tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18984910895402830512011-11-27T19:38:14.928-05:00A chick from Florida talks about all things NASCARNASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.comBlogger4471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-78551086781104568912011-01-28T11:55:00.000-05:002011-01-28T11:55:55.720-05:00

My home track is changing. NASCAR bloggers often dream about working for NASCAR, a race team, or a NASCAR partner. They write countless articles, seek out myriad networking opportunities, and they keep plugging away, hoping that one day they can quit their day jobs and work for the sport they love. I’m one of the lucky ones. Last Saturday, I packed up the car and headed north on I-95 to a new

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-36707448308299906942011-01-18T21:34:00.000-05:002011-01-18T21:34:37.681-05:00

It may be the off season, but don't tell that to Tony Stewart. During his vacation from NASCAR, Smoke has been driving down under.  And if recent reports are any indication, his intensity knows no bounds - no matter when, where or what he races. Stewart's unyielding - and often fiery - passion for the sport is what draws fans to him like Evander Holyfield to a title fight. And if you're one

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-33055602307320786642011-01-14T07:08:00.000-05:002011-01-14T07:08:28.665-05:00

Kasey Kahne dons the Red Bull Racing firesuit at the Fall Talladega race. Good news: NASCAR fans are on the tail end of the off-season slump. Pre-season thunder is a mere week away.  And the Daytona 500? Just one month to go. We're on the verge of a NASCAR  tabula rasa. There are second chances for drivers who need redemption. And endless possibilities for the new kids on track who have

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-38688682097598385122010-12-26T20:03:00.001-05:002010-12-26T20:03:52.458-05:00

Looking back on 2010, the NASCAR images that are emblazoned in my mind are those I witnessed in person. Richard Petty and Bobby Allison running into each other before the Homestead race. A young Dale Jr. fan telling Jimmie Johnson she'd switch drivers if he'd only sign her hat (which he promptly did with a smile). Tony Stewart handing his Coke bottle to a little No. 14 fan after driver

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-55808017341783566722010-12-25T08:15:00.000-05:002010-12-25T08:15:18.135-05:00

Dale Earnhardt Jr's Nationwide Series win in the No. 3 Wrangler car at Daytona was one of the brightest moments of the year. The buildup to the race was unprecedented and the event itself was fraught with emotional weight and fan expectations. It could easily have gone very badly. But in the end, Dale Jr. and his cousin Tony Eury, Jr. reunited once more to bring one of the most recognizable

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-5691540047763430992010-12-24T13:03:00.000-05:002010-12-24T13:03:57.857-05:00

Sometimes the cosmic force behind NASCAR gives fans a gift that is so unexpectedly wonderful, it lives in the annals of racing lore for years. And the fight between Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton at Texas Motor Speedway is one of those gifts. An unlikely pair of enemies, these two were applauded by fans for having the guts to "have at it" face to face (and not face to camera as other drivers

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-87262495892602122052010-12-23T18:54:00.001-05:002010-12-23T18:54:39.757-05:00

In many ways 2010 was a banner year for Kyle Busch. He got engaged to Samantha Sarcinella. He started his own race team, Kyle Busch Motorsports. He finished eighth in the Chase, and he won three Cup races all told. But what iced the cake on Rowdy's eventful season was his historic performance at Bristol Motor Speedway in August. Busch predicted he would win all three races - and he did just

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-60989471128078349512010-12-22T21:01:00.000-05:002010-12-22T21:01:42.596-05:00

When Jamie McMurray returned to the Earnhardt-Ganassi fold, he brought a wave of good karma with him. Coming off a lackluster 2009, McMurray was visibly thrilled to have a full-time ride in 2010.  And his EGR homecoming proved a boon not only to McMurray's career, but to team owner Chip Ganassi's as well. Ol' Jamie Mac didn't just win for Ganassi - he won the biggest, most prestigious races on

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-22064997627011116902010-12-21T22:54:00.000-05:002010-12-21T22:54:22.145-05:00

Jimmie Johnson celebrates each of his five championship wins - from 2006 to 2010. Cale Yarborough didn't do it. Dale Earnhardt didn't do it. Even King Petty didn't do it. But Jimmie Johnson, a kid from El Cajon, Calif., did. Johnson's five consecutive Cup championships are unprecedented and unparalleled.  And with his monumental come-from-behind points win in 2010, the driver has

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-89688829717984538542010-12-20T20:54:00.001-05:002010-12-21T06:49:53.018-05:00

Bowyer went from one to done after his car failed inspection post-Loudon. In NASCAR,  fortune can turn on a dime. And no team knows that better than the No. 33 team of Clint Bowyer. The Richard Childress Racing team went from the highest of highs (winning the first race of the Chase at Loudon) to the lowest of lows (failing inspection and getting docked 150 points). Per the official NASCAR

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-34722876503559825912010-12-19T20:04:00.000-05:002010-12-19T20:04:47.477-05:00

Stewart takes a break with the Office Depot Foundation’s 2010 “Teddy B. Caring” holiday bear. The Office Depot Foundation donates a portion of proceeds from sales of the bear to help children and families in need around the world. Photo Credit: MATTER/Edelman for Office Depot Racing For the second consecutive year as a driver/owner Tony Stewart made the Chase. Not only did he make the Chase

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-86472699542569630932010-12-18T19:56:00.000-05:002010-12-18T19:56:25.122-05:00

Ryan and Chrissie Newman welcomed Brooklyn Sage on Nov. 18, 2010. In 2010, the Sprint Cup drivers' lot turned into Romper Room. And it's not because Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski got into a play fight. There was a bona fide baby boom in NASCAR that set this season apart.  At last count, a whopping seven babies were born to drivers and their wives - and there's one due at the end of this year

