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Today In Nascar History
3/02/1958-Lee Petty wins at Concord, win #1 of the season, and #31 of his career.
3/02/1963-Richard Petty wins at Spartanburg, win #2 of the season, and #15 of his career.
3/02/1975-Cale Yarborough wins at Rockingham, win #1 of the season, and #29 of his career.
3/02/1986-Terry Labonte wins at Rockingham, win #1 of the season, and #6 of his career.
3/02/1997-Rusty Wallace wins at Richmond, win #1 of the season, and #47 of his career.
3/02/2003-Matt Kenseth wins at Las Vegas, win #1 of the season, and #7 of his career.
“Junior has gotten to that point where he reminds me a lot of his dad.”
— Jeff Gordon, referring to Dale Earnhardt Jr.
from Shareen
TO:Larry
Prairie du Chien, WI
How do you figure that CALIFORNIANS are not "Real" race fans? Just because we're not from the south doesn't mean we are not as enthusiastic. Let me know if you're ever in the area & I'll show you how we party in CALI. LOL SHAREEN, Stockton, CA
from VCJ
Nemechek, Gordon biggest victims of late parts woes (hehehehe....)
LOL! needed that laugh!
I need to clarify that one....I was only laughing at Gordon, not Nemechek.........
Three NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Crew Chiefs Fined for California Violations: NASCAR announced today that fines have been issued to three NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations this past weekend at California Speedway. Tim Weiss, crew chief of the No. 73 Chevrolet driven by Eric McClure, was fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-CC (unapproved third gear transmission ratio) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. David Hyder, crew chief of the No. 49 Dodge driven by Ken Schrader, was fined $5,000 in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-CC (unapproved final drive gear ratio). Billy Poindexter, crew chief of the No. 37 Dodge of Kevin Lepage, was fined twice. Poindexter was fined $5,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) for an unapproved deck lid. He also was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q for an unapproved fire suppression agent. All violations were found during opening-day inspection on Feb. 25. - NASCAR PR
Penske Racing South's crew for the No. 2 Dodge of Rusty Wallace has won the $10,000 prize for the fastest pit work during Sunday's Auto Club 500 at California Speedway among teams participating in the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge competition. Joe Gibbs Racing's crew for the No. 20 Chevrolet of Tony Stewart was named the winner of the prize for its work in the season-opening Daytona 500.
Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Racing greats Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, and Benny Parsons lobbied the Legislature to lend support for a resolution to honor the memory of NASCAR aces and promote a racing museum in the state.
Lawmakers in both chambers unanimously approved the resolution as part of their effort to protect a $1.5 billion racing industry that employs about 10,000 people in North Carolina. As the sport increases in popularity, so does the competition from other states to lure it away.
But lawmakers and others say North Carolina is the best place for a museum. Stock car racing started here and a few hundred race teams -- NASCAR and otherwise -- are located around Charlotte.
Putting a museum in the Charlotte area makes sense for tourists who also could also visit their favorite race teams, Parsons said.
"You can see all the past and in 15 minutes see the future," Parsons said between legislative sessions.
The children of Wendell Scott, who in 1963 became the first black NASCAR driver to win a race, also attended. Scott died of cancer in 1990.
Sen. Charles Dannelly noted the importance of diversity in the sport. Scott, who raced from 1949-1973, made his name when "the ruler of the South was the KKK," he said.
Gov. Mike Easley announced a 19-member North Carolina Motorsports Advisory Council designed to recommend methods to improve and expand the racing industry in the state.
Members include racing great and car owner Richard Petty, Hendrick Motorsports chairman Rick Hendrick and Chad Knaus, Jimmy Johnson's crew chief. The council's first meeting will be later this year.
This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire.
Champion Sports Group
Fontana, California (Feb. 28) – Michael Waltrip and the NAPA team were headed for the front in Sunday’s Auto Club 500 at California Speedway when mechanical failure cost them another top finish. In a scene reminiscent of Daytona last week, the NAPA Auto Parts Chevy pulled out of the racing grove with 50 laps remaining as smoke poured from the exhaust.
“The engine broke,” said Waltrip when he climbed from the NAPA Chevy. “Kind of unusual, it’s really sad. Two in a row, you don’t see that very often out of Dale Earnhardt Inc. But you know things are going to break so you can’t worry about it. You just have to fix it and go to the next race.”
Waltrip started the 250-lap event from the 30th position after slight contact with the wall during the final practice session cost him the chance to make a mock qualifying run. From the drop of the green, Waltrip fought a tight handling condition in the NAPA Chevy. After adjustments during a pit stop on lap 26 he began to climb through the field. By lap 70, Waltrip had broken into the top 15 as he found his car was better on the long runs.
“I would just like to tip my hat to Tony (Eury) Jr. and all the boys that work on the car,” said Waltrip. “They really, really worked well on the chassis today. We gained on it and we had a shot at being good.”
On lap 161 crew chief Tony Eury Jr. called for two tires instead of four during a pit stop under caution. The NAPA Chevy was set to restart fourth but, like many drivers in the past two weeks of adjusting to NASCAR’s new electronic pit road speed policing, Waltrip was caught going too fast off pit road. After restarting in 24th position at the tail end of the longest line due to the penalty, Waltrip made his way back up to the 16th position by lap 190.
“The way these guys communicate and work with me I just think I have a lot of good runs ahead of me and I am looking forward to them,” explained Waltrip after the race of his new crew.
On lap 202, the NAPA Chevy lost power as smoke poured from underneath the car. Waltrip went behind the wall early and had to settle for a 37th-place finish. Greg Biffle came home with the win. Waltrip’s DEI teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. struggled with three separate flat tires resulting in a 32nd place finish
“I was having fun out there,” said Waltrip. “Like I said. It’s good to have a bunch of guys like I have working for me. It’s the best situation I have ever been in. We are ‘0’ for two but don’t look for us to go ‘0’ forever.”
Michael Waltrip and the NAPA team will be back in action in two weeks, on March 13th, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Television coverage will begin at 2 pm Eastern on FOX, and radio coverage will be on PRN.
By Ryan Smithson, Turner Sports Interactive
LAS VEGAS -- If you think Bill Elliott regrets giving up his full-time seat to rookie Kasey Kahne, think again.
Elliott, who is expected to make his first Nextel Cup start of the season this weekend in the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400, said that Kahne's runner-up finish at Rockingham told him that he had done the right thing.
"After watching Kasey at Rockingham, that just solidified where I'm at," Elliott said. It was the best decision I ever made. I know I made the right decision.
"It's been great watching the races. Now that I am back at the track, I am ready to go racing."
In a No. 91 Dodge, Elliott was initially hoping to run a 15-race schedule in 2004 for Evernham Motorsports, but sponsorship woes have derailed that plan. After Las Vegas, Elliott says that the Texas event is his only race on the schedule.
Team owner Ray Evernham said that Elliott's schedule could be expanded if the needed cash is found.
"I'd like to have him back for 10 races if anybody's got any money," Evernham said.
Elliott's appearance at Las Vegas marks a milestone in Evernham's fourth full year as a Nextel Cup owner.
