
Bushy -
What's up with the Cubs? When you get up (don't even pretend you didn't stay up all night watching the game), call me.
Newman
Thursday, October 4, 2007 4:52:29 p.m.
Dario,
I'm sure if you want to meet the team you should be able to do that tomorrow. We'll all be there for practice. And if there's anything you need, let me know.
David Stremme
PS: Will your wife be coming to the track with you?
Friday, October 5, 2007 10:34:33 a.m.
Pam,
I'd love to be able to come to your wedding in Vegas tomorrow night, but my schedule makes that impossible. But, I should be able to host you and your new husband at the track anytime.
And no, I haven't had any more problems with videotapes.
Smoke
Friday, October 5, 2007 6:43:22 p.m.
Kasey,
Hi! Remember me? I think we met a few years ago. Paris was talking about you.
We agree that you are SO cute.
Text me!
Britney Spears
PS - Have you already started to get free Bud?
Saturday, October 6, 2007 10:23:53 a.m.
Richie -
Man, you gave us a scare! I hope you are home resting and getting better. Sorry you won't be able to see Tony Jr and I win tomorrow. We'll bring you the trophy!
Junior
Saturday, October 6, 2007 8:42:44 p.m.
Mikey -
You should have the selected dates from UPS. We think a modified schedule will let me ease into the booth and not have to worry about qualifying every week.
Congrats on the pole. You look good up there.
Dale
Saturday, October 6, 2007 9:00:03 p.m.
Denny,
JD updated me about the parking. Tony last week and now you.
I trust that you will make up for it tomorrow.
Let's talk Monday morning at 8:30 a.m.
Joe
Sunday, October 7, 2007 6:11:47 p.m.
Sorry for the global e-mail - my tire went flat.
Wish I hadn't collected so many Chasers, but I'm glad everyone was OK.
What was the deal with the hyper security before the race?
Bobby
Sunday, October 7, 2007 7:20:00 p.m.
Richard & Teresa -
We don't have any idea why there were so many engine failures. It will take some time in the shop to figure out. It is likely a component that wasn't machined properly.
There is no truth to the rumor that we had a break-in in the garage last night.
I'll keep you updated.
Bill
Sunday, October 7, 2007 8:04:01 p.m.
Mom,
I tried to make tea, and we are completely out of sugar. Even the extra bag from the pantry is gone. Could you stop and get some?
Kyle - Just a quick note about the Toyota thing. Please, Please, Please don't mention it again. We want to do a big roll out, and we're concerned about how your current employer and the other Chevy guys will take it. We'd like to win a Championship, and I'm sure you personally would too. Let's not sink the ship before it's time. Give me a call if you have any questions. J.D.
PS - DO NOT MENTION THE M&M DEAL!!!
PPS - If this is the worst thing you ever do, it's no big deal. I mean, we've dealt with Tony for how long?!?
Sunday, September 9, 2007 5:02:34 a.m.
Bro - I don't know what else we can do to help him out. I mean we added two drivers to the Chase to make it easier for him to get in, and he still doesn't make it. Ratings will plummet unless he wins a race this year. Any ideas who the new sponsor will be? Frankly I think Bud is out of their freaking mind to let him go. But then again, they're also walking out of the Busch series deal. Well, this latest debacle has driven me to drink too. Any luck with the football team plan? Sis
PS - Rumor has it that Smith is trying to buy NHIS. Sucker. Like we'll let him move another race, especially to Vegas.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007 10:23:58 p.m.
Jade - I know I'm moving on from Budweiser, but do you think they'll keep stocking my cooler? I won't have a beer or liquor sponsor. I promise to show up once and a while with an old hat or T-shirt. Thanks for checking for me. Junior
Saturday, September 15, 2007 6:33:09 p.m.
Champ - Don't worry about failing to qualify at NHIS. Sometimes it takes a while to get the hang of qualifying, and there are a lot of fast cars that don't make the show each week. We'll see if it works to add a race later this season. RP
Monday, September 17, 2007 1:37:55 a.m.
