Speeddiva8's Rearview Mirror

Jimmie Johnson at a National Press Club Luncheon?!

2008-07-19T22:43:00.004-04:00

Who in the HELL at Hendrick accepted that and scheduled him for this?!

I do watch C-SPAN, probably the only NASCAR writer that does...other than maybe Jade Gurss...but I digress.

What was going on there? Why did they ask HIM, of all people, who NASCAR fans would support in the presidential election? It is a stereotype, that all NASCAR fans are republicans. We're not. I'm not. So, I will NOT let any driver, on any team, or a republican politician say that I am. I am NOT. I am a liberal, who supports Barack Obama. Take THAT Jimmie.

Never let a NASCAR driver that has not gone past high school, speak in Washington, DC, to a press club. Yes, that includes Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Who in Washington cares about NASCAR and its philanthropic ways? Not many, I'm guessing. As a nation, I don't think their choice in guests, mirrors the tastes and ideas of people all over.

Maybe they should have asked Chad Knaus to speak to the club? They might get some interesting information about the cars, about engineering...about something half way interesting, that a DC audience might listen to.

The fact that the mainstream NASCAR press hasn't really made this a story, confirms that Jimmie wasn't a hot topic of conversation. This luncheon was on July 8th, a few days after the Daytona 400. After a long holiday weekend, a long race...who wants to sit in front of their TV watching C-SPAN cover Jimmie Johnson? Not me, I'd rather be looking at the championship chances for the top 10 in points.

Just sayin'...

The Dark Knight

2008-07-18T20:47:00.003-04:00

I truly liked this movie. I'm NOT saying this, because I think Heath Ledger is a brilliant actor. I think this series is more human, more real.

I won't spoil it...so I'll just leave it there. Oscar or no, it's a great movie.

Allergies are disabling things, ya know?

2008-05-11T14:29:00.002-04:00

I can't count the number of entries in my other blog, that I have complained about this year long ailment. It's not just seasonal, people. It's ALL.YEAR.ROUND.

Humidity? They hate it. Dust? They hate it. Flowering trees? Hate it. Just all around change in temperature and season? You guessed it, they hate it.

The only thing my ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor can come up with, is to perform a surgery to correct my deviated septum. I had allergy testing, that told me what I already know: grasses, flowers and weeds are not my best friends. Not to mention, dust mites aren't, as well.

Hopefully this season will have a great deal of rain, so the pollen will wash away. It looks like spring came late. Isn't the saying, "APRIL showers, bring MAY flowers?" They came all at once.

[Knocks on screen] Is anyone out there reading this? I love to write, but comments rock!

Hillary, GIVE IT UP ALREADY!

2008-05-08T20:02:00.003-04:00

What will it take for you to QUIT?

By EVERYONE'S calculations, you are behind in delegates, you are behind in super delegates, you are BEHIND in the popular vote.

When will you realize that being the mudslinger, is not going to get you anywhere? When will you realize that Barack Obama is the better candidate? For the good of the party...LET.IT.GO.

Your husband is shooting his mouth off. Your supporters are making asses of themselves.

I've heard it all, I've seen it all. I've been subjected to the cable news coverage, which pits you two against each other.

When will it SINK IN?!

Probably never...

The Spanish language and ignorant Americans...

2008-04-15T19:04:00.002-04:00

Okay, let's get one thing straight. I'm not latino/hispanic, or whatever you want to label people who are native or are of that decent.

I just happen to speak the language. I'm not as fluent as I used to be.

With that in mind, know that people who are extremely suburban, like one or many of my co-workers, you will hear ignorance spill from their mouths about races, languages, ethnicities and so on.

It makes me want to vomit! I can't understand how all that ignorance can breed and come into contact with young impressionable minds of their children! (Let alone that they have children, but that's beside the point.)

I can understand if they are in their 50's or 60s or beyond. That doesn't excuse them, that just shows that the ignorance is explained by when they were brought up. The other hand, if you're in your 40s or younger, I believe it was taught.

You would think they would know better. This coworker was talking to my boss about how everyone from Spanish speaking countries has to learn English. Hell, their ancestors off the boat did! Well, they probably didn't. Not as quickly as you might think. Hell, I don't think that even the latest immigrants learned, unless they had a school that would teach them!

I replied that there are just different kinds of people, in every race or ethnicity. Some don't want to learn another language, while some do. Some want to earn their way into a country, instead of feeding off of the policies or the programs put into place for citizens.

Of course I was wrong!

"You don't have children to worry about..."

Oh and they're going to be worried as much as you are? In this day and age, they know people who are: gay, divorced, separated, poor, abused, orphaned...the list goes on. They're not really shocked at what they hear. Their parents are the ones who shape what they think about people. The free thinkers are there, they're just oppressed by these ignorant parents, who should know better! Hell, have more life experience with a more diverse section of people!

It's that kind of thinking, that stunts children's reasoning skills and judgment skills. This irrational thinking, where 'they're going to take over' the country, is racist, it's something that you would hear at a KKK rally!

That statement is not true...it's just people's nature. I don't respect people that will not speak another language, because they don't want to. If I wanted to live in a country that spoke Spanish, I'd bone up again and get myself immersed in the culture!

I was so angry and fuming when I heard this. How can people stand to say or listen to this stuff!

If only I had the patience and wisdom like Obama.

Spanish and ignorance...(I mean the language)

2008-04-15T09:21:00.002-04:00

Going to post more soon... Believe me, I'm angry.

People that think certain things, just shouldn't speak.

