Motor Mouths

Dale Jr. Back in The Groove!!

2007-08-06T15:10:00.001-04:00

What a weekend at Pocono! If Dale Jr. hadn't had the most mishandling car this side of the Alamo he would have won hands down. His Chevy was as loose as a goose for most of the race until his crew changed the shocks and made some other handling adjustments. Turned out to be the best finish for Junior in a year!! Dale Jr. on the comeback trail. The CHASE is gonna be really interesting.....I'm not a Jeff Gordon fan, but I'm hoping he wins it all this year.....what a way to cap the year. Jimmie Johnson helped himself yesterday with his top five finish. Maybe he won't slide off the map this season. I'd love to see Jimmie win it all as well. I just love this time of year.
On to Watkins Glen!

The Rock To Be Sold!

2007-06-21T16:09:00.000-04:00

Rockingham Track to Be Sold.......
The North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham will be put up for auction later this year, Speedway Motorsports Inc. confirmed on Thursday.
Here's the story from one of the best motorsports writers in the country, David Poole at the Charlotte Observer....

For sale: Track with rich NASCAR history, no races
Speedway Motorsports decides to put Rockingham facility on the auction block
By DAVID POOLE - The Charlotte Observer
Speedway Motorsports Inc. plans to sell North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham at auction, according to the Richmond County Daily Journal.
That newspaper reported today that Lowe’s Motor Speedway president and general manager H.A. “Humpy:” Wheeler sent a letter to Rockingham mayor Gene McLaurin last week informing him of the decision.
“I wanted to make you aware ahead of time that our company has made the decision to sell North Carolina Motor Speedway via an auction,” Wheeler wrote in the letter dated June 13.
The track was built in 1965. SMI purchased it in 2004 and moved its remaining Nextel Cup race date to Texas Motor Speedway.
“We regret we have to make this decision but we really have no other choice,” Wheeler’s letter said. “We have been unable to sell it and track rentals are simply not enough to keep the facility running.”
The track has been used as a testing facility and for other special events and movies since it lost its last Cup race.
McLaurin said he hopes whoever buys the track won’t tear down the race track. Jerry Gappens, a spokesman for SMI, said despite recent rumors to the contrary, no one has contacted SMI about using the track for any other type or racing.
Wheeler’s letter said that possibility has been explored.
“As I have stated in the past, we think it is unpractical for us to attempt other types of races there such as Busch or Craftsman Trucks,” Wheeler wrote. “We believe they too, as stand alone events, will be significantly unprofitable.”
No date has been set for the auction.

Will this signal the end of another fabled NASCAR track....I cry everytime I drive by North Wilkesboro as it sits collecting tumbleweeds and dust. Will Rockingham be bought by a developer and paved over for another strip shopping center?
What do you think?

COT takes off to Sonoma!!

2007-06-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

The Car of Tomorrow makes its debut turning right this weekend at Sonoma, California.

The original design of the Car of Tomorrow has
many characteristics of the current road course car,”
said Brett Bodine, NASCAR director of cost research.
“Particularly in the fact that both are more symmetric
than the oval track current cars.”

The new car has competed in six races this season,
all on ovals smaller than 1.366 miles. In five of those
six events, the margin of victory has been less than
one second.
The car will run a total of 16 races this season,
including four in the Race to the Chase and five in the
Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. The COT will be running fulltime in "08.
So what do you think of the season so far? I'm fairly impressed with Hendrick. They have been unstoppable. I'd still love to see Jeff Gordon win another championship. Sure would be sweet for him and the new baby and wife.

Dale Jr. and Jeff Gordon Together!!

2007-06-13T15:15:00.000-04:00

Wow.....The big press conference was this morning at 11am and the rumors are now confirmed. Rick Hendrick will be adding a $100 million dollar addition to his gift shop. What with Dale Jr. joining the team, the merchandise sales will sail thru the roof. This is a major coup for Hendrick. He now will dominate the sport more than ever. He is officially becoming the New York Yankees of NASCAR. With Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Jr. together....it's like the three muskateers, well you get the picture....chances are, there will be many top five finishes for this team.
On the outside looking in, Kyle Busch. Seems to me the behavior Busch has exhibited hasn't helped his cause. He and his brother try so hard to be loved but they need to learn how to act before they do that. I think that's the major rub with a lot of fans. I hear an awful lot of boos for those boys and the sad fact is, they are loaded with talent. Hopefully Kyle will land with somebody who will help him get with the public relations program.
Kudos to Jr. Now I wonder if Budweiser will go back to the team they were with in the 90's? I hope so. It would be a marketing faux paux if they didn't. And the eternal question.....Will Teresa let the number 8 go with Jr. to Hendrick or will he be forced to change numbers???
Time will tell.
I sense a dynasty coming on........

Dover Rainout, But a Wonderful Weekend at Lowes!

2007-06-04T11:41:00.000-04:00

Well I had a pretty cool experience this past weekend. Before trying to watch what ended up as the rained out Dover race on TV in Concord....I took my sons Logan and Tyler, Ben and daughter Katie over to Lowe's Motor Speedway for a little tour. Funny thing is I've been inside that track about a million times over the past 30 years and my kids, who are avid race fans, had never seen it up close. I still haven't taken them to a race either, and need to get around to that. After covering races for decades for on radio and TV, it's kind of old hat for me and I guess I didn't realize how excited my kids would get about going to the track where Casey Mears won a week ago.
Well not only did I get pics of them standing outside turn four, but they were able to go in Victory Lane where the confetti from Mears win last week was still fresh. My son grabbed a baggie from the car and picked up a bunch of the confetti and a couple little checkered flags as souvenirs. Being a guy who's been in the media circus for years, you forget how big sports are to little kids. Makes me all the more proud that the majority of NASCAR drivers are fine examples and folks that generally can be looked up to and don't get into the kind of thug life that many other sports stars glamorize. I won't mention sports, we know which ones they are.
Kudos to NASCAR for still being the family sport it is! Another reason why I love racing so much!!
Racing at Dover on a Monday!! Whole lotta people gonna be taking the afternoon off work(or getting that mysterious Monday racing flu!!! I think I feel a couple coughs and a sore throat coming on....guess I need to go home and lie on the sofa in front of the TV for a while and see if I feel better!!

The Monster Mile is Upon Us!!

2007-05-31T15:13:00.000-04:00

The Monster Mile happens this weekend. The Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway marks the 13th race of the 36 race season. We're almost at the halfway point and Hendrick Motorsports still owns the series. An amazing year for Rick's teams.
Sunday's race will once again feature the COT (for those of you not familiar yet...that's Car of Tomorrow) This is the sixth race of the year with the COT. But drivers will have a unique challenge this week. Bad weather negated a test at Dover this year so everybody's sort of going into the weekend in the dark. Well sort of. Crew Chiefs will likely use data from the tests at Bristol, which if you'll remember was the first track to host the COT this year. And Dover has high banks just like the Bristol half-mile so set ups will probably be similar to what they were at Bristol. None the less, the lack of a test could pose some interesting questions for many crew chiefs as they prepare.
The race will be televised Sunday at 1:00pm on FOX 50 in Durham. Matt Kenseth is the defending champion and I think he could do well again. However I somehow get the feeling that Jeff Gordon is gonna groove to the front once again this week. I'm picking Tony Stewart to finish top five as well. He's due.
The Childress drivers should be strong as well.
Qualifying for the Monster Mile is slated for 3pm on Friday!
Let's go racin'!!!

Heavenly Harvick!!

2007-05-21T15:30:00.000-04:00

Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus....Kevin Harvick has never said much good about the NEXTEL CUP All Star race in the past but now he's got a million($$$)reasons to love the race after winning the race under the lights at Lowes Motor Speedway on Saturday night!!!

I'm proud of Childress Racing. The last year and a half has been incredible for this team. Crew Chief Todd Berrier and the rest of the guys at the shop in Welcome, NC have many reasons to be proud.....not the least of which is the combined efforts of every member on the team, in the shop and the drivers themselves. Kudos and may many more wins follow for the RCR Gang!!!

Winston-Salem Journal columnist and NASCAR dot com writer Joe Menzer has some other great news about Childress Racing here: http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/opinion/05/21/weekend.was.all.star/index.html

More to come...Stay tuned...and listen to Racing Today each weekday at 9:40am and 5:40pm on the NEW 99.9 Genuine Country!!!

Merchandise Mania!

2007-05-17T16:37:00.000-04:00

I've discovered the secret to selling lots of NASCAR merchandise. Tell people you're leaving your team at the end of the season. Of course it helps a whole lot if you're already the biggest name in the sport.
Dale Jr. merchandise sales have shot up 107 percent in the past week since he made the announcement about leaving DEI at the end of the season. People must be thinking resale on Ebay in about ten years. I mean ya gotta figure it'll be worth a lot. Dale drove the #8 for a long time. I imagine he'll change numbers with a new team but I'll bet the farm on the fact he keeps his main sponsors. So no worries there.
More detail on this story can be found at http://www.thatsracin.com/242/story/4295.html

The All-Star race is coming up Saturday night in Charlotte under the lights and I'm with Track President Humpy Wheeler.......Jimmie Johnson is gonna win this. I'm beginning to believe it's no coincidence that his sponsor is Lowes and the track has the same sponsor as well. Jimmie's got Lowes Motor Speedway dialed in.....and on top of that he drives for Hendrick Motorsports. They've won 8 of the 10 races so far. I don't see anybody stopping them this week.
Jeff Gordon will finish 2nd....
Kevin Harvick will rise from the ashes this weekend and do well!!
Just my two cents!!

Bombshell from Junior!!

2007-05-11T15:07:00.000-04:00

Well maybe it's not a bombshell, if you'll check the archives of this blog you'll see I predicted Dale Jr. would leave DEI....in fact it was many months ago when I said that he would either join Richard Childress Racing or form his own team. The prediction has now come true. Of course the big press conference yesterday in Mooresville, NC just confirmed what so many NASCAR fans have been able to discern for themselves. The Dale Jr./Teresa Earnhardt relationship has never been a bed of roses. Looks like Lil' E got tired of the thorns and is ready for greener pastures and more control of his future. Dale Jr. said he will wait to hear from "anybody who wants to talk" about bringing him to a differenct team. Do you think there are some salivating owners out there? Talk about a money machine. Dale Jr. single-handedly brings in more endorsement money and exposure, recognition and fan support than any other driver. Who wouldn't wanna have the sports most bankable star? You've have to have blinders on to not want this guy on your team. Details on the happenings coming up today at 5:40pm on Racing Today on 99.9 Genuine Country.
Meanwhile here's a link to a great article on fan speculation after Dale Jr.'s announcement yesterday http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=2&id=2866850

On to Darlington......
Predictions galore....
1.Jimmie Johnson
2. Denny Hamlin
3.Greg Biffle
4.Jeff Gordon
5. Kyle Busch....
That's my prediction for this Car of Tomorrow race....another Hendrick dominating performance....

Junior wants COT changed

2007-05-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

Well, Dale Jr. has spoken, question is, will NASCAR listen. I would think if the powers that be in NASCAR will listen to anyone, then Dale Jr., the single most marketable person in the sport would be the one.

Here's the scoop...................

CONCORD, N.C. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. has used his clout to get things changed in NASCAR before. His next target is the Car of Tomorrow. After struggling with the new-look car at Richmond International Raceway, Earnhardt Jr. called on NASCAR to make it easier to turn and handle.
"It's going to take some time to figure it out, but right now it's about the most frustrating thing I've had to deal with in this sport, and I've had to deal with some pretty frustrating things," Earnhardt said Monday.....
read the rest of the article here: http://www.wral.com/sports/nascar/story/1393109/

Congrats to Jimmie Johnson on the win at Richmond. I'm thinking before June, NASCAR officials will have to change the name of the series to Hendrick Cup Racing. Hendrick drivers have won seven of the past eight races....this is getting silly!!! Between Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, nobody else can win a race, especially in the Car of Tomorrow or as we affectionately call it now, the COT.

Darlington coming up this weekend. Coming up later this week a preview and a look at the silly season so far. Right now my bets are on Jeff Gordon to win it all. He ain't playing around anymore. I think he wants to pass Bobby Allison and Cale Yarborough in victories before the year is out.

And P.S. Bobby Allison, one of the greatest drivers ever and a man who is revered at Talladega as much or more than Dale Sr.....said quote, "imbeciles" when referring to the fans who threw beer cans at Jeff Gordon last weekend when he won at Talledega and passed Dale's victory record. Cale Yarborough in a separate interview agreed. Those guys aren't afraid to speak their minds.

Richmond Primer and Weekend Preview!

2007-05-02T15:09:00.000-04:00

What a weekend for Jeff Gordon. Once again the Rainbow Warrior was a winner. This time passing Dale Earnhart Sr in victories. Way to go Jeff. The fans were a little disrespectful when they threw beer cans on the track at Talladega. I loved Dale Sr. In fact I grew up three miles from his house in Kannapolis and his cousins lived on my street(they always had the nice Chevys and houses) and I think he was a tremendous driver. But, Gordon deserves his due. He's amazing. He might not pass David Pearson, but he has moved into the upper echelon of NASCAR drivers now and for that he deserves respect and not disdain from fans...whether they like him or not.

News and Notes as we Head to Richmond....

Do you realize that Hendrick Motorsports cars have won six of nine races so far this season. Talk about dominance. Jimmie Johnson has three wins. Jeff Gordon, two and Kyle Busch one.

However, I think that dominance ends this weekend. Richmond is not the track for Gordon or Johnson. Both have struggled there. On the other hand, Kyle Busch has four top five finishes at Richmond in the last several years. Busch was runner-up last year and if any Hendrick driver is gonna win it, then I think it'll be him. With that said, I don't think he'll win it. Too many variables right now. I think this Saturday night belongs to Kasey Kahne. He's due. Plus, he's got one of the best records of any driver at Richmond. It's been 14 long races since a win for Kasey and I think given a bit of luck he will pull it off this weekend. Other contenders who look good at Richmond: Greg Biffle, his average running position at Richmond has been fourth. Denny Hamlin....he's currently fifth in points, a Virginia native and the home crowd could be his edge, as well as his knowledge of the track, plus Hamlin will be sporting a FedEx helmet that was designed for him by 11 year old Children's Hospital of Richmond patient Justin Griffith. It's the first helmet of the 11 that Hamlin will wear as part of the Fed Ex program, "Wear Your Heart on Your Helmet" program.
And finally could the winner be.......Ryan Newman....it's been 54 races since he's had a victory and he knows the Richmond track as well as anyone, and he's done well here.

Elliott Yamin, Richmond's own American Idol native son will perform the National Anthem prior to the Circuit City 250 presented by FUNAI NASCAR Busch Series race Friday night and will sing "God Bless America" before the Crown Royal presents the Jim Stewart 400 Saturday night!!!!

A bit of trivia....who set the standard for second year NASCAR drivers by winning the points championship in only his second year on the Winston Cup?
The answer coming tomorrow!! Think ya know....post your guess.

Right Place, Right Time for Jeff Gordon!!

2007-04-24T16:19:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Jeff Gordon on the big win at Phoenix this past Saturday night. He could do no wrong in that race. I was pulling for him because he, along with Dale Earnhardt, are two of the best drivers ever. His 76th victory surpassed Dale's total of 75 wins but Jeff gave kudos to Dale by taking a victory lap with the number three flag.
Way to go Jeff!! Quite an accomplishment!!!
Headed to Talledega this weekend! Gonna be a wild one!

Wild Weekend!!!

2007-04-18T11:42:00.000-04:00

Well once again Dale Jr. was about to win a race but once again he was wrecked!!! It's just dog-gone bad luck Dale's having. His car was far away the best this past weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.....but a Tony Stewart spinout and a Kyle Busch bumper tag and Dale was done. I feel for him. He deserves a win!! He's racing well. Just bad luck. I don't think Busch endeared himself to many fans.
How about that Jeff Burton. What a last lap pass over Matt Kenseth. I'm happy for Jeff and Childress racing. Childress has really come on strong in the past year. They are returning to the old glory days(like when Dale Sr. was driving the #3 for them)
This week it's Phoenix and another superspeedway!! I'm not a huge fan of this track but I've got a good feeling about Jeff Gordon. If he keeps his nose clean and stays away from engine trouble I believe this could be the week he finally ties Dale Sr. for victories at 76. Here's hoping the Rainbow Warrior gets over that hump and gets that win. It would put him in elite company!!
Look for Tony Stewart to pull it back together this week.
I like Carl Edwards at this track as well.
What has happened to Ryan Newman? It's like he's dropped off of the face of the earth. Just several years back he was winning poles and running really well and he's a non-factor now.
Same for Kevin Harvick this year. He's struggling!!

