Love him or hate him, Kyle Busch is good for NASCAR. Why? Because NASCAR needs a ‘bad boy’ right now, and Kyle easily fills those boots.
‘Bad Boys’ generate interest, and the more interest that is generated the more the sport benefits.
Every sport has their ‘Bad Boys’.
Baseball had ‘alleged’ steroid user and home-run king Barry Bonds. Whether you like him or not Barry filled seats. Roger Clemens seems destined to take Barry’s role of baseball’s bad guy, but we’ll have to see.
Hockey has had many ‘Bad Boys’ over the years. Sean Avery is the NHL’s current cretin. Avery’s so bad that the NHL had to create a new rule because of his actions against New Jersey Devils’ goalie Martin Brodeur (pick it up at the 1:20 mark) during this year’s play-offs.
The NBA has had a few as well, but the most memorable was Dennis Rodman who head butted referee Ted Bernhardt during a game in New Jersey on March 16, 1996.
And it goes on and on.
NASCAR has Kyle Busch. Kyle’s actions on the track and at the track have generated news, and interest. From Kyle’s damning comments about the CoT in victory lane, to his most recent spinning of NASCAR’s most popular driver (as voted by you) Dale Earnhardt Jr when he seemed poised to end a 2 year win-less streak, Kyle’s popularity of unpopularity has steadily grown and as a result created more interest in NASCAR.
His actions, good or bad, have people talking about NASCAR and that is what NASCAR needs. The more people talk about it the more interest that is generated, the more the ticket sales and Neilson ratings will increase as people will either go to races or tune in to see what ‘Bad Boy’ Kyle will do next.
Kyle fills the ‘Bad Boy’ void in NASCAR right now. Tony Stewart used to be the Bad Boy, but he has mellowed in the last few years. Robby Gordon inadvertently tries to pick up the black hat and wear it sometimes (remember last year’s Montreal race?) but he does not run up front enough to be in the fight for the win (unless it is a road course) to generate the kind of interest that seemingly perpetual front runner (at least this year) Busch does. So who’s left to wear the black bad boy hat? No one, even Kyle’s older brother Kurt doesn’t fit the ‘Bad Boy’ mold anymore.
It seems that Kyle is willing to take on this role and is having fun with it as demonstrated during the driver introductions and the driver parade laps during last weekend’s race at Darlington - he even parked his car on the front stretch after winning the race, got out, and bowed to the booing crowd. Kyle also taunted Dale Jr fans by thanking them for treating him ’so well’ this past week after the incident between him and Dale at Richmond that left Earnhardt fans foaming at the mouth and screaming for vengeance.
The problem here for Kyle is that he needs to take this whole ‘Bad Boy’ image very seriously, because if he continues the way he’s going he could be facing serious repercussions, like isolating his sponsors, if he does not take care of his image. It is alright to be the ‘Bad Boy’ as long as its good for the image, but if it isn’t you’re in trouble.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. wore the ‘black hat’ for a long while, but he wore it with respect. Dale worked his image around it, marketing himself as ‘The Intimidator’ and used it to his benefit on the track and in merchandising.
When Dale used his ‘Intimidator’ reputation on the track he calculated his moves and used his bumper with a finesse and precision of a world class surgeon. Dale raced you the way you raced him, but he always made sure that he would come out on top.
Unlike Dale Sr, Kyle is more reckless in his tactics and not as calculating. Not yet anyway.
Currently Kyle has not shown the same respect for the ‘black hat’ that Dale Sr did and that is not sitting well with fans. If Kyle wants the same image as ‘The Intimidator’ had he needs to cultivate it, and stop coming across as a smug butt-head both on and off the track or he’ll just end up as ‘The Imitator’.
Regardless, either way, it will be NASCAR that benefits in the end.
OK, I couldn’t wait with this post so I’ll post my regular race review tonight instead of now. I hope you don’t mind.
Initially I took the stance that the incident between Kyle Busch and Dale Jr was nothing more than a racing incident and I thought I was perfectly right, well I don’t think it went down that way anymore.
I now think there was more malice in Kyle Busch’s actions than I originally thought.
After watching several replays of the incident there is one angle that I find the most condemning. All of the other angles originally support my earlier notion of this being nothing more than a racing incident, but this other angle has me re-thinking this whole thing.
Watch the video, especially at the 1:30 mark, and tell me if you see what I see.
I know what it looks like. It looks like Kyle is turning his wheels to save his car and he accidentally gets into Jr, even DW during the broadcast thought that too. Heck, that’s what I thought. But I’m now favouring Larry Mac’s initial hesitation about the contact between Busch and Earnhardt - Busch did try to hit Jr. Maybe not at first, but when opportunity knocks …
Let me justify it now before you go off the deep-end on me and once you’ve read what I’ve had to say go back and watch the video again (especially at the 1:30 mark as noted above) and tell me I’m wrong.