NASCAR over priced? Say it's not so!

2008-04-13T12:35:00.002-04:00

When did someone realize this?

From my own personal experience, I know what it's all about. I've only been to two tracks: Dover and Charlotte.

One requires driving 3 and a half hours each way, plus an over night hotel stay. That would be Dover.

The other requires a longer stay to make it worth the money that I shell out for a plane ticket and hotel for a couple of days.

Oh and did I forget a rental car? Yeah, I guess I did.

Put that all together and you get debt, along with the tickets and food and what not.

Yes, I put my love of travel before thinking about my bank account. Yes, I went a little crazy with my credit cards.

Regardless, it's not cheap to go to one race, let alone two in one year.

Unless you're someone who is independently wealthy, such as the top 1 percent of our population, or more...or have invested wisely for your retirement...guess what? You're only going to be sitting on your couch.

That's what I'm going to end up doing again, when I sell my tickets for the June Dover race. Stub Hub here I come!

My job doesn't pay me enough and in this economy, it makes it tougher. Even if you have a college degree like I have, there are no jobs out there to pay me like I deserve to be paid.

I believe in full disclosure, so I will tell you that I am an Obama supporter. Bloggers and Citizen Journalists alike are supposed to express their views, but not be biased. I will say that anything that he has expressed about the bitterness of the middle class and poor IS correct. There is NOTHING negative that he has said, in regard to this. Hillary Clinton is just using her spin, so she can get her dishonest discourse and rhetoric back in the White House.

NASCAR is a part of this corporate structure that is hurting our economy. It's hurting those that are supporting them.

I'd like to tell the commentator on AOL Fan House, that it was quite obvious that this was going on for years. Eight years to be exact. When did you begin to figure this out? Or was it pure sarcasm? I hope it was. If it wasn't, I think someone needs a reality check. NASCAR tickets, like all other expenses are not in line with reality. They're all over priced, they're all out of reach for the fans that they're trying to reach.

Vacation is coming soon...

2008-04-06T18:25:00.002-04:00

I'm counting down the days. I can't seem to think that I could just let go and leave my worries behind. But of course, with me, that's not the case. They'll be in the back of my mind, but they'll still be there.

The uncertainty of my future, my empty or near empty bank account, come to mind. Not being secure enough in my life, also comes to mind.

Animal Kingdom and the beach...and relaxation. That would be great! I've never been to AK, so as an animal lover, I think I'll enjoy that. My skin however, will NOT enjoy the sunshine. I will be carrying SPF 30 or more.

I'm even surprised I could afford a flight. Good thing I paid for it months in advance, with a Southwest gift card, no less!

Gift cards are a woman's best friend. (Not that diamonds aren't nice, I'm just not the materialistic kind.

So, there's no Recession, Dubya?

2008-04-05T22:22:00.003-04:00

Well, if you were smart enough to notice, you'd see that there are thousands of people out of work and poor.

I am one of them, believe it or not.

I'm struggling to pay the bills, living paycheck to paycheck. Gotta love it.

Being negative in your checking account, brings you to that realization. Yes, I should budget and cut things. Yes, I should not buy as much.

But didn't you want us to spend the stimulus check? How the hell is that going to stimulate the economy? All us poor and middle class people, trying to pay our bills, should be spending it. I know for sure, I'm going to spend it on paying back my creditors: mostly credit cards.

I can't stand it. Aren't college grads like me supposed to be living well and doing a job that I love?

I really don't get it.

People say that looking to Obama isn't going to get us anywhere. I believe that he's above all the bullshit and he's going to do something right.

Being apethetic, will fade into optimism. Hopefully...

Yes, I said the word HOPE.

I'm broke, anyone want to hire me?

2008-04-05T18:01:00.002-04:00

I have a job right now, but it's not cutting it. I want to do what I'm educated to do: be in the media, or manage it.

What do you do? How did you get it done?

I guess this blog will be about whatever I want to talk about...

2008-03-30T18:41:00.003-04:00

I use Live Journal, but I think that a separate blog for opinions and commentary.

It will not be limited to NASCAR this time. It will be about politics, world events, social issues and everything I want to write about.

So...I think this is a start of something different.

Sorry for the lack of posts...

2007-09-02T20:56:00.000-04:00

Like anyone is reading, anyway.

Life sucks right now, I have to work 2 jobs to make as much as I SHOULD with ONE part time job. Anyone wanna give a gal a job writing? How about in NASCAR or the music industry?

I think this blog will be for commentary only, no race reports.

I think I'm more cut out for editorial material, anyway.

Cali is on...I'm sure I'll have something to say.

Battle of the Beverages: Pocono.

2007-08-05T18:20:00.000-04:00

MAN...Bud vs Miller Lite. Since I don't drink beer, that means nothing to me. But, it means the WORLD to those two sponsors.

The win could have been Earnhardt Junior's. He hasn't won since May 2006, in Richmond.

He still says that he can do it...that his team can do it. Well, if someone wouldn't sabotage his cars, maybe he could.

No doubt, the number 2 Dodge had an amazing set up and were blazing on to the finish. Pat Tryson migrated from Roush Fenway, to Penske to become Busch's new chief. Maybe his knowledge will transfer to this car. Who knows. I wouldn't call him equal to Greg Zippadeli, or Chad Knaus, but he could have something here.

Denny Hamlin, a two time winner at Pocono, had something for those two, but couldn't pull it out in the end. He told ESPN that next time, "it will be a whole other ball game." Maybe so. I think the great shop and engineer guys, would give him something to contend with at another oval.

