Happy Wednesday.  Everyone have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! 

Today In Nascar History

Nov. 25, 1957: Ground is broken for Daytona International Speedway. The soil underneath the banked corners was dug from the infield of the track and the hole was filled with water, which created Lake Lloyd.

Quote of the Year

There's an unwritten rule in NASCAR: Thou shalt not take on Dale Earnhardt Jr.

--Terry Blount/espn 

Countdown to Daytona

81

Bits and Pieces

Jimmie Johnson Day in New York City: Less than 48 hours after winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in Homestead, #48-Jimmie Johnson took a private elevator Tuesday to the observation deck of the Empire State Building with Johnny Damon, the stock-car racing fan (and Yankees left fielder). At the top, Johnson took photos of Damon hamming it up, and Damon took photos of Johnson, who tried to ham it up but was clearly not as good at it. Tourists snapped photos of Johnson and Damon taking photos of each other a photo-op for a photo-op. And here was the surprise: As many people knew Johnson as knew Damon. Johnson, who was in New York for a series of interviews, said he was enjoying the fourth championship as much as he did the first one. Tuesday was proclaimed Jimmie Johnson Day in New York. When it became dark, the top of the Empire State Building glowed blue, white and yellow, the colors of his #48 Lowe's Chevrolet. Johnson was saluted for accomplishing something rarely done in any sport.(New York Times)

Johnson on Leno: Hot off of making history by clinching his fourth Cup Series title in a row NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson signs on for Leno's "Ten @ Ten" segment on NBC's "The Jay Leno Show" (Monday-Friday, 10:00-11:00pm/et) on Wednesday, November 25. "Ten @ Ten" connects Leno via satellite with celebrities and newsmakers from around the world. Johnson will be signing on from Charlotte, NC. "The Jay Leno Show" is from Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Media Studios. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer. For artwork from "The Jay Leno Show," please visit the NBC press website at www.nbcumv.com. For embed codes of clips from "The Jay Leno Show" please visit thejaylenoshow.com/video.(NBC)

Event Schedule for 2009 Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week: As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season nears conclusion the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway just a few weeks away 2009 Champion's Week celebrations have taken shape. Las Vegas, Nev., is the host city for this year's Champion's Week festivities, which culminates on Friday, Dec. 4 with the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas. This year, SPEED will televise the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony live with two re-airs. The awards ceremony is the series champion's formal celebration. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony can also be heard on Sirius NASCAR Radio (SIRIUS channel 128 and XM channel 128 with the "Best of SIRIUS"), and on MRN Radio. Though the awards ceremony is the traditional focal point, a full roster of exciting events is planned for this year's Champion's Week, many with fan involvement. This year's awards ceremony marks the first time in the sport's history that fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. Approximately 300 tickets are available to fans, which are being distributed by tracks, NASCAR partners, top-12 drivers and teams through various fan promotions. (NASCAR)

Hyder staying at the Wood Brothers: David Hyder will continue in his role as crew chief with the #21 Wood Brothers Racing team and driver Bill Elliott in 2010. Hyder, 42, is enjoying his second stint leading the #21 Ford and is under contract with the team through the end of the 2010 season. "I've really enjoyed my time with the Wood Brothers," Hyder said. "We'll continue to run a limited schedule and build the program with Bill behind the wheel."(FoxSports), #49 BAM Racing recently said that Hyder would return to them as crew chief in 2010.

Final Chase TV ratings posted: After averaging a 3.8 rating for its coverage of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in both 2007 and 2008, ABC's average for the 10 Chase races was a 3.5 for 2009. ESPN2's average rating for 26 NASCAR Nationwide Series race telecasts in 2009 was a 1.4, down from a 1.5 average in 2008 but even with the final average for 2007. (ESPN).

Roush Racing helps out NC Auto Racing HOF: For many, being able to give to others during this holiday season will be a difficult task. But it is not always the gift of tangible goods or money that can mean the most to its recipient. A recent event took place at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville, NC. On Thursday, November 19th, the NC Auto Racing HOF mailbox on Knob Hill Road was struck and destroyed by a customer. One of the museum's volunteers, an 80-year-old man, went outside to try to resurrect the mailbox. Watching him struggle with this task from across the street was someone from Roush Fenway Racing, who dispatched a group of their shop workers to come over and help. They poured cement for the new post, fabricated the mailbox, and installed it on the same day. All of this was done without their being asked to do so, and without any payment whatsoever. Replacing a mail box doesn't seem like a big expense but to small non-profit organizations like the Hall of Fame, it has an impact.(NCARHOF)

Kvapil talking to Front Row, but still looking: Travis Kvapil could drive for Front Row next year when that organization plans to expand to two full-time teams. "Nothing yet," Kvapil said. "I talked to the guys here at Front Row, and it sounds like they're definitely interested in putting something together, but really we haven't had any negotiation. We haven't done anything to put any sort of agreement together. I've been talking to a lot of teams. There's not a lot of opportunities out there. These guys, I really like the direction they're going. They've got some things in the works to make them a better team manufacturer-wise, technical-wise."(SceneDaily)

Blue Changes at Yates Shop: The building used by Yates Racing in Concord, N.C., soon will be gutted and prepared to expand into a four-car Sprint Cup garage when the merger with Richard Petty Motorsports is completed. The building was used to field two cars owned by Yates/Hall of Fame Racing in 2009. With the merger it will expand to the #9 of Kasey Kahne, #19 of Elliott Sadler, #43 of AJ Allmendinger and #98 of Paul Menard. The building is expected to be painted the famous Petty Blue since the organization will take on the RPM name. (ESPN Insider)

Sprint Experience Reaches 500,000 Fans in 2009: Recently, Sylvia Anderson from Garden Hill, Ontario became the 500,000th NASCAR fan to enter the Sprint Experience, an interactive fan pavilion Sprint provides at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. To commemorate the milestone, Anderson was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience, courtesy of Sprint, by celebrating with the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. Not only did Anderson take part in the post-race celebration with the 2009 NSCS champion at Homestead-Miami Speedway Sunday evening, but she also presented the Chase for the Sprint Cup leader flag to Jimmie Johnson, current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points leader, during driver introductions for the Nov. 22 Ford 400. Anderson and her husband, Rob, enjoyed Sunday's race from an upgraded seat inside the Sprint suite.

The Sprint Experience, a 10,000-square-foot interactive pavilion, travels to every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Fans who visit the pavilion are able to drive 3-D race simulators, play games for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series-branded prizes, and view Johnson's 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion's trophy. Interactive displays allow fans to learn more about Sprint products and services, including NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, the wireless application that delivers real-time, race-day statistics and telemetry from all 43 NSCS drivers and offers video on demand from NASCAR.com, SPEED and more. By reaching the 500,000-visitor mark, attendance at the Sprint Experience is up nearly 50% from the 2008 season.(Sprint PR)

Kyle Busch working on deal to remain with Joe Gibbs Racing

By Jeff Gluck/scenedaily.com

All indications point toward Kyle Busch remaining with Joe Gibbs Racing instead of hitting the free-agent market next season.

Representatives for both sides said Tuesday that contract extension talks have picked up recently and are expected to conclude with a new deal by the start of the 2010 season. Busch’s current contract with JGR had been set to expire at the end of next year.