Here is how I think the whole saga went;
- Kyle goes into the corner a little too hot, but oh well at least he is the car underneath - 8 tires hold better than 4 you know - he is going for the win after all. - Kyle then thinks, “Crap, I’m loosing it and I’m not up beside Dale Jr far enough for him to hold me down.” - Next Kyle thinks, “Whoa, I’m saving it! Great, but now I won’t catch Jr and win the race! Hmm … if I just move up a little bit more I’ll take him out of it too and it’ll look like an accident! If I can’t win he’s not winning either!”
Now look at the video. Surely Kyle saves that car by sliding up the track a bit and turning his wheels to the right, but if you watch the video he gets that car pretty straight and then turns right again taking Jr out of it too. I had to watch it several times to make sure I saw what I thought I saw and its there. I also watched a better recording too, the one off my digital recorder.
Now you are going to say, “How can all of that go through his mind in such a short time?” Well it can. Ask any driver and he’ll tell you that when you are travelling at 200 mph you start thinking at 200 mph. Think about all of the stuff that goes through your mind when you are driving down the interstate. It is possible.
It will take a very long time before I take Kyle Busch’s smug-butt side again let me tell you. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Not again Kyle, not again.
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Now some of you are probably wondering how I predicted that someone with the last name beginning with a “B” would win the race (Kyle Busch) and that Dale Jr would get a Top 5 finish (he finished 4th). Well here is how I did it. Just call me “The Oracle”, no Matrix reference intended.
More commentary of this race tomorrow, plus I have some newly formed and potentially volatile opinions based on video evidence about the Kyle Busch and Dale Jr incident from last weekend.
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My post from yesterday talking about rookies earning their “Darlington Stripes” foreshadowed things to come for today as many drivers, veterans and rookies, earned their stripes today if they hadn’t all ready.
Some even earned more than one like Robby Gordon, who not only wrecked his primary car, but his back-up too.
Oh, and here is a good indication that the new track isn’t like the old one: Jimmie Johnson has wrecked twice as well.
It looks like it is going to be a long race tomorrow night so make sure you stock up on your energy drinks because you are going to be needing them.
THE NASCAR FOUNDATION LAUNCHES 2008 NASCAR DAY PROGRAM WITH THE HOME DEPOT®
2008 NASCAR Day Pins Now Available in The Home Depot Stores Nationwide
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March. 31, 2008) –The NASCAR Foundation has announced that starting today fans can visit their local The Home Depot store to make a $5 donation and get their 2008 NASCAR Day collectable lapel pin.
This is the second year that The Home Depot, the “Official Home Improvement Warehouse of NASCAR,” has made pins available in more than 1,900 stores across the continental United States.
This year holds a special poignancy for both of these organizations as The NASCAR Foundation is celebrating Five Years of Caring for the annual NASCAR Day campaign, which has raised nearly $5 million since its creation in 2004, and The Home Depot is observing its 10th Anniversary as the “Official Home Improvement Warehouse of NASCAR.”
“We are happy to have the continued support of such a great partner for NASCAR Day,” said Mike Helton, NASCAR president and NASCAR Foundation board member. “Without the help of NASCAR fans and partners like The Home Depot leading the way, we would not be able to accomplish all of the great work that results from the funds raised on NASCAR Day.”
Last year, as a result of its NASCAR Day initiative, The Home Depot raised $400,000 for The NASCAR Foundation with a portion of those funds benefiting KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.
“We are thrilled to be the official promotional partner of NASCAR Day for the second year in a row,” said John Ross, vice president of advertising for The Home Depot. “We believe it’s important to give back to communities where our associates live and work and NASCAR DAY is another unique opportunity that allows us to support exciting programs that appeal to our customers and associates.”
The week prior to NASCAR Day, The NASCAR Foundation, The Home Depot and KaBOOM! will partner for a special playground build in Charlotte, N.C., as part of The Home Depot’s “Racing to Play” program.
Annually held on the Friday prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Challenge in May, NASCAR Day has become one of the most important and fastest-growing traditions in the NASCAR Family. In 2007, NASCAR Day raised more than $1.6 million through the combined fundraising efforts of NASCAR fans, NASCAR partners and companies worldwide.
Fans interested in learning more about NASCAR Day and where to find their local The Home Depot store may visit www.nascar.com/nascarday.
On Friday, May 16th, The NASCAR Foundation will hold the second annual NASCAR Day Telethon at the Sam Bass Gallery in Concord, N.C.