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-12501940997567016252010-12-17T16:09:00.000-05:002010-12-17T16:09:17.427-05:00

Uncertainty. That's the word that best describes the state of Richard Petty Motorsports in 2010. It was a tough year for The King and those in his employ.  They went from four cars to two.  Lost their primo driver.  And they suffered through layoffs and cutbacks in the process. But there is one bright spot on what has lately been a dim horizon - and that's the 100-watt smile of Marcos

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-66291954560062635382010-12-16T07:55:00.000-05:002010-12-16T07:55:48.711-05:00

Kevin Harvick celebrated his tenth year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series in 2010. And boy, what a year it was. Harvick was the regular season champ and the perennial fan favorite.  When the Chase began, he kept fans' hopes high that a Richard Childress team would knock the dynastic No. 48 off its pedestal. And, as always, Harvick kept things interesting. He tangled with Joey Logano on track

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-60269104078756855792010-12-15T22:06:00.000-05:002010-12-15T22:06:30.666-05:00

Cup cars hit the new pavement at Daytona for the first time Wednesday. For the first time since Kevin Harvick took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero 400 on July 3, race cars were back on track at Daytona International Speedway. Eighteen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers kicked off the first day of a two-day Goodyear tire test on the new racing surface in advance of the 53rd annual Daytona

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-8328839159740818712010-12-15T07:50:00.001-05:002010-12-15T07:53:59.507-05:00

 The team works on the No. 11 car before the start of the Ford 400 at Homestead.  In addition to "Jimmie Johnson Wins Fifth Consecutive Title," the headline following Homestead could well have been "The Mighty Denny Has Spun Out." And though Denny's misstep made for a more dramatic race, it wasn't the cause of his failure to win the Chase crown. His run for the championship started to

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-32987964696789065692010-12-14T07:37:00.000-05:002010-12-14T07:37:10.701-05:00

.One of the best things about the 2010 season, was that the Sprint Cup Chase was the closest in Chase history.  Twelve drivers didn't just make the Chase, they made the Chase exciting. There were flying fists, fingers and fines.  There was high drama and low blows. And, to top it off, there was a reigning champ who came from behind to score his fifth championship in a row - a feat unparalleled

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-24811647766858574222010-12-09T23:30:00.001-05:002010-12-10T00:10:07.495-05:00

While there are still a lot of worthy NASCAR blogs out there,one of my favorites, NASCAR This Week, will go dark later this month.There's one thing I love about the NASCAR off-season, and that's having more time to catch up on what other bloggers are up to.There are the sites I read on a regular basis - and then there are those that I've just recently discovered. But what I've found across the

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-20023070092108420832010-12-08T22:06:00.000-05:002010-12-08T22:06:26.313-05:00

Now that "Team Earntarte" is a reality, Junior fans  have reason to call Christmas merry. Logs are crackling in the fireplace.  Lights are flickering on the tree. And marshmallows are melting their gooey goodness into my hot chocolate. It's the perfect night for writing a Christmas list. Or better still, the perfect night for contemplating what gifts our favorite drivers and their fans might

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-25501654932202318872010-12-07T20:04:00.000-05:002010-12-07T20:04:56.967-05:00

His chase for the Sprint Cup may not have been perfect, but his rebound from a points deficit was about as flawless as you can get. So it's only right that five-time Sprint Cup champ Jimmie Johnson is one of the athletes featured in ESPN The Magazine's "The Perfect Issue," which is on newsstands now. In the issue, Johnson joins top pros Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, Charles Woodson and Maya Moore

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-85701328518015902042010-11-30T20:34:00.000-05:002010-12-01T12:15:23.518-05:00

If you're a fan of Tony Stewart, then a little Smoke is never enough.And while you may be upset that you can't see your favorite driver on TV in the off-season, the folks at Office Depot have something that will make the time between now and Daytona go by a little quicker.Introducing the 2011 Tony Stewart wall calendar, which is on sale now online and at select Office Depot stores. This pictoral

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-15567936018102474892010-11-29T21:02:00.000-05:002010-11-29T21:02:51.418-05:00

Daytona International Speedway is kinda like your Grandma's house on Thanksgiving - you just never know who's going to drop in with a homemade casserole. And although NASCAR driver Max Papis didn't have a casserole in tow, he did make a surprise visit to Daytona today to check in on the historic repaving project. Papis, was traveling with his family back to North Carolina after spending

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-43122948613881734492010-11-21T22:38:00.000-05:002010-11-21T22:38:11.482-05:00

 Jimmie Johnson hoists the Sprint Cup Championship trophy after claiming his fifth consecutive title at Homestead Miami Speedway. Love him or hate him, Jimmie Johnson is the man. He can win the Cup title when he dominates the Chase.  He can win the Cup title when he's trailing. And what he doesn't do in the clutch may be even more important than what he does do. Namely, he doesn't beat

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-49036536796552090152010-11-20T08:31:00.000-05:002010-11-20T08:31:04.380-05:00

'Twas the night before Homestead and all 'round the track, Palm trees were swaying in the tropical black. The drivers were tucked in their RVs with care, in the hopes that a trophy would tomorrow be theirs. Mike Ford in his kerchief, lay nervous in bed, Where visions of fuel mileage danced through his head. Denny Hamlin paced wildly 'cross his motorhome floor, saying "I have to catch Jimmie

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-90077696119113864652010-11-19T20:54:00.000-05:002010-11-19T20:54:48.153-05:00

Don't look now, but Jimmie Johnson has brought his "A" game to Homestead. In one of the most important qualifying runs of the year, the defending champ threw down a dynamite lap time to cement a top 10 start - sixth to be exact. The best part for Johnson? His fellow championship contenders didn't fare nearly as well. He'll begin the race 22 spots ahead of his nearest title rival - Kevin

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-69969338358603838362010-11-16T20:28:00.001-05:002010-11-16T20:31:27.973-05:00

The driver of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet could well pull off an upset at Homestead Miami Speedway this weekend. A mere 46 points behind Chase leader Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick seems to relish his underdog status. And fans are loving it as well.  Judging from online chatter, many a race fan is rooting for the Richard Childress Racing team to dethrone Jimmie Johnson and outrun Hamlin.