“We’ve had ongoing discussions with them, and it has gotten a bit more serious,” Busch’s agent, Jeff Dickerson, said.

Team President J.D. Gibbs said he was “excited” about getting closer to a deal to have Busch remain with the team and said he didn’t anticipate any deal-breakers standing in the way of extending their union.

“Everything is looking long-term,” he said. “The [M&M] Mars partnership has been great, [along with] Interstate Batteries. Kyle has been really kind of growing, maturing.

“To me, it’s just detail stuff. I feel we’ll be in really good shape, just knocking some stuff out.”

Busch has won 12 races in two Sprint Cup seasons at JGR and won the Nationwide Series championship this season – his first NASCAR title – under the organization’s banner. He was not expected to look elsewhere, despite missing the Chase and having crew chief Steve Addington replaced with Dave Rogers in the aftermath.

Busch said earlier this year that JGR felt like home and that he hoped to remain with the team that has accepted his occasional outbursts.

Team owner Joe Gibbs and son J.D. “like me for who I am,” Busch said. “They see I have the drive and tenacity to try to be the best there ever was.”

Dale Jr. is Hendrick's No. 1 offseason priority

Associated Press

Getting Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team back on track is Rick Hendrick's top priority now that Jimmie Johnson has his record fourth consecutive NASCAR championship.

"We're all over it, and we've been all over it," Hendrick said Tuesday in a conference call. "It's my primary focus here, starting Monday."

Johnson gave Hendrick Motorsports its NASCAR record 12th championship in Sunday's season finale, and Hendrick drivers swept the top three spots in the standings. Mark Martin finished second and won five races this season, while Jeff Gordon finished third and had one victory.

Earnhardt, meanwhile, went winless and was a distant 25th in the final standings in his second season driving for Hendrick.

Hendrick changed Earnhardt's crew chief midway through the season, and assigned additional engineering support to the No. 88 team. Although his performance began to improve toward the end of the season, bad luck and mechanical problems left Earnhardt with very little to show for his efforts. Earnhardt had just five top-10 finishes all year, and admittedly struggled with his confidence.

"I've seen this happen with Jeff Gordon ... you just go through these (slumps)," Hendrick said. "We know we can make the team better and it's frustrating. The driver begins to think that no matter what he does, something is going to happen.

"We've had failures, we've had wrecks. If it could happen, it happened to that team. It's just been really frustrating."

Hendrick, meanwhile, said his 29-year-old niece is doing well after undergoing an emergency liver transplant Sunday in North Carolina.

He missed the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway after flying home Friday night to be with niece Alesha Gainey, who was healthy and headed to a Carolina Panthers game on Thursday night when she suddenly fell ill.

Hendrick said doctors aren't sure what caused Gainey's organs to fail, and although the liver transplant was successful, she's in critical condition because her kidneys aren't yet functioning.

Gainey is the daughter of Rick Hendrick's brother, John, who was one of the 10 people killed in a 2004 plane crash. Also killed in the accident was Gainey's younger twin sisters.

"It was never a doubt in my mind where I needed to be, and where I wanted to be," Hendrick said of missing the race. "I would have loved to have celebrated with them, but I wasn't in the frame of mind to celebrate. The good news is, the liver is working, she's stable and we're going to have a very good Thanksgiving."

Now Mayfield Is Just Being Stupid

By Greg Engle, CupScene.com Editor, NASCAR Examiner

The continuing saga of Jeremy Mayfield has taken a turn into Stupidville.

For those fans that may have been in the dark for the last year, Mayfield is the former driver who was suspended after testing positive for meth last spring. Both Mayfield and NASCAR have been in and out of court with each claiming they are right and the other side is wrong.

Up until Tuesday both sides had filed reasonable arguments stating their case. Whether NASCAR is right and Mayfield is wrong is a matter left to the courts, but one thing is clear; last week, lawyers representing Mayfield went way across the line.

According to a report by the Associated Press, Mayfield’s lawyers, led by defense attorney to the stars Mark Geragos, subpoenaed NASCAR CEO Brian France’s ex-wife Megan and requested documents concerning a lawsuit filed against her by her former husband, along with joint tax returns and mail addressed to Brian France.

Are you kidding me?

France sued his former wife last year and all the documents in the case have been sealed. But yet Mayfield’s attorneys feel they now need to pry in the private life of NASCAR’s CEO.
And for what reason?
It’s obvious that desperate times are calling for desperate measures, that someone in the Mayfield camp is looking for retribution despite the fact that there are still motions and legal proceedings that haven’t been addressed yet.
Tuesday NASCAR filed a motion in court that said, "They are attempting to improperly bring private, irrelevant information concerning Mr. France's domestic relations into this litigation as a means of retaliation.”
Well duh.
Not in anybody’s wildest dreams could there ever be a reason for someone connected to Mayfield to pry into the private life of NASCAR’s CEO for anything other than plain old fashioned mudslinging.
Geragos also petitioned the court to hold a deposition of Megan France on December 4th, which happens to be the same day as NASCAR's awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
In NASCAR’s filing they pointed out that the date Geragos selected is "on a day when neither NASCAR's corporate representatives nor Mr. France can attend."
Geragos of course was well aware of that.
What Geragos is attempting to do smacks of the same tactics some defense lawyer’s resort to when it’s obvious they have a less than even chance of winning; bug the hell out them and hope they want to settle out of court so Mayfield will just go away.
Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. Mayfield should have his day in court and one would hope he isn’t attempting now to try and have the matter settled before it’s ever heard in court.
What happened between Brian France and his ex-wife is their business. There is no one among us who would want our private affairs put before the public and the France family is no exception.
Before Geragos gets too far with his case though he should take note of the fact that Mayfield’s former attorney has not been paid and Mayfield spent last weekend auctioning off some of his property last weekend telling the AP that the auction was a ‘hobby’ but also as a way to pay his legal bills.
Of course Mayfield claimed weeks ago that he paid his former lawyer, Bill Diehl in Charlotte. However the lawyer said Mayfield owes a ‘significant’ amount of money to the firm.

NASCAR, not Johnson, driving fans away

By Tom Sorensen - The Charlotte Observer

Everybody who spends time around Jimmie Johnson likes him. He's friendly and doesn't make a big deal of who he is or what he has accomplished.

Jimmie grew up in a trailer park, an endearing little piece of history that goes against his courteous corporate image. But when I see him, and listen to him, I don't get a whiff of a trailer. Yet when I talk to another Johnson, Junior Johnson, I always look behind him to see how close revenuers are. History clings to him.

Jimmie, the four-time reigning Cup series champion, is not the problem with his sport. But his sport has serious problems.

The foremost of them is that the races are boring. Defenders of the sport, not all of whom are in the media, point to the multiple winners this season. Look how diverse we are. You never know what will happen next.

If the races aren't much fun to watch, what difference does it make who wins, unless it's Dale Earnhardt Jr., and he wins as often as I do.

TV ratings are down. Attendance is inconsistent. There will be Thanksgiving Day touch football games that attract as many spectators as the NASCAR Banking 500 did last month at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

NASCAR made a decision years ago. It decided to abandon the Southeast and South and appeal to fans nationally. The strategy was a short-term success. NASCAR became the hot new sport. Fans were sick of politics, sick of unions, and here was a sport in which the athletes played nice and a work stoppage was unfathomable. This was a ma and pa enterprise. There were no unions.

