Since the 2007 Nextel Cup season is already in top gear, the Racers Race drives into it's second year just as fast. Sin-City marks the perfect place for Lust for Life to make another attempt at a video blog. With a nod to one of my favorite show men of all time, the Racers Race goes Around the Track. 

Racers Race: Viva Las Vegas

What better place to go all in. It seems like half the field already has their backs up against the wall. Junior needs to finish a race, Kahne needs to start his season, and Smoke needs anything he can get. After Las Vegas Motorspeedway was completely revamped, it's a ####-shoot. Although it is the Busch Brothers home track, no one claims stake at a brand new surface. A track even Tony Stewart admited was designed way too fast. 200 mph through Sin City. The Nextel Cup rolls into Viva Las Vegas this weekend.

Click to Watch Video Blog

Chasing the Chase

We made it. It's been a pressure stresser. From the green in Daytona to the checkers in Homestead, we have seen it all. Some drivers had big hopes for 2006. Who would have thought we would see a season like Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle gave us? Has anyone seen Carl's driver this year, and his 'won't shave till Carl takes the checkers?' Poor guy. And The Bif! What happened? The #16 was never in one piece for very long this year. For a few, this season could not come to an end any faster then we race.

Others still have work to do. Mainly the one that has arguably worked harder then all the rest all year. #48 has seen it's share of tv time, and picture patient victory lanes. He's flirted with the Cup before, but never has he come on this strong. He had made a huge crush off the green in that small race to start the season, and had the moves to end in afternoon at the Brickyard with a kiss. Miami seems destine for perfection for #48. Mr. Perfect races for 3/3 in 2006.

 

The Chase. One Race. The season comes down to one chance. One moment to throw down and go home. Put this season in the rearview with some smoke. Leave it all on the track at Homestead. While there can only be one Championship crowned for the season, the last race holds so much for so many.

The Contenders

Jimmie Johnson #48 - (Rank: 1st) -300 odds for Cup

He has been the league leader for most of the year. He started off hot, winning the Daytona 500. He stayed hot for the first quarter of the season. He came up huge and won the Brickyard 400. The #48 turned it on again at the end. Pretty much every time it counted JJ ended the day in Victory Lane. The only track that he wasn't fast enough was Lowes. A small price to pay for the Cup. He has placed 2nd in the league for two of the last three years. Has always came close, but never brought home Homestead. Jimmie has won plenty of headlines, but will still race for one more. 

My Shine - "It's his championship to lose. Plus, he cheats. So he may be hard to beat." (I just quoted myself from midseason.) Crew Chief Chad Knaus is one of the best in the league. But that also means he is the best at bending the book. Everyone remembers the car they brought to race Daytona. It's not the same set-up they put on display for the year after he won it. The first set-up got Chad Knaus suspended for the first 4 races, including the Daytona 500. Before they even tried qualifying the car it was thrown out. #48 still won it after fixing their 'mistake.' Knaus will bring that same focus to Homestead. They will have a strong car, and a strong backup plan. It's his year. It's a perfect season.

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Matt Kenseth #17 - (Rank: 2nd, -63 points behind) - 4/1 odds for Cup

The #17 never under performs anyone but themselves. They have such a high standard on that team. Even when they are struggling they always seem to stick around and race.  There Wisconsin boys, and we won't even hold that against them. Back in the day, Kenseth and crew chief Robbie Reiser were rivals. Now in the press, they are starting to look like that again. If the #48 takes the pressure drop, Kenseth will be there to catch the Cup. It wouldn't suprise anyone in the garage.

My Shine -

The Chase Curse has nothing between Reiser and Kenseth. It stems from Roush Racing. That team looks shaken up right now, and the #17 is the only thing close to together. I give Kenseth a good 40% shot at taking home Homestead. He needs a slip up from JJ to do it, but I can see Kenseth taking the title most any day of the week. 

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Fortunate Few 

Kevin Harvick #29 - (Rank: 3rd, -90 points behind) - 20/1 odds for Cup

Harvick could have easily won both the Busch Series Championship, and the Nextel Cup Championship. He has come on strong when it counts, and if everyone had not done so well last week in Phoenix, it would have been a completely different story right now for the #29 team. With two cars in the Chase from RCR, this team has come back strong. Strong enough to make Harvick resign before his contract was up. Strong enough to bring Burton back into victory lane. The hats are off all around the garage for the job they have done.  

My Shine -

Let's think how they got there. Last year Harvick was found with a gas tank before qualifying that would appear to be full. When in fact it was to make the car lighter during qualifying. Happy was not happy about being caught. This year both the #29 and #31 were found with questionable rims. (Starting to see a pattern for success in NASCAR?) Hey, all the more power to them. If your not working for the slightest edge, your not doing your job. I expect RCR to be working a lot in the off-season. 

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Denny Hamlin #11 - (Rank: 4th, -90 points behind) - 20/1 odds for Cup

Read that again. 4th place in the league, and 20/1 odds. Rookie. What more can you say about Game Boy? Maybe, 'welcome to the Chase.' Joe Gibbs Racing has been a power team in NASCAR. With Tony Stewart on your team, a top sponsor in your pocket, and a garage that is as dependable as Gibbs himself, you can only dream of all the good things this kid is going to bring for years to come.

My Shine -

If he can avoid the sophomore slump next season, he is going to take over the NASCAR nation quickly. In my opinion he has more natural talent as a driver, then anyone I can remember. He has arguably the best crew chief in the league, Mike Ford. Being a part of Joe Gibbs Racing, with his teammate Tony Stewart, has him learning fast. And no one in his rookie class can be compared to him. Game Boy could win the whole damn Cup this year, if his luck can continue. He is that much of a real deal.  Joe Gibbs has put together an incredible team, with the #11 Fed Ex Chevrolet. He still has some work to do to keep his spot on top, but someone is going to have to wreck him to take it. Game Boy is my Dark Horse pick to take the Cup! (This was an exact quote by me in midseason. It still sticks.)

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. #8 - (Rank: 5th, -115 points behind) - 12/1 odds for Cup

No one can say anything about the year Junior has had. He has raced hard every week. He has overcame wrecks, engine failure, enemies, the flu, you name it, Junior has raced it. He has really been clutch for his team. Where most stars at Juniors level would have a big head about their weight in their sport, he still comes off as June Bug. The first to admit when they are slow, and the first to ask for a beer straight off the checkers. He got a win in Richmond, and made the Chase. A huge improvement from last year, but the team still is missing that edge. They are just a bit shy of being that threat they set out this year to be. But just like anyone with the name Earnhardt will be a favorite at Daytona, he will be considered a favorite for the Cup for that first race next year as well. next year.