Elliott will be the first to use an Evernham-built chassis -- the operation has relied on Hopkins chassis in the past. Elliott's use of the new chassis is part of Evernham's plan to wean in the change for Kahne and teammate Jeremy Mayfield.
For Evernham, the change is long overdue.
"We've been developing it for more than a year," Evernham said. "This is probably a year behind where I would have liked to debut it."
By Lee Montgomery, NASCAR.COM
1. What's your dream vehicle that you don't already own?
You know what, I've already looked at these questions, and I had an answer, but I don't remember now. I don't know. Skip it and go to another one.
2. If time on the road weren't an issue, what would be your ideal pet?
I'd like a Labrador. Dogs are cool. I like big dogs. I've had a little dog, and I want a big dog now.
What was the little dog?
It was one of those tea-cup Chihuahuas. They're cool to look at but you can't really play with them. I think it'd be fun to have a big dog.
You could carry it around like Paris Hilton.
Probably not.
3. What's your biggest pet peeve while driving on the road?
People that drive in the fast lane slow. I don't understand why you just wouldn't get in the slow lane. That's huge. That really gets to me.
Ever any inclination to go up there and bump them?
Yeah. I certainly never would do that but I want to really bad.
4. What's your worst hotel experience?
It's probably being stuck in a hotel room in Daytona where the door wouldn't shut all the way. I don't know if it was the humidity off the ocean. It was one of those motels that was $20 a night, and it was my first year in the Truck series. Just couldn't get the door to shut, so I just kind of latched the chain.
I ended up staying with people being able to look in. And then I had an experience with a couple next door every evening I was there. A pretty eventful night.
You didn't sleep a whole lot, I'm guessing.
No, not much.
5. What's your favorite food?
I like Mexican food the best. It seems like everyone, no matter who you're around, likes Mexican food. It's easy. There's always a good Mexican restaurant in every town, so it's probably my favorite.
Is there any place on the road that you've got to go to?
No. Food's kind of overrated to me. I mean, I like food, but just whatever. It's a routine.
6. If you had to choose, would it be being honest, or being nice?
Probably being honest. I'm already nice. I'm honest, too, I guess. ... That didn't come out right. I don't know. I think honesty is the best trait you can have in anyone.
7. What's your fondest childhood memory?
I don't know if I have just one memory. I guess just growing up racing go-karts and being with my family. My family always had time for me, and I look back at all the moments we had together, and it was just a lot of fun growing up and being with my mom and dad on the road.
8. What would your dream date be? Where and with whom?
I'm kind of into this Maria Menounos, on ET on MTV. I'm kinda digging her right now. I don't really care [where]. I'll just go wherever the hell she wants to go.
9. What's your worst prank, either perpetrated by you, or done to you?
I can't think of a prank.
Something Sterling did?
Yeah, Sterling's always dealing with fireworks. It's funny, and you laugh, but they're not really anything devastating to your life. I've had stories, I just can't think of anything right now.
Did you ever get Sterling back for anything?
Yeah, a little bit. Sterling's easy to get back, but I just can't explain to you why.
10. What was your "Welcome to NASCAR" moment?
I was somewhat slow getting into the sport. I think ran like five Truck races in '99 and 17 in 2000. It came along so slow, that when I finally did get here ... but when I won Charlotte I felt like I was going to get to stay for a while. I don't really remember. It just kind of all happened for me.
Back to the dream vehicle.
I don't know, I'll take a big boat. That'd be a fun vehicle, have a yacht, something to go hang on. I don't really like the water, but Jeff and Felix and everybody always seem to have a great time when they go on their boat, so maybe that'd be a fun experience.
Felix can sell you one of his.
Felix's boats are way too expensive for me.
By Dave Rodman, NASCAR.COM
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Kevin Harvick pulls no punches when it comes to motorsports and his passion for the means of his livelihood.
Harvick and his Richard Childress Racing team's abilities have put him in a position, after two races, to challenge for the Chase for the Nextel Cup, while RCR's Busch team has Harvick leading the points.
As an owner, Harvick scored his first Busch Series victory with Tony Stewart at Daytona, and has watched his Craftsman Truck Series team run competitively with Ron Hornaday.
Following Speedweeks 2005, Harvick sat down with NASCAR.COM senior writer Dave Rodman to discuss the start of the 2005 season, the validity of feuds in NASCAR racing and how he treats fans at promotional events.
Q: The result of the Daytona 500 was not what you guys on the Goodwrench Chevrolet team wanted, but was the positive momentum you gained throughout Speedweeks priceless?
I think we've got good momentum. Obviously, (the Daytona 500) didn't go exactly how we wanted to, but man, we overcame a lot of things. The grill kept giving us fits all day and we almost got lapped.
Then, we had a wheel come loose so it was not the day we wanted it to be. The two runs on which we got our car right, I think we drove up to fourth or fifth. That was the first run on which we actually got to adjust on our car and understand how it was handling.
Then, there at the end we were coming up through the field for the last time and we had a solid, top 10 car and we got caught up in a wreck. It was just one of those deals where, at Daytona and Talladega, that's just how it is.
Q: With what we saw so far this year, do you feel like RCR will be much more of a three-pronged threat than we've seen lately?
Yeah, I think that all three cars are going to run good. I don't think it will be hit-or-miss like we used to see with what used to be the 30 (now, Dave Blaney's No. 07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet) and the 31 (Jeff Burton's Cingular Chevy).
We feel like we've got a foundation built up with Dave and Jeff being there. Jeff has been there half a year and Dave is not going anywhere and you just feel like you're not taking a chance with somebody in the other two cars.
You know those guys are going to get the job done and if they're having a good day or a bad day -- you know that what they've got in their cars you can drive.
Q: After a few days for it to sink in, talk about the level of satisfaction you've got to have at the way your Busch team has come out of the box, winning with Tony Stewart at Daytona and then running so well at California?
That was really cool for everybody at KHI, when Tony won at Daytona. I think the best part about it was that all the Hershey's folks didn't have to see the other people come to Victory Lane.
Even though we didn't win the race, we kept them out of Victory Lane (Harvick finished second). But it's pretty gratifying. DeLana and I have put a lot of time and effort into putting the right people in the right places and to come out and run as well as they did with the team, the first time together is really rewarding.
It was very exciting and I'm glad for Mr. Clean and all those people, because it was the first time they'd been to Victory Lane, so it was a win-win for a lot of people.
Q: I know this question came up after you finished second behind the car you own, but how much of a struggle do you have balancing car owner with competitor when you're chasing your car?
Well (laughing), when you're at restrictor plate racetracks like Daytona, when it comes down to the end of the race, you're hoping -- or I wanted it to be the 2, the 21 and the 33 (Harvick and his RCR teammate, Clint Bowyer; and Stewart) there battling for the win.
You can't really get yourself into position unless you've got somebody that's committed to you. And we had Robby Gordon pushing us up there through the pack, and then Tony came out of nowhere going it seemed like 20 miles an hour faster than everyone and drove around us.
I knew that once he got around us it was going to be tough for the other guys to get around both of us. So on the one hand, the competitor in me still would have wanted to win the race, but it's good to know that if the role were reversed, he would have done the same thing.