So, out with the South and in with Chicago and Kansas City, Kan.

Problem is, the new fans haven't stayed. They tried NASCAR the way they'd try a new restaurant and, after a few meals, they moved on. They failed to find compelling personalities to identify with. They failed to find the feuds that fuel our most popular sports (such as the NFL and the New York Giants vs. Philadelphia, Dallas vs. the world and Cleveland vs. itself).

The up-close and personal side by side racing for which the sport is known feels like history.

Ma, tell us about how exciting the racing was in the old days, before the Car of Tomorrow.

Fans in the Southeast and South, meanwhile, fans who for decades kept the sport afloat, felt cheated. After all their support, they lost races to the newcomers and, in some cases, they lost race tracks. When NASCAR abandoned them, they abandoned NASCAR.

I hear less talk about NASCAR in Charlotte than I have during the 28 years I've lived here. I'm talking about restaurants, bars, parties, at the gym, at work., everywhere people talk.

Yes, my friends always have been more likely to talk about the NFL than about racing. But always there was somebody who would talk about meeting Dale Earnhardt at a convenience store near Lake Norman, and being in awe. Or watching a race just to see what the “3 car” would do during the final 10 laps. Or they'd ask me which race they ought to see first, and where they ought to sit.

The only time NASCAR comes up now is when I ask why they stopped talking about it.

Waid's World

A NASCAR BLOG BY Steve Waid

Payback is part of racing and NASCAR knows it

I’m certainly not one to advocate that drivers go out and wreck each other during the course of a race, but when it comes to retribution, I say let ‘em do it – within reason, of course.

It doesn’t necessarily make for great racing, but it can be fun for the fans. And given that they’ve complained loud and often that too many races have been boring, NASCAR can use all the fun it can get.

Fiery competitors with an attitude certainly could inject some excitement into NASCAR.

NASCAR has plenty of heroes. It needs more villains.

You may consider Brad Keselowski a hero or villain. Ditto for Denny Hamlin. But their ongoing disagreement, which culminated at Homestead-Miami Speedway, provided some real spark to the season.

Hamlin was fed up with Keselowski, whom he claimed had “fouled” him multiple times during the year. Hamlin said payback would be hell, and he planned to do it.

He did at Homestead when he caught Keselowski and sent him into a spin early in the Ford 300 Nationwide Series race.

Then, in the Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race, Tony Stewart and Juan Pablo Montoya – neither the meek type – got into it.

Montoya bumped Stewart. Then Stewart whacked Montoya causing a flat tire and a bump into the wall.

After a stint in the garage Montoya returned to the race and delivered his payback. He bumped Stewart and sent him sliding into the grass.

Don’t you know the old guys like Bobby Allison, Richard Petty and David Pearson loved it? Paybacks have returned! Just like we used to do ‘em!

Speaking of Allison and Petty, they were bitter rivals in 1972. Petty was the reigning champion. and Allison, racing for Junior Johnson, wanted to unseat him.

On the short tracks, particularly Martinsville and the old track in North Wilkesboro, N.C., they slammed into each other so hard and so often their cars looked like candidates for the junkyard. They were never personal in their verbal attacks but they made clear who they thought was at fault and what would be done about it.

And NASCAR sat back and did nothing. Why bother? This type of racing was routine at the time. Paybacks were made on the track, as they were at Homestead.

I think NASCAR fully realized what was going on and had no problem with retribution. That’s probably why its penalties for Hamlin and Montoya were minor.

Hamlin was penalized just one lap. NASCAR pretty much had to hit him with something since he’d been announcing all week that Keselowski would get his.

Montoya was penalized two laps, and that didn’t matter much to him since he was already down more than 20 laps.

I think NASCAR has no problem with drivers settling their issues on the track.

And it should have no problem with trash talking, as long as it’s not profanity-laden. It’s inevitable. If drivers don’t do it on camera, just check out Twitter or Facebook.

But I am certain NASCAR has its limits - which it should. And lest anyone think I am advocating mayhem, I am not.

For example, there is a vast difference between a bump and spin and deliberate violent contact that can cause injury.

If any other innocent driver is involved in an act of retribution NASCAR needs to quickly respond with a harsh penalty.

No payback on pit road. The consequences could be dire.

Again, judgment should be harsh.

Otherwise, payback is part of racing. Again, I think NASCAR is well aware of that. It’s one reason it had a meeting with Keselowski to tell him he needed to cultivate friends, not enemies.

Let ‘em settle it themselves and the fans will choose their heroes and villains.

Just don't ever break up that No. 48 team

by Jeff Hammond/foxsports.com

I am excited for Jimmie Johnson. If there ever was the right guy, right team and right owner to represent our sport as our champion, then now is the time. Think about this, what Jimmie has accomplished has never happened in our sport since it was founded 61 years ago.

What Jimmie has done in the last four years is nothing short of phenomenal. If you go and look at the statistics since Jimmie became a Sprint Cup driver, well what he has done overall is nothing short of phenomenal.

Now here's the scary part. Well OK, it's only scary if you are his competitor. I don't see any reason for things to change in the near future. There's no reason to think they won't be just as good, if not better, next year. So the only thing his competitors can do is pick up the pace.

Can he win five championships in a row? Sure he can. I think it is a distinct possibility. There's no reason not to think it can happen. To beat Jimmie Johnson you are going to have to have the same type of equipment, same type of effort and the same type of talent.

Now that's not to say it's not out there, but you have to be able to put it all together. You really have to put it together when it really matters and that's during the final 10 races of the season. I personally think there are a lot of teams out there that can get it together and challenge Jimmie. Again, the issue is going to be whether any of these challengers can bring the same level of perfection that Jimmie and that No. 48 bunch bring to the table in the final 10 Chase races.

Right now, I think it will take a Hendrick car to beat a Hendrick car. So I look to Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart or Ryan Newman to be Jimmie's most immediate threat. These guys are going to have to match that team stride for stride.

I like what Darrell Waltrip said. We are looking at the greatest driver and team in NASCAR. That's not taking anything away from Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr. or any of our other champions, but what Jimmie has been able to accomplish in such a relatively short career is nothing short of mind boggling. They really are that good, folks. Now Jimmie has a new contract with Hendrick Motorsports. So he's not going anywhere. The Drive for Five is a legitimate opportunity.

Some folks want to say it’s one element or the other that is the main cause of the success of that No. 48 car. For me, it's all equal parts. They have a great race car driver, combined with a great crew chief, combined with a great owner that gives them all the assets they need to be successful. Take any one of those components away and this team will not be as effective as it is right now.

If you don't believe me, then look what happened when Dale Inman left Richard Petty. If you don't believe that, then look what happened to Dale Earnhardt when he lost Kirk Shelmerdine. If you don't believe that, then look at Jeff Gordon when he lost Ray Evernham. These drivers were still good, but nowhere near as good as they were when they were together.

Chemistry between a driver and a crew chief is like catching lightning in a bottle. It happens more times than not more by accident than by design. Once you find it though, never let go of it or try to dilute it. Guys that think they can do it without the other sure have another think coming.

