Right Sides Only

Springtime in the foothills of southern Virginia means the Azaleas are blooming, the cars are zooming, and tempers will soon be fuming. And, all of it will be happening at the flat, half-mile paperclip in Martinsville. So, step back in time and enjoy the action and a world famous Martinsville hotdog.

Oh no, not Again

Jimmie Johnson has 15 straight top-10 finishes at Martinsville, including six wins! JJ has already won three of the first five races this year. While none of these wins have been runaways, nobody likes to see the same robot win over and over.

Spoiled Rotten

Forty Sprint Cup teams participated in a two day test at Charlotte Motor Speedway earlier this week. This was the final shakedown for the transition from rear wings to rear spoilers which begins this Sunday. Many of the drivers said that there wasn't that much difference in the speeds or the handling between the wings and the spoilers. Juan Montoya ran virtually the same speeds with the wing and the spoiler on the same car.

All Green, no Checkers

For the second straight year Dale Earnhardt Jr made the most bank among NASCAR drivers. According to Forbes.com Junebug made $30 million last year including salary, endorsements, licensing income, and track purses. Thirty million! Not bad for zero wins and a 25th place points run. Jeff Gordon was next at $27 million. The champ, JJ was third on the list at 23 mil.

Hot Dog

Martinsville Speedway was built in 1947, two years before NASCAR cranked up. The first World Famous Martinsville Hot Dog probably dates back that far also. For $2 you get a Jesse Jones frank with slaw (not coleslaw, just slaw), onions, and chili. If you've never seen a Jesse Jones frank, be warned, they are RED! FDA #1 food dye RED! I much preferred the dipped in batter, then deep fried, corn dogs at the old Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway.

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View From The Flagstand

This week's View saw some great racing at NASCAR's greatest track. Bristol is back, baby! After two or three years of somewhat boring, follow the leader, pace for the Chase, type racing, the boys brought the noise to the venerable half-mile track.

CHECKERED FLAGS

For the third time in the first five races this year, Jimmie Johnson wheeled home a winner. There is really nothing left to say about this team. They are, that, damn, good! The only way to beat them may involve Kryptonite.

I have to include, first time NNS winner, Justin Algaier in this category. In fact, Penske Racing was en fuego at Bristol. Algaier and Brad Keselowski were first and second in the NNS race, while Kurt Busch led the most laps in the Cup race and finished third. The Situation also led 26 laps and was 13th on Sunday.

GREEN FLAGS

Tony Stewart waved JJ by for the win, then held Busch up long enough to finish second. Dale Earnhardt Jr got his fans overexcited by racing into the top-10, speeding on pit road (I thought he had a speedometer now?), and earning his 7th place finish. Jamie McMurray was 8th, and Martin Truex Jr dodged enough wrecks to end up 12th.

YELLOW FLAGS

Greg Biffle caused the Big One as he tried to connect his radio. Buckle up, eyes straight ahead, hands at ten and two, check your mirrors, and pull over to tune your radio! Back to Driver's Ed for you, Biff.

Kevin Harvick dumped Joey Logano on the last lap of the NNS race, and gained a position. NASCAR used to frown on that, not anymore, I guess. Logano gave Harvick the outside lane for over 20 laps. Harvick couldn't pass him cleanly, so he wrecked the kid. Then Harvick gave some lame ass excuse on TV. We know, that he knew, that NASCAR wouldn't punish him after the Carl Edwards' stunt at Atlanta.

RED FLAG

The oldtimers race on Saturday, in which two drivers went to the hospital. I grew up watching and worshiping these guys on Sunday afternoons. It's bad enough that Rick Wilson and Phil Parsons were even in a "Legends" race, let alone that they finished one, two!

The real crime was turning these 70-something year olds loose in cars that are not up to NASCAR's safety standards. These drivers were allowed to race at 120 MPH without full face helmets, without proper fire resistant protection, and without HANS devices! Un-friggin-believable! This should be the end of this nonsense.

BLACK FLAG

For the second race in a row, Goodyear tires were not up to big league standards. Last time out, at Atlanta, one team, in particular, seemed to have brought on the majority of the tire problems by disregarding Goodyear's recommendations.

Bristol appeared to be more Goodyear's fault. There were several blowouts during the race, but problems began on Friday. The tires beaded up during practice, instead of adhering to the racing groove. They have brought tires in the past that did this same thing at various tracks. Shouldn't you throw that batch design away after the first time? When I heard that these were the same tires that they used in Indy, I asked myself, "Are these the rest of those 10 lap tires from two years ago?"

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Right Sides Only

Welcome to all you millions of new NASCAR fans. We know you are all tuning in after seeing that one driver flip that other driver's car through the air. And then, we just flipped the script and gave the bad guy a 'warning'. So, after viewing the wreck scores of times on Sports Center, welcome to Extreme Auto X, live from Bristol!

Yes, the boys in marketing have come up with another brilliant idea to improve NASCAR's flat TV ratings. We're going after that WWE, X Games, Grand Theft Auto, unemployed, audience. This is a can't miss, a home run. After all, these are the same geniuses that came up with Digger.

Not so Hot Wings

Good riddance. This week will be the end of the rear wing. For reasons unknown (boys in marketing) NASCAR bolted a wing on the trunk lid of the COT when it debuted a few years back. The drivers and fans never accepted the European look on our red-blooded stock cars. Finally, NASCAR listened to the fans ($), clipped the wings, and went back to the all-American spoiler on the rear deck.

Thunder and Lightning

This one's for all the haters. Kurt and Kyle, the Busch brothers, have combined to win eight of the past 16 races at Thunder Valley. Kurt just won at Atlanta two weeks ago. Kyle won here at BMS, three years ago in the COT--- with rear wing--- debut. And....this is the wing's final race.