To show your support and make your donation on NASCAR Day just dial 1-888-MAY16TH.
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With the Darlington race this weekend there have been quite a few rookies earning their ’stripes’ early in practice.
Those who have earned their stripe include; JJ Yeley, Patrick Carpentier, and Sam Hornish.
“I was lost,” Carpentier said. “I’ve never been on an oval in my life where you turn twice in the same corner.
Say ‘Hello’ to the Lady in Black Patrick, she’s going to get you and your little dog too.
My choices for this weekend? Anyone who’s last name ends in a ‘B’. I think they all stand a good chance in winning. One other selection would be Dale Jr, just because he seems to run well during night races - has anyone else noticed that too?
I still think someone with a last name ending in “B” is the better choice, but Earnhardt will be in the top 5 for sure.
Saturday night’s race at Richmond was not just about the Busch/Earnhardt incident, there were other things going on too. As much as we have been caught up in the controversy that is Kyle Busch and what he did or did not deliberately do to Dale Jr, there were 41 other cars out on the track too - each with their own stories.
Two such stories are centred around Michael Waltrip/Casey Mears and Denny Hamlin.
Michael Waltrip was riding around minding his own business when he came upon Casey Mears. Michael then started to pass Casey on the outside coming out of the turn down the stretch. Once Mikey got almost 1/2 a car length on the 5 car, Casey moved up the track pinching Mikey against the wall as well as sending himself into the wall too.
Once both drivers got their cars pointed in the right direction Mikey then hammered the gas and proceeded to push Mears around the track, despite the fact that Mears had his brakes on at the time, he eventually ended up into the wall. Mikey effectively ended Mears’ night as well.
NASCAR parked Mikey for the rest of the night. Expect fines to be handed out to Mikey and his organization later this week.
Let’s hope that NASCAR continues to police the drivers like this in the future.
Personally, I think Mikey’s beef is more with Mears’ spotter and not Mears himself, but who am I?
Now let’s move onto Hamlin.
Hamlin had the car to beat on Saturday - everyone else was just racing for second - until he had a tire going down and then it all went south for him.
Hamlin tried to ride it out, and hopping for the caution flag that never came. In an effort to stay on the lead lap Hamlin ‘parked’ his car with its expired tire on the front stretch almost under the flag stand trying to draw out the caution flag, which he did.
Don’t you think what he did was just little too obvious? Yep, NASCAR thought so too and held him for 2 laps.
Much has been said that Denny did that so that Kyle would have a shot at winning the race because he would then be right up on Jr’s bumper on the restart instead of almost a full straightaway back.
O.K., I concede that it is certainly plausible that is what his intention was, but I don’t think so. His intentions were more self-serving in my opinion - he wanted to stay on the lead lap so he could still have a shot at winning the race, not his teammate Kyle Busch.
And before you all start sounding off, Denny is not the first driver to do this sort of thing and he won’t be the last. For example, few years ago Dale Jr spun himself out at Bristol to stay on the lead lap, and Robby Gordon threw debris out of his car to get a caution in a race at Atlanta back in 2006. There are more, but those were the tow that came to mind first.
Before you take off, why don’t you check out my newest blog “1957 Chevy ‘Black Widow’ Stock Car“? I will be updating it at least once a week until it is finished, then I hope it will become an information/link hub for fans of that legendary race car.
If you have anything to contibute to this new blog please let me know, as I am willing to work with you to get this blog as accurate as possible. I want this thing to be so accurate that if someone were to build a ‘Black Widow’ clone using my info that anyone looking at it would be hard pressed to prove it was a clone. Thanks.
When I saw this wreck happen my first thought was “Oh no….not Jr.!” It truly was not either one’s single fault. I cannot help but give a big Kudos to both of these guys. They said it like it happened in post interviews.
Kyle Busch is a racer! Period, and I will not fault him for that. His style is his and it will win him a Championship one day. At 24 years old he can out drive most anyone… what will he be like at 34 years old?!
Reading forums gives me a chuckle. The comments from the Jr. Nation are ridiculous. I respect Dale 100%. I am not a huge fan but he is one of my fave’s. He is not God! He is not his Father! He is not untouchable! He is simply another racer who happens to have a Fan frenzy about him which in some ways is a turnoff. Many people are Fans of his simply because everyone else is… followers. I wonder how many of these folks are actually closet Fans of another less popular driver… they wear #88 garb in public but have hidden merchandise of the #24, #48, or possibly the #18!
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To me this is how the whole thing played out at Richmond last night.
Busch is a brash win at all costs 23 year old who got in over his head when he went into the corner under Dale Jr. More take than give.
