NASCAR Nation Blog

CARL'S NOT COOL

2010-03-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

To anyone who tuned into yesterday's Atlanta race, you saw a very scary moment - a car up in the air...and it was done intentionally! Carl Edwards didn't deny it - he got wrecked earlier by Brad Keslowski and he was looking for payback...Not Cool!
NASCAR did the right thing by parking Edward's #99 after the incident....but, Keslowski hasn't made many friends with his driving style and has caused a number of wrecks himself. That's not justification for Carl, but it does provide some perspective...
A week off then Bristol...if those two hook up again, look for more fireworks...

NEW SEASON, SAME RESULT

2010-02-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

After two weeks of the NASCAR season, we find Jimmie Johnson with a win and looking like he's ready to go for #5...and Jamie McMurray with a surprise win in Daytona...This week will be interesting in Vegas.

Don't know if you watched either JJ 24/7 on HBO or the new Inside NASCAR on Showtime, but I have to give props to both...good info and it takes you behind the scenes...i recommend both...

Tired of Danica-mania? Yeah, it's getting boring - lets face facts, she's got a long way to go in NASCAR, but if she can get folks interested in the Nationwide series, more power to her...but, running laps down early will get boring....

DANICA!

2010-01-01T16:26:00.001-08:00

It's the first day of a new year...and the thought of racing is in the back of my mind...Daytona is next month!!!!

Danica will make her debut in Daytona in an ARCA race...she will race in California in the Nationwide series...it will be very interesting to see how she does...

...and her famous 'boss' Dale Jr. - there's alot of pressure riding on him this year...no wins in '09 make it more important than ever for the #88 to do something early...

ALL HAIL JJ

2009-12-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

So he's won 4...what does the next season bring to NASCAR? I think the economy will be a huge issue and a few more empty seats at tracks around the country...

Enjoy the winter!

JJ WINS AND MOVES CLOSER TO HISTORY...

2009-11-16T07:46:00.000-08:00

#48 takes Phoenix and is now ready to take an unprecedented 4th straight title...they make it look easy...
The Denny Hamlin/Brad Keslowski ongoing tiff brings some juice to the table...but, I'm ready for the season to end...need a break....

HALL OF FAME...

2009-10-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

I've got no problem with the first class in the Hall of Fame, but, it's a shame Pearson won't be in it....he deserves it...
I'd like to see them separate the drivers and others as other halls do....this would make it more fair for both drivers and those who need to be recognized for their contributions.

IT'S OVER.;....

2009-10-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Another victory at his house...3 wins in first 5 Chase races...folks, I'll say it now...it's over...JJ wins his 4th in a row...
Gotta give loads of props to the #48 team...they own the Chase....it's not even close...

On to Martinsville...where they have dominated...again....sigh...

BTW - things are going awful for Junior....it's borderline embarrassing....

SMOKE SCORES IN KANSAS!

2009-10-04T19:42:00.001-07:00

Tony Stewart gets back in the Chase with a big two tire stop and runs
away with the win in race 3 of the Chase. Mark Martin keeps the lead
over JJ.

The big news is the possibility Danica might race in some events next
year for Junior's team with Go Daddy as sponsor. The hot rumor is she
might replace Mark Martin in the 5 car down the road....

JJ SERVES NOTICE!

2009-09-29T13:26:00.001-07:00

Jimmie Johnson let everyone know he's still the man to beat with an
impressive win at Dover. He wants that unpresidented 4th championship
in a row. Mark Martin still leads the Chase, but JJ and the 48 team
are coming into a stretch of tracks they OWN!

One tidbit....any fall Dover winner has not won the Chase yet...

Tripp

Sent from my iPhone...which accounts for the shortness and
brevity...big fingers and a small keyboard don't mix...

CHASE WEEK 1....

2009-09-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Mark Martin held off JP Montoya and K. Busch to take round one at NHIS. An entertaining end to what was a somewhat dull race, as they usually are at New Hampshire. Feel bad for Junior - had a good run ruined by the #00....

What's up at RPM? Sorensen running for free - Kahne blows an engine and is last in chase - who's in charge with the merger with Yates? Rumors are George Gillett is looking to sell and get out of this fiasco...somewhere Ray Evernham is laughing.....

Dover is next in the Chase.....BTW - Martin Truex has a couple of events in AC to raise money for his foundation...check it out at http://martintruexjrfoundation.org/

TRUEX GETS A CREW CHIEF

2009-09-16T06:43:00.001-07:00

One quick note...when he climbs into the #56 NAPA car next season,
local fav Martin Truex will have Pat Tryson on the pit box. He's been
Kurt Busch's crew chief and had been at Roush/ Fenway.
It will split the Truex/Kevin 'Bono' Manion pairing which won 2
Nationwide titles, but has struggled lately.

Tripp

Sent from my iPhone...which accounts for the shortness and
brevity...big fingers and a small keyboard don't mix...

NASCAR IN NYC

2009-09-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, the Chase drivers are headed to the Big Apple for a luncheon and events to promote the 'playoffs'. Might want to check it out....

LET THE CHASE BEGIN...

2009-09-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

A wild Saturday night in Richmond....Denny Hamlin with another win, but his teammate, Kyle Busch OOC along with Matt Kenseth (Out of the Chase). Brian Vickers climbs from 13th to 12th and is in the championship hunt. Who will win? The next 10 races will decide...I'll still take Tony Stewart...

KYLE BACK ON TOP!!!

2009-08-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

#18 wins at Bristol....very good race...typical Bristol...The Chase standings are really tight...

