Guess my buddy Gun struck a nerve when he commented on the price of fuel in a recent post. And it ain’t cheep to get into the race track either. I know the prices for everything seem to have increased faster than my wages. Aside from the political implications of a poor economy, I think Ol’ Gun’s point may have been that us broke butt racing fans have to strategize carefully to stretch our pennies if we want to attend more races. Racing talent is important too as managing vacation time has to play into the plan.

The last two World of Outlaws races I attended were $30 a pop general admission $15 for children. & I just got a flyer in the mail to renew my seats at a local track for their fall WOO Sprint Car Series event, seats starting at $30 and no children’s seat prices listed. (BTW, I’m not saying the talent is not superior at these events or I wouldn't pay $30) I’m on a waiting list for Chili Bowl tickets next year that retail $185 for a 4 day ticket & $211 for a 5 day ticket. (or 46.25/day or 42.20/day for you math majors) It is a really good time though & I live near it so fuel will be less of an issue. Bean & I went to Martinsville this year & last year’s Coca~Cola 600 at Lowes, both of which advertise some good deals. We only make it to one Nascar event a year because of cost & vacation time constraints & we try to do what we did this year & pick a race that is close to family so we can put them out instead of paying for a hotel. Many tracks offer pretty good prices for ARCA races, Nascar Nationwide & Nascar Crasftsman truck all of which offer great entertainment with excellent talent.

But it is true that if I had a family I couldn’t take the time to work extra jobs and on the salary from my primary job, I couldn’t afford to take a family to the races. But how does racing compare with other sporting events? Is it any cheaper to be a Detroit Redwings fan? Even taking your family to the movies adds up pretty darn quick. But getting me back on topic, we are racing fans, so how do poor race fans set their strategy? Help me out here people, fuel is what it is, we’re just going to have to pay for it no matter what it costs so don’t comment on that, (unless ya want to God bless this country) but what I really want to here are suggestions on the deals at the tracks out there. Dirt & asphalt where do you find a really good show for little dough? What are the best deals in racing?

I very much enjoyed the race from the Brickyard today.  The race at the end between Harvick & Stewart ruled.  I was suprised Montoya was not his usual aggressive self (right at the begining any how).  I expected him to want an early lead. I imagine he just didn't have the car to do it.  Anyways that race made me smile as nearly every one of them do each week. Fast cars make me grin.

My favorite part is when they show why stuff happens-like the blowing of Earnhardt's engine.  No I did not say that made me smile that was sad for that team, but the computer simulated reasoning for what may have went wrong is cool. 

And Stewart saying Bull "spit" on TV after the race- Funny stuff.  I wonder if he will loose points like JR did a few years back for using the same epithet?

Many moons ago, I met my best friend Beth in college. On Sunday afternoons Beth and I would sit in the dorm lobby and monopolize the TV watching NASCAR all afternoon. At first it was just the two of us and folks would walk by and inquire what we were watching and why we were yelling at the television. As time went by more and more of theses passers by would stop and join us on the couch. Most of these people had never watched racing before, but they became engaged, and eventually had the same scream at the TV enthusiasm that Beth and I had for it. It became a weekly event that brought together co-eds from all social circles. Our Sunday group from the sofa may not of had anything in common all week but on race day we were all fans.

Genuine passion and joy are infectious, and for any sport to grow it must have fans that will draw in others. It seems that NASCAR has been performing a high-wire act for several years now trying to attract new fans to the sport while retaining long time aficionados. This strategy has served them well as the sport became the fastest growing in the United States. NASCAR’s initiatives to recruit a more diverse workforce promise to change the face of the sport to look more like our heterogeneous Sunday couch bunch. However, it seems we hear about this plan, but the evidence of it’s implementation has yet to be seen. The face of NASCAR are the teams from pit road and the drivers and the perception of many veteran motor sports enthusiasts is that these people look less like us than ever. These spokes model product moving guru’s are beautiful specimens and it is very off-putting. Of those considered the best in racing history not many would you consider beautiful. Save Richard Petty, who as Beth says made her eight year old heart go pitter patter.

As Ginn & DEI merge with their new young studs of  racing team the Feelin' Foggy crew wonder is this truly progress or is it selling another product.  It is kind of funny that Marlin has been ousted for Smith because he hasn't finished better than 13th, when I don't recall Smith finishing better than 22nd in a cup start.   & instead of moving Marlin or Nemechek to share the # 1 car we get a driver who I don't recall having a cup start.  He may have but I don't recall it.  While Smith & Almirola are excellent canidates for the job talent wise I would venture to guess their mad driving skills were'nt the primary reason for their hire. 

We Feelin' Foggy Ladies want the world to know we love fast cars & tinkering with machinery, and it is insulting when teams hire hot young men as to get us interested.  We are not complaing that they are hot, but talent should always over-ride beauty when choosing staff for race teams. 

Gratitude for sponsor dollars should be expected as NASCAR teams would not be able to compete without the green.  Handing over control of their teams in exchange for these dollars however, is disgusting and degrading.  NASCAR talks about working toward more diversity within the organization, but if this initiative has been implemented it is not apparent by the faces seen representing the sport.  Instead they look like spokes models.

It is as if NASCAR’s top teams have put out the following advisement to recruit staff with the hope of gaining more sponsorship money:

Wanted: energetic, athletic, good-looking, engine-starter, who can speak eloquently while efficiently selling a hodgepodge of products.  The ideal candidate will keep a neatly groomed appearance at all times and have a winning smile.  Hairstyle must be in accordance with US Army regulations. If hired, must maintain an even temperament and never show signs of frustration.  Knowledge of motor sports is a plus however not a requirement.   

It would appear teams have become so image conscious that it seems there is no room left for those of us who truly love speed, manipulating ordinary materials to create powerful machines, and just the feel of warm motor oil on our hands.  It is okay though NASCAR those of us who enjoy the competition of motor sports know when we are not wanted.  By the way where the fans go, so shall the sponsors.