• NASCAR Birthdays

    Born in June:

    14 U.S. Army, Slugger Labbe, Doug Richert, Angela Styers, Dustin Stanley, Brett Thompson
    15 Bobby Leslie, Willie Allen, Bryan Clauson, Tabitha Stricklin
    16 Pete Pistone, Ernie Cope, Shannon Myers, Kathyrn Huber*
    17 Kevin Hamlin, Rick Allen, Mike Jarrett
    18 Jody Eastridge, Mimi Sabates Fitz
    19 David Stremme, Joe Lewis, Charlie Glotzbach, Steve Post, Kyle Pearce
    20 Ron Hornaday Jr, Ritchie Petty, Cecil Gordon, Terry Ford, Paul Dallanbach, Mike Geato, Ella Sofia Gordon
    21 Phil Parsons, Tony Liberati, Eddie Pearson, Brad Hutton, Rick Hubner
    22 Diane Bodine, Jay Sauter, Jeffrey Earnhardt
    23 Phil Bonifield, Wayne Edwards, Chris Wimmer, Joe Bisciotti
    24 Jim Bown, Kevin Manion, Shanda Renee Shepherd, Hut Stricklin, Samantha Ingerson
    25 Joe Bessey, Alexis Stoddard
    26 David Sisco, Steve Grissom, Mark Cronquist, Kevin Lepage, Jorge Goeters
    27 Johnny Benson Jr, Ricky Mast, Robby Reiser, Elizabeth Anne Petty, Aaron Smith
    28 Kym Clarke, Mike Skinner, Junior Johnson, Rich Hubbs, Walter Smith, Scott Hewitt, Sean Murphy
    29 Jeff Burton, Martin Truex Jr, Eddie Bierschwale, Tim Petty, Josephine "Ricki" Hendrick
    30 Sterling Marlin, Lyndon Amick, Don Miller, Blake Parrott, Allen Bestwick III, Ron Liddell, Chad Tigert

Earnhardt Stretches Fuel and Rules

How do you feel about Earnhardts decision to test the NASCAR Officials Patience ??

  Several drivers were upset that #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was allowed to speed up and pass the pace car during a caution so he could save gas to make it to the finish line. The running start gave Earnhardt enough momentum to allow him to turn his engine off and coast halfway around Michigan International Speedway. “I just didn’t know you could pass the pace car,” third-place finisher #17-Matt Kenseth said. NASCAR rules prohibit anyone from passing the pace car during a caution, but Earnhardt was allowed to pull in front of the pace car at least twice to save fuel. The sanctioning body eventually warned him not to do it, but by then he had saved enough to win the LifeLock 400 on fumes. Earnhardt admitted he stretched the rules — and NASCAR’s patience — but not enough to give the victory back. “I got a little greedy,” he said. “I can understand how it looked, especially if you’re not a Dale Jr. fan. But I got the trophy; I got the points.

The Garage Area:  I’m a huge fan of the underdog, I don’t support the big name drivers.  What gets my blood racing is when a first timer is running for the checkers.  I make a point to support any sponsor that sponsors a no name, a new driver or winless driver. For me the worst time in NASCAR is when you’ve got to watch Jimmy Johnson win week after week thats just boring. Now with that said I would have rather seen David Regan or Brian Vickers win the race but I will say I was kind of happy for Earnhardt because he’d come so close on so many Sundays. I would have rather seen him win it racing it would have made it legit.  Especially now after we’re hearing what transpired during those final laps.  Earnhardt won we can’t change that but I do think NASCAR needs to get specific on what a driver can and can’t do in the closing laps to save fuel.

Lifelock 400 Starting Line-up

Qualifying Cancelled Due to Rain

 

 Rain washed out qualifying for the Lifelock 400 at Michigan International Speedway, so the field was set by the NASCAR Rules books and by owners points [top-35], two past champs and the remaining by race attempts with ties broken by owners points standings. So #18-Busch starts 1st followed by #31-Burton, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #99-Edwards, #11-Hamlin, #48-Johnson, #16-Biffle, #24-Gordon, #9-Kahne and #29-Harvick. Two drivers will miss the race: #34-Raines and #70-Leffler.