Overall, I have been pretty impressed with what we saw this season. We saw some outstanding racing and some tremendous efforts by these drivers this year. I have enjoyed seeing some of these guys get up on the wheel for all 36 races. I have enjoyed that.

What I also liked this year was the fact we had new drivers go to Victory Lane in 2009. So there was some new blood in Keselowski, Reutimann and Logano. Also look at what Tony Stewart has done in only one year. He struck out on his own and now has built something that he can be so very proud of. He's a racer and it's great to see him doing it for the right reasons. We need more racers like Tony who have become businessmen. That will help keep our sport healthy.

Let's also give a tip of the hat to NASCAR for making some good changes this year. The double file restarts have added so much to the racing. It definitely has improved the show. I also hope they continue to move forward making positive changes in the sport when it comes to safety.

Considering the economy and all the challenges folks are facing, 2009 from a racing standpoint was pretty impressive. We saw history made in NASCAR. When you can be doing that, then you have to admit our sport is moving in the right direction.

Up Front

Ben White - NASCAR Illustrated

Juan Pablo Montoya

Juan Pablo Montoya wasn’t expected to be a Chase contender this season.

His team, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, merged and downsized over the offseason and the two-car operation didn’t seem to have a shot against the likes of Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. On top of that, Montoya was coming off a 25th-place finish in the points last year.

But halfway through the 2009 season, the 33-year-old Colombian sat a remarkable ninth in points with nine top-10s in 19 starts — six more than he managed in all of 2008.

NASCAR Illustrated: Are you happy with the way things have gone so far this season?

Juan Pablo Montoya: I think we’ve had good weeks and bad weeks but more good than bad. I think we’ve raced really smart all year. To be honest, I hope we can keep doing the same things. It’s all about consistency.

NI: What’s the overall goal this season?

Montoya: People said they were sure we were smoking something, but the goal is to make the Chase. I think we are in good shape to do it.

NI: How important is it for you and the team to make the Chase?
Montoya: Making the Chase is the first step for us as a company — to prove how good we are and how good we can become. It would be really cool if we can make the Chase, and it would really suck if we were close and missed it.
NI: What are your team’s biggest strengths and weaknesses?

Montoya: Our biggest strength is that everyone works really well together. Our biggest weakness is that we are not the size of the bigger teams. But at the same time, our weakness serves as a strength. Everyone is focusing on two cars rather than four or five. You look at an organization like Roush Fenway Racing and you have five cars that are kind of struggling.

NI: How is the communication between you and crew chief Brian Pattie?

Montoya: It’s good. It’s crazy, you know? It’s out of control during the races. But it’s all about the passion. We have the passion to do good. We have the passion to run well and win races and we are doing whatever it takes to do it.

NI: Did you ever imagine that you would be making a living driving a stock car?

Montoya: Never. Not even an open wheel car, either. I’ve always raced because I love it. I’m very blessed to be able to do it and make a living from it.

NI: How do you think you’ve handled the transition from open wheel racing to NASCAR?

Montoya: I think I’ve done well. I knew it was going to be hard and I knew it was going to take time. Some people thought that it was impossible but I didn’t think so. I think my driving style is very different and it took a while for people to understand how I wanted to drive the car. Once we got to that point, I learned a little bit more about how to drive the car. It really brought everything together.

NI: What surprises you most about racing in NASCAR?

Montoya: The fans. They are incredible and have such passion for the sport. It’s exciting to see.
NI: How have you and your family adapted to living in the United States?

Montoya: We like it. Even before driving in NASCAR was talked about, we wanted to retire in the United States. We always thought once I stopped racing that we would move here. We had the place in Miami already that we live in now and that was always a part of the plan.

NI: Do you have a favorite city in the United States?
Montoya: I really enjoy Miami but I have always loved Chicago. It’s big and has the things like New York without the smell. It’s a lot cleaner.
NI: What is your favorite American food?

Montoya: That’s a hard one to answer. There are a lot of things. I’m a big fan of fast food but I don’t eat at those places as much as I used to. I do like In-N-Out Burger or Five Guys. Those places are incredible.

NI: What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Montoya: I do a lot of windsurfing right now. By August, the wind is good around Miami. I’m going to Aruba to windsurf for two weeks. I’m also a big golfer. I don’t play as much as I used to but I still really get a kick out of playing golf. I also have RC planes and I’m learning to fly helicopters. And I have jet skis, motor bikes, a climbing wall and I just bought a pingpong table. I get a kick out of playing pingpong.

NI: Of all those activities, which do you do best?

Montoya: I’m decent at all of them. I just don’t get enough time to practice. Last year, I had a seven handicap in golf. This year, I’m probably a 15 or 18. I don’t get to go and hit balls and things like that. I just don’t have the time.

Junior: New Enquirer story bunk; hot tub one …

David Newton/espn.com

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. laughed when asked on pit road Friday if recent allegations in a National Enquirer story entitled "Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a death spiral" were true.

He jokingly said there was more truth in a 2004 Enquirer article that said he and drivers Jamie McMurray and Elliott Sadler were involved with "naked partying" with girls in beer-filled hot tubs during spring break in Panama City, Fla.

"The hot tub story was kind of true," NASCAR's most popular driver said with a laugh. "Filling it up with beer, well, who hasn't done that?"

I sheepishly raised my hand.

"Even when you were in college?" he said, his voice raising a few octaves. "Holy … !"

Sorry to disappoint.

And by the way, the best part about the 2004 story, which Earnhardt pretty much shot down at the time, was that Martin Truex Jr. also was with the group but identified as Tony Stewart because that's who he told everybody he was.

Back to the current Enquirer article. Earnhardt said he considered legal action against the publication before realizing it was worded in a way "so you really can't go after it."

"I got all tore up about how we qualified at Charlotte [in October] and I got in front of you guys and really said how I feel," Earnhardt said after qualifying at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "A couple of metaphors I used such as 'end of my rope' put me in range of those guys.

"They played target practice on that. I actually researched online how many people had sued and won."

The article anonymously quoted several sources supposedly close to Earnhardt saying he had turned to "booze" to cope with what statistically is his worst season in the Sprint Cup series.

The article said he "burned through a string of girlfriends and he's still haunted by the tragic death of his legendary father."

"Dale Jr. seems almost in a death spiral," disclosed a pal in the story. "He's locked himself away from his closest friends, and he's upset all the time.

"Those closest to him are concerned about his mental health and well-being. No one wants to see him do something stupid. We've suggested that he get help, take some time off and regroup, but he won't listen."

Earnhardt again laughed off the article, refusing to call 2009 his worst season ever even though statistics -- 24th in points with no wins -- suggest otherwise.

What he means is the scrutiny he's been under for lack of performance is far less than what he went through during the family warfare with stepmother Teresa Earnhardt.

"It doesn't really bother me that much," he said of the article. "A lot of people say any publicity is good. We're [24th] in points and still relevant for the National Enquirer."

As for this season, Earnhardt said a lot of good things have happened and that he wished the year wasn't over so his team could continue to improve.

But he said confidence is what his team needs to work on the most during the offseason.

"That's where it starts," Earnhardt said. "I need to believe that they believe, and vice versa. If they get the feeling I don't believe in them, then we are done. That's the worst thing I can do. It's a two-way street between every employee on that team."