Clint - Congratulations on the win!! Once I'm back, we'll celebrate in style - that first win is a big deal. Earnhardt always wanted to go hunting, but we'll figure out what you'd like to do. Do you think you'll have time to help Austin out again at the dirt track? Don't let Harvick talk you into anything! If all goes well, I should have some yak steak to celebrate with by the end of this week. Enjoy the sponsor in your victory celebration. Richard
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 8:30:04 p.m.
Kasey - Congrats on the Bud sponsorship. It is awesome! If you enjoy it half as much as I have, you will think you've died and gone to heaven. I have to say, I'm delighted it didn't stay with my step-mother's company. Karma, I guess. Junior
PS - If you happen to have any "extra" Bud, I'd be glad to take it off your hands!
Saturday, September 22, 2007 6:23:22 p.m.
Champ - Don't worry about failing to qualify at NHIS Dover. Sometimes it takes a while to get the hang of qualifying, and there are a lot of fast cars that don't make the show each week. We'll see if it works to add a race later this season. RP
Sunday, September 23, 2007 11:08:43 p.m.
Hammy, I told you that regardless what happens on the track, the garage stall is SACRED! How could you let Kyle walk into your garage stall, flip your visor, and scold you like a toddler?! Are you a man or a mouse? I'd never take that from another competitor. In fact, I've had scuffles with Jeff and Robby Gordon when they tried to walk INTO my garage stall to continue an argument. You need to work on that - I mean the Petty Golden Boy will hardly even draw a PENALTY for it. Quit worrying about the anger management courses - they're a breeze. And it's not like Joe or JD will take you to task for it. You're a proven winner. Smoke.
Sunday September 23, 2007 11:10:00 p.m.
Kyle - Denny Hamlin?!? I mean, can't you talk to someone who needs it like Juan Pablo Montoya?!? Happy
Sunday, September 23, 2007 11:12:02 p.m.
Muscle Man - Heard about your height problem. Don't let this get you down - Nascar may take some points, but you can do what I haven't done - win the Championship. Nascar took a bunch of points from me once, and I lost the Championship. I always figured it was a way to get back at Jack. But I think they are over that now. In any event, I'm calling you out again - keep winning and prove them wrong. Your car looked great today. MM
Sunday September 23, 2007 11:15 p.m.
Kyle - Flipping open his visor? That was classic! My teammate didn't have any idea what to do about it. I don't think they'll even touch you with a penalty. It looked like a father lecturing a son. Maybe you should try it next weekend on Montoya! Smoke.
Sunday, September 23, 2007 11:44:17 p.m.
Mr. Petty, Thank you for finally doing to Denny Hamlin what should have been done a long time ago - put him in his place. He obviously didn't take it well, but he needs to learn the world doesn't revolve around him. Thanks again, Kristin Buntain, his ex-girlfriend
Sunday September 23, 2007 11: 48:41
KP - Can we get together and discuss what happened with Hamlin? I just don't understand what happened there - it would never happen like that in Formula One. Should I be doing that in the garage when people cause me to crash? Give me a call. Thank you. JPM
When Dale Earnhardt Jr announced he was leaving DEI at the end of the season, fans eagerly awaited news as to where he would end up. Debates as to the pros and cons of this team or that abounded. The second question many had was "What will happen with the Budweiser sponsorship?"
We now know the answer to the first question, but no definitive answers has been given on the second question. Dale Jr and Hendrick Motorsports have announced that "There is no room at the Inn" for the Bud sponsorship. Reporters have pegged everyone from Kasey Kahne to Kyle Busch to JJ Yeley as candidates for the ride.
Why the fuss? Well, Anheuser-Busch doles cash out for sponsorships like blogs on Michael Vick pop up on foxsports.com. They fund many motorsports awards and sponsorships, as well as sponsoring concerts, football, baseball and basketball.
In Nascar alone, there is the Bud Shootout, the Bud Pole and of course, the Bud car sponsorship. Dale Jr has enjoyed the perks of the Bud sponsorship, such as: a fully stocked cooler of Bud; opportunities to go to the MLB All-Star game; his own "One Night Stand" Series of appearances with concerts by his favorite artists; and the PR magic of Fingerprint, Inc. a/k/a Jade Gurss.
