The Fourth NASCAR Day of Christmas: Four for Ganassi

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 the schedule.

McMurray kickstarted the season with a tearsoaked victory at the Daytona 500.  His next win came at Indy's venerable Brickyard.  He then snagged the trophy at Charlotte Motor Speedway - eight years after winning his first Cup race there, also with Ganassi.

Talk about being the comeback kid.

And McMurray wasn't the only star in Ganassi's crown.  Juan Pablo Montoya added to the team's win column with his dominating victory at Watkins Glen. 

Montoya led 74 of 90 laps at the Glen, rebounding from two weeks of poor pit calls and a tiff with his crew chief, which had kept him out of contention during previous races.

My NASCAR New Year's prediction?  Look for both McMurray and Montoya to make the chase in 2011.

McMurray to Drive a Car of a Different Color

Jamie McMurray became one of the few NASCAR drivers to win both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same year this weekend.

And during the upcoming race at Pocono, McMurray will turn heads again with a first-ever paint scheme.  During the Sunoco American Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, McMurray's AXE Twist car will sport brand-new technology.

Simply put, his car will change colors on the track.

Fans should be sure to look for the bold, yet primarily black No. 1 Chevrolet with neon green and neon yellow accents, much like the packaging of AXE Twist.
The vinyl on the hood uses liquid crystals that can be accurately set to show color at specific temperatures and was specifically engineered to meet the exact temperature range needed to show changing colors on the hood of a Sprint Cup Series car.

The idea is that McMurray's car will visually simulate how the AXE Twist fragrance changes over time.

Check it out -

Fireball Gets His Due

Edward Glenn "Fireball" Roberts is what you'd call a legend.

The Floridian driver, who got his start on the hard-packed Daytona sand, racked up 33 wins in his NASCAR career - including one at the 1962 Daytona 500.  He finished second in points in his rookie season and set an impressive 400 NASCAR records all told.

Roberts' outstanding career was much too short.  He died 37 days after being pulled from a fiery wreck at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1964.

Today, the folks at the NASCAR Hall of Fame announced via Facebook that Roberts' jacket and its contents will be displayed at the Hall's Heritage Speedway exhibit when  it opens next month.  And my guess is that the driver will officially be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the next couple years.

But Fireball recently received another more subtle tribute, courtesy of a pre-eminent American songwriter.  The John Hiatt-penned "Fireball Roberts" is track number 10 on Hiatt's new album "The Open Road." 

"Got a 57 Ford baby, paint it Fireball Roberts white and red
Got a 57 Ford baby, paint it Fireball Roberts white and red
Got a 57 Ford baby, paint it Fireball Roberts white and red
I haven't run my last race darlin', but I sometimes wish I did."

As is the guiding principle of John Hiatt's music - this song is more than worthy of a listen.

Fireball Roberts - John Hiatt

In addition to Hiatt's blues-tinged tribute, my buddies The Cedar Creek Boys included a Fireball-inspired tune on their CD "Ain't Nothin' But Music" - you can check it out on their Facebook page.

Photo info: Fireball Roberts drove this 1957 Holman Moody prepared Ford for NASCAR.  However, the car was supercharged, and NASCAR later banned supercharged cars from running, so Roberts later ran the car in the USAC circuit.

Sights and Sounds from Daytona

The Daytona 500 was one long race day. But when fans weren't waiting around for pothole repair, there was plenty to see and do. Below are some of my favorite photos and videos from Daytona 500 weekend. Enjoy!

Sign-waving fans line the Speed TV stage before the race.






Kyle Petty autographs Home Depot hard hats before the Raceday broadcast.



Kenny Wallace gets race fans pumped up for the 500.


Ryan Newman's No. 39 car on the starting grid.




Jeff Gordon chats with folks in the garage area before the race.






Clint Bowyer hanging out pre-race.





Mark Martin's pole-winning No. 5 Godaddy.com Chevy in the garage.

Joey Logano's No. 20 rolls through.




Dale Earnhardt Jr's second-place No. 88




What to do during pothole repair? Take pix of the Daytona sunset.






