The rumor mill is once again in high gear this silly season. First Tony Stewart announces that he'd like to take a crack at team ownership, and that will not be an option with his current team, Joe Gibbs Racing. Tony has driven his entire Cup career in the fabled 20 Home Depot car, with the same crew chief. With two Cup champions and numerous wins under his belt, Tony is likely to be welcomed as an investor as well as a driver for many teams out there. Stewart did stipulate that he would like to return to Chevrolet though, so that will narrow the field somewhat.
Rumors abounded that Martin Truex Jr. would leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. as soon as the end of 2008, and has been rumored to be driving next year, or sometime in the near future, for teams such as Richard Childress, Joe Gibbs, and I've even see Jack Roush's name thrown in the pot. The latest rumor that concerns Truex though, is that he will be a driver for JR Motorsports new Cup program, which will be owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Last week, Dale Jr. said in an interview that having a Cup team next year was a definite possibility.
The reasoning behind this move makes sense, and Dale Jr. has thought it out well. Next year, the Nationwide series, in which his cars currently run, will move to a new car, much like the Car of Tomorrow. Dale Jr. has said that it doesn't cost much more to run a Cup team than a Nationwide team these days, and sponsorship will probably be easier to find in the Cup. Dale Jr. thinks that if he's going to have to re-tool his shop to produce the COT, why not just roll out a Cup program? In my opinion, that makes perfect sense.
During the interview, Earnhardt Jr. was asked if Martin Truex Jr. would be a part of the new cup team. Dale Jr. answered in the negative, and expanded by saying that Martin would be better off staying where he was, because a brand new Cup team invariably experiences some problems, and that it just wouldn't make sense for Truex to be a driver for JRM, at least not right out of the box. I think that makes sense as well, because whether Truex stays at DEI or not, there are plenty of other established teams out there that would be more than happy to give Martin a ride.
Tony Stewart might be a different scenario, however. Tony has expressed an interest in team ownership, and I don't know Dale Jr.'s feelings about having another driver buy into his team, but I imagine that even if you have as much money as Dale Jr. has, you still don't want to spend more on your business ventures than you have to. Two owners sharing the costs is cheaper than one owner footing the entire bill. Business is business, and I imagine Dale Jr. is at least thinking about having an investor, and old friend Tony Stewart might just be the perfect business partner.
Stewart, as a driver, is still as competitive as ever, and badly wants to win more races and championships. However, Tony is at a point in his career where he no longer has to prove anything to anyone, and if he's willing to take on the challenge of hammering out a brand new team, especially if he's got a stake in the ownership, I can't think of anyone better to take on the job. It would fulfill two of Tony's wishes, in that he would be back with Chevrolet, and he would be an owner. JRM will have the advantage of running Hendrick engines and other equipment as well, so a JRM entry into Cup racing will have a spring board that most fledgling Cup teams don't have. A Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart partnership would attract the best sponsors as well.
Will we be seeing an Earnhardt-Stewart Motorsports in the future? I think it's a definite Maybe!
Looking back at the All Star race, I'd like to congratulate Kasey Kahne for doing what no driver has ever done before by getting into the race by the fan vote, and then winning the entire show.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Chips on shoulders do not entitle one to win.
Today I break the Kyle Busch embargo. Go Kyle Busch! Go! Prove to me that you're a worthy stock car driver, and I'll always be your fan. Ok, I'm waiting.
Kyle Busch just announced that he's going to test a Formula One Car in Japan later this year. At age 23, I'm glad Kyle is branching out. He also told at least one person in the media that he was planning to retire by age 30 from Nascar stock car racing. That's great news, Kyle. I hope your competitors survive your inane antics for that long.
I said "inane". I didn't say "insane". There is a difference. Kyle Busch basically exhibits a total lack of respect for every one else on the track with whom he's racing. Kyle does not qualify as "insane" though.
Smart is as smart does, I suppose, and Kyle has shown us all how smart he can be. He's currently 1st in Cup points, with 3 wins to his credit. Kyle has not shown much class in the way he's kept his points lead, but he's still got the lead. Numbers matter, and Kyle's got the numbers that count.
Nascar, by the way, could not be happier over the recent unpleasantness between Kyle and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Rivalry equals ratings, and Nascar understands that. Kyle Busch Vs. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a rivalry that is guaranteed to generate ratings on TV. Nascar could not have had a more perfect wreck, even if it were written into a script.