Earnhardt said some of the changes crew chief Lance McGrew has made in the structure of the team at the Concord, N.C., shop have helped.

"And we'll see hopefully some more of that as we get closer to Daytona," he said, referring to next year's opener. "He's already made some good changes and done a pretty good job of helping us improve as a team."

The Enquirer probably won't report that, though, unless McGrew fills the car with beer.

Top Ten…

Jeff Meyer · Fronstretch.com

Things I Want To Say About The 2009 NASCAR Season

Author’s note: Since the 2009 season was really just a bad re-run of 2008, I simply modified last season’s “end of the year Top Ten.” As long as there is a Chase and Jimmie keeps winning it, this will probably be a yearly tradition.

10. (2008) Brian France could disappear off the face of the earth tomorrow and no one would notice. Well OK, we would notice because someone with some competence would be running the show. However, this guy has been here five years now and still, every time he speaks or appears in public, you are left with a profound sense of waste. This guy is not bright enough to tie the laces on his loafers. Oh, that’s right, loafers don’t have laces!

(2009) Oh yeah! Thank you Brian for never letting us down! You are doing even better than last year! Just goes to prove that “stupid is forever!”

9. (2008) The ban of testing will not save the teams one bit of money. As it has been pointed out on this site before, the teams that could afford testing will spend it some other (possibly more expensive) way. The teams that couldn’t afford massive testing, well, they ain’t got the money to save anyway and are only hurt further.

(2009) The testing ban was simply replaced by “Goodyear tire tests.” One thing that I have figured out, though: Goodyear’s testing of the new “larger tire” is directly linked to NASCAR’s failing “Drive for Diversity.” It’s not so much that the tire is larger, but that the rims are! By developing a short sidewall tire mounted on really big, shiny rims, NASCAR is hoping to attract more minorities into the garage!

8. (2008) Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. This is either the start of something better than either had by themselves or a massive train wreck waiting to happen. DEI was a once proud and formidable contender in the Cup garage that has become nothing more than an also ran. Chip Ganassi Racing, which never really was anything super special in the series, seems to have a super fast revolving door when it comes to personnel. Me, I’m standing aside and betting on the train wreck.

(2009) OK, so I missed the mark with this one! Ol’ “Juablo” had one heck of a season. I can only surmise that, despite the team name, Teresa is not trying to run this show, and her only involvement is to simply have her last name above the door. Good move, Chip!

7. (2008) Sponsors and NASCAR. If NASCAR truly wanted to help the teams, it would put a freeze on any company becoming the “official” anything of NASCAR. They should direct them instead to various teams that need help. Stop stealing the limited dollars that are out there. NASCAR is _not losing money. They are just not making as big of a profit._

(2009) As sponsors in record numbers continue to divest themselves of all things NASCAR, ISC is selling the acreage they bought in New York. They paid $110 million for it a few years ago and hope to sell it before the end of the year for $80 million. Meanwhile, the die-cast business has gone bankrupt, attendance is way down, and the ratings … well, NASCAR is reportedly happy that now, with the offseason finally here, the downward spiral of the ratings should level off a bit! The state of the sport is marvelous!

6. (2008) Kyle Busch. What a year! All I will say about Kyle is thank God for Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus!

(2009) Had Kyle even made the Chase this year, it would have made JJ’s fourth title even more special. As it was, it was still fun to see the meltdown of Kyle that allowed him to focus on winning his first championship in the minor leagues!

5. (2008) Regan Smith got screwed! I still say Smith was forced below the yellow line by Tony Stewart at Talladega, robbing him of his first victory. If that weren’t enough, Smith is named Rookie of the Year for 2008 and still has no set car to drive in ’09! Here’s hoping his current contract allowed him to keep all the prize monies for the ROY award. At least he won’t go hungry.

(2009) The drama of ‘Dega didn’t involve yellow lines this year, but rather fences and physics! What goes up must come down, as the “wing” has proven. But not to worry, ISC had stronger, taller fences installed so all should be OK. Does that mean NASCAR plans to increase the size of the wing? Wouldn’t surprise me a bit! As for Regan Smith … he did manage to run 18 races and won just over a million in prize money this year, so he’s doing better than me!

4. (2008) My “Best T-Shirt I’ve Seen at a Race” Award goes out to an unknown fan at the Nationwide race in St. Louis. It simply read “Kyle Busch Sucks!” This guy got more cheers than Kyle gets boos every time he came back to the stands with a beverage!

(2009) While waiting in line to pee at the Vegas race this spring, I did see a guy with “Jeff Gordon Sucks” on the front of his shirt. The back? “Jimmie Johnson Swallows.” I don’t know if that is worthy of any award, but the guy did seem to enjoy being the center of a lot of attention and posed for many a photograph!

3. (2008) Jimmie Johnson is no Cale Yarborough. Yes, JJ and Chad are very good and there is no denying what they have done. However, when a sport has changed the point system as drastically as NASCAR has, it’s like saying the ’07 Patriots were better than the ’72 Dolphins simply because they won more games!

(2009) OK, I still stand by statement, but now that Jimmie has four Cups, I actually feel a bit sorry for him. While NASCAR wants you to believe that his feat is the greatest thing to ever, ever happen in the history of all sports, those that really know anything about racing really do look at it with an asterisk. The playoff format has altered the overall approach to racing so much that we will never know how good Jimmie really is. But we do know that the No. 48 team has this system down pat, and essentially uses the first 26 races as a way to beat the testing ban!

2. (2008) Thank you, Dale Jarrett for being my NASCAR hero for all those years. If you thought Tony Stewart got a bit teary eyed last Sunday, you should have seen me during the spring Bristol race!

(2009) Of all the folks that do any broadcasting of the races throughout the year over the various networks, I have to say that Jarrett and Andy Petree are by far the least annoying. Neither have a tendency to say foolish things or act goofy. Unfortunately, we did lose the great Bill Weber from the booth halfway through the year. (That is heavy sarcasm, for those of you that are a fan of it!)

1. (2008) The best thing about the whole 2008 season? Meeting a very special and beautiful Canadian nurse whose favorite driver is the same as mine! At least that will cut down on future arguments on Sunday afternoon as to whose driver is best! Thank you, NASCAR!

(2009) That pretty nurse? Yeah, we’re still an item! After attending several races together at various venues, she still seems to like me … except when I snore. Then, she hits! Overall, a small price to pay for a partner that enjoys the same stuff that you do!

Also, a HUGE THANK YOU must go out to all the faithful readers of the Top Ten! Whether you agreed with my lists this last year or not, you kept on coming back. I hope it has been entertaining. Thank you very much!

Well, that's all for today.  Until the next time, I remain,

Your Nascar Momma

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Happy Tuesday.

Quote of the Year

There's an unwritten rule in NASCAR: Thou shalt not take on Dale Earnhardt Jr.

--Terry Blount/espn

Countdown to Daytona

82

Comments from the Peanut Gallery

From Darrel

NASCAR should get out of the automobile design business and let the owners run what the major manufactures sell to the public. What happen to the “Stock Car” in NASCAR?

Dom I agree with you, but just think what the car would be like after it had been modified to be as safe as the present NASCAR design.

I would like to see a car that is closer to being as stable as the one that was replaced.