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-58747080397451458542010-11-15T21:50:00.000-05:002010-11-15T22:38:28.197-05:00

Poison frontman Bret Michaels will performthe National Anthem and give the start commandbefore the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway.Now that Phoenix is in the rear view, Homestead looms large. And boy does it hold promise.The last race of the season is bound to be a hard rockin', fender-knockin' finale that's will go down in the record books - or at the very least, the collective memory of

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-85576700938287286332010-11-14T19:42:00.000-05:002010-11-14T19:42:46.424-05:00

Jimmie Johnson (above) hacked into Denny Hamlin's points lead in a fuel-mileage showdown at Phoenix International Raceway Folks who don't like fuel mileage races might want to reconsider their disdain. Thanks to today's gas-saving drama at Phoenix International Raceway, the season finale at Homestead is going to be one heckuva show. With one race to go, reigning champ Jimmie Johnson trails

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-32226009286749511962010-11-10T21:26:00.001-05:002010-11-10T21:27:29.737-05:00

Earlier this week, Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman did what boys do when they have a few hours of down time. They went fishin'. On Tuesday, the Stewart-Haas Racing teammates took part in the second-annual Office Depot Foundation Charity Fishing Tournament. But this wasn't just off track unwind time for the drivers. It was all to raise money for the Office Depot Foundation. In fact, this year

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-51857674021440400822010-11-09T21:16:00.002-05:002010-11-09T21:41:49.928-05:00

When NASCAR announced that it was creating a new integrated marketing communications department, my heart gave a little leap. And when I heard there would be openings in the realm of social media, my heart beat even faster. So without letting any grass grow, I added social media experience to my resume, uploaded my info. on the NASCAR employment site and settled in to wait. I've heard it will

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-91827168979585785312010-11-08T20:08:00.000-05:002010-11-08T20:08:36.202-05:00

Denny Hamlin smells blood in the water.  Your pit crew's performance is costing you positions. Your driver is panicked.  And there are only two races left. What would you do? Would you chuck your team on the chins and tell them "we'll get 'em next time"?  Would you tell your driver to shut up and wheel the car?  Or would you take a game-changing risk that could make you a hero if your instincts

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-58619289018138435522010-11-07T19:50:00.002-05:002010-11-07T22:19:35.270-05:00

After today's race at Texas Motor Speedway, NASCAR shouldn't have any trouble selling tickets. The Lone Star State had it all - an upset in the points, an irate driver giving NASCAR the "one-finger salute" (on camera, mind you) and a pit crew swap mid-race. But the moment that lit up Twitter like the big bright stars at night and caused many a race fan to yelp out a "Yee Haw", was "The Fight"

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-53073650092319601432010-11-06T22:14:00.000-04:002010-11-06T22:14:40.094-04:00

Carl Edwards celebrates his win at Texas Motor Speedway while Brad Keselowski and team owner Roger Penske celebrate their first NASCAR championship. Today wasn't the first time that Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards put on a show. It's just that this time, the show ended with two shiny trophies instead of two mangled race cars. After a season that largely consisted of bad blood between the

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-91180785832579855052010-11-05T20:39:00.000-04:002010-11-05T20:39:46.454-04:00

Sometimes a driver does something that makes you uncommonly proud to be a NASCAR fan. And what Carl Edwards is doing right now, is one of those things. Edwards is hosting a charity auction and sweepstakes with Copart (his Nationwide Series sponsor). And all the proceeds will go toward building an orphanage in Monterrey, Mexico. In June, Edwards won the Nationwide Series race at Road

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-71750516146098073032010-11-04T21:00:00.000-04:002010-11-04T21:00:58.731-04:00

Thank goodness for Kevin Harvick - one of the few Chasers who didn't points race at Talladega. I don't claim to have all the answers.  Heck, I don't even understand all the rules. But as I sat in the grandstand at Talladega Sunday, I had an epiphany. Points racing is for the birds. Don't get me wrong.  Talladega was truly fantastic.  On the whole, it was exciting, dramatic and, in the end,

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-55261721089276705372010-11-03T20:26:00.000-04:002010-11-03T20:26:30.375-04:00

The names of more than 2,400 breast cancer victims, survivors and supporters will ride along with Martin Truex, Jr. during the AAA 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. The driver's No. 56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota will feature a special paint scheme which coincides with a big donation by NAPA - $250,000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. Fans helped raise $51,000 of the $250,000 donation by

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-86361376071598895432010-11-02T21:48:00.000-04:002010-11-02T21:48:52.474-04:00

Juan Pablo Montoya high fives fans after being introduced at Talladega Superspeedway In the days leading up to race weekend, if you asked folks which non-Chaser had the best shot to win Talladega, they'd likely say Jamie McMurray. McMurray was the obvious choice.  The Earnhardt-Ganassi driver is having the season of his life, winning the Daytona 500, the Brickyard 400, the Bank of America 500