Hendrick driver Casey Mears was running up front, even keeping a pace with Junior, who was racing him hard. Can't say the same for Johnson. He fell back 450 points, with his wreck at Indy. He gained a few places, but is hopeful to make it to the Chase.

The 2 car is back, huh? We'll see about that. I'm sure all the other teams are bringing up their game, starting at the Glen next week.

Stewart Wins At Indy

2007-07-30T14:11:00.001-04:00

For the second time, Tony did it. I guess when you have a real love for your home state and that track, you can get it done.

I don't know why I was gunning for Harvick, because he's won it before, too.

It seemed as though I was watching the same race: wrecks galore and blown engines.

Johnson wasn't spared, as his sheet metal got banged up, repaired and then slammed into a wall. Earnhardt's engine blew up, the pulley was broken.

I only saw from lap 42 on, because I was watching the Baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies. Cal Ripken is one of my heroes, so I couldn't resist it. For the first time in a LONG time, NASCAR took a back seat to one of my first loves: baseball.

The coverage left much to be desired, as TGOM has said, Rusty Wallace IS a robot.

I wanted to knock him out, seriously! "I'll tell you what...I'll tell you what..."

Doc couldn't save it. Where the hell is Allen? IN THE PITS. Why? Because ESPN are DUMBASSES. Made me mute the sound, when it came to the IDIOTS that they have on there.

The mind boggles, when the powers that be in Bristol, place these people on the air. The anchors? Same thing. One is a former basketball player, that used to have a Truck team. He's an expert, how?

The other is a sideline reporter for the NFL. She knows NASCAR how?

Oh and sticking in a non qualifying driver as a commentator...not a cool thing.

Pocono is next, let's see how badly they can mess this up.

Stewart Wins at Chicagoland

2007-07-15T19:39:00.001-04:00

It's been a while, but he did it. After a talk with Coach Gibbs, everything seemed to be hunky dory with the FedEx and Home Depot drivers.

It wasn't much of a wreck fest, but it was more of a engine blowing mess. Menard, Truex, to name two, had those problems, while Earnhardt did not. He had the pleasure of having his power steering go out. Never having this happen before, he had no idea how to deal with it. It seemed like a flat tire to the Budweiser driver, and surisingly, Eury Jr handled it quite well.

Jimmie Johnson wasn't so lucky, slamming into the wall, after cutting a tire at full speed. It looked more serious than it actually was. My breath was caught, waiting for the Lowe's driver to emerge frm the number 48. I never like to see ANY driver hurt, not even Johnson. That was a close call indeed, with only a bruised elbow to show for it...not a concussion or broken bones.

Of course, I need to mention the broadcasting side, because I am a trained broadcaster. TNT didn't do a bad job, but I would have eliminated Weber in the booth. Allen Bestwick should always be in the booth...but of course, contractual obligations would interfer with that. Certain contracts have non competition clauses which eliminate that possibility.

ESPN will pick up where TNT left off in Indy after a week off.

I will blog in between...so feel like commenting? Please DO!

McMurray Wins at Daytona

2007-07-08T10:21:00.000-04:00

It was a long one and I didn't even see the end, because I fell asleep!

I went to nascar.com to find out who won. I know, LOSER!

What was up with Tony Stewart wrecking his teammate, Denny Hamlin? I looked at that replay as everyone else did...in disbelief and complete horror.

What was up with that?

Then, by doing that, Tony had to wreck Dale Junior, who was innocently trying to get around this mess.

It seems as though everyone was just trying to survive this wreck fest.

Truex was doing well, but his teammate was laps down because of the wreck and their engine counterparts were blowing up. (Meaning the new alliance between DEI and RCR. Kevin Harvick had major problems with his ride.)

On the broadcast side of things, it was nice to see TNT, in their next to the last race of the season, show the coverage ESPN style, with the race in the background, with the commercials in a window at the bottom of the screen.

I don't think ESPN will be doing this when they take over, because NASCAR doesn't want them to, of course. I think that will only work with the IRL races. Why? I have no clue. NASCAR is the king of inconsistencies and it will probably be a given, throughout the rest of the sanctioning body's history.

Which leads to the ruling about crew chiefs not being allowed anywhere near the track, when they're suspended. Eury Jr was AT NHIS. Why? I have no clue. You would think it would be understood that they couldn't be anywhere near the cars. BUT, of course, there are always loopholes. They found them and were infringing on them. When Jeff Gordon lashed out at NASCAR for having a hypocritical system, of course they took heed to Wonder Boy's words and made sure that Hendrick's suspended chiefs were not even in the area, when the race was in town.

Does that mean that they can't use cell phone voice calls and texting? Well, maybe. I don't know if the officials could be able to catch the interim chiefs communicating with their bosses that way. Who knows if Tony Gibson was doing that with Tony Eury, Jr. Only DEI and Dale Junior know.

Moving on to Chicagoland next week. Let's hope that Kenseth and Gordon don't get carried away again in the last laps.

I missed Loudon...

2007-07-03T09:13:00.001-04:00

So...no report from me. I will read up on what happened though...and state my opinions then.

Sorry guys...

I know, bad blogger!

[whacks herself]

Viva Juan Pablo!

2007-06-24T21:22:00.000-04:00

The Columbian racer got a win, the first in a LONG time for Ganassi Racing. While Robby Gordon and Jamie McMurray were giving everyone a run for their money, the former F1 driver pulled it out with a pass and good fuel milage.