Dale Jr is a sensible racer who hasn’t won a point race in exactly 2 years and was trying very hard to hold onto the lead because he knew that if Busch got in front of him Busch would take the high line away from him a make him try to pass in the low groove where he couldn’t run. Mare take than give here too.
It’s just one of them there racin’ incidents. No more, no less.
I just hope Kyle had some sort of military security team with him when he left the track last night because those Earnhardt fans, the more militant ones anyway, won’t see it this way.
You know who I really feel sorry for though? Denny Hamlin. He is the one who really should have won the race.
There has been a bit of a buzz going around the various NASCAR blogs these past few years, especially since the NEXTEL Cup Series became the Sprint Cup Series and the Busch Series became the Nationwide Series. The basic buzz is that now that each series has new sponsors they also get exclusive naming rights over the whole series including the past and people aren’t too happy about it - including me.
Let me explain; for 30 yrs NASCAR’s number one series was called The Winston Cup, and when Winston had to leave NASCAR as a sponsor NEXTEL became the new sponsor. Not only did NEXTEL get exclusive naming rights of NASCAR’s premier series, but they also got the naming rights for the entire series’ past. That’s right, Dale Earnhardt is a 7-time NEXTEL Cup Champion even though he died long before NEXTEL became the series sponsor. Now that Sprint is the series sponsor that also makes Dale Earnhardt a 7-time Sprint Cup Champion too!
Wow, between Winston, NEXTEL and Sprint, Dale Earnhardt is a 21-time Champion! Awesome!
Don’t you think that this is a little ridiculous? I mean those previous sponsors are as much a part of NASCAR’s storied past as the drivers are. Dale Earnhardt is a 7-time Winston Cup Champ, not a NEXTEL Cup or Sprint Cup Champ. Period. And you can’t tell me otherwise.
I think it is bad PR on NASCAR’s part to ignore it’s previous series’ sponsors in both the Cup and Grand National divisions. Even the announcers on TV have problems remembering that Benny Parsons is a Sprint Cup Champ now and not a Winston Cup Champ.
It is an insult to all those former Champions, former series sponsors, and the fans to call those previous championships anything else but what they were at the time they were won.
I’ll officially start the contest tomorrow, but I just couldn’t resist giving you a sneak peek!
Check it out, here is what you can win (taken from the original Press Release);
THIS APRIL, EXPERIENCE ALL THE ACTION AND GLORY
OF NASCAR’S MILESTONE RACE WITH A GROUNDBREAKING, INTERACTIVE 2-DVD SET
DAYTONA 500: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The $24.95srp DVD Features an Innovative “My Race” Interactive Format, Offering
All the Action from Six Different Driver Perspectives and a Variety of Audio Feeds,
Over Two Hours of Exclusive Content Including Bonus Programs Featuring
Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon, PC Wallpaper and More!
NEW YORK, NY — The 50th running of the Daytona 500 is one of NASCAR®’s most unforgettable and highly-anticipated milestone events. Already the most prestigious race in motorsports, this landmark running is sure to be remembered and cherished by millions of race fans. On April 15, join A&E Home Video and NASCAR® Collections to celebrate the golden anniversary of “The Great American Race™” with DAYTONA 500: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY, a highly-collectible 2-DVD set that puts fans in the driver’s seat like never before! Available just weeks after the 50th Daytona® 500 (February 17), this is THE official NASCAR® collectible of this historic race.
As part of DAYTONA® 500: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY, the 2008 Daytona 500 will be presented in the ground-breaking “My Race” Interactive DVD format. This innovative user experience allows fans to choose the view of the race from six different driver perspectives plus the main broadcast feed, along with driver and announcer audio feeds — putting them right in the middle of the action. The second disc features the great stories and heroes that have defined the Daytona 500 through two exclusive NASCAR® programs: “A Sports Century” features a dynamic roundtable discussion of the moments and personalities that defined Daytona with a host and panel of NASCAR® experts including Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon, while “The Top 50 Daytona® 500 Moments” is the definitive telling of the story of NASCAR®’s Greatest single greatest event. Additional DVD extras include official NASCAR® PC wallpapers and time-lapse screensavers.
With a history of legend-defining and myth-making spectaculars, the Daytona® 500 winners circle has embraced NASCAR® heroes including: Richard Petty, Mario Andretti, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt Senior and Junior. And DAYTONA® 500: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY, an unprecedented and revolutionary DVD release, only adds to the legend of NASCAR®’s biggest race of the year.