I do agree that they should look more like the street car that they are representing.

Darrel

From My Mom

I totally agree with FM.  Each car in the NASCAR racing are nothing but CLONES.  Let's get some diversity in the cars, with certain limitations of course.

From Chip

Dear NASCAR Momma: Does anyone out there have any stats on how many times the Hendrick cars have been held for further inspection after the races. I read in today's newsletter that Johnson and Martins cars were both taken again. Hasn't this happened just way too many times? Yes they took Hamlin's car too but why skip Kyle Busch? Why so many Chevrolets when the bodies differ only in decals of manufacturing sponsors? It is just curiosity getting the best of me. Martin did not lead a lap all day yet his car gets tagged once again.
     Will the Stewart - Montoya thing carry over to next year? We have not heard much from either driver on that issue. It appears to me that JPM is a bit of a hot-head. He got passed by Stewart and because Tony slid up in front of him JPM and for that he was rewarded with a slam in the rear. Tony must take credit for retaliation which cut JPM's tire down and ruined his day but who among us did not think that after JPM returned to the track that Tony was going to get hit for his payback thus ruining his day also. The final point standings dropped both drivers but to not see this coming was another one of the missed opportunities for NASCAR. Different rules for the latter part of the season seem to let things like this happen in both series as Hamlin told the media that payback was coming and then delivered on his promise. All well and fine as no one was injured just a few egos with dents in them I guess. We need something to ponder as we await Daytona. Keep up the countdown. Chip

Bits and Pieces

Johnson to light up the Emprise State Building: On Tuesday, Nov. 24th, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion is scheduled to flip the switch to light the Empire State Building's world-famous tower lights blue, white and yellow to celebrate "Jimmie Johnson Day" in New York City. New York Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon will introduce Johnson at the lighting ceremony, which is scheduled to start around 2:30pm/et. The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets in New York City.

Overnight Homestead TV ratings posted: ABC's broadcast of Sunday's FORD 400 Sprint Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway earned a 3.2 overnight rating with a 6 share. That is down from last season Nov. 16th race at Homestead, a 3.7 ratings with a 7 share. The final rating in 2008 for Homestead was a 4.0 rating and a 7 share.

Evernham looking to be involved with race team again: Former car owner and crew chief, Ray Evernham, said prior to Sunday's season-ending Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway that he hopes to get a series of legal issues resolved in the coming weeks that may pave the way for a return in some capacity with a race team. "Unfortunately for me, there are a lot of legal things going on right now. And there will be more legal things to come," said Evernham, who remains a minority stockholder in what is now known as Richard Petty Motorsports and also serves as a color analyst on ESPN television race broadcasts. "I'm not 100 percent sure [what I'll be doing next year]. Right now I have a contract on the table from ESPN -- and I love working for ESPN. I have a blast with what I do there. We'll have to see. I'm not going to say that I'll never be back over here. I just don't know in what capacity."
Evernham has made no secret of his desire to rid himself of his minority stake in RPM, which previously was known as Gillett Evernham Motorsports -- and before that was simply Evernham Motorsports, in which he was founder and majority owner. "I've got some meetings next week. There is a lot going on where we've got to get some clear communication on -- things that are going on and where I fit in all that," Evernham said. "I own a percentage of everything as a stockholder. I am a stockholder in that business today." He also has a non-compete deal with Gillett-Evernham that he would like clarified -- if not severed altogether. That could clear the way for him to return to the garage in some capacity with another race team beginning as early as next season. Evernham added that he has not spoken with majority owner George Gillett on any consulting issues since last May.(NASCAR.com)

BAM announces featured artist for Daytona 500; crew chief returns: Warner Music Nashville (WMN) and BAM Racing (BAM) announced that Larry the Cable Guy will be the featured artist on the #49 BAM Toyota for the 2010 Daytona 500. BAM Racing owner, Beth Ann Morgenthau said, "We're thrilled to be able to have this dual unveiling before the end of the year to give fans a hint of what's in store form Warner Music Nashville and BAM Racing for 2010. The new fan program has already generated a lot of interest, and I'm also delighted to be able to introduce the first artist so soon. It's exciting to think that this is just the first of many entertainers who will be featured on our racecars throughout the year." In response to what seems to be the most pressing question, Beth Ann Morgenthau released the following statement concerning the driver of the BAM Racing #49: "We are currently talking to a number of drivers who aren't under contract for 2010. At this point we haven't eliminated from consideration any driver who is a free agent."
In addition, both WMN Vice President of Marketing, Kelli Cashiola and Morgenthau discussed details of the partnership's new VIP Fan Experience. The VIP Fan Experience is a fan-centered project that allows enhanced access to the NASCAR Sprint Cup race team and WMN recording artists. Fans can immediately sign up in the VIP program at www.VIPFanExperience.com. Larry the Cable Guy, in a prepared statement, used the following analogy to describe the level of access for the VIP Fan Experience, "If you were anymore 'inside' you'd be a roadie and ridin' shotgun at 190mph!" Included in the press conference was SPEED TV's Bob Dillner's announcement of BAM Racing's new 30-minute, weekly internet radio show "BAM Spirit . . . the BAM Racing Story" available at www.RaceTalkRadio.com.(BAM PR) AND - Crew Chief: Morgenthau said David Hyder would be returning to the team as crew chief; Hyder has been working with the Woods and Bill Elliott this season. The driver has yet to be announced. The engines will likely be provided either by Joey Arrington or Toyota's High Point race engine department. Morgenthau said the team would run the full 36-race tour.(MikeMulhern.net)

Two teams, two tracks file claims with former General Motors

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

Two race teams and two race tracks have filed claims with the former General Motors, which was restructured through bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The deadline for filing claims is Nov. 30, and according to an online claims register for the company (now known as Motorsports Liquidation Co.), 27,141 claims have been filed as of Nov. 16.

Among those:

• Dale Earnhardt Inc. is asking for $3,252,706.89 based on a contract it had with General Motors. What the contract was for was not specified.

• Daytona International Speedway is asking for $651,018.75 for a hospitality contract.

• JR Motorsports is asking for $198,000 for a sponsorship contract.

• Auto Club Speedway is asking for $45,500 for a hospitality contract.

No decisions on whether the race teams or tracks will get the money they believe they are owed have been made.

Fans vote Brad Keselowski the Nationwide Series' most popular driver

By Lee Montgomery/scenedaily.com

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Brad Keselowski hasn’t been the most popular driver among NASCAR Nationwide Series competitors recently, but Monday night he was awarded the series’ Most Popular Driver trophy as voted by fans.

After accepting the award, Keselowski acknowledged some of his controversial run-ins with other drivers, notably Denny Hamlin.

“I know I haven’t always done the best job of making friends on the race track – just throwing that out there,” Keselowski said. “But I’d like to think I’ve got some friends off the race track and in the garage. I appreciate all their support.”

Keselowski also thanked some others, including NASCAR President Mike Helton, “who I got to meet a couple weeks ago.” Keselowski was called to the NASCAR hauler for a chat during the series’ penultimate weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.

Keselowski, who drove for JR Motorsports this year but is moving to Penske Racing for 2010, also won the popularity award last year.