Bouncing Off the Walls

Bristol Motor Speedway has added SAFER barriers exiting turns 2 and 4. The new soft walls have removed 3 feet from the already tight track. After resurfacing the track in 2007, cars were able to race side by side around the high banked half miler. Since the drivers usually exited turns 2 and 4 right up against the old wall, it should be exciting to see how losing that real estate will effect the racing. Will it revert back to a single groove, move or be moved, circuit? Or, will there still be room for two wide racing?

Talladega Test

Earlier this week 24 drivers tested various aerodynamic and restrictor plate combinations for NASCAR in preparation for next month's Aaron's 499 at Talladega. Speeds climbed way above 200 MPH before NASCAR adjusted the spoilers, fender skirting, and plates to get the speeds down in the mid-190 MPH range. Dale Earnhardt Jr claimed to have hit 213 down the superstretch. So, now Jr has a speedometer to avoid all those pesky speeding tickets on pit road?

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View From The Flagstand

This week we had an unobstructed view of Carl Edwards cutting to the right as he turned into Brad Keselowski right below the flagstand. Which led to The Kes getting airborne on the frontstretch at Atlanta. This, after neither requesting, nor receiving permission for a flyby. That's a negative, Ghostrider.

CHECKERED FLAG

The Blue Deuce is back, baby! Kurt Busch won this race for the second year in a row. Thanks to Edwards' selfish behavior, Busch had to drive an extra 16 laps beyond the scheduled distance with the cautions and green, white, checkered finishes. I'm thinking that has to be some kind of record.

GREEN FLAGS

Kevin Harvick dominated the Truck series race on Saturday, then, somehow, on Sunday, lucked into a 9th place run. The RPM trio of Kasey Kahne (4th), Paul Menard (5th), and AJ Allmendinger (6th) had great finishes. Brian Vickers (7th) and Scott Speed (10) gave Red Bull Racing some wings. Juan Pablo Montoya stalked the leaders all day and came home 3rd.

YELLOW FLAGS

Every one of the Hendrick (and associates) cars suffered from recurring tire problems all day long. Thanks to Edwards' jackassery we never learned after the race who was to blame... Goodyear, or the team's setups.

RED FLAG

Plenty of empty seats at the track. Sure it was cold the night before, but the weather wasn't that bad on Sunday. Official estimates of attendance were 85,000. Other, non-biased guesses were closer to 65,000. Or, about the same figure that would be in Rockingham for a Cup race in March.

BLACK FLAG

Carl Edwards! For starters, Keselowski did NOT cause the first wreck with him. BK held his line, Carl came down, and wrecked himself. They were entering turn one on a restart! He should know that The Kes doesn't back off for anyone.

So, after having over an hour to think it over, and check the replays, Carlsbad reenters the fray with one objective....take out The Kes! Keselowski is not just an innocent victim here, though. No doubt if he did not have a history of contact and controversy with Edwards (among dozens of others) there probably wouldn't have been any retaliation for the earlier incident.

I'm writing this before any sanctions are handed down, but I'll give a prediction on what Edwards' punishment will be. NASCAR stated a few weeks ago that they will let the drivers police themselves, so I don't see Edwards getting a huge penalty for the intentional wrecking of a competitor. However, when NASCAR ordered him to park his car during the caution, he drove across the infield grass, and went the wrong way down pit road. NASCAR frowns on that kind of insubordination.

I look for Edwards to be placed on probation for the rest of the year, and lose some points, and cash. No suspension, even though plenty of fans are overreacting and calling for one. Although, if Edwards had upended any other driver--- except for Kyle Busch --- NASCAR may have pulled the trigger on a one race suspension.

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Right Sides Only

After two straight races at, relatively new, cookie cutter tracks, the boys are finally back on one of the Southern legacy tracks. Atlanta has been the scene of some great finishes over the last fifty years. It is now NASCAR's fastest track, and points racers don't just luck into wins here.

From Gas Pedal to Gold Medal

Past Daytona 500 winner, Geoff Bodine jumped in to help rescue the USA bobsled program back in 1992. He helped design a new sled, the Bo-Dyn Bobsled. He even used his NASCAR connections to get wind tunnel time for the designers. All the hard work finally paid off as the US men's team won the Olympic gold medal last week in Canada.

Bodine will attempt to make the Truck Series race this week in Atlanta while driving the #95 Bo-Dyn Bobsled entry. The truck will honor this year's bobsled medalists with their names incorporated into the paint scheme. A Bo-Dyn Bobsled is also on display at AMS.

Last Place Gets Even Worse

NASCAR has introduced a new rule in which the lowest finishing, non-wrecked car will be torn down and inspected after each race. They were tired of the start and park teams not spending money on tires, gas, and pit crews, while they took starting positions from other teams that wanted to race the entire event. Now, the start and parkers will have to wait each other out before parking. In some instances, I could see the race not to finish last outshining the race for first.

Nice Guy

Dale Earnhardt Jr donated one million dollars to the Victory Junction. Later this month the Pettys and Dale Jr will break ground on the Dale Jr Corral and Amphitheatre at the camp in Randleman, NC.

What Happens in Vegas

RCR driver, John Wes Townley was cited for underage alcohol possession last week in Las Vegas. The 20 year old Townley went on to record a career best finish of 15th in Saturday's NNS race. Alcohol? Career best? You're preaching to the choir, kid.

1...2...3

Greg Biffle's RFR #16 Ford will be sponsored by the US Census for the next three races. What is the deal with all the Census advertising we're seeing this year? I've been around for a few of them, but I don't remember this level of publicity for a census.

Down the Straightaway

Kurt Busch will make his NHRA debut next weekend at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL. Busch will be steering his own 1970 Dodge Chalenger in the Super Gas class. I can only think of one word....Why?

Sticky Pedals (Magnets?)