A week off before a very interesting Atlanta race....at night on Labor Day Sunday.....

HAD ENOUGH OF KYLE BUSCH?

2009-08-15T16:38:00.001-07:00

Man, he's such a baby...this little run-in with Vickers after Michigan Nationwide race was classic baby Busch...thought Vickers response with great..."Didn't know it was the Kyle Busch show"....
Kudos to Brad Keslowski...Man, is he making a statement about getting a Cup ride....

POCONO....

2009-08-06T07:45:00.001-07:00

The rain delayed 2nd race at Pocono gives Denny Hamlin a win...to be quite honest, it was a great race...Gotta give props to the #48...they battled back from 3 laps down to finish on the lead lap in 13th....never give up....Dale Jarrett did that in the Brickyard 400 in '99...
Off to the Glen!

A NOT SO BRIGHT FUTURE....

2009-07-30T06:58:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-07-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-07-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-07-04T05:34:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-07-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

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!

SMOKE WINS!!!!!!

2009-05-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Tony Stewart could be on his way to winning a championship as an owner/driver...Saturday's win in the All-Star race was huge....he and Ryan Newman could be the story of the rest of the season....Next Sunday will be interesting...the longest race of the year makes for interesting viewing.....

MARTIN AGAIN!!!!

2009-05-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

Just after announcing he will return to the #5 car full-time next season, Mark Martin stamped his name on the list of drivers vying for the Chase with a 2nd win on the season at Darlington. Jimmie Johnson rebounded from what for most teams would be a horrible weekend to finish second...

Next up is the All-Star race....

JEREMY MAYFIELD...WHAT WAS HE THINKING?

2009-05-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

He made the Daytona 500 when no one else thought he could...he made Richmond last week, but struggled. He's had his ups and downs as a driver, but tonight - he's had perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome...he's been busted as the first driver under the new drug testing policy....

He's a big boy and knew what he was doing...he now has a scarlet letter that he may never remove...in a week that saw Kevin Grubb take his life after an indefinite suspension, Mayfield become the first to get nailed for drug...what a shame....

BIRTHDAY BOY TAKES PRIZE

2009-05-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Kyle Busch scroes his third win of the season in a very entertaining Saturday Night Special from Richmond. Very enjoyable race with lots of twists and turns...Tony Stewart has certainly gotten off to a great start as driver/owner....

I have to wonder if Rick Hendrick doesn't wonder about his decision to cut Kyle loose in favor of Casey Mears...

On to Darlington....

WALL STADIUM & INDY TIRES

2009-04-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

A couple of notes...

Wall Stadium is back...after no racing last year, the Jersey Shore legend is back with a limited schedule and at least a glimmer of hope for the future...

The Indy Tire test for Goodyear - not good news. The same issue from last year...Now, I wonder, what are they going to do? 10 to 12 lap segments...not the way to run one of the sport's top races....

MARTIN WITH A POPULAR WIN!!!

2009-04-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

Mark Martin takes the checkers in a very popular win in Phoenix...gotta give him his due...the #5 team is coming together....another dismal finish for Junior...and the little incident with Casey Mears not helping matters...
It's off the Talledega - who knows what can happen!!!!!

GORDON WINS!

2009-04-07T08:51:00.001-07:00

Jeff Gordon gets off the snide and gets a win at Texas, a track he's never won at. Interesting race given the long green run at the beginning and the weather conditions....

Alot has been said already this year about the importance of pit stops and the crucial last one a.k.a. the Money Stop....Carl Edwards knows it now....Kyle Busch, too after a Nationwide race....

Richard Petty Motorsports will try to run the Indy 500....There's an interesting development....the IRL needs some positive news given the lack of names and one driver facing prison for tax evasion...their TV schedule is a joke with ABC only carrying 5 races including Indy...I didn't even know there was a race last weekend until it was over....

A week off for Easter, then Phoenix on Saturday 4/18.....Enjoy...

JIMMIE AT MARTINSVILLE!

2009-04-03T13:09:00.001-07:00

#48 gets his act together and wins at Martinsville...a good day for Hendrick....

What has happened to Roush? They are struggling...maybe Texas will be good to them....

The Junior Nation is getting a bit impatient....the #88 better start producing or they will be very unhappy....

BUSCH BROTHERS WIN LAST TWO

2009-03-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my hiatus...didn't realize I hadn't commented on the Atlanta race and enjoyed the week off...

Kurt Busch in Atlanta and brother Kyle in Bristol win races and now we move to the 2009 version of the points...it's gonna be interesting to see if the early season wonders can keep it going...

Two poles in a row for Mark Martin...he's still got it....but, way back in the points....

Notice Junior in major damage control after stories blaming his problems on Tony Eury, Jr....wonder what Rick Hendrick is thinking?

Martinsville will be another interesting race...can JJ turn his season back around with a win?

KYLE WINS AT HOME...

2009-03-06T08:13:00.001-08:00

The young Busch brother takes the flag at Vegas...nice win at home for him....

Did you notice how Fox stayed with the race till 8:30 and had a nice post race show, too? If this was ABC, they've have dumped out at 8 for Extreme Home Makeover...I wonder if TPTB at NASCAR took notice?

Engine woes continue to plague several top drivers...it's only gonna get worse at Hotlanta.....

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

2009-02-23T06:58:00.000-08:00

#17 wins again...nice job by Kenseth and the Killer B's....#24 looks like he's back and how bout Rowdy Busch - 2 firsts and a third...not a bad weekend....