It's iPhone quality, but here's a couple minutes of Dale Jr's interview on the Chevy Stage before the race.

Junior Nation - the Real Winner at Daytona

Dale Earnhardt Jr. came in second at the Daytona 500. But you'd never know it

His breath-holding, hard-charging finish was more than a shot in the arm for Junior Nation. It led to a fever-pitched revival that made his fans yell for joy, hug each other in the stands and grin from ear-to-ear long after the race was over.

As Junior crossed the finish line, fans in the superstretch grandstand were hollering and waving their hats in excitement. Then, as the No. 88 came 'round the track after the finish, folks rushed to the fence to applaud their approbation. The true Nation diehards even stayed in their seats 'til Junior's post-race interview played on the Jumbotron.

Can you imagine what would've happened if Junior had actually won? The place might have imploded.

And on the long trek back to the car, the comments you overheard weren't about race winner Jamie McMurray. It was all Junior.

"I told ya he could drive!"

"Did you see that car comin' to the front? All he needed was one more lap."

"Man alive, it was good to see the 88 running good."

You get the picture.

It looks like, at least for this race, Dale Jr. has put last year's misery behind him. And, more importantly, he's given the Nation a big fat reason to hope.

Which is why there were actually two winners at Daytona on Sunday.

McMurray was just one of them.

Daytona From the Cheap Seats

Leading up to the Daytona 500, fans heard lots of hype about reduced ticket prices. In an effort to ensure a sellout crowd, the Daytona International Speedway promoted the dickens out of their $55 superstretch tickets - the cheapest seats at the track.

A sucker for a good deal, I decided to snap up a couple of these cheap seats, just to see how the bargain basement experience compares to say, a much pricier spot on the finish line.

So Sunday morning, I headed to the Speedway at the crack of dawn armed with my cheap ticket, a warm jacket, and a list of budget-friendly things to do. I was determined to see how much bang I could get for my 55 bucks.

I paid nothing extra for the below activities. And I'm pleased to report that my experiment proves that if you plan ahead and have some patience, you can have a fantastic race experience without putting your engagement ring in hock.


Autographs at the Speed Stage - I hit the Speed TV stage early, well before the show's scheduled broadcast time of 9 a.m., and my early arrival paid off. The Speed staff hands out Home Depot hard hats and beads before the show. And before it went live, hosts Kenny Wallace and Kyle Petty walked down to the fans and signed autographs. Driver Paul Menard even stopped by. I hung around for the first live segment of the show and it was pretty entertaining - besides, where else could you see Wallace shake it like this?

Coca-Cola Track Walk - I had the best of intentions, but I didn't get to the Speedway early enough to register for the free Coca-Cola Track Walk. However, hundreds of other race fans did make it in time - and they were rewarded for their efforts. They got to see Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer and Dale Jarrett kick it all off by waving the green flag.

Jeff Gluck Tweetup - This may have been my favorite free activity of all. Current SB Nation blogger and bona fide Twitter celebrity @jeff_gluck is the originator of the race day tweetup - and the Daytona edition was the biggest yet. We met in front of the Daytona 500 Experience and were joined by Nationwide driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., David Newton from ESPN.com, folks from Watkins Glen International Speedway and a host of other online personalities, media members and Tweeps. As a special bonus, Gluck handed out free swag. What's not to love?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. - I hightailed it from the Tweetup hoping to make it to the Turn 4 Chevy stage in time to see Jeff Burton talk to the crowd. Unfortunately, I missed Burton - but I did snag a pretty good vantage point from which to watch Dale Jr. talk to fans. The event was a Q&A session with a rep from Chevy - and it was lots of fun. Junior talked everything from racing strategy to what's on his iPod (country music) and he also revealed his plans for Whisky River (the Jacksonville location opens in April, and he'd like to open another location in Nashville).

Walking, Walking and Walking - The only people who get anywhere fast at Daytona International Speedway are the drivers on the track. It's wall-to-wall people and you've got to accept the fact that it's going to take a while to get where you want to go. While hiking from the Chevy Stage to the Turn 2 Grandstand, I was pretty glad I had missed Coca-Cola Track Walk registration - but the hike was a great way to warm up on a pretty chilly day.

