SceneDaily.com
By Lee Montgomery - Associate Editor
Sunday, October 12, 2008
CONCORD, N.C. - - Leave it to the smartest driver in NASCAR to come up with the correct analysis of the Chase For The Sprint Cup.
Jeff Burton had just won the Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, a stirring performance that moved him to second in the Chase standings.
Fans and media appeared poised to make him the Next Contender, falling in line behind Kyle Busch, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson.
But Burton had a warning.
"There's a lot that's going to happen between now and then," Burton said. And he wasn't talking about lunch. He was talking about the season-finale at Homestead.
"I mean, I know everybody keeps saying this, everybody wants to give somebody a trophy right now. Just hold on for a little while. We're halfway through this thing. Anything can happen. And, by the way, it probably will happen."
Darn right.
And while only two drivers are within 100 points of Johnson for the Chase lead - Burton and Greg Biffle - let's be honest here. As many as five more drivers could still get back in contention, given the right - or wrong - circumstances.
Carl Edwards and Clint Bowyer are each within 200 points of Johnson, and Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon are within 245. Now, chances are good Johnson won't falter down the stretch, especially given his traditional Chase prowess, but you never know.
One bad race by Johnson, and there are five drivers back in contention, Two bad races, and maybe there are three more - and then, all bets are off.
Who's to say that early in next Sunday's race at Martinsville Speedway, Johnson gets caught up in an accident on lap 10 trying to maneuver through lapped traffic. The damage is substantial, let's say, and even though his Hendrick Motorsports team fixes the car, attrition is so low that Johnson finishes last.
And we've got a whole new ballgame.
Then, let's say Burton and Biffle slip in someone else's oil at Atlanta the next week and slam into the wall, eliminating both. Who leads the points then? Edwards? Bowyer? Harvick?
Who knows?
And that's the beauty of this Chase, of this thing we call NASCAR. Sure, you may think you know what's going to happen, but you're kidding yourself.
I've always chuckled at those who bet on NASCAR races. Could there be anything more unpredictable than NASCAR? Fine, throw your money away. Or better yet, cut me a check and save yourself the trouble.
Yes, Johnson is the guy to beat. But he can be beat.
And just remember what Burton said: "Anything can happen. And, by the way, it probably will happen."
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
NASCAR News With Attitude - March 10th Edition
Are Goodyear Tires Causing Bad Year For Race 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 question is this, why in the world would NASCAR sign off on a five-year deal with Goodyear or anyone else for that matter? Did you know that Goodyear has been with NASCAR for 54 years? I don’t think that any contract should last that long, it doesn’t make good business sense to me.
It’s just like NASCAR has this multi-year contract with Sprint, but now Sprint is in trouble and loosing customers by the droves which, to me, makes NASCAR look bad. Here we go again with another top series name change.
I have to agree with Tony on this one and from what I hear there will be some pretty serious meetings going on behind the scenes this week and on into the near future. Something has got to be done about this tire situation there is too much on the line trying to win these races and all the costs involved. If I were a car owner I’d be livid. I don’t think it’s smart to only allow one company to DOMINATE the entire sport. Does that make sense to you?
The Roush Fenway Saga OR “Oil Lid-Gate” @ LVMS
Speaking of car owners being livid.. “The Cat In The Hat” was about to have a cardiac arrest on Friday morning. What began as a debate over whether the infraction was intentional, which appears to be the overwhelming opinion of the garage area, has turned into a personal warfare between Roush and White. Like someone once said, “Can’t we all just get along?”.
Apparently White, the general manager of Toyota Racing Development, told USA Today on Thursday that Roush Fenway Racing knowingly caused the lid to come off to increase the car’s speed. Mr. White later toned down that comment.
While Mr. Roush says that White is stealing all the good people in the garage area and doubling their salaries to where he can’t afford to run a race team, but then this is not the first time that “the cat in the hat” has had a complaint regarding NASCAR. Personally I think he belongs over at the Hendricks camp, that way all the whiners could be together. They say misery loves company, right?
Oh by the way, NASCAR officials declined to comment on this topic, but got a kick out of the way Roush and White were attacking each other. Maybe the two simply are following the edict of chairman Brian France and showing more of their personalities.
Here are a few interesting comments from 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 a 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 things 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 it was last year Jimmie but who’s counting. This, coming from a driver that never knows anything, never sees anything and he never does anything. He just drives his car. Yeah right Champ !
“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 question is this, why in the world would NASCAR sign off on a five-year deal with Goodyear or anyone else for that matter? Did you know that Goodyear has been with NASCAR for 54 years? I don’t think that any contract should last that long, it doesn’t make good business sense to me.
It’s just like NASCAR has this multi-year contract with Sprint, but now Sprint is in trouble and loosing customers by the droves which, to me, makes NASCAR look bad. Here we go again with another top series name change.
I have to agree with Tony on this one and from what I hear there will be some pretty serious meetings going on behind the scenes this week and on into the near future. Something has got to be done about this tire situation there is too much on the line trying to win these races and all the costs involved. If I were a car owner I’d be livid. I don’t think it’s smart to only allow one company to DOMINATE the entire sport. Does that make sense to you?
The Roush Fenway Saga OR “Oil Lid-Gate” @ LVMS
Speaking of car owners being livid.. “The Cat In The Hat” was about to have a cardiac arrest on Friday morning. What began as a debate over whether the infraction was intentional, which appears to be the overwhelming opinion of the garage area, has turned into a personal warfare between Roush and White. Like someone once said, “Can’t we all just get along?”.
Apparently White, the general manager of Toyota Racing Development, told USA Today on Thursday that Roush Fenway Racing knowingly caused the lid to come off to increase the car’s speed. Mr. White later toned down that comment.
While Mr. Roush says that White is stealing all the good people in the garage area and doubling their salaries to where he can’t afford to run a race team, but then this is not the first time that “the cat in the hat” has had a complaint regarding NASCAR. Personally I think he belongs over at the Hendricks camp, that way all the whiners could be together. They say misery loves company, right?
Oh by the way, NASCAR officials declined to comment on this topic, but got a kick out of the way Roush and White were attacking each other. Maybe the two simply are following the edict of chairman Brian France and showing more of their personalities.
Here are a few interesting comments from 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 a 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 things 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 it was last year Jimmie but who’s counting. This, coming from a driver that never knows anything, never sees anything and he never does anything. He just drives his car. Yeah right Champ !
Saturday, March 1, 2008
NASCAR News With Attitude - - March 1st Edition
Complaint Department
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!!!
I'll see you at the racetrack ! ! !
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!!!
I'll see you at the racetrack ! ! !
Monday, February 18, 2008
NASCAR News With Attitude
NASCAR News With Attitude
February 18, 2008 Edition
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 Camp Expansion 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!
February 18, 2008 Edition
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 Camp Expansion 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!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
NASCAR News With An Attitude, Feburary 13th Edition
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.
. . . .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.
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