Is the Bump and Run Gone?

2007-04-03T09:23:00.000-04:00

Interesting development after this weekend's race at Martinsville. Another great finish. First Bristol, and then a fender to fender finish at the Mart. It was a great win for Jimmie Johnson, but I thought Jeff Gordon could have given him a bump and then passed him in the last turn. Does the Car of Tomorrow prevent the old bump and run manuever? I don't know, but maybe it does, because the front bumper is lower than the back. This is a legitimate concern , because the design of the new car won't allow Gordon(or any driver) to lift the car in front of him up and out of the way. That's the way it was done in the old days(pre-car of tomorrow) Gordon did it last summer at Chicago. Drivers are probably gonna have to change their tactics because the bumper heights are the same. Kind of makes the racing less exciting though. I think fans love the bump and run and should have the opportunity to see drivers knock a guy out the way to win it!! What do you think?

Let's Go To The Mart!!!

2007-03-30T16:27:00.000-04:00

Well the car of tomorrow sure got an ugly reception by drivers last weekend at Bristol didn't it? Winner Kyle Busch did not hesitate to voice his displeasure.
It is a pretty generic looking car for sure. But hey, safety is much better with this one.
TV ratings were down for Bristol as well. 17.7 percent lower than last year. That's not good. In fact television ratings for the first six races of 2007 are down. What's going on? I'd love to know the thoughts of the average NASCAR fan. Are you watching less of the races? Listening less on the radio?
I can tell you my passion is as much as ever. My boys and I are glued to the races when they're on but I know plenty of people who are indifferent because of the changes NASCAR has made in the past couple years. Are you one of them?
Let me know.

Thoughts
My pick to win at Martinsville is Jeff Gordon. This track belongs to him. Barring engine trouble I think Jeff, Kevin Harvick or Jeff Burton will take this race. Look for Tony Stewart to get a top five finish as well. I like Kasey Kahne at this track as well. I'd love Mark Martin if he was racing. I don't trust his fill-in driver to do quite as well. We'll see. Drivers are qualifying at the Mart as I write this now.
Tickets are still available for Sunday's race as well. Go to www.martinsvillespeedway for details. It's only about a two hour drive from the triangle, closer if you're in Durham or over towards Orange or Alamance County. It's a beautiful drive as well. I usually go I-40 west till I get to Exit 210, Hwy 68 in Greensboro. Then you just hang a right on 68 and go north. After you cross the Virginia line the road turns into Hwy. 220 and the rolling hills will lead you to the Mart on the right. It's about a 50 minute drive from Greensboro, once you turn right on Hwy. 68.
Have a great weekend!! The weather is gonna be superb across the triangle and at Martinsville.
Let's go racin'!!!

Bangin' At Bristol!

2007-03-22T15:55:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite NASCAR tracks this weekend. Rubbin' is racin' and there's no better place than Bristol(or Martinsville) for some good old fashioned racin' the way it was meant to be. Only problem is, points leader Mark Martin is staying true to his word. He's not racin' this weekend. Sort of makes me sad. The past four weeks have been some of the best of Mark's career, yet he's sticking to his decision to only race part-time. Kudos to him for keeping his word, but wouldn't it be cool to see him keep racing?

Thoughts and Opinions on the 2007
Silly Season
What has happened to Michael Waltrip this season? I'm sure NAPA isn't happy with him not making races. You can't give your sponsor face time on TV if you're not at the dance. Is he doing too much outside work(TV etc.) to concentrate on racing?

Tell me what you think of the Car of Tomorrow? It debuts this weekend at Bristol. I hear many drivers don't like it. I think it's a big step forward for safety, but it is definitely sort of homogenized. Just no originality in the design. All the cars are the same, with the exception of the grille design or the sponsor decals on the car. I don't think it's gonna sit too well with fans.

Juan Pablo Montoya is for real. This open wheel driver is gonna be a force to be reckoned with on the NASCAR circuit in years to come. He's got the goods. That top five finish at Atlanta was no fluke.

Atlanta was a disaster for Toyota. Do they need me to come in as a consultant. I've got a Sienna Minivan and a Corolla, so I know the product well. I could rev that minivan up and put some spoilers on it. Maybe I could just give the Toyota teams the animal crackers from the back seat of my Sienna. Everytime I eat them they give me the strength to merge on I-40 faster in rush hour traffic.
Toyota needs to get up to speed this year, because I hear that come 2008, one of the big Detroit automakers is gonna dramatically cut back on NASCAR involvement. This will be tough for the sport, but Toyota could fill the gap.

Could Clint Bowyer have a top ten points finish this year? He's looked good so far. He's currently ninth in points. I like this kid.

All eyes will be on rookie Regan Smith.....He's the points leader going into Bristol.('cause he's driving for Mark Martin and Ginn Racing)
Smith will be in the Car of Tomorrow and will he be able to keep the team at the top? We'll see. He's no Mark Martin. Gosh, I wish Mark would just keep driving!!!

NASCAR did you know?

2007-03-16T16:10:00.000-04:00

Did you know that if Jeff Gordon wins at Atlanta this Sunday he'll tie Dale Earnhardt Sr on the all time wins list with 76 victories?
The King "Richard Petty" has 200 wins. Somehow I don't think anyone will ever break that record.

Did you know that the best Toyota has been able to do so far this season is one top ten finish? We're talking seven drivers who are top notch. Dale Jarrett says the cars aren't handling well and downforce is a problem. Toyota has a long way to go to victory lane.

Did you know?
AT&T is suing NASCAR for the rights to change the logos on Jeff Burton's Cingular Chevy to AT&T. NASCAR doesn't wanna do it because Cingular(now AT&T is a competitor of NEXTEL. Yet, NEXTEL was just bought out by Sprint and Sprint is gonna change the name of the series to the Sprint Cup.
Are these telecom companies being a little uptight? Competition is good!! Let everybody put their logos on whatever they want, if they're paying money.

Did you know?
Some of NASCAR's biggest sponsors are based in the town we're racing at this weekend, Hotlanta, GA. Names like, AT&T, Home Depot, Aaron's Sales and Lease, Arbys, Coca-Cola, Georgia-Pacific, NAPA, Newell Rubbermaid and UPS.

Did you know how much it costs those companies who have primary sponsorships of NASCAR teams?
Try 12-20 million on the Cup circuit.
On the BUSCH circuit it's four to six million annually.
On the Truck series it's two to three million.
That's a lot of dough!!!!

Did you know?
NASCAR fans are three times as likely as other consumers to purchase products and services from sponsors of race teams.

Did you know that Jeff Gordon has posted his best points start since the 1998 season. The Rainbow Warrior of old is back!!! I think he's the man to beat this weekend at Atlanta. Look for Dale Jr. and Jimmie Johnson to be hot as well. Jeff Burton could sneak in a top three finish as well. Kasey Kahne won at Hotlanta last year.

Did you know?
Daryl Worley will sing the National Anthem on Sunday before the race.
Green flag drops at 2pm!
Let's go racin'!!!!!!!

Mark Martin is the Man!!

2007-03-12T17:45:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I know Jimmie Johnson won at Vegas on Sunday, his second in a row. And I'm happy because both my sons are huge Jimmie fans. But, did you see Mark Martin once again finish in the Top Five.
I just don't think Mark should retire. He's only driving part-time this year and will have another driver take over at Bristol. I think he should keep on keepin' on...he could win the points championship!!!
Maybe it's his switch to driving Chevrolets instead of Fords. Maybe it's his new team, Ginn Racing or just maybe fate has finally found Mark Martin and for the first time in his career he will win the Gold Watch. I love watching a veteran run well. And he's about the nicest guy "ever" on the circuit.

Ruminations, thoughts and opinions:

No more NEXTEL Cup. The Charlotte Observer reported on Sunday that it's as good as a done deal that Sprint will change the name next year to The Sprint Cup. Will this mean a driver has won two Winston Cup trophies, One NEXTEL Cup trophy and a Sprint Cup? Or win it be Six time Sprint Cup winner. That's the one thing that bothers me about changing the name. Whichever name it was called at the time should be what the winner's trophy is called. I know, it's trivial but maybe it's just a heritage thing.

I'm Back!!!

2007-03-01T14:34:00.000-05:00

Well I know I haven't posted since the season began, but it's for good reason...I've been recovering from surgery...for further details check my country music and life in NC blog at http://dallasreport.blogspot.com

Now.....I'm dually impressed with Kevin Harvick in these first two races. Daytona was unbelievable...that was an impressive win. I really wanted Mark Martin to win it because he's the perennial bridesmaid but he just didn't have the juice.
Harvick got such a big push on the last turn it was amazing!!! Way to go Childress Racing. Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton were strong as well.

Now on to California....Kevin Harvick should have won this one. He was catching Matt Kenseth until the race was red flagged with only a few laps left. I think Harvick's blown front tire was probably from debris on the track from the wreck. Otherwise Harvick would have become the first driver since Jeff Gordon in 1997 to win the first two races of the season.
All in all the past two weeks have been impressive. I've enjoyed both of the first two races of the season and it looks like it's gonna be a good one.
At this point I'm really excited about the Car of Tomorrow debuting. It's all about more safety and after the horrific crash of rookie David Reutimann at California, it can't come soon enough. Reutimann said in an article in a California newspaper this week that "everything hurts, down to my eyeballs and my teeth." In my opinion it could have been tragic if not for the Hans device Reutimann was wearing, combined with the new safer barriers on the walls at California Motor Speedway. NASCAR has done a stellar job since the death of Dale Earnhardt in making the sport safer and the Car of Tomorrow is just another step in that direction..
For that I am grateful. It's still dangerous, but hopefully it'll help more drivers stay much safer in a sport that is all about the thrills and the chills.

Dale Jr. Comes Clean

2007-02-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

Well I knew it would happen eventually, but not before the season even started.
By now you've heard what Dale Jr. said at a press conference in Daytona yesterday. If not here's a link to the story....
http://http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Speed/Headlines/racHEAD05NEXT020907.htm

With that said, I knew it was coming. Dale Jr. wants to run things and own the company his dad built from the ground up. Like he said, his dad's been gone for six years now and it's time for him to take over. In my heart of hearts I think Dale Jr. resents Teresa because of how she took him away from his real mother when he was a kid. I think this has been a long time coming and now he's got it out the in open, finally.
And for the record, he deserves to run the company. He is the heir apparent and the next generation.....like Kyle Petty, Dale is from a long line of competitive, highly driven professionals. His dad paved the way for DEI by building a powerhouse career with Childress racing. Granted, Teresa has good business sense and helped build DEI, but she couldn't have done it at all without Dale Jr. and I for one think he could do the work required to run one of the biggest operations in motorsports....or at least hire the proper people to do it.
Now he also has brothers and sisters and they deserve part ownership as well.
Maybe the thing to do is give 25% to Dale Jr., 25% to his sister Kerry, 25% to his half-brother Kerry and 25% to Taylor Nicole(the daughter of Dale Sr. and Teresa) Or 20% to everybody...including Teresa....until shes ready to retire. That way, all have even rights on what to do with the company. Sort of like a company board and votes would determine decisions. It's a sticky situation and certainly not about the money. Dale Jr. has plenty of that and would continue to get more, with or without DEI. I still think there's a possibility he could drive for Richard Childress. Boy, that would be a coup. Childress already had a stellar 2006 and Kevin Harvick is a big defender of Dale Jr. I think Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton and Harvick all get along very well with Dale Jr. And of course Richard has been an Earnhardt family friend and co-worker forever.
Give it some thought Teresa, or you might regret what happens. Dale Jr. propped up DEI with his celebrity alone when they didn't have competitive cars. Now that the team is starting to hum, this is not what the organization needs.
Best of luck to all in what is a very delicate and tough situation.
Let's go to Daytona!!!

Kyle Petty Goes To the TV Booth!!

2007-02-07T17:41:00.000-05:00

In what could be a preview of the future for NASCAR driver Kyle Petty an announcement was made by Turner Sports today that Kyle will take a six week driving hiatus in the summer to provide on-track analysis for TNT's coverage of NASCAR NEXTEL CUP races.
Here's a blurb from the official release from TNT:

Kyle Petty, Bill Weber, Wally Dallenbach to comprise announcers booth for 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on TNT
Turner Network Television (TNT) announced today a multi-year contract agreement with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Kyle Petty to serve as an analyst for the network’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race coverage. Petty will take a five-week hiatus as driver of the No. 45 Wells Fargo/Marathon/Tire Kingdom Dodge car for Petty Enterprises, marking the first time a Petty will not be behind the wheel in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series for an extended period of time since his grandfather, Lee Petty, raced in NASCAR’s Elite Series in 1949. Kyle Petty will join announcers Bill Weber (play-by-play) and Wally Dallenbach (analyst) for TNT’s six consecutive NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races in 2007, beginning on Sunday, June 10 from Pocono Raceway and concluding on July 15 from the Chicagoland Speedway. On Sunday, June 24, Petty will provide analysis from behind the wheel of his No. 45 Dodge throughout TNT’s coverage of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race live from Infineon Speedway in Sonoma, CA. Petty previously served as an analyst alongside Weber and Dallenbach in 2006 for five Busch Series races on TNT.

Kyle will be covering these races:

TNT’s 2007 Summer Six-Pack of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racing:
June 10, Pocono Raceway (Pocono, PA)
June 17, Michigan Intl Speedway (Brooklyn, MI)
June 24, Infineon Raceway (Sonoma, CA)
July 1, New Hampshire International Speedway (Loudon, NH)
July 7, Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach, FL)
July 15, Chicagoland Speedway (Chicago, IL)

I think it's a perfect fit. Kyle's got an incredible personality. Plus he's very informative and can pretty much take over if there's dead air. In interviews I've done with him in the past, I've discovered that he is a ball of energy and is always on......
This will be great. I look forward to some good commentary from Kyle.
Remember Daytona is only weeks away on FOX 50 in Durham!! Tune in for qualifying coming up Saturday from 8pm till 10pm!!!

Fuel To The Earnhardt Fire

2007-01-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

Well leave it to ole' Kevin Harvick to throw gasoline on the DEI fire. Yesterday in the 2007 preseason media tour Harvick made the following quote about DEI head Teresa Earnhardt:

"It's hard when you have what I call a deadbeat owner that doesn't come to the racetrack," Harvick told reporters during a stop at Richard Childress Racing.
"You always see Richard Childress. You always see Chip Ganassi. All these owners, they all come to the racetrack. It's not just a money pit that somebody says, 'Well, I can make money off of Dale Jr. I can make money off of Dale Earnhardt.' " Read the rest of the article here: http://www.wral.com/sports/nascar/story/1177059/

Dale Jr. defended Teresa's actions but this does throw more speculation out there. Could Richard Childress be making a play at returning the Earnhardt name to Welcome, NC as a teammate of Kevin Harvick? Wow! What a story that would be. The place where Dale Earnhardt Sr. made his mark and Dale Jr. returning the glory. I see a possibility here if no contract can be worked out with DEI. Who knows, only time will tell. Interesting fodder for watercooler talk. Regardless, Childress Racing had a superb 2006 with all of its drivers and will continue that modus operandi in 2007.

Shocker! NASCAR changes rules again!!!

2007-01-22T17:14:00.000-05:00

Well friends they've done it again. NASCAR has changed the rules of the NEXTEL CUP points system. The top 12 drivers will get in the CHASE in 2007 and there will be more focus on winning races instead of just trying to finish in the top ten. Sounds good to me. More details can be found today at the soon to be revamped Turner South website www.nascar.com

For a quick assesment of what a difference the new system will make consider this:
Kasey Kahne started the Chase in 10th place last year but if the new system were in place Kahne would start first because he would receive additional points for his 5 victories. This is going to place much emphasis on winning races and could see drivers going a lot harder and not trying to lay back and stay out of wrecks late in races just to get the points. Could make things very interesting. It should produce harder racing and that's what it's all about.
What do you think?