I thought Fox did a great job with this one and running the race at night against the Oscars - will be curious to see the ratings...but, the race ended just as the Oscars were giving the Best Supporting Actor award to Heath Ledger....wonder how many folks bolted the post race for that?

Vegas baby!

THE JUNIOR ISSUE...

2009-02-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

Kenseth wins the 500 in a rain shortened affair...I have no quarrel with that...

I do have a problem with Junior not getting anything for the accident a day after NASCAR parked Jason Leffler for 5 laps for a one car wreck in the same instance...This is something which has always bothered me and others about the rules....selective enforcement. Now I wonder, did they call the race to give fans something to complain about to kinda hide the Junior issue?

One more thing...Start the race earlier!!!!!! a 2p start would have gotten us close to finishing before the rain...this West Coast bias for races is stupid....

BUD SHOOTOUT...

2009-02-10T06:09:00.001-08:00

A nice taste of what's to come...Harvick wins after having two problems...Junior wrecks, disappointing those looking for a repeat of last year...

Qualifying was interesting too...Tony Stewart has his ducks in a row with his new team...both cars in now...Nice to see the #21 make it on time too...Wood Brothers are an important link to the sport's past....

A good article on this season from ESPN's Ed Hinton...click here. An interesting take...and spot on...

Duels Thursday....

JOHNSON CUTS FINGER...

2009-01-26T21:10:00.000-08:00

Another example of why you don't play with knives...Jimmie Johnson sliced a finger trying to cut a hole in his driving uniform this weekend and had to have surgery. Now, this is not supposed to be an issue at Daytona...but, I'm sure there will be reports and updates every day....

Can we go racing yet?

FOX PROMO FOR DAYTONA 500

2009-01-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

Saw the first promo for the race...let the countdown begin...

SOME NEWS AND NOTES...

2009-01-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Petty merging with GEM...with as far as Petty Enterprises has fallen, it's the only way to keep one of NASCAR's legends in the game...the economy would have left the King behind....

Reports are Elliot Sadler is suing to get either his ride for '09 or full payment of his contract with two seasons left to pay...wonder what his chances are of landing a ride this season...

ESPN says Marty Reid will take over Nationwide Series announcing in the 2nd half of the year...smart move...but still leaves Jerry Punch in the booth.

I'm starting to get an itch...Daytona coming soon.....BTW - you can tell my church is run by non-race fans. They've scheduled a Deacon's Nursing Home visit for...you guessed it...Sunday February 15 at 1:45...what are the chances I'll be there for that one. They also scheduled Homebound communion visits for February 1st but moved them from 2p to 1p...so we'll have plenty of time before the game....Sigh...

AWARDS IN NYC....

2008-12-08T05:01:00.000-08:00

The awards season is over... Friday's Sprint Cup Banquet was boring...and now we wait until February and the new season...but one wonders how the economy will affect things...

NASCAR WEEK IN NYC

2008-12-01T05:15:00.001-08:00

If you are a fan, you might want to travel across the river and catch some of the events of NASCAR week thru Friday.

MORE CUTBACKS

2008-11-25T04:36:00.000-08:00

If you keep up with what's going on, you see teams struggling to get sponsors...and laying off workers in an attempt to keep afloat. It will be interesting to see what develops next February...

Don't forget next week is NASCAR week in NYC.....Happy Thanksgiving!

NASCAR TALK ON THE LOCKER ROOM

2008-11-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

I'm in for Kevin this week...
Tuesday - John Daly from the Daly Planet NASCAR TV Blog will join me at 5:05
Wednesday - a season recap with ABC/ESPN's Jamie Little at 5:05...

1160 WOBM-AM & Fox Sports 1310

JIMMIE AGAIN!!!!

2008-11-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

So the season is over....Jimmie Johnson wins a 3rd in a row...Mr. Backflip wins the race...my pick - Matt Kenseth runs out of gas...sigh....

Found it interesting ABC scheduled the race till 8p this week...and had an extended post-race show...I'm still ticked...

Daytona is in 3 months....no January testing though....

JOHNSON...AGAIN....

2008-11-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

Jimmie's #48 shows the way heading into Homestead...again. They had the class car all weekend at Phoenix....Nice to see Jeff Gordon have trouble (it's always nice to see that)...

Boo to ABC moving the end of the race to ESPN 2....good to know where NASCAR stands at ABC....

Next weekend will be interesting with all three titles still on the line....

WALL STADIUM RISES FROM THE DEAD...

2008-11-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

The annual Turkey Derby will take place on November 27 & 28. The speedway, which was closed this summer, will run the annual event...a float in the Toms River Halloween Parade promoted the event...Good news for local racing fans...

CHASE TIGHTENS WITH MR. BACKFLIP GOING BACK TO BACK

2008-11-04T03:44:00.000-08:00

Carl Edwards makes things interesting with back to back wins in the Chase...gotta love his move to go for broke...and Jeff Gordon, too...

two races left...i'm ready for a break

ANOTHER BACKFLIP

2008-10-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

Carl Edwards takes the checkers at Atlanta...another sweep for the young driver, but JJ continues to close in on a championship. When it's right , it's right...getting tires with 10 laps to go was the move of the race, moving #48 from 11th to 2nd...everything they touch, turns to gold...

One issue which seems to be getting some attention - the continuing qualifying rainouts. There should be a move to allow those outside of the top 35 to have a qualifying session the day before a race...this would allow them a chance istead of a wasted trip...we'll see...

On to Texas....