Great view - I had never before watched a race from the backstretch, and I was thrilled with how well I could actually see the cars racing by. Since the superstretch is flat, you're treated to a terrific view of the cars coming off of Turn 1 driving into Turn 2 and racing down the straightaway. It's also a great place to be if you like watching wrecks firsthand. We saw our share.

Free advice - About midway through the first Potholegate, the more innovative fans in my vicinity began spouting off how they thought NASCAR should fix the "imperfection" on the track. Among the ideas I overheard? Georgia clay and sand. Quikrete. "Real" asphalt. Barricade tape and traffic cones. And this more laissez faire solution - "Just let 'em drive through it and let the chips fall where they may." Looks to me like NASCAR ended up using a combination of toothpaste and whiteout.

A Tequila Tailgating Tasty Good Time

Editor's Note: When I asked my buddy Heather to contribute a foodie post for NASCAR-ista, she was only too happy to oblige. After all, she's the creator of a fabulous blog called The Breakup Cookbook "Sauteing Your Way Back to Sanity." Be sure to check out her site and whether you're tailgating at the track or hosting an UnValentine's Day/Daytona 500 party, these yummy shrimp will strike just the right note!

By Heather Q.

Right around January 1st I kept seeing all these Facebook posts already proclaiming 2010 the best year in the history of years (which is good news if you're Dale Earnhardt Jr.)

I was inclined to believe it, mostly because 2009 was the worst year in the history of years. But the fact that the Daytona 500 falls on Valentine's Day leaves me dubious ... and I don't even have a boyfriend right now. (It ended in that blasted 2009.)

But in the spirit of taking lemons and making lemonade, I bring you a tailgating recipe to help make this Valentine's Day at the track, if not the most romantic, then one of the tastiest. And in honor of Daytona, Fla., I'm focusing on seafood. Specifically, a Tequila Shrimp that will turn more heads than Danica ever did.

This comes courtesy of my friends at Chow.com - their recipes are always 5-star. I've loved this one - as have those whom I've let share.

Tequila Shrimp
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium white onion, minced
4 medium cloves garlic, minced
40 medium uncooked shrimp (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, plus extra limes for serving
Pico de Gallo, for serving (optional)
Guacamole, for serving (optional)

Directions:
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. When it shimmers, add onion and garlic, season with salt, and cook until translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat, add tequila, and scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Return the pan to heat. (If you want, carefully tilt the pan to ignite tequila.) Simmer until the alcohol smell has cooked off and shrimp are fully cooked, about 3 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste, adjust seasoning as necessary, and serve with extra lime wedges, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take your fabulous Tequila Shrimp and add it to Jack Cheese and flour tortillas to make Quesadillas.

Ingredients:
9 ounces grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 cups)
8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Tequila Shrimp

Directions:
Scatter 1/2 cup of the cheese evenly over 1 tortilla. Using a slotted spoon, remove 1/4 of the Tequila Shrimp from their sauce, arrange on the tortilla, and drizzle with shrimp sauce to your liking. Scatter with another 1/2 cup of the cheese and top with a second tortilla. Repeat to make 4 quesadillas.

Heat a seasoned cast iron skillet or a large frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 quesadilla and cook until the cheese melts and the bottom tortilla has a few golden brown spots, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla has a few golden brown spots. Repeat for remaining quesadillas. Slice into quarters and serve. Bask in glory.

Photo courtesy of Chow.com

Connick to Croon at the Daytona 500

Have I died and gone to heaven? Or did the gods of NASCAR know just exactly what I wanted for Valentine's Day?

Last night I found out that the enormously talented and ridiculously good-looking Dierks Bentley will be giving a concert Friday night, Feb. 12 at Daytona Beach's Ocean Deck. Then today, I get a press release from Daytona International Speedway, informing me that Harry Connick Jr. will be singing, or should I say crooning, the National Anthem before this year's Daytona 500.

I've been a Connick fan since 10th grade, when I saw him perform in Jacksonville, Fla. with his entire orchestra. The man's voice is smooth as silk and he's not too hard on the eyes either.

