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!

SMOKE WINS!!!!!!

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!!!!

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?

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

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....