It's a great day for this rookie and I'm glad someone else won this time. Especially another make and team. This win gives some variety to all 36 races.

Usually I take a nap during road course races, but all the spins and passes kept me somewhat awake.

We'll see what happens to Knaus and Letarte this coming week. Let's hope the punishment fits the crime. if not, you know that the fans will give HELL to NASCAR. I know I will.

Knaus: Innovative or Big Fat Cheater?

2007-06-23T20:25:00.000-04:00

This weekend, Chad Knaus was sited for violating rules, regarding the CoT.

Being that their front fender was not sporting the regulation splitter, fierce penalties will be deliberated on.

Since that isn't measured by a template, should the crew chiefs and crews take liberties with these parts? Should this be considered daring? Should this be considered innovative? Or is Chad a big fat...CHEATER?

I think if he goes against the rules, he is a cheater. If he dares to do something diffrent, it's cool, it's great if you're not being watched by officials.

But if you're going to win by an advantage that another team will get KILLED by such an advantage...not cool.

So, I see it from both sides, but if they are goingt against NASCAR's rules, then they should be punished SEVERELY.

Edwards Wins at Michigan

2007-06-18T14:13:00.000-04:00

Well, Cuz Carl won, after a 52 race drought. I'm sure he was HAPPY to see that his coach driver shaved, especially after hearing that he found TICKS in his beard.

EWW!

Martin Truex could have won yesterday, but he had a strong second place, bumping him up in the driver and owners points.

Dale Junior got 5th, which was great, considering all his complaining on the radio about his car.

The rest of the field? It was a fuel guessing, wreck occuring mess.

The drivers got 3 and sometimes 4 wide on this 2 mile oval.

I like seeing that kind of racing, but when someone like David Gilliland slams into Stewart's car like that...well, you just have to wonder why some of these drivers are out there, to begin with. I think Ricky Rudd has to sit down with this young, inexperienced driver and tell him what's what.

I think that he has enough respect for the veteran driver, that he'd take the time to listen. He said he wouldn't talk to Tony, but he was forced to go to the 'Oval Office' anyway.

Half of the Hendrick stable, weren't strong. They took chances with pit stops, that didn't go in their favor. Fuel milage was a factor, as the laps finally got to the white flag, we saw Johnson coasting to pit road.

I guess Chad Knaus wasn't on top of his game, like he usually is.

Kudos to Casey Mears, who was moving his Chevy to the front.

Onto Sonoma...road course. Boring.

We'll see if all the ringers come out to play.

Dale Jr to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008

2007-06-13T15:01:00.000-04:00

Now, I saw what I needed to see, in order to believe it.

(Mind you, it was at my day job, on the sly...ya know, the web cast on nascar.com)

You could look at this many ways, like people are throughout the NASCAR community, online and off.

I know of fans that are disgusted with Junior and his decision. Also, on the contrary, I have heard from fans that are supportive, no matter what he does.

If you look at it from both sides, you could understand why people feel, the way they do. You can only wonder what kind of impact this is going to make on the NASCAR world or community at large.

In my opinion, DEI is going to deflate, largely because Junior as a marketing and talent...is no longer there, bringing in the money. (Not that Martin Truex isn't a talent and a commodity, but Junior was a huge part of that company and really its namesake, literally and figuratively.)

Hendrick can only profit on this. I think he'll win, no matter if Junior loses races, or wins them. Or for that matter, championships, period.

Some people think he'll win, because he has better equipment. Possibly. I think that could happen with any driver that moves to any top team that wins. It's not always the equipment, it's also driver talent as well.

Look at the stock exchange. See what happens to NASCAR, as it's now a publicly traded commodity. Look at what happens to merchandise sales at DEI. Or for that matter, nascar.com in general. Notice how quickly they jumped on that? (See the ads for "get it while it lasts")

2008 is 6 months away. We'll see what happens then.

Bored with Pocono...

2007-06-10T20:38:00.000-04:00

And here I was thinking that it would be RAINED out. What was I thinking?

(See the previous post about Dover.)

Another "win" for Hendrick. Well, this time it wasn't really legitimate...although, in NASCAR's eyes, it was.

It was interesting to see the "new" team that TNT has assembled. I don't really like the fact that Larry Mac-Reynolds was there.

The new guy? Eh. I would have rather had Allen Bestwick in Weber's place...again.

Oh well. I guess he's staying at ESPN for the season.

I wouldn't want to be at Pocono to see it in person, that's for sure. If you can only see Turn one well, that's not my idea of a race.

I don't know why I watched as much as I did. Maybe it was to see how Kyle Petty would do in the booth.

Maybe we'll get a whole race in at Michigan. It's on Father's Day, so I'm sure many of the drivers that haven't been winning, would like to do it for Dad.

On to the Irish hills...

Dover

2007-06-04T16:59:00.001-04:00

Well, I can't say that I saw the race, because I went home. I thought they were going to call it and frankly...I didn't want to get caught in traffic coming home.

I went with a racing buddy of mine and she felt the same way. She had a shorter trip than me, her to Pennsylvania and me to Connecticut.

So...I am glad I wasn't there, because I guess if I was, then Martin Truex wouldn't have won.

Yes, if I'm going to be a journalist, I can't talk about drivers I like...because that's a bias.

But, from personal experience, I have met Martin Truex and he is a sweet guy. He makes you feel at ease with his smile and eye contact.

He has won 2 Busch championships and now has his first Nextel Cup win.