My Shine -

It was almost like everyone was just holding their breath about the #8 in the Chase. All the drivers, fans, NASCAR officials, even the beer vendors. Everyone didn't really want to talk too much about him, because he was hanging in there. The #8 had just as bad of luck as the rest of the Chasers, but Junior has that incredible survivor factor to him. He is still the face of NASCAR, and as long as they race every week, there will be Junior fans to watch them. For myself, I had a blast watching him all year. When the day comes that Junior wins the Cup, everything will be right in the NASCAR Nation.

 

 

As the 2006 season is getting low, we see one shining spirit rising in Phoenix. This is the race that will bring the Cup contender into the headlights. We still have 5 strong Chasers coming into the second to last race for the Championship. This means there is 900 miles between us and the Cup. We still have a lot of driving to do before vacation, and a lead foot at this point is a given. With 2 weeks left in the NASCAR Nextel Cup season, we start heading south for the winter. We stop in Phoenix, on our way to Homestead.

The Racers Race is winding down as well for the year. So I had decided to do my two favorite editions of this blog series to end the year. We have The Dime this week, fallowed by a Diamond Edition for the last race of the year in Miami. It's about that time of the year. GET!

Racers Race: Phoenix Rising

Dime Edition

 2:30ET Sunday 11/12 NBC

1. Has to be appropriate for #48 Jimmie Johnson. He has shined in all the right places this season. A small race at the begining of the year in Daytona, and a bright afternoon at the Brickyard. He has a ton of heat waiting for him in Miami, and he has to stay warm this weekend in Phoenix. He has never placed outside the top 15 at this track, but that won't be good enough at this point. You can bet Hendrick Motorsports and Knaus is bringing only the best car in the garage to Phoenix, and it will probably come off the hauler dialed for the green. Can JJ finally keep it chill in the late season heat?

2. Matt Kenseth #17 has been the definition of consistent for years now. He is #1 at RR and is a sure bet to be up front in any race he is in. He has had his share of trouble in this years Chase, but no one would dare count him out. He knows how to win championships. He knows more then the #48 for sure.

3. What a survivor Junior has become. He could be battling his luck, his cousin, his heritage, or the flu on any given weekend. After missing the Chase last year, June Bug has fought for every single position at every race this season. None of its been easy. He has proven strong and durable, and needs to answer to the question of consistent. His chances of the Cup are really good, and half the world would think that #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr would look great with the title Cup Champion.

4. How do you write a better-storied season then the one #11 Denny Hamlin has had? This is just down right incredible what this rookie has done in his first year in the big leagues. For him to win the Nextel Cup would knock out the NASCAR Nation. He has a great shot sitting in 4th and only -80 points out of the dream. Plus he is the real deal, and has plenty of more Championships to Chase. For everybody that didn't believe me that he was the dark horse in this years Chase, just look where he sits right now. He has 900 miles left to go, and 2 great cars he will be driving them with. FAST!

5. I wrote a blog not to long ago about this seasons lack of a black hat. I wrote about Harvick making waves in the Busch Series, but was a no show in the Cup. #29 Kevin Harvick is the perfect bad guy for NASCAR, but was falling short of his potential. Look how much things can change come Chase time. He is a huge threat for this Championship, and you can bet he knows it. Starting at the outside of the pole for this weekend in Phoenix makes his threat even stronger. Welcome back, black hat!  

6. The #24 has been a tough sell for this years Chase. Jeff Gordon will always be a Champion, but it looks like this year was not in the cards for him. Maybe it's the engagement, or the wedding, whatever it is, he hasn't brought enough to the table this year to make too many headlines on the track. But fear not Gordon fans; he still has a chance to be in Championship photos. He is a part owner of the #48. And he would like everyone to know that!  

7. As for the rest of the Chasers, they don't stand a chance. Kyle Busch's shot at the title was over by the first race. Kasey Kahne did an amazing job getting into the Chase, but was wrecked by Tony Stewart, which wrecked his chances of making a strong run. Again, next year will be Kahne's year. As for Mark Martin, well even he knows a championship does not define him.  

8. Don't think I forgot about Jeff Burton. He got his win he needed. He got into the Chase. And he had a Championship caliber year. He found some tough luck in the Chase. Found some engine problems, found some walls, and found the garage more then once while the rest were still racing. But all wasn't lost of his resurgence to the top of the league. He found some of his old fans!  

9. Only two races left. I always don't like seeing the NASCAR season come to an end. But when it does, I know that the Daytona 500 is right around the corner. Were only three months away till Speed Week!  

10. So much talk about changes to the Chase format. As I see it this year, everything has worked out to be a great playoff season. I do admit it still needs tweaking, and I have heard some great ideas from a ton of people. It reminds me of the blog entry I posted back in July. I will repost it sometime this next week.

If there is anything that my mates take just as seriously as music and fast cars; it’s NASCAR on the X-Box. A Championship is won and lost on any given night, and the bragging rights are unprecedented. Sometimes when my backs against the wall, I always have my go-to, where I am indomitable. It’s called Hot-lanta!

It comes down to this. This is the race that separates the Fast from the Last. After this race, the list of Contenders gets shorter. With four races left till the Championship is crowned, we race at one of my personal favorites…, Calling it, Atlanta Motor Speedway doesn’t give it justice!!!!

Don’t even dare think this track is a cookie-cutter; she is as hot as she is fast. And take it from the Bear, ‘it can’t get any hotter.’

The dogleg is sharp, and comes at a bit of an up hill, making it more on the subject of instinct and gut, over experience. She is slick too, so only the au####ious survive. At a track that probably should, and will always be at debate on becoming a restrictor plate race, we drive fast. Fast in the straight, fast in the corners, fast through the front stretch. It’s not all about top speed, it’s about top average speed in Atlanta. And with nothing but the rulebook restricting horsepower, we drive very, very, very, very fast.

Make sure those seatbelts are strapped on tight. Welcome to Hot-Lanta, Ladies and Gentleman! No Blinking Allowed!

Racers Race: Hot-lanta!

