Are Goodyear Tires Causing Bad Year for NASCAR Teams?
"If I were Goodyear, I'd be very embarrassed about the tires they brought this weekend, Stewart said. "It was ridiculous. If they can't do better than that, pull out of the sport. I guarantee you that Hoosier or Firestone could do a better job than that."
My questionis this, why in the world would NASCAR sign off on a five year contract with Goodyear or anyone else for that matter? I know that Goodyear has been on board for 54 years but it just doesn't make good business sense to me.
Just like they have this multi-year contract with Sprint, but now Sprint is in trouble and they are loosing customers by the droves because of that "Walkie Talkie" system that never has worked. So now, in my opinion they just make NASCAR look bad because they may have to go looking for another sponsor for the top series in our sport. That's time and money folks, time and money, look at all the money they spent changing Nextel to Sprint in the cost of signs alone!
Needless to say I agree with Tony Stewart that something has to be done with these tires, it's come to the point where it's costing drivers huge losses in the points standings and I'm sure that Kyle Busch would agree since he lost the Nationwide Series race on Saturday due to a right front tire blow out in the final laps of the race. Talk about frustration!
I heard that there will be a ton of meeting to discuss this situation in the days and weeks to come. We may even see some heads roll if the drivers have anything to say about it.
Roush Saga OR "Oil-Lid Gate @ LVMS"
I guess Jack Roush was "Smokin'" Friday morning after hearing that Lee White made some comments to the media on Thursday when he told USA Today that Roush Fenway Racing knowingly caused the lid to come off to increase the car's speed.
Of course, NASCAR officials declined to comment on the topic, but got a kick out of the way Roush and White were attacking each other. At one point Roush said the White was "an ankle biting Chihuahua". Maybe the two simply are following the edict of chairman Brian France and showing more of their personalities.
Here are some interesting comments from some of the drivers:
"Him saying that there was a mistake in the bolt failing, that's ridiculous. That's comical. That is really comical, actually, and they should not allow him to make those kinds of comments. They should have the crew chief get in there and state an honest answer and they would be better off. But I enjoyed reading his version of the story." Dale Earnhardt Jr.
"One thing that I have learned about these race cars is typically thing don't fall off of cars that hurt the cars." Jeff Burton
"That's been a tool for years that people have used. NASCAR has gotten onto it, and we saw a lot of fines earlier in the year." I think that was last season Jimmie, since this season is only four races old. This coming from a driver that never knows anything, never sees anything and he never does anything wrong. He just drives the car. Yeah, right Champ!
How about it, Racefans, we have an additional member for the complaining NASCAR drivers association. By George, it's none other than Kevin "Happy" Harvick. Kevin says TOYOTA is ahead of everyone else on horsepower and we've only run two full Sprint Cup races ! I have to laugh out loud on that one! ! !
However he does join an illustrious group of whiners and complainers such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Robby Gordon just to name a few. I really can't wait to see what happens as the season progresses ! ! !
NASCAR GEAR - - - BUYERS BEWARE ! ! !
On Thursday, the U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction against producers of counterfeit merchandise.
Among the teams and drivers that joined NASCAR in the suit are Richard Childress Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon, JR Motorsports, Rusty Wallace Inc., Penske Racing, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, Gillett Evernham Motorsports, Red Bull Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing. NASCAR and/or teams occasionally file lawsuits in order to seize merchandise from unlicensed dealers.
WOW ! ! ! Six Crashes In The First Sprint Cup Practice
Patrick Carpentier Reed Sorenson
Sam Hornish Jr. Kasey Kahne
Juan Pablo Montoya Bobby Labonte
What was the car manufacturer? Dodge
How many foreign drivers? Three
May I suggest that Carpentier, Hornish Jr. and Montoya go back to where ever it is that they came from - - - and take Robbie Gordon with them ???
So Whose Going To Win @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway???
While I'm NOT a fan of Hendrick Motorsports, I'll have to say Jimmie Johnson. He has won here, what, the last four years??? I'm hoping that the "new car" and the bumpy track will be a big enough challenge to prevent him from winning but we will just have to wait and see. I'm picking Johnson or Jeff Gordon to win just to get them off of my "picks list" early in the season ! ! ! I'd really like to see "Happy" Harvick's predictions come true and see a big bad TOYOTA win the UAW-Dodge 400!!!
Let The Voting Begin! Voting has begun for the Chex Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 2008 Season. Fans can log on to www.mostpopulardriver.com and cast their vote! Fans can vote once a day, every day, for more than 40 of their favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup stars. Voting continues throughout the season and will conclude on November 18th at 12:59 am. EST. The winner will be announced at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon in New York City in December. This award has been won by NASCAR greats such as Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, and others, since the inception of the award in 1953. This program award program is administered by the National Motorsports Press Association. Last season, fan favorite, Dale Earnhardt Jr. earned his fifth consecutive award. I’d like to challenge all Michael Waltrip Fans to get those votes in each and every day and see if we can “Crown a new King"!
Victory Junction Gang CampExpansion Plans VJGC co-founders Kyle and Pattie Petty have announced plans to try to expand with a camp in the Kansas City area. The Pettys, have met with business and civic leaders in the Kansas City area over the last few months studying the feasibility of building a second camp in the Midwest. “We have been overwhelmed by the interest expressed by Kansas Speedway President Jeff Boerger and other civic and business leaders throughout the area,” Pattie Petty, CEO of the camp, said. “We would like to thank the Kansas City Area Development Council for all of their help and support throughout the process of determining the sustainability of expanding the Victory Junction Gang Camp to Kansas City. Their help has been invaluable.” While the new campus would be similar to the one in Level Cross, N.C. it would also involve other major sports themes from the Midwest. Let’s all get behind the Petty family and support this cause that hosts chronically ill children, allowing them to “Just be kids” for the duration of their stay. My hat is off to the Pettys ! ! !
Junior Nation Does anybody really know how many fans Dale Earnhardt Jr. has? As I was watching the Pre Race Festivities on Sunday, I just couldn’t help but notice the difference that I have seen come over Junior! He just seems so laid back and relaxed prior to the “Super Bowl of NASCAR”! I could even see it in his face. While I am a BIG Michael Waltrip fan, I have to say that I like Junior’s “new look”. I must admit that I never thought I’d like anything other than the “Budweiser Red” I was pleasantly surprised, I think I’ll have to go “AMP" Myself!
Congratulations to “Smoke” (#20) and “Dr. Spock” (#2)
. . . .for being the first two driver to report to the Oval Office in the 2008 NASCAR Season. Apparently in a meeting at 5 a.m. this morning, this dynamic duel was told to “stay away from each other”. But of course officials have not made a decision as to whether or not there will be penalties involved, especially in light of the fact that they are currently trying to come across as a much more friendly group in an attempt to draw back the fans from “the good old days” that they LOST, if there are penalties they will be announced Monday or Tuesday ! ! ! (Standard Operating Procedures) NASCAR chairman Brian France said last month that the governing body wants to get back to the days when drivers were able to be themselves without the fear of a big fine. Yeah, right !!!
