NEXTEL Cup 2007 - year in review

NASCAR'S Most Popular Driver

December 20, 2007

Chex Most Popular Driver Award for 2007 was awarded to Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the second year in a row. This doesn't come as a surprise to many fans. I guess Dale Jr's announcement to move to Hendrick Motorsports for the 2008 season has not hurt his popularity with his fans as they threatened when the announcement was made. Maybe he can even have a winning season without seven DNFs.

Chex Most Popular Driver of the Year is an award given at the end of the season based on the votes of fans online. You can vote for your favorite driver every day starting at the beginning of the race season at chexmostpopulardriver.com.

Congratulations to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

NASCAR - Nextel Cup 2007 Champion

November 29, 2007

Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson - NASCAR's 2007 Nextel Cup Champion.

It was a close race for Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon going into the final races. Both drivers had phenomenal seasons this year. Clint Bowyer also had an awesome season.

These drivers were unstoppable. Although Jimmie Johnson had more wins than Jeff Gordon, Gordon had more top tens and top fives this season than Jimmie Johnson. Gordon broke the all-time record for the most top tens in one season with thirty top tens. If The Chase rules and scoring had not been changed by NASCAR then Jeff Gordon would be celebrating his sixth championship. It is amazing that two drivers can be such fierce competitors on the track and can still remain good friends. They even arrived at the track in Homestead together for their final battle of the season. We can all learn a lesson and hope our children will learn a lesson in good sportsmanship from these teammates.

A lot of the fans complained that there were too many wins by the "Hendrick Boys" and not enough for the other teams. Well, that means that the other teams need some shaping up to compete with the awesome Hendrick Motorsports Team. This is exactly what will be happening next year with so many drivers changing teams and teams merging together. But will the fans still complain if Dale Earnhardt Jr makes his way to the top of The Chase? He will be one of "The Hendrick Boys" next season. He had a very tough season. Although a good driver, Jr had many heartbreaks this season with so many DNFs.

Congratulations to all of the Nextel Cup drivers for competing in NASCAR's elite series. They are all truely champions.

NASCAR - Is The Chase Over?

November 12, 2007

With one race left in The Chase and Jimmie Johnson's tenth win of the season, can Jeff Gordon, the four time champion, catch up? Gordon said that the championship will go to Jimmie Johnson after Sundays race in Phoenix. Johnson tied the record of four consecutive wins previously held by Gordon and is second behind Gordon for most wins in a season. Jeff Gordon held both records until Phoenix. He still holds the record for most wins in a season with thirteen wins in 1998 when he won his second NASCAR Championship.

So, will Johnson win his second consecutive championship? Everyone thinks he will run away with the title now. He has had an awesome season, but so has Jeff Gordon. Even if Gordon wins the race in Homestead, Johnson only needs to come in eighteenth or better to win, or nineteenth & bonus points. What happens if something simular to Gordon's run-in with Harvick happens, only Johnson can't hold it? Maybe a tire goes down and he crashes into a wall? Maybe one of the other chasers who want to be included in the top ten and go to New York for the championship awards might be a little overzealous and decide to make the playing field a little smaller. Not to be morbid, but this is NASCAR racing and anything is possible. So, is The Chase Over or do we have some surprises awaiting us in Homestead?

NASCAR Honors Petty and Gordon

November 5, 2007

NASCAR honored two great NASCAR drivers at Atlanta's race on Sunday. Fifteen years ago, Richard Petty raced his last NASCAR race in Atlanta and Jeff Gordon raced his first career race for NASCAR at the same race.

Richard Petty dropped the green flag at Atlanta Speedway on Sunday as part of the ceremony. He raced in NASCAR's elite series for thirty-five years. Petty is a seven time Winston Cup Champion. He holds the record for the most all-time wins with two hundred wins. Richard Petty ran 1,184 races during his 35 years racing. He had 712 top tens and 123 poles. He is truely the "King of NASCAR."

Jeff Gordon was honored for his fifteen years in NASCAR. He gave the command "Gentlemen - Start Your Engines" at Sundays race. He is listed, along with Richard Petty, as one of NASCAR's greatest drivers. He is sixth on NASCAR's all-time wins list. Jeff Gordon currently has four NASCAR Nextel Cup (Winston Cup) Championships and is working on his fifth. He is nine points ahead of teammate, Jimmie Johnson, in the points standings for this year's (2007) championship with three races left in this season. There are only two drivers with more Championship wins than Jeff Gordon. They are Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. They both have won seven Championships. Can Jeff Gordon catch them?