A&E Home Video, part of the Consumer Products Division of A&E Television Networks (AETN) is a video distributor of non-theatrical programming, featuring collectible VHS and DVD editions of the high quality programming from A&E Network and The History Channel, as well as acquired classic programming. A&E Home Video brings the best of critically acclaimed entertainment presented in award-winning packaging to the special interest category. For more information about ordering these and other titles from the A&E Home Video Collection, call (212) 206-8600 (TRADE ONLY). Consumers please call 1-800-423-1212 (A&E). In addition to placing orders by phone, A&E Home Video products may be purchased over the World Wide Web at ShopAETV.com.
I already have my copy and I’ll give you a full review tomorrow along with the contest details. And remember, you heard about this awesome Daytona 500 DVD set here first!
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I almost missed the race this weekend, as I forgot that it was on Saturday this week. I did miss the beginning of the race, but as I understand it everyone but those who were at the track did as Fox stayed with the rain-delayed Red Sox game.
As much as I hate missing the beginning of a race I have to respect what Fox did, I only hope that they do that in return for any future rain-delayed NASCAR event.
I’ve got to feel for pole sitter Ryan Newman as he had some major engine issues. On Lap 133, Newman’s engine dropped oil all over the track and, as a result, a number of cars were caught up in the ensuing carnage. The mess left by Newman and the wrecked cars forced NASCAR to wave the red flag so they could properly clean up the track.
“It’s the same thing that happened to us in Bristol,” Newman said. “It’s disappointing. That’s two times in the first eight races that we had the same problem. Our engine company needs to get their stuff together.”
“The motor still runs fine,” Newman continued. “It just pumps oil out the front end and it gets on the headers and smokes real bad. I apologize for what I did to the race track, but that’s all I had to work with.”
Dodge engineers really need to look at this front seal problem, as they are in position to loose their only two drivers currently in the top 12 in points, Newman and Kahne.
I know Kahne didn’t have engine problems (he actually had brake problems) but his teammate, and outside pole sitter, Elliott Sadler also had engine problems, which, if goes unchecked, could cause problems for Kahne later in the season.
Hendrick Motorsports finally won a points race this season - like we didn’t know it was going to happen sooner or later - with Jimmie Johnson stretching his fuel mileage better than anyone else. Clint Bowyer also stretched his fuel mileage and finished 7 seconds behind Johnson in second.
Now all those people out there who were asking whether or not Hendrick Motorsports was in trouble this year can all go and pick on the Dodge teams instead - unless you are a Jeff Gordon fan.
It was interesting to watch the closing laps unfold. As Chad was telling Jimmie to driver slower and slower the lapped cars started passing him, including teammate Casey Mears in the 5 car.
As Mears passed him I wondered why he didn’t just stay behind Jimmie for two reasons; 1) to protect his rear bumper in case someone who was quicker didn’t realize he was driver slower and accidentally ran him over, and 2) to push Jimmie down the straightaways to help him save gas and to push him in case his fuel pressure did drop so that he would have enough steam to cross the finish line while still under his own power.
Interestingly enough though, as Jimmie went into his last lap guess who he passed? Casey Mears of course. Hmmm … did Casey really drop off that much, or did he drop back to help his teammate after all? I personally think it was the latter. I’d like to ask Casey about it though just to see if he did it because he wanted to or because he was told to.
Look for the Hendrick cars to be the class of the field at Talladega next week, with any one of the 4 drivers having a chance for the win. Without looking at any stats, my gut feeling is that the winner next week will either be Jeff Gordon or Dale Jr.
For more in-depth coverage for this weekend’s race I suggest you go to Track talk with Jaynelle Ramon who was at the track all weekend taking pictures, videos, and conducting interviews. She has at least 12 great posts from PIR this weekend.
As an aside: My congratulations go to the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team for their gold medal performance at the Women’s World Hockey Championships in China this weekend.
In this era of the Car of Tomorrow (pardon me, Car of Today), safer barriers, and Hans devices, NASCAR is trying to protect their drivers by minimizing the element of risk during severe impacts sustained during crashes with each other and the wall.
The improvements that have been made by NASCAR are substantial, as evident last week at Texas during the harsh crash taken by rookie driver Michael McDowell. McDowell hit the turn 1 and turn 2 wall nearly head on at about 180 mph then rolled down the track no less than 8 times before the car came to a complete stop in the upright position.
After a brief moment McDowell climbed out of the car and waved to the crowd, something that might not have happened as recently as last year and certainly not seven years ago when the death of legendary driver Dale Earnhardt sparked NASCAR’s keen interest in driver safety.
Now that NASCAR has major gains in the improvement of the driver’s physical climate it needs to turn its attention to the drivers themselves. Case in point, Aaron Fike.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike and his fiancee were arrested and later charged with possession of heroin and drug abuse instruments in the parking lot of Kings Island theme park outside of Cincinnati on July 7th 2007.