Q: You can't put yourself in someone else's shoes, but with the achievement that Tony created Saturday, winning in his third NASCAR national touring series, he joined some elite company -- currently only 10 drivers. Talk about the pride a driver feels in accomplishing that -- which you've done.
That's really how this whole Kevin Harvick Incorporated race team got started. I was really frustrated that I hadn't won a truck race, so we built trucks and went out and won a couple truck races.
Tony hadn't won any Busch races and had expressed an interest in running Busch races, so we built some Busch cars for him to run. The sponsors came, so we just decided to build those cars to run all year.
I know how he feels. I suffered through, I don't know, 74 or 75 races in the Truck Series without a win and had been close numerous times. Just to see the excitement and almost the relief on Tony's face in Victory Lane and to know how that feels is pretty cool.
Q: Probably the low point of Speedweeks was the tangle you had with Jimmie Johnson in the Gatorade Duel. How disconcerting is it to you when people -- primarily the media -- misconstrue or misrepresent events that happen on the racetrack, making up a feud where there isn't one, or try to make a racing accident more than that?
I try to take it as it comes and take it for what it's worth. I've learned not to let myself get beat up over the things that you can't control.
I think the thing with Jimmie and I got blown way out of proportion and you know, it turned into a yearlong feud and this and that. But it really wasn't that.
It was nothing more than a racing deal that happened on the racetrack. The same thing happened with Mark (Martin) in practice and I just happened to save the car. The next thing you knew, I was smashed into the side of the car.
Sometimes people try to make bigger stories out of things than they really are and as competitors you just have to take care of it in the garage amongst yourselves and it will all go away.
Q: Overall, how do you anticipate the new aerodynamic and tire package being for you, crew chief Todd Berrier and the rest of your crew?
When we went to California (to test) it was immediately better for us. Whether it was just the work we'd done on our cars over the winter, or if the tires just had a better feel for me, or whatever the case might be (it was better).
But that wasn't around 43 other cars, too. I think the biggest concern everyone still has is racing around other cars and knowing what's going on there.
Q: How do you approach a fans' event like your "Take 5 Laps with Kevin Harvick?" Do you try to thrill 'em or scare the pants off 'em?
Well, it just depends on the type of person you have. You want to give 'em a thrill and usually the thrill comes with scaring somebody a little bit.
You just try to go out and get 'em as close as you can to the wall and give 'em the best ride that you can.
Q: Is there a consistent theme that people have expressed, after the rides?
I think the most consistent thing is being so close to the wall and how rough the racetrack is. Those are probably the most consistent answers that you get.
Q: Have your eyes ever been opened wider by the responses you get from people, or is it something you take for granted, being in the middle of this all the time?
I think this is something we take for granted a little bit because we've done it so much and we've been on the racetrack for so long, that you take for granted how special it is to come to Daytona and take laps in the car -- and how much it means to the race fans and the people who are around.
Being that we've raced in four Daytona 500s and some people are on the outside looking in, you really don't understand what the feeling is for those people, so it's pretty special when you have that reminded of you.
Q: These events seem to be pretty low key and a lot of fun. What's the hardest part of your scheduling? Is it not enough days in the week, or not enough hours in the day?
Usually not enough days in the week. You know, even when you schedule a two-hour appearance or any other event, it takes an hour to get there and an hour to get back.
It takes a lot of time in between just to plan everything. So there are just not enough days in the week, usually.
Q: I hate to have to ask, but what do you feel suffers the most, not only for yourself but also for everyone who's racing in Nextel Cup, given the demands of the schedule?
I think you just don't get enough time to do the things that you like to do. Most of us have other businesses or other things that we're interested in and those take up time. You have to take care of those things, too.
You just don't get enough time for yourself to do the things that you like to do -- and even to see your own house. You spend more time in the motorhome than you do in your house.
Racing Vent
Petty ran in an era when they ran many more events and a lot of his wins are from essentially unsanctioned events. In the Modern Era,
Petty had only 60 wins, compared to Gordon's 70 and counting.
Greg Biffle must read Power Rankings on nascar.com. The comment for him in last week's rankings said he was about to start negotiating a contract extension with Roush but hopefully wouldn't do it that week (the week following Daytona) because a pay cut would (stink).
Jimmy Spencer win a championship? Ha! He'd have to learn how to drive a road course first.
Is this vent reserved for whining about Gordon and Jr., or can you guys actually talk about the races?
But what about Beeyul?
Ah, but Petty and three or four other teams were the only ones that had enough money to compete every week Gordon deals with 20 drivers that can win each week, also Gordon has won more at his age than Petty had at the same age.
You all complain about J. Gordon having the best equipment. You always put the best drivers in the best equipment. Are all the other drivers riding around in go-karts?
Babe Ruth had a full career and died after he retired from baseball. Dale was killed before his career was 2/3 finished.
(I can't believe I'm defending Dale Earnhardt. He must be haunting me.) F1 from Australia? Oh, that must be that new track that NASCAR is going to in Mexico.
Did someone say "racing" and "Formula One" in the same sentence?
Would someone tell Jeff Hammond what the three tenses of run are. If hear "have ran" one more time I think I'll throw up.
Earnhardt, Sr. died just as his career was hitting the skids. By now, he would have just been another has-been.
In Earnhardt's last full season (2000), he finished second, so he definitely was still a factor in Cup championships.
The real Mikey starts driving Sunday in the red #1 Ferrari!
What record does Earnhardt own that you are worried about being broken?
Was Darryl Waltrip in every commercial during the race on Sunday?
The Number 3 is owned by NASCAR and is assigned to RCR who can choose to or not to use it.
Does the radio broadcaster for NASCAR sound an awful lot like the broadcaster for the WWF. He sounds so scrip-tu-ral.
Using the Earnhardt comparison, If Babe Ruth was still alive he would be going for his 3,000th home run this season.
Richard Petty won 200 races during a time they drove real cars, Gordon will never match that.
Despite all of D. Waltrip's predictions and strategies, Harvick couldn't handle Mark Martin in Saturday's race.
I would just as soon put up with the commercials on race broadcasts as hear Darrell Waltrip's cheerleading.
If you knew what Brian Wilson had been through, and overcome, you would not say it was a malfunction. You are clueless!
They can sell a lot of beer in 6 hours for 2 laps of racing, that's why
Who gets more favoritism? Gordon, Johnson, Junior, Stewart? Hendrick or DEI? I dunno but it all just further shows that NASCAR stands for National Association to Support Chevrolet Automobile Racing. How else could they beat a Ford?
Any driver caught throwing anything on the track to bring out a caution should be fined and lose driver points.
I wonder how much of the debris on the track for cautions come from Junior's car. I bet it says official license product of NASCAR.
It's comical how you people like to talk about who is and isn't a great driver. Take Jeff Gordon: Since he left the womb he has been in the absolute best equipment money can buy and has never sat in anything mediocre.
DW needs to step out of the booth as did Ned Jarrett. Family cannot be impartial and both of these men have proven that. Keep family out of the booth.