2:30ET Sunday 10/29 NBC 

#9 Kasey Kahne – For anybody that can’t keep straight all of Kahne’s wins this year, Atlanta was one of them. Maybe you missed it, a lot of people did because of the rain delay. It was the only Monday race we have had this year. He came out with what was his new EMS-128 engine at the time, and got his first of five wins with that car. From the #9’s league high 6 wins this year, 5 of them are on this chassis he is racing this weekend. He will be a huge threat to win the pole, and he will be a huge threat to win the race. Kahne is –99 points off the Cup. If anyone remembers me telling them, that even after his terrible start to the Chase this year, Kasey will still make headlines as a threat by the end of it: I told you so. Just wait till Monday morning to remember that.

#11 Denny Hamlin – ‘Game Boy’ is in a league of his own. This year’s rookie class has nothing on him. Most veteran drivers come up short as well. The kid can race anything from a Go-Kart, to a stock car. Asked for his favorite past time for his bio, Hamlin answered racing on his X-Box. Asked why he is the only rookie that purchased his own private jet plane at the beginning of the season? He answered that his credit was good. When asked how he dominated this year at Pocono without ever racing the track before in his life? He answered that he dominates the track in his online league as well. When asked how it felt to be a huge threat to win the Championship his first year in the league, being only –47 points away from history, while also being Siddhartha’s Dark-Horse pick for this years Chase? He answered, ‘Good!’ He is full of answers. Atlanta is full of questions for the #11.

Anyone in the Chase can dominate here, and you can count on some huge moves by #48 Jimmie Johnson. JJ is coming on strong, and if he has another good week, his page is going to have to make some room for a huge exclamation mark on his astonishing year.

Don’t turn your back on #29 Kevin Harvick either. He is as sly as he is fast, and this track has his characteristics all over it. RCR racing has been working hard all week to put their bad luck behind them, and show up to the track prepared to dominate and eliminate. Both the #29 and the #31 want to be a blur in Atlanta, and both know a few things about streaks.

Then there is our league leader, Matt Kenseth. The #17 has to do what the #17 does best; Race for a Championship. Mr. Consistent: still is. He has had his share of bad luck in this years Chase, but the difference is he is still on top. The difference is he has been so damn strong all year. The difference is he has done it before. The difference is he’s Matt Kenseth. The difference is; this is Hot-lanta…,

NASCAR drives home this weekend to North Carolina. For some, it feels good to sleep in their own bed. For others, there is only six more races in the the Chase, and no time for sleeping. The good news is that most of the garages are not very far down the road from Lowes Motor Speedway. The bad news is that means overtime for everyone in the shop. When home field advantage is spread equally around the garage, every second counts.

The fact that 10 drivers are still racing for a Championship, makes Lowes a sight for sour eyes. NASCAR races in it's own backyard this weekend, let's make a Saturday night out of it, and throw it under the lights. Best get ready to watch the sparks fly!

Racers Race: Lowes Sweet Lowes

Saturday, 10/14 7:00ET NBC

No doubt, Lowes is one of the biggest sponsors in NASCAR. And no doubt, Jimmie Johnson will be the favorite everytime he races here. On sponsor pride alone, the bosses open their checkbooks. But pride runs deep everywhere in the Nextel Cup, and every garage has been seen with their lights on all night long this week. Regardless of what sponsor is on the hood, a win in North Carolina gets everyone a big raise.

From the looks of the Busch series tonight, sparks are not the only thing we have to look forward to. This Saturday night, it may come down to the last person standing. Leave it all on the track. The pride, the spirit, the heart, and the glory. Welcome home, NASCAR.

CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO BLOG

This is my second attempt to make a video blog. Not my best work, but I was on a time line. I hope you enjoy. And I hope that everyone let's the sparks fly at Lowes!

I'd like to dream my troubles all away on a bed of California stars. Jump up on my starbed and make another day underneath my California stars. ~Woody Guthrie

As the NASCAR season comes full speed ahead into the Chase for the Championship, we take the show to the west coast. Into California Speedway, for a race that holds a make or break situation for some major players involved. But the news isn't that bad for most. For starters, were racing in Fontana. A wide open, high speed track. Known as the sister track to Michigan, California Speedway can be considered easy to some. Bring a super set-up, get your aero packaged dialed, make solid pit stops, and keep out of trouble.

With the Chase format, and being two races till the sound of the gun, it's time to play it safe. The big picture can't afford engine problems, human error, or enemies at this point. You want to make the cut, sigh with relief, and start stressing for a Championship. California welcomes that attitude. California Speedway, anyone can be a star.

Racers Race: California Stars

Sunday, 9/3 7:00ET NBC

We dance under California Stars, but one in particular will have to step it up. And he is bringing his good luck charm with him. Kasey Kahne will be driving chassis EMS-128. He won in this car in all of his 4 wins this season. Most weekends this car was in the lineup, it dominated from practice to checkers. It's all about the #9 this weekend. In 11th place, and -90 points outside of the Chase, someone is going to slip up, and Kahne is going to have throw down. He is the only driver that has a real chance at making the Chase at this point, but he may need some help to get him there. He will be starting at the 9th position. 

This Sunday the stars need to align up perfectly, because #9 Kasey Kahne is just out of reach.

CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO BLOG

I was going to have this video embedded into this blod entry, then discovered that they have blocked such script. I figured out how to hack my way around the security software, but then figured I shouldn't, in fear that FOX may wipe my blog clean as a result. A simple link will have to do.

 

Does it get any better then a Saturday night under the lights at Bristol? Attention people with a pulse, the Nextel Cup races at the most exciting half mile track on the circuit. You don't have to be a race fan, but you have to know Bristol! This #### is high banked, short track, traffic jam, wreck fest, temper tantrum, blood boiling, fast as hell, Bruising Bristol! This track is already a living legend, and it will go down in history as a Mecca for the Racing Gods. Bristol puts a smile on the face of all NASCAR fans this weekend. If you could see mine right now, you would ask to share my medication. It's Bristol Baby! Under the lights! Let's Go Racing!

160,000 seats, 100 sky boxes, .533 miles of concrete track, 36 degree turns, originally built in 1961, the present day track is nothing less then inspiring. Known as a favorite for both Driver and Fan. Bristol brings out the beast in everyone involved. Bristol is bumper cars. Bristol is what NASCAR is all about!