 

STARTING LINEUP

Start
Pos
Car# Driver Manu Reason
1 18 Kyle Busch Toyota 1st in Owners Pts
2 31 Jeff Burton Chevy 2nd
3 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevy 3rd
4 99 Carl Edwards Ford 4th
5 11 Denny Hamlin Toyota 5th
6 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevy 6th
7 16 Greg Biffle Ford 7th
8 24 Jeff Gordon Chevy 8th
9 9 Kasey Kahne Dodge 9th
10 29 Kevin Harvick Chevy 10th
11 07 Clint Bowyer Chevy 11th
12 20 Tony Stewart Toyota 12th
13 6 David Ragan Ford 13th
14 12 Ryan Newman Dodge 14th
15 8 Mark Martin Chevy 15th
16 17 Matt Kenseth Ford 16th
17 1 Martin Truex Jr. Chevy 17th
18 83 Brian Vickers Toyota 18th
19 28 Travis Kvapil Ford 19th
20 43 Bobby Labonte Dodge 20th
21 42 Juan Pablo Montoya Dodge 21st
22 2 Kurt Busch Dodge 22nd
23 26 Jamie McMurray Ford 23rd
24 38 David Gilliland Ford 24th
25 5 Casey Mears Chevy 25th
26 15 Paul Menard Chevy 26th
27 19 Elliott Sadler Dodge 27th
28 44 David Reutimann Toyota 28th
29 22 Dave Blaney Toyota 29th
30 7 Robby Gordon Dodge 30th
31 01 Regan Smith # Chevy 31st
32 41 Reed Sorenson Dodge 32nd
33 00 Michael McDowell # Toyota 33rd
34 66 Scott Riggs Chevy 34th
35 77 Sam Hornish Jr. # Dodge 35th
36 45 Terry Labonte Dodge Past Champ 1996
37 21 Bill Elliott Ford Past Champ 1988
38 55 Michael Waltrip Toyota 14 attempts, 36th owners pts
39 84 AJ Allmendinger Toyota 14,37th
40 96 JJ Yeley Toyota 14,38th
41 40 Dario Franchitti # Dodge 14,39th
42 78 Joe Nemechek Chevy 14,40th
43 10 Patrick Carpentier # Dodge 14,41st
DNQ 70 Jason Leffler Chevy 14,44th
DNQ 34 Tony Raines Chevy 13,45th

Qualifying Results / Starting Order

STARTING LINEUP

Starting Line Up by Row
Pocono Raceway
POCONO 500
Provided by NASCAR Statistics - Sat, June 07, 2008 @ 08:11 AM CST