I can say that I am really proud of him and that I knew it would come, sooner or later.

Oh and if any of you need or want some luck right now? Just don't email me or comment. I'm a jinx and bad luck.

Pocono is next. I wonder if Denny Hamlin can pull it off again?

Heading to Dover...

2007-06-03T02:16:00.000-04:00

It's going to rain...who knows if the race will even happen.

It'll be an adventure, that's for sure.

My adventure will be written up when I get back...

Gossip vs facts about Junior and Hendrick

2007-05-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

I for one will not believe until it's proven to me in print or on TV, that Junior took a tour of the Hendrick shops in Concord.

"No room at the inn" was the phrase that was thrown around by reporters and supposedly Rick Hendrick, himself.

I think a few gossip columnists took the tours that he did take with unnamed teams and applied it to Hendrick. There were rumors of all the named teams: Gibbs, Childress and Ginn. Nowhere did I hear that Hendrick was named in that list.

I think whatever happens, happens. I will believe it when I see it, in print or on TV.

I will not speculate. All good journalists find the FACTS.

Casey Mears wins the Coke 600

2007-05-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

For a first win, I think that's pretty damn cool. The LONGEST race in the season and Mears wins it.

I now have to take back my statement about a Hendrick car winning. Well, I'll make an exception. Mears winning? That's okay.

Anyone who doubted him, will now shut up, don't you think?

I've always thought he was capable. I've always thought that the Mears bloodline will not let him down. His uncle Rick raced in Indy cars and was a champion. You've gotta know that the wins would come, it was just a matter of time.

I've always thought that he was a great driver and a person. The other Hendrick drivers might be great drivers, but they don't seem that genuine. They don't seem that down to earth like Mears. No matter what team he drives for, no matter how he does in races, he's a down to earth person.

I know when I go to Dover, I'll definitely be listening to his radio and following his career even closer.

All-Star Race

2007-05-20T14:45:00.001-04:00

All I have to say about it...is that I'm GLAD Kevin Harvick won.

Let's hope that that continues into the Coke 600.

Meaning, someone else OTHER than a Hendrick car.

The report will continue next weekend...when the points races continue...

Darlington...The Track too Tough to Tame

2007-05-13T18:16:00.000-04:00

I say that many of the drivers out there have beaten her, but the other half have not, as you can see all the stripes all over the sides of the cars of: Ragan, Montoya and others.

Overheating was also a factor, since FOX took notice of the 'steaming' of the 24 car. The sand, grit and pavement will get caught on the grill, no matter if you're driving one of the 'new cars', or the 'old cars'.

Of course, the focus was on many drivers, but Dale Jr the most. They were looking for a HUGE comeback. I think it would have been possible, had there been fresh tires at the end, but that didn't happen.

Denny Hamlin made a run, which lasted 179 laps. I think that he would have had the greatest chance to win, in that regard, but he never got back to the front. Cautions that flew in that portion of the race, weren't in his favor.

Ryan Newman was also running up front, being consistent, being the only Dodge making it up to the front, although the 2 of Kurt Busch, would like to think differently.

Chevy still makes its domination known, with another win for Hendrick and Jeff Gordon. Hopefully that will be different, come Charlotte.

My thoughts on Jr Leaving DEI

2007-05-12T11:14:00.000-04:00

Okay, now, I've finally got the time to expound upon my thoughts on this topic.

I think it's great that he's leaving. If you were a driver and you got sub par equipment, wouldn't you do the same thing? Not to mention, that the owner of the team disrespected him in the press. I think that's a rude and unprofessional thing to do.

Now, the rumors of which team he'll be headed to in 2008 are coming fast and furious. Whispers of Gibbs, Hendrick and RCR are heard mostly.

I think that his best choice would be RCR, because he has such a close relationship with Richard Childress, just like his father did. I think he would have his needs in mind, when he would negotiate a contract. I also think that he would be all ears, when it comes to equipment. Also, the guidance of an older driver, in Jeff Burton. I think that the safety minded elder driver, could help Junior immensely.

When he gets to one of these teams, or RCR specifically, who would they pair him with in the pits? I can't think of anyone on his current crew, that I would place him with. Some of the best crew chiefs are taken: Chad Knaus with Johnson, Greg Zippadeli with Tony Stewart... the list goes on.

That would remain to be speculated on as well. I honestly can say, that I hope Tony Eury Jr will NOT be his chief, come 2008. I think that even though they're family, they still clash and do not get along, no matter how they like to say the opposite. Hearing them on the radio, you would think that they hated each other. Arguing during pit stops, yelling at each other during the race, during the season, seems to never stop.

As for DEI surviving after Junior leaves? Not likely. Most of their money comes from the sponsorship cash, licensing of merchandise and his name, period. He is the son of a champion, who has won championships, but has not done that in Cup. He wants to do that and if he can't do it there, he'll go elsewhere.

I think Teresa is smoking some dope, if she thinks that the team will survive after he's gone. If Junior leaves, I can see Martin Truex leaving as well, leaving Paul Menard to fend for himself. That would not be good for Menard's career, as well as his life, period. Rumors have his father funding his ride and supplying some funds for DEI and supporting his alleged girlfriend, Teresa. Who knows really what's going on there. It's all speculation.

Things will be quiet, until we hear the announcement about what team he will be joining. I imagine it would be a press conference such as the one he had to announce his leaving DEI.

Until then...people will still speculate and not leave the poor man alone.

One can only hope that he makes the best decision for himself and JR Motorsports.