Will Dale Jr. Fly the coop?

2007-01-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

A big press conference in Daytona earlier this week has the NASCAR world abuzz. With the 2007 season less than a month away, the talk is whether Dale Jr. will leave DEI or stay.
On Monday, Dale Jr. expressed what many have known for years. He and stepmom(and leader of DEI)Teresa Earnhardt don't really see eye to eye. I thought it was quite revealing when Dale Jr. said he feels the same way now as he felt about Teresa when he was six years old. You have to remember, this is not Dale's real mom and as a first grader he probably held some resentment in his mind towards her because his real mother was taken away from him when Dale Sr. divorced his first wife. The thing is, if Dale Jr. should leave DEI then the team would fall apart. Dale is the marketing muscle behind the entire organization.
No matter what Teresa thinks there's no way Dale Jr. can stop being a public personality and in my opinion a rock star..... I have seen it with my own eyes.
How do I know Dale Jr. is a rock star?

Back in 2005 my band played a corporate party for Lowes Home Improvement in Charlotte at Lowes Motor Speedway. It was a private deal for Lowes employees from across the southeast and their guests(about 5000 people were there) and many NASCAR drivers were in attendance. Even Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon did not get the cheers and crush of people that Dale Jr. got. I was amazed. The second Dale Jr. stepped on the stage the crowd pressed forward and cameras starting flashing like the Brown Mountain Lights. It was staggering to see and made me realize that Dale Jr. is a rock star. And Dale's stepmom said last month in the Wall Street Journal that he needs to decide whether he's gonna be a public personality or whether he's gonna drive a race car. Well I think from my experience he is a celebrity and nothing will change that. The question remains; Will this division between Dale Jr. and his step-mom be too great to overcome? And if Dale Jr. leaves DEI where will he go? Which team will he join? Or will he form his own team? He certainly could get the sponsors. Marketers know he is money in the bank!
Here's a link to the story on the Daytona press conference from Dale Jr.
http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/16412209.htm
What do you think?

The NASCAR 2007 Countdown is on!!!!

2007-01-02T15:11:00.000-05:00

The 2007 NASCAR season on FOX 50 is getting set to crank up and I'm already excited. Gonna be a blast!!
Some NASCAR drivers will be involved in the open wheel racing on January 27th with the 45th annual Rolex 24 Hour Race at Daytona. This is a grueling race and always fun to watch. The green flag drops at 12:3opm Sunday January 27 on FOX 50.
Then the granddaddy race week of them all....Daytona Speed Weeks kicks off on Saturday February 10 with the Budweiser Shootout at 8pm on FOX 50.
And the official first NEXTEL Cup points race of the 2007 season is Sunday February 18th.....the Daytona 500 at 2pm on FOX 50.....yeah baby!!!
By my count that's only 39 days away!!!
The countdown is on!!!!

Jeff Gordon's Big Heart

2006-12-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

Well I'm back after a couple week blogging vacation. I've been swamped with work getting ready for our 99.9 Geniune Country Christmas. Make sure to tune in starting Christmas Eve at high noon. We'll feature continuous Christmas music until Midnight on Christmas Day. Makes a great soundtrack for family gatherings, present openings or eating, resting and eating some more!!!!

Now a big high five to Jeff Gordon for donating a million bucks to provide seed money to fund the new $10 million Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital in my hometown of Concord, NC. Here's a link to the story!!!
http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/16256503.htm
I know there's a lot of folks that don't pull for Jeff on the track, but I'm pulling for more guys like him who give freely of their time and their millions to help kids who are very sick!!! Kudos to Jeff and his new wife(who is pregnant with their first child and due next summer)
More later this week on 2006 and a look ahead to 2007. Gotta go do some Christmas shopping. Gotta pick up John Denver's Greatest Hits for a friend and the Phil Vassar Greatest Hits!!!! Have a great Tuesday evening!!!

Jimmie grabs the Gold and Biffle gets his 3rd at Miami!!!

2006-11-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Greg Biffle on his 3rd win at Homestead.
A super big congrats to Jimmie Johnson on his first ever NEXTEL CUP championship!!! after coming so close in 2003 and 2004 and in only his fifth full season on the circuit Jimmie now has the monkey off his back and can call himself "CHAMPION" What a great ring it has!!!
Heard Jimmie on a sportstalk show this morning saying he's happy to now have a target on his back for all the other drivers in 2007. He said he knows they'll all be charging and he'll be ready to defend!!

On to the awards banquet in New York City in a week!!!
More to come!!

Jimmie Johnson Finally Gets the Gold Watch!!!

2006-11-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

Barring unforeseen diaster Jimmie Johnson should be the 2006 NEXTEL CUP Champion. After being so close the past couple years Jimmie finally put together the right combination of consistency and at the right time to make it all happen. I couldn't be happier for his Rick Hendrick team after what they've been through since Martinsville 2004 when Rick Jr. and others from the team were killed in that horrific small plane crash on a foggy Virginia mountain. I was at Martinsville in the infield press box when the plane went down and I remember the first intial reports and the eerie feeling of somber sorry that filled the entire garage area. It was a tough time. And the Hendrick team had to keep going. They've done a remarkable job at hanging on since that happened.
Homestead is no breeze but I think most drivers will get out of Jimmie's way because most everybody has that kind of gentleman's agreement.
Jimmie just has to finish 12th or better.
Here's hoping Miami is good to the Lowes team!!!

Can Anybody Stop Jimmie?

2006-11-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

Well ain't it funny how things change. I'm thinking Jimmie Johnson just might win it all. But then again you never know what could happen. Only two races left and this CHASE has lived up to it's name. I'll have to admit I was a neighsayer of the CHASE points system when it first came about. Now I think I'm having second thoughts, because this has been a wild past eight weeks. I thought Jeff Burton was a sure winner five weeks ago and now he's drifting like an old log down the Cullasaja River. I really think Kenseth and Johnson will be battling for this one. Now if something bad should happen to either then Dale Jr. could easily come sneaking up and win himself one. Wouldn't that be cool?
Phoneix has been a great track for Clint Bowyer......he or Denny Hamlin both will finish in the top five this weekend. Denny is really showing us what he's made of.....he's truly for real and still could win it all as well.
On to Arizona!!!!!
Who's Gonna Win it All?

Topsy Turvey Silly Season!!

2006-11-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

Well I didn't expect Atlanta to turn out like it did. But as in life NASCAR is sometimes very unpredicatable.
Kudos to Jimmie Johnson, who's now looking like a legit contender for the NEXTEL CUP CHASE title. Matt Kenseth continues to be consistent. That's how he won a few years back. He's never flashy. Just gets the job down.
Mark Martin is out of contention.
Dale Jr. still has a prayer...here's hoping!!!

I think I'm becoming a fan of the CHASE system. It's working better than I thought it ever could.
Kasey Kahne is my pick this weekend at Texas. Dale Jr. and Jimmie Johnson will both be strong as well.
On to Texas and some Lone Star Barbecue!!!

Johnson is Jamming!!

2006-10-24T15:43:00.000-04:00

Well if not for Brian Vickers wipeout of Jimmie Johnson at Talladega, then the #48 would be sitting really pretty near the top of the NEXTEL CUP point standings.
Instead, Matt Kenseth sits atop the board this week as Jeff Burton's engine did a number on him at Martinsville. Johnson made a big move by winning the race, but he's still got his work cut out for him. Kevin Harvick is now looking like a champion. He's really good at Atlanta and this weekend could really bring things into clearer focus for Harvicks' Reeses Team!!!
Martinsville has a way of getting a bunch of folks in wrecks. Small tracks always do that. That's one of the cool things about them.
Realistically 5 or 6 drivers could still win this thing!!
Carl Edwards won the BASS PRO SHOPS 500 at Atlanta last year and he could be in victory lane again doing a fabulous backflip!!!
Watch out for Denny Hamlin. This kid is for real. He finished second down a cylinder and could have easily wrecked Jimmy Johnson right out of the Martinsville win. But he didn't. He's classy and he's learning fast If he wins the CUP I think there'll be a contract extension and a BIG OLE raise in his future.
Poor Dale Jr. The spinout at the Mart hurt him bad and he's now 94 points back of Kenseth. I wish Dale Jr. would win at Hotlanta and then just go on and win the whole thing so he can get the monkey off his back. He deserves it.
On to the Capitol of the New South!!! Hotlanta!!!!

Kahne Kruises!!!

2006-10-17T16:07:00.000-04:00

Kasey Kahne looked great Saturday night in Concord at Lowes Motor Speedway. But is it too little, too late? Probably, but it's sure gonna make him a whole bunch more money if he wins a couple more races.
The CHASE is looking more and more like it could be Jeff Burton's or Matt Kenseth's as long as they play their cards right and don't have any major setbacks. Of course Martinsville is coming up and we all know it could be a major wreck fest. My pick for this track is Jeff Gordon. He's been almost unstoppable here for years. It's one of my favorite tracks on the circuit and the track I've been to more than any other. I love the feeling of being right on top of the action at Martinsville. Clay Campbell has done a superb job with track improvements including the new pit area and improvements in the stands over the past three or four years.
This could be a make or break weekend for Jeff Burton. He needs a good finish to maintain his lead.
Kevin Harvick could make a major move this week. He's a good short track guy and this could play right to his strengths. Ryan Newman has been good at winning poles at Martinsville and I think he could win the race as well.
Let's go to the Mart!!!
P.S. if you're going to the race ya gotta try a Mart dog!!! It's the best dog this side of the Mississippi!!! Life in the rolling hills of Virginia wouldn't be the same without those Mart dogs!!! They have single handedly contributed to a ten pound weight gain(20 on me) on every fan at the Mart!!!!
Yeeeeee doggies!!!!!

Vickers Victorious but Vicious!!!

2006-10-09T16:40:00.000-04:00

Okay so maybe he didn't mean to do it but still, he's leaving Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the season to drive for Toyota and he's already been locked out of team meetings so he won' t divulge any company secrets to Toyota. For all intents and purposes, he's a lame duck.. Sort of like a politician whose party is being ousted. But Brian Vickers did win at Talledega. But, that doesn't mean he deserves it or should have won. He's 22 years old and he sure drove like he was ten years younger than that yesterday. I mean I know what they say, "That's Racin'" but Vickers isn't in the CHASE and Jimmie Johnson and Dale Jr. are.....Either the 8 or 48 should have won the race and that's all there is too it. Vickers doesn't deserve it for wrecking the two drivers in the top ten in points. It all smelled really fishy!!! But C'est La Vie. Life goes on and Jeff Burton still leads the points. Burton's blown tire and 27th place finish didn't help him out but luckily he retained the points lead.
More tomorrow!!!

Coasting, Cruising and CHASING!!!

2006-10-03T16:06:00.000-04:00

Well that was just about the most bizarre race I've ever seen!!! Tony Stewart coasting home on fumes and Casey Mears doing the same!!! Great win for the Home Depot team as they are moving in and locking up the 11th position and the million bucks that goes with it.
Now for the CHASE drivers...
Jeff Burton continues to show remarkable consistency. That's what it takes to win a championship. I'm loving RCR's chances!! Go Richard Childress team!!!
Denny Hamlin is unbelievable. He could win this thing barring no really bad luck. Now that's a kickin' rookie!!!
Mark Martin is on fire. It would be most fitting for him to win a title in his final season of racing. After being so close for so many years!! He was so exhausted after Kansas. He's in remarkable shape for his age!!!
Jeff Gordon really hurt himself at Kansas. Or check that, his fuel pump hurt him. The Hendrick boys will have to hope Jeff pulls off a win at Martinsville and does well at Charlotte. He's not as strong at the final tracks in the CHASE!!! He'll need some luck if he can't make up ground in the next three weeks. I would expect Jeff will get a top five this weekend at Talladega!
Matt Kenseth managed to hold onto third place in the NEXTEL CUP standings and he's right where he needs to be.
Jimmie Johnson is gasping for air....don't think he's gonna win it all.
Same goes for Kyle Busch and Kasey Kahne. They're just out there running hard but won't win it all.
This CHASE is pretty interesting. I'm impressed with the up and downness of it so far. It's hard to tell at this point who's gonna win and that's making it fun. It's really still anybody's game!!!
On to Alabama!!! Restrictor plates anyone?

Dale Jr. needs to run strong at the restrictor plate Talledega. He can win this one this weekend and be right back in the thick of things.
Kevin Harvick was lucky to hold on at Kansas. He should be good at Talladega.
Hopefully he'll get a top five. He sure needs it.

Giving Away More Charlotte Tickets Thursday Sept. 28

2006-09-28T15:53:00.000-04:00

I'm giving away tickets today(Thursday September 28th) to the Dollar General NASCAR BUSCH Series race on Friday October 13th at Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte(actually Concord, cause that's my hometown and the track is in Cabarrus County and they pay Concord taxes)
Listen 3pm-7pm on 99.9 Genuine Country in Raleigh, NC.
Listen online at www.999genuinecountry.com
The answer to today's Tough As Nails Trivia question is :Jeff Gordon
Caller 9 with the correct answer when I ask the question wins the tickets and will be in a drawing to win tickets to Bojangles Pole Night and The Bank of America NEXTEL CUP race. Grand prize winner gets the clubhouse seats... Yeah Baby!!!
That's racin'!!!!1

Jeff Burton Wins!!! And I'm giving away Charlotte Tickets!!!!

2006-09-26T16:42:00.000-04:00

A Big Yee Haw for Jeff Burton who won for the first time in 175 races this past weekend at Dover. I couldn't believe Matt Kenseth ran out of gas with a couple laps left. That really hurt Kenseth's team.
Burton now leads the NEXTEL CUP points and the Childress Racing Shop in Welcome NC is humming along with a sense of pride not felt since Dale Earnhardt ruled the roost there!!!
Congratulations to Jeff on this big win!!!

If you'd like to win tickets to the Charlotte Dollar General 300 Busch Race on October 14th and the NEXTEL CUP Bank of America 500 on October 15th....listen this week between 3pm and 7pm for your chance to win tickets on 99.9 Genuine Country in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Online we stream the show at www.999genuinecountry.com
The answer for Tuesday's trivia question is: The Gambler
The winner gets tickets for the Oct. 14 BUSCH race in Charlotte, NC and the brand new Kenny Rogers DVD "The Journey" This DVD is a spellbinding journey through four decades of Kenny's legendary career complete with classic hits and must-see interviews. Also some footage of Kenny and Dolly Parton working on many of their terrific duets.
The Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday winners also qualify for club seats at Bojangles Pole night, The Dollar General 300 Busch race, and the Bank of America 500 NEXTEL CUP race. A Fun filled October 14, 15 weekend in Charlotte NC!!!
Listen to win!!!

RCR is REVVING it up!!!!!!

2006-09-19T15:14:00.001-04:00

Kevin Harvick was amazing this past weekend!! I am thoroughly impressed with the RCR engine shop, pit crew and drivers Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton. Harvick made it look like child's play at New Hampshire.
If this keeps up the next nine races he'll do what he's never done before.
Harvick has already achieved one first. He leads the NEXTEL CUP points for the first time ever in his career.
Poor Jimmie Johnson......lost a cylinder and fought like a warrior to just survive. His championship chances fade more into the rear view mirror every single week.
Right now I'm picking Matt Kenseth for this weekend's 2nd race of the 10 race CHASE...
Dover is a great track for Matt. He won there this past year and he'll be strong.
Jeff Gordon is back to life as well.
This CHASE is getting really interesting.
Could Denny Hamlin be the one that takes all the marbles? This week at the Monster Mile will be critical for the rookie.
Tony Stewart is fighting for that Eleventh position pretty hard. Guess he wants that million bucks. The Home Depot machine was sharp at New Hampshire.
On to Dover and every lap counts for Mark Martin, Kasey Kahne and the other drivers fighting to make up ground.
Who's gonna win it all?
Any predictions?
My pick at this moment is Kevin Harvick. He's picked the perfect time to peak!!!
Boy if RCR wins it all there's gonna be a big 'ole party in Welcome NC back at the shop with Richard Childress and the RCR staff!!!
Best of luck to everybody this weekend!!

RCR is REVVING it up!!!!!!