Racers Race: Bruising Bristol

Dime Edition

Saturday, 8/26 7:00ET TNT 

1. Kurt Busch #2, in the last 8 races at Bristol that Kurt drove in the Cup, he has won 5 of them. WOW! It would seem that one of the most hated drivers in NASCAR has this track down. By the way he looked in practice, and after winning the pole, everybody better keep a close eye on him this Saturday night.

2. Dale Earnhardt Jr #8 is currently in 10th place in the standings, and has only 49 points to protect him from falling out of the Chase. The good news is we are racing at Bristol. A track that Junior loves. Since 2004, #8 has not finished outside of the top 11. That is the good news. But the bad news is he has to start from 40th, and that makes for a ton of traffic to get through on a really small track. If his car is not where it needs to be come the drop of the green flag, it could result in June-Bug dropping out of the Chase.

3. Who everyone in the Junior camp will be watching is the #9 Kasey Kahne. He is the biggest threat from stealing a spot in the top ten then anyone else in the field. #9 will be starting in the 31st position. And this race could be the biggest in his short career. He hasn't had too much luck with Bristol, but he did get a 10th place finish here earlier this year. Kasey will driving on the defense for most of the night, and then get really aggressive with 50 laps left.

4. I'm not sure if there is anyone in the garage that is taking this race as seriously as #31 Jeff Burton. After a great season for this team, Burton slipped from 4th to 9th in the standings after last week's engine failure. Falling out of the Chase at this point for the #31 would be nothing short of heart breaking. He has an average finish of 19th at this track, that won't help him either. But it looks like the #31 isn't going to take any chances of wrecking their great season, because they came with a strong car that qualified for the outside of the pole.

5. Laughed at, I was, when I picked #43 Bobby Labonte to do well at this race, at the beginning of the year. Ok, I admit, I am not sure how he will do here Saturday night, but he did finish in 5th place here earlier this year, and he is tough as hell. When he rolled out on the track to qualify, I got a ton of glares my way from my peers. Those glares turned to smiles when he qualified for the 3rd starting position. Just for face, I will be cheering for the #43 all night.

6. Elliott Sadler made waves with his first appearance driving the #19 last week. After having a tough year at Yates, Sadler wanted a head start for next year with a new team. Now I am not going to argue whether it is the car or the driver that brings results, but the #19 with Mayfield driving, flat-out sucked this year.  Elliott gets behind the wheel last week, and finishes in 10th place. Sure, maybe Evernham wants to show Mayfield an example of a burned bridge he left behind, but you won't see Elliott complaining about it. #19 will be starting in 9th place.

7. Keep a close eye on #11 Denny Hamlin. This rookie cannot be judged by only racing this track once in a Cup car. He will start in 6th place for the race, and 8th place in the standings. I know Joe Gibbs is telling him to race conservatively, and Hamlin will play it smart Saturday night. But playing it smart is what has gotten him 2 wins thus far his rookie season, and Bristol is all about smart driving. I think he will get another win before the end of the year. Will it be this weekend, probably not, but a top ten for the #11, and they will be celebrating just as hard as they would be in Victory Lane.

8. Kevin Harvick #29 will start at the 7th position, and will more then likely stay up front for most of the evening. He is strong, and fearless, and will be one of the toughest drivers to pass at Bristol. Currently in 3rd place in the standings, he may want to play it safe. But that is not Harvicks style. Safe is never in his game plan. If you want to finish in the top ten Saturday night in Bristol, you will have to race with him at some point. #29 never makes it easy for anyone.

9. My pick for the biggest wreck of the night will be #5 Kyle Busch. He is a great driver, but he doesn't have too many friends. Currently in 7th place in the standings, he has a big bulls-eye on his back at this point. And no one is going to feel bad about putting him into the wall. You can bet to see Kyle make a huge scene when it happens. Maybe a repeat from Charlotte. Whatever it is, you can bet it will be funny as hell.

10. My dime is going right where it went last week, #17 Matt Kenseth. He almost won this race earlier this year, till #2 Kurt Busch spun him out in the last laps. He has an average finish of 11th place here in Bristol, but that stat doesn't even come close to how he performs here. In the last 9 races in the Cup at Bristol, he has only finished outside the top ten once. He won the Busch race here Friday night, and also won last weeks race in Michigan. That's a two-week win streak, also known as momentum. #17 will be starting from the 4th position.

Is it me, or is it getting hot around here? It must be late summer. The Nextel Cup rolls through Motor City this weekend. That means three things. 1. It's a manufactures race. All the big wigs make it down to the racetrack. If you can win at this track, you can start those remodeling plans around the garage. 2. High Speeds and multiple grooves means easy passing. This is the track that you want to see come up while your looking down your last chances of a Championship. After last week in Watkins Glen, you can bet this track is looking good through some of those tears. 3. It's the Michigan-a-go-go! Give me a fast car, and some strong pit stops, get out of my way, ang go. Its anybodies race to take, because anyone can race well here. Even if you are on the outside of the Chase, you still want this win. A win that could help fund next years season. This is the big bosses backyard. Everybody better wear their Sundays Best.

Racers Race: Michigan A-Go-Go!

Sunday, 8/20 2:00ET TNT

The whole league is shaking up. By now, everyone knows about Elliott Sadler leaving the #38, and will be driving the #19 for the rest of the season. He is also leaving his M&M sponsor behind. Does this mean I can't call him Candyman anymore? Sadler is now a Dodge guy, and his first day on the job, all of his bosses will come out to take a look. The number one being Evernham, is somewhat brushing his brow over this mess with Mayfield. Landing Sadler is not only a great addition to this team, it also is the sign of the huge headache in that garage coming to an end. After falling out of the top 35 in owner points, they still need to work on qualifying for every race, and getting some strong finishes to assure them of a full season next year. Last year, the #19 won this race. Now with a new driver behind the wheel, the #19 car looked strong during practice, and qualifying for this weekend. Elliott Sadler will be starting from the outside of the pole. Damn, Candyman! ~ Come on boys and wager, if you have got the mind. If you got a dollar boys, lay it on the line. Hand me my old guitar, pass the whiskey around. Won't you tell everybody you meet that the Candymans in town. ~ Grateful Dead

Sadler joins his new teammate, #9 Kasey Kahne, who still has a great shot at making the Chase. He is currently -54 points behind the 10th and final spot in the Chase. After last week's heartbreak for the #9, you can bet they are going to be gunning to sweep this years two races at Michigan. The Rain - Kahne won a wet one here earlier this year, when the race was called short because of rain. Kasey didn't seem to mind. He also won a rain delayed race this year in Atlanta. Rain or Shine, Victory Lane is a good time! The #9 starts from the 15th position. ~ And it's just a Box of Rain. I don't know who put it there. Believe it if you need it, or leave it if you dare. ~ Grateful Dead