What is most chilling about this is that Fike has now admitted to using drugs on race days. “Fike has admitted to ESPN the Magazine that he did drugs on race days, specifically before a Truck event at Memphis Motorsports Park on June 30 of last year. That admission was enough for some Sprint Cup drivers to start banging the drum for a drug policy with more teeth.” - David Caraviello, nascar.com.
That just scares me. To do drugs on race day? Man.
NASCAR’s current drug testing policy is that a driver will be tested only if series officials have a reasonable doubt as to whether a competitor is using. That is it, nothing else.
“The responsibility here rests across the board — with the drivers and competitors, owners and teams and NASCAR,” NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. “We test an individual when we have reasonable suspicion, and a positive test results in severe consequences and is a career-changing moment for that person. NASCAR’s policy is also supported by the various policies that the teams have in place that are required under the driver/owner agreements. No system is flawless; but we believe our zero tolerant policy that is in place has served the sport well.”
Zero tolerance is good, and I’m all for that, but I firmly believe that this policy surely scares the non-drug user, but to an addict it is nothing but a calculated risk because the habitual drug becomes more the most important thing than their own personal safety. If a person is willing to risk their own personal safety, they certainly wouldn’t think twice about risking someone else’s.
An most importantly NASCAR didn’t catch Fike, the cops did.
“We haven’t made any headway whatsoever on the drug testing policy. In the 10 years that I’ve raced, I’ve never been drug tested. So to me, that is not a proper professional sports drug policy …” Kevin Harvick told the media today.
What is interesting here is that Harvick fielded a Busch car for Fike near the end of the 2006 season for 3 races, and added that he had no reason to doubt that his driver was clean. So did Fike fool Harvick, or was he indeed clean?
Only Fike knows for sure, but if he fooled Harvick and his crew that says something.
“The bad part about it is 95 percent of this garage I can guarantee you is clean, but there’s a 5 percent chance — it’s just like the safety thing back in 2001, the reason that we reacted to it. We weren’t proactive until that situation happened,” Harvick continued, making reference to the death of Dale Earnhardt at Daytona in 2001.
I agree.
Most major sports have mandatory and/or random drug testing policies in place, yet NASCAR does not. Why not?
NASCAR has an obligation to put on a safe show for both fans and their drivers - including those on drugs.
Could you imagine what would have happened if Fike had crashed last June 30th and killed himself, or another driver, or a crew member on pit road, or worse yet, somehow killed or injured a spectator - these race cars and trucks have been known to leave the racing surface and get air-born into the catch fence.
It is time for NASCAR to step up to the plate on this one. If I were a driver I would have no problem submitting to a drug test as I would have nothing to hide and I imagine that would be the same for every other ‘clean’ driver in the garage area. The ones who would object would be the ones that are scared of getting caught for something.
Many drivers are in support of some sort of mandatory/random drug testing, including Tony Stewart, “I’m all for it. I would love it. I’ve never been asked to take one yet. I think it should be mandatory that we have random drug testing all the time, I think non-stop through the year. Obviously with this happening (with Fike), we as an organization aren’t doing a good job of seeing it before it happens. Aaron coming out and saying that (he used drugs on race days) is an indication that we need to do a better job than we’re currently doing. But I’m all for random drug testing, from the time we go to Daytona to the time we finish the season at Homestead. I think it’s a great idea.”
If NASCAR wants to be seen as the proactive governing body that it claims it is, then now is the time to be proactive and institute more stringent drug testing policies while continuing to enforce the zero tolerance rule.
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Jack Roush has this Texas Track’s number, as a car owner he has won 6 times, more than any other car owner.
This time he won with Carl Edwards and his #99 Ford Fusion. Carl’s car had the field covered today, everyone else was just racing for second.
It was interesting with the Green/White/Checker ending though, but in the end no one had Carl’s number.
Some interesting things happened in today’s race so I’ll just go for it in point form;
1) If you are a Jeff Gordon fan you must be beside yourself. They couldn’t even get the car in good enough shape to turn it into a practice session. As far as I know this is only the second time in his Cup career that he has finished 43rd.
2) JJ Yeley had a nice run-in with the inside retaining wall this race. He was fortunate to scrub some speed off before he went head-on into it, but he still hit pretty hard. The lack of safer-barriers on these unprotected walls needs to be addressed and soon, NASCAR can’t afford to have a driver injured like this, especially when it is preventable to a certain degree.
3) I feel bad for Martin Truex Jr. He had a solid run going until his motor went south. You don’t suppose he got the left-over motors from Dale Jr’s team from last year?