2006-09-19T15:14:00.000-04:00

Kevin Harvick was amazing this past weekend!! I am thoroughly impressed with the RCR engine shop, pit crew and drivers Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton. Harvick made it look like child's play at New Hampshire.
If this keeps up the next nine races he'll do what he's never done before.
Harvick has already achieved one first. He leads the NEXTEL CUP points for the first time ever in his career.
Poor Jimmie Johnson......lost a cylinder and fought like a warrior to just survive. His championship chances fade more into the rear view mirror every single week.
Right now I'm picking Matt Kenseth for this weekend's 2nd race of the 10 race CHASE...
Dover is a great track for Matt. He won there this past year and he'll be strong.
Jeff Gordon is back to life as well.
This CHASE is getting really interesting.
Could Denny Hamlin be the rookie that takes all the marbles? This week at the Monster Mile will be critical for the rookie.
Tony Stewart is fighting for that Eleventh position pretty hard. Guess he wants that million bucks. The Home Depot machine was sharp at New Hampshire.
On to Dover and every lap counts for Mark Martin, Kasey Kahne and the other drivers fighting to make up ground.
Who's gonna win it all?
Any predictions?
My pick at this moment is Kevin Harvick. He's picked the perfect time to peak!!!
Boy if RCR wins it all there's gonna be a big 'ole party in Welcome NC back at the shop with Richard Childress and the RCR staff!!!
Best of luck to everybody this weekend!!

Sizing Up The CHASE!!!!

2006-09-12T15:27:00.000-04:00

Kevin Harvick is the man!!! What a weekend. Harvick became the only NASCAR driver EVER to win all four races at one track in one year. Harvick won the BUSCH event in the spring and this past Friday. He also won the NEXTEL CUP race in the spring and of course he won the Chevy Rock-n-Roll 400 this past Saturday night at Richmond. Now that's some serious driving.

I feel bad for Tony Stewart. Wins it all in 2005 and he's the odd man out in 2006. Eleventh place is just not fair to all those Home Depot loving fans!! He just didn't have quite enough but boy he sure seemed calm about it after the race on Saturday night in Richmond.
Kasey Kahne, who deserved to make the CHASE, will be running for the big gusto!!
Kudos to Richard Childress Racing for getting Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton in the CHASE. It's terrific to see Richard's teams getting a shot at the CUP after some serious struggle since the death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001.
I hope one of them wins it all!
Is it just me or has Jimmie Johnson kind of been invisible for the past month or so? He's still second as they start the CHASE but Matt Kenseth looks like Superman after his runs over the past month.
Jeff Gordon is gonna be tough. Watch him shine at New Hampshire and the upcoming Martinsville race in October. Gordon could be an early contender for the CUP before November even rolls around.
Denny Hamlin would be a shocker but boy wouldn't it be wild if he won it all!!
And the 10 million dollar question......Can Dale Jr. muster enough consistency and a win or two over the next ten races to claim his first ever NEXTEL CUP title? Sure would be nice. Only time will tell.
Until then.
Let's go racin'

Remembering 9/11/01

2006-09-11T16:53:00.000-04:00

Every person in America changed forever on this date in 2001. I was working in Greensboro at WTQR. I remember going into work early and it was total chaos. We were scrambling all over the place just trying to get information. I remember all these planes from all over the world landing at Piedmont Triad International Airport. Everything was grounded and everybody was in a daze and wondering what to say or do. We opted to go all talk just like we had when Dale Earnhardt had died in February. We talked, we cried, we prayed. We hoped against hope that more people would be found alive!!! It helped people cope by talking together on the air. Sort of felt like we were all one big family. And for at least a day all of us Americans were united we stand, divided we fall. It was such a calming feeling knowing everybody was in this together. Of course the bipartisan thinking was only temporary and then it was back to nipping and bickering over who's right and who's wrong. Our world is a different place now. We live with the threat of terrorist acts every single day. And any of us could be affected if something else happens. I pray for all those fatherless, motherless children whose parents were killed on September 11, 2001. I pray that someday this world will be a better place and we'll stop killing each other. Of course that might be the day God comes back but still I believe that day will come!! Until then I'll hold all those who've gone before in my heart and continue to teach my children about the circle of life and respect for their fellow man or woman!!!! I hope you'll do the same!!!
Where were you when the world stopped turning?
We remember those who were lost and those that will never be because of those evil acts of 9/11/01.
May the peace that passes all understanding cradle you and your loved ones in these days of trial!!!

Shocker!!! NASCAR Changes The Rules!!!

2006-09-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

Well friends NASCAR has changed the rules of the NEXTEL CUP CHASE for the Championship, and only one week before it begins in New Hampshire. Now being the longtime fan and follower of this sport, this revelation shocks me more than John Daley smacking a 300 yard plus drive. But, this is a good rules change and it could make things more interesting.
The rule is if two drivers are tied for 10th place then they have to arm wrestle for the 10th spot(oops wrong rule change)
Seriously, if the two drivers are tied for 10th then both make it in the CHASE. Previously if there was a tie, the driver with the most wins would break the tie, in that case Kasey Kahne, with five wins, would knock Jeff Burton out of the CHASE. Burton and Mark Martin have no wins this season and this could have affected them had either ended up tying Kahne after Saturday night's showdown at Richmond.
This is gonna be a slugfest. Kasey Kahne has won 20 percent of this season's races and it'll be a shame if he doesn't make the CHASE. I can almost guarantee that NASCAR will change the rules again if Kahne doesn't make the CHASE. I love Mark Martin and Jeff Burton and want them to make it but if anybody deserves a shot it's Kahne.
Of course if things were the old way Matt Kenseth would already be the winner and I don't know if that's fair either. I still think Jimmie Johnson has been the best driver this season. But that's just me.....a devoted Lowe's customer!!!
Richmond is gonna be tough.
May the best men make the 10 final spots for the CHASE. Have a great weekend!!
Let's go racin'!!!

Down To The Wire for The Chase!!!

2006-09-05T16:55:00.000-04:00

Kasey Kahne has made his case after his stellar performance at California on Sunday night. He deserves a spot in the NEXTEL CUP CHASE for the Championship. He's got five wins and even though he had a bit of a slump in the summer, he should get one of the ten spots. Of course that's provided he can make up substantial ground against either Jeff Burton or Mark Martin this Saturday night at Richmond. Martin and Burton have no wins this season yet could still make the CHASE. Makes me think NASCAR needs to revise this Chase thing again. Wins should count for more than just money in a team's pocket. The powers that be need to look into this before next season. Something tells me they will after this season is over.

My pick this week....the incredibly surging Dale Jr/. Little E is a monster at Richmond. Three wins, seven top fives and nine top tens in 14 starts at Richmond. I'd say Earnhardt, provided he doesn't get wrecked by somebody, is gonna smoke at this track.
Tony Stewart will get a top five as well. Kevin Harvick is also super good at this track, plus my Magic Eight Ball told me "signs point to yes" that Kevin is gonna either be in the top two or three. So there you have it.....a classic Mattel toy from the 70's predicting the finishing order at Richmond.
Onward and upward to the CHASE we go!!! Yeeee doggies!!!!!

Sterling Marlin is an Iron Man!!!

2006-08-31T22:11:00.000-04:00

Sterling Marlin makes his 700th career start in NASCAR racing this weekend when he takes the wheel at this Sunday's Sony HD 500 in California.
Sterling has been driving for 30 years and has always been one of the more blunt and wonderful interviews I've had the chance to do when covering NASCAR races. He's a one of a kind and this weekend he'll join some pretty elite company. Only 11 drivers in NASCAR have 700 or more starts. Who's got the most? Well the King Richard Petty started 1,185 races. I doubt if any driver will EVER surpass King Richard's record of starts(1, 185) and victories(200)
It's a stellar accomplishment to start 700 races in NASCAR. A hat's off and a big salute to Sterling and the other drivers who had the longevity to achieve that goal. To be in any career that you love for 30 years(especially one this dangerous) and still be doing it well at the age of 49 is a terrific accomplishment.
Sterling's dad died in August of last year but if he were in California this weekend,
Coo Coo would be proud!!!

Kenseth is Looking to Win Baby!!!!

2006-08-28T17:39:00.000-04:00

I know I sound like Dick Vitale with that post title. But it's true!! Matt Kenseth is hotter than Johnston County asphalt on a 100 degree August day. He was rolling at Bristol. Congrats and now he's only nine points back of Jimmie Johnson in the points race. He's looking like he could win it all if he maintains this kind of consistency. His Dewalt team was superb.
Dale Jr. said his nerves are much better after he had a good top five finish and got himself a little bit of a pad in the points. Technically the field of 10 is almost completely set at this point. Mark Martin could drop out if he does really bad at California, but I doubt he will. Mark usuually runs well in California. My guess is everybody in right now is in and Kasey Kahn and the rest of the 11th thru 20th guys are all outside looking in....
California then Richmond....then the Chase!!! Gonna be a fun one.
News and Notes coming later this week!!!
Gotta get moved into my new house tomorrow. Have a great day!!!

Kenseth Kruises and Burton Blows Up!

2006-08-22T15:38:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a difference a week makes. Matt Kenseth ripped it up in the Dewalt Ford and made his move to make the NEXTEL CUP CHASE for the Championship with only three races left before the cutoff.
Jeff Burton's blown engine early in the Michigan race really hurt him and his team's chances of making the CHASE. He dropped all the way to ninth in the standings and is hanging on by the hair of his chiny chiny chin. Jeff will need an excellent couple of runs in the next two weeks to secure his spot for the RCR team. Kyle Busch is looking human as well after whacking the wall and blowing a tire at Michigan. He dropped from fifth in points to seventh and will need a couple of good finishes to secure his place in the race!1
The LOWES team continues to roll along like a freight team and Jimmie Johnson is in like flynn. Barring major disaster Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick will find themselves alongside Jimmie Johnson as the Top Three in the NEXTEL CUP Chase for the Championship.
This weekend's Bristol race could be make or break for Kasey Kahn, rookie Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. .
My guess is that Jeff Gordon will separate himself from the bunched up pack near the bottom of the top ten. Gordon is one of the strongest short track drivers out there and he's been a force to be reckoned with at Bristol every single year.
Tony Stewart will make a big move this weekend as well. He should get a top five at Bristol. Barring any major wreck Dale Jr. should be able to post a good finish as well. I look for Kasey Kahn to run hard and go for the whole shebang at one of the coolest tracks on the whole circuit, Bristol Motor Speedway!!!

Elliott does the Evernham Shuffle!!

2006-08-16T16:19:00.000-04:00

Rumors, ruminations and 99.9% truths!!!

They're dancing the shuffle again this week in the world of NASCAR. First my old high school golf teammate Todd Parrott leaves the Bobby Labonte/Petty Enterprises team and returns to Robert Yates Racing. No word yet on what Todd's job will be. I imagine he'll oversee things in a management role.

Then there's the firing of Jeremy Mayfield...he's outta there at Evernham Motor Sports. For a minute I thought Ray would pull Awesome Bill from Dawsonville out of retirement, alas, it was only a one race thing. Elliott Sadler will be the new driver of the #19 Dodge. Elliott is really confusing my sons because they still associate him him the M&M's Yellow car. If he keeps moving I'm gonna be broke from buying all his different sponsor's products for my kids. Maybe that's how NASCAR does it. They make driver changes so unsuspecting dad's like me will continue to spend money on new teams. It's an idea for all you racing marketers out there. It's sure working on me.

Opinions and Suggestions
The reason for Jeremy Mayfield's release.......Ray Evernham says the team had to do some things to the Dodge Charger that Mayfield wasn't comfortable with or wanted to do. I think if Bo and Luke Duke could take over that Dodge Charger for at least a couple of weeks(2 episodes in TV time) then there'd be a Big Ole "01" painted on the side and nobody would ever catch the team again. I mean those Duke boys knew how to juke up a car!!!! Put ole Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane in a beat up Crown Vic chasing them on the track and there'd be no way the Dodge Charger could lose!!!!
Good luck to Elliott and his new team!!! They'll rev it up for the first time together this weekend in Ted Nugent country.....Michigan International Speedway!!!!

SIDEBAR(that has nothing to do with racing but is news for country music lovers)
Speaking of Michigan....did you see where Country singer Troy Gentry is in trouble with the law in Minnesota for killing a tame bear and claiming it was a wild kill? T Roy could face up to five years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Whew, that's awfully stiff!! Good luck to Troy. Here's hoping he's innocent.

Childress in Championship State of Mind!

2006-08-14T15:37:00.000-04:00

Kevin Harvick is back. The number 29 was sharp as a tack at Watkins Glen. He and Tony Stewart put on quite a show for the final six laps or so and it was a much deserved win for "Cupcake" That's our Kernersville affectionate term for Kevin. You see I lived in Kernersville for the past five years before moving to Raleigh and Kevin lives there and has a truck shop there. He's a great guy and I'm glad he got the victory yesterday. I've secretly rooted for him ever since he had to take on the massive responibility of stepping in the shoes of Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 2001 after Earnhardt's death at Daytona. Kevin has had an up and down time since then and it's great to see him making a run for the NEXTEL CUP championship. He's in the top ten right now along with teammate Jeff Burton and as team owner Richard Childress said over the weekend, "if both our drivers get in the top ten then we've got a great shot at the championship" I have to agree with Richard. This could be the year he returns RCR to the Earnhardt Glory Days. And I could think of no better way to cap off 2006, than a victory dinner in New York with Richard and his driver taking the coveted NEXTEL CUP.
Great run for Jamie McMurray on Sunday. He needed that one.
Great to see independent Robbie Gordon doing what he does best and that is driving a road course. I think if Robbie had access to more money and people he could win like a madman. His fourth place was fantastic considering his limited resources.
Tony Stewart continues to be dominate on road courses.
The top ten in points still looks very good. Poor Jimmie Johnson....he's built up a huge lead and in just four more races it will dissappear as they reboot and start all over with the top ten in the Chase. I really think Jimmie should win the CUP this year. He's far and away better than anybody else. And he really was last year as well. He just had that bit of a late season slide last year.
We'll see what happens.
I love road courses. They're not as much fun to watch in person but on FOX 50 you could see every turn and every slide.
I could tell the effects of chemotherapy on Benny Parsons. His throat was hurting, it was obvious during the broadcast. My prayers to Benny as he continues to fight lung cancer!! He's a fighter.

Silly Season Rules!!!

2006-08-08T16:03:00.000-04:00

Well hats off to Jimmie Johnson. He finally got the monkey off his back and stopped the Indy slide. For the past several years the Brickyard was Jimmie's nemesis and this year he was able to kiss the bricks and in the process pad his points lead dramatically. In fact if we were still in the old NASCAR points system Jimmie would pretty much already have the CUP championship wrapped up and if you ask me, if he continues his remarkable consistency then he deserves it!!! Of course that's not the way it works now is it!! The Top Ten is looking good after Indy. Only problem is, can Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart maintain their positions in the Top Ten. Those three are marquee names and need to be in the Chase to provide excitement and better ratings for NASCAR. I'm hoping they all three make it. Not to slight any other drivers but you need your bread and butter to make the dough!!!! Or is it you need the dough the make the bread and butter. I think that's interchangeable.
I didn't think Jimmie would win after his early tire troubles at Indy but it only goes to show if you keep your wits about you then you can do anything. Calm under pressure is a key ingredient in racing.
Watkins Glen could prove to be the undoing of more than one driver with hopes for the NEXTEL CUP Chase for the Championship! Should be a good weekend for that road course superstar Jeff Gordon. If Gordon wins he'll tie Dale Earnhardt Sr. for the second most victories ever on the NASCAR circuit. And if you're wondering. It's 76 wins. Who has the most? Well you know that don't you. The King has 200 victories and I don't think anyone will ever surpass the greatest of all NASCAR drivers, Richard Petty!! I'll bet you a lifetime supply of BC powders.
I love silly season! Can't wait for Charlotte and the fall Martinsville races in October!!!

Hotter than Grandma's Frying Pan!

2006-08-02T15:11:00.000-04:00

I could use a misting tent along about now. It's almost 100 in Raleigh, NC today. The Heat Index is 109 degrees. I'm wondering what the temperature will be in Indianapolis this weekend as the NASCAR guys swing into the Brickyard?
Should be interesting with the new safer barriers. This could change the way the groove is driven at Indy!!! We'll see what happens!!