JJ ON HIS WAY11

2008-10-21T04:21:00.000-07:00

Whatever he's doing, it works big time...Jimmie Johnson is now clearly in charge in the Chase. Hendrick owns Martinsville with 4 cars in top 6....right now everyone's playing for second....

BURTON WINS AT LOWES

2008-10-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

A big gamble paid off for Jeff Burton with a fuel only pit stop and he moves into 2nd place in the Chase with a win Saturday. Jimmie Johnson still remains the man to beat as the Cuppers move to martinsville where Johnson has had alot of success.
The Junior Nation had a disappointing night when #88 crashed and Carl Edwards suffered a big setback with engine problems. Gotta love the Edwards/Harvick dust-up...I still think Harvick is a punk - wish Carl had taken a shot at that loser...

CRASHFEST AND CONTROVERSY

2008-10-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Typical Talledega...two big wrecks, lots of movement in Chase and a little controversy at the end...Can you imagine Smoke's reaction if he's lost? He would have blown his stack...I agree with NASCAR's choice to give the win to #20...the yellow line is there for a reason....
Good to know Goodyear will check on the tire problems.....typical stick your head in the sand thinking....
On to Lowe's Saturday night...

JJ TAKES THE CHECKERS!

2008-09-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Another good race...Carl Edwards desparation move for the win went into the wall and #48 grabbed yet another Chase win. It's amazing to see the fall JGR racing has taken in this edition of the Chase...Kyle Busch basically will watch the rest of the way from the sidelines.

Talledega is next...get ready for some high speed and high anxiety....

THE BIFF DOES IT AGAIN....

2008-09-22T04:38:00.001-07:00

Two in a row for Mr. Biffle and suddenly, Kyle Busch is in trouble. I can't figure out which is the bigger story - Biffle's success or Busch's failures after dominating most of the season...gotta wonder where his heads at now that he's way down in the standings...he needs to get back into the hunt in Kansas or else his magical season will tarnish....
I have to agree with the ABC commentators - one of the best Dover races ever....loved the action over the last 100 laps...

THE BIFF MAKES HIS PRESENCE KNOWN!!!!

2008-09-15T04:19:00.000-07:00

Greg Biffle did a great job in Sunday's first Chase race...he's been quietly in the hunt all season and finally snapped his winless string this year...
Props to both Tony Stewart and Clint Bowyer who dug themselves out of deep holes to get back into contention...and Junior did what he wanted in the first race of the Case...top 5...on to Dover.
BTW - Martin Truex will be appearing in Little Egg Harbor at a benefit for his charity...also his show cars will be making the rounds in Southern Ocean County.

RICHMOND...#48 AGAIN...

2008-09-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Another win for the #48...gotta think they are very much in the hunt for their 3rd in a row...

Loved Tony Stewart's postrace rant on the radio...you can tell he's not happy with the team and knows he's out the door...not afraid of Joe Gibbs smacking him since he's gone...

Note for Sunday - Joey Lagano in #96, sponsored by Home Depot, not DLP...

Lawsuit filed by GEM against Robby Gordon...doesn anyone feel sorry for Gordon? Didn't think so...

Here comes the Chase...my pick - #99 to win it...

#48 DOMINATES

2008-09-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

Jimmie Johnson put together a race that only happens once in a while...he dominated in the Pepsi 500 Sunday. No one had an answer for the defending champ...he's ready for the chase.

One race left...Saturday night at Richmond...interesting to see what happens!

MR. BACKFLIP AGAIN...BUSCH NOT HAPPY

2008-08-25T03:51:00.000-07:00

Carl Edwards wins again, but his bumping of Kyle Busch left him mad. This is what I don't understand about the Busch Bros. They hit people and everybody accepts it as a part of racing, but hit them, they whine. Am I among alot of floks who are pulling for anyone by 'Rowdy' to win...

Saw an article on Casey Mears stating he's got another fresh start with RCR...how many fresh starts does he get?

Loved Clint Boywer's candor over the radio at Bristol talking about Michael Waltrip...but, he was wrong and owes him an apology since ESPN let the world know what he said....

On to California....

MR. BACKFLIP WINS!

2008-08-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

Carl Edwards is the master at Michigan....not surprising the Roush Fenway boys were so strong..in a fuel mileage race, take the Fords...

Ryan Newman joins Tony Stewart...no surprise there, question now is the sponsor...

3 races to the chase...it will be interesting...

This week, I'm in for Kevin Williams in the Locker Room - NASCAR guests include Jamie Little and Tim Brewer....

POCONO....ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

2008-08-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

Another boring Pocono race complete with a rain delay....I really think they need to either cut the distance or one race from the schedule. Pocono races tend to become fuel mileage/strategy affairs and most times, are boring....

Next up is Watkins Glen...I'm on vacation next week but I want to remind you - I'll be filling in for Kevin Williams the week of August 18th on The Locker Room - 3-6p weekdays...I will have some NASCAR talk and hopefully get to chat with Jamie Little again...

INDY=FARCE

2008-08-06T04:15:00.000-07:00

For the second time this decade, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is mired in a tire controversy....the race was a total farce, and I really think NASCAR needs to take a look at why this is happening....I thought the Lowe's race of a couple of years ago couldn't be topped for absurdity...I was wrong.

#14

2008-07-23T21:15:00.001-07:00

Tony Stewart is going to pay tribute to his idol A.J. Foyt when he unveils his new car for next year - it's #14. Looks like Office Depot will be the sponsor...not sure who his driving partner will be...Ryan Newman has a few offers on the table.
Look for alot of things to be settled in the next couple of weeks...might see some driver moves come September for non-Chase teams...