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-69748509767705155962010-11-01T23:49:00.002-04:002010-11-01T23:56:00.009-04:00

The day after Talladega is kinda like the day after Christmas. There's so much buildup to the big event - it's a slow letdown when the party is finally over. On the day after Dega, you wake up still on an adrenaline high from the sights, the sounds and the excitement. You  keep turning on your camera just to scroll through your race photos again and again.  You relive and retell the weekend's

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-85013903447240493932010-10-30T21:23:00.000-04:002010-10-31T04:24:46.539-04:00

My cousin Michael may be Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s biggest fan.His bedroom is decked out with No. 88 posters, calendars, diecast and even bath towels.He drinks AMP before every Sprint Cup broadcast.And every time Talladega rolls around, Michael hopes with all his heart that he'll be able to see Dale Jr. and get his autograph.The past three Dega races that hasn't happened. We've waited and waited by

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-43367618485667734722010-10-29T00:46:00.000-04:002010-10-29T00:46:34.952-04:00

Stewart holds up a core sample of  Daytona International Speedway's original start/finish line asphalt. Before heading to Talladega, Tony Stewart stopped by Daytona International Speedway today to help out with the track's repave project. The driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet toured the track and joined DIS President Joie Chitwood III in painting the start/finish line.

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-40289474343384650642010-10-27T19:39:00.000-04:002010-10-27T19:39:20.193-04:00

Mark Martin had the best finish of all the non-chasers. And Dale Earnhardt Jr. put on a good show. But Brad Keselowski wins this week's "Non-Chaser of Note" for leaving Martinsville with his best Cup finish in a Penske car - tenth. Keselowski has the 2010 Nationwide Series all but sewn up and will likely end his upcoming run at Texas Motor Speedway as the de facto champ. But on the Cup side,

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-41292661818686753622010-10-26T20:10:00.000-04:002010-10-26T20:10:13.569-04:00

The NASCAR episode of  "Undercover Boss" which aired Sunday on CBS, wasn't just good PR for the sport. It was also valuable air time for its sponsors. According to research conducted by Joyce Julius & Associates, Inc., a Michigan-based firm which specializes in measuring sponsorships across all forms of media, 84 brands were monitored during the CBS reality show, accumulating a combined 29

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-83035286632838038012010-10-25T21:14:00.000-04:002010-10-25T21:14:18.206-04:00

Carl Edwards signs autographs before the Bud Shootout in February. Editor's Note: Most NASCAR drivers are great with fans.  They sign thousands of autographs and do umpteen special appearances during a season.  But Carl Edwards takes the term "fan friendly" to a whole new level. Below, one of my Twitter buddies, Nicole Brown (@bama_diva99) shares how Edwards took time out of his busy

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-45668782641263742252010-10-25T20:40:00.000-04:002010-10-25T20:40:51.506-04:00

From left to right: Austin Petty, Executive Vice President of Victory Junction; Pattie Petty; Kyle Petty; Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Kelley Earnhardt; Richard Petty; John McKee, President of Victory Junction A top 10 finish at Martinsville wasn't the only good thing that happened for Dale Earnhardt Jr. this weekend. Saturday afternoon, the driver visited Victory Junction in Randleman, NC for the

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-87611918667078823442010-10-24T20:17:00.000-04:002010-10-24T20:17:34.106-04:00

Denny Hamlin celebrates his victory at Martinsville. Earlier in the week, Denny Hamlin said he'd be the guy to beat at Martinsville and that points leader Jimmie Johnson had better be worried. He was right on both counts. With Hamlin's prophetic win today at Martinsville (his third straight at the track) he chopped Johnson's points lead to six - a virtual tie. The No. 11 Fed Ex Toyota didn't

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-85666563315178924402010-10-22T20:15:00.000-04:002010-10-22T20:15:10.946-04:00

Tony Stewart is one busy guy. But Thursday before heading to Martinsville for race weekend, the driver of the No. 14 Office Depot Chevrolet took time out to visit with US Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Below are a couple photos of Smoke's visit -  Stewart greets a wounded service member at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune on Thursday. During his visit to Camp Lejeune, Stewart spent time at

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-20427240406207942612010-10-22T19:51:00.000-04:002010-10-22T19:51:35.518-04:00

There's a NASCAR doubleheader of sorts on tap for Sunday. Not long after the checkered flag drops at Martinsville, another side of the sport will be featured on the CBS hit show "Undercover Boss." Steve Phelps, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for NASCAR will go undercover with a pit crew, participate in an exhausting training session, and struggle to keep pace working

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-16775715731638339132010-10-21T20:34:00.000-04:002010-10-21T20:34:50.514-04:00

Prior to Saturday night's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, it appeared that Jeff Gordon was going to be the chaser to beat. He was on the pole.  He was confident.  He was hungry. And then all hell broke loose and he ended the race in twenty-third place. Not quite the night he was hoping for.  Not quite the finish to contend for a championship. But as time quickly runs out on the No. 24 team

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-87063542384459373142010-10-19T21:04:00.000-04:002010-10-19T21:04:46.577-04:00

Roush Fenway driver David Ragan talks things over with team owner Jack Roush. When it comes to Roush Fenway drivers, David Ragan often seems to be on the outside looking in. Ragan is the only RFR driver not in the Chase. And he's also younger and less experienced than his teammates Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth. But Saturday night at Charlotte, Ragan managed to hang with the

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-39684757092124907332010-10-18T21:44:00.000-04:002010-10-18T21:44:49.571-04:00