Scene and Heard!
I heard an interesting observation from a radio talk show caller last night. The caller suggested that NASCAR let the driver with the most wins make the NEXTEL CUP Chase for The Championship. I like that idea. It would work. It would reward winning and give drivers incentive to win more races instead of just hanging in there long enough to get a top ten or top fifteen finish so they could keep their points position. Of course currently it would be a moot point because Casey Kahn has the most wins but he's already in the top ten and will make the Chase. It's definitely a concept for Brian France and the NASCAR powers to mull over though!!! Food for thought as they consider changing some of the current rules for the NEXTEL CUP chase format.

Predictions and Prognostications!
Tony Stewart will win at the Brickyard. He will climb the storied fence once again and probably have to call Richard Petty for a BC powder 'cause it's a tough fence and he might scrape a hand or two.
Jeff Gordon will finish in the top five.
Jimmie Johnson will finish in the top ten.
Carl Edwards will run well.
Kurt Busch will continue to roll and land in the top Five.
Dale Jr. will struggle.
Mark Martin will finish in the top ten!!
Rousch racing will dominate the Top Ten.
Look for Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick to land in the top ten as well.
That's my view. What's yours?

Random Thoughts on a Week Off!

2006-07-28T16:08:00.000-04:00

Well with a much deserved break NASCAR drivers get a break this weekend as the gear up for the final home stretch to battle for the 10 spots in the NEXTEL CUP Chase for the Championship!!!

My prayers and well wishes go out to 1973 Winston Cup Champion Benny Parsons, affectionately known as BP in NASCAR circles. Benny was diagnosed with lung cancer several weeks back and began chemo this past week. Luckily it's a very small tumor and only in his left lung. It's very beatable and I pray that Benny wins this war. My grandmother died of lung cancer from sitting in the same room with my grandfather for years breathing his second hand smoke. It's a strange dicotomy that Winston(Reynolds American Tobacco) supplied sponsorship for all those years to NASCAR and now one of its own is suffering from the product that made NASCAR so rich and gave it an identity. I'm just as guilty as the next guy. I smoked for about eight years. And I've spent the past fifteen years playing music in bars and clubs around the southeast. And let me tell you second hand smoke causes cancer and it causes lung pain. About a year ago I started having trouble breathing. I did all the tests, Ct scans and everything else and they were clear. Since then I've backed off from playing bars and clubs and mostly do outdoor festivals, fairs and private gigs with my band(the Dallas Reese Band, website is www.dallasreese.com)
I understand the toll tobacco takes on a body. I pray for smokers daily and I pray that I can beat back the effects of tobacco use on my body. I think it was a step forward for NASCAR to go to a new sponsor simply because the evidence of the damage tobacco does is overwelming compared to the evidence in the 60's and early 70's when Benny was making his name as a young driver.
No offense to smokers. I believe in people's rights to do what they want but as for me I choose to not smoke and don't wanna be around secondhand smoke either, just like Benny. Here's to ya BP keep on keepin' on and we'll keep watching and listening to your great analysis and commentary on the most awesome of sports, NASCAR racing!!!!

Is Tony the NEW Dale Sr.?

2006-07-24T15:01:00.000-04:00

Well there's a lot of shouting going on in the world of NASCAR today. Poor Carl Edwards got caught up in the wrath of Tony the Tiger Stewart. On the surface the problem seems to stem from Clint Bowyer's inexperience. Tony Stewart is right when he says younger drivers have a lot to learn in the sport of NASCAR. Stewart didn't feel Bowyer was allowing enough give and take and to put it truthfully he probably wasn't. A lot of the younger guys don't know how to get up front and stay up there yet(Denny Hamlin excluded for this week because he drove a masterful race yesterday)
And Bowyer pushed Stewart too far. If Dale Sr. would have been here he would have done the same thing Stewart did. Maybe without the middle finger part that Tony displayed to Carl Edwards. Poor Carl Edwards was involved in a classic case of wrong place, wrong time. And Edwards had a right to be mad until he spun Tony out on Pit Road. Not smart. Spin him on the track and not where pit crew guys can get hurt or killed on the pit road. NASCAR doled out the proper penalities and now it's back to racing. Unfortunately, with that wreck Edwards' chances of backflipping his way into the NEXTEL Cup Chase for The Championship faded away with the scrap metal flying on the track.
Ah, Silly Season!!! I love it. And hats off to Denny Hamlin. What a weekend at Pocono!!!!
Tony is the new Dale Sr. NASCAR needs a bad guy!!! Jeff Gordon's going to be a movie star in a couple years so Tony needs to fulfill that bad guy role!!!
Give 'um you know what Home Depot Man!!!

Buschwhacked!!!

2006-07-17T13:23:00.000-04:00

Kyle Busch came on strong Sunday at New Hampshire. Personally I think Carl Edwards would have won if there had been two more laps of racing. It was a rather bizarre finish with the eight extra laps because of the Clint Bowyer/Brian Vickers and Michael Waltrip crashes. Denny Hamlin didn't have the speed or the gas that Edwards had and that's why he wound up sixth.
What a day for Roush. Greg Biffle, Mark Martin and Carl Edwards all in the top five. That is consistency!!
And what a resurgence for Busch. He was 12th in driver points just three weeks ago. Now he's moved up to fourth. Go figure. Who woulda thought that Tony Stewart would be 11th in points at this point in the season. Tony's early wreck hurt him bad.
And how about that Jeff Burton. His consistency is really paying off for him in points. He's currently third and barring any major misfortune should be right there in the thick of the NEXTEL CUP Chase for The Championship in a month.
Kevin Harvick continues to roll well and make Richard Childress proud.
Jeff Gordon and Greg Biffle are battling for the final spot in the CHASE with seven races to go before the cutoff. They both need excellent runs at this weekend's upcoming Pocono race.
And wow what a bad break for Dale Jr. The blown engine at New Hampshire dropped him to seventh in points and he's gonna have to run like a champ these next seven races.
This is really SILLY SEASON. Things are getting whacky in NASCAR land.
I think I'm liking this points system more now.

The Dog Days are almost here!!!

2006-07-13T15:13:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you but I'm sweating. The last two or three days have been smoking here in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Makes me wonder what it feels like in a race car on days like today. The temperatures certainly are hot enough to make you lose a bunch of weight. Makes me glad I can watch the races on FOX 50 in the comfort of room temperature.
But this weekend the drivers get a break from the heat. At least they should as they travel to New Hampshire. I've been to the track there and this time of year is gorgeous there. Last time I was there(about three years ago) the temps were very nice the whole week. I drove up the Maine coast from New Hampshire and passed the shop of Ricky Craven. I never knew he was from up that way until I went by his shop up there. The northeast is not generally a haven for stock cars but it is beautiful and the fans are catching on quite nicely up there. The one thing that always saddens me about this weekend's race though is the memory of Adam Petty being killed at New Hampshire. He was merely making a practice run when he was killed but that memory sticks in my mind about this track and the fact that racing is a dangerous sport. No matter what safety adjustments NASCAR makes the sport will always be risky. But boy is it so much safer now than it was even five years ago when Dale Earnhardt was killed at Daytona. The Hans device is certainly a Godsend!!!! And I'm a huge fan of the safer barriers and foam in the walls. Helps quite a bit.
Picks and Pans
As much as I don't wanna pick Jeff Gordon, I think his chances this weekend are quite good. His team really seems to be coming around. I also think Greg Biffle could be dangerous at this track. And Tony Stewart will qualify well and I think he could be in the top three. Look for Ryan Newman to finally get it together this weekend. He could be a winner. That's my view. What do you think?

Vino, Victory and Veneration!!!!

2006-07-10T15:17:00.000-04:00

Well Chicago was a blast. It was a great race for the Childress team once again. Jeff Burton was STRONG!!!!! Kevin Harvick was sharp as well. Way to go Childress guys. While they were jamming on the track I was jamming (acoustically) at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, North Carolina. Race fans if you've never been to Childress Vineyards you should go. Richard Childress has built a top notch winery and winemaker Mark Frisolowski is one of the best. Try the Pinnacle Red when you're there. It is superb. And a favorite of mine with the steak. All fans are welcome and there's a great gift shop and the tours are absolutely free. Plus there's live music every Saturday and Sunday thru the summer and fall on the Terrace. I'll be there again on Labor Day weekend(Saturday and Sunday) The tunes are from 1pm-4pm and I had a great crowd this weekend with lots of different fun folks. The place is fascinating, amazing and the process of making wine is incredible to watch.!!!! I had a chance to talk with the new chef on Saturday. His name is David Thomas and he's the former personal chef for Dale Earnhardt Jr. And no Dale doesn't like peanut butter and banana sandwiches but he does like his pizza kicking!!! Richard Childress hired David away from Dale and that's good news for food lovers. You've gotta try the New Zealand Lamb chops which is also a favorite of Richard Childress. And for lunch my favorite is Richard's roast beef. The potato salad is awesome and for desert the cranberry cookies are unbelievable. Bring a blanket or sit at one of the picnic tables in the courtyard. The vineyard is right off Hwy 52 at Exit 89 as you head south towards Charlotte. For directions and details go to: www.childressvineyards.com

Now on to commentary on the Sunday Kenseth/Gordon spin match!!!!!Did Jeff Gordon intentionally spin out Matt Kenseth? Kenseth says yes because it was leftover aggression from Bristol. I don't agree. I think Matt's car didn't have the juice and he fell off the pace in the turn where he spun. Gordon stayed on the throttle and Kenseth felt the air and then he went for a ride. To top it off he wrecked after the restart because I think he was angry at Gordon. Matt could have finished much better but he let his temper get the better of him. Gordon was smart and played his cards right. No whining in the sport. As they say, "That's racin'" I'm not particularly a Gordon fan so I don't have dog in this fight but I think Jeff was racing clean. Just my opinion.
Dale Jr. was superstrong again. After not qualifying well he came out looking good. I'm liking his chances in the CHASE for the NEXTEL CUP.
We're getting down to the nitty gritty and the bubble drivers have gotta make it happen in the next several weeks. Looks like Jeff Gordon is headed towards the CHASE after his performance this past weekend!!!
Have a great day!!! What a beautiful July day in Raleigh!!!

Jamming July

2006-07-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

Well after another day off I'm back in the saddle and writing away. This time of year in radio is the window we have for taking days off and most people in the business do take some time off in the summer. It's about a 12 week window we have and then it's back to being in the station full time so we can cover the all important ratings periods(spring and fall)
What a weekend at Daytona. Tony Stewart evidently isn't being bothered by his formerly hurt shoulder. He had no problem climbing the fence at Daytona after he pulled off the victory. And then he came down in the crowd and floated on the mosh pit. That was the coolest. I was scared for a while because I thought Boris Said was gonna win the race, but Tony came through with flying Home Depot Orange colors.
Tidbits:
Did you hear about the press conference NASCAR chief Brian France had last week? He says there'll be changes in the Chase for the NEXTEL CUP in 2007.
I wonder what they'll be? I've speculated already in a previous post but I thought today I'd give you some changes that would most certainly be monumental in the Chase for 2007.
My Top 5....
5. All drivers will race against Darrell Waltrip in the pre-race fun and everybody that Darrell beats is out of the CHASE. I'm telling you Darrell can still drive the wheels off that Petty Driving Experience Car.!!! 4. Jimmie Johnson will just be handed the trophy he would have already won if the CHASE worked the way it used to....
3. Fans will be allowed to drive in school bus races to determine which of their favorite drivers make the CHASE. That'll really make it a fan participation sport.
2. Sportswriters will draw straws to see who makes the CHASE.
1. The two drivers on the bubble(11 and 12) will have a no holds barred cage match officiated by Nature Boy Rick Flair to determine the final driver to make the bonus spot in the CHASE!!!!!

Back from Vacation and back in the Groove!!!

2006-06-29T15:39:00.000-04:00

Well I've been out of touch for almost a solid week and I have to fess up that includes missing Sunday's race at California. I was at a cabin deep in the mountains of North Carolina, without phone, internet or any of the modern communications methods. It was odd not having access to the world for the week. However I did correctly pick that Jeff Gordon would win at California and it really boosts his momentum going into Daytona. I love the Daytona July race. It's one of the best and is almost the exact halfway point to the season.
I'm picking Dale Jr. this week. It's his time and he's due for another big one. He's been consistent so far this season. His California showing wasn't great but'll he recoup with a win this weekend at the place where his father died.
I have to say being out of touch with the world is a refreshing change from the normally hectic life. I did come out of hiding once over the weekend and took my sons to see the new Disney movie, "Cars" featuring Dale Jr., Richard Petty and other NASCAR greats. The music featuring Rascal Flatts covering the Tom Cochran tune "Life is a Highway" and Brad Paisley and others was great. The soundtrack is worth the purchase if you're a country music fan like me. Richard Petty was my favorite voice in the movie which is a tremendous movie because it's a great story about how winning isn't always everything. Sometimes just playing the game and giving of yourself to others is enough. And besides the way NASCAR is these days you can make a killing and never win a race. What a life!!!
Here's to our country's 230th birthday!!! NASCAR celebrates with a jamming Daytona party!!! Go Jr.!!!

Turning Left and RIGHT!!!

2006-06-22T14:45:00.000-04:00

Yes this weekend NASCAR defies all the neighsayers who say the sport is only about turning left......
Yes this weekend it's left and RIGHT turns. I love it.
Sonoma has some of the finest Vineyards in the world and this road race at Infineon should prove to be a doozy!!!
Could be a rough weekend for points leader Jimmie Johnson. He's been dogged by all kinds of car problems at this track and never really done that well.
Same for Matt Kenseth....
This road course could be just what the doctor ordered for Jeff Gordon to gain ground in making the chase for the NEXTEL CUP. Gordon needs to put some distance between himself the other drivers floating just outside the top ten and he's good on these road courses. Nobody in NASCAR has won more road races than Gordon. He's got eight victories total and he's won more in Sonoma than anyone else as well. (four total at the California road course) He's my man this weekend.

Other possible winners: Tony Stewart. Enough said. Tony can turn left and right better than anybody but Gordon on the road courses. Robbie Gordon drives these tracks well also. He'll get a top ten finish barring any engine problems. Kurt Busch could come on strong here as well. He's shown a knack for driving well on the road courses. I predict he'll get a top five finish as well.
And finally, could Ryan Newman finally win a race. If he's gonna do it this year, it'll be in Sonoma this weekend!! We'll see what happens!!!
This weekend will mark the 100th Road Course Race in NASCAR history.
And of course every Tom, John and Larry who drives open wheel cars will be trying to qualify for this race. Seems those specialty drivers only come out of hiding here and at the other road course races. Boris Said appears to have the best shot and making a dent this weekend from that group.

Kasey At The Bat

2006-06-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

Unlike the baseball Kasey......Mr. Kahne knows how to knock it out of the park. Way to go Kasey......It was a short day at Michigan because of the rain but Kasey showed true maturity when he had a motor overheat but didn't panic.
I think Carl Edwards would have taken the race had Kasey not beaten Edwards out of the pits on the Lap 112 pit stop. That was the key to the whole thing.
Kasey grabs a fourth victory of the year and appears to have Evernham Motorsports back in the spotlight just like the were in the old days with Bill Elliott. Of course the Evernham boys won at Michgan last August with Jeremy Mayfield so they know what they're doing at this track.
Lurking in the background......only 10 races to go till the NEXTEL CUP Chase for the Championship and Jimmie Johnson continued his points lead with a superstrong finish. Dale Jr. continues to show his consistency and he kept his spot in the top five in points by finishing third. He hasn't done well at these mid size tracks and this was a solid run for him.
He will be in the Cup Chase and with some luck and hopefully no big wrecks he could win it all. Wouldn't that be cool?
I'd love to see it. It's about time.....I mean he's got the talent, it just seems sometimes his luck runs dry.

Notes:
Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton looked great for Childress racing. The teammates finished back to back, Harvick in tenth and Burton eleventh.
As a result they both still contend to make the Cup Chase with ten more races for them to show consistency and make the run.
Do you like the points chase that NASCAR has adopted over the past several years? Do you think it's the best way to get a champion? Or would you like to see it the old way....where consistency wins the Championship. I think Jimmie Johnson would have won the past couple if it was done the way it used to be. Just my opinion. I still don't know if I'm sold on this points Chase like it is now.