NASCAR Teammates: Help or Hindrance?

October 24, 2007

So now that The Chase is underway, do you think NASCAR's Nextel Cup drivers can depend on their teammates for help? I guess that depends if the teammates are all in The Chase. In the case of Hendrick Motorsports, they might be more of a hindrance. On lap 92 of the Martinsville race, Jimmie Johnson radioed to his crew chief that Kyle Busch was being aggressive and was all over his bumper, after all this was only lap 92. The next lap, Busch backed off and Jimmie Johnson proceeded to get on teammate Jeff Gordon's bumper in the same fashion that Kyle Busch got on his. So keep in mind when Gordon did the gentlemanly thing and did not spin out his partner, Jimmie Johnson, and settled for second place finish behind him at the last Martinsville race that the rules have probably changed now. It's every driver for himself.

The same goes for pit crews. Twice during the Martinsville race, the pit crew for the #24 car could have cost Gordon his fifth championship. The first time they failed to tighten up a tire - Gordon had to go down pit road a second time to have it tightened and had to restart at the back of the pack. Okay, everybody makes mistakes but - then the catchcan carrier had errors that led to Gordon having to do a pit road passthrough penalty. It goes back to mistakes that could cost the driver a race or a championship.

A call by Kevin Harvick's crew to only change two tires several races ago when Harvick came in and said he had a tire going down. Well, that would have been ok but - it was the wrong two tires - he had to go back in after several laps and went several laps down. He was not able to recover in that race and suffered in the points standings.

So, teammates : help or hindrance?

NASCAR's Talladega Race

October 10, 2007

NASCAR's Nextel Cup race at Talladega was very exciting at the end. Who would expect Jeff Gordon's final push would be from Tony Stewart? I guess he does have a generous side - or was he just pushing Gordon thru to draft with him and then pass? Who knows - this is racing we're talking about. For what seemed like a long time Gordon was trapped behind Johnson until Dave Blaney started drafting Gordon. It could have been anybody's race, but Jeff Gordon took the checkered flag due to patience and some awesome driving skills.

Earlier in the race it didn't look like either Gordon or Johnson would have very good races, but it was actually team strategy to be in the back of the pack. They were basically playing it safe until the time was right. It wasn't very exciting for the fans of the #24 or the #48 drivers, but there was plenty of action up front to keep them occupied. After the "big one" that almost always happens at Talladega and Daytona, Gordon and Johnson made their moves and made it up to their fans by pushing their way to the front. They may be teammates but in The Chase they are fierce competitors. Jimmie Johnson is the defending champion of NASCAR's Nextel Cup Chase and Jeff Gordon is going for his fifth career championship. Not to mention Clint Bowyer who surprised a lot of people this season with his awesome performance and all of the drivers (not just Chase drivers) who have made it a very exciting season this year.

NASCAR Tempers

October 2, 2007

The pressure is on now that we only have seven races left in The Chase and it shows. Some of The Chase drivers are getting stressed out and showing their tempers. Even some of the non-chase drivers are showing some colors. Last week at Dover, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Petty almost got into a fight in the garage after an on-track incident that took them both out of the race. Tony Stewart was bumping Paul Menard after a pit-road incident. But, then again both Hamlin and Stewart are known for having bad tempers and Stewart is known for blaming everyone else for everything (even his partner). Stewart even cursed at a reporter but he won't be penalized by NASCAR because he said he wasn't aware that the camera was on. Does it matter? I think Tony needs to go back to anger management or have a shadow at the tracks again to keep him out of trouble. Maybe being in The Chase is too stressful for Stewart.

Even some of the mild mannered chasers are a little on edge. Clint Bowyer and Jimmie Johnson even challenged the outcome at the end of this weeks race. Greg Biffle in the 16 car ran out of gas as he came to the checkered flag. Biffle claims that he wasn't out of gas - that he slowed for the yellow flag brought out by Montoya and was conserving what gas he had left. According to NASCAR rules the field is frozen when the caution flag comes out. Bowyer and Johnson maintain that Biffle was off the pace so the rule didn't apply. Either way, should NASCAR have still called for a green, white, checkered finish? The outcome could have been very different.