Start
Pos
Car# Driver Sponsor/Manu Qual
Speed
Qual
Time
1 9 Kasey Kahne Budweiser Dodge 170.219 52.873
2 48 Jimmie Johnson Lowe’s Chevy 169.856 52.986
3 8 Mark Martin Steak-umm Burgers Chevy 168.897 53.287
4 01 Regan Smith # Principal Financial Group/DEI Chevy 168.745 53.335
5 78 Joe Nemechek Furniture Row Racing Chevy 168.723 53.342
6 99 Carl Edwards Aflac Ford 168.517 53.407
7 88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. National Guard/AMP Energy Chevy 168.505 53.411
8 84 AJ Allmendinger Red Bull Toyota 168.479 53.419
9 66 Scott Riggs State Water Heaters Chevy 168.391 53.447
10 18 Kyle Busch M&M’s Toyota 168.139 53.527
11 2 Kurt Busch Miller Lite Dodge 168.124 53.532
12 20 Tony Stewart Home Depot Toyota 168.055 53.554
13 17 Matt Kenseth DeWalt Ford 167.970 53.581
14 40 Dario Franchitti # Target Dodge 167.939 53.591
15 83 Brian Vickers Red Bull Toyota 167.904 53.602
16 11 Denny Hamlin FedEx Ground Toyota 167.895 53.605
17 15 Paul Menard Menards/Pittsburgh Paints Chevy 167.838 53.623
18 19 Elliott Sadler Stanley Dodge 167.785 53.640
19 55 Michael Waltrip NAPA Toyota 167.738 53.655
20 31 Jeff Burton AT&T Mobility Chevy 167.735 53.656
21 42 Juan Pablo Montoya Texaco/Havoline Dodge 167.467 53.742
22 26 Jamie McMurray IRWIN Industrial Tools Ford 167.436 53.752
23 28 Travis Kvapil Dish Network Ford 167.367 53.774
24 10 Patrick Carpentier # Charter Dodge 167.345 53.781
25 1 Martin Truex, Jr. Bass Pro Shops Chevy 167.327 53.787
26 70 Jason Leffler Haas Automation Chevy 167.258 53.809
27 12 Ryan Newman Kodak Dodge 167.255 53.810
28 29 Kevin Harvick Shell/Pennzoil Chevy 167.029 53.883
29 21 Bill Elliott Air Force Ford 166.759 53.970
30 6 David Ragan AAA Insurance Ford 166.710 53.986
31 41 Reed Sorenson Target Dodge 166.688 53.993
32 22 Dave Blaney Caterpillar Toyota 166.648 54.006
33 16 Greg Biffle 3M Ford 166.645 54.007
34 5 Casey Mears Kellogg’s/CARQUEST Chevy 166.605 54.020
35 07 Clint Bowyer Jack Daniel’s Chevy 166.593 54.024
36 44 David Reutimann UPS Toyota 166.590 54.025
37 43 Bobby Labonte Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge 166.568 54.032
38 24 Jeff Gordon DuPont Chevy 166.454 54.069
39 00 Michael McDowell # Champion Mortgage Toyota 166.276 54.127
40 7 Robby Gordon Dodge 165.871 54.259
41-OP 77 Sam Hornish, Jr. # Mobil 1 Dodge 165.071 54.522
42-OP 38 David Gilliland freecreditreport.com Ford 164.971 54.555
43-PC 45 Terry Labonte PVA Dodge 166.276 54.127
DNQ 96 JJ Yeley DLP Toyota 166.349 54.103

Deny Hamlin’s an ASS

  When I saw the Post Race press conference after the Lowes Motor Speedways Nationwide race the Carquest Auto Parts 300, I thought who does Deny Hamlin thinks he is.  He made some stupid comments about rookies, veterans, and how Nationwide drivers should heed to Cup drivers because of their experience, that Nationwide drivers should automatically give respect to Cup drivers. I thought  What an Ass!!, he’s still a rookie to most veteran Cup and Nationwide drivers himself. 
  Then Sunday during the Dover Cup race there was an accident coming out of turn 2, many drivers including Deny Hamlin got caught up in it. Because of the design of the track and the location it was hard to avoid but never the less Deny showed his driving experience. The difference between the way Deny wrecked and the way the others wrecked was the other drivers slowed down, Deny didn’t he just came out of turn two with his foot to the floor and slammed right into car sitting car on the track. I don’t know if his spotter warned him about the wreck or not. It appeared that there would have been plenty of time for a warning from his spotter. It seems that there was a good 5 to 7 seconds from the initial accident to the time Deny rolled into turn two. It looked as if he just wasn’t paying attention, I’m not saying he could have totally avoided it but if he was paying attention and tried to slow down the damage would have been far less and the impact to the car he slammed into wouldn’t have been so hard. So we saw his Experience.
   It always happens when you open your mouth with stupid comments Karma bits your ass.