In order for Kasey Kahne to make the Chase at this point, someone is going to have to fall out of the top ten. The biggest threat of doing just that, is the biggest star of NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt Jr has got some work ahead of him. He should be focused this weekend, and will be starting at the 17th spot. Junior was in 3rd place at this track when it started raining last time. A great finish for him this year, and unfortunately, a great finish for him on this track. He has an average finish of 19.3 in 14 starts. #8 can't afford any more problems from here on out. A little luck could help as well. If Junior does not perform this weekend in Michigan, you can bet the media will have a field day. ~Since it costs a lot to win, and even more to lose. You and me, bound to spend some time wondering what to choose. ~ Grateful Dead

Track of the Day - New Speedway Boogie ~ Grateful Dead ~ For the first edition of Around the Track here on the Racers Race, I was feeling Dead after the long week. So, I decided to turn it up a notch. The Grateful Dead was probably the very first jam band. As I was growing up, I caught the tail end of an amazing run from this amazing band. I saw 24 shows from my first in '89 to their last in '95. To a Deadhead, that is not very many shows. But I got it. And I still have it today. I'm a week and some change short of Jerry Day, so I figured I would throw a track out to The Warlocks.  ~ I saw things getting out of hand, I guess they always will. Now I don't know, but I've been told. If the horse don't pull, you got to carry the load. I don't know who's backs that strong, maybe find out before too long. ~ Grateful Dead 

I have broken with tradition here on Lust for Life, by writing outside of NASCAR with my Bonds entry. It was somewhat premeditated, and premature. I have always written about many different subjects. Mostly music, since that is my true love, but it has never been limited to just that. I originally started randomly writing as an exercise to explore my voice outside of melody, in order to improve my songwriting skills. I maintain a few different blogs, (as I'm sure most of the rest of you do,) but when I opened this Blog, I had the intention to limit it to just NASCAR. Because to me, NASCAR is family. And I love my family!

Then I joined Mr. Best, and the Absolute Best team for a new website in development, where I will be writing about NASCAR and music, and whatever I need to. I began planning to move my Racers Race series to that site. While I would still be writing some NASCAR here; without the Racers Race, I'm left with a huge void in my FOX blog. So, I figured that I may need to diversify here on FOX Sports Blogs sometime soon. Sure enough, the website is ahead of schedule. So, I guess this minor change to Lust for Life maybe ahead of schedule as well. I'm not sure how much outside of NASCAR I am going to write here, but don't be surprised to see it from here on out.

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Welcome to The Glen! We have five races till the door shuts, and the Chase begins. For some that are getting desperate, the news just got worse. The Nextel Cup takes a right turn into Watkins Glen. Out of all the tracks that NASCAR visits, two of them are notorious for headaches. This track serves for a frustrating afternoon full of wrecks, spin outs, and engine failure. A road course can come easy to some drivers, others despise the backward thinking, the backward set up, and the backward moves. Every lap on a road course is important, because track position rules the game. Every passed car is a nail bitter. This week both the Cup Series, and the Busch Series are racing at Watkins Glen. That's right, once again we race clockwise. But this time the clock is ticking!

Racers Race:  Watkins Glen

Sunday, 8/13 1:00ET NBC

1. #20 Tony Stewart (9th place -505) vs. #24 Jeff Gordon (8th place -497) - The kings of the road take center stage this weekend. Both drivers have dominated the right turn for years now. Jeff Gordon won his 10th road race in Sonoma earlier this year and will be starting from the 4th starting position. Smoke qualified for an 8th place start, and has taken the checkers 3 out of the last 4 races in Watkins Glen, including the last two. He was a strong contender this season in Sonoma, until he dropped a cylinder in the later parts of the race. Here is the deal; this is Smokes track. Gordon can race any road track in the world, but has struggled at the Glen for the last 4 years. Those same years Tony Stewart started dominating.

2. #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. (10th place -512) vs. #9 Kasey Kahne (11th place -549) - Both drivers have a ton on the line this next month and a half. Both feel like they deserve to be in the Chase, and both have been struggling as of late. Junior is currently in 10th place in the standings, and for now, in the Chase. Kasey is on the outside looking in, 37 points behind Junior in the standings. 'The Rain' Kahne looked great in practice, and qualified for the outside of the pole. But he has only raced this course twice in a Cup car, with his best finish being 14th. June Bug will be starting in the 11th position, and has had an average finish of 17th place at the Glen. But in the last three years, Junior has taken the right turn on this course. He finished 3rd in 2003, 5th in 2004, and 10th place last year. Experience plays a key role at Watkins Glen.

3. #7 Robby Gordon (27th place -1233) vs. #12 Ryan Newman (18th place -920) - In the nothing to lose category, we have two strong contenders starting in the top ten ot Watkins Glen. Newman will be starting right behind the pole in the 3rd position, but has never finished better then 26th in the last two years. Robby Gordon will start in 6th, and has a great track record with road courses. He won this race in 2003, came in 2nd last year, and has an average finish of 10th place at Watkins Glen. Both drivers don't have a chance to make the Chase, so they have nothing to lose by giving everything they got to make it into victory lane for the first time this year. By the looks of my Fantasy League, everyone is expecting Robby to take it home.

Honorable Mention - #2 Kurt Busch (13th place -686) - The way our Fantasy League works, is we pick 5 drivers that we can use in 3 separate races. For the rest of the races, you can only use the remaining drivers once. I am currently in the lead of our league, and Kurt Busch is my pick this week for Watkins Glen. He has never finished better then 10th place at this track, but seems to be improving on the road course. He came in 5th place on the Sonoma road course, and started that race from the pole. He is also racing the Busch Series this weekend on the same track and was fastest in practice for both the Cup and the Busch Series. Kurt Busch just won the pole for this weekends main event. Yes, I will be cheering for Kurt Busch this weekend!

Racers Race: The Sticky Six

We start off with a #### at Indy with the Brickyard 400, and then take a right turn into Watkins Glen for a road course. Then we make a go at Michigan, watch out for Bruising Bristol under the lights, then we travel west under the California Stars. Everyone will be really risking it by the time we get to Richmond, and then it's go or go home in the last race till the Chase in New Hampshire.