NASCAR - What's in a Number?

September 25, 2007

Ever wonder "what's in a number"? Well in the world of NASCAR numbers mean a lot. Sometimes to a driver, sometimes to the fans, sometimes both. Some drivers (mostly drivers who have driven for a long time or have driven for the same team for a long time) use the same numbers throughout their driving career. Mark Martin gave up his beloved #6 car when he announced his partial retirement - David Regan now drives it. Rusty Wallace drove the #2 car until his retirement - now Kurt Busch drives it. Jeff Gordon is the #24 car - he will probably remain #24 for his entire racing career as he has a lifetime agreement with Hendrick Motorsports and Dupont and that he is partial owner. Dale Earnhardt Jr has driven the #8 car for most of his career - next season the #8 car will be driven by Mark Martin and Aric Armirola. One has to wonder if the Junior fans will throw beer bottles and cans at them (hopefully not) when they make their debut at Daytona in 2008.

The number 88 car was driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr's grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, back in 1957. It went on to be driven by many of NASCAR's great drivers such as Bobby Allison, Fireball Roberts, Ernie Irwin, Benny Parsons, Darrell Waltrip, etc. with Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd being the most recent. It has racked up 65 wins since its debut in 1949 but has not had a win since 2005. Dale Earnhardt Junior takes over the #88 car next season driving for Hendrick Motorsports - maybe Junior and the #88 can make a new history.

Now, some car numbers should never be traded or sold. I'm talking in particular about the #3 car of Dale Earnhardt - The Intimidator. He was a legend in his own time. I think the #3 should be retired in honor of Dale Earnhardt who died in the last turn of the last lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001.

So you tell me - What's in a number?

NASCAR - What's Up

September 21, 2007

NASCAR's Nextel Cup Chase races are starting out with the promise of an exciting but unpredictable Chase. Clint Bowyer in the #07 is sneaking right up there with his awesome race and first Nextel Cup win. He dominated the race and even held onto the lead against Jeff Gordon in the #24 car. He moved up from 12th in the standings with no wins to fourth in the standings. I think we are in for a lot of surprises in the next nine weeks.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced this week that he will be driving the #88 car next season. Good news for fans with tatoos - you only have to add an 8. Some fans are saying that they will no longer support Jr because of his impending switch to Hendrick Motorsports - then you are not a true Jr fan. A true fan supports his/her driver no matter what - whether their driver is winning or loosing or no matter what car they are driving. Jr will also be sponsered by Mountain Dew (Pepsi). What about the rumors that DEI is not doing everything that they would be doing for Jr if he wasn't leaving. Rumor or fact? We'll probably never know.

NASCAR's Chase Line-up

September 11,2007

The Chase line-up for NASCAR's Nextel Cup series is set. The fight for the 12th and final spot in The Chase is decided. Kurt Busch clinched the spot with 20 laps to go in Sunday's Richmond race. A very dissappointed Dale Earnhardt Jr gave everything he had to try to make that 12th spot even though the odds were against him. Eight laps after Kurt Busch clinched the spot - Jr's motor let go. It looked good for Jr earlier in the race when Harvick and Busch were caught up in a wreck with the #42 car of Montoya. Fortunately for the #29 car and the #2 car (unfortunately for the #8 car) they were able to fight their way back into the race. Things might have been different for Jr if he didn't have five DNFs this season - four for engine failure. DEI hasn't had good luck with engines on Jr's car this season. It has been announced this week that Tony Eury Jr will be moving over to Hendrick Motorsports with Jr as his crew chief. Maybe that with the consistency of engines for Hendrick Motorsports Jr will be make The Chase next year. But the year isn't over yet, I'm sure Jr will give a good showing for the rest of the season and maybe even bring home a trophy or two.

So now that the line-up is set there is a change in the race standings. The order is set by the drivers receiving 10 bonus points for each win during the first 26 races. So now sixth place driver Jimmie Johnson takes the lead with Jeff Gordon behind him by 20 points. The huge lead Jeff Gordon had over second place is gone. There is a sixty point difference between the leader and the 12th place driver of Clint Bowyer. That's not much so we are about to see some intense racing for the championship. May the best driver win.