Let's see, NASCAR, Dierks and Harry Connick Jr.all in one weekend - that's a Valentine's Day gift any girl would love!

Photo: Harry Connick Jr. will sing the National Anthem at this year's Daytona 500

Crown Royal to Honor Military Hero at RIR

While race fans gear up for the Daytona 500, the makers of Crown Royal Canadian whisky, today announced fans will also have the opportunity to choose one of America’s true heroes to receive naming rights to the Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway on May 1.

As part of the Crown Royal “Your Name Here” 400 contest, five finalists from various branches of the armed services have been selected to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Daytona to participate in a special ceremony to unveil the grand-prize winner, as well as attend the historic Daytona 500. The finalists, in no specific order, are:

Heath Calhoun, Army (retired), Clarksville , Tenn.
Chris Dempsey, Army National Guard, Yuma , Ariz.
Rick Hudson, Navy, Gulfport , Miss.
Georgia Powell, Air National Guard, Harrisburg , Pa
Brian Speach, Army National Guard, Clifton Park , N.Y.

This marks the first time in the four-year history of the Crown Royal “Your Name Here” program that only military service members were chosen as finalists. It also signifies the first time ever that fans will be able to cast their votes on www.crownroyal.com for whose name they think should be incorporated into the annual Cup Series event in Richmond . All the finalists were nominated by their family, friends or fellow soldiers for their ability to demonstrate the core values of the military in performing a selfless act that made them a hero.

Some of the selfless acts of this year’s finalists include resuscitating a boy after drowning and helping to save a group of local nationals who were critically injured. Fans of legal drinking age are encouraged to visit www.crownroyal.com to read a complete background on the finalists and to cast a vote. Voting ends on February 10.

“Richmond International Raceway couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this program with Crown Royal each season,” said Doug Fritz, President, Richmond International Raceway. “Allowing fans to select the winner is a great way for Crown Royal to highlight all the truly touching stories of this year’s finalists. We look forward to honoring another amazing individual with everything we do during the race in May.”

The winner will be announced from Daytona on February 12 with all the finalists, NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth and representatives from Crown Royal and Richmond International Raceway in attendance.

Johnson Marks Anniversary as Daytona Grand Marshal

NASCAR has said it plans to return to the sport's roots this year.

And true to that promise, NASCAR has named racing legend Junior Johnson the Grand Marshal for this year's Daytona 5oo.

Johnson will mark the 50th anniversary of his 1960 Daytona 500 triumph by delivering the four most famous words in motorsports – “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

“Junior Johnson is an icon in NASCAR racing,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “His accomplishments are remarkable and we’re proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his 1960 Daytona 500 win by having him preside as Grand Marshal of NASCAR’s most storied event.”

Johnson, who was the first driver to use drafting on the superspeedways, was recently selected in 2009 as one of the five inductees for the inaugural class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 and named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers in 1998, Johnson claimed his only Daytona 500 win in 1960 driving for crew chief Ray Fox and owner John Masoni in a last-minute deal.

Retiring from driving in 1966, Johnson moved into ownership earning 139 victories and six championships.

More recently, Johnson has lent his celebrity to his own line of foodstuffs. Junior Johnson Brand Foods products include biscuits, morning rolls, sweet tea and lemonade.

Photo info: Junior Johnson before last year's Legends race at Bristol

Catching Up With Liz Allison

Liz Allison has been involved in racing for more than 20 years.

Liz was married to racing superstar Davey Allison, until his death in 1993. And since then, she has covered the sport via radio and television.

In addition to being a recognized motorsports media personality, Liz is also a popular author. She has written everything from NASCAR-themed Harlequin romance novels to the best-selling "The Girl's Guide to NASCAR". Her latest book, "The Ultimate NASCAR Insider's Track Guide" was released earlier this month.

We caught up with Liz to find out the scoop on her latest book, her favorite track, and to see what else she has in the works.

Here's what she had to say:

Why do you think fans will like the NASCAR Insider's Track Guide?