Junior to leave DEI?

2007-05-10T13:19:00.000-04:00

I think that's GREAT. Honestly, I think everyone who follows him, thinks his equipment is definitely terrible, not to mention, sub par.

I don't go with the idea that he'll have a Hendrick engine, though. I thought JRM had RCR engines?

More about this later...

Tight, tight tight...

2007-05-06T16:48:00.000-04:00

That's all I heard on various driver's radios. And how many of them spun out?

How many lost spots, especially when things were going good? MAN.

I think it might be a universal problem with the CoT in general, because all makes were spinning out, especially when they were trying to pass.

Granted, all that three wide business, was a bit over the top, but racing close to one another gave some excitement to the whole thing.

Everyone lost forward bite, because the track was green. Thanks A LOT, RAIN!

I think the CoT is a thorn in everyone's side, but that one team has it figured out. I think it's obvious.

Hendrick is the team that wins, because they've figured it out. I don't know where the commentators on TV say that CHEVY as a make, has figured it out, but I guess they have some kind of knowledge, that Ford, Dodge and Toyota do not.

After that very messy wreck on lap 372, which included: Ward Burton, Ricky Rudd, Allmendinger, Truex and Stewart...it seemed like something had to give.

I know if I were a driver and I took a hit like Rudd did, I would pack it in and just say the hell with it. Even in the early laps, people were battling for positions like it was the last five laps, or something. COME ON!

I think someone, namely NASCAR, has to figure out why so many drivers were hitting the wall and the problem with the chassis being so tight, so often.

I like side by side racing, but not for the sake of it, so people would wreck and wreck often.

Broadcasting notes: Will SOMEONE at Fox REMEMBER that Martin Truex Jr is NO LONGER a rookie? The graphic had that annoying rookie (R) after his name and NOT David Ragan. WHY? Someone has to get that right.

Seems like if NBC got it wrong, ESPN got it right: Allen Bestwick is back in the booth for ESPN's coverage. Finally, someone has WOKEN up, to see that talent was being WASTED.

Thank you, ESPN!

Let's hope Darlington is much better than today. Fox deserves a pat on the back and a cookie, for showing the debris. Let's hope it continues...

Another night race, next Satruday. Let's hope there's NO RAIN at the 'Lady in Black' and that she treats most of the drivers well.

Richmond...the day after

2007-05-06T10:24:00.000-04:00

Okay, now this race is definitely LESS exciting, now that it's the day after. I love seeing the sparks and the paint schemes under the lights.

The rain had to ruin it all, not to mention what I was going to do today. Oh well.

Racing rules everything, no matter what. Well, not no matter what. But, anyway...

I just know I'm obsessed with this sport. Hopefully there will be a good outcome this afternoon.

DEGA

2007-04-29T17:24:00.000-04:00

Okay, so the whole thing with Tony Stewart was blown out of proportion. It's good that NASCAR actually told him that they put out the caution for a reason. Okay...then Fox obeyed, by showing us ALL the debris during the cautions. GOOD!

I think that all this "Tony was wrong for saying that" stuff is just wrong. He had a reason for it at the time. He saw what everyone has been saying, including myself.

(Hey, maybe he saw my blog, I linked it to my Infield Parking page...HA! Yeah, right.)

The race was a snore for a while, because everyone was walking on egg shells, so they didn't 'slam draft' the person in front of them.

Then there was the unfortunate wrecking of Casey Mears, by his teammate, I think? Was it Gordon? He was pissed off and rightly so.

Hey, Jeff, it's not VICKERS in that car, okay? Lay off!

In Dega, blown motors a plenty. Looks like no team was immune, nor was any manufacturer, with the 15 of Menard and the 00 of Reutimann.

Drafting partners are also hard to come by, as they are when it comes down to the final laps. "The big push from behind" might as well be a kick in the ass for some drivers. Some even can't rely on their teammates.

And look...guess who's in the lead? I wonder how THAT happened. Not the WWE, my ass. Geeze. And NASCAR thought that Tony was wrong? Yeah, right!

They ADDED 3 laps to the race? WHAT?! So, Gordon can make sure he wins? What is up with this? I really don't get it.

Race is over with a final caution...the field better be locked up.

At the end, fans throwing trash and what not at Gordon. REAL classy. I'm proud to say that I would NEVER do that, even though the race was fixed, so he could pass Earnhardt to win 77 races.

CoT wasn't used this race, but it will be, in October. Can't imagine what will happen then. (An aside...does anyone have a schedule of when it's going to be used? I don't think the fans will ever know. If anyone has a link to any information on the net, please comment with that information.)

On to RICHMOND! MY favorite short track...on a Saturday night.

NO Trolls allowed...

2007-04-25T13:58:00.000-04:00

If you're just going to post to flame me...and NOTHING else...then YOU WILL BE DELETED.

I want spirited debate, but I don't want trash talking and trolling.

It's my blog, not yours.

Thanks.

Gordon wins Phoenix

2007-04-21T23:42:00.000-04:00

Uh...yeah. He tied with Earnhardt Sr, with 76 wins now to his credit. He is now in company with Petty, Yarborough, Waltrip and others.

Then this idiot does a burn out with the 3 flag. Um...I'm sure that all the Dale Sr. fans appreciate the gesture.

It's just a slap in the face.

OH well.

Junior appreciated it, as he said on his radio...but I guess that's just me.

I think NASCAR gave him the win.

With the stuff they've been pulling, I wouldn't put it past them.