4) Those JGR Toyotas ran well today, not well enough to win mind you, but all three of them finished in the top 10.
5) Jeff Burton did what he had to do to stay out front in the points lead. I know it is early in the season, but he is racing like he is in mid-season form with a hand full of races left to The Chase. We’ll just have to see if he can keep it up.
6) Ryan Newman’s car failed post-race inspection, his one corner was too high. We’ll have to wait until Tuesday to see if any penalties are forthcoming.
OK, see you tomorrow.
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You know I just had to talk about it didn’t you. Being somewhat of a fan of RCR I just can’t sit by while all of you have your fun now, can I?
You all probably know by now that General Mills will be moving it’s sponsorship from the Petty Enterprises #43 to the Richard Childress #33 for next year. If you recall, I told you about the possibility of this back in February, well it is a done deal now.
Oddly enough, and correct me if I’m wrong, but this is the 3rd race team and car manufacturer that General Mills has been with since it became a primary sponsor in NASCAR. Hmmm .. do I sense a 3-Factor here? I’ll just leave it at that.
Now speculation is running rampant that since Bobby Labonte, the current driver of the #43 car, is in the last year of his contract with the Petty organization he will not renew and he will move to RCR next year and be in the #33 car. Ok, for what its worth, this is old news too because I told you about this back in February as well. The only reason people are talking about this again is because the General Mills announcement makes it more official.
You know, I’m going to be Devil’s Advocate for a second and state who else might be good in the new 33 car next year besides Bobby Labonte, although if you read the Feb. article you’ll know that fully support Bobby at RCR and I stated my reasons there.
So else could fit in at RCR in the #33 car?
1) Tony Stewart: What you say? His contract expires at the end of this season too, and GM wants him back in the fold dearly. Tony does remind me of a young Dale Earnhardt too, so him and Richard would get along very well. Charlie at “On Pit Row” beat me to this one BTW, but I swear I thought of it too.
2) Austin Dillion: Who? Richard Childress’ grandson that’s who. He’ll be 18 in a few weeks, so why not? After all, nepotism isn’t unheard of in NASCAR.
3) Paul Tracy: Another open wheel guy? You nuts? Yep. He has driven for RCR in the past in Busch and as a test driver, and he is currently without a ride because of the Champ Car - IRL merger.
4) Scott Wimmer: He already drives a Busch car for RCR so they can keep the team together and move them all up to Cup.
5) Mike Skinner: He has driven for Childress before, and he is still very hungry for his first Cup win even today (no pun intended). Besides, wouldn’t be fun to see “macho man Skinner” in a Betty Crocker uniform just once?
6) Chrissy Wallace: Speaking of Betty Crocker … Not that I’m perpetuating gender stereotypes her at all, but women fans are a fast growing demographic for NASCAR, so why not give them a wholesome company and equally as wholesome driver (until she puts Carl Edwards into the wall a few times that is) to cheer for?
7) Andrew Ranger: Andrew who? The current NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion. He’s young, a fast learner, and he currently has Tide and Wal-Mart as co-sponsors in his back pocket to bring along with him. Hmm … Wal-Mart, Tide, and General Mills all on one car? Just imagine the in-store promotions on race weekends. For more info on Andrew see my interview with him from a few days ago.
I’m sure there are more but I’ll call it quits for now.
Take Care.
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DALE JR. FAN APPAREL AVAILABLE AT SPORTS AUTHORITY STORES ACROSS DALLAS-FORT WORTH
After making its debut in Daytona at the start of the NASCAR season, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s adidas JR Nation Gear has invaded the Lone Star state! Consumers can pick up the latest adidas Dale Jr. gear including men’s and women’s t-shirts, jackets, hats and jerseys, at any of the six Sports Authority locations in the Fort Worth area (addresses below). In addition, fans can check out Dale Jr.’s #88 AMP show car, which will be visiting Sports Authority stores across Dallas and Fort Worth starting April 1 and culminating on April 5 (dates, times and locations below).
Designed and developed with the help of Dale Jr., JR Nation Gear features the same adidas ClimaCool technology that allows Dale Jr. to stay cool on the track. adidas ClimaCool technology is a ventilation system that utilizes specially engineered air channels, materials and components to provide superior moisture management, enhanced evaporation and better breathability. Throughout the season, new products, including footwear, accessories and other exclusive gear, will debut in conjunction with special events like All-Star in Charlotte this May.