"As a fan myself, I find the guide very helpful since everything I may need to know about any track is all wrapped up in one book. It is great to keep on hand at home while planning trips and equally as easy to throw in a suitcase to take along for the next NASCAR road trip. The great part about this guide is there is something for everyone. If Dad wants to go to the track for qualifying and Mom wants to go shopping and the kids want a hotel with a pool, and oh by the way, the family pooch wants to go along…this guide can get everyone where they want to be, including the hotel that allows the four legged family member to tag along. This guide is quite extensive…I really cannot think of anything we left out. It took a full year of working on this project to make sure the fans received the most information possible so that it could truly be a fans guide. "

The Daytona 500 is fast approaching - what are some things fans going to the race need to know?

"The Daytona 500 is so exciting with the racing season getting back in to full swing. The weather is usually much warmer than most places this time of year so it is fun to get a little break from the cold harsh winter ( for many of us) and enjoy the Florida sunshine. This is also a great track to take the kids along. My kids have always loved this track. The Daytona Experience is a great exhibit/museum located right on the grounds of the track. This is a must stop for every race fan. Make sure you check out the Allison family exhibit. Of course I am a bit partial. Race day itself is exciting and quite long. Check the weather before you leave for the track and make sure to dress in layers. Daytona in February can be tricky weather-wise. Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes and get ready for some great racing. The history of this track, combined with the great racing, makes this a fun and incredibly exciting day. "

What are you favorite tracks to visit?
"I love Darlington and Daytona due to the rich history and of course the great racing. I am also partial to Talladega, as this was the Allison’s home track. And what’s not to love about Bristol? What a gem of a track."

As the author of "The Girl's Guide to Winning a NASCAR driver," have you ever thought about starting an online dating site for NASCAR fans?

"Oh boy, I have not and I think I might better leave this to the professionals. I did have great fun writing this book though. I mixed in some good ole racing info with lots of humor. I found myself laughing at myself while writing this book. It was meant to be a fun and light hearted approach to the sport. I shared lots of insider knowledge about the drivers (and how to hook one) but the book did not come with a money back guarentee. "

What's next for your writing life? Any big projects in the works?

"I have two more NASCAR Harlequin romances (co-authored with Wendy Etherington) coming out this year that I am excited about. As a full time writer, I am always either promoting a new book or putting the finishing touches on a future book. I love what I do. I feel very blessed."

A Daytona First - Mustang to Pace the 500

Americans love Mustangs. And now Daytona fans will get to see the original Pony car pace the field at the Daytona 500 - for the first time ever.

In fact, this year's race marks the first time in 40 years that a Ford has served as the pace car for "The Great American Race," with the last time being in 1970 when a Ford Torino GT convertible did the honors. It is Mustang’s first time as pace car for the Daytona 500.

Fifty special pace car editions of the 2011 Mustang GT will be built and sold to the public.

The actual Race Red Mustang will be auctioned at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Jan. 23, with the help of Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family.

David Ragan Makes A Special Delivery

For three Daytona Beach-area race fans, a surprise knock on the door from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan and Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig put their coveted tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 14 in their hands.

In a UPS package car, Ragan, driver of the No. 6 UPS Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, visited the houses of longtime Daytona ticket holders Mike Bruno Jr., Ben Allen and Jim Barron on Tuesday with their tickets to “The Great American Race.”

In addition, both Ragan and Braig delivered goodie bags to all three ticket holders.

The special Daytona 500 ticket event with Ragan celebrates the delivery of 52nd annual Daytona 500 tickets around the world.

“It’s cool to see the fans that have been supporting NASCAR and the Daytona 500 for a number of years get excited,” Ragan said. “It’s November and they are getting excited about a race that’s in February. That shows what a big deal the Daytona 500 is. For UPS to partner and get the tickets to their rightful owners here in November, (the fans) should have something good to think about for a couple of months leading up to the 500.”

Ragan, who rode with UPS package car driver Robert Clopton, had never delivered tickets to race fans’ houses. He said the event was an eye opener.