You #3 people slay me, there is NO WAY Earnhardt would have ever won another championship if he was alive and drove till he was 60! Come on back from your make-believe world, will ya.
Those of us who don't like NASCAR are accused of being snobbish and having no life, but all I see from its so-called fans is accusations of favoring drivers, whining and complaining. With so-called fans like this, who needs bashers?
If NASCAR is going to be more about controversy, conspiracy theories and accusations of cheating, y'all can have this so-called sport.
Gordon has already won many more races and titles at the age of 33 than Earnhardt Sr. had at that age so Earnhardt Sr.'s death is no issue.
Uh, oh, here come the F1 geeks!
It's not too hard to see that Robby Gordon is not on the France family list of "Must invites" to their Christmas party.
An explanation of sorts to ''new to the sport'': Jeff Gordon did in about five years what their guys couldn't do in ten or fifteen. Some felt he didn't pay his dues. He's been racing since he was six years old. I'm not a big fan of his, but I do recognize talent. He' the best driver in racing right now.
Come on, Sebring. It is time for real racing to arrive.
The Jimmy Spencer basher is very likely a Little E fan. If Spencer had the backing and equipment, not to mention a famous name and willingness to shamelessly suck up to NASCAR, he would probably already have a championship trophy or two.
Typical whining Gordon basher, the rumor of an "unapproved underpan" proved to be untrue, so therefore, no penalties, no fines.
Everybody says you have to measure up to #3 so that is what Gordon is doing a great job of.
Twenty two years -- you would think the "greatest driver of all time" would have won more races and championships.
"Imitating Jr."? Gordon has been in Cup racing longer than Jr.
"How hard can that be to beat the record of someone who's deceased?" Why don't you ask the thousands of Major League Baseball players who are still behind Babe Ruth?
Quit complaining about who wins the race. They're just going by the script.
On Gordon beating the record of someone deceased, I guess you could say the same thing about Hank Aaron beating Babe Ruth's record. Give me a break.
Mark Martin learned his lesson in Daytona. In Saturday's Busch race, he didn't let Harvick get close enough to hit him.
Do you people realize how ridiculous you are when you start talking about Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge?
One more week to the start of Formula One! Then we will know the racing season has officially begun!
Seven more races before Gordon beats another #3 record - how hard can that be to beat the record of someone who's deceased. What a feat!
Tony probably couldn't have won it even if the race had stayed green. The draft was too good. When they can push each other like in that race, you aren't going to keep all of 'em back there for long. No one really tried to pass him before the last few laps.
Gordon whines and complains about everyone else? He must be imitating Jr., who has never taken any blame for his many foul ups but is always quick to claim all the credit for any victory.
If Dale were still alive, he would no doubt be winning more races and would eventually get that record 8th championship.
Gordon may be a better driver than Junior, but let's not get ridiculous. I'm no fan of some of Dale Sr.'s behavior, but even I must admit he was the best driver out there.
NASCAR will change the rules constantly until it devises a way for Jr. to actually win a race.
What about the story of an "unapproved underpan" for both Gordons. No fine, no points. Of course, the "other" Gordon was hit with fines and penalties for other reasons. Now who is the chosen one. A wink and a nod for the Golden Boy, as usual.
Gordon proved he was Gordon when he comes on the radio with one of the late restarts whining: "Tell NASCAR to keep an eye on Jr. he's dropping back too much. '' Jr. was no further back from Gordon than Gordon was from Stewart..
I am tired of bigmouth DW I thought he was going to cry on Sunday when Mikey fell out of the race. His personal attack on Tony was ridiculous. "What are you going to do now STEWART" when Tony got passed. Tony will never be reduced to relying on the champion provisional the way DW was and Tony will never have to beg someone like Carl Long to sell him his spot in the race.
Next year they might as well run the Daytona 50. The only racing going on in the front of the field took place in the last 50 miles.
Thirteen years -- you would think that the ''Greatest Driver of the Modern Era'' would have more championships by now.
NASCAR has to spread the glory equally: Gordon for the yuppies and Jr. for the rednecks
Don't compare Jr. to Dubya. I am not an Earnhardt fan, but he doesn't have a Napoleonic complex that will bring a country down with him.
RCR owns the number 3.
Your
Momma
"Don't come here and grumble about going too fast. Get the hell out of the race car if you've got feathers on your legs or butt. Put a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up there and eat that candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt – 1998
"It's nothin' personal, it's just racin'
-Dale Earnhardt
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This list is authored by:
Sandra Monacelli
221 W. 57th Street 18B
Loveland, CO 80538
970/663-6967
3/02/1958-Lee Petty wins at Concord, win #1 of the season, and #31 of his career.
3/02/1963-Richard Petty wins at Spartanburg, win #2 of the season, and #15 of his career.
3/02/1975-Cale Yarborough wins at Rockingham, win #1 of the season, and #29 of his career.
3/02/1986-Terry Labonte wins at Rockingham, win #1 of the season, and #6 of his career.
3/02/1997-Rusty Wallace wins at Richmond, win #1 of the season, and #47 of his career.
3/02/2003-Matt Kenseth wins at Las Vegas, win #1 of the season, and #7 of his career.
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Quote of the Day“Junior has gotten to that point where he reminds me a lot of his dad.”
— Jeff Gordon, referring to Dale Earnhardt Jr.
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Comments from the Peanut Galleryfrom Shareen
TO:Larry
Prairie du Chien, WI
How do you figure that CALIFORNIANS are not "Real" race fans? Just because we're not from the south doesn't mean we are not as enthusiastic. Let me know if you're ever in the area & I'll show you how we party in CALI. LOL SHAREEN, Stockton, CA
from VCJ
Nemechek, Gordon biggest victims of late parts woes (hehehehe....)
LOL! needed that laugh!
I need to clarify that one....I was only laughing at Gordon, not Nemechek.........
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Bits and PiecesThree NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Crew Chiefs Fined for California Violations: NASCAR announced today that fines have been issued to three NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations this past weekend at California Speedway. Tim Weiss, crew chief of the No. 73 Chevrolet driven by Eric McClure, was fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-CC (unapproved third gear transmission ratio) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. David Hyder, crew chief of the No. 49 Dodge driven by Ken Schrader, was fined $5,000 in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-CC (unapproved final drive gear ratio). Billy Poindexter, crew chief of the No. 37 Dodge of Kevin Lepage, was fined twice. Poindexter was fined $5,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) for an unapproved deck lid. He also was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q for an unapproved fire suppression agent. All violations were found during opening-day inspection on Feb. 25. - NASCAR PR
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Harvick may not run Mexico Busch race: Kevin Harvick, scheduled to drive in this weekend’s Busch Series race in Mexico City [in the #21 RCR Chevy], is still sore from his crash during the Gatorade Duels at Daytona. Harvick has played in pain the past two weeks, but his bruised ribs could preclude him from driving on the Mexican road course. If so, Brandon Miller will replace him. Harvick’s familiar Reese’s livery will give way to a special paint scheme for this race to promote PELON PELO RICO, one of Mexico’s leading brands of spicy candy. Crew chief Rick Viers emphasized that “The decision (whether or not to drive) is up to Kevin, and he will not make it until after practice on Saturday. There is a chance that Brandon Miller will run the #21 during practice since it’s about five hours long. This will also give Miller some seat time just in case Harvick can’t run the race on Sunday.” Viers indicated Miller shouldn’t be too hopeful though: “I think in the end Harvick will tough it out.”(Speed Channel)~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
WALLACE CREW TAKES PRIZEPenske Racing South's crew for the No. 2 Dodge of Rusty Wallace has won the $10,000 prize for the fastest pit work during Sunday's Auto Club 500 at California Speedway among teams participating in the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge competition. Joe Gibbs Racing's crew for the No. 20 Chevrolet of Tony Stewart was named the winner of the prize for its work in the season-opening Daytona 500.