Locations, dates and times of Dale Jr.’s #88 AMP show car appearances include:
April 1, 4-7pm
Hulen Store
4830 S. W. Loop 820-Overton Park
Fort Worth, TX 76109
April 4, 10am-1pm
Stonebriar Store
2930 Preston Road, Ste 200B
Frisco, TX 75034
April 2, 4-7pm
Cedar Hills Store
727 North Highway 67
Cedar Hill, TX 75104-2142
April 4, 4-7pm
Denton Store
1800 South Loop 288, Ste 240
Denton, TX 76205
April 3, 4-7pm
Irving Store
3524 Airport Freeway West
Irving, TX 75062
April 5, 10am–1 pm
Watauga Store
7612 Denton Highway,Ste 404
Watauga, TX 76148
About JR Motorsports
Established in 1999, JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for professional stock car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. JRM competes in multiple racing divisions, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in which it fields two full-time teams. Earnhardt Jr.’s organization is based out of a 66,000-square foot facility in Mooresville, N.C., and includes the JR Nation retail store and Dale Jr. Fan Experience. For more information on JR Motorsports, visit www.dalejr.com.
About adidas
adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that includes brands such as Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport. Some of the players in adidas’ roster of athletes include: Reggie Bush, Tim Duncan, Ryan Howard, David Beckham and Allyson Felix.
It’s an age-old question. What do you get mom for Mother’s Day? For most, a card or some flowers will do. But for some, it becomes more of a challenge to figure out the perfect gift—to find one that she’ll truly appreciate.
But here’s something to consider if you’re looking for last-minute shopping ideas. It may surprise you to know that currently, women make up a significant portion of NASCAR fans and are flocking to the sport more than any other demographic, according to a NASCAR spokesman.
He added, “According to a pair of recent surveys, of NASCAR’s 75 million fans 40 percent are women. For every two new NASCAR fans, one of them is a woman and 68 percent of those women say they’re only going to become bigger NASCAR fans. And according to Nielsen, women are more likely to flip over to a NASCAR race than any sport outside of football.”
With these kinds of demographics, it’s no wonder that NASCAR-related are looking for ways to bring more women into the fold. A great example of this is the Wave the Green Flag contest sponsored by Dodge Motorsports.
According to a spokesperson from Dodge, it’s a great opportunity to solve that Mother’s Day gift dilemma. He said, “Dodge is looking for the best NASCAR mom to wave the Green Flag at the Darlington Race on May 10, 2008—Mother’s Day Weekend.”
He continued, “Here’s how it works: NASCAR fans simply visit www.dodgeboysracing.com and enter the Wave the Green Flag contest. Fans simply fill out the required information—including a 100-words-or-fewer essay on why their mother should be declared the best NASCAR mom—and click on the Submit button. If they win, their mother (and three guests) will receive an all-expense-paid travel package to the Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway over Mother’s Day weekend and mom will wave the green flag to start the race. It’s a great gift for any NASCAR mom.”
Now that your Mother’s Day shopping problem is solved, you can move on to Father’s Day. Maybe he’d like a nice NASCAR tie.
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Hello everyone. I’m still not feeling 100%, but I’m plowing on through it anyhow.
Since I am sick, I was able to see most of the Martinsville race from my horizontal position on the couch and here is my take;
1) Kurt spinning out Kyle was pretty neat to see - I wonder if that spin out helped to weaken Kyle’s rear end gear? No giving between those two, just taking.
2) Nice to see Jamie McMurray have a decent run.
3) No full pick-up problems for Denny this time round.
4) Too bad Jr didn’t win - it would have been nice to see.
5) Matt Kenseth goes for vigilante justice out on the track. He must have been watching some of Carl’s past race videos. You know, I don’t have a problem with what Kenseth did, because he did it on the track and not on pit road and he did it on a track where they aren’t going 200 mph either. He could have been more subtle though, he was way too obvious, I probably would have slowed up a bit, then closed the gap and waited until the next corner to unload on him. NASCAR probably wouldn’t have done anything then because it would have look way less obvious.
6) What was Michael McDowell in the #00 thinking? Once the race leader gets by you, you are a lap down so why is he racing the rest of the leaders just as hard? As long as he stays the first car a lap down he is fine for the “lucky dog”.
OK with all this being said I can’t help but to wonder if the reason why Burton didn’t punt the little insignificant rookie McDowell out of the way was because of what happened to Kenseth? Burton doesn’t have the luxury of instant replay built into his dashboard so he didn’t know how obvious Kenseth’s ‘incidental’ contact was and maybe he was afraid of getting parked for two laps like Kenseth did if he tried to move McDowell out of the way.
Here is what each of them had to say after the race;
Burton - “I thought we were going to be in pretty good shape, but that kid in the doub
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Don’t you think what he did was just little too obvious? Yep, NASCAR thought so too and held him for 2 laps.