Tim Richmond was NASCAR rock. Bold, wealthy and wide open, he blazed onto the racing scene in the  mid-1980s and turned the good ol' boy contingent on its ear. He was smooth with the ladies.  At home in the Hollywood Hills. A veritable force behind the wheel. But even Richmond's larger-than-life personality couldn't change a culture which had yet to come to terms with AIDs.  In fact, he

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-31954222985573830062010-10-17T21:06:00.001-04:002010-10-17T21:07:05.390-04:00

Jamie McMurray put on two shows Saturday night. The first ended with McMurray out-restarting chaser Kyle Busch and out-running points leader Jimmie Johnson for a win at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The second was his touching post-race interview in Victory Lane. Saturday night sure was special for McMurray.  It not only marked his second win at the track where he won his first Cup race in 2002,

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-34618500884688825442010-10-13T20:47:00.001-04:002010-10-14T21:47:48.747-04:00

If lots of NASCAR fans have their way, Kevin Harvick will be the man who kicks Jimmie Johnson off the Sprint Cup pedestal. Harvick, who is currently third in points, trails Johnson by just 54 ticks - mere peanuts. And while the current Sprint Cup champ has been dubbed "vanilla," there's little chance that Harvick would garner such a moniker. Rocky road? Maybe.  Vanilla? Never. Harvick can be

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-88275889564506071322010-10-12T20:40:00.001-04:002010-10-12T22:18:26.847-04:00

The No. 29 car of Kevin Harvick will be sporting a special deck lid logo Saturday at Charlotte which is all about supporting the 811 "Call Before You Dig" initiative. The national "Call Before You Dig" number, 811, was created to help protect people from potential life-threatening situations and against the disruption of service to America’s underground infrastructure systems. Every digging

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-17378520392830993432010-10-11T21:02:00.000-04:002010-10-11T21:02:07.784-04:00

Someone should tell Ryan Newman that he can't win the championship. Because he sure is racing like it's his to lose. Since the Chase for the Sprint Cup kicked off at Loudon, non-chaser Newman has notched a top 10 every race - giving him an average finish of 7.5.  Those are better numbers than points leader Jimmie Johnson - who has an average Chase finish of 7.75.  And it's the same average as

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-36732784937054661082010-10-10T19:41:00.000-04:002010-10-10T19:41:13.461-04:00

There's a big lesson to be learned after Fontana: Never count out Tony Stewart.  Ever. At a track where he's never won before, in a Chase that he wasn't expected to dominate, Smoke beat out Clint Bowyer and blazed to a win. And while the dreams of several other chasers went up in the smoke of blown engines and crunched metal, Stewart kept his team's championship hopes afire with his

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-11647325211795568222010-10-08T23:04:00.000-04:002010-10-08T23:04:12.078-04:00

I've recently become addicted to "A Conversation On Cool"  - a pictorial Tumblr site that oozes Rat Pack hip, Hepburn chic and McQueen macho. And while viewing the site's most recent posts, I began to contemplate the idea of form over substance.  The under-rated importance of a good delivery.  The role that style plays in life and sport. These musings led me to to wonder if style should count

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-21157269898816655762010-10-06T21:31:00.001-04:002010-10-06T21:32:59.884-04:00

If your first name is Shane and your last name is Wilson, then you'll probably have some free time on your hands during the next few weeks. Although NASCAR reduced the suspension for Wilson (who's the crew chief for the No. 33 team of Clint Bowyer), he'll still have to sit out four races. He won't return to the track until Nov. 7. But Wilson shouldn't fret too much. Back in the day, bending

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-15571190246473903512010-10-05T20:08:00.000-04:002010-10-05T20:08:22.458-04:00

Lately, Paul Menard is making Richard Childress look like a talent acquisition genius. When Childress announced in August that Menard would join RCR's Cup stable in 2011, there were those in NASCAR circles who openly scoffed. Certainly, they said, Childress was just bringing the driver on board for the Menards sponsorship alone. A few even claimed Childress was pretending Menard had talent just

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-16512515125463364922010-10-04T20:09:00.000-04:002010-10-04T20:09:28.774-04:00

Jeff Gordon has three wins at Fontana under his belt. And he'd like nothing better than to earn numero quatro at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday. That's when Gordon will debut the newest Pepsi Max paint scheme (pictured above). In conjunction with the race (the Pepsi Max 400), Pepsi Max, will award 400 winners one of 400 prizes. Tune in to ESPN at 2:30 p.m. October 10, when Gordon will reveal

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-70645692363527069252010-10-03T20:38:00.001-04:002010-10-03T20:40:45.852-04:00

Jimmie Johnson played bridesmaid to Greg Biffle at Kansas Speedway. But his runner-up finish was just enough to put the four-time champ back at the top of Sprint Cup points standings. Sure, the lead is tenuously slim (a mere eight points over Denny Hamlin, to be exact). But the look on Johnson's face after the race said it all - it's good to be king of the hill, even if you're holding on by

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-7042806289096465922010-10-01T20:27:00.000-04:002010-10-01T20:27:34.237-04:00

Kyle Petty is known as a guy who gives it to you straight.  Fans love hearing his no-bull approach to racing analysis.  And they also admire all he does for charity when the cameras are off. Right now, Petty is getting revved up for the eighth annual Ride to Victory - a charity bike ride that will benefit Victory Junction, the camp for kids with chronic medical conditions and serious

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-52572923578711676892010-09-30T19:26:00.000-04:002010-09-30T19:26:14.326-04:00

Kyle Petty gets ready for the 2009 Ride to Victory. Kyle Petty and company will be taking to the highways of North Carolina yet again for the 8th annual Ride to Victory on Sunday, Oct. 17. And if you've got a bike and want to help out a good cause, then you're invited to join them. An extension of Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Inc., this year’s Ride to Victory will benefit Victory Junction, a