Another question......Who's gonna drive the Red Bull Toyotas in 2007?
Where is Brian Vickers going? Just thoughts running through my head as the weather gets more summerlike and I start to dream about Daytona in July!!!!

Happenin' Hamlin!!!

2006-06-12T16:55:00.000-04:00

Well what do you know. I knew Denny was gonna win one pretty soon and Pocono was the place. I do have to say I am partial to this track even though it's a zillion miles from Raleigh and the Carolinas. It's such a beautiful area of the country. And one of the top honeymoon destinations for Yankees and even some Southerners. Plus it's just a huge track.

I have to admit I was nervous when Jeff Gordon wrecked. I had flashes back to February 2001 when Dale Earnhardt Sr. hit the wall in a similar fashion. Plus Jeff didn't get out of the car for what seemed like an eternity. But I think because of the Hans device and the safer barriers on the walls Jeff didn't even get hurt. He hopped out and started inspecting his wrecked 24 Rainbow warrior ride. Thanks to NASCAR for picking up the pace on the safety improvements in the sport. That same wreck five years ago could have very easily ended Jeff Gordon's career or even his life. Thank God for styrofoam barriers and neck braces. It's a good thing for the sport.

Kyle Petty's tire had a life of it's own. I don't know what happened in that wreck but it sure looked like the wheel wanted to run a race on it's own once it broke loose from his car.

And how about that Darrell Watlrip. Ol' DW was flying like a bat out of you know where in his pre-race ride around. That's beginning to be one of my favorite pre-race features on the FOX sports coverage of NASCAR. DW drives that Petty Driving Experience car like he's in the real race and he shows no fear. Of course from one of the best drivers around you wouldn't expect anything less. Jeff Hammond's analysis is right on track and I love the cut away cars they use to show us what's up with the drivers on the track and the conditions that they're dealing with.
Here's to another exciting week of NEXTEL Cup action.

The Monster Mile was Magnificient!!!

2006-06-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

Dover was a blast!!! That was a fun race to watch. I thought Jamie McMurray would hold on but Matt Kenseth had the juice. Congrats to Matt.
I was really pulling for Kevin Harvick. I thought he had enough to make the pass near the end but his car just couldn't manuever on the low or high side. But it was still a fantastic race for Childress Racing. Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton both made Richard proud!! Both in the top five. Now that's what I call cool!!! And to top it off Jeff Burton won the BUSCH race on Saturday making it a great weekend for him. Congrats to Jeff.

Observations
Ricky Rudd did a superb job filling in for Tony Stewart.
Jimmie Johnson was amazing. After starting 40th and dropping two laps back he finished on the lead lap in sixth. Now that's racin!!!!
Mark Martin is just as solid as they come. His consistency is amazing!!!

Overheard at Dover
Awesome Bill from Dawsonville Elliott will drive in Charlotte, Alanta and Texas in the fall for Red Bull. Red Bull is testing the waters as they get set for a full time Cup ride in 2007 that will feature the new entry in Cup racing....Toyota.

Mark Martin will move directly into ownership when he leaves Roush racing. Question is will he buy in with someone or field a team with Jack Roush? Interesting!!

Memorial Weekend Mania!!!

2006-05-30T15:10:00.000-04:00

What a weekend! I'm finally back in the triangle after a wild Charlotte weekend!!!
The Coca-Cola 600 was tremendous. Great race for Kasey Kahn!!! Jimmie Johnson continues to be dominating in Charlotte as well. He was strong. I was thoroughly impressed with Carl Edwards hanging in there with a difficult handling car. Felt bad for Dale Jarrett when he wrecked on the second lap. Not the way to start the longest race on the circuit.
And Tony Stewart. It's been a difficult couple weeks for him. I'm glad he wasn't hurt any worse than the broken bone in his shoulder. Of course the wreck happened because of a flat tire and that could be attributed to the new pavement at Lowes Motor Speedway which caused a number of flats over the course of two weeks of Charlotte racing.
Interesting note.....I was listening to a radio talk show the other night when on my way to Charlotte and heard the commentators talking about which drivers are in the best shape? Who do you think. I would think most are in really good shape, considering most have personal trainers and nutrition programs now. However when I look at Tony Stewart I sometimes think he's just like you and me. He eats a few doughnuts and probably wouldn't turn down the second piece of cheesecake. Who do you think is the fittest driver? I would rank Jimmie Johnson, Carl
Edwards, Jeff Gordan, Kasey Kahn and the other young guys right up there at the top. Mark Martin says he's in better shape now than he was 20 years ago. And I don't doubt it one bit. He's unbelievable....his endurance, his longevity etc.
There's more good news for North Carolina race fans. Details to come!!!
Dover's up next!!! The MONSTER MILE!!!! Yeah Baby!!!

Mr. Charlotte

2006-05-22T15:09:00.000-04:00

Jimmie Johnson's new nickname is officially "Mr. Charlotte" or Mr. Lowes Motor Speedway. He has got that track's number. Even with new pavement causing tons of wrecks Jimmie was able to pull off the million dollar win on Saturday night and win the All Star Race at Lowes Motor Speedway. I love the way he's driving right now. He and Chad Knaus have got it going on and don't seem to be willing to give any at all!!! They are dominating.
I thought for sure Carl Edwards would win this thing. But that was on Friday. Jimmie proved me wrong on Saturday.

This week will feature one of my favorite races of all time. Hello to the infamous Coddle Creek Stank Gang who have held a place in the infield at Lowes since the 70's. They have continued to provide a fun experience whenever I've seen them in the infield at the Concord track(which is about four miles from where I grew up)
I'll just go ahead and say I'm gonna pick Jimmie Johnson to win the Coca-Cola 600. Dale Jr. will finish second. Kasey Kahne third and Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart will also post top five finishes!!!
It's gonna be a big week. Speed Street will be in full swing in downtown Charlotte with tons of great live bands. Then on Sunday Carrie Underwood will perform a pre-race concert at the track.

News and Notes
Which NASCAR team is worth the most money? Well of course it's Jack Roush. His operation is valued at over 200 million. Hendrick comes in second. Joe Gibbs operation is the third most valuable and Richard Childress comes in fourth with an estimated market value of over 100 million dollars. Boy this ain't your mama's Winston Cup racing from the 70's is it? Wow the money in today's sport boggles the mind!!!

Personal Note: I'm sorry I haven't posted much in the past two weeks. My dad has been in and out of the hospital and now he's back in the hospital after having a stroke last week and I've been attending to those matters. Thanks for your patience!!!

Biffle Back in Business

2006-05-15T16:22:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Greg Biffle on winning one of the quietest races I can ever remember at Darlington. Of course had Jimmie Johnson's Lowes' team not made a costly pit mistake near the end of the race Biffle wouldn't have won. Johnson obviously had the better car but lost too much time with the faulty final pit stop. The Saturday night special was sold out and the crowd was fantastic.
Jeff Gordon looked strong as well. And how about Little E. He's battled the flu all week and still performed like a superstar. Once again he's top five and showing good consistency.
I can't believe how event free this race was. I don't think Charlotte is gonna be the same. I predict quite a few wrecks over the next several weeks as the two week trip to Charlotte comes up. The new pavement at Lowes Motor Speedway is way too fast and the hard as a brick tires will have problems as well. This could get scary. Hopefully there won't be anybody getting hurt at the All Star race or the upcoming Coca-Cola 600. Bruton Smith knows how to put on a show though. American Idol sensation Carrie Underwood will perform a pre-race concert in a couple of weeks at the Coca-Cola 600 and The Red Hot Chili Peppers will do a show during a break in the All Star race this weekend. Bruton probably has more Hollywood style promotional tactics than anyone I've ever seen. He's a master at getting people to the track and then giving them a show worth paying beaucoup bucks for, and for that I give him a SALUTE!!!! You da man Bruton!!!

The Lady in Black

2006-05-11T15:58:00.000-04:00

Darlington hosts a Mother's Day party this Saturday night under the lights at one of the most revered tracks on the circuit. The Lady in Black. Yeah some of the drivers don't like the track 'cause it's bumpy and grinds ya down, but gosh it's fun to watch a race there. And this race has sold out quicker than any other at the SC track. Thank goodness, because I sometimes feel like the south is gonna lose all it's race tracks if we don't sell out every race at every single track in the south.
Predictions:
A stat for ya; 19 of Tony Stewart's 25 career wins have come after mid-June. He'll win Darlington this weekend and then look out, in the words of Clint Black, "Summer's Comin' " and that's when Tony's at his best. Jimmie Johnson is still leading the points but won't be after this weekend.

Way to Go Little E

2006-05-08T15:14:00.000-04:00

Little E is Back!!!
What a great feeling watching Little E win one on Saturday night at Richmond. It was a great performance and it's nice to see the number eight back in Victory Lane. And boy is Chevrolet making a run. The Chevys now have six wins this season. Dodge cars have three wins and Ford is bringing up the rear with only one win this NEXTEL CUP season.
Tony Eury Jr. being back in the Crew Chief spot for Dale Earnhardt Jr. has really helped him up to this point in the season.
Kevin Harvick had a stellar run Saturday night as well. He's got to feel more secure now that he knows he's in the ride with Childress for a while longer. He and Richard agreed to a new contract last week after an extended period of uncertainty about whether Harvick would leave RCR to take a ride with Toyota next season.

Engine problems galore
A review from Richmond: Matt Kenseth knocked from the race with a broken oil tank. Jeff Gordon had a distributor break. Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin LePage blew their engines.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is now sixth in NEXTEL CUP points just eight points behind Kevin Harvick who is in fifth place. This time last year both Little E and Kevin Harvick were in the throes of despair. Funny how things change. Hope they both continue the great season's they've had so far.

Jimmy Jumps out of a Jam

2006-05-02T15:14:00.000-04:00

Wow..!!! What a race. After sitting thru the rain delay on Sunday the Monday race day was awesome!! Jimmy Johnson was spectacular and in the process kept himself on the top of the heap of drivers in NEXTEL CUP points. I'm beginning to think Lowes and Home Depot are the smartest marketers around for sponsoring Jimmy and Tony. They've sure been giving those companies a lot of face time on TV lately!!!
I felt bad for Dale Jr. After running well in the painted black #8 he blew a motor but mainly because he got caught up in a wreck which looked like was his fault. The wreck pretty much finished his engine!!! The perils of restrictor plate racing!!! But as they say smack in the middle of silly season, "That's racin'"
How about that Jeff Burton. RCR continues to look strong. Jeff hung in there and had a fabulous top five finish!!! Way to go Jeff!!!
In all there were 56 lead changes at Talledega!! That's the fourth highest total for one race in NASCAR history. Now that's what I call racin'!!!

QUIPS, QUOTES AND NOTES FROM DEGA!!
FOX Sports analyst and former racer supreme Darrell Waltrip had the quote of the day after the first big wreck.(the big one) "Somebody got into Somebody" Well there you go. I love Darrell.

Almost 135,000 people showed up for the Monday race at Talledega. Okay what kind of jobs do they have? Or was it just a one day malady that required taking a sick day from work? The dreaded NASCAR virus. I know, I know I've had it before as well. Productivity sure goes down when there are Monday races!!

Greg Biffle finished 38th and is now 560 points behind leader Jimmy Johnson. Biffle has got to be bummed!!

This was the first win for Lowes' crew chief Chad Knaus after sitting out four races for the little incident earlier in the year. I won't call it cheating, 'cause nobody does that, right? It was merely a suspenson for just looking for a bit of an edge!!!

Back in Black at Talladega

2006-04-28T15:44:00.000-04:00

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the #8 Chevy this weekend, just like he always does, but it won't look the same. For the first time he'll don a black paint scheme on the #8. It's in remembrance of his father Dale Earnhardt Sr. who would have turned 55 on Saturday.
Dale Jr. says it's real cool for DEI to run black paint schemes this weekend. The BUSCH car will feature black as well.
I think it's fitting to honor Dale Sr. who won 10 restrictor plate races. He was the man. And Dale Sr. was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame last night in a ceremony with all the kids and wife Teresa there to accept the honor from Earnhardt's former team owner Richard Childress!!!
Now wouldn't it be the coolest if Dale Jr. won the Aaron's 499 this Sunday at Dega. I think he will. It's only fitting since he's Back in Black, just like his dad!!!
Go get'um Dale Jr.
Have a great weekend!!!

Charging Childress

2006-04-24T16:19:00.000-04:00

Richard Childress Racing showed the world of NASCAR they've got it going on this past weekend in Phoenix. Kevin Harvick not only won the BUSCH race but won the NEXTEL CUP race as well to put himself back in Victory Lane for the first time in a year. As a result "Cupcake" as he's affectionately known in the Triad of North Carolina is back in the Top Ten in driver points. All the while team owner Richard Childress was in Africa on Safari. When Richard gets back to the states in a couple weeks I think he'll be mighty pleased with the way his teams performed. They were definitely clicking on all cylinders. Childress driver Clint Bowyer finished fifth, his best showing so far in only his rookie season on the NEXTEL CUP circuit. Veteran Jeff Burton finished ninth.
As it stands now Kevin Harvick is eighth in points, 174 behind leader Matt Kenseth.
Clint Bowyer is 12th in points, only 38 points out of the top ten. Jeff Burton is 13th in points, 31 points behind Bowyer. Nothing better than Childress Racing chugging along at a good clip. More than anybody I wanna see all these guys do well. They deserve it.
The quote of the weekend comes from Kevin Harvick's crew chief Todd Berrier. In explaining how Kevin has calmed down some Berrier said, "It's part of getting older. In the heat of the moment you get wound up. I've done it myself but I've gotten better at it, but that's when things go wrong, instead of dwelling on it you have to realize the rest of your life is in the future and everything in front of us is what we can work on."
So true. If more of us could just realize we all make mistakes, sometimes we're too brash or too quick to judge. We have to continue to move forward, accept mistakes, learn from them and move on to the bigger and better things. Todd Berrier is brilliant. And Kevin Harvick is 30 now. And from the way he performed this past weekend, he's aging nicely just like a Childress Chardonnay at Childress Vineyards in Lexington NC. Keep on charging Childress!!!!!!

Dale Earnhardt Day is Coming Up!!!

2006-04-20T17:43:00.000-04:00

Well it's that time of year. The annual celebration and remembrance of Dale Earnhardt's birthday at DEI in Mooresville(otherwise known as race-city USA)North Carolina. On April 29th Dale Earnhardt day will happen at the DEI facilities on the former Mooresville Hwy, now known as Hwy 3 in honor of Dale. When I was a kid I used to bicycle down that road and there was nothing out there but trees. Now it's a veritable tourist attraction and plethora of activity 365 days a year.
Serving as Grand Marshall at this year's festivities will be NBC news anchor Brian Williams. Williams will host the 3pm ceremony honoring what would have been Dale Earnhardt's 55th birthday. There's also an auction of memorabilia at 9am that morning. For details and directions go to www.daleearnhardtinc.com

Easter Break for NASCAR

2006-04-12T16:37:00.000-04:00

Well Easter weekend is on the way and the NASCAR guys get the week off. That means it's rumor mill time.
Well first some trivia.
There are only four tracks on which Jeff Gordon has not posted a victory. Do you know which ones?
I'll make it easy. Texas is one. And the next track on the schedule is another. Phoenix. Jeff finished third at Phoenix in 2002 and 2004. That's his best there.
The other tracks where Gordon hasn't posted a victory are Chicago and Homestead. Sure would be neat to see a driver like Gordon get a win at every active track.

Rumor Morsels(unsubtantiated of course)
Is Bruton Smith making overtures at buying the Pocono track so he can secure another date for his Vegas track. The Pocono owners say no. But Bruton is gonna make a play to get a date for Vegas. It's too good a track and too fun a town not to have two races a year. Question is, how soon will it happen?

Kevin Harvick might not go to Toyota. Could it be? Harvick and Richard Childress still haven't made an announcement officially on what Kevin's future plans are. He's a winner and Richard is the best. Best of luck to them both!!!
Sure is great to see Jeff Burton finishing well. He deserves it. Childress racing is on the way to even bigger and better things. I have faith in their operation!!!

Will NASCAR make teams use smaller fuel cells so as to force pit stops at 35 to 40 laps at Charlotte in May? My guess is yes. Because the new surface is too fast and the tire wear could be a problem. Pitting sooner will allow teams to take on new tires quicker and possibly save someone from a bad wreck at a really high rate of speed!!! Charlotte is gonna be a wild ride for sure in May. Can't wait!!!