“This is something that we will think about as we’re driving around the race track on that pace lap,” Ragan said. “You see 150,000 people up there and you wonder how each one of them got their tickets. It’s a good thing that they are pumping this race up this early. A lot of people are talking about the (Daytona) 500. It’s our biggest race of the year. It’s the first one. It’s a tone setter for the rest of the season.”

For Bruno, a Ragan fan, the delivery of his Sprint Tower seats for the Daytona 500 will be something that he always will remember.

“This is unbelievable. This sport is definitely fan friendly,” said a stunned Bruno. “We definitely look forward to it every year. My father-in-law and I have been going since Sterling Marlin won his second (Daytona) 500. It’s the highlight of the year for us – February and July.”

Check out the video here: David’s Blog: Special Delivery in Daytona UPS Racing

Is Kyle Busch Rowdy-ing On Down?

Are we witnessing the emergence of a kinder, gentler Kyle Busch?

Sure, he was his arrogant, hot-headed self at Daytona, but ever since the "wreck that will live in infamy," Rowdy's on-camera remarks have been disappointingly blase. Last year, you could always count on Wild Thing to fire off a controversial answer to almost every on-camera question. But now, he's saying surprising things like he has learned a lot since last year and is trying to take "the bad days easier."

Good lord, the Kyle Bush fans either love or hate doesn't take bad days--period. I want him throwing a helmet and shaking his fist at the Jumbotron. Heaven forbid he turn into an uber-talented gentlemen driver.

Unfortunately, the pre-race press release from Busch's team leads one to believe that some enterprising brand manager at Joe Gibbs is trying to give bad boy Busch a gradual image makeover.

Take, for instance, Busch's take on losing races this year: "Losing isn't a lot of fun, but you've got to deal with it better. You've got to learn that every day isn't your day, but you can make the most of losing, sometimes, and try to turn it around and win the next week. It's kind of a double-edged sword because you want to win badly, but it's just trying to take those days where you have a third-place racecar and bring it home in third place."

And then there's Busch's ruminations on what he has learned since 2008: "I think to probably take the bad days a little easier. But I hate bad days. I'm still not going to take them as easy as I should. It's unfortunate we weren't able to capitalize on our great season in the Chase (in 2008), and run in the Chase the way we wanted to. But I feel like we've been able to not let the bad days haunt us and maybe also turn some days that should be bad into something better than we should have had. We didn't let Daytona haunt us. We went to California, ran a smart race and finished third. We went to Las Vegas and didn't have the best car, but we ran a smart race and ended up winning. We weren't the best car at either place, but we were the best car in Daytona, and I felt like we missed out there. You're never owed one in this sport. You've always got to take what you can get. Unfortunately, some days are bad days and you just put it behind you and look forward to the next week."

I'm all for racing smart. But come on Kyle, don't lose your talent for drama. NASCAR needs you as its resident villain--now more than ever.

It May Not Be In Vegas, But Bet On A Win For Waltrip In '09

Making predictions are a craps shoot at best. But if the first two races of the Sprint Cup season are any indication of events yet to come, I'm betting that Michael Waltrip will be in Victory Lane at least once in 2009 (and not just to congratulate a competitor).

Call me crazy, but Waltrip has looked (dare I say it?) impressive, in both the Daytona and Fontana races. He's been running well, racing consistently and he's been there at the end finishing strong both times.

Compare the two races we've seen so far with his stats from 2008. This year, Waltrip snagged a 7th-place finish at Daytona and a 15th at Fontana. Last year he finished 29th and 28th, respectively. This year, he is currently ranked 7th in points, with 264 to his credit. By this time last year, he had only racked up a measly 160.

Don't be discouraged. I'm sure this new and improved Waltrip won't fail to disappoint. There will still be days when he'll pit backwards. Who knows? He may even take another stab at adding "alternative fuel" to his Toyota. After all, a leopard doesn't change his spots.

But, for the time being at least, it looks like 2009 is going to be a good year. And this chick predicts Waltrip will take the checkers.

Care to double down on that?

And the Academy Award Goes to...Kyle Busch?