We've got a non points race coming up tomorrow night, and both drivers will be in the race. If I were Dale Jr., I'd put the little punk from Las Vegas into the wall on the pace laps. But then, there is probably a reason why I write about this stuff, and don't actually drive the race cars.
Kyle Busch just announced that he's going to test a Formula One Car in Japan later this year. At age 23, I'm glad Kyle is branching out. He also told at least one person in the media that he was planning to retire by age 30 from Nascar stock car racing. That's great news, Kyle. I hope your competitors survive your inane antics for that long.
I said "inane". I didn't say "insane". There is a difference. Kyle Busch basically exhibits a total lack of respect for every one else on the track with whom he's racing. Kyle does not qualify as "insane" though.
Smart is as smart does, I suppose, and Kyle has shown us all how smart he can be. He's currently 1st in Cup points, with 3 wins to his credit. Kyle has not shown much class in the way he's kept his points lead, but he's still got the lead. Numbers matter, and Kyle's got the numbers that count.
Nascar, by the way, could not be happier over the recent unpleasantness between Kyle and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Rivalry equals ratings, and Nascar understands that. Kyle Busch Vs. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a rivalry that is guaranteed to generate ratings on TV. Nascar could not have had a more perfect wreck, even if it were written into a script.
We've got a non points race coming up tomorrow night, and both drivers will be in the race. If I were Dale Jr., I'd put the little punk from Las Vegas into the wall on the pace laps. But then, there is probably a reason why I write about this stuff, and don't actually drive the race cars.
Friday, May 16, 2008
May is a special time of year in Nascar
Ah, May! Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, leaves are turning green, and Nascar is having fun. Nascar is always about fun, but for the next two weeks, our favorite folks in the Nascar world can have their friends and families around them. Lowes Motor Speedway is the home track for the majority of the teams.
Most of Nascar's teams are located in the greater Charlotte, NC area. Most are specifically located in Mooresville or Concord, or places like Huntersville. Ray Evernham's shops are located in nearby Statesville, and Richard Childress Racing is located not far away in Welcome, NC. Racing in Concord is a rare home stretch for Nascar. For two straight weeks, the drivers and crew and all the folks involved in the world of making cars go fast get to sleep in their own beds at night. They get to sit down with their families and friends and live like normal folks for a change, instead of nomads on the road.
These two weeks are especially good times for the long haul drivers that spend much of the year out on the road, driving race car haulers, team haulers, souvenir haulers all over the country every week. Think about how many people are involved in all these tasks. Also getting a needed break are the drivers of the motor coaches, who move the drivers' and owners' portable homes around the country.
Nascar racing is not only a big business, and a sport, but it's a way of life for the folks that make it all happen every week. Think about all the officials at every track every week. This is a rare chance for them to be in one place for two weeks straight in the middle of a busy season as well. It's not so much time off as it is time just to be home. Though the next two weeks will be busy ones, a lot of people will get to go home at night, instead of sleeping in a motel, or a hauler, or on an airplane going somewhere else.
I think one of the best aspects of May Days in Charlotte is the fact that a lot of family and friends will get to see their loved ones doing their jobs at the track. May is Nascar's 'bring your kid to work' day. Kids get to see their parents doing their jobs, which usually takes them out of town for a few days.
When you arrive at Charlotte this weekend, or next weekend, you'll probably be aware of somewhat of a holiday attitude around the track. It's old home week, and the racing will be as good as it gets. Tomorrow night, we will see a race that will pit all the drivers against each other as true competitors. There will be no saving the car when it comes down to the final laps. There is nothing to lose but pride. It's going to be a lot of fun.
The Coca Cola 600 is Nascar's marathon. 600 miles is a grueling race for all of the drivers and crews. The race will start in the daytime, and end late at night. Track conditions will change very much as the race unfolds. Loose will become tight, and crew chiefs will be scrambling to keep up with the changing track conditions to keep their drivers happy. Anyone who stays for the entire race will be exhausted when they leave the track. Drivers, crews, officials, and yes, even the fans. I've been to three 600's, and you will be worn out by the time you leave.
My best advice to anyone going to the 600 is to bring plenty of water and make sure you've got adequate protection for your ears. If you have kids, I would recommend that you have wax ear plugs as well as ear muffs. If you've never been to a race, you cannot appreciate just how loud these cars are. 43 cars going by at nearly 200 miles per hour will damage your hearing if you don't have protection. Even if you have premium sound connected to your TV at home, and you crank it up, you still will not appreciate the sound of 43 screaming racing engines. Take hearing protection. Trust me.