It's easy to see why this is a coveted sponsorship.
So, who really is the front runner? And what team will get this gem of a sponsorship?
The Suspects:
Gillett - Evernham Motorsports: Kasey Kahne confirmed at Pocono that he had spoken to Bud representatives. But, as yet, no announcement has been made. Why it may happen: Kasey has a growing, young fan base. Why not?: Lackluster performance by whole team this year. Evernham - Crocker mess. Will Dodge let their most visible face go hawk another product?
Hendrick Motorsports: Who told us Dale Jr would absolutely not be going to Hendrick? And what happened? Why it's a go: Keep the most popular drivier, and a visible face of Budweiser. Hendrick has worked with Bud before. Why not: Hendrick has long term contracts with Pepsi, probably to the exclusion of other beverages.
DEI: Bud has never formally announced they were leaving DEI, but the hints have definitely been there. Why stay: Long term relationship has been good to both sides of the equation. New merger with Ginn gives Bud a chance at young drivers or an old, respected hand, Mark Martin. Why go: How easy will it be for another driver to hop into the #8 Bud car? Would there be fan backlash to the sponsor? New engines with RCR have not quite panned out - yet.
Roush: With five teams, surely there is room for a new sponsor. Why: Bud would have a pick of prior champ Matt Kenseth, veteran Greg Biffle, or young guns David Ragan, or Carl Edwards. Why not: Paramount is that Roush has sponsors to spare in that he has to trim a team by 2009. There's also that sponsorship with Crown Royal that could be a problem...
Gibbs: Joe and JD Gibbs announced that they were not interested in the sponsorship when Dale Jr was a free agent. However, they do participate in the Bud Pole award. Why: Kyle Busch in particular has a sassy attitude that Bud may meld into a likeable personality. Why Not: Which sponsor would give way? Home Depot is likely to stick with Stewart. FedEx is satisfied with Hamlin, and Interstate Batteries is thrilled to have Busch. While Gibbs may participate in Bud sponsored events, that is a long way from promoting alcohol 24/7.
Penske: Lots of #### for a buck here, as Penske has operations in multiple series. Why: With rumors of Sam Hornish Jr bouncing over from IndyCar, Penske may be shopping for a new sponsor. And Hornish already looks good in Bud Red. Why Not: Miller Lite may not be keen on a rival funding the team. Penske has owned the MIller Lite sponsorship for a long time, and presumably has a good relationship with the corporation. What does the third team drink in victory lane? Bud or Lite?
RCR: Solid team making a great comeback after a couple less than stellar years. Why: A####mp;T may be on the way out the door with the latest ruling. Why Not: There's the small issue of the Jack Daniel's sponsorship. Plus, Jeff Burton, great driver that he is, may not be Bud's idea of a pitchman to 20 somethings.
Michael Waltrip: Never underestimate Michael Waltrip's ability to sell the deal, and he has on staff several pilched DEI employees. Why: He's shown he's willing to take a risk and could add a fourth team. Other major sponsors like NAPA, UPS and Burger King seem comfortable with the team. Why not: Bud doesn't want the car sitting in the hauler on race day. It needs to be on the track.
Bill Davis: Small team, but big heart. BD has Dave Blaney, who seems to be the driver who could. This teams produces big results on a small budget. Who knows what would happen with the big bucks of Bud? Why: Needs sponsor, has drivers available to drive. Why Not: Qualifying issues. Does Bud want to be building a team, or working with a top-flight team?
Robby Gordon: This team keeps on, changing sponsors, manufacturers and crew members right and left. They are on the cusp of something big. Why: Gordon flits through series like no one else. Bud could sponsor across the board - Baja, Dakar etc. Gordon is hard charging, a winning driver. Why Not: Does their PR guy really want this much work?
Ganassi: Brash drivers abound at this organization. Why: Montoya could open up the Hispanic market for Bud. Why Not: Coors.
Petty: Given Richard Petty's promise to his mother, this organization is not in play. They do not participate in the Bud Pole award.
I think Evernham looks like a good fit, but I'm not sure Hendrick or DEI is out of the running. What do you think?