Toyota is undergoing a massive recall due to allegedly sticky accelerator mechanisms. Congress was quick to get in on the act. Making Toyota jump through hoops in some hastily called hearings. I'm sure all that bad pub for Toyota has nothing to do with them being in direct competition with the bailed out Chrysler and General Motors, or that Toyota uses non-union labor. This is what happens when the government takes over private businesses.... they unfairly gut the competition.

View From The Flagstand

Considering the neon, the thick smoke, the caution lights that would not stop blinking, the Vegas View was hard to bring into focus. The Western swing is over, and the boys are homeward bound. Atlanta, hear me calling.

CHECKERED FLAGS.....

Jimmie Johnson made it two in a row in Vegas. After stalking Jeff Gordon all day, JJ finally took the lead late, as Gordon took two tires while Johnson went with four. Kevin Harvick is leading the points, finished 2nd to JJ, and also won the NNS race on Saturday.

GREEN FLAGS.....

Matt Kenseth (5th) , Clint Bowyer (8th), and Greg Biffle (10th), along with Harvick, are the only drivers with top-10 finishes in all three races this year.

YELLOW FLAGS.....

EGR drivers, Jamie McMurray and Juan Montoya had a run in, and ran into the wall. JPM fumed as J Mac took the blame. JGR teammates, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are both being outran weekly by JGR sophomore, Joey Logano. Hamlin has yet to finish in the top-20.

RED FLAG......

Danicamania. At least for the next four months, anyway. Would someone tell NASCAR that the Indy Car Series (where Danica races full time) TV ratings are as low as Keith Olbermann's, and their live crowds are not too lively either.

The USA Today had this about Danica's stock car prowess... "...Patrick progressed in her third...start....surging from 37th....to run as high as third...". No mention that it was due to her being out of sync during green flag pit stops. The networks are just as bad, fawning all over someone who wouldn't give NASCAR the time of day unless it was making her some bank.

BLACK FLAG.....

HMS. NASCAR better hurry up with some more new rule changes. We ended a boring season a few months ago with three HMS cars at the top, now, already, we are right back to the same old, same old.

Right Sides Only

After a surprisingly watchable race at Fontana, the stars and cars are in Las Vegas this weekend. Maybe even more amazing than the racing in Cali is that it looks like no one has started points racing....yet. I'm sure that will soon change.

Victories in Vegas

Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Fenway Racing have won 10 of the 12 Cup events in Las Vegas. Sterling Marlin in 2002 for Chip Ganassi Racing, and Kyle Busch last year for Joe Gibbs Racing are the only streak busters, so far. Busch is the only winner here to start on the pole.

Have a Seat

Vegas, with just one Cup race a year, seats 142,000, and at least 100,000 will be filled on Sunday. Fontana, with two races per year, seats 92,000, and, even though NASCAR estimated last week's crowd at 72,000, other, unbiased, estimates were as low as 45,000. Oh, yeah, one of NASCAR's spin offs owns Fontana.

The Suitcase is Packed

"Suitcase" Jake Elder passed away this week at the age of 73. Elder started in NASCAR in 1959, and was a garage fixture for the next 40 years. He led David Pearson to back-to-back titles in the late 1960s, and also was chief for Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip among many others. Elder was a no-nonsense type man, and "Suitcase" would leave a team in a huff if anyone questioned his methods on anything. Winners like Elder would never get a chance in today's politically correct, sponsor approved, media driven, NASCAR.

Parking a Start and Parker?

NASCAR seized Dave Blaney's Prism Motorsports racer after last week's race in Fontana. Blaney started 5th, led a few laps, then (as usual) parked it when it was time for his first pit stop. Blaney's car was, allegedly, the random car to be inspected after the race. Then NASCAR decided to tear it down, effectively leaving Blaney with just his backup car to drive in Vegas.

The real reason is that Prism got greedy. After "earning" FIVE MILLION dollars last year, they decided to field two start and park teams this season. Last week three cars failed to qualify while Prism had their two cars solidly in the field. This tear down is NASCAR's way of telling Prism that they'll let them know when they can bring more than one S&P car to the track.

Stat Rat

Eighteen drivers have completed every lap in the two races this year. However, only four have top-10s in both.... RFR's Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth, and RCR's Clint Bowyer, and Kevin Harvick. It would be no surprise to see those four in the top-10 in Vegas.

Turn on the Telly

Our friends in the United Kingdom can now get their NASCAR fix on TV again. Jamie, check out the action on Open Access Three.

Turn Off the Telly

Kim Kardashian will give the starting command on Sunday. Tell me again, what is she famous for? In other 'never was' news, former race announcer Bill Weber is now performing a magic act (true, even I couldn't make this up). I'm thinking retirement homes for his Nana, and such. Talk about a tough job market. I did like the way NBC made him disappear, though.

View From The Flagstand

This week's View comes from warm, sunny, Southern California. What? Neither? Oh well, better luck with that great weather during your second race later this year. As, that, very well could be your last race in the fall if your ticket sales don't double by then.

CHECKERED FLAGS..... Jimmie Johnson owns Auto Club Speedway. He just lets the other drivers make laps as they race for second place. JJ may have a golden horseshoe located somewhere (where the sun doesn't shine, per Kevin Harvick) but he probably didn't need any luck to win Sunday. Saturday's NNS race didn't suck either, as Kyle Busch won a close one.

GREEN FLAGS.... RCR is back, baby! Kevin Harvick (2), Jeff Burton (3), and Clint Bowyer (8) had their Childress Chevys in the mix all afternoon. Scott Speed led three laps, as he prayed for a red flag, and finished 11th. Sam Hornish (16), Paul Menard (18), and Regan Smith (19) all finished on the lead lap.

YELLOW FLAGS.... Joey Logano finished 5th, but he wrecked himself in the NNS race on Saturday. He came close to wrecking himself a couple of times on Sunday as well when he was 'racing' Greg Biffle. This looks like the next big feud in NASCAR.