MEDIA FOLKS...

2008-07-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

We tend to think people on radio or TV are somehow different than us. After all, they are on radio or TV.
I had a chance to chat with Allen Bestwick of ABC/ESPN and he showed me a side I never really realized...I asked him about his demotion at NBC from lead announcer to pit reporter and he gave me a straight answer which I respected. Then he talked about Benny Parsons...it was obvious he missed his friend as he seem to struggle at times for words. Allen is a great guy to talk to and I wish him all the best.
Jamie Little is another person who you might not realize has alot on the ball. I've spoken with her twice and she was alot of fun to talk too. And she's got a sense of humor. You can catch her interview Thursday on the Locker Room between 3-6 on Fox Sports 1310.
ESPN Takes over for Sprint Cup coverage beginning this Sunday.

BUSHC AGAIN...GOODBYE NEWMAN...

2008-07-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Kyle Busch wins in Chicago...continuing the roll he's been on all season long...give him credit...great move around JJ....

With Ryan Newman leaving Penske, don't be surprised if Martin Truex, Jr. gets some consideration for the #12 car. He's still not signed with DEI...Funny thing - rumors are now that UPS will go to the #2 car in the new Stewart/Hass team with Newman. I offered all of my old UPS Racing gear to my ex, but she doesn't want it - not into hand-me-downs...

KYLE AGAIN...

2008-07-08T06:31:00.000-07:00

Another win for Rowdy Busch...the July race is always a highlight on the NASCAR schedule and Saturday's race was very good...with alot of interesting twists and turns before overtime and a 15 car restrictor plate wreck. Once again, the younger Busch brother shows the way...

The Tony Stewart story to Hass/CNC continues to gain steam...now, there are a number of sponsor connections mentioned...also, Ryan Newman looks to be the second driver. The early move of Mears out, Martin in at Hendrick adds a very interesting twist to things...The #12 Penske ride could attract a number of interested parties including our hometown guy, Martin Truex, Jr.

A Saturday night in Chicago...this will be interesting...and TNT's last chance to screw up the broadcasts....

RUMOR MILL GETTING STUPID...

2008-06-26T04:11:00.000-07:00

Folks will put anything out there just to create some talk...I think the Tony Stewart rumors have some truth to them...but I think until there something concrete, the 'unnamed sources' might want to keep their mouths shut.
One aspect of the new rumor floated by BSPN...Ryan Newman could be a part of the team...I find it hard to believe the Daytona 500 winner would leave Penske, but then, money talks...

New Hampshire is next on the schedule...interested to see what happens here...remember, NHIS is the first stop in the chase...

Speaking with my friendly neighborhood mechanic who's got ties to local racerRyan Seaman - he's getting more opportunities in the Craftsman Truck series and if he can get some good finishes and that turns into sponsorship, could find a ride there for next year.

BTW - Note I've added some widgets on the blog for some NASCAR news and schedule info...

KYLE AGAIN...

2008-06-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

Another dominant performance from JGR and #18 Sunday...Kyle is the man on the road course at Sonoma. Kudos to David Gilliland and Jeff Gordon for their strong performances. Loved Tony Stewart verbally slapping Marty Snider after the race. There is no love between the two and it goes back to when both worked for Sirius on different shows. BTW - I can't stand TNT's coverage...the only good things - Kyle Petty, Larry Mac and Matt Yocum...I can't wait for their 'summer siesta' to end.

Gotta love the rumors flying around - looks like Casey Mears is out of Hendrick's #5...my, that's a quick change of heart...but, if you can get Mark Martin, I'd take the deal. I just wonder if Martin is a full-time or part-time ride with Bard Keslowski filling in. And does the Army stay with DEI or go with Martin? Still no word on the shore's favorite son Martin Truex's status with DEI? I have to wonder if folks are waiting for the Tony Stewart thing to be settled before they make their final plans. Tony's leaving JGR would open a very good ride up for someone.

DEATH AT ENGLISHTOWN

2008-06-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Sad story from Englishtown as Scott Kalitta died from injuries in a crash Saturday. His chute failed to open and had no chance at 300 MPH. It's a sad day around the racing community...

SONOMA...ROAD RACE ONE

2008-06-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

I hate road courses...can't stand the races...can't stand watching them...anticipating a boring afternoon...wake me when it's over...

JUNIOR WINS!!!!!!!

2008-06-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

It's something you didn't think he could do....play the fuel mileage game...but Junior breaks his long winless streak with a win. It just continues a very consistant year for #88.

After the truck race, you have to believe Kyle "Rowdy" Busch is a marked man....he's flirting with disaster....someone will take him out and in the ensuing fight, beat the snot out of him....I hope...

Joey Legano looks like the real thing....he could be JGR's backup plan should Smoke leave next year.

4 more races till TNT is DOA for next year...bluntly, they stink...

MICHIGAN...ANOTHER SNOOZEFEST?

2008-06-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

The Sprint Cuppers move on to Michigan for this week's event...get ready for a fuel mileage race in the end...is it me or has the COT taken all the interest out of NASCAR?

One comment about the Petty situation...now they have the money to become great again...to see #43 in victory lane again would make everyone's day!