Qualifying Results / Starting Line-up

STARTING LINEUP

Starting Line Up by Row
Lowe’s Motor Speedway at Charlotte
COCA-COLA 600
Provided by NASCAR Statistics & Jayskis.com

Start
Pos
Car# Driver Sponsor/Manu Qual
Speed
Qual
Time
1 18 Kyle Busch M&M’s Toyota 185.433 29.121
2 9 Kasey Kahne Budweiser Dodge 185.300 29.142
3 83 Brian Vickers Red Bull Toyota 185.249 29.150
4 16 Greg Biffle Dish Network Ford 184.970 29.194
5 6 David Ragan AAA Insurance Ford 184.470 29.273
6 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. National Guard/AMP Energy Chevy 184.439 29.278
7 8 Mark Martin U.S. Army Chevy 184.181 29.319
8 2 Kurt Busch Miller Lite Dodge 184.106 29.331
9 19 Elliott Sadler Best Buy Dodge 183.974 29.352
10 48 Jimmie Johnson Lowe’s Chevy 183.924 29.360
11 22 Dave Blaney Caterpillar Toyota 183.842 29.373
12 17 Matt Kenseth R&L Carriers Ford 183.780 29.383
13 66 Scott Riggs Haas Automation Chevy 183.673 29.400
14 31 Jeff Burton AT&T Mobility Chevy 183.617 29.409
15 26 Jamie McMurray IRWIN Industrial Tools Ford 183.580 29.415
16 11 Denny Hamlin FedEx Freight Toyota 183.455 29.435
17 41 Reed Sorenson Target Dodge 183.443 29.437
18 24 Jeff Gordon DuPont Chevy 183.436 29.438
19 29 Kevin Harvick Shell/Pennzoil Chevy 183.430 29.439
20 77 Sam Hornish Jr. # Mobil 1 Dodge 183.349 29.452
21 5 Casey Mears CARQUEST/Kellogg’s Chevy 183.275 29.464
22 7 Robby Gordon Jim Beam Dodge 183.212 29.474
23 43 Bobby Labonte Honey Nut Cheerios/Trix, Lucky Charms & 183.200 29.476
24 1 Martin Truex, Jr. Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevy 183.169 29.481
25 15 Paul Menard Menards/Johns Manville Chevy 183.132 29.487
26 40 Sterling Marlin Wii Fit Dodge 183.057 29.499
27 84 AJ Allmendinger Red Bull Toyota 182.852 29.532
28 44 David Reutimann UPS Toyota 182.729 29.552
29 55 Michael Waltrip NAPA Auto Parts Toyota 182.692 29.558
30 99 Carl Edwards Office Depot Ford 182.168 29.643
31 20 Tony Stewart Home Depot Toyota 182.113 29.652
32 38 David Gilliland freecreditreport.com Ford 182.020 29.667
33 33 Ken Schrader Camping World Chevy 181.984 29.673
34 10 Patrick Carpentier # LifeLock Dodge 181.867 29.692
35 96 J.J. Yeley DLP HDTV Toyota 181.726 29.715
36 45 Kyle Petty Coca-Cola Dodge 181.714 29.717
37 01 Regan Smith # Principal Financial Grp/DEI Chevy 181.702 29.719
38 12 Ryan Newman alltel Dodge 181.531 29.747
39 07 Clint Bowyer Jack Daniel’s/USO Toast to the Troops 181.482 29.755
41 00 Michael McDowell # Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota 181.464 29.758
41-OP 28 Travis Kvapil Lumber Liquidators Ford 180.156 29.974
42-OP 42 Juan Pablo Montoya Texaco/Havoline Dodge 179.521 30.080
43 70 Johnny Sauter Haas Automation Chevy 181.446 29.761
DNQ 34 Jeff Green Chevy 181.366 29.774
DNQ 50 Stanton Barrett NOS Chevy 180.108 29.982
DNQ 21 Jon Wood Air Force Ford 180.054 29.991
DNQ 78 Joe Nemechek Furniture Row Chevy 179.635 30.061
DNQ 08 Tony Raines FUBAR Dodge 175.673 30.739

The Dale and Tony Show…..?