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Bobby Labonte to run Truck at Atlanta: Even though Bobby Labonte has more wins than any other full-time driver at Atlanta Motor Speedway, he’ll be a rookie on Friday, March 18. That’s when Bobby Labonte will compete for the first time at Atlanta in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck race. It will be his fourth career truck race and third in the #47 Chevy All-Stars Silverado, which he will try to drive to victory in the World Financial Group 200. Labonte will be pulling double duty that weekend, also driving his usual #18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet in the March 20 Golden Corral 500 NEXTEL Cup race. But Labonte was focused entirely on his Chevy truck on Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, when he was preparing for his Craftsman Truck Series debut at the fast track. His first few laps didn’t set any speed records, but Labonte said he was just getting warmed up when he turned a lap around the 1.54-mile speedway in 31.19 seconds (177.749 mph). Great seats are still available for all three days of racing action. Weekend ticket packages start at just $65 and are limited in quanity. For more information call Ticketmaster, or the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, or visit AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com. (AMS PR)~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Gordon probably gonna skip the Indy 500: Robby Gordon will not enter this year's Indianapolis 500 unless he's driving somebody else's race cars. Gordon, who has competed in the 500 ten times says his commitment is to his Nextel Cup and Busch Series teams and sponsors. Gordon says "I don't have the room...we're full..we've got 40 guys full time just turning these programs around." Since he won't operate an open wheel team Gordon says his final decision could be put off until the first week of Indy 500 time trials.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
New Associate sponsor for the #01: Wiley X Eyewear, the preferred eyewear of the U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, has joined MB2 Motorsports as an associate sponsor on the #01 U.S. Army Chevrolet driven by Joe Nemechek in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. According to the New England Journal of Medicine (Dec. 9, 2004), Wiley X ballistic eyewear is one of the main reasons for the decreasing amount of eye injuries suffered by soldiers. Along with manufacturing high velocity eye armor for the military, Wiley X produces a line of specialty eyewear for the motorcycle, mountain/street bike, boating and fishing markets as well as a line of sophisticated sunglasses for both casual and active wear. Jay Frye, general manager of MB2 Motorsports, said that Wiley X Eyewear has been a welcome addition in more ways than one for the U.S. Army team. "We are proud of our new affiliation with Wiley X Eyewear for two main reasons," said Frye. "First, it is a company that has dedicated itself in researching and producing an eyewear product that protects our troops. And secondly, the durability, the fit and ballistic protection of Wiley X Eyewear make it a perfect product for our pit crew members." For additional information about Wiley X Eyewear and its products, search the company's web site at: wiley-x.com.(MB2 Motorsports PR)~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
NASCAR greats support keeping state as tops in sport Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Racing greats Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, and Benny Parsons lobbied the Legislature to lend support for a resolution to honor the memory of NASCAR aces and promote a racing museum in the state.
Lawmakers in both chambers unanimously approved the resolution as part of their effort to protect a $1.5 billion racing industry that employs about 10,000 people in North Carolina. As the sport increases in popularity, so does the competition from other states to lure it away.
But lawmakers and others say North Carolina is the best place for a museum. Stock car racing started here and a few hundred race teams -- NASCAR and otherwise -- are located around Charlotte.
Putting a museum in the Charlotte area makes sense for tourists who also could also visit their favorite race teams, Parsons said.
"You can see all the past and in 15 minutes see the future," Parsons said between legislative sessions.
The children of Wendell Scott, who in 1963 became the first black NASCAR driver to win a race, also attended. Scott died of cancer in 1990.
Sen. Charles Dannelly noted the importance of diversity in the sport. Scott, who raced from 1949-1973, made his name when "the ruler of the South was the KKK," he said.
Gov. Mike Easley announced a 19-member North Carolina Motorsports Advisory Council designed to recommend methods to improve and expand the racing industry in the state.
Members include racing great and car owner Richard Petty, Hendrick Motorsports chairman Rick Hendrick and Chad Knaus, Jimmy Johnson's crew chief. The council's first meeting will be later this year.
This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire.
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Ford Drivers Give Driving Lessons to PGA Players: As part of the Ford Championship Racing Adventure, PGA's top stars will participate in three distinct driving events this week with seven professional race drivers. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series standouts Dale Jarrett, Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, and Elliott Sadler headline the field. They will be joined by Michel Jourdain Jr., NASCAR Busch Series' first full-time Hispanic driver, NHRA drag racer Ashley Force, and Grand American road-racing expert Scott Maxwell. The golfers will compete on the track at Homestead for fun and pride. Later in the week, they'll compete on the infamous Blue Monster at Doral for a $900,000 purse and a 2006 Ford GT supercar, the most exclusive prize in professional golf. The NASCAR drivers will provide instruction and drive hot laps with the golfers in specially equipped, two-place race cars. The highlight of the golfer's day is a 10-lap stint at the wheel of a race-ready NASCAR Ford Taurus on the speedway's banked 1.5-mile oval. They'll also get the chance to maneuver the 550-horsepower 2005 Ford GT supercar and the all-new Ford Racing Grand Am Cup Mustang on the speedway's modified road course and drag race a 300-horsepower 2005 Mustang GT on a 1/8-mile straightaway.(Ford Racing)~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Strong Run at California Speedway Cut Short For NAPA TeamChampion Sports Group
Fontana, California (Feb. 28) – Michael Waltrip and the NAPA team were headed for the front in Sunday’s Auto Club 500 at California Speedway when mechanical failure cost them another top finish. In a scene reminiscent of Daytona last week, the NAPA Auto Parts Chevy pulled out of the racing grove with 50 laps remaining as smoke poured from the exhaust.
“The engine broke,” said Waltrip when he climbed from the NAPA Chevy. “Kind of unusual, it’s really sad. Two in a row, you don’t see that very often out of Dale Earnhardt Inc. But you know things are going to break so you can’t worry about it. You just have to fix it and go to the next race.”
Waltrip started the 250-lap event from the 30th position after slight contact with the wall during the final practice session cost him the chance to make a mock qualifying run. From the drop of the green, Waltrip fought a tight handling condition in the NAPA Chevy. After adjustments during a pit stop on lap 26 he began to climb through the field. By lap 70, Waltrip had broken into the top 15 as he found his car was better on the long runs.
“I would just like to tip my hat to Tony (Eury) Jr. and all the boys that work on the car,” said Waltrip. “They really, really worked well on the chassis today. We gained on it and we had a shot at being good.”