JIM MCKAY

2008-06-09T03:13:00.000-07:00

I'm very sad another piece of my childhood is gone...I used to watch Wide World of Sports every weekend...and I always wanted to be like Jim McKay. He wasn't the regular sportscaster...he could take you to an event and make you feel it. He was sooo good at the Olympics...and I'll never forget that awful day in Munich. Reports say he'd been in failing health in recent months...and it's funny he passed away on the day of the Belmont Stakes, horse racing was one of his loves and for years, hosting the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown on ABC. Another passion was Auto Racing, and he hosted the Indy 500 for many years including that awful 1973 race which took 3 days to run...

I attended Saturday's Yankee game - I got a text message about his death from a friend about 10 minutes before they announced it at Yankee Stadium. You could hear a collective gasp from everyone there as the news had just broken....but after a monment of silence, a thunderous round of applause filled the big ballpark in appreciate for the man who brought so much into all of our lives. I'll never forget that moment either.

RIP.

POCONO - WAKE ME UP WHEN IT'S OVER...

2008-06-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

Another snoozefest in the mountains...Kasey Kahne wins for the 3rd time in a month, Kyle Busch wrecks early...and the endless parade of cars keeps going and going...although, the fuel strategy games towards the end made the race interesting...

TNT's coverage of their 6 pack stinks...Bill Weber is tolerable as a host and pit rteporter, but as lead announcer, he's awful...Wally Dallenbach has gotten better over the years, but the real star is Kyle Petty. Always enjoy his comments...Larry Mac is great and the pit reporters are outstanding...I'll get back to you on the RaceBuddy....

POCONO - TWO RACES?

2008-06-09T03:00:00.001-07:00

Alot has been said about Pocono in regards to it's future on the Sprint Cup circuit...now, I have enjoyed going there in the past, but two races within a relatively short period of time isn't ideal. Perhaps moving the second race to September might be an answer...
But the big problem is the races seem endless...they have got to cut the length by 100 miles. If they don't, more drivers will call for the elimination of a race or if the track is sold, closing the facility. I don't advocate that, but something has to be done.

DOVER...

2008-06-09T02:55:00.000-07:00

Another Kyle Busch win in what was for me, a somewhat boring race. After alot of the big guns were eliminated a an early wreck...it was just a question of whether or not Busch would break. As much as I can't stand either Busch brother, I have to give Kyle credit...he's certainly proving the naysayers wrong after his boot from Team Hendrick.

POCONO SEZ NO SALE

2008-05-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

It figures...as soon as I write about the possible rumor of a sale of Pocono, it's shot down in the media. So, if Pocono is not for sale, that leaves Indianapolis (NO WAY!) and Dover...hmmm, Dover's a possiblity, but would they strip both dates from that track. Doubtful...
Bruton Smith doesn't make statements for the sake of making statements...something's going on and it will be interesting how this plays out...

KENTUCKY SOLD; COULD POCONO BE NEXT?

2008-05-27T03:53:00.000-07:00

The news of SMI's purchase of Kentucky Speedway may have some implacations for NJ NASCAR fans who like to visit the races at Pocono. Rumors are the track could be sold and then SMI would take the two Pocono dates and give one to Vegas and one to Kentucky...while Pocono is not my favorite track, I would hope they keep at least one date...

A LONG NIGHT'S JOURNEY...

2008-05-27T03:48:00.000-07:00

The one factor about the Coke 600..it's 100 extra miles longer than most races and that last 100 miles is tough...Sunday's race took out contenders one by one until Kasey Kahne stood alone. Junior fans have to be surprised at his finish after the wreck with just over 100 laps to go. Jimmie Johnson found bad luck in 'his house'. Why is it Junior is the only consistantly running car from Hendrick?

Other thoughts from Sunday...the Indy 500 was very interesting, but the Ganassi cars dominated the month of May. Why can't Chip have that kinda success in NASCAR? I did get the feeling the folks there feel the merger will help them in terms of marketing...note the addition of DirecTV in their marketing...

KASEY'S THE FAN'S MAN

2008-05-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Talk about a return to form...Kasey Kahne owned Lowe's Motor Speedway in '06 but struggled in '07. After finishing out of the money in the prelim, the fan vote got him into the All-Star race. And he made it work...winning a million bucks in the process.
Kyle Busch was dominating, then blew up; Carl Edwards looked good, then faded; Greg Biffle dominated, but faded in the last segment. Even Junior struggled after taking the lead....

Some suggest this Sunday's Coke 600 might be a yawner if the COT car isn't sorted out...

ANOTHER AM-BUSCH WIN...

2008-05-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

Gotta hand it to Kyle Busch - he loves wearing the black hat...and he's on fire. Another win Saturday after various trials and tribulations. Junior fans were no doubt unhappy with that, but their boy finished 4th.
The latest rumors have Greg Biffle moving to Gibbs to replace Smoke when he leaves for an ownership deal. You get the feeling Biffle is getting tired of the mechanical issues at Roush/Fenway.
All Star race comes Saturday....on SPEED. Then comes the big one - Coke 600.

Want to plug my fill-ins for Kevin Williams this Friday and Thursday 5/22...have Jack Arute from ABC/ESPN scheduled for this Friday and Jamie Little next Thursday at 3:40 to talk racing. The Locker Room from 3-6p on 1160 WOBM-AM and Fox Sports 1310.

K. BUSCH PUBLIC ENEMY #1

2008-05-05T07:05:00.001-07:00

The Junior nation has a new villain...Kyle Busch. But now, you are aware he spun Junior out and took away a chance at the win. And the Junior nation blames him for everything including Global Warming and High Gas Prices. What I find interesting is the number of negative comments from other competitors directed at Mr. Busch. He better watch himself or else he could find himself in a bit of trouble andf wrecked.