If you have kids with you, I would suggest that you sit in one of the non alcoholic sections, if at all possible. You will see fans who have imbibed a little too much, and will probably be shouting profanities at certain drivers. That might happen in the non alcoholic sections as well, but probably not as much. For the most part, Nascar fans are the nicest people you could ever meet, but there are always a few bad apples that spoil the cart for the rest of us.
Racing is fun, and tomorrow night should be about as fun as it gets. The 600 will be fun too, but there's way more on the line for the drivers and teams involved. Like I said, it's a marathon, the longest race of the year, and we will see who has been doing their homework, and who hasn't. Engines will blow, tires will let go, and drivers will hit the fence. You will see good racing at Charlotte, always.
Most of Nascar's teams are located in the greater Charlotte, NC area. Most are specifically located in Mooresville or Concord, or places like Huntersville. Ray Evernham's shops are located in nearby Statesville, and Richard Childress Racing is located not far away in Welcome, NC. Racing in Concord is a rare home stretch for Nascar. For two straight weeks, the drivers and crew and all the folks involved in the world of making cars go fast get to sleep in their own beds at night. They get to sit down with their families and friends and live like normal folks for a change, instead of nomads on the road.
These two weeks are especially good times for the long haul drivers that spend much of the year out on the road, driving race car haulers, team haulers, souvenir haulers all over the country every week. Think about how many people are involved in all these tasks. Also getting a needed break are the drivers of the motor coaches, who move the drivers' and owners' portable homes around the country.
Nascar racing is not only a big business, and a sport, but it's a way of life for the folks that make it all happen every week. Think about all the officials at every track every week. This is a rare chance for them to be in one place for two weeks straight in the middle of a busy season as well. It's not so much time off as it is time just to be home. Though the next two weeks will be busy ones, a lot of people will get to go home at night, instead of sleeping in a motel, or a hauler, or on an airplane going somewhere else.
I think one of the best aspects of May Days in Charlotte is the fact that a lot of family and friends will get to see their loved ones doing their jobs at the track. May is Nascar's 'bring your kid to work' day. Kids get to see their parents doing their jobs, which usually takes them out of town for a few days.
When you arrive at Charlotte this weekend, or next weekend, you'll probably be aware of somewhat of a holiday attitude around the track. It's old home week, and the racing will be as good as it gets. Tomorrow night, we will see a race that will pit all the drivers against each other as true competitors. There will be no saving the car when it comes down to the final laps. There is nothing to lose but pride. It's going to be a lot of fun.
The Coca Cola 600 is Nascar's marathon. 600 miles is a grueling race for all of the drivers and crews. The race will start in the daytime, and end late at night. Track conditions will change very much as the race unfolds. Loose will become tight, and crew chiefs will be scrambling to keep up with the changing track conditions to keep their drivers happy. Anyone who stays for the entire race will be exhausted when they leave the track. Drivers, crews, officials, and yes, even the fans. I've been to three 600's, and you will be worn out by the time you leave.
My best advice to anyone going to the 600 is to bring plenty of water and make sure you've got adequate protection for your ears. If you have kids, I would recommend that you have wax ear plugs as well as ear muffs. If you've never been to a race, you cannot appreciate just how loud these cars are. 43 cars going by at nearly 200 miles per hour will damage your hearing if you don't have protection. Even if you have premium sound connected to your TV at home, and you crank it up, you still will not appreciate the sound of 43 screaming racing engines. Take hearing protection. Trust me.
If you have kids with you, I would suggest that you sit in one of the non alcoholic sections, if at all possible. You will see fans who have imbibed a little too much, and will probably be shouting profanities at certain drivers. That might happen in the non alcoholic sections as well, but probably not as much. For the most part, Nascar fans are the nicest people you could ever meet, but there are always a few bad apples that spoil the cart for the rest of us.
Racing is fun, and tomorrow night should be about as fun as it gets. The 600 will be fun too, but there's way more on the line for the drivers and teams involved. Like I said, it's a marathon, the longest race of the year, and we will see who has been doing their homework, and who hasn't. Engines will blow, tires will let go, and drivers will hit the fence. You will see good racing at Charlotte, always.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Earnhardt Army soldiers on
So much has changed for Dale Earnhardt Jr. since last year. He's got a new team owner, he's got new cars, he's got new crew members, new sponsors, and a new number. And he's running consistently good races.