On lap 161 crew chief Tony Eury Jr. called for two tires instead of four during a pit stop under caution. The NAPA Chevy was set to restart fourth but, like many drivers in the past two weeks of adjusting to NASCAR’s new electronic pit road speed policing, Waltrip was caught going too fast off pit road. After restarting in 24th position at the tail end of the longest line due to the penalty, Waltrip made his way back up to the 16th position by lap 190.
“The way these guys communicate and work with me I just think I have a lot of good runs ahead of me and I am looking forward to them,” explained Waltrip after the race of his new crew.
On lap 202, the NAPA Chevy lost power as smoke poured from underneath the car. Waltrip went behind the wall early and had to settle for a 37th-place finish. Greg Biffle came home with the win. Waltrip’s DEI teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. struggled with three separate flat tires resulting in a 32nd place finish
“I was having fun out there,” said Waltrip. “Like I said. It’s good to have a bunch of guys like I have working for me. It’s the best situation I have ever been in. We are ‘0’ for two but don’t look for us to go ‘0’ forever.”
Michael Waltrip and the NAPA team will be back in action in two weeks, on March 13th, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Television coverage will begin at 2 pm Eastern on FOX, and radio coverage will be on PRN.
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Bill Elliott: Cutting back 'best decision I ever made'By Ryan Smithson, Turner Sports Interactive
LAS VEGAS -- If you think Bill Elliott regrets giving up his full-time seat to rookie Kasey Kahne, think again.
Elliott, who is expected to make his first Nextel Cup start of the season this weekend in the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400, said that Kahne's runner-up finish at Rockingham told him that he had done the right thing.
"After watching Kasey at Rockingham, that just solidified where I'm at," Elliott said. It was the best decision I ever made. I know I made the right decision.
"It's been great watching the races. Now that I am back at the track, I am ready to go racing."
In a No. 91 Dodge, Elliott was initially hoping to run a 15-race schedule in 2004 for Evernham Motorsports, but sponsorship woes have derailed that plan. After Las Vegas, Elliott says that the Texas event is his only race on the schedule.
Team owner Ray Evernham said that Elliott's schedule could be expanded if the needed cash is found.
"I'd like to have him back for 10 races if anybody's got any money," Evernham said.
Elliott's appearance at Las Vegas marks a milestone in Evernham's fourth full year as a Nextel Cup owner.
Elliott will be the first to use an Evernham-built chassis -- the operation has relied on Hopkins chassis in the past. Elliott's use of the new chassis is part of Evernham's plan to wean in the change for Kahne and teammate Jeremy Mayfield.
For Evernham, the change is long overdue.
"We've been developing it for more than a year," Evernham said. "This is probably a year behind where I would have liked to debut it."
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10 Questions: Jamie McMurrayBy Lee Montgomery, NASCAR.COM
1. What's your dream vehicle that you don't already own?
You know what, I've already looked at these questions, and I had an answer, but I don't remember now. I don't know. Skip it and go to another one.
2. If time on the road weren't an issue, what would be your ideal pet?
I'd like a Labrador. Dogs are cool. I like big dogs. I've had a little dog, and I want a big dog now.
What was the little dog?
It was one of those tea-cup Chihuahuas. They're cool to look at but you can't really play with them. I think it'd be fun to have a big dog.
You could carry it around like Paris Hilton.
Probably not.
3. What's your biggest pet peeve while driving on the road?
People that drive in the fast lane slow. I don't understand why you just wouldn't get in the slow lane. That's huge. That really gets to me.
Ever any inclination to go up there and bump them?
Yeah. I certainly never would do that but I want to really bad.
4. What's your worst hotel experience?
It's probably being stuck in a hotel room in Daytona where the door wouldn't shut all the way. I don't know if it was the humidity off the ocean. It was one of those motels that was $20 a night, and it was my first year in the Truck series. Just couldn't get the door to shut, so I just kind of latched the chain.
I ended up staying with people being able to look in. And then I had an experience with a couple next door every evening I was there. A pretty eventful night.
You didn't sleep a whole lot, I'm guessing.
No, not much.
5. What's your favorite food?
I like Mexican food the best. It seems like everyone, no matter who you're around, likes Mexican food. It's easy. There's always a good Mexican restaurant in every town, so it's probably my favorite.
Is there any place on the road that you've got to go to?
No. Food's kind of overrated to me. I mean, I like food, but just whatever. It's a routine.
6. If you had to choose, would it be being honest, or being nice?
Probably being honest. I'm already nice. I'm honest, too, I guess. ... That didn't come out right. I don't know. I think honesty is the best trait you can have in anyone.
7. What's your fondest childhood memory?
I don't know if I have just one memory. I guess just growing up racing go-karts and being with my family. My family always had time for me, and I look back at all the moments we had together, and it was just a lot of fun growing up and being with my mom and dad on the road.
8. What would your dream date be? Where and with whom?
I'm kind of into this Maria Menounos, on ET on MTV. I'm kinda digging her right now. I don't really care [where]. I'll just go wherever the hell she wants to go.
9. What's your worst prank, either perpetrated by you, or done to you?
I can't think of a prank.
Something Sterling did?
Yeah, Sterling's always dealing with fireworks. It's funny, and you laugh, but they're not really anything devastating to your life. I've had stories, I just can't think of anything right now.
Did you ever get Sterling back for anything?
Yeah, a little bit. Sterling's easy to get back, but I just can't explain to you why.
10. What was your "Welcome to NASCAR" moment?
I was somewhat slow getting into the sport. I think ran like five Truck races in '99 and 17 in 2000. It came along so slow, that when I finally did get here ... but when I won Charlotte I felt like I was going to get to stay for a while. I don't really remember. It just kind of all happened for me.
Back to the dream vehicle.
I don't know, I'll take a big boat. That'd be a fun vehicle, have a yacht, something to go hang on. I don't really like the water, but Jeff and Felix and everybody always seem to have a great time when they go on their boat, so maybe that'd be a fun experience.
Felix can sell you one of his.
Felix's boats are way too expensive for me.
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Conversation: Kevin HarvickBy Dave Rodman, NASCAR.COM
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Kevin Harvick pulls no punches when it comes to motorsports and his passion for the means of his livelihood.
Harvick and his Richard Childress Racing team's abilities have put him in a position, after two races, to challenge for the Chase for the Nextel Cup, while RCR's Busch team has Harvick leading the points.
As an owner, Harvick scored his first Busch Series victory with Tony Stewart at Daytona, and has watched his Craftsman Truck Series team run competitively with Ron Hornaday.
Following Speedweeks 2005, Harvick sat down with NASCAR.COM senior writer Dave Rodman to discuss the start of the 2005 season, the validity of feuds in NASCAR racing and how he treats fans at promotional events.
Q: The result of the Daytona 500 was not what you guys on the Goodwrench Chevrolet team wanted, but was the positive momentum you gained throughout Speedweeks priceless?
I think we've got good momentum. Obviously, (the Daytona 500) didn't go exactly how we wanted to, but man, we overcame a lot of things. The grill kept giving us fits all day and we almost got lapped.