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-63601763424799854052010-09-29T20:36:00.002-04:002010-09-29T20:41:41.874-04:00

Joey Logano may have been the non-chaser with the best finish at Dover.  But Mark Martin passed the most cars. While several chasers did a slow slide to the rear, Martin and his No. 5 Chevy kept movin' on up like George and Weezie - from 42nd to 12th. Passing 30 cars is a good day's work for a driver.  It's just too bad Martin had to start in the back.  If he had kept his original third

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-42530625573736437072010-09-27T19:57:00.001-04:002010-09-27T20:01:59.096-04:00

Mike Pagano, owner of PaganoPhoto – Photos by Mike Pagano in Cedar Brook, N.J. (pictured right), poses for a photo with NASCAR star Greg Biffle (center), and wife Gayle Pagano (left) on pit road prior to the start of the Sept. 26 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 race at Dover International Speedway. Greg Biffle probably wasn't too thrilled with his finish at Dover, but 19th was just enough to

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-10385539984417390202010-09-26T19:07:00.000-04:002010-09-26T19:07:29.242-04:00

Just when you thought Jimmie Johnson's infamous golden horseshoe had lost its shine, the No. 48 team pulls out a powerful performance at Dover. Starting from the pole, Johnson led the most laps and crossed the start-finish line with an uncontested victory (his sixth at Dover International Speedway). Not bad for a guy who has been all-but counted out of the running for the 2010 championship. "I

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-16981289246855200912010-09-25T16:16:00.002-04:002010-09-25T16:29:40.789-04:00

Thank God for Denny Hamlin.  You may think he's mouthy, immature and lacking in judgment. But he sure is good at stirring the pot and amping up interest in any given race. It started Friday with Hamlin's harsh weigh-in on the penalty against the No. 33 Richard Childress Racing team.  He ripped RCR to shreds. And it just got better from there. The umpteen media stories about the escalating

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-20215992470395636752010-09-23T20:45:00.000-04:002010-09-23T20:45:05.951-04:00

After being on the road 38 weeks each year traveling the NASCAR circuit, drivers have plenty of time to fine-tune the playlists on their iPods- even if they can’t listen to their favorite songs while racing at 180 mph. Now NASCAR's top 12 have chosen their favorite songs - the tunes they'll be listening to as they focus on winning this year's championship.  From Elvis to Eminem, their song

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-33266858843706925972010-09-22T20:40:00.001-04:002010-09-22T20:41:23.074-04:00

 Bowyer celebrates his Loudon win after Sunday's race. My how fortunes can change. And sometimes all it takes is 60 thousandths of an inch. Today NASCAR got tough with New Hampshire race winner Clint Bowyer, team owner Richard Childress, crew chief Shane Wilson and car chief Chad Haney when the No. 33 car failed tech inspection.  And the penalties are bad enough to put a sizable dent in

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-33910854017104652322010-09-22T20:11:00.001-04:002010-09-25T20:25:27.215-04:00

Every driver but McMurray had this view the night of the Daytona 500.  His race-winning car is still on display at the Daytona 500 Experience. He may not be in The Chase, but Jamie McMurray sure drove like a champ Sunday in the fuel-mileage finish that was Loudon. McMurray turned in the best finish of all the non-chasers with a respectable third.  But that isn't too surprising

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-49852349792184896512010-09-22T19:31:00.000-04:002010-09-22T19:31:36.040-04:00

NAPA Auto Parts and Martin Truex, Jr. are teaming up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to honor breast cancer victims, survivors and supporters.  The driver's special paint scheme will be unveiled during the Nov. 7 Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Now through Oct. 11, fans can submit the names of loved ones affected by breast cancer to appear on the No. 56 Toyota by making a minimum donation of

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-20318011579821779412010-09-21T21:16:00.003-04:002010-09-21T21:18:14.890-04:00

2009 Sprint Cup champ Jimmie Johnson flashes the-four-time sign at last year's Champion's Week in Vegas There are only nine races left 'til Champion's Week in Vegas, and fans will be thrilled to learn that NASCAR After The Lap is returning to the week's line up of activities. Sponsored by Ford Motor Company and Coca-Cola, NASCAR After The Lap is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT on Thursday,

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-40121214728949634622010-09-21T20:54:00.000-04:002010-09-21T20:54:11.084-04:00

The American Parkour Performance Team put on live parkour demonstrations for fans at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend, proving that not all the action was on the track at the SYLVANIA 300. The team's athletic performance featured a mix of choreography and freestyle running. Check out the video -

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-15623025324845822892010-09-20T21:57:00.001-04:002010-09-20T21:58:15.841-04:00

Clint Bowyer celebrates his win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. If Sunday's race at Loudon was the first episode of Survivor, then Clint Bowyer would have the immunity idol and Jimmie Johnson would be in danger of getting voted off the island. Bowyer took advantage of what turned into a fuel mileage race to take his first checkers since 2008. And, as a result, he rocketed from twelfth to

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-64028410798724935732010-09-16T21:48:00.000-04:002010-09-16T21:48:17.353-04:00

Championship contenders Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch took part in a race of a different sort today.  And Stewart came out on top. The race took place at the ESPN campus in Bristol, Conn. where the guys competed against each other with radio-controlled cars on an outside oval track. The trio raced for five laps, with Stewart taking the win.  Gordon finished second and Busch came in

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-16098480819648298822010-09-15T19:59:00.000-04:002010-09-15T19:59:41.763-04:00