Dale Jr. still does not have a points win in 2008, but the Earnhardt Nation expects one at pretty much any time. Jr. has been a factor to win in most of the races in 2008. Dale's day is coming, and what a celebration it will be when that day finally gets here.
In spite of recent famous setbacks on the track, Dale Jr. has remained positive. He seems happy with running in the top 5 and top 10 every week, although he would very much like to be in Victory Lane, and soon. His performance so far has kept him in 3rd place in Championship points. As our young friend Lauren Wallace likes to say, Dale Jr. is a hundred miles away, and ready to strike, son.
I believe that the overriding virtue of Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr. is his personality. He's very easygoing, and though he does possess a temper, he remains cool under pressure, and that's a trait that is currently not exhibited by the arguably hottest driver in the sport right now. Dale Jr. doesn't have the wins, but he does have the class, and the ability to think calmly under pressure. Just because Dale Jr. has not won a points race doesn't mean he's not running well. Other drivers have won races this year, but are mired behind Dale Jr. in points because they've made crucial mistakes on the track or in the garage. For a brand new team, with a brand new driver, and a brand new crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the class of the Hendrick stable so far this year. His teammate Jimmie Johnson has won a race, but bad setups have prevented Jimmie from his usual dominating style this year. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been consistent, and that counts in the race for the Chase.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. carries more pressure on his back than any other driver, in my humble opinion. Dale Jr. is the most popular driver in the sport, and carries a very demanding schedule of appearances between the races. The man literally is always moving, even when he's not on the track, it would seem. Dale appears to have his famous father's business skills, and carries the weight of not only his driving duties, but his own racing team, JR Motorsports on his shoulders. He owns a wildly successful bar in downtown Charlotte, and he hosts his own radio show on a weekly basis.
Spread too thin, you might ask? Not at all. Although Dale Jr. is busy, he's put good people in key positions in his life, and in his business interests. Most importantly, he's put people he can trust to make decisions for him. Dale oversees the variety of operations, but he counts on his trusted associates to run them for him. That's being smart, if you are running a business. Put good people in the right positions, and get out of their way. Dale Jr. understands that business acumen.
As fans, we have probably reacted as one would expect when an impudent punk or even two manage to change the outcome of a race. Some us of have looked at things philosophically, and tried to move on. Others of us have just been angry and have stayed that way. Certain names will not be mentioned on this forum, at least not today. They've already received too much press, in my opinion. They're not getting anymore from me, at least not today.
My driver is Dale Earnhardt Jr. I like him because he's got really good skills on the track, and he's a most likable person off the track. Dale Jr. represents the grown up "young" driver in the sport now. He's a successful race car driver and a successful business man. He has legions of fans that follow his every word, and his every move. At 33 years old, Dale Jr. has accomplished more than most people will ever accomplish in a lifetime. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a role model to many, and a hero to millions.
If Dale Jr. never wins another race, I would still be a fan of his. He's overcome a lot in his life, and yet he can still smile and laugh about things, good or bad that have happened to him. But I know Dale Jr. will win, and win a lot before his days behind the steering wheel of a Cup car are behind him. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the drive and determination to get the job done, and his fans will be behind him, 188 per cent.
Dale Jr., it's good to see you smiling. Racing for Rick Hendrick must be an awesome experience, and Brad Keselowski and your other drivers must be making you proud. Dale Jr., you make us all proud to be your fans. But one thing I hope you know, is that your dad is looking down you, and he's seeing what you've accomplished in your life so far.
Daddy's proud, Dale Jr. You can bet on that.
Dale Jr. still does not have a points win in 2008, but the Earnhardt Nation expects one at pretty much any time. Jr. has been a factor to win in most of the races in 2008. Dale's day is coming, and what a celebration it will be when that day finally gets here.
In spite of recent famous setbacks on the track, Dale Jr. has remained positive. He seems happy with running in the top 5 and top 10 every week, although he would very much like to be in Victory Lane, and soon. His performance so far has kept him in 3rd place in Championship points. As our young friend Lauren Wallace likes to say, Dale Jr. is a hundred miles away, and ready to strike, son.