But even the Most Popular Driver in NASCAR doesn’t believe that one. Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t convinced that NASCAR really wants Sprint Cup drivers to “loosen up and show their personalities more”. “I don’t believe them,” Earnhardt said during Media Day on Thursday. “I don’t think anybody does. What does that mean? Are we supposed to walk the line and see where we step over it and where are we going to get fined when we go too far? What are they saying?” That’s a good question Junior, I don’t even think that they know the answer to that one. “I think honestly they’re playing to you guys, not talking to the drivers,” Earnhardt said to a crowd of reporters in a tent outside of Daytona International Speedway. “Basically, they’re trying to appear to be looser.”
“Their intentions have not been relayed to the driver as to what’s been changed. Just a press release went out to the press, ‘Hey, we’re going to do this. How about that? You guys like that, right?’ So what have they told us? I don’t know what that means.” Not to worry Junior, I don’t think they know what they mean either.
Then we have another “no brainer” from NASCAR. Apparently there has been some discussions about changing the age limits on the Sprint Cup Series from 18 years of age to 21 years of age, but President Mike Helton said that this change for the Sprint Cup Series “is not imminent, but NASCAR officals still are considering 21 as the age rule for future entry into the series. I’m sorry but if it’s not imminent, don’t bother me with this gibberish. He also said that “If we do this, we will give plenty of advance notice,” and “we would have an adjustment period before it was implemented.”
Then he goes on to talk about Joey Logano, who will compete in the Nationwide Series when he turns 18 in May. I’m as confused as Junior is in that Mr. Helton was specifically talking about the SPRINT CUP SERIES, while Logano would be running in the Nationwide Series - - “In fact, whatever we do probably wouldn’t affect him until after Logano turns 21 years old - - am I missing something here??? Do the powers that be seem to be losing it or is it just me ???
ATTENTION SMOKERS
Smoking has been banned at Bristol Motor Speedway. This change is the result of a Tennessee law that took effect on October 1, 2007. The General Assembly approved the “Non-Smoker Protection Act” in May of last year. I am no longer a smoker, but am I the only one that feels as though all of my rights are being violated. Is the government really going to run our lives from the state capitol??? I guess that topic of discussion is for another time and place.
NASCAR Media Day @ Daytona International Speedway
I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for our “Super Heroes of NASCAR”, as they had to literally sit through an entire day of questions such as, for Michael Waltrip, “Well, how do you feel about the start of this new 2008 season?” “Are you guys going to be as lousy as you were this time last season, with manifold gate and all ?” I mean, come on, how long does this BRAND NEW team from only last season have to be “beat over the head” with their lack of performance ??? I guess the media doesn’t get the fact that they know how bad they were and the fact that they didn’t realize exactly what they were up against, starting out as a BRAND NEW team. I don’t know about the rest of the NASCAR fans but I certainly can’t condemn them for trying to succeed, going after their dream. I thought that Mikey held his head pretty high considering what all he went through last season, in fact I accept his example for my own life, I want to be more like him as far as handling the heat of the media and the naysayers. You GO MIKEY ! ! !
Then there was “Smoke”, he was disgusted with the entire day-long event where he spent hours answering questions that had been asked of him since the end of last season. Stewart quipped. “Ask me something different.” All the drivers want to do is run their cars and get used to this new “safer” car, they have a lot at stake during the season not to mention the pressure to perform. Go Tony !!!
The only driver that didn’t find Media Day a pain was Jamie McMurray, who during his off-season was the only male juror on a 12-person jury, and was chosen foreman, while he was in the Restroom !!! LOL !!! He served on a jury last month in Statesville, N.C. and had to decide that fate of a man accused of sexually assulting a 10-year-old girl, the entire experience affected him so much he woke up thinking about the case Thursday morning.
That experience was certainly was more intense than Media Day !
Soap Opera Digest
With “Shrub” Busch going to Joe Gibbs Racing, I personally believe that this was the motivation for Coach Gibbs, resigning from the Redskins Football Team, to have more of a “hands on” control of JGR, not that his son, J.D. couldn’t handle any potential problems in driver personalities. Apparently he “flew in” this morning to deal with the Stewart/Busch incident. Then there was also the fact that he wanted to spend more time with his family and his Grandson which, of course, is understandable. It will certainly be an interesting season to say the least. I don’t think I’ll miss a moment of the events, who knows, I might get enough material to write a NASCAR novel ! ! ! LOL ! ! !
Then we have the Most Popular Driver moving to Hendrick Motorsports. I believe that this will be a “do or die” season for Dale Junior. He has to prove that he can still win a race, while on the other hand you have Jimmie Johnson feeling the pressure for a “Three-peat” (It will never happen) and Jeff Gordon pressured in his “drive for five championships”. I hate to say this race fans, but somethings going to have to give in this “Pressure Cooker” called Hendrick Motorsports. I just don’t see either Jimmie or Jeff “rolling over and playing dead” or Dale Junior taking a backseat to any of his teammates. If you all remember, he made this move to win a championship.
U.S. District Judge Marvin Shoob in Atlanta issued a preliminary injunction barring NASCAR and any entity affiliated with it from interfering with A####mp;T's rights as primary sponsor of Jeff Burton's No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series races.
In his ruling regarding Burton's car, Shoob said, "The court concludes that the continued appearance of the Cingular brand on the No. 31 car, unaccompanied by any indication that Cingular now does business as A####mp;T, is likely to confuse NASCAR fans. (What does he think we are, stupid?).
If I'm not mistaken, Cingular and Alltel were around before Nextel took over as NASCAR's premier sponsor. Therefore, I fail to see what all the fuss is about. I also don't see the problems that would be caused by allowing any sponsor who wants into NASCAR - - - as far as I'm concerned everybody's money should be acceptable and would only help make our sport that much better.
Arrest Make In NASCAR Mechanic's Murder
Earl Wayne Flowers, 51, of Gravel Hill Court was arrested Thursday. He was charged with one count of murder for the Saturday slaying of James Sprinkle, a NASCAR mechanic for Team Red Bull.
Emergency responders found Sprinkle with a gunshot wound to the chest about 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Sprinkle, 44, was transported to Iredell Memorial Hospital, where he died. His funeral was Wednesday.
Denny Hamlin's Pit Crew Changes After Incidents
Denny's crew was overhauled Wednesday, three days after the driver blamed the group for costing him a win.
The team met Monday to discuss changes, and arrived at Wednesday nights Pit Crew Challenge with a new roster.
Three crew members were replaced and two shuffled to new jobs. Only two of the original crew members retained their position.
Dennis Terry was moved from rear tire changer to front tire changer, replacing Donnie Brown. Jonathan Sherman was added as the rear tire changer. Scott Wood was moved from gas man to jackman, replacing Kris Webb. Brad Rothlin is the new gas man.
Scott Merritt was added as the new front tire carrier, replacing Chad Edwards. Heath Cherry remains the rear tire carrier and John Eicher will continue to handle the catch can.
"I gave away Phoenix, that's my fault. But there's two or three other races that we had the best car most of the day, and even at the end, and just gave it away on pit road." Hamlin said. "If we lose by 20-30 points when it comes down to the Championship, we know exactly where we lost it, and that's on pit road." Hamlin said.
Driver Defeats Jimmie Johnson At "His House".
Kevin Harvick captured the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge held at Lowe's Motor Speedway. FINALLY, someone, besides "The Golden Boys". win a race ! ! !