Then, we had a wheel come loose so it was not the day we wanted it to be. The two runs on which we got our car right, I think we drove up to fourth or fifth. That was the first run on which we actually got to adjust on our car and understand how it was handling.
Then, there at the end we were coming up through the field for the last time and we had a solid, top 10 car and we got caught up in a wreck. It was just one of those deals where, at Daytona and Talladega, that's just how it is.
Q: With what we saw so far this year, do you feel like RCR will be much more of a three-pronged threat than we've seen lately?
Yeah, I think that all three cars are going to run good. I don't think it will be hit-or-miss like we used to see with what used to be the 30 (now, Dave Blaney's No. 07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet) and the 31 (Jeff Burton's Cingular Chevy).
We feel like we've got a foundation built up with Dave and Jeff being there. Jeff has been there half a year and Dave is not going anywhere and you just feel like you're not taking a chance with somebody in the other two cars.
You know those guys are going to get the job done and if they're having a good day or a bad day -- you know that what they've got in their cars you can drive.
Q: After a few days for it to sink in, talk about the level of satisfaction you've got to have at the way your Busch team has come out of the box, winning with Tony Stewart at Daytona and then running so well at California?
That was really cool for everybody at KHI, when Tony won at Daytona. I think the best part about it was that all the Hershey's folks didn't have to see the other people come to Victory Lane.
Even though we didn't win the race, we kept them out of Victory Lane (Harvick finished second). But it's pretty gratifying. DeLana and I have put a lot of time and effort into putting the right people in the right places and to come out and run as well as they did with the team, the first time together is really rewarding.
It was very exciting and I'm glad for Mr. Clean and all those people, because it was the first time they'd been to Victory Lane, so it was a win-win for a lot of people.
Q: I know this question came up after you finished second behind the car you own, but how much of a struggle do you have balancing car owner with competitor when you're chasing your car?
Well (laughing), when you're at restrictor plate racetracks like Daytona, when it comes down to the end of the race, you're hoping -- or I wanted it to be the 2, the 21 and the 33 (Harvick and his RCR teammate, Clint Bowyer; and Stewart) there battling for the win.
You can't really get yourself into position unless you've got somebody that's committed to you. And we had Robby Gordon pushing us up there through the pack, and then Tony came out of nowhere going it seemed like 20 miles an hour faster than everyone and drove around us.
I knew that once he got around us it was going to be tough for the other guys to get around both of us. So on the one hand, the competitor in me still would have wanted to win the race, but it's good to know that if the role were reversed, he would have done the same thing.
Q: You can't put yourself in someone else's shoes, but with the achievement that Tony created Saturday, winning in his third NASCAR national touring series, he joined some elite company -- currently only 10 drivers. Talk about the pride a driver feels in accomplishing that -- which you've done.
That's really how this whole Kevin Harvick Incorporated race team got started. I was really frustrated that I hadn't won a truck race, so we built trucks and went out and won a couple truck races.
Tony hadn't won any Busch races and had expressed an interest in running Busch races, so we built some Busch cars for him to run. The sponsors came, so we just decided to build those cars to run all year.
I know how he feels. I suffered through, I don't know, 74 or 75 races in the Truck Series without a win and had been close numerous times. Just to see the excitement and almost the relief on Tony's face in Victory Lane and to know how that feels is pretty cool.
Q: Probably the low point of Speedweeks was the tangle you had with Jimmie Johnson in the Gatorade Duel. How disconcerting is it to you when people -- primarily the media -- misconstrue or misrepresent events that happen on the racetrack, making up a feud where there isn't one, or try to make a racing accident more than that?
I try to take it as it comes and take it for what it's worth. I've learned not to let myself get beat up over the things that you can't control.
I think the thing with Jimmie and I got blown way out of proportion and you know, it turned into a yearlong feud and this and that. But it really wasn't that.
It was nothing more than a racing deal that happened on the racetrack. The same thing happened with Mark (Martin) in practice and I just happened to save the car. The next thing you knew, I was smashed into the side of the car.
Sometimes people try to make bigger stories out of things than they really are and as competitors you just have to take care of it in the garage amongst yourselves and it will all go away.
Q: Overall, how do you anticipate the new aerodynamic and tire package being for you, crew chief Todd Berrier and the rest of your crew?
When we went to California (to test) it was immediately better for us. Whether it was just the work we'd done on our cars over the winter, or if the tires just had a better feel for me, or whatever the case might be (it was better).
But that wasn't around 43 other cars, too. I think the biggest concern everyone still has is racing around other cars and knowing what's going on there.
Q: How do you approach a fans' event like your "Take 5 Laps with Kevin Harvick?" Do you try to thrill 'em or scare the pants off 'em?
Well, it just depends on the type of person you have. You want to give 'em a thrill and usually the thrill comes with scaring somebody a little bit.
You just try to go out and get 'em as close as you can to the wall and give 'em the best ride that you can.
Q: Is there a consistent theme that people have expressed, after the rides?
I think the most consistent thing is being so close to the wall and how rough the racetrack is. Those are probably the most consistent answers that you get.
Q: Have your eyes ever been opened wider by the responses you get from people, or is it something you take for granted, being in the middle of this all the time?
I think this is something we take for granted a little bit because we've done it so much and we've been on the racetrack for so long, that you take for granted how special it is to come to Daytona and take laps in the car -- and how much it means to the race fans and the people who are around.
Being that we've raced in four Daytona 500s and some people are on the outside looking in, you really don't understand what the feeling is for those people, so it's pretty special when you have that reminded of you.
Q: These events seem to be pretty low key and a lot of fun. What's the hardest part of your scheduling? Is it not enough days in the week, or not enough hours in the day?
Usually not enough days in the week. You know, even when you schedule a two-hour appearance or any other event, it takes an hour to get there and an hour to get back.
It takes a lot of time in between just to plan everything. So there are just not enough days in the week, usually.
Q: I hate to have to ask, but what do you feel suffers the most, not only for yourself but also for everyone who's racing in Nextel Cup, given the demands of the schedule?
I think you just don't get enough time to do the things that you like to do. Most of us have other businesses or other things that we're interested in and those take up time. You have to take care of those things, too.
You just don't get enough time for yourself to do the things that you like to do -- and even to see your own house. You spend more time in the motorhome than you do in your house.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Racing Vent
Petty ran in an era when they ran many more events and a lot of his wins are from essentially unsanctioned events. In the Modern Era,
Petty had only 60 wins, compared to Gordon's 70 and counting.
Greg Biffle must read Power Rankings on nascar.com. The comment for him in last week's rankings said he was about to start negotiating a contract extension with Roush but hopefully wouldn't do it that week (the week following Daytona) because a pay cut would (stink).
Jimmy Spencer win a championship? Ha! He'd have to learn how to drive a road course first.
Is this vent reserved for whining about Gordon and Jr., or can you guys actually talk about the races?
But what about Beeyul?
Ah, but Petty and three or four other teams were the only ones that had enough money to compete every week Gordon deals with 20 drivers that can win each week, also Gordon has won more at his age than Petty had at the same age.
You all complain about J. Gordon having the best equipment. You always put the best drivers in the best equipment. Are all the other drivers riding around in go-karts?