I believe that the overriding virtue of Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr. is his personality. He's very easygoing, and though he does possess a temper, he remains cool under pressure, and that's a trait that is currently not exhibited by the arguably hottest driver in the sport right now. Dale Jr. doesn't have the wins, but he does have the class, and the ability to think calmly under pressure. Just because Dale Jr. has not won a points race doesn't mean he's not running well. Other drivers have won races this year, but are mired behind Dale Jr. in points because they've made crucial mistakes on the track or in the garage. For a brand new team, with a brand new driver, and a brand new crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the class of the Hendrick stable so far this year. His teammate Jimmie Johnson has won a race, but bad setups have prevented Jimmie from his usual dominating style this year. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been consistent, and that counts in the race for the Chase.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. carries more pressure on his back than any other driver, in my humble opinion. Dale Jr. is the most popular driver in the sport, and carries a very demanding schedule of appearances between the races. The man literally is always moving, even when he's not on the track, it would seem. Dale appears to have his famous father's business skills, and carries the weight of not only his driving duties, but his own racing team, JR Motorsports on his shoulders. He owns a wildly successful bar in downtown Charlotte, and he hosts his own radio show on a weekly basis.
Spread too thin, you might ask? Not at all. Although Dale Jr. is busy, he's put good people in key positions in his life, and in his business interests. Most importantly, he's put people he can trust to make decisions for him. Dale oversees the variety of operations, but he counts on his trusted associates to run them for him. That's being smart, if you are running a business. Put good people in the right positions, and get out of their way. Dale Jr. understands that business acumen.
As fans, we have probably reacted as one would expect when an impudent punk or even two manage to change the outcome of a race. Some us of have looked at things philosophically, and tried to move on. Others of us have just been angry and have stayed that way. Certain names will not be mentioned on this forum, at least not today. They've already received too much press, in my opinion. They're not getting anymore from me, at least not today.
My driver is Dale Earnhardt Jr. I like him because he's got really good skills on the track, and he's a most likable person off the track. Dale Jr. represents the grown up "young" driver in the sport now. He's a successful race car driver and a successful business man. He has legions of fans that follow his every word, and his every move. At 33 years old, Dale Jr. has accomplished more than most people will ever accomplish in a lifetime. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a role model to many, and a hero to millions.
If Dale Jr. never wins another race, I would still be a fan of his. He's overcome a lot in his life, and yet he can still smile and laugh about things, good or bad that have happened to him. But I know Dale Jr. will win, and win a lot before his days behind the steering wheel of a Cup car are behind him. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the drive and determination to get the job done, and his fans will be behind him, 188 per cent.
Dale Jr., it's good to see you smiling. Racing for Rick Hendrick must be an awesome experience, and Brad Keselowski and your other drivers must be making you proud. Dale Jr., you make us all proud to be your fans. But one thing I hope you know, is that your dad is looking down you, and he's seeing what you've accomplished in your life so far.
Daddy's proud, Dale Jr. You can bet on that.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
It's Showdown Time!
This weekend, we will get to witness a spectacle only promoting genius Humpy Wheeler could dream up, and did back in around 1985. It's lived it's life under various names, as the Winston, the All Star race, and now the Sprint Showdown. There will be a qualifying race for drivers who have not won in the last two years, or are not past Champions, or who are not previous winners of the race within the last 10 years. Fans will also be able to vote in a driver as well. It's a race like no other in Nascar, and being held in most of the team's backyard at Lowes Motor Speedway, in Concord, NC, There will be family and friends for all the drivers and crew members at the track.
The name "Showdown" is very appropriate, as this will be a non points race, and will basically be run much like a short track feature at your local track. There will not be much conservation of equipment, and you can bet that there will be some wrecked cars and some bruised feelings by the end of the race. Some things never change, and you can count on this weekend to provide some of Nascar's finest racing all out, with nothing to lose.
Reactions to the last two races are still being reported, and some have expressed outrage that Kyle Busch possibly flipped the bird to a crew member for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Saturday at Darlington after the driver introductions. I've also read that Kyle flipped off booing fans as well. I just have to say that I'm not really surprised if Kyle did any of these things. Kyle Busch does not draw any emotion from me anymore but sorrow. I hate to see a young man become so cynical and so adoring of hatred, that I really just wish he would go away somewhere and grow up. Kyle's attitude is going to hurt people one day. I just hope he doesn't end up getting anyone killed.