Gotta love Richmond races...lots of short track action...couldn't believe the 'big one' which wiped out alot of good cars. Gotta feel from Denny Hamlin - having such a dominant car and losing the race like that - much like Carl Edwards in Atlanta...

What's gotten into Mikey? Darrell's younger brother parked by NASCAR for wrecking Casey Mears....I'm guessing there's a bit of frustration at MWR these days....

The Lady in Black with a new surface is next up - Saturday night....

RICHMOND TV CHANGES

2008-05-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Very interesting situation with ESPN committed to carrying an NBA game on ESPN 2...the Nationwide race will be seen on both ESPN Classic and Speed live then either joined in progress or replayed in it's entirety on ESPN 2.

TONY STEWART, CAR OWNER?

2008-05-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting with all the attention paid to the silly season that Smoke's situation is getting sooo much attention. Look - he already owns his own Sprint Car/Silver Crown car...and he's looking ahead. A Jeff Gordon type of situation is not out of the question for him at Gibbs...it certainly would lock him up for the rest of his career.

Interesting to hear rumblings that UPS might align with Roush/Fenway on the #99 car. I've got to believe Big Brown wants someone who's going to do something during a race other than crash or not qualify...

TALLADEGA RECAP...

2008-05-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

I can't say I was glued to my set for this one...after a long morning at the March for Babies in Ocean County, I settled in for the hour pre-race and watched the first 20 laps before the sandman carried me off to la-la land, waking up in time to see Junior in 2 wrecks and the last 20 laps of Kyle Busch's win. While I missed most of the race, I have to say what I watched was entertaining.

Give Kyle some props...his save early in the race was a classic...

I watched most of the Nationwide race Saturday and would ask this question - Is Kevin LePage one of the most stupid drivers in the world? That was a boneheaded move and he should really think about a new spotter. Causing a wreck like that due to stupidity is wrong...

On to Richmond...

MEXICO...

2008-04-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's the Nationwide series from and center this Sunday as the Sprint Cup boys take a week off. The Mexico City race should be interesting...ESPN has the coverage...

Interesting to note - Danica wins a race...maybe she's worth the hype....

SATURDAY NIGHT COMEBACK FOR #48

2008-04-15T02:29:00.000-07:00

Finally, Hendrick breaks into victory lane...Jimmie Johnson wins at Phoenix. The end was suspenseful as the question of fuel mileage surfaced...it was a shame Mark Martin couldn't stay out...would like to see him win a race. But, seeing the 8 race the 88 brought some smiles to race fans as Junior deals with his past and present.

Gotta give Fox a smackdown for the way things started Saturday night...the switch from baseball was soooo abrupt. I understand they were trying to please everyone, but they should have dumped the baseball earlier....for a playoff game, that's another story...instead, you could have had another Heidi game...

MR. BACKFLIP WINS...AGAIN

2008-04-07T05:07:00.001-07:00

Carl Edwards did another backflip yesterday after another win - his third this season. The #99 team is the class of the field so far this season. Afterwards, Edwards said they wanted to make a statement after the California oil tank cover incident.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Jeff Gordon - 43rd yesterday...talk about embarrassing. Junior fans had high hopes after winning the pole, but Junior faded as the afternoon wore on.
I'm sure by now you've seen the wreck that Michael MacDowell walked away from in qualifying. If there was ever a commercial for the COT and how much safety is improved, that was it....amazing.
Gotta dump on Fox for a sec...the end of the race was a disaster, as the announcers were describing a wreck involving Clint Bowyer while camera were focused on Carl Edwards in-car reaction...It would be nice to see the first 10 or so finishers before switching away from the finish line. I'm not the only person who noticed...fans have been screaming about this at a great blog I recommend about NASCAR coverage....The Daly Planet.

Get ready for a Saturday night race at Phoenix...

MARTINSVILLE...

2008-04-02T05:56:00.001-07:00

Another win for Gibbs as Denny Hamlin takes the checkers in Sunday's race. Hendrick teams had a good day. I have to say...as much a NASCAR likes those mile and a half cookie cutter tracks...I love the short tracks like Martinsville, Bristol and Richmond. There's a place in this sport for the short tracks.

MARTINSVILLE

2008-03-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

Off we go to the place renouned for their hot dogs and a paper clip shaped track...Martinsville. This is a place where the Hendrick boys could turn it around. This season has been a struggle, but Gordon and Johnson have owned this place the last couple of years. Could this be where they make it back into the winner's circle?

WELCOME WEEK OFF!!!!

2008-03-24T03:56:00.000-07:00

I, for one, was glad NASCAR changed the schedule and moved the first open week to where it is this year...after race 5. It's the point of the season where the top 35 begin to be determined by this season's points. Plus, I never understood why take a break between two West Coast races...run them back to back without a break and maybe save some travel.

But, that having been said...I'm ready for a return to racing this weekend at Martinsville.

BTW - looks like Darrell might have to keep quiet this weekend...after how he sounded the last race, one more week's rest might be best...

IT'S BRISTOL...

2008-03-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

A good quick race yesterday...once again, the Gibbs boys dominate, but come up short. Thought Tony would blast Harvick for the wreck that cost him the win, but I'm guessing they spoke. It's always nice to see Jeff Burton win...he's certainly revitalized his career with RCR.
Thought Fox had the right touch dealing with Dale Jarrett's departure...