The No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet crossed the finish line 0.141 seconds ahead of Jimmie Johnson. "To win the Daytona 500 and the All-Star race is pretty cool," Harvick said. Rounding out the Top-10 finishers were: Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart, Johnny Sauter, Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr.
Congratulations To Ryan Newman's Pit Crew ! ! !
Ryan Newman's Pit Crew won the Pit Crew Challenge. The prize was $70,300.00. Crew Chief Mike Nelson led his team to an exciting win over the No. 43 Cheerios team in a penalty- free final by a margin of .33 seconds !!!
The No. 12 Alltel Dodge team consisting of: Mike Nelson (Crew Chief), Ben Brown (Front Tire Changer), Scott Reiniger (Front Tire Carrier), Joe Piette Jr. (Rear Tire Changer), Terry Cherry (Rear Tire Carrier), George Whitley (Gas Man), Brian White (Catch Can). Hmmmm ??? I appear to be missing the Jackman. Sorry Jackman - - I don't know what happened to you.
Goodrich capped off the night with a large Champagne Bath Celebration in Victory Lane. Nice job, Guys, especially the Jackman ! ! !
Hendrick Says No To Junior
We can cross Hendrick Motorsports off the list of teams interested in signing Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new contract. I can't even begin to tell you how relieved I am with that piece of news ! ! !
Car owner Rick Hendrick said Saturday "there's no room at the inn" for NASCAR's most popular driver. Excuse me, but I find that comment offensive, but I guess I should consider the source and be thankful that Junior is NOT going there. At least that way I can continue my dislike for the entire organization (sorry Casey Mears). I am entitled to my own personal opinions, just the same as all the rest of you are entitled to the same.
While I'm on the subject of Hendrick Motorsports, what did you all think of the Busch Brothers wreck ??? I think Kyle has torn up a lot of equipment in recent weeks, that I think he should have to pay for, but then that's another subject for another day. But I thought it was laughable that he took out his own brother. And I especially liked Kurt's comment about not eating Kelloggs any time soon ! ! ! I guess the race fans are not the only ones in NASCAR that are so mindful of the people who sponsor the sport that we all love.
The Frito Bandito Kid (Just Kidding, Don't Get Your Shorts In A Bunch)
Speaking of wrecks, I see Juan Pablo Montoya did it again, and early in the race, as usual. He smacked into David Gilliland in Turn 2. The accident triggered a chain reaction, taking out seven other good cars from the Nextel Open, guys that were minding their own business, trying to break into the All-Star race. I just can't imagine that Mr. Montoya has made any friends with those actions. My heart was in my throat, knowing that Mikey was finally back on the race track, after all these many weeks. I was holding my breath that he would be able to dodge the bullet. Mikey finished 20th in the Nextel Open. I was thrilled to learn this week that Bobby Kennedy's suspension will be lifted on May 30th ! ! ! We can get back to some serious business and make up some ground, along with the help of Buddy Sissco - - - we are on our way back into contention. I don't even want to hear it Falcon14 ! ! !
I wouldn't be surprised to see a replacement driver in the No. 42 Havoline Dodge before too much longer, I can't imagine his car owner wanting to replace every car that he touches, it must get quite expensive, wouldn't you think ??? And who does he think he is with that arrogant attitude ??? I thought David Ragan was the aggressive driver, and Greg Biffle before him, but this guy has no fear or no brains, I'm not sure which. Hmmm ???
That's all I have for now. Have a great week ! ! !
See you all at Lowe's Motor Speedway, for the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 27th.
Inspite of all the problems that Michael Waltrip Racing has been faced with this season. I am happy to hear that Michael is happy ! ! ! "I'm doing well," Waltrip said last Thursday, sitting in a directors chair outside his team's hauler at Phoenix International Speedway. "I'm happy. I love being a car owner. I really do. I want to make a difference. I want to have this team succeed because I've always envisioned it as being a team that was built as a race fan, which is what I am, for race fans. And, oh yeah, by the way, we are going to have fast toyotas, too."
Waltrip looking a bit haggard and a little thinner than when the season began, admits that he took on a huge task in jumping into a three-car team in toyota's first year in the series, but being asked if he knew then what he knows now, whether he would still have gone with three-cars Waltrip said "Heck yeah. It doesn't have anything to do with how many teams you have, it has to do with some of the turmoil and problems we've faced since we started this endeavor back in Daytona."
Waltrip was asked if he has considered putting another driver in his #55 Toyota Camry, he said he has "considered everything in the world that could make his team successful."
"But other than considering it, it hasn't gotten all that far with me because I believe I have the right people in place in management. I feel that I've got the best shot of anybody I know around here of getting this car in the race. So I want to be that guy who gets it in and goes and tries to do that."
This week Waltrip announced Buddy Sisco, formerly Reutimann's car chief, as his (Michael's) crew chief.
Mikey has also reduced his race-weekend TV jobs. "I've taken my focus from running off and doing TV shows and doing things like that at the racetrack, to being right here with my guys all the time. Hopefully, that will pay dividends as we go forward."
"I wish you knew how much I live doing TV," Waltrip said. "It makes me happy doing it. It's a relief, a release. Some people go hunting, some people go boating, some people go on vacation. I like to do TV."
But Michael said that he realizes that he has to manage perceptions as well as reality. "I have to make sure that the people that are paying me to race my car are comfortable with who I am and what I do as far as my attention to the details goes. We've certainly got a big hill to climb, but I'm into it, I'm engaged and I love the opportunity that is here for us if we can just turn this thing in a good direction."
I have to say that I for one am behind you 1000%, Mikey, and I know that all of your other fans, including "The Wal-#### Fans", feel the same way ! ! ! GO MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING, GO ! ! !
Virginia Native Hamlin Wanted To Win Subway For Virginia Tech
By Bruce Martin - - PA Sports Ticker Contributing Editor
AVONDALE, AZ - - Denny Hamlin said he didn't want to win Saturday's NASCAR Nextel Cup Subway Fresh Fit 500 for himself as much as he did for the state of Virginia.
The 26- year- old driver from Chesterfield, Virginia has been heartsick all week after the massacre at Virginia Tech, where a crazed student killed 33, including himself, in Monday's mindless rampage.
Hamlin wanted to win the race then give the winner's trophy to Virginia Tech in memory of those who were killed.
"That's probably half the reason why I'm as upset as I am about it," Hamlin said. "It's was a big week for Virginia. Something needed to happen up there to kind of lift everyone's spirits and I would have loved to bring that trophy back home this week."
"But we're not going to be able to do it. If I had that trophy it would definately be in Virginia Tech's hands before the end of this week. But unfortunately it's not mine, it's Jeff's (Gordon's).
Hamlin's dream ended when he was nailed for a speeding penalty entering the pits during his stop on lap 102 after leading twice for 70 laps.
That dropped him to 31st place, but he was able to battle back to finish third.
In three Car of Tomorrow races, Hamlin has has one of the best cars in the field. He lead at Bristol before a fuel pump problem took him out of contention for the win.
The next week, he was in the lead at Martinsville but loose lug nuts on a pit stop detoured his path to victory lane.