Kyle does seem to have figured out the best way to drive the new car though. Kyle admitted that he bounced the car off the wall at Darlington at least 5 or 6 times, and some of those were violent impacts. At Darlington, it appeared that if you drive a Toyota hard off into the corners and smack the wall to the point that the right side of the car is as flat as a basketball court, you can win races. Kyle's done it 3 times this season alone with the new car. Supposing that Kyle's car control skills are all they are made out to be, I'm assuming that Kyle is 'adjusting' his car by hitting the wall hard. A driver with his skills couldn't be doing that by accident, could he?
The haters of Kyle Busch are alive and well, and so are the haters of many other drivers. This is actually a healthy thing to be happening in the sport right now. Hate isn't good, but it happens, just because of human nature, and I think most of us have at least one driver we love to hate at times. Even though I never want to see a driver get physically hurt, I don't mind seeing some them looking a little down in the mouth sometimes.
I think one of the things that we, as fans, need to remember is that fans probably take the hard losses worse than the drivers do. The drivers have been doing this kind of things for years, and they all expect someone to wreck them on the last lap, or to bump them when the time looks right. We as fans sometimes seem to expect clean racing, but in reality, there is not really anything like clean racing anywhere. Drivers drive to win. Crew chiefs and crew members do what they have to do to get their driver that extra second on the track. When it comes right down to it, there's not much new under the sun as far as stock car auto racing.
Racers will keep on racing, heroes will keep on being heroes, and jerks will keep being jerks. Except when jerks become heroes. That happens too, from time to time.
The name "Showdown" is very appropriate, as this will be a non points race, and will basically be run much like a short track feature at your local track. There will not be much conservation of equipment, and you can bet that there will be some wrecked cars and some bruised feelings by the end of the race. Some things never change, and you can count on this weekend to provide some of Nascar's finest racing all out, with nothing to lose.
Reactions to the last two races are still being reported, and some have expressed outrage that Kyle Busch possibly flipped the bird to a crew member for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Saturday at Darlington after the driver introductions. I've also read that Kyle flipped off booing fans as well. I just have to say that I'm not really surprised if Kyle did any of these things. Kyle Busch does not draw any emotion from me anymore but sorrow. I hate to see a young man become so cynical and so adoring of hatred, that I really just wish he would go away somewhere and grow up. Kyle's attitude is going to hurt people one day. I just hope he doesn't end up getting anyone killed.
Kyle does seem to have figured out the best way to drive the new car though. Kyle admitted that he bounced the car off the wall at Darlington at least 5 or 6 times, and some of those were violent impacts. At Darlington, it appeared that if you drive a Toyota hard off into the corners and smack the wall to the point that the right side of the car is as flat as a basketball court, you can win races. Kyle's done it 3 times this season alone with the new car. Supposing that Kyle's car control skills are all they are made out to be, I'm assuming that Kyle is 'adjusting' his car by hitting the wall hard. A driver with his skills couldn't be doing that by accident, could he?
The haters of Kyle Busch are alive and well, and so are the haters of many other drivers. This is actually a healthy thing to be happening in the sport right now. Hate isn't good, but it happens, just because of human nature, and I think most of us have at least one driver we love to hate at times. Even though I never want to see a driver get physically hurt, I don't mind seeing some them looking a little down in the mouth sometimes.
I think one of the things that we, as fans, need to remember is that fans probably take the hard losses worse than the drivers do. The drivers have been doing this kind of things for years, and they all expect someone to wreck them on the last lap, or to bump them when the time looks right. We as fans sometimes seem to expect clean racing, but in reality, there is not really anything like clean racing anywhere. Drivers drive to win. Crew chiefs and crew members do what they have to do to get their driver that extra second on the track. When it comes right down to it, there's not much new under the sun as far as stock car auto racing.
Racers will keep on racing, heroes will keep on being heroes, and jerks will keep being jerks. Except when jerks become heroes. That happens too, from time to time.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Kyle Busch Fan Club
Yeah, there actually is one. Actually, there's more than one, if you do a quick Google search. And it's understandable.
Drivers don't reach the levels that Kyle Busch has in racing by having no talent. Kyle has talent, and there are always fans that appreciate raw talent. I don't happen to be one of them, but there are some.
Kyle Busch hit the wall a ton twice last night, but managed not to hurt his car much. He still had more horsepower and better handling than the other cars out there. For that, I say congratulations. Kyle, you found something that nobody else in Cup racing has been able to find, and that's the magic car. You wrecked it twice, you burned up the brakes, but you won the race by a hefty margin, and whatever you and your team found, you deserve all the accolades that accompany such a dominating win.