The Top ten drivers, or anyone within 400 points of the league leader, will race for the Cup. After these six races the Chase begins, and the remaining 10 races in the season after that are for the Cup. The Championship is the same distance away from all the drivers that make the Chase. The rest have 10 long races to prepare for next year.

At this point in the season we have two clear Contenders, it won't take more then showing up at the track to get them into the Chase. Then there are the Fortunate Few. These drivers need to defend the Kingdom; they have a strong hold over their spots in the standings, but need to work to stay there.  The Bubble is reserved for the dog fights, the drivers that will need to be strong, fight, and if need to, claw and crawl their way into the Chase. The Bubble can grow big, with plenty of room for a bunch of drivers, but could burst on any given weekend at the track. Then we got our Lucky Dogs. Those few that could catch hot, catch a few breaks, catch the Chase. The rest are just the Holla Boys.  Call them in for dinner, because they are done.

The Contenders

Jimmie Johnson #48 - (Rank: 1st) - 3/1 odds for Cup No doubt, Jimmie Johnson can drive. He has completely dominated this year, and has held the rest of the league at bay. He has three wins, and an incredible 16 top tens. Damn! When Tony Stewart was complaining about young drivers not knowing how to drive, because they never get to race up front with the big boys, he was talking about racing with Jimmie. He started the year dominating right off of his Daytona 500 win. That same win his crew chief Chad Knaus got suspended.

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Matt Kenseth #17 - (Rank: 2nd, -97 points behind) - 7/2 odds for Cup

The only person that has been as consistent as the #48, is the #17. Matt Kenseth is my mate. Along with his crew chief Robbie Reiser, Matt Kenseth is a Wisconsin native. They both used to race each other on short tracks in Wisconsin. And hated each other. Robbie Reiser joined his father with Roush Racing in the Busch Series, till Robbie stepped down from driving duties, and began owner/crew chief duties on the Busch Series Team. When his next driver got hurt, he made a call to his former nemesis. Matt Kenseth has been answering that call ever since. In 2003 he won the last Winston Cup with Reiser as crew chief. He had 9 top tens at this time during his championship year. This year, he has 10 top five finishes, including two wins. My Dime Worth - He needs to keep it cool; he needs to stay away from Jeff Gordon, and not race anywhere around Smoke. And that's going to be his biggest problem. He has to. Actually, it won't be either of those two that take him out, but it will be someone like Kyle Busch that will ruin his chance at the title. Although I do have money on him from the start of the season, and this may be my way of trying to make him win it. I don't mind if I am wrong, because I get paid. And he is one hell o####uy, a great driver, with one of the best crew chiefs, and he is the number one driver on Roush Racing. He could will it all. But he is not my pick this year. Sorry buddy, it's all about the luck factor.

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Fortunate Few 

Jeff Burton#18 - (Rank: 3rd, -318 points behind) - 18/1 odds for Cup Burton is having one hell of year! He can't be stopped, and is looking like a poised veteran with a perfect game plan coming into the Chase. He still hasn't gotten that much needed win, but with an average finish of 12th place this season, he doesn't have to. Since April, #31 has placed in the top ten for every race except three. The three races he finished outside the top ten, he placed in the top 15. Everyone says that there is no doubt that Jeff Burton will make the Chase, and many people are talking like he will win it all. No one has been as hot as Burton this summer, and he doesn't look like he is cooling off anytime soon. My Dimes Worth - Regardless of where he finishes this year, he looks like he did from 1997 to 2001.  If you told me at the beginning of the year that he was going to be racing for a Championship by the end of it, I would have fell off my chair and wondered what year it was. He has always been strong, but this year he has been as tough as anyone. Burton proved he is that driver we knew he has been in the past, and is still proving it. But can you really imagine Jeff Burton as the 2006 Nextel Cup Championship? I just don't see it.

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Kyle Busch #5 - (Rank: 4th, -357 points behind) - 10/1 odds for Cup

Shrub has been streaky all year. The most important streak has been lately. Sitting in 4th place in the standings, Kyle hasn't had very much help getting there. He is still a Busch brother. But he has not placed less then 14th in the last 6 races. An incredible 10 races he has lead at least a lap. Being a part of Hendrick Motorsports has proved to be fruitful for the younger Busch. He has a great chance of making the Chase. Ever since he was put on probation (from one of my favorite scenes of this season,) we haven't felt too many waves from Shrub. Little Busch, keep your nose clean, you can't make enemies anytime soon. My Dimes Worth - If there is anyone that can go from 4th place in the standings this week, to sitting outside of the Chase in 6 races, it's Shrub. Granted he is really hot right now, and is coming off a win in New Hampshire, but how long can it last? How long before he gets put into a wall with all these tough drivers fighting for a spot in the top ten. If your on the Bubble, and want to make the Chase at this point, you need some strong finishes, and for someone to give up their spot in the top ten. Kyle has a bulls eye on his bumper. No one is going to need to make an excuse for wrecking him. Kyle has payback due from half the league.

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Kevin Harvick #29 - (Rank: 5th, -376 points behind) - 15/1 odds for Cup

Harvick could easily win both the Busch Series Championship, and the Nextel Cup Championship. He got a win this year in Phoenix, and is coming off of 4 straight top tens, and 3 straight top five finishes. He has a strong chance at doing well in Indy this weekend. Richard Childress Racing has made a great comeback this year, and Harvick just extended his contract this season. The #29 team has proven that they are a strong contender, and Harvick has a great chance at the title. His average finish this year is 14th. His average finish for the last three years at the Brickyard this weekend is 6th. My Dimes Worth - He is really going to be tough to beat. Harvick can race with anyone in the league, and is going to come into Chase really strong. If he did win both Championships in Busch and Nextel, it would be quite the statement. But what are the odds of that happening? I'm not saying that it couldn't, and this year is looking like he has the Busch Series wrapped up. But even though Richard Childless Racing is looking great most every week this year, I still think there is a few more bugs to work out of the system before Harvick can take the Nextel Cup. He will be a contender, and he will be strong and mean. He will wreck someone soon. You can count on that!