“It’s an honor just to compete in this series,” Keselowski said. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the last few years is how awesome our fans are. There’s no sport on this planet that can rival NASCAR racing and its fan base. It’s amazing to have those fans. To get their vote as most popular driver is truly an honor.”

Nationwide Series season awards

Manufacturer: Toyota
Featherlite Most Improved Driver (from start to finish of races): Mike Bliss
Mobile 1 Command Performance Award (best finishes among teams that use sticker): Jason Leffler
Coors Light Pole Award (most poles): Carl Edwards
Mahle Clevite Engine Builder of the Race: Mark Cronquist, Joe Gibbs Racing
Wix Filters Lap Leader Award (most laps led, non-top-35 Cup driver, Wix sticker): Mike Bliss
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award (most wins): Kyle Busch
Nationwide Dash 4 Cash Award (most points in four selected races): Brad Keselowski

Little Help Over Here, Please

By Jim Pedley | Managing Editor
RacinToday.com

Five things I don’t understand about what happened over the past 10 months in NASCAR:

First. How in the world can Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus continue run bare foot through thousands of miles of mine fields and come out the other side with every hair still in place?

The fast cars, the great decisions, the flawless driving – I can understand all of that. That all comes from talent and preparation and natural abilities. Fine. What I cannot understand is the ability to continually dodge misfortune in a sport in which misfortune is just inches away and traveling at 200 mph.

And do not give me that old cliché that luck is the product of preparation. You cannot prepare for David Stremme unexplainably turning left – in the middle of a straightaway.

Second. How on earth can Jack Roush-owned race cars win the first two events in 2009 and then not again until Jamie McMurray grabs an odd victory during the Chase?

The team has five cars, for gosh sakes. In three of those cars sit three of the best drivers to ever slide though a Cup-car window. This team was so good a couple years ago that NASCAR decided it had to enact a rule that said, sorry, four cars per operation and four cars only.

Jack Roush has not suddenly gotten dumb. He has not, to my knowledge, posted any memos on his Concord campus telling all Roush Fenway workers to not work as hard and to do lousy jobs.

Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle a combined 0 for 72? How? Why? I’m asking.

Third. Why are very smart people chasing Danica Patrick’s driving services around the country as though she possessed something which would turn their teams into superpowers.

OK, I get the money and sponsorship thing. These tough times are forcing a lot of right-thinking people to make goofy decisions. And Danica is likely to bring attention and, hence, dough.

But wouldn’t you think established team owners in NASCAR would also insist that somebody they hire have a resume of some kind. One which says champion on it somewhere or at least multi-time race winner?

I mean, why not just go out and hire Angelina Jolie to drive for you and worry about teaching her what a clutch is later?

Fourth. What has happened to Little E? This is where the folks who hate Dale Earnhardt Jr. say he is a lousy driver, that he was always overrated and that they are not surprised he wins about as often as politicians do what’s best for the country.

Junior can drive a race car. He may not be as good or as intense as his father was, but he can drive a race car. He has two Busch championships and has won 18 Winston/Sprint Cup races. In 2004, he won six races which was second most in the series to, yep, Jimmie Johnson.

Sorry, you just do not do those things unless you have driving talent.

And now, he is in the best equipment in racing and has trouble finding the finish line, let alone Victory Lane?

Fifth. Why do such lousy things keep happening in Rick Hendrick’s personal life?

He’s been punched out by cancer, he’s had 10 of his family members – including his son and brother – and friends die in the most horrible way you can imagine. His drivers have been killed and severely injured. His niece is apparently near death with a liver problem.

From virtually all accounts – and from personal interaction – I can tell you this is one decent, caring human being. Yet he keeps getting pummeled by personal tragedies. And no, success in business cannot offset that.

NASCAR seeks to keep Brian France-Megan France documents out of Jeremy Mayfield case

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR is attempting to keep information from a lawsuit Brian France filed against his ex-wife from getting into the hands of suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield and his legal team.

NASCAR filed motions Monday in U.S. District Court asking that Megan France be prohibited from producing documents from Brian France’s lawsuit against her.

Brian and Megan France were separated in fall 2007 and divorced in Florida on April 29, 2008, according to NASCAR’s brief filed Tuesday. Brian France later sued Megan in North Carolina Superior Court in September 2008, and those pleadings were sealed in December 2008. The Charlotte Observer has recently asked the court to open those documents.

Mayfield’s attorneys issued a subpoena to Megan France last Friday requesting those documents as well as any joint tax returns for 2007 and 2008 and any mail addressed to Brian France in North Carolina. The reason stated for the request has to do with whether the federal court has jurisdiction or whether it should return the case to state court, according to NASCAR’s motion.

NASCAR suspended Mayfield on May 9 for a random drug test it says was positive for methamphetamines. Mayfield claims his test results came from his taking the prescription drug Adderall and over-the-counter allergy medication Claritin-D.

“They are attempting to improperly bring private, irrelevant information concerning Mr. France’s domestic relations into this litigation as a means of retaliation,” NASCAR wrote in its brief.

Megan France is being represented in the domestic dispute by the law firm of James, McElroy & Diehl – the law firm that represented Mayfield until last month, when Mayfield switched to noted celebrity attorney Mark Geragos.

NASCAR also is asking the court to intervene and order that the deposition of Megan France be done after Dec. 14. Geragos’ subpoena sets the date for her deposition for Dec. 4, the day of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet.

“[Mayfield is] insisting on holding the deposition of Megan France on a day when neither NASCAR’s corporate representatives nor Mr. France can attend,” NASCAR wrote in one of its briefs.

Jeremy Mayfield injunction dropped at suspended driver’s request

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

The U.S. District Court judge who initially granted an injunction that lifted driver Jeremy Mayfield’s suspension for what NASCAR says was a May 1 drug test that was positive for methamphetamines has rescinded the injunction at Mayfield’s request.

U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen vacated the injunction in a three-sentence ruling Monday.

Mayfield never did get back on the track after obtaining the July 1 injunction that lifted his May 9 suspension. The U.S. Court of Appeals granted NASCAR’s request for a stay of the injunction July 24, and Mayfield has been suspended since then and has sold his team. Mayfield then requested that the injunction be permanently dropped so the case can move quickly. The earliest a trial would be is September 2010, and the only consequence for not having the injunction is that Mayfield would not be able to race in NASCAR until a decision is made at trial.

Last week, NASCAR filed a motion it hopes will end Mayfield’s lawsuit by asking Mullen to rule on the filings instead of there being more investigation into the issues. Mayfield has yet to file a response to that motion, but his attorney has called that motion a desperate move.

Mayfield, who qualified for five of the first 11 Sprint Cup races this season after starting his own team and who has 433 career series starts, is the only Sprint Cup driver who has failed a random drug test this year. He claims his test results came from his taking the prescription drug Adderall and over-the-counter allergy medication Claritin-D.

Jeremy Mayfield attorney calls NASCAR’s latest attempt to dismiss case a desperate move

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Jeremy Mayfield’s attorney is calling NASCAR’s latest moves in the case involving the suspended Sprint Cup Series driver a “desperate attempt by desperate people.”

Mark Geragos, the prominent attorney who has represented several celebrities, said NASCAR is trying to delay the case by also asking that the discovery phase conducted by attorneys prior to trial be halted until its latest motion can be heard. That motion filed Tuesday asks U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen to rule in its favor based on the pleadings that already have been filed.