Can you really win a race with pure, raw talent? Of course you can. What I saw last night was a guy that was wrecking loose all night, but he managed it. Does Toyota enjoy an advantage in Nascar? Nascar says they don't, and so far, mostly it's been Joe Gibbs Racing cars that seem to dominate not just the Cup series, but the Nationwide and Craftsman Trucks series as well. Michael Waltrip Racing runs Toyotas, and though they've been running better, they haven't been a threat to win a race. Bill Davis runs Toyotas as well, but Dave Blaney had a fast car, but never threatened to win last night. Tony Stewart drives for Joe Gibbs in the 20 Home Depot Toyota, but he is willing to give all that up just to go back to Chevrolet and his own team. Huh. I wonder why?
Tony has run well at times, and on Friday night, he won the Nationwide race at Darlington. In Cup, Tony has not enjoyed a lot of success. His new teammate Kyle Busch has won 3 times, and Denny Hamlin should have won Richmond, before a tire, and a bad decision took him out of the race. Is Tony experiencing the Dale Earnhardt Jr. syndrome at JGR right now? Maybe they know he's leaving, so he's driving the test car, much as Dale Jr. was at DEI last year.
Getting back to Kyle Busch. I once knew a man who hated Dale Earnhardt so much, that he became a Jeff Gordon fan back in 1995. He didn't like Jeff, called him a member of a certain sexual persuasion of which he was not a fan, but he didn't care too much as long as Jeff finished ahead of Dale on the track. Jeff is now happily married with a beautiful daughter, and the man I knew is still a Jeff Gordon fan, but he still claims that Ingrid and even baby Ella are Jeff's "beard." I think this is nonsense, but if you read carefully, I don't claim that this man is a friend, he's just someone I know. He now claims that he's rapidly becoming a Kyle Busch fan, because "everyone hates him, and I like that in a driver."
I guess that's reason enough.
I'm willing to rent out my old tree house from when I was a kid for the Kyle Busch fan club get together. I really am.
Drivers don't reach the levels that Kyle Busch has in racing by having no talent. Kyle has talent, and there are always fans that appreciate raw talent. I don't happen to be one of them, but there are some.
Kyle Busch hit the wall a ton twice last night, but managed not to hurt his car much. He still had more horsepower and better handling than the other cars out there. For that, I say congratulations. Kyle, you found something that nobody else in Cup racing has been able to find, and that's the magic car. You wrecked it twice, you burned up the brakes, but you won the race by a hefty margin, and whatever you and your team found, you deserve all the accolades that accompany such a dominating win.
Can you really win a race with pure, raw talent? Of course you can. What I saw last night was a guy that was wrecking loose all night, but he managed it. Does Toyota enjoy an advantage in Nascar? Nascar says they don't, and so far, mostly it's been Joe Gibbs Racing cars that seem to dominate not just the Cup series, but the Nationwide and Craftsman Trucks series as well. Michael Waltrip Racing runs Toyotas, and though they've been running better, they haven't been a threat to win a race. Bill Davis runs Toyotas as well, but Dave Blaney had a fast car, but never threatened to win last night. Tony Stewart drives for Joe Gibbs in the 20 Home Depot Toyota, but he is willing to give all that up just to go back to Chevrolet and his own team. Huh. I wonder why?
Tony has run well at times, and on Friday night, he won the Nationwide race at Darlington. In Cup, Tony has not enjoyed a lot of success. His new teammate Kyle Busch has won 3 times, and Denny Hamlin should have won Richmond, before a tire, and a bad decision took him out of the race. Is Tony experiencing the Dale Earnhardt Jr. syndrome at JGR right now? Maybe they know he's leaving, so he's driving the test car, much as Dale Jr. was at DEI last year.
Getting back to Kyle Busch. I once knew a man who hated Dale Earnhardt so much, that he became a Jeff Gordon fan back in 1995. He didn't like Jeff, called him a member of a certain sexual persuasion of which he was not a fan, but he didn't care too much as long as Jeff finished ahead of Dale on the track. Jeff is now happily married with a beautiful daughter, and the man I knew is still a Jeff Gordon fan, but he still claims that Ingrid and even baby Ella are Jeff's "beard." I think this is nonsense, but if you read carefully, I don't claim that this man is a friend, he's just someone I know. He now claims that he's rapidly becoming a Kyle Busch fan, because "everyone hates him, and I like that in a driver."
I guess that's reason enough.
I'm willing to rent out my old tree house from when I was a kid for the Kyle Busch fan club get together. I really am.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
More Thanks!