More to come. Have a Fantastic Easter weekend!!!

The MASTERS vs. NASCAR

2006-04-11T14:10:00.000-04:00

Well I have to plead ignorance of this past weekend's race in Texas. For the first time ever in my life I had a chance to go to the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. I have been a racing and golf fan my entire life. Faced with FREE tickets to a legendary event that is almost as hard to get tickets to as the Bristol races, I opted to make the drive to Augusta. What a course, what a day. Sunday I walked the storied fairways and rough(if you can call it that....it was more like carpet) that Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazan, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and so many others have walked. It was a day like no other. Phil Mickelson was solid as a rock and deserved that second Green jacket. This was also the first time ever I've seen Tiger Woods play in person and on Hole #6 I was standing 15 feet away from him and I watched him three putt for a bogey. I never thought I'd see that. Of course I think Tiger might have been somewhat distracted because his father is not doing well and might be close to death. Here's hoping Tiger's dad gets better and kudos to Woods for still almost winning the tournament under that kind of pressure. He's a one of a kind!!!
Meanwhile in Texas Kasey Kahn was once again being a consistent performer. He has brought Dodge back to life. That's now the third win of the 2006 season for Dodge. It was a fine performance and it also proved that Dodge and Ray Evernham are on the right track. At least with Kasey. Teammate Jermey Mayfield finished 31st and dropped out of the Top 35 in owner points. Gotta go back to the drawing board for Jeremey. He's a winner, he'll recover.
More this week on rumors and happenings!!!

Odds and Ends from the Silly Season

2006-04-05T15:20:00.000-04:00

The Winston-Salem Journal featured a story on Monday about some top sports marketing folks leaving the NEXTEL fold. Could this foreshadow NEXTEL selling the rights off of NASCAR sponsorship to some other company? I guess it's possible. Other speculation is that the Sprint folks are gonna put their own marketing folks in the NASCAR machine. For the complete article go here: http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137835111735&path=%21sports&s=1037645509200

Well today the Journal(which has excellent NASCAR coverage by the way) published a story saying the ties that bind NEXTEL/SPRINT and NASCAR are strong....for that story go here http://www.journalnow.com/scripts/isapi_srun.dll/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137835157942&path=%21sports&s=1037645509200

Odds and Ends
Carl Edwards has moved from 43rd to 19th in NEXTEL CUP point standings since Daytona. I wanna see a backflip. We need to Carl to win a race!!

Tony Stewart is the only NEXTEL CUP driver to have led at least one lap in all six races this season.

NASCAR rolls back to the superspeedway this weekend. The Texas track was where Dale Jr. scored his first ever NEXTEL CUP victory back in April of 2000. After Lil' E's performance at The Mart this past weekend I'm picking him to take the checkered flag this weekend at Texas.

Simply Stew-pendous!!!!!!

2006-04-03T15:09:00.000-04:00

Tony Stewart wins a Stew-pendous race at the Mart!!! And does a great job climbing the fence to celebrate. I had visions of him doing a Steve Smith touchdown celebration type thing but the fence climb was cool. What a day. Tony was able to stay out of trouble and save his brakes enough for the hard fought win. Great day for Jimmie Johnson as well. He's now the only driver to have scored four top five finishes and five top ten finishes in 2006. The Lowe's team is running like a well oiled machine. Jimmie moved back to first in points after his top five finish at The Mart!
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was amazing after his wreck on the 3rd lap. I thought he'd almost be out after the damage his car sustained, but this being Martinsville, it's more about skill and track position than speed. He was able to salvage a fourth place finish and move himself to sixth in NEXTEL driver points Way to go Lil' E.!!!!! You da man!!!

I love the Mart but I get the feeling Bruton Smith will be able to secure one of the dates from the Mart and move it to his Las Vegas track for the 2007 season.
I love Vegas and the money will certainly be much greater there...and of course Bruton knows how to put on the best show in motorsports. It will be top notch!!! But still sad that another short track will be relegated to just one race. Alas money wins in the new ERA of NASCAR.

Seen in the garage at Martinsville............southern Virginia native Ward Burton. Burton hasn't driven a NEXTEL CUP race since Phoenix in late 2004. Ward says the breather was nice but he's ready to get back into a ride. And it's possible he'll make his comeback in BUSCH or CRAFTSMAN TRUCK series. It'd be nice to have him back. He's one of the great personalities of the sport.

Notes: New asphalt at Charlotte and testing last week revealed unofficial speeds topping 200 miles an hour. That's gonna be dangerous without a restrictor plate. Hopefully a new tire compound will slow those down a bit by the time the Charlotte races roll around in May. No matter what, this springs races, barring weather problems, will be the fastest ever at Charlotte.

Ken Schrader has released his autobiography.....it's called "GOTTA RACE"
Published by Coastal 181 the book includes a foreward by Rick Hendrick. With 35 + years in the business, Schrader shares plenty of stories and also gives advice on getting into the business. 320 pages packed with history, colorful antcedotes and info galore. Price is $23.95. A great Mother's Day or Father's Day gift for the race fan in the family. It's available at the website www.coastal181.com

I'd take a shove for $10,000!!!

2006-03-29T15:12:00.000-05:00

Ya know Jeff Gordon was fined $10,000 yesterday by NASCAR for pushing Matt Kenseth after Kenseth bumped Gordon into a wreck and from a Top Five Finish to a 21st place finish in Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol. Now I'm no fan of violence but 10 grand is a lot of money. What does NASCAR do with that fine money? The brand new North Carolina lottery starts on Thursday. Do you think NASCAR wants to be the first to purchase 10,000 one dollar scratch off tickets? Or will they take the fine money and put it into a big pot and then toss it to fans as a reward at the end of the season? Maybe it'll just go to operating expenses? Or does it go to buying luxurious lunches at Pulliam's hotdogs? I mean that's 20000 thousand hot dogs. What a party that would be for us carnivores. Just exactly where does all that money go?
Maybe NASCAR should donate all fines to Speedway Children's Charities.
This is the first infraction I can ever remember for Jeff Gordon that didn't involve his car. He's Mr. Clean and if he was mad then you know something was up with the bump Matt gave him on Sunday. Of course in the world of Jeff Gordon finances that fine is like the price of an ice cream cone, and it won't faze him. The probabtion will continue until August 30th. Gordon will have to watch his p's and q's or he'll end up like Jimmy Spencer......on double secret, super, if it woulda been Cale Yarborough he woulda thrown a punch probation. I love drama!!!! Yeah baby!!! Let's go to the Mart. Nothing like a good short track to fire up the Silly Season!!!!!
Note to NASCAR: I'll let Jeff shove me for 10,000 grand. I could be the official NASCAR aggression relief support person.

Buschwhacked By A Bump At Bristol!!!

2006-03-28T15:09:00.000-05:00

So Kurt was a winner again!! And the crowd booed!!! Boy Busch isn't gonna place very high on the most popular driver poll. He has become the most hated man in NASCAR. Why? Well taking out Matt Kenseth might have something to do with it, but this isn't the first time for Busch. I get the feeling whenever he wins or there's an interview with someone in racing about him that he just isn't liked. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I guess it doesn't matter if you win.
Jeff Gordon was robbed. He should have won at Bristol. Or he should have finished top five but instead he ended up 21st and the last guy on the lead lap. Matt Kenseth knocked him flat. But at least Matt knew he was wrong and tried to apologize. Of course Jeff had to go and shove him. But tempers always flare at the short tracks. I love Matt but Jeff had a right to be mad after the race. Still waiting to see if NASCAR is gonna fine Jeff for his shove to Matt after the race. I just love short tracks. There's always a temper tantrum at them because of the wrecks that invariably happen. And what a great race Bristol was!!!
Next up: Martinsville!!!!
One of my favorite places on the circuit!

Morsels:
Which drivers are the only ones to score top-ten finishes in four of the first five races of the season? That would be, Kasey Kahne, Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin.

Bristol was the 15th career win for Kurt Busch and his fifth win at Bristol. He's got this track dialed in pretty well.

Yeah baby for Kevin Harvick. His 2nd place finish at Bristol was his first top five finish in 30 races. (last time Kevin was top five was May 2005 at Richmond) This moved Kevin from 23rd to 13th in the point standings. Great news for Richard Childress and the crew at RCR.

How about a big YEEEE HIIIII for Petty Enterprises. Bobby Labonte's 5th place finish place finish at Bristol was the first top five finish for the Petty team since March 2001. Way to go Bobby and Todd Parrott!!!

Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart have led at least a lap in all five races of the season so far.

Sterling Marlin now has a sponsor for his #14 Chevrolet. Ginn Club and Resorts will sponsor Sterling for Martinsville, Texas and Phoenix. Should be a nice bright paint scheme!!

Overnight TV ratings for Bristol were down almost 5 and half percent from 2005. What's going on? This was a great race. The Busch race on Saturday(which featured snow and ice) had higher ratings though!!! It was up 9.5 percent from last year. That was good. FOX has the best coverage in the world. Let's watch 'um!!! It's great racing and analysis.
Let's go to the Mart!!!!

The Car of Tomorrow today!!!

2006-03-22T16:55:00.000-05:00

So what is the car of tomorrow? Well after listening to Kasey Kaine talking about it with Eli Gold last night, I think it's gonna be great for drivers as far as improving the room the bigger guys will have in the car. The car will be two inches taller and four inches wider. This design has been pushed for ever since Dale Earnhardt was killed in 2001.
Only problem is, the cars will all look identical, with the exception of the fake grill plate that separates the Fords, Chevys, Dodges, Toyotas etc.
The other good point....costs will go down for teams because they won't have to field so many different cars. This might be good for the teams that have less dollars. Maybe more folks will be able to compete because of the cost savings.
NASCAR will slowly phase in the use of this car of tomorrow starting in 2007. By 2009 all 36 races will feature the car of tomorrow!!!
In fact after the race at Bristol this weekend, Rusty Wallace will step into the car of tomorrow for a test on the track where he's won nine races.
The only problem with the car of tomorrow is NASCAR needs to define the specs and keep them one way or another. Some team owners are in opposition because they keep having to change their specs when NASCAR changes the way the specs are set up./
All in all I think this will be a great step forward for NASCAR!!!
Best of all this will improve safety in the sport!!!

Observations on Bristol:
Jeff Gordon will run like a gazelle at this high banked monster of a track!!!
Jimmie Johnson will again finish in the top five.
Tony Stewart will win if he stays out of the wrecks that will happen.

Rumormill and predictions:
We'll know by early April whether Kevin Harvick will return next year with Richard Childress racing. My guess, he'll move to Toyota, because his price to stay with GM is too high. Toyota wants a high profile driver and they'll spend whatever it takes to get Harvick!!!

Will two new NEXTEL CUP dates be on the schedule in 2007. My guess is YES!!! Bruton Smith will get a second date in Las Vegas. Why? Because they're selling tons of tickets, it's VEGAS baby and it's the same reason that Vegas will have the biggest furniture market in the world soon if High Point, NC doesn't do something to compete. Vegas has so many entertainment options and the town has such a mystique about it. Whether you love it or hate it!!! People support races there and there's plenty to do!!!
I'm worried about the future of Darlington. I love the track with all my heart. But it's such a small market and MONEY is driving the sport today. TV markets and big money towns are where it's gonna happen for NASCAR in the future. My southern sport is slowly moving to the big city. I just hope the sport doesn't forget what brung ya to the party!!!(that's southern for don't forget your raisin')
Let's go to Bristol!!!!Yeeeeeee doggies!!!!!

A Rainy Night in Georgia!!!

2006-03-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

The rain delay was actually good. My two sons wanted to watch the race very much. However being a huge NASCAR fan and a HUGE fan of NCAA basketball., I was happy the race was postponed so I could watch North Carolina and NC State play in the NCAA tourney. They both lost however so my glee quickly turned to sadness.
With the race postponed to Monday many folks who had race tickets simply got sick and couldn't go to work today. Funny how worker productivity goes down when races are postponed for a day.
And of course I had a training seminar today and couldn't see or hear the race. But what a doozie I missed. I taped it and watched the last half tonight when I got home. Kasey Kahn drove a very smart race and made very mature decisions and brought Dodge back into Victory Lane for the first time since 2003. That's awesome!!!!
How about that Dale Earnhardt Jr.? What a run for him. He had to overcome some problems but hung in there to the end.
As I predicted Jeff Gordon did best his finish from last week. His car was up and down but he drove the heck out of it!!!
Observations:
Jimmie Johnson was strong and retains the points lead.
Kyle Petty was sharp all day. I'm so proud every time he gets a top ten finish. I wish Bobby Labonte could have held on.
Bill Lester became the first African-American to race in NASCAR NEXTEL CUP since Willy T. Ribbs back in 1986. The press was huge for Bill all weekend but for all the wrong reasons! Color should not matter. What matters is the fact that he knows how to drive and that should be the reason people cheer for him. Talent is talent, no matter the color. I'd cheer for Barney the Purple Dinosaur if he could take it three wide and bump and run like Dale Sr. used to do!!! Bill has been good in the truck series and if he was only younger and had more time he could probably compete at the highest level in NEXTEL CUP. He will run again this summer at Michigan and at California. I'd love to see him have a good engine and score a Top Ten finish!!!
Coming later this week!!! What is the car of tomorrow? Will it have a DVD player and a Hans device? More coming!!! Have a great day!!!

Carl Edwards "Backflipper and Weather Guru"

2006-03-16T12:16:00.000-05:00

NASCAR jumping superstar Carl Edwards will appear on The Weather Channel Friday morning March 17th. Carl will join Heather Tesch and Marshall Seese during "Your Weather Today" between 7:30am and 9:00am. He'll discuss the weather and how it affects race cars. I'm wondering if he'll also discuss wind patterns and how they affect his takeoffs and landings when he does backflips after winning races. Most of us weather gurus know that wind does have a great effect on the actual flip itself. Should be interesting to hear Carl talk about downforce and the effect on cars. NASCAR drivers will be at one of the coolest tracks on the planet this weekend for the Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

I look for this week to be the week that Dale Jr. pulls into Victory Lane. Jeff Gordon will best his fifth place finish at Vegas as well. Everybody from the Carolinas will be rooting for Dale.
More to come!!! Happy St. Patrick's Day on Friday!!!
"May the wind always be at your back" and if that don't happen may ye find a good way to rev up your horsepower more so ye can get that wind behind thee!!!

Hotlanta the backflip Capital of the World

2006-03-15T16:18:00.000-05:00

Hotlanta will forever be affectionately known as the place where the backflip was first introduced to NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing. Never before 2005 had a backflip been done on a race track by a human, until Carl Edwards that is. Breaking ground on a new tradition, in fact one that if I attempted it I too would set a record, for the first person to ever break his neck while attempting a backflip on a NASCAR track. Carl brought life into the post race world with his death defying jumps, the first of which was in the same city that Sherman had burned to the ground some 140 years before. And I'll bet Sherman wasn't 1/10th the athlete Carl Edwards is. So let's put Carl in the record books. He deserves it. He's a far more happen guy than Sherman was anyway. And he's done nothing but good for Atlanta and NASCAR. Carl, those of us with a two inch vertical leap salute you for your jumping prowess.

Unfortunately this year Carl hasn't had the same success he had last season. The secret I think was crew chief, Brad Parrott. He was let go earlier this year and since then the team hasn't been the same. No matter what happens or who wins at Atlanta this weekend, I will always remember the beginnings of the backflip and how Carl changed the world of NASCAR!!!

Predictions and prognostications!!!!
Dale Jr. is always strong at Hotlanta. He will win this weekend!!!

Jackpot for Jimmie!!!

2006-03-13T15:12:00.000-05:00

Well I rolled craps. I thought for sure Jimmie would have a problem or two without Chad Knaus at the helm for three races because of his suspension. Boy was I wrong. Now I won't lie, I love Jimmie Johnson anyway because my band has done gigs for his Lowe's sponsor for about the past six years. So I do have bias'. But I didn't expect Jimmie to make a last lap pass. Way to go!!! I feel bad for Matt Kenseth. I thought he had a handle on the win, but like everything else in life, there are no guarantees and Jimmie pulled a whopper of a move on Matt on the last lap at Vegas.
Of course NASCAR's rules about a green/white/checkered finish helped Jimmie a lot. The caution flag helped him keep it close enough to pass Kenseth on the last lap. If Jimmie keeps this pace up he'll win the points championship going away. A victory at Daytona, 2nd at California and a win at Vegas. Those are pretty good odds for a betting man!!! I'm not, but if I was.....................