NASCAR - Who is Jr?

August 31, 2007

Who is Jr? Well, right now he is what most people refer to as the most popular driver in NASCAR' Nextel Cup Series. NO, let me correct that, Jr is the most popular driver in NASCAR. Is it because he is the best driver in the Nextel Cup Series? Although many people may say yes - he is not. He is a good driver but he has a way to go before he is a great driver. Is his reputation built on his daddy's name or his Budweiser sponser? Or What about his affiliation with DEI or his #8 car? We'll find out next season when Jr is not under the influence of DEI. He won't have Budweiser as a sponser and although he may still be a Bud man he won't be The Bud Man. As far as driving the #8 car , that will not be happening next season. It has been announced that DEI will still have control of the # 8 car. Has the commercial come to life? Junior will change his number, we just don't know what that number is yet. Rumor has it that it will be #38 or at least a numer with 8 in it. At least the fans with the #8 tatooed on their bodies can just add to it.

What Jr will have is Hendrick Motorsports which is one of the top teams in NASCAR. He will have great teammates. They will give him great cars. But it all boils down to this - Jr himself. He will have to prove himself based on his own skills. So who is Jr really? We'll find out next season.

NASCAR Teammates

August 16, 2007

With only four races until NASCAR's Nextel Cup Chase, do you think teammates will help each other out? Or will it be every man for himself? The drivers competing for the 12th position in the points will be giving it all they've got to be in The Chase. The drivers who pretty much think they will make The Chase for the Nextel Cup will be giving everything they've got for wins. For every win they have they will receive ten extra bonus points when The Chase begins. With aggressive teammates like Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin dueling for position it could get pretty wild on the track. Kyle Busch has announced this week that he will be joining Gibbs racing team next year. Joe Gibbs has his work cut out for him next season with Stewart and Busch on the same team. Both are aggressive drivers with explosive tempers, Not that Denny Hamlin is quiet and meek. He tends to get a little aggressive at times also.

Dale Earnhardt Jr and Martin Truex are on the bubble (although Truex is on the inside and Jr is on the outside). Jr is 100 points behind the 12th position of Kurt Busch. Truex is 58 points ahead of Busch. I don't think there will be much help from those two teammates. They're pretty much fighting for the same position.

Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will be competing for the most wins. Gordon is the only driver so far that has clinched his spot in the chase. Johnson's chances are pretty good unless things go terribly wrong for him in the next four races. Both have four wins. Gordon has nothing to loose by going for it, but as we've seen in the past he respects his teammate. But, then again they're competing for the same starting spot.

Then you have hotheads on the track like Kevin Harvick and Juan Pablo Montoya that tried to duke it out on the track after trading paint at Watkins Glen last Sunday. You have to admit it was comical with the two of them with helmets and hans units trying to push each other around. I guess the NASCAR officials thought it was funny - they didn't even fine Harvick for saying in a tv interview that he was telling Montoya that he wanted to kick his a-- (butt).

You also have two very quiet drivers who will probably sneek into The Chase almost unnoticed because of their unagressive traits and quiet dispositions. Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton have been very consistant and will most likely sneek in.

It's going to be a wild four weeks until The Chase for the Nextel Cup.

NASCAR's #12 Position

August 6,2007

NASCAR's Nextel Cup race series only has five races left until the chase. The 12th and final position eligible for The Chase is still up for grabs. This will create some very intense racing in the next five weeks. Dale Earnhardt Jr went into the Pocono race ahead of the 13th place driver Kurt Busch by 13 points. Jr got his first Nextel Cup pole in almost five years. His race started out on a sour note but got better after a quick shock change by his pit crew. Jr tried his hardest and came out with a second place finish, his best finish in a while. But that wasn't enough to keep up with Kurt Busch in the #2 car. Kurt Busch was unstopable. Nobody could catch him. The #2 car won the Pocono 500 and took over the #12 position in the standings putting him in contention for The Chase. Now the cars in the 11th thru 14th positions will be vying for the #12 position. Jeff Gordon will secure his spot in The Chase with good finish at Watkins Glen next weekend.