I'm simply overwhelmed by the range of the readers on this site. If you look carefully, at the bottom left hand corner of the page, you will see a number. That's my stat counter, and you folks have really been generating numbers lately.
I don't know your names, or your addresses, or anything personal about you, but the stat counter does allow me to see your general locale. From Fairbanks, Alaska, to Los Angeles, California, to Miami, Florida, to Goose Creek, South Carolina, you've all been checking in, and I appreciate it. I also appreciate our Canadian neighbors who check in often, as well as our friends in England, Ireland, Germany, Korea, and other places overseas.
I post regularly on the Dale Jr. Pit board, and that's where a lot of hits are coming from. A lot of hits also come from Google, Yahoo, and AOL. I don't advertise on this site, and have no plans to do so, but you folks make me feel like I must be doing something right, so I'm going to keep going. As always, criticisms and comments are welcome, all you have to do is leave a comment below. I don't moderate them, within reason. I might edit out a few bad words if you choose to use them, but I'll leave your thoughts intact.
Back to racing. Darlington promises to be a wild race, with very fast track speeds, and some very likely Darlington stripes on the right sides of a lot of cars. Greg Biffle will start on the pole, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. starting 2nd. I don't know how much of a difference starting position makes, because Carl Edwards started on the pole for last night's Nationwide race, and elected to start on the outside, which was his right. Carl hit the wall on lap one, and then hit it again within a couple of laps and severely damaged his car. Darlington is going to take it's share of paint off the sides of the cars tonight.
I imagine when it's all over, You will not be able to read any of the lettering on the walls at the track. There will be black streaks basically all the way around the track. I noticed crews out painting the wall this morning, and they'll all be out there doing it again after the race is over.
The new pavement is making for some wicked fast speeds, and great grip, which is something that no one driving the race has ever experienced at Darlington. If last night's Nationwide race is any indication, tonight's Cup race is going to be an old fashioned barn burner. Tempers will likely become a factory tonight, as they were at Richmond last week. It will take a lot of control of both the race car and emotions to be successful at Darlington Raceway tonight.
I'm going to say an early prayer for all the drivers and crew members tonight. I hope they all walk away from their cars under their own power tonight, and I pray that all the fans at the track stay safe as well.
Racing at Darlington. It's about as good as it gets!
I don't know your names, or your addresses, or anything personal about you, but the stat counter does allow me to see your general locale. From Fairbanks, Alaska, to Los Angeles, California, to Miami, Florida, to Goose Creek, South Carolina, you've all been checking in, and I appreciate it. I also appreciate our Canadian neighbors who check in often, as well as our friends in England, Ireland, Germany, Korea, and other places overseas.
I post regularly on the Dale Jr. Pit board, and that's where a lot of hits are coming from. A lot of hits also come from Google, Yahoo, and AOL. I don't advertise on this site, and have no plans to do so, but you folks make me feel like I must be doing something right, so I'm going to keep going. As always, criticisms and comments are welcome, all you have to do is leave a comment below. I don't moderate them, within reason. I might edit out a few bad words if you choose to use them, but I'll leave your thoughts intact.
Back to racing. Darlington promises to be a wild race, with very fast track speeds, and some very likely Darlington stripes on the right sides of a lot of cars. Greg Biffle will start on the pole, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. starting 2nd. I don't know how much of a difference starting position makes, because Carl Edwards started on the pole for last night's Nationwide race, and elected to start on the outside, which was his right. Carl hit the wall on lap one, and then hit it again within a couple of laps and severely damaged his car. Darlington is going to take it's share of paint off the sides of the cars tonight.
I imagine when it's all over, You will not be able to read any of the lettering on the walls at the track. There will be black streaks basically all the way around the track. I noticed crews out painting the wall this morning, and they'll all be out there doing it again after the race is over.
The new pavement is making for some wicked fast speeds, and great grip, which is something that no one driving the race has ever experienced at Darlington. If last night's Nationwide race is any indication, tonight's Cup race is going to be an old fashioned barn burner. Tempers will likely become a factory tonight, as they were at Richmond last week. It will take a lot of control of both the race car and emotions to be successful at Darlington Raceway tonight.
I'm going to say an early prayer for all the drivers and crew members tonight. I hope they all walk away from their cars under their own power tonight, and I pray that all the fans at the track stay safe as well.
Racing at Darlington. It's about as good as it gets!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)