Saturday's speeding penalty was a clincher, making the rest of the race a struggle to get back to the top-five for a driver who appeared on his way to victory.
"By the rules, it's black-and-white," Hamlin said of the penalty. "I've been caught speeding on pit road one time and that was at Bristol in that bend courner where everyone gets caught. We checked it after the very first run. We were 2.2 miles an hour under and came back in the second run with the exact same RPM, no exaggeration, no lie and I was speeding."
"I was tonight's entertainment, I guess."
Jeff Gordon went on to win the race in dramatic fashion for his 76th career victory, tying the late Dale Earnhardt for sixth place on NASCAR's all-time victory list.
Even he realizes if it hadn't been for a speeding penalty, Hamlin would have been difficult to stop.
"He would have been strong," Gordon said. "Denny and Tony Stewart had strong race cars. He would have been tough to beat."
About the only driver more upset than Hamlin was second-place finisher Tony Stewart, who had taken the lead away from Gordon in the final race restart only to lose it for good on the next lap.
Both Stewart and Hamlin drive for Joe Gibbs Racing.
"We can drown our sorrow on Monday at the shop. Hamlin said. "I'm sure he's probably angry as I am. But it's been a long tome since we've felt the way I feel right now."
"It seems like we can't get a break, one way or another. Nothing seems to go our way and it's just really dishartening to have such a good car and just can't do anything with it."
Hamlin admits his heartbreak is selfish for not winning the race But it also denied him the chance to do something noble for Virginia Tech.
And that's the part that bothers him the most.
I don't know about anyone else but I appreciate Denny's efforts to do something to try to cheer up the University Students and Staff. It is my understanding that a few of the NASCAR drivers will be visiting the campus on Monday morning in an effort to do just that. And I say hang in there Hoakies, you are all in our thoughts and prayers ! ! !
Jeff Foxworthy To Serve As Grand Marshal At Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway officials announced that Jeff Foxworthy, host of the hit show, "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader," will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race set for Sunday, April 29th (1:30 p.m. ED on Fox).
"We are happy to welcome Jeff Foxworthy to Talladega Superspeedway," said speedway Vice President and Genteral Manager Rick Humphrey. "We are excited to have someone as entertaining as he is participating in our pre-race festivities and feel certain our fans will love him."
The comedian, actor and game show host is perhaps best known as a stand-up comedian and is currently hosting the new hit FOX show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader." He is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and best selling author of more than 22 books.
A native of Altlanta, Ga., Foxworthy is a infulential in his private affairs as the performances he gives. He has an interest in the Duke University Children's Hospital in Durham, N.C. and is the Honorary Chairman of the Duke Children's Classic Golf Tournament. The invitation to serve as Grand Marshal of the Aaron's 499 came from race sponsor, Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership, which is headquartered in Atlanta.
"Aaron's has had the honor of hosting several big-time Hollywood stars here over the last few years", stated Ken Butler, President of Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership, :But there is no one more popular right now than Jeff Foxtorthy. His brand of down-home humor relates well to our customers and to NASCAR fans, and I think the crowd at Talladega will give him a warm reception. We are thrilled that he can join us to start-up one of Aaron's greatest events of the year, the Aaron's 499."
The 2007 racing season at Talladega Superspeedway kicks off with Aaron's Dream Weekend set for April 27-29th, featuring the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series practice and The Birmingham NEws Qualifying for the NASCAR Busch Series on Friday, April 27th, The Birmingham News Qualifying for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and the Aaron's 312 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, April 28th, and the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Nextel cup Series race on Sunday, April 29th
That's all I have for you this week. Have a wonderful work week and enjoy the races from Talladega Superspeedway ! ! ! Good Luck to all your favorite teams and driver ! ! !
JEFF BURTON For winning the Nextel Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway yesterday and for being the first to achieve a repeat win at TMS. Way to go Jeff !!!
DAVID STREMME For the Top 10 finish in yesterday's race. Nice job David !!!
JAMIE MCMURRAY For the Top 5 finish yesterday. It's good to see some new faces at the top of the finishing order. Kudos Jamie !!!
DAVID RAGAN For causing the first wreck of the race. I just knew you had it in you David. I'm just glad you didn't also wreck the Pace Car.
KYLE BUSCH For failing to look out the windshield and slowing down when the cars in front of you do so. I'm guessing that you left the track before the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fans had a chance to strangle you for causing the #8's day to go south. Way to go "Shrub" you get my #### of the day award !!!
DALE EARNHARDT, JR. For maintaining his cool after being taken out of the race and for "Test Driving" "Shrubs" car !!! I hope you found a lot of secret information in that machine that you can use to whip his behind. Great Sportsmanship, Junior !!!
JIMMIE JOHNSON (Or "Queenie" as I call him, after all he is the reigning Chump., I mean Champ) For never ever being sure about what's taken place on the racetrack.
Crew Chiefs To Drive In Thunder Roadster Race ? ? ?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to actually see a Crew Chief drive a racecar ? Well, you will have a chance to see just that as these guys climb down off the pit box and strap into the racecar.
The Crew Chiefs-turned-drivers will drive in a 30 minute racing program that includes two qualifying heats and a feature race and this will all be televised by the SPEED Channel as part of the Pre-Race festivities to the Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 19th.
Crew Chiefs expected to race the event are: Alan Gustafson (Kyle Busch), Billy Wilburn (Kyle Petty), Chad Knaus (Jimmie Johnson), Darian Grubb (Casey Mears), Gil Martin (Clint Bowyer), SPEED Channel's Jeff Hammond (No. 11), and Larry McReynolds (No. 28), Jimmy Elledge (Reed Sorenson), Kevin Manion (Martin Truex, Jr.) Paul Andrews (Bobby Labonte), Scott Miller (Jeff Burton), Steve Lane (David Stremme), Steve Latarte (Jeff Gordon), Todd Berrier (Kevin Harvick), and Tony Eury, Jr. (Dale Earnhardt, Jr.).
Be sure to check out the Inaugural Kobalt Tooks Crew Chief Race, it should prove quite interesting !!!
Please Note Changes For Next Weekend's Races at Phoenix
Nextel Cup Series Qualifying is scheduled for Thursday, April 19th at 8 p.m. Eastern on the SPEED Channel.
Busch Series Qualifying is scheduled for Friday, April 20th at 5:30 p.m. Eastern on the SPEED Channel.
The Busch Series race, "Bashas Supermarkets 200" will air on Fridey night at 9:30 p.m. Eastern
The Nextel Cup race "Subway Fresh Fit 500" will air Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on FOX.
Obviously there will be NO RACE on Sunday. If you were like me, you would have missed the whole race weekend.
Have a great week and enjoy the races this coming weekend.
The two top dogs of NASCAR competition gave the Car of Tomorrow an A- minus for show performance and a solid B for mechanical adaptation in its debut at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Matt Kenseth was still under the weather, complaining of bad headaches and flu like symptoms from the fumes inside his cockpit during the race. Brian Vickers suffered second degree burns to his feet from a break in the exhaust pipe. He was able to race at Martinsville Speedway, however he failed to qualify on time. As Mikey would say, "Welcome to my world".
When asked to grade the new design in its first race Robin Pemberton had this to say, "I give it an A - minus," based on his view from the officials tower at Bristol.