NASCAR's Indy Race

August 1, 2007

NASCAR's Nextel Cup race in Indianapolis was very exciting. The race between Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick was intense for a while. Although you wouldn't know it when Tony Stewart, with six laps left in the race, was shown on his onboard camera casually taking a drink out of his water bottle and saying here kitty, kitty. The thing is this, the tv coverage was showing a split screen with half the screen showing the race between the two lead drivers which is what you would expect. The second split was showing Delana Harvick (Kevin Harvick'S wife) and Greg Zippadelli (Tony Stewart's crew chief). Who cares about their reaction - what about the rest of the drivers or the two drivers in third and fourth place (Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya) fighting it out? They also dropped the ball at the end of the race. The first drivers to come across the finish line are always listed as they come across. They were forgotten.

Tony did a great job driving but he's got to stop climbing the fence and now he's got his crew doing it with him. Tony also was penalized $25,000 and 25 bonus points when he said this win was for his fans and all the bull---- they put up with. He lost points but retained his place in the standings.

NASCAR - End of an Era

July 17, 2007
NASCAR's Pepsi 400 was an awesome race with a very exciting ending. You can't get much closer to the finish between Kyle Busch and Jamie McMurray. It was the last race for the "old" cars of NASCAR for the Daytona track. It was also the last Daytona race for Kyle Busch with Hendrick Motorsports. After the race Kyle Busch was bad-mouthing his teammates saying that they did not help him. Jeff Gordon was running high on the track and Kyle Bush was running the low line. You can't really draft when your running different lines. Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears weren't anywhere in a position to help either. He went on to do interviews saying that he would not be helping his teammates in any way- but will he be a hindrance to his teammates? Will he intentionally hurt their chances to make The Chase? My guess is that his surely attitude toward his teammates will end his Hendrick run sooner than 2008.

NASCAR's Junior - Whats' Next?

July 17, 2007

NASCAR'S Daytona 500 race was Dale Earnhardt Jr's last Daytona race with DEI. What will become of him next year when he joins Hendrick Motorsports? He won't have Budweiser as his sponser. He probably won't be driving the #8 car. He won't be the main driver, he will be the teammate of two champions. Can he accept that? Some of his fans will be abandoning him because of his decision. But, then again he will be driving for one of the best teams in NASCAR.

More NASCAR Penalties

June 28, 2007
NASCAR has imposed penalties this week for the #24 driver Jeff Gordon and the #48 driver Jimmie Johnson. They were fined 100 points each and $100,000. Their Crew Chiefs, Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus, were suspended for 6 races each and put on probation for the rest of the season. Both drivers were banned from practice and qualifying and had to start in the 41st and 42nd position at Sonoma. This is excessive for a change in the fender that still fit the template but was a "gray area". I think NASCAR is going too far. Kurt Busch was fined the same for almost running over Tony Stewarts tire changer in a fit of anger at Stewart. He wasn't banned from any racing or practicing and what he did was intentional. I think that maybe NASCAR is trying to even out the playing field for the standings with bogus penalties. What next? Penalties for paint too thick? It could add a little weight and create a downforce.

NASCAR's #8 Driver
June, 2007

NASCAR's Nextel Cup driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr, announced his departure from DEI weeks ago leaving NASCAR fans wondering where he would go. Yesterday he announced that he would be joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. A move that Rick Hendrick denied would happen weeks ago, he said there was no room. This is a great move for Jr. Hendrick Motorsports has proven that they have an awesome team of cars, pit crews and drivers. This may not be such a good move for existing drivers of Hendrick Motorsports. When Jimmie Johnson Joined Hendrick Motorsports Jeff Gordon's team went downhill. It seems like all efforts for equipment and pit crews were given to Jimmie Johnson's team. That finally seems to be turning around. Will this happen when Jr joins this team? What happens to existing team members? Casey Mears seems to be safe for now. What about Kyle Busch? He seems to be out in the cold. But, don't feel sorry for him yet, rumor has it that he may join DEI. Also - maybe Hendrick Motorsports and DEI may trade cars -#8 for #5 so Jr and Busch can keep their current car numbers. Otherwise the commercial may come true - Junior nation running all over screaming in panic that Junior changed his number. Maybe someone had some inside info for that commercial.