    I think the rumors of Dale Jr and Tony Stewart becoming partners are going to stay just that, rumors. I don’t beleive the planets are in correct alignment for that to happen now. Maybe in 5 to 10 years but not in 2009/2010.

    I can’t see Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart creating a partnership their both too big in popularity and egos.  It would be the greatest maketing package in the business. But I just can’t see Dale jr. running in top notch equipment, with some of the best engineers in NASCAR, and a fulltime research and developement team constantly feeding him info at Henedrick Motorsports with Tony Driving for the new Dale and Tony Show Race Team stuggling their butts off to make races. I think that would create anything but a partnership both partners must struggle for it to be a 50/50 deal and I don’t think either would except less than a 50/50 deal.  Dale and Tony are in different stages of their careers Tony has won 2 championships, Dale ZERO so I don’t think Dale would even entertain the idea of leaving Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick Motorsports is Dale jr.s only chance at winning a championship.  But Stewart has been there done that, he’s ready to do something different start enjoying more of the sport.  But even with that said I still don’t beleive he could sit back and watch his partner have success. 

  Now what could happen is the new Dale and Tony show could lease everyhing I mean everything even staff from Hendricks thus being a arm of Hendrick getting around the four cars per owner thing. On paper it would be the Dale and Tony show. They could share info or even be some sort of full function competitive development team for Hendrick. The dale and Tony Show could bring up new drivers, crew cheifs and crew members. But I don’t even think thats what either of them would want to do.

    I really thought Dale would concentrate more on his driving career. I would have thought when  he was asked the question about moving his Nationwide Team to Cup Dale would have said “NO WAY  I’ve got to concentrate on driving right now”. I don’t think it would be something that would interest Tony either because I think Tony wants control he wants to bring up a driver and win on his own he wants to build up his own Hendrick type organization. Build his own Brand.

Good Job Kasey but……..

    I like the fact that Kasey was pick by the fan vote to be in the race and then to win it that’s even a sweeter victory for all the fans, team and driver. But it was a pretty dull All-Star Race, TV stations  are going to have to really search for some good film clips. It was just un-eventful. I think what happened was is when a driver would get his car out in front in clean air he was gone so the the best racing to watch was between 2nd and 3rd, well in a race where 2nd and 3rd just don’t matter the best racing was pointless. The format was in my opinion crappy at best. I don’t know whos idea it was to run that format but my guess is their not running around this morning claiming it was their idea. What was the thought process behind 4- 25 lap segments how can you even think that would be a good format ?? I just don’t get that.

   The Showdown did have a little excitement but just a little, enough to  get the fans pumped up for the All Star Race.  A.J. Almendinger surprised us all and this time I don’t mean with his hot wife he actually surprised us on the track. So I was really happy for him, you know when you see guys constantly struggle week after week after week its really cool when you see them have a little success in my opinion its way better than seeing Jimmy Johnson, Jeff G., Tony, Deny, Carl or any of the other driver that we constantly see in victory lane have success. The two drivers I wanted to see advance from the showdown to the All-Star race were #6 David Reagan and #83 Brian Vickers so early on I thought my picks were solid. But that changed and I willsay again I was glad to see A.J. win the showdown. Thats the great thing about the Showdown it’s a race made up of the drivers that haven’t had any success so no matter what the outcome everybody is usually happy with the winners(the drivers that advance).

    I did expect to see more from Dale jr. , I really thought he’d be more of a threat. I thought since Hendricks cars have always ran well at Lowes and Dale is the Hendrick driver thats riding the wave right now I thought he’d be more of a threat. I also think everybody even the haters thought Kyle Busch would have been a threat if not win he’d take out the leader in the battle. I think we all can agree if Kyles engine would have held up there probably would have been a little more excitement. 