"I'd give it a good, solid B. I'd want to incorporate the garage operations, the inspection process - - - the entire weekend more than just the race," NASCAR Cup director, John Darby said.
Craftsman Truck Series
Mike Skinner started on the pole and stayed out front virtually all day at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday for the Kroger 250, leading all but seven of the 253 laps to win his third consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Skinner, winning for the 22nd time in his career, set a series record by leading 246 laps. Way to go Mike ! ! ! Johnny Benson finished with a Top 10 and Kenny Schrader came in 12th which wasn't too shabby either, nice job guys ! ! !
Is There A Seat Open In NASCAR Nextel Cup Already ? ? ?
Kyle Petty, 46, will step away from the family's race car in June to join the broadcasting crew at TNT. Kyle replaces the much loved Benny Parsons in the booth and will add his commentary to five of TNT's six races. He still hasn't found a replacement for the #45 Dodge.
Kyle has been watching the races from behind the steering wheel for 28 years now, I'm sure he will have a different prospective by sitting in the broadcast booth, wouldn't you think ??? Good Luck to Kyle in his new endeavor ! ! !
NASCAR's Future Stars ? ? ?
Kraig Kinser - - - Son of World of Outlaws legend Steve Kinser, with 20 World of Outlaw Championships to his credit. Kraig is no slouch either, earning the 2004 Rookie title and winning the sports biggest event; the Knoxville Nationals. He is in training with Ginn Racing.
Joey Logano - - - This 16 year old won in only his second USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series start. This year he's running the full NASCAR Busch East circuit and a select number of NASCAR West Series shows. Joey is under contract with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Jesus Hernandez - - - A 25 year old native of Fresno, California, he's part of Ginn Racing's development program with Kraig Kinser. Hernandez will be running Late Model races at Hickory Motor Speedway this year.
Tim McCreadie - - - The 33 year old from Watertown, NY, earned $120,000 Champion's bonus for capturing the 2006 World of Outlaws Late Model crown. He's bound for a slate of Busch East and West competition. Richard Childress Racing will work hand-in-hand with Golden Gate Racing in those endeavors.
Marc Davis - - - Davis,16, from Silver Spring, MD is only the second black driver to win at Hickory Motor Speedway. He won five Limited Late Model races last year and finished third in Hickory's Limited points. He'll compete on the Busch East circuit this year for Joe Gibbs Racing, where one of his rivals will be Chase Austin, a 17 year old black driver from Kansas who was recently signed by Rusty Wallace Inc.
Drew Herring - - - The 19 year old from Benson won the Late Model track championship last year at South Boston (VA) Speedway, the same track where NASCAR's Burton and Sadler brothers cut their teeth in NASCAR. Herring won five in a row at South Boston before NASCAR Weekly Racing Series national champion Phillip Morris broke his string, and Herring would go on to win nine races there in all. His 2007 plans include sticking closer to home this season at Southern National Raceway Park near Kenly.
Top 10 Fastest NASCAR Race Tracks
10. Las Vegas Motor Speedway 184.855 mph
9. Indianapolis Motor Speedway 186.293 mph
8. Chicagoland Speedway 188.147 mph
7. California Speedway 188.245 mph
6. Daytona International Speedway 191.091 mph
5. Talladega Superspeedway 191.712 mph
4. Lowe's Motor Speedway 193.216 mph
3. Michigan Speedway 194.232 mph
2. Atlanta Motor Speedway 194.690 mph
1. Texas Motor Speedway 196.235 mph
Has The Honeymoon Ended For "Cisco" Juan Pablo Montoya ? ? ?
Sunday at Martinsville the columbian rookie finished a decent 16th, while at the same time managing to tick off Tony Raines, who was slammed into the wall just as the #42 Havoline Dodge Avenger "rolled by" clipping Raines' car in the left rear.
"I don't know how he's thinking, or what his thinking is," Raines said. Juan's supporters are always going to think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread and I ain't s***, but I don't come out here to wreck people. I didn't wreck him; he shouldn't have wrecked me."
Let's not get paranoid about my reference to "Cisco" I have been issuing all the drivers a nickname and that is all it is - - - a nickname meant in fun - - - my other choice for JPM was "Poncho" but I decided that that had too much of a negative conotation. For the record a lot of my comment are meant in fun although I do research my facts as well, it takes time to put a blog together ya know ! ! ! But I must admit that I do have a lot of fun talking about my favorite sport, there is NOTHING like auto racing, especially NASCAR ! ! !
COT Gets Key Endorsement ! ! !
The King of NASCAR has become the biggest fan of this "Safety Project".
"I think it's about time," Petty said. "We've been running basically the same car since 1981 and all they've done is refine it and pushed it around and made it look different because they're moving the tops and bottoms. The big deal I think is safety. THe car has got to be a lot safer than the one we had before. You're never going to make it 100 percent safe, but you put safety in it and then you just throw the car around it."
"Hopefully, the car is not slick, there's not as much downforce, and it's not as aerodynamic as what used to be or what was. I think it'll make it better. The drivers are going to have to get up and do a little driving from time to time now. You hear them complaining about the car doesn't handle good and the tracks are rough. They want smooth tracks. I said, 'Heck, if the cars drove perfect and the tracks were perfect I'd still be driving." And I think he's exactly right, don't you ??? Hey, maybe we just found a driver for that #45 Dodge from Petty Enterprises, or would that be like DW not being allowed to drive the ol' #99 Aaron's Dream Machine ? ? ? Hmmm ???
That's all I have for you. for now, don't forget there are no races next weekend due to the fact that it is Easter Week/Weekend. Have a Happy Easter, Everybody ! ! ! Then we move on to Texas Motor Speedway and hopefully a better weekend for Michael Waltrip Racing ! ! ! GO TEAM GO ! ! ! For the record, NO, despite all the coaxing from my fellow NASCAR Buddies on this very blog, I am NOT leaving my NUMBER ONE DRIVER ! ! ! I'm in it for the long haul as they say. If Mikey were sitting on his duff all week playing video games, I might consider switching my loyalty- - - to my secomd choice in drivers - - - but he's out there busting his butt to make this organization get back on their marks that they have set for themselves. I AM PROUD TO BE A WAL-#### FAN ! ! !
Brian Vickers suffered second degree burns to his feet and hindquarters when an exaust pipe broke half way through the Food City 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway last Sunday. Team officials say he will be prepared to race this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. "We think that a piece of the tail pipe came off, so heat was blowing directly onto the floorboard," Vickers said. "The guys tried to put some lining in the car to protect my feet, but it didn't really help that much. I basically had to run the whole race with my feet burning and that was painful."
I have an idea Brian, why didn't you get out of the car and call it a day rather than suffering second degree burns ??? I know, I know to get a race car driver out of the race car during a race is tougher than pulling teeth out of his head at 200 miles per hour, it wouldn't matter which driver you were talking about ! ! !
Problems With Car Of Today ? ? ?
NASCAR officials are scrambling to solve a couple of potentially serious issues with the Car of Today/Tomorrow. Denny Hamlin and several others complained about the unusual amount of carbon monoxide in their system after Sunday's race. Some teams had issues with the protective foam on the right side door overheating, melting and producing toxic fumes. Some had springs that failed for no apparent reason, which may have been the reason for Biffle's car being too low during post-race inspection. There were no fines or penalties issued to the #16 machine this week. Yes, Larry McReynolds, you were right but I don't want to have to listen to you say it all weekend long at Martinsville.
