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.

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

STARTING LINEUP

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

  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.

STARTING LINEUP

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

    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.

    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.

    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(?).

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 LINEUP

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