Babe Ruth had a full career and died after he retired from baseball. Dale was killed before his career was 2/3 finished.
(I can't believe I'm defending Dale Earnhardt. He must be haunting me.) F1 from Australia? Oh, that must be that new track that NASCAR is going to in Mexico.
Did someone say "racing" and "Formula One" in the same sentence?
Would someone tell Jeff Hammond what the three tenses of run are. If hear "have ran" one more time I think I'll throw up.
Earnhardt, Sr. died just as his career was hitting the skids. By now, he would have just been another has-been.
In Earnhardt's last full season (2000), he finished second, so he definitely was still a factor in Cup championships.
The real Mikey starts driving Sunday in the red #1 Ferrari!
What record does Earnhardt own that you are worried about being broken?
Was Darryl Waltrip in every commercial during the race on Sunday?
The Number 3 is owned by NASCAR and is assigned to RCR who can choose to or not to use it.
Does the radio broadcaster for NASCAR sound an awful lot like the broadcaster for the WWF. He sounds so scrip-tu-ral.
Using the Earnhardt comparison, If Babe Ruth was still alive he would be going for his 3,000th home run this season.
Richard Petty won 200 races during a time they drove real cars, Gordon will never match that.
Despite all of D. Waltrip's predictions and strategies, Harvick couldn't handle Mark Martin in Saturday's race.
I would just as soon put up with the commercials on race broadcasts as hear Darrell Waltrip's cheerleading.
If you knew what Brian Wilson had been through, and overcome, you would not say it was a malfunction. You are clueless!
They can sell a lot of beer in 6 hours for 2 laps of racing, that's why
Who gets more favoritism? Gordon, Johnson, Junior, Stewart? Hendrick or DEI? I dunno but it all just further shows that NASCAR stands for National Association to Support Chevrolet Automobile Racing. How else could they beat a Ford?
Any driver caught throwing anything on the track to bring out a caution should be fined and lose driver points.
I wonder how much of the debris on the track for cautions come from Junior's car. I bet it says official license product of NASCAR.
It's comical how you people like to talk about who is and isn't a great driver. Take Jeff Gordon: Since he left the womb he has been in the absolute best equipment money can buy and has never sat in anything mediocre.
DW needs to step out of the booth as did Ned Jarrett. Family cannot be impartial and both of these men have proven that. Keep family out of the booth.
You #3 people slay me, there is NO WAY Earnhardt would have ever won another championship if he was alive and drove till he was 60! Come on back from your make-believe world, will ya.
Those of us who don't like NASCAR are accused of being snobbish and having no life, but all I see from its so-called fans is accusations of favoring drivers, whining and complaining. With so-called fans like this, who needs bashers?
If NASCAR is going to be more about controversy, conspiracy theories and accusations of cheating, y'all can have this so-called sport.
Gordon has already won many more races and titles at the age of 33 than Earnhardt Sr. had at that age so Earnhardt Sr.'s death is no issue.
Uh, oh, here come the F1 geeks!
It's not too hard to see that Robby Gordon is not on the France family list of "Must invites" to their Christmas party.
An explanation of sorts to ''new to the sport'': Jeff Gordon did in about five years what their guys couldn't do in ten or fifteen. Some felt he didn't pay his dues. He's been racing since he was six years old. I'm not a big fan of his, but I do recognize talent. He' the best driver in racing right now.
Come on, Sebring. It is time for real racing to arrive.
The Jimmy Spencer basher is very likely a Little E fan. If Spencer had the backing and equipment, not to mention a famous name and willingness to shamelessly suck up to NASCAR, he would probably already have a championship trophy or two.
Typical whining Gordon basher, the rumor of an "unapproved underpan" proved to be untrue, so therefore, no penalties, no fines.
Everybody says you have to measure up to #3 so that is what Gordon is doing a great job of.
Twenty two years -- you would think the "greatest driver of all time" would have won more races and championships.
"Imitating Jr."? Gordon has been in Cup racing longer than Jr.
"How hard can that be to beat the record of someone who's deceased?" Why don't you ask the thousands of Major League Baseball players who are still behind Babe Ruth?
Quit complaining about who wins the race. They're just going by the script.
On Gordon beating the record of someone deceased, I guess you could say the same thing about Hank Aaron beating Babe Ruth's record. Give me a break.
Mark Martin learned his lesson in Daytona. In Saturday's Busch race, he didn't let Harvick get close enough to hit him.
Do you people realize how ridiculous you are when you start talking about Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge?
One more week to the start of Formula One! Then we will know the racing season has officially begun!
Seven more races before Gordon beats another #3 record - how hard can that be to beat the record of someone who's deceased. What a feat!
Tony probably couldn't have won it even if the race had stayed green. The draft was too good. When they can push each other like in that race, you aren't going to keep all of 'em back there for long. No one really tried to pass him before the last few laps.
Gordon whines and complains about everyone else? He must be imitating Jr., who has never taken any blame for his many foul ups but is always quick to claim all the credit for any victory.
If Dale were still alive, he would no doubt be winning more races and would eventually get that record 8th championship.
Gordon may be a better driver than Junior, but let's not get ridiculous. I'm no fan of some of Dale Sr.'s behavior, but even I must admit he was the best driver out there.
NASCAR will change the rules constantly until it devises a way for Jr. to actually win a race.
What about the story of an "unapproved underpan" for both Gordons. No fine, no points. Of course, the "other" Gordon was hit with fines and penalties for other reasons. Now who is the chosen one. A wink and a nod for the Golden Boy, as usual.
Gordon proved he was Gordon when he comes on the radio with one of the late restarts whining: "Tell NASCAR to keep an eye on Jr. he's dropping back too much. '' Jr. was no further back from Gordon than Gordon was from Stewart..
I am tired of bigmouth DW I thought he was going to cry on Sunday when Mikey fell out of the race. His personal attack on Tony was ridiculous. "What are you going to do now STEWART" when Tony got passed. Tony will never be reduced to relying on the champion provisional the way DW was and Tony will never have to beg someone like Carl Long to sell him his spot in the race.
Next year they might as well run the Daytona 50. The only racing going on in the front of the field took place in the last 50 miles.
Thirteen years -- you would think that the ''Greatest Driver of the Modern Era'' would have more championships by now.
NASCAR has to spread the glory equally: Gordon for the yuppies and Jr. for the rednecks
Don't compare Jr. to Dubya. I am not an Earnhardt fan, but he doesn't have a Napoleonic complex that will bring a country down with him.
RCR owns the number 3.
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NASCAR ON TV THIS WEEK| BUSCH SERIES QUALIFYING | 1 p.m. Saturday | Speed Channel |
| BUSCH SERIES TELCEL-MOTOROLA MEXICO 200 | 3 p.m. Sunday | Fox |
| All times Eastern. Times and stations subject to change. | ||
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Well, that's all for today. Until the next time, I remain, Your
Momma "Don't come here and grumble about going too fast. Get the hell out of the race car if you've got feathers on your legs or butt. Put a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up there and eat that candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt – 1998
"It's nothin' personal, it's just racin'
-Dale Earnhardt
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