RED FLAG.....Two races a year in Fontana? Seriously? While the racing was much better than usual, that many empty seats for the season's second race can't look good. Face it, NASCAR, the peeps in L.A. are way too cool for your 43 cars, each turning left 500 times on a Sunday afternoon. Hell, they've already buried two NASCAR tracks in SoCal. What's one more?

BLACK FLAG.... Junior Nation's high hopes. After Dale Jr's second place finish in the Daytona 500, his millions of fans were proclaiming this to be his year. It took just seven days for his year to turn into the same old, same old. Take a look at some of the drivers who finished on the lead lap Sunday in Cali. Menard, Speed, Bliss, etc. Mike Bliss?! If Jr didn't break his axle, he still would have finished behind all those drivers because he couldn't stay on the lead lap even before he broke the car. So, Nation, how about holding it down, the rest of us are trying to watch what's going on up front.

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Right Sides Only

After a splendid season opener, that even a crazy crater couldn't ruin, the boys go West. Is there anyone out there that's fonda Fontana? Why does NASCAR schedule it's most boring race track for the second week of their season? Afraid they might build too much momentum?

New Rules

It is so hard to believe that after years of denial, NASCAR listened to their remaining fan(s) and actually changed some rules to make the racing more exciting. They cashed in immediately, as the unlimited bump drafting in Daytona certainly made for better racing. But, the biggie was the do-overs for the green-white-checker restarts. I slam NASCAR all the time. Mostly for being lazy, and not brilliant (them, not me damnit). So, I will admit, it looks like they got this one right.

Blue Streak

Does winning the Daytona 500 make a driver's year? The latest winner, Jamie McMurray might want to hope so. Kevin Harvick won the 500 in 2007, and hasn't won a Cup race since. Ryan Newman won the Great American Race in 2008, he hasn't won since. Matt Kenseth won it last year, but he did manage to win one more race (the next week in California). That's a lot of losing after winning the big one.

Good Riddance to the Rodent?

Not that I was looking for him, but I don't recall seeing Digger during Fox's broadcast of last week's Daytona 500. I'm just glad that we didn't have to go to Congress to remove him from our children's eyes... ala Joe Camel.

Won't Make it Two Straight

Also missing during the Daytona 500 was NASCAR's reset, the caution for debris. Fontana, coming up this Sunday, better have two or three. Did I mention that this is NASCAR's most boring race track?

DNN

You may have heard, Danica Patrick was in preliminary races at Daytona for the last two Saturdays. The ARCA race on February 6 drew the highest ratings ever for that series. Then the NNS had their best ratings ever the following week as Danica piled into a non-moving wreck and finished 35th. The 1979 Daytona 500 was the first one ever televised in it's entirety. We've all seen the Cale Yarborough/Donnie Allison slam bang finish. The ratings were off the hook. We have also heard about the East Coast blizzard that had everyone indoors watching that race. Guess what the weather was like on both of the past two Saturdays? I'm not saying that she didn't drive the ratings, I'm just saying...

Baby It's You

A lot is being made about Jeff Gordon allegedly losing the drive to be the best after having a baby. Now, some misguided fans are saying that Jimmie Johnson, who's wife is due this summer, will lose his edge too. Why would anyone even think having a kid would squelch the fire? Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt won 14 titles after having children. Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Dale Jarrett, and the Labontes were all proud Papas when they won Cup championships. It is insulting that people think that a person, male or female, can't do their job once they become a parent.

Sure Thing

Carl Edwards

Dark Horse

Brian Vickers

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February 18, 2001

I was in Daytona that fateful day, nine years ago. Sitting along the front stretch, watching the drama unfold as the afternoon went on. That year's Daytona 500 was a great race with 14 different lap leaders. This was also Dodge's first race back in the Cup series in quite awhile.

The Dodge boys were strong that day as Bill Elliott started from the pole, Ward Burton led the most laps, and Sterling Marlin looked to have the car to beat for most of the day.

The 'big one' came on lap 174 that year. I wouldn't swear to it, but I'm pretty sure that it was Robby Gordon that turned Tony Stewart on the back stretch. Stewart went sailing through the air, directly over his JGR teammate, Bobby Labonte's, car. Probably the most cars I've ever seen wreck in person. The race box score lists 19 cars involved in that melee.

When the green flag flew on lap 180, Dale Earnhardt Jr was leading, and the fans were in for a 20 lap shootout. Marlin took the lead for a lap, then Dale Sr powered to the front, for one lap, on lap 183. Mike Waltrip got by Sr on the very next lap, and never was headed off. Winning the race on lap 200, as all hell broke loose in NASCAR's world behind him.

With his two, self-owned, DEI cars running first and second, Dale Sr was determined to hold off the pack of hungry drivers nipping at their wheels. Earnhardt was the master at Daytona, but he was mortal after all. He tried to block two different lines of cars going into turn three. First, he pulled low to stall out Marlin. Sr's car was a little loose after that, but he still went high to block Ken Schrader.

He didn't quite pull it off, as his car was out of control, and heading straight for the wall as Schrader's car also hit him. At this time Waltrip and Jr were crossing the finish line, still one, two. I doubt anyone in attendance then, would have suspected that Sr was even hurt, let alone much worse.

I know I didn't, as I was giving Sr and his fans a few choice words about him wrecking Schrader. Looking back, I'm embarassed to admit I did that, but no one knew his condition at that time.

A few hours later, driving up I-95, through the dark woods of Georgia, we heard the announcement on the radio..."We've lost Dale Earnhardt." My head was spinning. How? Why?

We were stunned. I called my brother, a big Dale fan, he was crying when he answered the phone. There wasn't much to say, he just relayed to us what was happening on TV.

We spent the rest of the trip home holding back tears, and sharing Dale Sr stories. How he amazed us. How he enraged us.

Dale Earnhardt Sr.....The Best Driver I ever saw!