NASCAR officials plan to talk to crew chiefs before they arrive at Martinsville on Friday to discuss solutions to these issues. They will look at adjusting the tolerances for minimum height until it is determined what makes the car settle. They will also suggest that teams use a thicker exhaust pipe after determining those that had exhaust systems failures used a thinner pipe to conserve weight. "Conserving weight" ? ? ? They're always looking for a way to cheat the system, better not tell Knaus cause I'm sure he'll get right out there and try it, I know, if he hasn't thought of it already.
NASCAR officials have already talked to Roach Fenway Racing about putting a heat shield over the pipe near the right door and notching the foam higher around the pipe to keep heat from compromising it. What a shock . . . . .NASCAR playing nice ? ? ? Do they realize how many fans are steamed, with their recent antics ? ? ? Yeah ! ! !
The DuPont Dummy said they used more brakes than normal in last week's Car of Today/Tomorrow debut, Martinsville is harder on a stock car's brakes than Bristol so be expecting a lot more whinning. I guess I better buy some extra cheese. I wonder what he'll have to say after they repave the racetrack at Bristol, he never seems to run out of items to complain about. Soon, he will be able to complain about getting up at 2 AM - - - - -Right, DaddyO ? ? ?
And, what's with the critical comments made by the Car of Tomorrow Inaugural race winner, "Shrub" Busch ??? I think that young man needs an attitude adjustment and a lesson in respect. Enough said.
As for Casey Mears starting off slow at Hendricks Motor Sports, I say what a surprise that is . . . . . . I'm surprised that they even gave him a car to compete with since every thing worth anything goes to "The Golden Boys". I have said all along that Casey should not have gone there, why did he think Brian was leaving, he finally saw the handwriting on the wall, don't you think ? ? ? I can tell you why, because he got all the "junk" left over from Queenie and the DuPont Dummy . . . . same scenario as Michael got at DEI after Dale, Sr. passed. But I guess I'm not supposed to mention that anymore, cause I'm supposed to "Get over it." according to my number one driver, okay Mikey I hear you ! ! !
Give It Up ? ? ? . . . . . . . NOT A CHANCE ! ! !
There's an article written by one of these hot shot sports writers, Tim Tuttle at SI.com to be exact, (the article was dated 3-29-07 in case you want to look it up) who believes that Michael Waltrip should "Fire Himself". Where do these sports writers get off spewing this non-sense all over the Internet ? ? ? No, its not JUST Mr. Tuttle either, but I think they are shooting themselves in the foot and making a lot of enemies in the process, when your driver is down you KNOW that he's down you don't need every sports writer in the world to point it out to you every five seconds. Just my humble opinion.
I am an AVID NASCAR fan, who just so happens to be Michael's #1 Fan. And I am a PROUD member of the Wal-####, Michael Waltrip's Official Fan Club. Anyway, since when have I lost the right to support whomever I want and, more importantly, when has Michael lost his right to compete ? ? ? I love all these sports writers and arm chair quarterbacks that try to say that Michael should "fire himself." I for one believe that Michael has just as much right to compete as the next guy (or gal) and I have the right and the privillege and the HONOR of supporting him . . . . . . .1000%
I believe that the real issues for the Michael bashings are as follows: Number 1 is the fact that Michael is a Christian and makes no bones about it. The second reason is the hatred for TOYOTA coming into NASCAR this year, I have said this before and I will say it again there are even car owners out there in the garages that would be more than happy to "pay" someone to prevent a car from qualifying. I cannot believe the hate that I have seen over one single car manufacturer coming on board with NASCAR, it boggles the mind ! ! ! But, as my Driver would say, "Get over it." ! ! ! Because TOYOTA is here to stay, just like the Car of Today/Tomorrow, deal with it.
As far as who could Waltrip find at mid-season to take his place ? ? ? First of all, since when is it "mid-season" ? ? ? And secondly all Mr. Tuttle's suggestions in the article were, Mike Wallace, John Andretti, Mike Skinner or Bill Elliott, EXCUSE me but Michael is not looking for a driver for the #55 NAPA Auto Parts TOYOTA Camry, much less a driver to qualify the above mentioned TOYOTA. I say leave him alone and let him do as he pleases isn't that the right of every other driver that is into racing, never mind NASCAR ? ? ?
That's all I have for you this week, obviously I have shared my thoughts and that's all they are are my thoughts on my favorite sport.
Enjoy the races this week ! ! ! Remember, there is no Busch Series race this week but there will be a Craftsman Truck Series race on television at noon Pacific Time on Fox. The Nextel Cup race airs at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time also on Fox.
Car Of Tomorrow Debuts At Bristol Motor Speedway This Weekend
Dale Jr. says car is comfortable, something that may be an asset in Sunday's race.
"I'm not sure anyone is looking forward to Bristol. The number of unknowns is through the roof with the car of tomorrow, but it's the same for everybody. We'll all learn how the new car is going to work and what unexpected issues pop up." Earnhardt, Jr. said. "It's a bumpy, rough track, and when you finish 500 laps there, you feel like you've been in the ring with Mike Tyson - - the YOUNG Mike Tyson." Junior said.
Fifty cars are entered into this weekend's Food City 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway for the very first running of the car of tomorrow. So, I wonder what the COT's will be called after Sunday. Hmmmm??? The "other car" of today, perhaps ??? What would you call it, I'm curious !!!
Richard Childress did not enter their Number 33 car at Bristol. And despite all the speculation Mark Martin will NOT race this weekend. Regan Smith will be driving the U.S. Army Chevrolet for Ginn Racing. For some reason, I always get him mixed up with David Ragan, you know, the kid that wrecks everything but the Pace Car. Sorry David, but it's true !!!
The current holder of the championship trophy tested a new car this week, no, it wasn't the Car of Tomorrow, it was a Cadillac for the Sports Car Club of America Speed World Challenge GT race May 24th at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Johnson feels very comfortable with the car of tomorrow with the upcoming debut this weekend.
"It's certainly a new race car and a new challenge for us," Johnson said. "We feel good about going there. It's the best I've felt about going to Bristol. But it's going to be a long 500 lap race. I think you're going to see a lot of spins, a lot of bumping." Yeah, Jimmie, like the bumping you did at Atlanta and shoved "Smoke" into the wall, not to mention the bogus caution flag for debris where there was no debris, conveniently at the time you were out of fuel, huh ??? But my Driver would tell me to "Get over it !!!", so I guess I have to get over it. Thanks Mikey !!!
The Car of Tomorrow will be used for 16 races this year, twice at Bristol, Martinsville, Phoenix, Richmond, Dover and New Hampshire as well as Infineon, Watkins Glen, Darlington and the Fall race at Talladega. I am curious to see if these cars can run any better than our current cars and also who if anybody has problems with them. I'm hoping that this will level the playing field !!!