    Sam Hornish might have been the most exciting driver to watch. He did extremely well, given his lack of experience. I don’t think anybody expected it from him.  He did show he’s got a lot to learn but he also showed he’s got alot of talent. You could tell he’s probably struggling a little trying to learn how to drive a heavier car, stock cars are a little more than twice the weight of an Indycar.  Stock Cars are 3450 lbs.  compared to an Indycar at 1500 lbs. thats a huge difference at 180 MPH with 42 others cars all fighting for the same lane.  But he did do well despite the learning curve.

   My hope now is NASCAR does something immediately to eliminate the cars from getting out in front in clean air  and checking out. I know thats a pipe dream, unrealistic or just stupid but my worry is that the Coca Cola 600 is going to be a huge bore. I love to watch racing my TV is on the Speed Channel the majority of the time because I’ll watch any race anytime even when I’m not watching its on in the background it drives my family crazy. But once a year I even struggle during the 600, it’s a long “Son of a B____”  you sit on your A$$ for a good 6 hrs.. So if you’ve got leaders that just check out its going to be one LLoonngg day. Thats what worries me. I know the drivers would hate it but maybe NASCAR should think of restrictor plates to keep the cars bunched up. That might increase the chances of having a better race, atleast for the fans. You get nore side by side stuff, more lead changes.

 

   Congrts to Kaseys fans, if your a Kasey Kahne fan and you actually voted for him the victory has to be soooo sweet for those fans.

Biffles Contract and Franchittis Ankle……Status Unknown

    Roush Fenway driver of the #16-Greg Biffle said he’s not had any new contract talks with Roush Fenway Racing, citing a busy schedule that had him testing for two days last week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. But Biffle certainly didn’t sound like a guy committed to Roush Fenway Racing when he blasted the faulty equipment that led to his last-place finish at Darlington Raceway. “All I want is equipment to drive that stays together,” said Biffle, who started from the pole and led 95 laps Saturday night before loose wheels, a bad vibration and a broken timing belt ended his race early. It is really frustrating, but you know what, I’ve just come accustomed to expecting it because week after week it’s something. Something breaks. Something falls off. I give it 110% as a driver all the time, and you just want your equipment to last and be able to win these races.” Still, it was clear “The Biff” was sending a message with his biting remarks. Just what might that message be? Well, signing a contract extension with Roush might not be the slam dunk both sides have led everyone to believe. In fact, Biffle might finally be ready to test the free-agent market. Before Darlington, he seemed determined to stay at Roush. “My 100% intent is to work out an extension with Roush,” Biffle said a week ago in Richmond. “I’ve sat back and thought about what else is out there. There are a lot of great teams and great opportunities out there … but do you look at it as are they better than what I have now or how are they different than what I have now? I’m making my decision kind of how (Dale) Earnhardt Jr. did, and it’s about winning races and championships and contending for the title and having good equipment. There are lots of teams that have that, but I feel comfortable where I’m at with Roush Fenway. I’ve been there 10 years and we’ve got great equipment.” Then that same equipment failed him Saturday night in Richmond, and Biffle sure didn’t sound as convincing. Compounding the situation is that Roush officials have openly questioned why, if Biffle is so certain he wants a contract extension, he’s been absent of late from the bargaining table. Biffle’s cited a busy schedule for the slow contract talks, but it’s time to wonder if he maybe isn’t taking a harder look at what’s available across the garage. And of all the drivers still on the market, Biffle is the top choice. He’s considered more talented than Ryan Newman, who is available, and Martin Truex Jr., who might be available, and both drivers are continuously mentioned for other rides.
    He shouldn’t be looking how Earnhardt sign his deal, he should be looking how Kyle lost his with Henedrick. Drivers especially today should be very careful how far they push owners. One thing Biffle better take into consideration is while he’s talking to other teams Roush is talking to other drivers. Biffle could find himself in the same position Kyle found himself at the end of last season. If you leave an owner hanging for too long he” ll go with another driver because there are plenty of drivers capable of winning with good equipment and let’s face it Roush has good equipment. There are a few owners you don’t drag your feet on. Roush, Hendrick, Childress, Gibbs are owners that drivers would kill to drive for. You don’t leave a Roush after you’ve been there 10 years unless they ask you to or your going to Hendrick. If thats not happening you sit down and shut-up and sign the extension with a smile on your face.