On to DEGA...where it should be even CRAZIER with the CoT.

OMG WTF?!

2007-04-21T23:31:00.000-04:00

What is with some of these drivers? The 6 of Ragan gets into trouble more times than not. He spins out, and then gets plowed into.

Someone tries to get onto pit road and spins out and gets rammed into the wall.

NASCAR doesn't know when the hell to give violations on pit road.

Debris cautions with no debris to show for it.

All the while, screwing good drivers and cars out of a chance for the win.

I've been watching it all night and had my jaw wide open and couldn't make it to the keyboard.

That and dozing off because what I thought was going to be constant side by side racing, was nothing but what seemed to be like 'follow the leader' all the time.

Hopefully one of the Virginia natives will win it. They deserve it.

Well, I guess it wasn't as boring as I thought!

2007-04-15T17:57:00.000-04:00

Passing like crazy, Jeff Burton was literally giving ME heartburn. I thought I'd have to use one of his sponsor's competitors to cure it!

He's a great guy and he's an awesome driver. It's great to see the streak at Texas broken with two by Burton.

He was voted Sportsmen of the Year, according to DW. I didn't hear anything about that.

Burton is a smart man...someone who knows about safety and has brought a lot to the sport. I'm SO happy he won.

Shout out to a friend of mine who works for a company of JB's. It's great to see a big win for them.

With 22 to go...

2007-04-15T17:37:00.000-04:00

I'm done. I just can't see the usual players get their win. BUT, some of the regular players are in the 30s or above. So...

I guess my previous theory couldn't hold up, because there are some people in the top ten that haven't been there in a while: Biffle for one.

Phoenix next weekend. Maybe that flat track at night will be something to watch. Night races always seem to be more exciting. Although getting lost outside Lowe's is something that isn't. (I speak from personal experience...that's another story.)

Is this NASCAR or the WWE?

2007-04-15T16:50:00.000-04:00

It seems like this is becoming "sports entertainment"...or is it?

I mean, we just had to have "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, (who isn't even IN the WWE anymore, is he?) give the command to start engines.

You have phantom debris...enough said.

Name calling and hostility on camera like with wrestling.

I guess I'm just being cynical. Around the end of the race, it seems like it was getting pretty spicy, with Montoya racing Stewart hard and spinning him out, getting into Johnson in the process.

It seems like everyone is content to ride around for three quarters of the race, then they have to kick it into HIGH gear, by making a show of drag racing everyone to get positions and sometimes making stupid mistakes.

I can't help but wonder if in the future, the people in the production trailer are giving cues to the crew chiefs, to get the driver to do something brave and/or stupid. Outrageous and conspiritorial...? I guess so. But you can't help but think anything but "this is just racing" sometimes.

Just as I'm writing this, Tony Stewart spins out and gets into Kyle Busch, who get into Earnhardt's back deck lid. Sheet metal and everything out of whack, a few pit stops need to get it all together, with 100 mile an hour tape. I don't know if that would do any good.

All this excitement is a surprise, since I was lulled into a comfortable snooze...I'm not sure what I saw after many points of view on TV and listening to the scanner.

And this was with 77 to go! (I think the script was written that way...or was it? Sorry, can't resist.)

Well, we'll see what the results are...

50,000 k to fix a "dip" in the track

2007-04-15T16:28:00.000-04:00

Okay, so everyone knows about "Dale Jr's Dip", right? The dip in the track between turns one and two that makes it hard to turn?

Well, because of one comment from a driver, the track put up the money to fix it.

Using special structure urathane, the dip was evened out. Of course, being the typical American male, he said it was like "giving the track implants." Hardy har, har Junior.

Yes, cosmetic surgery is not only for humans but for inanimate objects!

Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards and Kasey Kahne didn't notice a difference. I guess it had to do with "What Junior wants, Junior gets" type of scenario.

I guess we can now coin him "Diva of NASCAR", when it comes to things of this nature. Whitney Houston doesn't like air conditioned arenas, now Junior wants the track his way.

I guess there is one in every industry.

Debris? Where?

2007-04-15T15:47:00.000-04:00

Again, the phantom debris comes out as the last yellow flag came out 47 laps in. (I think, because they showed the scoring tower.)

No camera swept over to see what it was, where it was...and who was cleaning it up.

NOTHING.

This race has become a SNORE. Zzzzzzz...

I hope this doesn't become as predictable as the rest. Atleast they have the old cars out...that is one of the only good things about this.

Unless...you hit the outside wall, like Junior did, trying to pass Gordon. He's trying again...we'll see if he can get it done.

The Hendrick streak might end today, if Junior and drivers on other teams, have something to do with it.

I'd say BREAK THE STREAK!

Make it fun again!

TEXAS...

2007-04-15T14:22:00.000-04:00

Damn, three laps in...there's already a caution. I don't think I've seen a wreck, like the one that happened with Rudd and Ragan. WEIRD stuff.

Hopefully not much more will happen like that and there will be a beatin' and bangin' good time in Texas.

We'll see how it goes...

Junior's future with DEI

2007-04-15T14:15:00.000-04:00

Can I say how much I hate hearing about this constantly? I know it's a business, but come ON people! I'm sure the people that matter: Max Siegel, Theresa Earnhardt and Junior will get this out in the open.

I commend Siegel for keeping the negotiations under wraps. Kelley means well, but I think boasting about 51 percent ownership or more is what they hope to get...or nothing at all...that's pushing it. On the other hand, having some kind of ownership of a company that Big E thought would be his family's legacy, is commendable.