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The Bubble

Mark Martin #6 - (Rank: 6th, -382 points behind) - 8/1 odds for Cup

What a story this year is making for Mark Martin. In his last year as a full time Cup driver, he has been the example of consistent. His 7 top tens don't give his stats justice. He has 3, count them, 3 races this year that he has finished outside the top 20. That is amazing! And that is why he is a solid contender to make the Chase. He still has to fight off a few of the guns that are coming up hot, but anything less then a total turn around, and he will make the Chase. Roush Racing has had a great year with so many good drivers, and his crew chief Pat Tryson has given him great cars. He has never won a Championship, and will be a huge fan favorite to win it all. My Dime Worth - He doesn't have a chance. If he was racing like this a few years ago, he would have won a few Cups, but this year is just too tough of a field. Mark Martin doesn't need a championship to go down as a legend. He is one of my favorite driver stories of the bunch. Every single young driver gets the Mark Martin talk as a perfect example of how to succeed in this league.  And not a single one of them will argue any point. Man, I would absolutely love to see him win it. But that's destiny.

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Kasey Kahne #9 - (Rank: 7th, -424 points behind) - 6/1 odds for Cup

Kasey 'The Rain' Kahne! I have been trying to make the knick name 'The Rain' stick to Kasey for 2 years straight now. Someday when you hear it on TV, you will understand my influence on NASCAR. No one can argue that he has been hot, I just think he is one cool cat. This kid is probably the smartest driver in the league. When Evernham Racing gives him a solid car, along with a solid set-up, he can't be beat. Kahne has won three races off the pole this year. That's called dominating the track weekends at a time. He has 4 total wins this year, and that's a league high. The Rain is a lock for making the Chase in my book. The only reason why I say that is because his 2 DNF's and some stupid garage errors may have put him in 7th place in the standings, but he is easily one of the top 5 drivers of the year. My Dime Worth - This is his third year in the league, and the 4th year is the charm in NASCAR. Yes, as soon as the last race of the year is over in Miami, I am putting money down on him in Vegas for 2007. Kasey is going to Reign, I mean Rain on NASCAR for years to come. A multiple Cup champion in the waiting. Evernham Racing has just a few kinks to work out before he can take his place in greatness. He is going to compete big time towards the end of the year, and everyone will be surprised at how much of a threat he will be. But sorry Rain, it's just not your year. Next Year!

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Denny Hamlin #11 - (Rank: 8th, -425 points behind) - 30/1 odds for Cup

Game Boy, (another nick name I'm trying to stick,) is running away with the Rookie of the Year Award. At the beginning of his first year in the Cup, this kid purchased a private jet. Just like the big boys. He put a huge loan out on his future, that was unheard of by any driver his age and experience. A tall statement to everyone in the garage. Now, not a single person, or bank in the world would question his credit. He has 2 wins, 2 more top fives, and 4 additional top ten finishes. Add on to all of that, he won the Bud Shootout before the year got started. Since the All Star break, he has a single race finish outside of the top fifteen. A 17th place finish, sandwiched 2 races away from his 2 wins in Pocono. Everyone knows if you can do well in Pocono, it translates to Indy. He won two poles this year in Pocono, to match his two wins. The Brickyard 400 is this weekend. He is a favorite to take the checkers. My Dimes Worth - If he can avoid the sophomore slump next season, he is going to take over the NASCAR nation quickly. In my opinion he has more natural talent as a driver, then anyone I can remember. He has arguably the best crew chief in the league, Mike Ford. Being a part of Joe Gibbs Racing, with his teammate Tony Stewart, has him learning fast. And no one in his rookie class can be compared to him. Game Boy could win the whole damn Cup this year, if his luck can continue. He is that much of a real deal.  Joe Gibbs has put together an incredible team, with the #11 Fed Ex Chevrolet. He still has some work to do to keep his spot in the Chase, but someone is going to have to wreck him to take it. Game Boy is my Dark Horse pick to take the Cup!

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Jeff Gordon #24 - (Rank: 9th, -427 points behind) - 8/1 odds for Cup

Gordon has been hot in the second half of the season. He proved he is the master of the road course, and we have Watkins Glen right around the corner. He also made that declaration at the beginning of the year that we were going to see a tougher side of him. That he was going to work on his image around the garage. Everybody has to admit that he has done that. He isn't backing down from anyone on the track. And he is not backing down from anyone off the track while he is wearing his helmet. He has taken his lickings, and got some people ticking. He has 7 top fives, with two wins. And he easily has to be the favorite for both Indy and Watkins Glen. If he can be strong for both of those races and get another top ten in the next four, he will make the Chase no matter what. My Dimes Worth - I believe he will make the Chase, and he has everything he needs to win a Championship. I just don't think that anyone is going to let him. He could possibly have 2 teammates to race against in the Chase. And you have got to figure he is the #2 driver in their garage. Gordon is not even close, when comparing him to Jimmy Johnson this year. Hendrick Motorsports is going to have to give priority on certain things. Not that Gordon needs priority to win, but the #48 team is not going to help his chances. I'm not sure anyone else around the league is going to help him either. He won't win another Cup this year, because it is just going to be too difficult for him. The odds are against him.

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Tony Stewart #20 - (Rank: 10th, -462 points behind) - 8/1 odds for Cup

There is absolutely no doubt that Tony Stewart will make the Chase. He has been in it all year, and yes, he is that good. I can't tell you how many times I have seen Smoke charge through 20 cars in 10 short laps this year. He is the best driver in the league, and is on one of the best teams in the league. Joe Gibbs Racing is insanely tight. They have a handle on everything in that garage this year. From top to bottom. Even his over the wall crew is arguably the best. Smoke has 10 top tens, 8 of them were top fives, 2 of them were wins. He started the season scrapping with Kenseth, and then he chilled while he was racing well. Now he is easily the biggest league shaker of the group. It started with a rough streak of bad luck, and flipping his car in the Busch Series. Besides his win in Daytona for the Pepsi 400, he had not had a better finish then 28th in 5 races while he was injured. He had a cylinder go down on him in Sonoma, and wrecked in Michigan. Obviously it got to him, because he has made some serious mental meltdowns since. My Dime Worth - He has recovered from his injury! His crew chief Greg Zipadelli knows how to handle him. Joe Gibbs knows how to leave him alone. And everyone that thinks that he is just going to fold up, and sel####estruct, needs to come back down to earth. This is not a job for Tony Stewart; he would be at this racetrack if he didn't get paid a dime.  Do you honestly think he is losing any sleep over Carl Edwards wanting to kick his ####? He has already had his bad luck. There can't be any bad luck left for Stewart. He will win the 2006 NEXTEL CUP. Yes, he is my personal pick, (not my Dark Horse pick,) and not because I am a fan, but because he is the best driver in the league. Smoke will make an #### out of anyone for not picking him for the Cup. You don't have to root for him. He can do it all by himself. He doesn't need your help. He doesn't need anyone.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. #8 - (Rank: 11th, -477 points behind) - 6/1 odds for Cup