The Greg Hill Foundation is hosting an online raffle to give four lucky fans the chance to win a NASCAR prize package and raise money for a good cause. The winner will receive four tickets to the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, four tickets to Saturday's New Hampshire 175 Camping World Truck Series and VIP parking to boot. The online raffle will take place at http://

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-44048763176716071982010-09-08T21:19:00.001-04:002010-09-08T21:22:26.721-04:00

NASCAR driver Jeff Burton tries his hand at driving a Caterpillar grader at Daytona International Speedway today. I missed Jeff Burton's appearance at Daytona International Speedway by three days - but he and I can both testify that the repave is rolling along just fine. I visited the track Sunday and saw the first layer of pavement being laid down firsthand.  Pit road has also been torn up

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-53527150063248563402010-09-03T11:55:00.000-04:002010-09-03T11:55:00.977-04:00

With NASCAR headed to Hotlanta Georgia this weekend fans can expect some fast racin', cars flyin and maybe a penalty or two from NASCAR sheriff Mike Helton. Will good ol' boys Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards make things interesting yet again? Or will a new feud emerge while the boys from Sprint Cup "straighten the curves"?  After all, if I'm not mistaken, Atlanta isn't too far from ol' Hazzard

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-19713840072621339922010-09-01T19:53:00.001-04:002010-09-01T19:54:44.228-04:00

If you've ever wanted to be one of the NASCAR elite who helo in to race and hang with the winner in Victory Lane, then you're going to want to read further. SYLVANIA, the sponsor of the SYLVANIA 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is going to give a lucky fan one heckuva a race experience. Now through Sept. 10, fans can enter to win a VIP experience like no other.  In addition to the grand

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-45890865772327485192010-08-31T20:00:00.000-04:002010-08-31T20:00:29.900-04:00

ESPN is jumping on the live blogging bandwagon with a little real-time fan intereaction. The network will debut RacingLive! this weekend, an online gathering where NASCAR fans can join ESPN.com editors and writers for a little healthy debate and discussion. RacingLive! Atlanta will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Sunday to coincide with ESPN’s telecast of the 500-mile race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-57993289673924789612010-08-30T21:11:00.003-04:002010-08-30T23:20:46.404-04:00

Busch celebrates his Cup win at Bristol Motor Speedway.Even after all the racing excitement north of the border this weekend, Kyle Busch and his Bristol sweep are still a hot topic among race fans.Busch's Tennessee coup, along with his confrontation with Brad Keselowski and his taunting of the Bristol crowd, has once again got people talking 'bout Rowdy - for better or worse. One faction has

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-50541487051631043162010-08-29T19:35:00.001-04:002010-08-30T11:51:35.141-04:00

Boris Said celebrates after winning the NAPA Auto Parts 200.Just when you think a race will be a snoozefest, it turns into one of the most exciting finishes in recent memory.More than an hour into the Nationwide Series NAPA Auto Parts 200, most of the race was being run under caution. At one point, the longest green flag run was two-and-a-half laps. The yellow flags were a bore - and it seemed

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-33705296075308159742010-08-27T08:27:00.000-04:002010-08-27T08:27:45.132-04:00

Kyle Busch may have been Superman at Bristol Motor Speedway (at least he thinks he is, according to David Reutimann), but can Busch win again at Atlanta?  We'll find out when Superman returns to the track Labor Day weekend.

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-19814113358656475762010-08-25T21:42:00.001-04:002010-08-25T21:44:22.897-04:00

Kyle Busch may have done the "Bristol Sweep". But it sure would be nice if he'd be a gracious winner for a change. Fans have come to expect sulk and snark when a race doesn't go Busch's way. We get it. The guy's a vicious competitor who hates to lose. But you'd think Busch would be a bit more sportsmanlike after winning a race - or the entire weekend of races, in fact.  Turns out that even in

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-51407112912762290912010-08-23T19:21:00.000-04:002010-08-23T19:21:41.643-04:00

... well, at least his car does. That's Miami Heat guard Kenny Hasbrouck sitting behind the wheel of Smoke's No. 14 Office Depot show car.  Earlier today, Hasbrouck and Heat teammates Patrick Beverley and Dexter Pittman got a peek inside Stewart's car at a back-to-school event at Miramar Elementary School in Florida. The guys partnered with Office Depot to distribute 900 backpacks filled

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-38834634208953120542010-08-22T00:23:00.000-04:002010-08-22T00:23:38.907-04:00

After the beatin' and bangin' on the Nationwide side Friday night, fans were hyped up for a wreckfest during the Cup race Saturday night. But alas, the Irwin Tools Night Race was more run than bump.  And even though Kyle Busch did manage to pull off the Bristol sweep, the race itself wasn't quite the fender-banging, helmet-throwing spectacle that fans have come to expect. There were several

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-2404146445599636042010-08-21T18:24:00.000-04:002010-08-21T18:24:44.784-04:00

Lots of folks cried "foul" Saturday night when Kyle Busch admitted to hitting Brad Keselowski intentionally. But for once, it wasn't just Busch they were mad it - it was the fact that Busch got away with an admitted intentional hit.  While Carl Edwards, in the Atlanta Spring race, did not. Busch and Keselowski tangled Saturday while battling for the lead during the Nationwide Series race

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-5083533655862711422010-08-16T20:15:00.000-04:002010-08-16T20:15:52.812-04:00

Stewart in Office Depot Foundation firesuit at  Chicagoland Speedway - photo by Action Sports Photography Ever want to own your very own firesuit? Ever want to own your very own firesuit that's actually been worn during a Sprint Cup race? Well good news - you have until August 23 to place your bid for the very suit Tony Stewart wore during the July 10 Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway.