It's these conflicting points of view that keep this thing going.

I think that he will get a good car and good equipment if he went to RCR.

The "deadline" of May 1st is good to shoot for, but I don't think that will come to be. The rumored June 1st "deadline" seems more likely. Hopefully there will be something in place before Dover.

I have a selfish stake in all this: I'll be going to Dover in June and want to see him win...or HELL, Truex win. I like them both and I think that they're both due for a win.

Many pin me as just a DEI fan...but I'm not. I like and admire all drivers and teams... It just matters who gives them good equipment now...and who helps them win. Right now, I think RCR is a better choice.

Bump and run...spinouts...oh my!

2007-04-01T18:35:00.000-04:00

I gotta say that the top 5 really made a show in the end. Bump and run, spinouts, donuts on the side... Cars on fire, faulty exhaust/fuel pumps, (as seen with Kevin Harvick,) this race had it all.

I wouldn't say that it would rank up with the action at Dega, Texas or the old Bristol, but it was pretty fun, all the same.

Rookie Juan Pablo Montoya is getting used to short track racing and it shows. The dents in his car were evident, as the in car cameras saw from all angles.

Jimmie Johnson had an emotional win? In the words of Justin Timberlake: "Cry me a river..."

Victory lane...would have been better, with a Virginia native, such as Denny Hamlin in it. Who knows what happened there...the Gibbs cars were actually giving everyone a run for their money, as Yeley and Stewart were battling each other for top 5 or ultimately, the win.

I think there are many other issues that lie ahead for the CoT...the CO issues (Carbon Monoxide) and the padding catching on fire. I think that if NASCAR wants safety, they should rethink how the walls are built and the exhaust systems are put together.

April Fools Day...I guess the trick was on me...thinking that a Hendrick car wouldn't win.

Oh well...until Texas...Have a nice week off everyone...

Did I just see...

2007-04-01T17:37:00.000-04:00

Juan Pablo Montoya SPIN out Tony Raines? Were those DONUTS on the sides of each car?

WOW! Side by side racing? Now, that's what I'm talking about!

Pit stops are crucial after that rain delay. It was a close one between Gordon and Earnhardt.

Tire pressure is definitely an issue here. As FOX had some close ups of the tires, they looked soft enough to say they were flat. I think they were right there, camber plus tire pressure, could mean trouble for some of those teams.

The top 10 is getting bunched up now, maybe the drivers are finally getting a hang of the 'wing thing'. I like clean racing, but every once and a while...it's great to see some 'beatin' and bangin'.

Good luck to all...hopefully a Virginia native will win...or not. That would be nice, though.

Do my eyes decieve me?

2007-04-01T16:35:00.000-04:00

Or did I see some beating and banging there? Lots of tempers flaring, as the paper clip track gets tighter and tighter...with more people laps down.

And I'm sure those people that are Junior haters are going "NO! NO RAIN!"

I'm sure he's not banking on that. Past half way, I don't think that will happen.

I think these drivers are getting the hang of these 'Wing Things' as I've called them.

Most of the time, Martinsville is a bore, in my opinion. I don't see any action on this track at all. But, with this many cautions...at 9...right now...it doesn't seem any worse than Bristol...just a few more shoves by cars trying to stay on the lead lap.

163 to go...we'll see what happens...

I'll be back with more...

The Wing Thing

2007-03-25T20:19:00.000-04:00

That's one of the names of the choices for the CoT. I think that would be appropriate.

Bristol was a SNOOZE fest. What happened to beatin' and bangin'?

The condition of the cars after hitting the wall, didn't give me any faith in the CoT, either. Did anyone see around lap 44, where Jarrett hit the wall wing first? The deck lid and all of it, fell off in one swoop! Not very encouraging.

Not only did rookies like David Ragan take stupid chances, by racing the faster cars, a lot of the veterans got loose and made some passes that weren't too swift.

Grip, grip and more grip...that's all a lot of drivers couldn't stop talking about on their radios. Track bar was up, then down...then up, then down... It never seems to work out for anyone...except for Kyle Busch, who managed to crank out a win.

I am NOT a fan of the CoT. I don't think that there will be any real action on the short tracks. In fact, I had a great nap on and off..a nice snooze.

Hopefully when I see the CoT at Dover, it will not let me down.

I hope NASCAR knows what they're getting into with 'The Wing Thing', as I now like to call it. Now that I think about it, I'd like to call it the snooze bar, in honor of that stupid wing.

I'm sure many others feel the same way. On to Martinsville...

It's BRISTOL BABY!

2007-03-24T08:26:00.000-04:00

I never really liked this track, but I have grown to like it. All the controversy, the anger, the competition and the wrecks...well, it all grew on me.

I have not yet seen one of these races in person, but I hope that some kind soul will one day sell me a ticket, or let me come with them!

I'll have a report on my observations and news and anything else I can think of by Monday.

Let's hope there is some real good competition between the rookies and the veterans. That should stir things up!

Welcome to my world...

2007-03-21T14:27:00.000-04:00

I was on a website that will be named maybe atleast once: frontstretch.com

I really don't think that anyone should spend any time on that site, but to go to independent sites and blogs like this one here.

I will be commenting on NASCAR and how I see it.

Controversy, competition and other things in the news will be written about.

Feel free to comment, but flames will NOT be returned. Even though I want to SO much...it wouldn't prove anything.

I'm just getting set up...so there will be a LOT more to come...

Stay tuned...