First posted 2-18-09 at Foxsports.

View From The Flagstand

Did NASCAR finally get something right? All the races during Speed Weeks at Daytona were entertaining and exciting. Sure, the track was all jacked up from a giant, recurring, pot hole during the Daytona 500, but the action was unbelievable. We saw 52 lead changes between 21 drivers over the 208 laps of hard racing. It was a fantastic way to start the season, and leave the fans craving for more. Of course, the excitement will be short lived, as Fontana is next on the schedule. Not brilliant, NASCAR.

CHECKERED FLAG......Jamie McMurray has now won the last two restrictor plate races after nailing the Daytona 500 on Sunday. It was sweet vindication for J Mac after he was dumped by RFR last season. After finally getting sponsor approval, he returned to his first Cup team owner, Chip Ganassi. Since McMurray's original stint, Ganassi has merged and morphed his team into Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. So, this is how to get the Earnhardt name back in Victory Lane?

GREEN FLAGS.......Dale Earnhardt Jr charged to his best finish in years as he trailed McMurray across the finish line in second place. MWR drivers David Reutimann (5) and Martin Truex Jr (6) showed the boss how it was done. Clint Bowyer (4), Kevin Harvick (7), and Jeff Burton (11) had RCR in the mix all day. RFR's Greg Biffle (3), Matt Kenseth (8), and Carl Edwards (9) had their Fords up front all race long.

YELLOW FLAGS......Super team, HMS, had one car in the top 10. Jeff Gordon was 26th and Jimmie Johnson was 35th. Brad Keselowski brought out the first caution of 2010. It won't be his last.

RED FLAG.....A pot hole? NASCAR's season opener, and biggest event, was delayed twice for over an hour due to a pot hole in the racing groove. Lots of fans are blaming NASCAR, which owns the track. I have to defend them by saying, this was a fluke. There was really no maintenance or inspection which would have prevented this occurrence. Unseasonably frigid temps this winter, and heavy rains two days before the 500, led up to the break up. I mean, how many winters has it actually snowed in Daytona, Al Gore? This year, twice.

BLACK FLAG......Every single announcer on ESPN and SPEED TV this weekend. I know you think that Danica will raise the ratings and get you more money, but DO NOT even pretend that she has the slightest clue of how to drive a stock car. I can see self promoters like DW and Rusty Wallace trying to sell us on her skills, but Dale Jarrett, Mike Joy, and the rest should know better. Don't pee on my shoes and tell me it's raining.

Right Sides Only

And so it begins. The NASCAR season roars into the new year and rumbles along the asphalt high banks of the World Center of Speed.

Season Opener

No one drags out a season opener like the crew in Daytona does. NASCAR parcels out a handful of races over a two week period from the end of January until the middle of February. Speed Weeks is the official end of winter for a race fan. The days are getting longer, and the sun is much warmer in Daytona than you would expect. Hold off on that last one, going to be in the 30s at night down there this weekend.

Buyer's Market

NASCAR has finally determined that the economy may be affecting the live attendance at their events, but being broke should not keep fans away from their TV sets. So, the powers that be have brainstormed a bunch of new rules to enhance the competition. Some of the new twists are promising, and I bet that we will see more changes during the year if the ratings stay down. NASCAR has never minded changing rules as they go along.

New Blood

Where are the next generation of drivers coming from? So far this year there are two drivers signed on as Rookie of the Year candidates. Terry Cook and Kevin Conway. Both are with underfunded teams and neither will be in the Daytona 500. I'll also predict neither one is around when the series returns to Daytona in July.

Must See

Two new TV series this off season have stoked interest in auto racing. 'Madhouse' is a recap of last year's wild modified series at Bowman-Gray Stadium. By far, the best racing show ever. The other show is not bad either. 'Jimmie Johnson 24/7' on HBO follows JJ and Chad Knaus for the month leading up to the Daytona 500. This show gave a great behind the scenes look at the champ and his team.

Must See?

Fox TV airs the first half of the season, and just like Groundhog Day, nothing's changed. After wincing through their Bud Shootout coverage last week, I can see that they think the way to deal with falling ratings is to play the same cards over and over. Is no one else insulted that they think so little of the NASCAR audience that they foist the same fourth rate announcers and directors off on us year after year? One bright spot.... Digger was mighty scarce during the Shootout.

She's Sparkly

You may have heard, Danica Patrick was in the ARCA race last weekend. Much like her Indy starts, she led no laps, and finished sixth, in one of the best cars. She now will appear in the NNS race on Saturday. She is not ready for that level of competition, on that track, right now. But, there is no such thing as bad publicity. What are a few broken bones and torn up race cars anyway?

The Sure Thing

Daytona 500 winner.........Tony Stewart

Dark Horse.........................Matt Kenseth

Dateline: Daytona

Here we are smack dab in the middle of Speed Weeks. I have a few thoughts on what's cracking down the shore, in Daytona.

Shootout Shoutout

Greg Biffle admitted after the Bud Shootout that he knew his tire was flat before the final restart Saturday night. Why did he stay out then? He was on the outside of the front row! Caused the big one, and had to have known that he could not win the race. A NON-POINTS race, Biff!

Several drivers, fans, and TV Foxheads were confused about the ending of the Shootout. They seemed to think that the race couldn't end under caution.... like last year's rules stated. This year's entry form specified that there would be only one attempt at a green, white, checkered finish. It seemed as if the Foxheads also thought that the last caution laps would not count either.

Dale Jr and team have been preparing since about July of last year. For that?

More than a few pundits seem to think that the other Hendrick Motorsports drivers didn't look too good in the Shootout either. I could have sworn that Jeff Gordon came from the back to the front a couple of times. And, JimmieJohnson was in the top-5 a lot of laps. Tony Stewart's HMS Chevy was the car to beat until that brain fade of a pit call at the end. Four tires? Restart 16th with two to go? Not brilliant.