You don't have to be a fan of the #8, because they have enough fans already. But after you meet the guy, you can't help but like him. He is a class act! During this much needed off week for the league, Junior organized a party for his online NASCAR gaming league. Can you imagine playing your X-Box and wrecking the #8 in Bristol, and finding out it really was Junior? Since he beat out Denny Hamlin in Richmond, snapping his 27 race winless streak, the #8 team has been solid. That was till he had 2 DNF's, two straight last place finishes, the last two races. The Number One Draw in NASCAR is falling fast. From 3rd place in the standings to 11th, and 15 points outside the Chase in two short weeks. He has a road course to get through, along with this week at the Brickyard to test him. He should fair well in Richmond and Bristol, but he needs to really stay focused to make the Chase.  Focus, could be his biggest factor for the remaining 6 races to the chase. That, and getting along with his cousin, crew chief Tony Eury Jr. My Dimes Worth - June Bug, it's time to get. You really need to focus here. I can't tell you if I have ever seen Junior look better than this year. His stats would beg to differ, but he really has matured into a complete contender. He knows more then anybody that he gets over hyped by the fans and media; He really is humble about it. He knows he needs Championships to justify all the attention. This year he looks more like that full package. He is settling for good finishes, instead of driving the wheels off his ride. He is talking with his crew chief, helping with adjustments, and taking peoples advice around the garage. The #8 team has had some bad luck the last 2 weeks, but they will remain focused. They will make the Chase, and he can win the Cup this year. I'm not picking him, but I hope that this is his year. My favorite Junior moment this season was when he was leading and a caution came out. His crew had to come on the radio and tell him to slow down so the pace car can get ahead of him. He replied that he wasn't used to racing up there, and didn't know what he was doing. That's Little E!

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Greg Biffle #16 - (Rank: 12th, -506 points behind) - 10/1 odds for Cup

Arguably having the worst luck of the year would be the #16 team. For every great finish this year, he has had his fair share of wrecks, and engine trouble. But there is not one person around the garage that is not keeping a close eye on him. Somewhat below everyone's radar he has picked up 10 top ten finishes, 5 of them top fives, and he has that win in Darlington. No one has forgot that he had 6 wins last year. That he was runner up for the Cup. He is going to be a huge threat for the Championship in just a few short weeks, and will make the Chase. My Dimes Worth - I have not forgotten how great of a driver he is. Roush Racing has certainly not forgotten how much of a threat he will be this year. We are coming up to his most consistent time of the year. The tracks he has performed well on are 4 out of the next 6 races. Greg Biffle's chances look really good, and I think he will end the year in the top 5 of the league. If he can stay off the wall, he will turn everyone's head. But the fact that he can't make it into the top 5 before the Chase, he will start from a hole. And we have too many strong drivers starting from the top.

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Kurt Busch #2 - (Rank: 13th, -628 points behind) - 30/1 odds for Cup

Fresh off his wedding, Kurt should be all smiles. He has is girl, and has been hot for two months straight. Six of the last seven races he has placed in the top ten. A sign that Penske Racing may be turning around their luck. He has a ton of work to do to get into the Chase, but you can't call him out of it quite yet. He can do well in Indy, and I know he will be strong at Watkins Glen. Plus, we still have another race in Bristol before the Chase starts, and he won the first race this year on that short track. Of course you can't bring up his win at Bristol without the fact that he spun Kenseth out to get it. My Dimes Worth -

Yeah Right! Do you really think someone is going to let him into the Chase? Kurt has less of a chance at a title then his little brother, and I don't see it in the cards for either of them. He still needs to perform, because I am depending on him for my fantasy team. I may have lost a bit of faith with the Penske team this year, but I don't doubt that they will make up for it in the near future. Both Kurt Busch and #12 Ryan Newman are great drivers. But it's been a tough year for both teammates.

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Carl Edwards #99 - (Rank: 14th, -697 points behind) - 20-1 odds for Cup

Carl is having a hard time staying consistent this year. He has had some great races with 6 top five finishes, but he can't find his way into victory lane. The #99 team hauler driver for Carl made a vow not to shave till Carl won a Cup race this year. By now, all it has become is a constant reminder that we have not seen a black flip from Carl on the big stage all year. After getting into it with Smoke this weekend, we saw evidence that the stress has gotten to him. Yes, that move by Smoke probably lost his chance of even making the Chase, but that's not the only reason. It may have just been the nail in the coffin. My Dimes Worth - Roush Racing has been messing him up all year. He changed crew chiefs, has had some pit trouble, engine failure, and a few wrecks. Roush Racing is a strong team, but they have a clear pecking order in their roster. It's the only reason why drivers do leave Roush Racing; they don't like being a 3rd, 4th, or 5th driver on the food chain. It's a problem with all big teams in NASCAR, but Roush is the biggest. Carl is a young driver, and he has a great head on his shoulders. This just didn't work out to be his year. Next year he will make the Chase, but he still will be a couple of years out from a Championship run. This year he will blame the #20 for missing the Chase.

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Casey Mears #42 - (Rank: 15th, -754 points behind) - 150/1 odds for Cup

It has been in interesting year for Casey Mears. I really thought he was going to step it up this year, and team Ganassi was going to become a threat every week. The #42 started hot at the beginning of the year, but fell short quickly. He has 5 top ten finishes, but 3 of them were the first three races. Next year Juan Pablo Montoya will take over riding duties in the #42 ride, but it's not because they are kicking Casey to the curb. Mears seeked out greener pastures in Hendrick Motorsports for 2007. He will join Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and his old enemy Kyle Busch. My Dimes Worth - I think the change is good for both parties involved. Ganassi gets to re-team with Montoya, and Casey gets a ride on an elite NASCAR team. He can catch hot in these closing races to the Chase, just for the fact that there is no pressure on him to perform. I think he will have a better chance next year with his new team. He will have a fresh start, and a head start on next year with the help of Hendrick Motorsports. This year, he just made the cut for not being a Holla Boy. 

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Holla Boys

Brian Vickers #