Although the dummies at "The Academy" have scheduled their piddly little awards ceremony for the same time slot as the Auto Club 500 (again), I'd hate for race fans to miss out on the parade of golden trophies, acceptance speeches and red carpet couture. So, per special request, the Academy members have held an emergency, private meeting and cast their votes for the best performances in NASCAR. May I have the envelope please?

Best Lead Driver in a Dramatic Role: Though other drivers have campaigned hard for this award, was the outcome ever in doubt? This Oscar goes to Kyle Busch--the man who's bringing drama back to motorsports. Bold, brash and pretty darn talented, this hothead has single-handedly instigated rivalries with just about everyone in the sport including Dale Jr, Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, Ron Hornaday, Kevin Harvick, Rod Blagojevich (OK, now that last one I made up, but you get my point). To tell the truth, there's something curiously admirable about a guy who can make so many enemies and still win so many races.

Best Paint Scheme Design: Now that the Academy has finally figured out that Tony has traded one Depot for another and that Bobby Labonte drives the car with the big Ask.com, they've been able to cast an educated vote. In an almost unanimous decision, this award goes to the #24 car, Jeff Gordon. His new paint job is both fast, furious and fabulous.

Most Uncomfortable On-Screen Moment: When Michael Waltrip pretended his beer bottle was a (ummm, how shall I say this in polite company?) "private appendage" during the Bud Shootout Selection Show, was I the only one who felt violated? Two things: not funny and ewww - there are kids watching! Note to Michael: no one wants to see your bottle.

Best Signature Post-Race Move: Like, the burnout is so cliche already! It takes some real creative types to come up with a new way to celebrate a checkered flag. From Carl Edwards' back flippin' to Tony Stewart's fence climbin' there are a few drivers who know how to put their own spin on a win. But again, this award goes to Kyle Busch. Who else could bow to a crowd with such bravado, while being pelted with a fusillade of boos and seat cushions?

The "There's No Crying In NASCAR" Acheivement Award: As evidenced by his remarks on the radio as the Daytona 500 wound down, Elliott Sadler was clearly distraught by his inability to pull out a win. Although I could not see his face for the helmet, glare and safety net, I have it on good authority that he did not burst into tears--for which race fans are grateful. Elliott, look on the bright side, you're in the top five in points!

The Best Director Award: There were some strong contenders in this category: Steve Addington, Bob Osborne and Todd Berrier, just to name a few. But for sheer performance when it counts and the ability to lead his team to win after win, this Oscar goes to Chad Knaus. In addition to being a record-breaking crew chief, he may also be the smartest man in the Sprint Cup Garage.

Best Soundtrack: This one's easy. Tony Stewart's heartfelt and melodic rendition of "Ole, Ole, Ole" while taking the lead in the Daytona 500. Tony, do you take requests? I hear that "Freebird" song is pretty popular...

In Defense of Dale Jr

God bless Dale Earnhardt Jr. Whether you love to love him or love to hate him, you have to admit that this guy's under more pressure than any other driver in Sprint Cup. And, according to Darrell Waltrip, we're all supposed to believe the pressure from his fans and critics alike is finally getting to him.

I don't buy it. Sure, he clipped Vickers. Sure he missed his pit box and then was penalized for being "on the line." But two things became clear to me as the laps wound down during the Daytona 500: Dale Jr. is serious about winning this year and the biggest pressure he's under is coming from himself.

He drove the wheels off his car as night came on, managing to get himself from the back to the front. From a lap down to the lead lap. And his intensity and irritability during the rain-delay interview cemented that fact. He knows this is his year. And he's got something to prove.

And he also knows he can't please everybody. If he had just sat pretty, eased up and failed to get back on the lead lap, NASCAR fans would have questioned his commitment to winning. He tries to pay back Vickers for 'Dega - AND put himself in a position to finish well (while unintentionally causing a pileup) and bloggers call him a bonehead who doesn't know how to drive. If the contact with Vickers would have sent Vicker spinning into the infield, Junior would be a hero. Instead, according to one online pundit, Junior is now a goat.

But that's temporary. If Junior keeps that fire to win burning all season long, he'll silence those critics easily enough. And he'll prove he can handle the pressure that comes not from his fans and critics, but from himself.