Back In The Day
Judy Honaker makes a living doing something she never imagined getting paid to do. Scoring NASCAR races was a side job for years, a hobby she pursued in her weekends off from the bank where she worked. Now it's turned into a main source of income for her and takes her to more than 20 races a year. Talk about a "Lucky Dog !!!".
With the advent of ever more reliable computers, manual scoring may not be a part of racing much longer, but Honaker knows retirement is not far away.
Honaker began as a volunteer. She'd sit with other women, keeping track of one race car's lap time. Each time the car made a circuit of the track, she would record it's time with a pencil on a single sheet of paper. You scored for which ever driver you grabbed the scorecard for, that's how it was done in those days. She kept scorecards for Benny Parsons, Derrike Cope and Mark Martin.
I think that would have been a cool job to have, whether you got paid for it or not !!!
Michael Signs With XM Radio
XM, the nation's number one satellite radio company, announced that NASCAR Star Michael Waltrip will join racing's biggest Stars exclusively on XM Radio. Michael will host a half-hour weekly show "Michael Waltrip Out Loud", which debutes March 20th and will air every Tuesday night from 7:00 - 7:30 pm ET on XM's sports talk radio channel XM Sports Nation (XM 144).
"My XM show will be fun," Waltrip said. "I love that I have the opportunity to talk about the sport I am so passionate about. There is also a whole world of athletes and entertainers who love this sport and I think it will be great to have them as guests and get their feelings as well", Waltrip said.
That's all I have for now, have a great week and enjoy the races this weekend !!!
Bill France, Jr, who serves as NASCAR Chairman from 1972 to 2003, was admitted to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach on Wednesday afternoon for undisclosed reasons.
As the son of NASCAR founder William Henry Getty France, the 73 year old France has overcome cancer and still serves as NASCAR's Vice Chairman as well as Chairman of the Board of track operator International Speedway Corp.
Heading To Atlanta
The battle to qualify for the Nextel Cup race continues at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend, as 15 drivers vie for seven open spots in the Kobalt Tools 500.
Michael Waltrip is one of those drivers that must qualify on time, Michael missed the race in California by 0.033 seconds, then spun out on his qualifying lap at Las Vegas. He said that he was disappointed with his qualifying result at Vegas but that he is also encourages with the effort put forth by his NAPA team. "We had a car that was going to be fine once it was in the race. It was just crazy loose in qualifying. I just spun out. In our situation, we have no choice but to go for qualifying, and when I went for it, it just would not stick." Waltrip said.
Michael said they were going to Rockingham on Wednesday to test. "I think Rockingham will do us some good because it resembles Atlanta. I feel pretty good about everything." Waltrip said.
"Atlanta Motor Speedway is fast, and I like the way you can run on the bottom or the top at Atlanta, making it a fun track to drive. That's probably why you see so many exciting finishes at Atlanta." David Reutimann said. Good Luck to Michael, DJ and David at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend, I will be on my pirch watching the qualifying and the races ! ! !
NASCAR Romance Authors Are Cropping Up All Over The Place
The latest one I can find is called "Hot Laps", written by Steve Eubanks, who is convinced that race fans aren't averse to cuddling up with a good book.
Eubanks plans to drive around the parking lot at Atlanta Motor Speedway peddling his new book. Eubanks has written 25 nonfiction books, but his latest is his first stab at fiction. He says that race fans have nothing to do but drink, so they thought they might as well give them something to read. I'm trying to decide if I am offended by that remark. Hmmmm ???
Just last year NASCAR Inc. teamed up with Harlequin Romance novels to produce a series of racing-themed love stories. Don't expect anything quite as breathless from Eubanks, who says his work more resembles novels by Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiassen. "One of the drivers names is Junior Senior Jr., if that gives you some idea. I'm not taking anything too seriously in this." Eubanks said. The second in a series is called "Down Force" scheduled to be released in August.
Here We Go - - - - AGAIN
Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, also known as "The Golden Boys" (in my household), have called on Goodyear to step up its discussions with drivers before bringing a new tire to a race track, particularly a track that has been resurfaced. EXCUSE ME, but I was under the impression that NASCAR was in charge of NASCAR Racing, NOT the actual drivers - - - so, am I wrong here ??? The nerve of these whinners and complainers - - - sheeesh ! ! !
"I know Goodyear is working very hard, but we've got to bring the right tire," Johnson said after winning Sunday's race. "I don't know how we get there - if it's more tire testing or bringing more cars to the track for testing." I have a question, what does bringing more CARS to the track have to do with testing tires ??? I have an idea - - - why don't you leave it in the capable hands of NASCAR, especially when you don't have any answers of your own, you remind me of a politician, Mr. Johnson. And by the way, I don't like your commercial with your trophy either, just who do you think you are anyway ??? I don't like the way you "talk down" to people - - I think someone needs to knock you off of that high horse - - maybe you'd find more horses under the hood of that #48 racecar then.
"I'm going to have a long talk with those guys (at Goodyear) or take them to dinner or something. I am not totally putting them at fault here - - ( I would hope not, since NASCAR asked them to provide a harder tire - - they are following orders from NASCAR not the Gordon/Johnson camp) we are all in this together." Jeff Gordon said. I'm sure that will enjoy the vittles but not so much the bull corn that comes out of your mouth, Jeff. I know, I'm fiesty today, but I still have a right to my opinion, I think ???
Anyways, now you know how the so called "Self-Appointed EXPERTS" feel about the dreaded tire problem. Yeah right ! ! !
That's all I have for now, enjoy the races this weekend ! ! ! We have a triple header with the Truck Series tomorrow night, with Mikey in the Booth ! ! ! Then Mikey will be running in the Busch Series on Saturday, driving for Braun Racing, if he can qualify his way in - - but he's used to that, right ??? Then the same on Sunday, boy I hope that testing was beneficial at Rockingham. ENJOY ! ! !
LVMS Is Spruced Up And Ready For Some Racin' ! ! !
The construction crews are busy little bees, flyin' around my Home track, applying the finishing touches of paint. The Neon Garage, the new centerpiece of Las Vegas Motor Speedway's multi-million-dollar infield renovation project, is almost complete ! ! !
The team haulers will roll into an infield that the crewmen will scarcely recognize from only a year ago, or even in January 2007 !
Media members who attended the Nextel Cup test at the track in late January saw a dusty construction site, and plenty of work still to be done.
What they've done over the last year is increase the 1.5-mile track's banking from 12 to 20 degrees, move pit road 150 feet closer to the frontstretch grandstand, and build a multi-teared garage viewing area that will draw immediate comparisons to the Nextel Fan Zone at Daytona International Speedway. One of the differences is that fans will be able to look down into the work stalls similar to "the way surgeon's class look down on an operation in progress".
Out on the racetrack, there were seven different drivers that crashed during the two-day Nextel Cup test in January. In response to that wreck-filled session, Goodyear implemented a harder left-side tire, and NASCAR mandated a smaller, 13-gallon fuel cell, with the goal being to force more pit stops and extending tire wear.
Tony Stewart is not happy about all the changes made at LVMS. The two-time NASCAR Champion thinks they were unnecessary and will make it a boring race this weekend. Las Vegas officials contend that the reconfiguration will create more side-by-side and competitive racing. I think we are about to find out who is right on this one.
TOYOTA Entering NASCAR Sparks Automobile War ? ? ?