But is he Qualified?

Mark Martin on the pole and Little E alongside. There goes Jr, getting his fans' expectations off to a quick start. It's almost cruel.

ARCATEERS

Six women raced in the ARCA event on Saturday. Your welcome. I know you didn't know that if you watched the SPEED TV coverage of the race.

I'll give Danica a little credit. After all she did finish 6th with the best car in the race. I'm sure there are other drivers who would not have had that good of a finish, or maybe even wrecked that car. She still has a lot to learn, and the NNS race Saturday at Daytona is not the place to continue her education. Unlike ARCA, these drivers will be experienced, fast, and talented. She will only be in the way of drivers that deserve to be in that race.

NASCAR's State of the Sport Address

NASCAR ended their annual media tour with a press conference in Concord, NC Thursday afternoon. It turned out to be a State of the Sport type affair with Brian France and his minions doling out their talking points to the assembled media.

A video was shown hyping the exciting storylines for 2010. They mentioned on track incidents between Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski, and possible friction between Tony Stewart and Juan Montoya. For some reason, Dale Earnhardt Jr's crew chief, Lance McGrew, was the only crew chief mentioned during the video.

Analysis....NASCAR is trying to build excitement where there is none, and appears to be setting McGrew up as the next fall guy for Jr's non-performance issues.

Next up was Brian France with his speech full of buzzwords and talking points. They want to "Make good racing better." After all this is a "contact sport." So they will "loosen up on the drivers."

Then France hit all the hot topics of the day, diversity, green initiatives, the manufacturers, and new sponsors. Did you know that NASCAR is the biggest recycler of any sport?

Analysis...."Loosen up on the drivers?" I'm willing to bet that will depend on the driver that's involved. Biggest recycler? How many other sports use tires, batteries, oil, gas, grease, etc,? How many other sports let their fans carry in recyclable cans, plastic bottles, paper products, etc.?

Robin Pemberton was up next, to go over the newest rule changes. Bump drafting is now okay anywhere at Daytona and Talladega. Rear wing is history, going back to a spoiler. Front splitter may be next to go. New 'sharkfin' spoiler on the roof of the Cup cars. The biggest change may be the restrictor plate openings being enlarged to 63/64ths of an inch, the largest since 1989.

Analysis....All these changes should make the racing better, but we will find out when they actually hit the track. They did not do away with the yellow line at the plate tracks. I really expected those out-of-bounds lines to go. The lines would be okay if NASCAR was consistent with their penalties when certain drivers go below them. Leaving this judgement type penalty in NASCAR's hands is ridiculous. Why should a driver that is FORCED below the line be penalized! He chose not to start the Big One, and then is made to suffer for it.

A few more highlights. During the question and answer period, Brian France was quick to state that NASCAR would no longer entertain questions regarding ongoing lawsuits. He also thought it was Ryan Newman who was flying through the air at Talladega last year, as a video played behind him showing it was Carl Edwards. Fuel injection may be standard on Cup cars as early as next year. And, the Truck Series is returning to normal pit stops, not the idiotic gas or tires, not both, during a stop.

Analysis....No comments on lawsuits? At least until the first chance they get to smear Jeremy Mayfield comes along. What was the thinking behind the idea of making the trucks have to come down pit road twice for each stop, instead of once? Did someone think that was actually safer for the crewmen?

Overall impression.... I was not too impressed by what NASCAR was trying to sell. The big problem is their salesmen. Hire some spokespersons, NASCAR! France, Helton, Pemberton, and all the rest are not public speakers. It can not be that difficult to find someone who knows racing and can sell a speech off a teleprompter.

I am hopeful about the rule changes to the car, but, based on past performance, I can't get too excited about NASCAR's hype for 2010.

Madhouse TV Review

The History Channel aired the first episode of their new reality show, Madhouse, last Sunday night. Madhouse followed the Modified racing series for the entire season last year at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

They begin with a short history of the 1/4 mile track in the Carolina foothills. We learn that Boman-Gray was the first track ever sanctioned by NASCAR, back in the 1940s. Also, all the big guns have been here, Pettys, Earnhardts, etc.

The story line begins with the last race of 2008 with an unbelievable on track altercation between our two lead characters. We then meet the cast of drivers as they prepare for the upcoming season opener, and weigh in on the Junior Miller, Burt Myers feud.

This is sheer brilliance. Hollywood could never cast a racing show/movie as well as these real characters on Madhouse. If you have ever been to a local short track more than once you have seen every one of these main characters.....

***The old, dirty driver that the fans love to hate.

***The sons of a former fan favorite, who have continued the rivalry with the bad guy.

***The arrogant upstart. This guy spends twice as much money as the other teams.

***The old, independent driver, hanging on by a thread with his bare bones budget.

We visit all of these driver's shops, and get to know where they're coming from. It's readily apparent that all these guys have advanced their driving careers as far as they will ever go. But, they seem to relish being big fish in the small pond at BGS.

Some critics are saying that the show plays on the redneck, white trash stereotypes of short track racers, and fans, in the South. Having been to several short tracks in the South, I can say that this is more of a documentary than a scripted show. I would also bet that these same types of drivers and fans are at almost every short track across the country, not just the South.

This is the best TV show, or movie, (fiction or non-fiction) ever on auto racing. I know there is not a lot of competition for that title, but Madhouse has 10 laps on the rest of the field.

Madhouse airs on the History Channel, Sundays at 10 pm et. Set your dvr or tivo, it is must see.

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Here Ya Go, Junior

Dirty deals, and they're done dirt cheap. In smoke filled backrooms alliances are formed, allegiances are broken and flips are flopped. Joe Citizen means squat to these power brokers. Obamacare? Hell no, this is something real important. We have to get Dale Jr back up front!