NASCAR Records

April 28th, 2007
NASCAR’s Nextel Cup driver Jeff Gordon has had an awesome season so far. It started out a little rocky at Daytona when he hit the wall on the very last lap of the race, but still came thru with a tenth place finish. Last week at Phoenix he tied Dale Earnhardt’s record for all time wins. Jeff Gordon won his seventy-sixth career race. He showed class and respect for Dale Earnhardt by doing a victory lap displaying the #3 flag. Too bad the fans were not as classy - they were throwing beer cans at the #24 car during its victory lap. Why do they hate NASCAR’s #24 driver? Could it be that he was one of the biggest competitors for Dale Earnhardt and also now for Dale Earnhardt Jr?Jeff Gordon’s win at Phoenix was his first win at that track. It was also the first time a driver won from the pole at Phoenix. He also won the pole for this weeks race at Talladega. This pole is his eightyth career pole and beats the record held by Darrell Waltrip. Jeff Gordon also showed respect for his teammate Jimmie Johnson at Martinsville. Any other driver would have spun out the #48 car for the win. Gordon raced him clean even though he had the better car and Johnson blocked the lead. He has been consistant in his finishes and it shows. He currently leads Jeff Burton by 74 points in the Chase.

NASCAR On TV

April 9th, 2007
So you want to see a NASCAR Nextel Cup race? Maybe you should go to the track. NASCAR has been complaining that viewing numbers are down. Well, thats probably because when you watch a race on tv you only get to see about half of the race. There are anywhere from six to eight commercials repeated over and over. You get to see a couple of laps then there is a series of commercials, then back for pit stops and more commercials. You get the idea. I know the sponsers are important, but so are the fans. We want to see the race.

Every driver in the race deserves a little coverage, not only the most popular drivers. In Atlanta there were two drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Juan Pablo Montoya, that received almost exclusive coverage by the newscasters. I could understand if they were the leaders of the pack, but their pictures were shown wherever they were in the pack. All of the drivers who race in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup races have proven themselves to be awesome drivers and deserve some coverage with a focus on the leaders. Not all NASCAR fans choose the most popular drivers or the top drivers in the points and they want to see how their driver is doing even if he is not in the top ten.

NASCAR’S Bristol Race

March 21st, 2007
Will Mark Martin race in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup race at Bristol and remain a contender for the chase? Mark Martin has been chasing NASCAR’s championship title for twenty-three years. The last few years have been really close, but still no title. He has been number one in the standings since Daytona this year. Jeff Gordon is right on his tail in points and will become the leader in the points if Martin doesn’t start the Bristol race. This is going to be an exciting season. Do you think Mark Martin can walk away now? I think we will see him at Bristol. Unless… he can’t stand the thought of driving the car of tomorrow.

Talking about the car of tomorrow (which will become the car of today on Sunday) - it’s ugly. I know that it’s supposed to be safer and cost less but it remains to be seen whether it will perform as well as the old cars. Most of the drivers haven’t had anything good to say about them. I guess Jeff Gordon said it best when he said he reserves judgement until after Bristol.

NASCAR’s Rough Starts

March 14th, 2007
NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Series has just started - but not so well for some. Michael Waltrip’s Toyota team has some major problems. First they were faced with cheating violations and fines. Waltrip was allowed to race his # 55 car in the Daytona 500 but had very disappointing results. Then he didn’t qualify for the next two races. Dale Jarrett failed to qualify for all three races but was allowed to race using past champion provisionals for all three. Only three provisionals left for this past champion under NASCAR’s new six provisional rule. His finishes were also disappointing. He is currently 32nd in points. Jeremy Mayfield hasn’t qualified for a race yet. David Reutimann was their best chance but he didn’t qualify in Las Vegas. Dave Blaney and Brian Vickers are in 40th and 41st place in the standings. Is the problem with the drivers or the cars - or both?

Team Toyota isn’t the only team struggling. Dale Earnhardt Jr is off to a rough start also. He is currently 27th in the standings. He crashed at Daytona and had an engine failure in California. Last week in Las Vegas he pitted before pit road was open during a late race caution and was penalized. He’s still got a chance though. Look at all the guys that crashed at Daytona and are pulling themselves back up. Not much room for mistakes though.

NASCAR Day

March 7th, 2007
NASCAR Day is May 18th. It’s a good way to show support for your sport. It’s a celebration of spirit for NASCAR fans. You can purchase a pin for $5.00 to wear on NASCAR Day to show your support. Proceeds will go to worthy causes such as The Victory Junction Gang Camp.

The Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded by driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam. This camp in North Carolina provides fun and memorable camping experiences for chronically ill and terminally ill children ages seven thru fifteen. The camp offers traditional camping activities as well as NASCAR related activities. The children are also provided with medical care at no charge to the child’s family while at the camp. The camp relies solely on donations. Many of our favorite NASCAR drivers take an active role in this camp and donate money to this camp.

So, purchase your NASCAR Day pin and wear it proudly on May 18th to show support for your sport and help give a sick child the time of his or her life.

NASCAR Fans

February 27th, 2007
What kind of NASCAR fan are you? Are you the kind of fan that is blitzed two hours before the race? Do you remember who won the race or who even raced? Are you the fan who is so obnoxious on the bus back to the parking lot that people are embarassed for you, especially if they have kids with them? If you are, then you are not the kind of fan that I want representing our sport. Look at yourself, you paid a lot of money for those tickets. You’re supposed to be there to support your driver and have fun, not being obnoxious and throwing up while you’re waiting in line for the bus.

On the other hand - are you the devoted NASCAR fan? I have seen looks of sheer delight and excitement on a fans face when their driver wins or is making an awesome pass. I have also seen the look of despair when their driver crashes or is having a bad race. I have probably had those same looks myself. It’s awesome to be seated with fans that you can banter with as the race unfolds whether you root for the same driver or not.

So, sit back and enjoy the race, have a couple of beers if you want. But, please remember to be curtious to your fellow fans. Support your driver and let them support theirs. We all want to enjoy the race.

NASCAR Cautions

February 22nd, 2007
NASCAR broke its own rule regarding a green-white-checkered finish. Nextel’s most famous race - The Daytona 500 finished under green-white-checkered. Although I hate a finish under caution, this call changed the outcome of the race. It possibly changed a little piece of history for NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Series. If the caution had come out as soon as the crash began, Mark Martin would have won his first and possibly only Daytona 500. It’s also possible that Martin slowed slightly when he saw cars crashing behind him expecting the caution to come out allowing Kevin Harvick to squeeze up beside him and take the checkered flag. I have to say it was an exciting race finish. I have never seen so many big name drivers crash out in a race before but I knew it was inevitable when they were racing that hard three wide. Looks like we’re in for an exciting season.

NASCAR Penalties

February 16th, 2007
I start this season with a heavy heart with the deaths of Benny Parsons and Bobby Hamilton. They will be sorely missed by many. Benny Parsons’ brother will be officially starting the Nextel Cup race in honor of his brother.

Nascar has imposed some of its most severe penalties already this season. Michael Waltrip’s crew chief has been fined $100,000 and suspended. Waltrip has been docked 100 driver points. Kasey Kahne and Matt Kenseth’s crew chiefs have each been fined $50,000 and suspended. Both drivers were docked 50 driver points. NASCAR is cracking down. Fifty or one hundred points is alot of points to make up when the race is so close. It could mean the championship. So stop cheating and lets race.

See you at Daytona!!

NASCAR’s New Provisional Rule

February 3rd, 2007
NASCAR has changed the provisional rule for the Nextel Cup Series. NASCAR champions were previously allowed unlimited provisional starts. That means that if a driver didn’t qualify for the race that he/she would be able to race starting in the 43rd position. NASCAR is now going to limit the amount of provisional starts to six. This applies to the whole team. If there are multiple champs on one team then the whole team is only allowed six provisional starts. There are also provisional starts for owners ranking - so this would affect new teams the most.

This new rule makes sense since the drivers are champions and they should be able to qualify based on their speed. Sure, everyone has bad days but this rule allows for some bad luck. These drivers should be able to qualify on their own merrit.If not, then maybe the team needs to re-evaluate the driver and/or cars running the races.

NASCAR’s New Chase Rules

January 30th, 2007
NASCAR has announced the new Chase rules for the 2007 Nextel series. There will now be twelve drivers in The Chase. The 400 point rule has been eliminated. NASCAR will now award the winner of Nextel cup races an additional five points. The drivers will still get five points for leading a lap and five points for leading the most laps. All drivers qualifying for the chase will start the last ten races with 5,000 points plus they will be given ten points for every race the driver won during the first 26 races. Although consistency is extremely important, there is a little extra bonus for a win. Ten points can win the championship.

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