A NOT SO BRIGHT FUTURE....

Gotta give props to my man Dale Jarrett...he made a very telling statement Sunday in predicting less that 43 car fields come Chase time. Only 43 are entered in Pocono this week....
One other point to ponder....just got an offer for tickets to the Lowes Chase race - Buy 2, get 2 free....that doesn't sound like things are going well, does it?

JJ AT INDY, JPM MAD AS HELL...

Jimmie Johnson pulls off a win over Mark Martin and Juan Pablo Montoya is mad - but he got nailed by two timing loops as being too fast (much like Mayfield, one - there's a question, two - not as much)...Indy was a good day this year - no tire issues, a clean race and an ESPN broadcast which kinda was boring...

A return to Pocono this week - lets see what lies ahead....

EMPTY GRANDSTANDS....

It's becoming clear that tracks are having trouble selling tickets...and one wonders where it's the economy or the rather high prices....or overexposure. Two races at some tracks are welcome and draw well, but if Daytona is any indication, we could see alot of empty seats at alot of tracks the second time around....and if that happens, the folks in Kentucky, Nashville and other places without Cup races will be howling for a date...this story will be ongoing as we head to 2010 and the schedule...don't be surprised if there's a delay in that announcement....

HARVICK NOT HAPPY

Rumors continue to swirl that Happy Harvick ain't happy at RCR and wants out of the final year of his contract to race with Tony Syewart's team...Stewart and Harvick race together in Harvick's #33 nationwide team....but then the question becomes - is Danica on the SHR radar? Silly season is off and running.....

MAYFIELD FAILS AGAIN...

In this game, two strikes and you are out! The news of the second failed drug test really seals his fate...even though he's fighting it, he's either really dumb and took the same combo of medications again or as his stepmom says, he's a meth-head....either way, Jeremy is done...so sad...

TRUEX TO MWR #56 NEXT YEAR...

It says more about how far Michael Waltrip Racing has come in a short time and how competitive they are that our native son is taking the reins from Michael. Truex was the biggest name available and his departure leaves many questions at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing... Good move for Martin!

CHICAGO...MY KIND OF TOWN...

For Mark Martin, it was...another win for the #5 bunch...he's looking like a strong candidate for the Chase....
Now, a week off before the last stretch of the schedule to the end of the season...

HALL OF FAME NOMINEES....

The list just released is impressive - the people who made the sport what it is - while I have no doubt all will eventually make it - here's my five picks for the first class:

1) Dale Earnhardt - a no-brainer - without him, the TV deal would have never been completed and the sport would not be as popular
2) Bill France, Sr. - deserves his own wing...enough said!
3) Richard Petty - see above...
4) Junior Johnson - a winner as a driver and owner for many years - one of the true legends.
5) David Pearson - would have won more races & championships if the Wood Brothers had run full seasons....deserves to go in with Richard....
Also considered - Bill France, Jr.; Lee Petty; & Benny Parsons

I'll be surprised if these aren't the five who are first, -- the first three are locks, the last two could be in the 2nd class.

http://www.nascarhall.com/ is the link to the hall website where you can vote on the first class to enter....

IT'S BEEN AWHILE....

Yeah, I know...been trying to make some changes in my life (or lack thereof) and I've let things go....
First, Tony Stewart gets his first win as a car owner...and leads the points race - not too shabby...
The Michigan race was a hoot - the last lap was great - My kingdom for a quart of fuel! Nice to see Mark Martin doing well....
Double-file restarts - an interesting twist...gives a different look at strategy...
The King goes back to victory lane - although not his own team, but still good to see...
Bill Weber bounced from TNT broadcasts - what did the guy do? No one is saying, but he had to do something realllly bad....I doubt he'll be back on next year...

Daytona...halfway home....get ready for some fun!