First, the rules were changed for the, pre-season opening, Bud Shootout at Daytona. These new rules basically give Jr a lifetime exemption to the Shootout. Under last year's rules, Jr wouldn't have made the show this year. I will admit this year's rules are much better than last year's were.

Next up, coming to grips with the fact that Jr can't get a handle on the COT after 3 years of trying. What to do, what to do? How about if they replace the rear wing with a spoiler (TBA 1-21-09). What else ya got? They could remove the out of bounds lines so that when he goes below them, and (once again) he doesn't get penalized, the fans won't call out NASCAR for their double standards (TBA 1-21-09). Nice, I like it.

He hasn't won a plate race since they instituted the no bump-draft zones in the turns. Right, right. They're gone, too (TBA 1-21-09). They could make the COT even more like what Jr likes by removing the front splitter. Let's see how he tests with the changes we already have before they do that.

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Saving NASCAR, Part I

Maybe it was waking up to a 20 degree temperature outside this morning, brrr. Maybe it was knowing the NFL regular season ends today. Or, maybe I do miss NASCAR already. Nah.

Since it has been working soooo well, NASCAR has kept the status quo during their short off-season. Well, except for the new 'Dale Jr Lifetime Exemption' rule for the Bud Shootout, that is. Unlike the crumbling dynasty at NASCAR, I've been giving some thought on how to make the racing better.

What is the one thing that would make the races more interesting? How about more passing for the lead, or more drivers trying to lead? What? Instead of "points racing" drivers should be actually trying to lead laps? That's preposterous! It must be, as NASCAR doesn't seem to mind. But, I think we fans would enjoy some side-by-side racing for the lead.

How to accomplish this? Very simple, give points for laps led. Ta-Da. The man said, "Ta-Da."

One point per lap led would probably be too much. I hate point systems that deal in fractions, but I believe that is the only way to keep one driver (Kyle) from stinking it up.

Hand out a tenth of a point for leading any lap. The longest race is 500 laps, so the most 'lead lap' points a driver could possibly earn is 50. This should lead to more racing and less stroking. Some of these 'lead lap' points should somehow roll over into the Chase. Maybe Chase participants get to keep a tenth of them? Of course, until the Chase is mothballed there will be plenty enough points racing.

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The End of the Year Awards

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Voiceover<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
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"Hello, and welcome to the first annual "End of the Year" awards, or 'Endies', live from Hanahan's Pub in beautiful uptown Hanahan, South Carolina. Your host is Gene Haddock, a reknown motorsports blogger with literally dozens of followers. Co-hosting is Mike Hanner, a private eye from Charlotte who may find it hard to keep his vow of sobriety since the show is coming from a bar. Also on hand, because union rules demand a three man booth, is CountryJag. We understand that CJ has not been heard from since being banned by Foxsports almost two years ago. Certainly he doesn't harbor any ill will towards the fine folks at Fox. This is Don Pardo speaking."

Gene: Hey, hey, welcome to the 'Endies', folks. And welcome to Hanahan's Pub, you guys in the audience. Little tip, just stick with the hot wings, don't be ordering off the menu, this ain't no five star joint. And, welcome to my co-hosts, CJ and Hanner. Long time no see, Jag. You too, Hanner.

Hanner: Yeah, well I haven't been out in the bars like you, lately.

CountryJag: Yes, me too. I've actually been severely depressed since being dissed by the fine folks at Fox.

Gene: Alright. Good times, boys! Let's get this candle lit! Our first 'Endie' goes out to the best "Junior" in the Cup Series 2009.

Hanner: Be nice. He saved my ass, you know.

Gene: I just read what's on the card.

CJ: Yeah, but you write it first.

Gene: The nominees are Dale Earnhadrt Jr with 5 top-10 finishes, Sam Hornish Jr with 7 top-10s, and Martin Truex Jr with 6 top-10 finishes. Let me open this up. Wow! Even though he had the least top-10 finishes and finished lower in the points than Truex, the winner is Dale Jr!

CJ: The results must be based on some sort of formula for tee shirt sales.

Gene: Or, like the Most Popular Driver, results don't factor into the equation at all.

Hanner: Hey, knock it off. He's a nice guy!

Gene: Little E couldn't be here to accept his award, so we'll give it to a friend of his to pass along. Dr V, could you see that Dale Jr gets his 'Endie'?

Gene: Okay, our next 'Endie' is for the "Most Overhyped Story in Racing". Our nominees are "Mayfields, Mother-in-Laws, and Meth". "The Emperor's New Clothes....the Brian France Story". And, finally, "The Girl who's Coming to Save NASCAR, Danica Patrick".

Oh, goody. I bet you like that Danica, huh Hanner?

Hanner: Hell no. It can't be a good thing when folks can't tell the difference between your date and a 12 year old. Now, where is that cocktail waitress?

CJ: Way to go Haddock, only took you 20 minutes to knock him off the wagon.

Gene: Ahem, and the 'Endie' winner is, Danica Patrick! Unfortunately Danica couldn't be here tonight, she's off branding, or marketing, or shooting a commercial or something. So, after we bought ten boxes of cookies in the parking lot, here to accept Danica's 'Endie' is a 12 year old Girl Scout.

CJ: Damn! If she was four inches shorter, she'd look just like Danica!

Hanner: I told you.

Gene: Okay folks, the owners have asked me to tell you that they do sell alcohol, and if I may add, this show will seem a lot better after a few pops. Right Hanner? Hanner? Where the hell did he go?

CJ: He's over there doing shots with the waitress.

Gene: Alright, this next 'Endie' is one of my favorites. The 2009 'Endie' for "Wrecker Without a Clue". The nominees are Brad Keselowski vs Justin Algaier. Brad Keselowski vs Kyle Busch. Brad Keselowski vs Carl Edwards. Brad Keselowski vs Jason Leffler. Brad Keselowski vs Anything that Moves. Brad Keselowski vs Denny Hamlin.