The extended post race coverage certainly covered all the angles...with the current points standings now determining the top 35, interesting discussions on the teams swapping owners points. Rumors are Petty and Waltrip might do a mid season swap, but in my opinion, that's not fair....it's a rule NASCAR will have to look at...

Enjoy the week off...Martinsville is next....

WALL STADIUM CLOSES...

2008-03-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Sad news for local racing fans reported by the Asbury Park Press...Wall Stadium will not run races this season...rumors about it's closing have circulated for months...

Read about it here http://app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080315/NEWS/803150345&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

A FANS APPRECIATION....

2008-03-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend will be special as Dale Jarrett says goodbye to the Sprint Cup competition. Although he has one race remaining (The All-Star race in May), this will be it for point races. As a long-time fan, I'm somewhat torn over this race...I jumped off the bandwagon when he left Yates two years ago and joined the Junior nation, but kept an eye out for old #88/44. Jarrett has never recovered from breaking up with Todd Parrott as his crew chief and had become a backmarker rarely in the top 20. His last win in 05 came with Todd back on board...
I remember watching him win at Pocono in August of 1997, and him crashing on lap 8 at Dover. I wore alot of UPS gear, folks wondered if I worked for them, not realizing it was a race sponsor/driver's jacket (I got the same responses this week as I pulled my old brown UPS jakcet from 2003 with the Winston Cup logo on it for old time sake).
If there is one thing he will always be remembered for, it's the Daytona 500 win in 1993 with his dad calling him to victory. I dare you to watch it and not cry if you are a father. His car owner in that race - Joe Gibbs.
Now, Dale joins the ESPN booth, just like his dad...so long , Dale - thanks for the ride.

BRISTOL....

2008-03-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

It's the Car of Tomorrow's first birthday - this was the race it made it's debut one year ago...quick - who won? Kyle Busch!
While each Bristol race is special, it always seems like the night race in August has a little more juice to it...the spring race is OK, but the usual headlines are for the weather (snow two years ago).
The big question is can Roush Fenway continue their impressive run or will the Hendrick boys finally break out of their 'slump'?
It's the short track that thinks it's a superspeedway...it's Bristol, baby!

BUSCH MAKES HISTORY!!!!

2008-03-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

Kinda fun to hear New Jersey mentioned in terms of history, since the last foreign make to win a race before yesterday was in Linden, NJ in 1954.

All hail King Kyle! Dominated all three races over the weekend, and won two. However, if Edwards hadn't blown up, he would have ran away with the race. Thought it was funny with him and interim crew chief Robbie Reiser calling each other the wrong names...

I'll say this - like him or not, Tony Stewart is a straight shooter. Man, he killed Goodyear after the race...and I have to say I agree with him...the race was somewhat boring....13 cars on lead lap out of 41 running...not exciting at all...

Let's hope Sunday's Bristol race is better...it's also DJ's swan song in a point race (He'll run the Sprint All-Star race in May at Lowe's before the Coke 600).

NASCAR LOWER THE BOOM ON BACKFLIPPER!

2008-03-06T02:49:00.000-08:00

Carl Edwards just got hammered by NASCAR...he's been on a roll, but the questions over his Sunday victory make you wonder. He got hit with a big fine and loss of 100 points in the standings AND the 10 bonus points he would have gotten for Sunday's win in the Chase. Plus, say goodbye to crew chief Bob Osborne for 6 weeks.
At the same time, NASCAR recinded the point penalty for Robby Gordon over the unapproved nose found on his car at Daytona. That will keep Gordon in the top 35.

A reminder - tomorrow and Saturday is the auction for IROC in Tinton Falls. Lots of history up for grabs...

AN INTERESTING QUESTION....

2008-03-05T02:13:00.000-08:00

Haven't heard from NASCAR on what will happen to Carl Edwards after the car's failure of post race inspection...curious why they haven't weighed in...

Everyone's dumping on Bruton Smith after the Gordon crash Sunday...even Rick Hendrick is screaming for SAFER wall inside the track. But, I do have to say he's right...a hit to an inside retaining wall is just as bad as an outside one without the SAFER barrier...

On to Atlanta...

MR. BACK-FLIP FOES BACK TO BACK...

2008-03-03T03:01:00.000-08:00

Carl Edwards wins another for the Roushkateers, and he deserved it..overcoming a speeding penalty early and a possible pit violation late. Two late wrecks made him have to hold off Junior. It was a crash filled race with Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch and Jeff Gordon taking hard licks off the wall. There is a cloud in the Edwards sky however - his car failed inspection after the race and he could get hit with a fine and points later this week.

Nice to see Mark Martin get a win in the Nationwide series Saturday.

Hotlanta is next....

FINALLY, THE WEEKEND ENDS...

2008-02-26T03:05:00.000-08:00

Mr. Back-Flip wins the Sprint Cup race, and Smoke dominates in the Nationwide race at the Auto Club Speedway of Southern California...the Monday headlines as the weekend ends...

Gotta give props for Fox showing the race on a Monday afternoon...in the past, they've moved coverage to FX or Speed for a weekday race. Also, give them kudos for mentioning Dale Jarrett's new role for ESPN (I doubt the boys from Bristol would do the same). As for the race, it was just a question whether Jeff or Jimmie could stay out front, or if someone would take advantage of the much different track conditions which Carl Edwards did.

The Nationwide race was a Tony Stewart romp for the get-go...that's 2 in a row for Smoke. Curious to see if that changes his plans in upcoming weeks for the series, but I doubt it...

On to Vegas...glad they scrapped the week off between these two races...