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-13146950859597917922010-08-16T19:56:00.001-04:002010-08-16T19:59:37.652-04:00

There's nothing I can say that will excuse the above posting - only that some folks who missed Sunday's butchering of our National Anthem have been wanting to hear it for themselves. And a side note - not sure why two band members were needed to ruin this revered pre-race tradition.  Perhaps one of them was there for moral support ...

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-50121387176386668912010-08-15T19:24:00.000-04:002010-08-15T19:24:23.399-04:00

The Carfax 400 at Michigan International Speedway was practically perfect. The track was fast and furious. Jack Roush was back after his plane crash a couple weeks ago and watched his drivers take four of the top 11 spots. There were lead changes galore.  And Joey Logano and Ryan Newman even managed a slight post-race altercation to keep things juicy. In fact, it's a good day at the races

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-79825625093335171292010-08-13T08:00:00.000-04:002010-08-13T08:12:01.243-04:00

You know what they say  ... the beard makes the man.

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-75914866915810708852010-08-12T20:55:00.000-04:002010-08-12T20:55:18.532-04:00

Danica Patrick returns to the NASCAR Nationwide Series this weekend after a little hiatus. The JR Motorsports driver will take the track at Michigan International Speedway in a paint scheme which is bound to make preschool boys drool and old men sigh. Hot Wheels, the iconic toy car brand, will be the primary sponsor of Patrick's No. 7 Cheverolet for the CARFAX 250.  The Hot Wheels crew

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-29381433350609857022010-08-11T20:41:00.001-04:002010-08-11T20:42:01.579-04:00

It may not have made as much news as Kasey Kahne's temporary move to Red Bull Racing, but Richard Childress Racing announced today that Paul Menard will be the team's newest driver in 2011. Menard will bring a fourth car back to its stable next year, and Menard is the guy who's going to wheel it.  What sweetened the deal is that Menard comes with a multi-year sponsorship courtesy of Menards  (

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-75704456077236139252010-08-09T22:06:00.002-04:002010-08-09T22:11:51.495-04:00

Will this guy be at Red Bull Racing next year? The hottest topics in NASCAR today? Babies, Red Bull and Chi-town. First, driver Jeff Gordon and wife Ingrid Vandebosch  welcomed their new addition into the world this morning. Leo Benjamin Gordon was born at 8:53 a.m and weighed in at seven pounds, two ounces. Per the driver's web site, "He's happy and healthy, and Mom is doing great."

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-73396030957863859682010-08-08T20:26:00.000-04:002010-08-08T20:26:56.847-04:00

Juan Pablo Montoya and Brian Pattie finally did it. After a few weeks of shoulda woulda couldas, Montoya wheeled his No. 42 Chevrolet in dominating fashion Sunday, fending off Marcos Ambrose for a win at Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen.  The win marks Montoya's second in Sprint Cup competition and Pattie's first as a Sprint Cup crew chief. While the racing between Montoya and Ambrose

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-25146821951335742732010-08-07T18:28:00.000-04:002010-08-07T18:28:35.964-04:00

As ambassador for the brand, Busch sports (and is often photographed in)  Tag Heuer sunglasses at the track The feud between Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson got a little more personal (and comical) Friday when Busch demeaned - of all things - Johnson's good looks. Correction - Busch accused all the drivers at Hendrick Motorsports of being a little too easy on the eyes. "The guys at Hendrick are

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-58390684414845470992010-08-07T17:39:00.000-04:002010-08-07T17:39:04.474-04:00

... the folks at Office Depot Racing have rolled out a newly designed web site featuring all you could ever want to know about the No. 14 team and driver Tony Stewart. The site debut is truly timely. Stewart has an impressive record of wins at The Glen and will start sixth in tomorrow's race.  Check out the new site, which includes interactive Facebook and Twitter links and also an "Ask Tony"

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-84112464615083677022010-08-05T21:46:00.001-04:002010-08-05T21:47:59.315-04:00

Tonight at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Penn., Kyle Busch will race a Super Late Model which has been nicknamed the "Twitter Car". Considering the recent silence of NASCAR drivers on the social media site, this car's debut is ironic indeed. Since Denny Hamlin took a $50 thousand hit for Tweets disparaging to NASCAR, several drivers have chosen the safe road and confined their Tweets

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-71855155926611474022010-08-05T20:18:00.000-04:002010-08-05T20:18:29.400-04:00

Pocono winner and the winningest Roush driver of 2010 made the rounds at the ESPN campus in Bristol, Conn. today. Greg Biffle appeared on SportsCenter, SportsNation, NASCAR Now, ESPNEWS and ESPN Radio.  Whew! The driver also paid a visit to team owner Jack Roush, who is still recovering from injuries sustained in a plane crash last week.  Biffle delivered the Pocono trophy to Roush, who is

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-72145213218782057882010-08-04T22:49:00.000-04:002010-08-04T22:49:59.238-04:00

There's nothing like a road course to get a girl thinking about road music.  You know - those guilty musical pleasures that are best enjoyed with the windows rolled down and the world whizzing by in an emerald and azure blur. So in honor of this week's road course race at Watkins Glen, I've come up with a few tracks that are best enjoyed behind the wheel.  And it doesn't hurt that these

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898491089540283051.post-17540276274717208462010-08-03T19:15:00.000-04:002010-08-03T19:15:37.161-04:00

Pocono isn't the only thing Greg Biffle wants to win. Biffle and his sponsor 3M are working hard to win the fight against cancer by raising funds for City of Hope, a  leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Between now and August 31, 3M will match every online donation to City of Hope - dollar for dollar. "I believe in the importance of

NASCAR-istahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905308730137741410noreply@blogger.com0