 

Dario Franchitti continues to heal

 

   #40-Dario Franchitti continues to heal from the broken left ankle he sustained during a Nationwide Series race at Talladega last month, with no firm timetable for his return. “There’s not really been any change,” Franchitti said last Saturday in Darlington S.C.. “I’m just waiting for the swelling to go down and the pain to go away, and for the fracture to heal. When those things go away, I’ll be able to drive the car again.” Sterling Marlin drove Chip Ganassi Racing’s #40 Dodge at Darlington, and could do so again at Charlotte if Franchitti is not ready. Franchitti has been monitoring the amount of pressure he puts on his ankle. After a couple hours of walking around, Franchitti elevates his leg and uses a boot that circulates cold water through it to alleviate the swelling. He had considered testing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, but the doctor nixed that idea. Franchitti obliged, remembering how he rushed back from injuries earlier in his career to mixed results. He recently traveled to Indianapolis – not to ponder racing in the Indy 500, where he is the reigning champion, but to get fitted for a carbon fiber brace that supports his ankle. He’ll use the brace when he returns to the car.
     Dario is missing very valuable seat time. This is his training year every race he misses means next year is going to be that nmuch harder. The #40 team has some tough days ahead which is going to turn into a tough year ahead if Ganassi is committed to Dario. But has Ganassi ever been committed to a driver(?).

 

Most Hated Driver…….(?)

Kyle Busch is NASCAR’s most hated driver. And he loves it. Viciously booed during pre-race introductions, Busch soaked up the venom by encouraging Saturday night’s crowd at Darlington Raceway to keep it coming. And when he heard a member of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew jeer him as he passed by on the parade lap, Busch smugly flipped him the bird.

The (Associated Press/ESPN.com), folks have asked if NASCAR will fine Busch. I watched and re-wathed the beginning of the race and all the pre-race ceramonies and didn’t see it, it must not have made it on TV because if it did we would have heard a ton more about it and I’m sure heavy fines would have followed. From what I understand the only ones to see it was an Associated Press Reporter and the crew member it was aimed at.

I hope Kyle keeps it up and jams it up their you know what on Sunday. Kyle’s an excellent driver maybe a little too wild but this is racing, what do people expect. Many of Dale Jr.’s fans have made Kyle the “most hated driver” because Kyle raced Dale a little too hard in Martinsville. Too Bad, So Sad…That’s all I’ve got to say. It’s racing and that was a racing deal. It was the end of the race you should be racing your guts out Kyle was Dale wasn’t.

This season Kyle is kicking ass and taking names, you can’t give Kyle a break on the track or he’ll beat you. Kyle will win a lot of races this year but could have a few DNF’s by the time its done. That could be what cost him a championship. Dale Jr. running great probably this is the best start of a season he’s had, he’s running smart. He’s not been overly agressive and that might cost him a win or two but his consistantcy is what going to put him in position to win championships.

Dale jr’s fan should be happy now he’s running smart and consistant. The best thing for him is for his fans to not cause a distraction trying to read something into his and Kyles relationship. When his fans do the media takes over distract jr. and that is the last thing he needs. There’s 41 other out on the track focusing on one will only hurt his chances to be a championship contender.

I hate to say it, I hope I’m wrong but Kyle just might self destruct.

Starting Line-up for the Dodge Challenger 500

STARTING LINEUP

Starting Line Up by Row
Darlington Raceway
Dodge Challenger 500
Provided by NASCAR Statistics - Fri, May 09, 2008 @ 06:42 PM Eastern

Start
Pos
Car# Driver Sponsor/Manu