"We're going to war with them," NASCAR team owner Jack Roush said. "They should give us their best shot because we'll be back and giving as good as we take. I don't back away from a good fight."
"We will not be intimidated by any new team or manufacturer that comes out," Roush said. "TOYOTA will not find that established teams will wither in their path as they have seen elsewhere."
"I think they'll carry their money and carry their technology and try to put the rest of us in catch-up scenario and I'm trying to be ready for that," Roush said.
So the way I see it is this, no other car manufacturers (foreign or domestic) are "allowed to play" in our sport ??? With all due respect, I think that Mr. Roush is too old to be running a professional race team. He has become a professional whinner, complaining about all the money that he has to spend. If you don't want to spend any more money, Mr. Roush, you can always sell the rest of your race team and go sit in a rocking chair and watch the race on television.
And another thing that is on my mind, after reading this article. I've become very su####ious as to the "sabotage" that I feel was done in the Michael Waltrip Racing garage at Daytona. After reading comments like this it raises a RED FLAG in my mind. I'm not accusing anyone of anything but it sure tends to make my brain go on overload. Hmmmmm ??? I realize that Michael Waltrip is responsible for his own team and I am so proud of him for standing up and accepting that responsibility like the real man that he is, and I have every confidence that Michael will get to the bottom of this situation and that it will be handled in a professional manner.
Car of Tomorrow
NASCAR is already thinking of scrapping a three-year phase-in plan and using the COT at every track in 2008. The original plan was to use the car in 16 of 36 races this year, in 26 races in 2008 and all races in 2009. That is a long way from the criticism NASCAR heard for years from team owners worried about the necessity and start-up costs of a new car.
Of course, the whiners and complainers are objecting to this idea because they say "racing teams need to see how it performed first", according to Jeff Gordon that is, Well, guess what Jeff, you're not the ONLY race team on the track and you will be in good company with the rest of the drivers that "may not be ready", and if they all are and you still aren't then guess what ? You will become a certified "Has Been", this is not only true for Jeff but for any other of the 42 drivers as well. Get over it. I don't know about you, but I'm getting so tired of hearing the bickering and complaining from some of the drivers and the knit picking on the part of the NASCAR officials. Particularly in regards to Michael Waltrip Racing, where they say that Michael has to submit a formal request to NASCAR to reinstate his guys, but if NASCAR doesn't feel that there has been enough of a time lapse, they will deny his request. What kind of nonsense is that ??? I'm sure that if it was a driver from Hendricks Motor Sports they would never have been suspended them in the first place. Am I wrong here ??? Is anyone besides me getting sick of all the bull corn ??? If it weren't for Michael Waltrip I would have been out of here a long time ago. There are other sports out there and other interests that a person could develop - - - NASCAR is not God ! ! !
I guess I've rambled on enough for this edition of NASCAR news from the NASCARQUEEN'S perspective. I must admit that I'm a little on the fiesty side today. I just get so fired up about my passion for NASCAR - - - but the morons are trying to take that away from me, I will not take it sitting down ! ! ! I hope that you have a great weekend watching all the racing action from "Sin City" ! ! ! Good Luck to all your drivers ! ! !
Matt Kenseth swept the weekend at the California Speedway, winning BOTH the Busch Series race and the Cup Series race!!! A friend of mine predicted that this would happen, but I thought to myself - - - yeah right. Well, I guess it's time for me to eat crow, eh ??? Anyone have any salt, I've never eaten crow before ???
What A Qualifying Effort ! ! !
Mikey missed the Auto Club 500 by .033 seconds :-( The #55 NAPA Auto Parts TOYOTA Camry outperformed drivers Ricky Rudd, Jamie McMurray, Kenny Schrader, Kyle Petty, Elliott Sadler, David Ragan, David Gilliland, Tony Raines and Robby Gordon but due to NASCAR's top-35 rule, Waltrip was the first driver sent home out of the 51 teams trying to make the 43-car starting grid.
Ironically, it was a Michael Waltrip Racing team's car driven by David Reutimann that bumped Mikey out of the race.
Watching qualifying was difficult for the NASCARQUEEN because I was feeling Reutimann's stress level, thinking, he's wondering "What do I do here? Do I take my right foot off of the gas and slow down to where my brand new boss makes the race, or do I stick my right-foot through the floorboard and try to beat him ??? I don't know, if it were me, I don't think I would want to hear Mikey ask me, "Why didn't you go for it and hit your marks ??? Just because it was me - - - are you a racer or what?"
My next question was, will Mikey go home, now that he isn't in the race ??? But then, I remembered that this season starts a whole new scenario for Mikey, cause now he is a Car Owner and he is responsible for TWO other cars and drivers, of course he's NOT going home - - - he's got lots of work to do now that "He's the man" !!! GO MIKEY GO !!!
What Was Biffle Thinking ? ? ?
Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with Greg Biffle, (I have another friend who is a Biffle Fan) but can someone please tell me what he was thinking ??? Was the "tap" to Reutimann's left rear quarter panel one of them "racin' deals" or was it because he's a "Rookie" deserving some sort of initiation ??? What ??? David was at least one lap down, so what was Greg trying to prove ??? I know Greg is a better driver than that, did the California weather get to him, or what ???
Quite frankly, I am very concerned about David Reutimann' well being today. He took a HUGE hit and appeared to be stunned and/or had the wind knocked out of him. I can only hope that he is getting the best possible care from his own doctors this week. Not to mention all the damage done to the Domino's/Berger King TOYOTA Camry. The NASCARQUEEN is thinking about ya this week David !!!
SPEED To Air Car of Tomorrow Specials
NASCAR is expecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 cars to participate in the COT test sessions to be held at Bristol Motor Speedway on February 28th and March 1st at 7:00 p.m. /ET. (Don't forget to set your VCR's). This is a HUGE test that will set the pace for the rest of the NASCAR race season, how teams handle this car will go a long way towards determining the 2007 Nextel Cup Championship. John Roberts will host the SPEED coverage with analysis from Larry McReynolds and reporting from Bob Dillner.
Roush / TOYOTA
Roush-Fenway Racing owner gives MLB player a - - - TOYOTA ??? Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz got his own present Wednesday morning. Arriving at the Red Sox minor league facility for his physical, Ortiz was greeted with a TOYOTA Tundra pickup, courtesy of owner John W. Henry - - - why is this of interest ??? Red Sox owner John Henry is Jack Roush's new partner at Roush-Fenway Racing, they run the Ford Fusions and Jack Roush has spoken out against TOYOTA's involvement in NASCAR - - - to the extent of declaring war against TOYOTA - - - - Oops !!!
Want To Meet Dale Jarrett ???
Then enter to win the "Off to the Races Delivered By UPS Sweepstakes", an online contest that will provide one lucky fan with two tickets to the Talladega race on April 29th at Talladega Superspeedway and the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby to be held at Churchhill Downs on Saturday, May 5th. The prize package includes round-trip airfare for two, accomodations and ground transportation at both events. A special "Meet and Greet" with Dale Jarrett at Talladega will also be featured as part of the exciting prize package. Congratulations in advance to the lucky winner !!!
Commercial Breakdown For The Auto Club 500
Total number of commercials: 130
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 58
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 32