CJ: Gee, I wonder who wins this?

Gene: And the 'Endie' winner is....

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CRASH!!!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
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{A Go Daddy Monte Carlo comes crashing through the front wall and ends up at the base of the stage. Smoke and carnage from broken chairs and tables are everywhere.}
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Gene: . What the hell!!!
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CJ:Damn! All three of them are in there and they don't look happy. Let's get the hell out of here, Hanner can take a punch.
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Voiceover<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
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"Thanks for watching the 2009 'End of the Year" awards here on El Ocho, ESPN 8. Goodnight and be sure to use our sponsor, GoDaddy.com, for all of your, your, well whatever they sell, those needs. This has been Don Pardo speaking."

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View From the Flagstand

So many mixed emotions once the last race of the season is in the books. On one hand I am so glad that it is over. On the other hand I can't wait for next year. Next year, when everything will be different (again). Jimmie Johnson won't win the title next year (again). Kyle Busch will cash in his potential chips (finally). The happiest, yet saddest words, the least believable, but most believable words to a sports fan, "Wait til Next Year!"

In less than three months the multi-hued, buzzing, packs of cars will be circling the asphalt cliffs of Daytona International Speedway. Everyone's personal favorite driver will still have a shot at the championship. The big surprises, and disappointments, of the season will have yet to reveal themselves, and every fan's hopes will be as high as a Dale Jr fan's are.

CHAMPIONSHIP FLAGS......Jimmie Johnson made history by winning his fourth straight NASCAR Cup Championship. Johnson has proven himself to be one of the best drivers of all time during this amazing streak. Perhaps, his crew chief, Chad Knaus is getting too much of the credit? After all JJ still has to drive the car, no matter how good it is. Kyle Busch won the Nationwide Series title, and the race, Saturday in Miami. Ron Hornaday won his fourth Camping World Truck Series title this year.

CHECKERED FLAG......Denny Hamlin closed stongly this year with the win in the season finale on Sunday at Miami. Hamlin wound up fifth in points. Hamlin won four races, a personal best, this year.

GREEN FLAGS.......Jeff Burton (2) and RCR teammate Kevin Harvick (3) continued their late season turnarounds. Kurt Busch was 4th in the race, and also 4th in the final point standidngs. Jeff Gordon (6) and his HMS teammate, Mark Martin (12) finished third and second, respectively, in the points to give owner, Rick Hendrick, another NASCAR first by having the top three for the year.

YELLOW FLAGS......Juan Pablo Montoya received a two lap penalty and caught most of the grief for he and Tony Stewart's on-track scuffle. It appeared that JPM had a tremendous run on Stewart coming off a turn. Stewart then pulled in front of Montoya. Instead of hitting the brakes, JPM hit Smoke. Tony, not accustomed to having his judgement questioned, then tried to push Montoya off the track, cutting Montoya's tire in the process. JPM, after repairs, returned to the fray and spun Stewart around.

RED FLAG.........The undramatic, last race of the season is NOT the Super Bowl, ABC! The actual race took 3 hours, 8 minutes to complete. How long was ABC on the air with their pre and post race coverage? Another six hours?

BLACK FLAG.......NASCAR Czar, Brian France. His press conference from Miami on Friday was an eye opener. His personal appearance was suspect, too. Unkempt, glassy eyed, puffy, and red faced. I've seen that look before (in the mirror), not good! He actually said that Johnson going for five in a row will be the most compelling story in NASCAR next year. I don't know if he believes it, but he said it.

BF, check out the souvineer sales. JJ is nowhere near the top, and he's your top story? He has no following. Even the Little E fans, who are quick to jump on a bandwagon nowadays, won't go near him, and he's a teammate!

We need rivalries, not milk-moustached robo-drivers!

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Right Sides Only

Nine long months ago we began this romance on the warm sands of Daytona Beach. Now, along the edge of the swampy Everglades, we welcome our newborn champion. A bouncing baby boy named JJ.

Nine months of this will wear on a relationship. NASCAR says it loves us, and we want to believe it, but it always ends the same. They don't listen to us, they don't respect us, they treat us as disposables, yet we always come back for more. Is this love, or dysfunction? Paging Dr. V.

Unplugged

DeWalt Tools pulls the plug on Matt Kenseth and his #17 RFR Ford after the race on Sunday. DeWalt has been with Kenseth since 2000 when he won the Cup Rookie of the Year Award. They were along for the ride during his Cup title winning season of 2003. They were a great sponsor with a large presence outside the track with their interactive displays for the fans.

Welcome to the 20th Century!

It's reported that NASCAR will race with fuel injection on their engines beginning in 2011. The four barrel carb that they've used since the early 1960s finally calls it quits. This of course, means there won't be any restrictor plates after next year. It will be interesting to see what brilliant plan NASCAR comes up with to slow the cars down.

Last Call for Alcohol

Casey Mears is looking for a Cup ride as Jack Daniels leaves RCR and the #07 team dries up. Mears is vying for the #09 ride at Phoenix Racing. Crown Royal leaves Jamie McMurray high and dry as the #26 Ford is history. With Jim Beam pulling the cork, Robby Gordon's self-owned #7 team may be done.

Hmmmm

Homestead-Miami Speedway (H-MS)is the only track on the schedule that Jeff Gordon has not won a race on. Jeff's team, HMS, has also never won at H-MS! RCR has also never won at H-MS.

Thanks

Big thanks to all of you guys/gals who actually read my wanderings week after week. We're almost to the finish line. One more RSO next week, to recap the season, then everyone gets a much needed break. I know I'm burnt out, and not looking forward to more of the same next year. But, I'm sure we will all be recharged when Speed Weeks roars around. Thanks to everyone for your input, and, hey, you lurkers, don't worry about hurting my feelings, go ahead and say what's on your minds. LOL

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