Random musings
Jeff Burton is now in the top ten in the Nextel Cup points standings. He finished seventh. Another solid run for the Childress team. Kevin Harvick finish eleventh. I'm happy when Richard's teams do well. He deserves it. He's one of the hardest working folks in the whole business and I really wanna see his teams back at the top every week.
Plus Jeff is a good friend of Duke Children's Hospital and will help us promote the upcoming Miracle Challenge we'll do on April 8th at the Prime Outlets in Morrisville, NC. Go Jeff!!!

What is wrong with the Dodge's? Last time a Dodge won on a mile and half track was in October 2003 when Ryan Newman pulled into Victory Lane at Kansas. Is Dodge not getting the long track program? I think Kasey Kahne has good cars but just had some bad luck. What do you think?
Casey Mears, Kasey Kahn and Ryan Newman are all in the top ten in points so maybe it's a moot point!!
Enjoy the weather!!! What a great day!!!!

Viva Las Vegas(Thank ya Thank ya very much)

2006-03-08T16:21:00.000-05:00

Vegas Baby....I love the town(just to visit not live there) The track isn't my favorite but ya can't beat the entertainment options in Vegas when you're not at the track.
Well my pick this weekend is Jeff Gordon. I know, call me crazy but I think Jeff is gonna win because he's gonna help all you smokers quit smoking. You see after Winston left NASCAR several years back the doors opened to companies who beforehand could never advertise with NASCAR. On Sunday you'll see Jeff Gordon driving the #24 Nicorette Fresh Mint Chevy. Yes, race fans the only smoking cessatation program to ever advertise in the sport. Nicorette will have their QUIT crews at tracks throughout the season to help fans who picked up the habit in Winston Cup days quit the habit!!! So there will be no smoke coming from Jeff's car and he will win going away with maybe just a dip in his mouth. Cause it's hard to quit cold turkey. I had the shakes for weeks when I tried that!!
Viva Las Vegas!!!! Off to the sandy sizzling smokeless fastest track in the west!!!
Let's go racin'

Hall of Fame Comes to NASCAR VALLEY(NC)

2006-03-06T17:15:00.000-05:00

NASCAR made the announcement this afternoon that the $154.5 million dollar Hall of Fame will go to Charlotte, NC. Which for NASCAR fans in the Triangle that means it's only gonna be a couple of hours to racin' nirvana. With over 60 teams based in and around Charlotte you can bet plenty of drivers will be making appearances at the Hall. I saw the architect's renderings of the facility and it is gonna be incredible. This is a GIANT step forward for NASCAR and will boost tourism in North Carolina by a whole lot. More dollars will be spent here and more tax money will roll in for cities and the state. It's a win-win proposition for Tarheel tourism. Plenty of businesses owned by Triangle, Triad and Charlotte area companies will benefit from this tremendous addition to our state. I'm proud to be from a state where NASCAR was born, lives and breathes for many generations to come.
Now my question for you.......Who should be the first person inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame?
Should it be Bill France, Sr. I think so. He's the father of the sport!!! Without him it might not be what it is today. What do you think?

March Madness

2006-03-03T17:35:00.000-05:00

Well here we are in March already. Is it just me or does time fly faster as you get older.
A nice Siesta for the NASCAR drivers this weekend, so I'll talk about something on the minds of many folks. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. ever leave DEI to join Richard Childress and race in the number three car? My prediction. Yes it will happen. I don't know why but it's just something in my gut that tells me eventually Little E will make that step. I could be wrong but wouldn't that be cool? And another thing.....I'd love for Little E to win the championship. He's a rock star. He already sells more merchandise than anyone else on the circuit and talk about a boom for NASCAR if he's in the number three. Just a thought as we approach the weekend and all the dogwoods have been tricked into blooming early. Of course I could just be suffering a case of March Madness.
Let me know what you think?

Charlotte Gets The Hall of Fame

2006-03-01T17:43:00.000-05:00

Well the Charlotte Observer is reporting today that Charlotte is a lock for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. I can't argue. I grew up four miles from Lowes Motor Speedway and many of my high school friends are in the industry which is pretty much based there. Charlotte is where 60 NASCAR teams live, work and play. For that reason alone it should be the place for the Hall of Fame. As Dale Earnhardt Jr. said, "it's close and they'll probably want me to make appearances there. " Daytona doesn't have enough presence other than the fact that it's the oldest race on the circuit. In my opinion Atlanta hasn't supported their track enough to merit the Hall. Atlanta does have more population but doesn't have the team shops and musuems like the Charlotte area does(DEI in Mooresville, Richard Childress Musuem in Welcome and many others close by)
Thoughts on Mexico
My good friend Carlos Bandeleros tells me Ola from the land of good burritios and beautiful sunsets. The BUSCH circuit returns to a sold out race in Mexico this weekend as the Cup drivers take the week off. Well some of them. Most of them will be driving the BUSCH race. It almost seems like the two divisions(CUP and BUSCH) are the same these days because tons of drivers pull double duty. Should be a fun race. I don't have a favorite but boy I'd love to be there so I could soak up some sun and have some fun.
More to come.....thanks for reading and post your thoughts NASCAR fans!!!

Biffled

2006-02-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

California was awesome. Better racin' than at Daytona, less wrecks and calmer tempers prevailed among the drivers.
I'm biffled and baffled by Greg Biffle's misfortune though. I thought he had the race in the bag. Gonna have to put more glue and rubberbands in those engines. His Roush teammates didn't disappoint though. They were all very good.
Congrats to Matt Kenseth who's had quite a long dry spell between NASCAR NEXTEL Cup wins.
Kenseth was in the right place at the right time(Just like Dr. John) and that's really what it's all about in racing. Survival and timing can win you a lot of races. Worked for Jimmie Johnson last week and now for Matt Kenseth.
Tough day for Tony Stewart. That's the first DNF for him in quite a long time. He'll recover. I think it was a glitch.
Yeah go ahead and say it.....Dallas you blew it!!! I picked Jeff
Gordon to win at California and he finished 13th. I still think he would have won if they would have had a Duracell. They probably were using the batteries from my digital camera. They never last more than a day for me so I know they won't last in a Dupont Chevy. Gordon's battery was nearly dead I think for most of the race and that's really what caused his problems. When his pit crew finally changed the battery Jeff was able to rally somewhat.
This week we're off but there's a great BUSCH race in Mexico. More on that tomorrow from my good racin' buddy and South of The Border correspondent, Carlos NASCAR Bandelero!!!

Off to the Land of Cement Ponds

2006-02-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

NASCAR leaves it's home base in the south and heads to the land of movie stars, glitter, glitz, bright lights and cement ponds(thanks Uncle Jed for bringing the south to California on the Beverly Hillbillies)
Who's gonna win Sunday? My pick is Jeff Gordon. I feel the power of 24 is a lot more this year. He's gonna put it all together.
After last weekend I'm thinking there was a big pow wow at Roush racing. Hendrick drivers thoroughly trounced the Roush guys at Daytona. We'll see what transpires this weekend.
Anybody else out there like me who would just love to see Mark Martin put together another tremendous year and win it all. If anybody deserves it, then it's Mark. He's one of the nicest guys on the planet and works his tail off. Plus he's still got the superb skills regardless of his age.
I've never been a fan of California but I guess it's because it's so far away. I'm more of a Martinsville, Darlington, Wilkesboro,Rockingham,(oops forgot NASCAR scrubbed two of favorite tracks) Daytona, Richmond, Charlotte, Atlanta kind of guy. But maybe I'm showing my bias. But there's room for everybody in NASCAR. It's just easier for me to get to tracks in the south so I can get back to work on Mondays.
Gotta run!!! Have a great weekend and please post if you have an opinion. We'll discuss and I love hearing from other big time race fans. Watch Carl Edwards continue to struggle because they let my man Brad Parrott go. Just a prediction!!! Let me know if you agree or disagree!!
Let's go racin'!!!!

Last Cheater's Waltz

2006-02-21T16:23:00.000-05:00

Well the hammer came down today. NASCAR has supsended #48 Chevrolet crew chief Chad Knaus for an additional three races because of his template violation in Daytona qualifying. And there's a $25,000 fine to go along with it. The money is a non-issue. He makes that much in a week. I think the suspension does far more damage. He's not there to call the shots on Sundays when they need him. I think the team will do okay but I think it's good that NASCAR has taken a stand with such a stiff penalty. The message needs to be: Cheaters never win. I'm sure plenty of crew chiefs look for every advantage they can give their drivers. It's the way the game is played. But enough is enough. NASCAR is doing the right thing in this situation. We'll see if Jimmie Johnson's team can respond under these adverse conditions. Knaus will miss California, Las Vegas and Atlanta. He'll be back at Thunder Valley.(otherwise known as Bristol Motor Speedway) and hopefully dancing to a 4/4 song instead of the Last Cheater's Waltz!!!

Dolly Parton has a great country song called "God Won't Get You" a portion of the lyric reads,"cheaters never win, their heartaches never end"
So true. There's a lesson in this for every man, woman and child who loves NASCAR.

48 Wins the 48th at Daytona

2006-02-19T22:44:00.001-05:00

48 Wins the 48th Great American Race
Wow! The 48 car wins the 48th running of the Daytona 500.
On the 48th day of 2006(this past Friday) I had a dream that Jimmie Johnson would win. I said that in my post this past Friday. It came to pass. Now if I could just get Dale Jr. to win a championship!!!
Conservative run for Jimmie Johnson. He laid back in the pack and didn't hit everything but the Florida lottery like a bunch of other drivers did. Jimmie was able to make the right moves at the end to give the Lowes team a win.
The sixth victory at Daytona for the Hendrick Motorsports team. Geoffry Bodine was the first way back when in the 80's.

Random Thoughts on Daytona

Dale Jr. looked strong.....way to go DEI
The Busch brothers had quite a day.
Jimmie Johnson should find a better way to get his digs at people who dis the 48 team. In victory lane Jimmie dedicated his win "to all the 48 haters"
My advice....do like Dale Earnhardt did....win the race and when you make somebody mad act like it was an accident. Then give 'um the old, That's just racin'. That was an endearing quality.
Besides who cares what people think...you're gonna be on all the late night shows on Monday and Tuesday and you've got all the money. The rest of the guys aren't in the record books for 2006 as winners of the Great American Race.
Tony Stewart complained during Speedweeks about bump drafting yet it looked to me like one of his wrecks could have been a bit intentional. I wasn't in the car so what do I know!
NASCAR has a new fragrance by Elizabeth Arden. It's called "Daytona 500" A 1.75 ounce bottle is $30.00. It was on sale in the suites on Sunday........Imagine....that lovely odor mixed with oil and grease. This ain't your mama's NASCAR.

Motor Mouths

2006-02-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog NASCAR fans!

Hello I'm Dallas Reese, afternoons at the NEW 99.9 Genuine Country and this blog will function as a gathering place for all those who love NASCAR. Whether you're new or old fan I hope you'll participate and let your feelings be known as well. Of course everything on this site is my opinion, filtered through my own unique perspective on a sport I have followed since I was a kid in the early 1970's growing up four miles from what was then "Charlotte Motor Speedway"

THE WORLD CENTER OF RACING
First up is Daytona!!! What a race, what a history. My best memory, 1998, when Dale Earnhardt Sr. grasped the prize that for so long had eluded him. My worst Daytona memory.....five years ago when Dale died in the fourth turn on the last lap.

The death of Dale Earnhardt was one of the singular most tragic events in the history of the sport. Dale wasn't just a driver, he was an embodiment of every poor kid who grew up in a small town and didn't excel in school, yet despite those odds still managed to be the best in the world at what he did. I think all NASCAR fans could relate to "The Intimidator" because whether you liked him or hated him, he was the driving force behind the sport in his time behind the wheel. And his legacy lives on like that of the greatest in any human endeavour. Rightly so, Richard Childress who owned Dale's team for many years bought the rights and retired the number three. There will never be another.

I'll never forget what Dale said to me back in 1989. I was working for 99.7 The FOX in Charlotte and had an appearance with Dale at the Budgetfair store in the old Cloverleaf Plaza shopping center, which was about four miles from my parents house and a couple of miles from Dale's mom Martha's house. Dale said, "Someday I'll be back here and I'll be relaxing right down the road" doesn't sound like something memorable, but the preamble is, he was telling me all he had to do that week and his schedule was nuts. He was being pulled in so many different directions by so many people and the pressures of having to be the torch bearer for the entire sport had to weigh on him I'm sure. Be he smiled, signed every autograph and maintained a personal side that was entirely different from who he was on the track. I saw a man who was giving and understood where he came from and who brought him to the party. I also understood from the times that I did appearances with him that he lived to drive and drived to live. Hard!!! That's the only speed he knew. I loved his focus and passion. There's a statue of Dale in downtown Kannapolis now with that smile he wore all those years. Mischevious, yet relaxed. We miss you Dale. I hope you've got a big lazy boy up there with a "3" stamped on the side.

DAYTONA PICKS AND PANS
Kudos to Jeff Burton for winning the pole. Just this past week Jeff assisted the NEW 99.9 Genuine Country along with our sister station MIX 101.5 raise close to one million dollars for the Duke Children's hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Not only is Jeff a top notch driver but a guy dedicated to improving the lives of others. Hats off to ya and the entire Childress racing team.

Oh and my pick to win Sunday's Daytona 500. Jimmie Johnson. Even with his crew chief out, the Hendrick cars are strong at this track. Jimmie's time has come. I almost wanna go out on a limb and pick him to win the CHASE but with the new points system anything can happen. Besides, I think Jeff Gordon will rebound like a superstar this year to win it all. I love Dale Jr. on this restrictor plate track as well if he can avoid the big one. He won here in 2004 and with Tony Eury signed to a new long term contract at DEI and calling the shots things should be better. This could finally be the year for Dale Jr., the reigning rock star of the sport. More about that in a future blog. And of course, Jeff Gordon is the defending champion at Daytona. Jeff struggled at some of the bigger tracks last year but he had this one dialed in with his team. If he can stay out of trouble and avoid the big pileup that always seems to happen at the plate tracks, then he's the man!!!

BUMPDRAFTING
It's what I did to architecture class when I was in school at Appalachian State. I bumped it 'cause I got bored drawing buildings. But in NASCAR it's entirely different. What is it? Well when the drivers gently or not so gently nudge each other to get better position, so they don't have to race two, three or four wide. It's the only way to pass sometimes. You need that extra push. Sort of like a bump and run in basketball...except you're in a car doing 200mph and it's extremely dangerous. So much so that NASCAR says don't do it and has set up NOBUMP Zones at Daytona. NASCAR also says they'll develop softer bumpers by the time we get to Tallegedega(that sounds like a country song) and if you bump with the soft bumpers you'll cause castastrophic damage and possibly end up in the hauler watching Larry Mac talk about your misfortune on TV.
It's gonna be interesting to see who defies NASCAR and tries to bump in the no zones on Sunday. Will they bang 'um up? Richard Petty did it on Interstate 85 in Charlotte when a guy wouldn't get out of his way. Of course King Richard was just giving the guy a gentle reminder about the fast lane. Something I'm sure all of us have dreamed of doing, but would never do. I don't see what's gonna stop drivers from doing it on the track. A fine won't work. Maybe a spanking in front of their mommas. That would do it for me. I wouldn't do anything to dishonor my mother. Of course if everyone would follow a gentleman's agreement then I suppose it could happen. But guys change when they get on the track. It's like a big jug of testosterone is spilled open and like a bunch of kids chasing candy from a pinata everybody's gotta bang into each other. Of course many fans love that. And those that say they don't, probably do. I know I find it kind of fun but this isn't a video game. There are real people inside those cars and no matter how many safety devices they have it's still very dangerous.
Tony Stewart has a point....somebody could die if the bumping at speeds like they run at Daytona and Talledega continues.....and nobody wants to see that. How about some good clean fun.
Let's go racin!!!!