“They’ve thrown up this imbecilic attempt to dismiss the case,” Geragos said in a phone interview Thursday. “We’re confident once we’re in the courtroom, the truth will be told.”

Mayfield, who was suspended May 9 for a May 1 test that NASCAR says was positive for methamphetamines, has sued NASCAR for breach of contract, discrimination and defamation in an attempt to get back on the track and for financial damages.

Mayfield has denied using methamphetamines and contends the drug-test findings that prompted his suspension resulted from a combination of prescription drug Adderall, which is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and over-the-counter Claritin-D allergy medicine. He also contends that NASCAR must follow guidelines that regulate federal agencies. NASCAR denies that Aegis Sciences Corp., which conducts the NASCAR drug-testing program, must follow those regulations.

A trial – if there are no delays – is scheduled for September 2010.

NASCAR’s latest motions include one by Aegis asking for an extension in time for discovery. Geragos said these recent motions could be in response to his request for more documents on the way NASCAR Chairman Brian France conducts his life and his driving record – similar to some of the requests NASCAR has made of Mayfield.

“This is shocking to me because they have done nothing but rummage around in Jeremy’s life,” Geragos said. “We have got nothing to hide. And as soon as we start asking for discovery from them, they want to stay discovery. They want to stop the process … because they know they’re in trouble.”

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said that NASCAR has not received document requests or interrogatories from Geragos, and disputed Geragos' characterization of NASCAR's motive behind its recent motions.

In its motion Tuesday, NASCAR contends:

• The driver agreement with NASCAR waives all claims arising from the implementation of NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy.

• NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy does not include an obligation to follow guidelines that regulate federal agencies.

• France and Aegis’ Dr. David Black have no reason to believe the tests are inaccurate, so their statements about Mayfield testing positive were done without malice – and with Mayfield a public figure, their statements cannot be considered defamation.

• NASCAR did not discriminate against Mayfield because Mayfield is not a NASCAR employee and not a qualified person with a disability under North Carolina law.

Mullen won’t rule on the motion until after Mayfield has a chance to file a response. He is the same judge who initially granted Mayfield an injunction to have the suspension lifted July 1 although he has since indicated he would reverse his decision based on additional information. Mayfield has indicated he isn’t seeking the injunction any longer.

“He has been damaged,” Geragos said of Mayfield. “Ultimately, now at this point, we know that NASCAR is so desperate they’ll never let him back on the track. We’ve come to grips with that. We want the truth told in a courtroom. We want to expose NASCAR for what it is. Our ultimate goal is to have the truth be told.”

And what’s Geragos’ version of the truth?

“I’ll save that for the courtroom,” he said. “We’re the ones who have complied with discovery. They’re the ones who are doing anything possible to hide and seal and stop and stay. If they’ve got nothing to hide and if this is all on the up-and-up, what are they afraid of?”

Aero package for restrictor-plate races being evaluated

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR hasn’t ruled out the possibility of making aerodynamic changes to the Sprint Cup cars for Daytona that could require a test at the track prior to Speedweeks in February, NASCAR President Mike Helton said Monday.

Helton talked about changes to the Cup car during a luncheon prior to the NNS/NCWTS Awards Banquet tonight.

With NASCAR Chairman Brian France talking Friday about changes to the car possibly happening during the offseason, Helton expanded on what changes have been made and what the future holds.

One piece of the Cup car that could get changed is the aero package for Daytona and Talladega. Cars went airborne in each of the Talladega races this year. NASCAR has wind-tunnel tests scheduled in a couple of weeks for the Cup car focused on restrictor-plate tracks.

“[We’re] specifically looking at the chemistry of the roof flaps because we have the ability through the camera angles and data collection to learn more about the incidents [at Talladega], particularly the 39 [of Ryan Newman] at Talladega this past October. We can learn more,” Helton said. “We will do things over the offseason and if it is a major change for Daytona, we may have to do something [test] there to take a look at it. We’ll have to wait and see what we find out from the wind tunnel and a complete evaluation.”

As far as any rule changes for the car for races not at Daytona and Talladega, Helton said only to anticipate subtle changes.

“I don’t see anything glaring that has to be fixed, and there is not an overwhelming consensus of anything major [to change],” Helton said. “I still won’t sit here and tell you there won’t be something. … We always put out a rule book and then we put out a lot of [technical] bulletins along the way.

“Several years ago we made a commitment to the team owners not to make major changes without a lot of advance warning. We’re at the end of the season. We’re not that far from the opening of the next season so advance warning, I think, is something that would have to be factored in and we’re in that period.”

The car at times has been blamed for being difficult to adjust and also for too much single-file racing. The rear wing, which replaced a splitter, also has been a topic of conversation. The new Nationwide Series car, which will be introduced for four races in 2010 before a full rollout in 2011, has a spoiler instead of a wing. It also has more manufacturer identity features in the front, which also will help with front downforce.

“I couldn’t sit here and tell you today that the wing is there forever on the Cup side,” Helton said. “I couldn’t tell you that the [front] splitter as we know it on the Cup car will exist forever. I can tell you we are going to learn a lot with the Nationwide car that has a different configuration to it aerodynamically and we’ll learn from that and we’ll see what happens.”

Helton said since the first introduction of the Cup car in 2007 there have been at least 25 subtle changes in the rules. The splitter can be moved asymmetrically, weight can be repositioned differently in the car, and there are spring changes and a smaller flywheel in the motors. Those changes have allowed drivers to adapt to the new car.

“Car owners are very quick to tell us that they don’t want any major changes right now that will cost them a lot of money in engineering or redevelopment,” Helton said. “We continue to look at the subtle elements that we can continue to work with crew chiefs and drivers to give them adjustability. The manufacturers themselves have changes coming in the styling of the nose of the car that we will have to address, which is nothing new.”

One thing NASCAR won’t consider is changes that just make it easier to drive.

“Race cars aren’t supposed to be easy to drive, no more than riding a bull for eight seconds or throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass or hitting 15 home runs,” Helton said. “Those things aren’t easy. If they were easy, they wouldn’t be valuable to fans. It wouldn’t be hero material.”

Burton: Hamlin Was Justified

By Reid Spencer, Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

HOMESTEAD, Fla.— To Jeff Burton, there are times when it’s OK to dump a fellow driver.

Burton finished third in Saturday’s Ford 300 Nationwide race behind series champion Kyle Busch and runner-up Carl Edwards, but the most noteworthy action took place on Lap 34, when Denny Hamlin spun Brad Keselowski as the cars exited Turn 4.

After the two drivers had traded shots a week earlier at Phoenix—with Hamlin spinning out of control—Hamlin promised to retaliate at Homestead and did so. After the race, he admitted the contact was intentional.

Because of the history between the drivers, Burton felt Hamlin’s unilateral “police action” was justified.

“I thought Denny did the right thing,” Burton said. “When you constantly get spun out by the same car, there comes a time where you’ve got to put your foot down and not take it. The next time Keselowski thinks about spinning him out, he’ll think about it.

“I want to be clear. I like Brad, too. I don’t mean to say either one of them is a bad guy or whatever. Sometimes stuff happens. I think Brad Keselowski does a really good job, and I think he’s going to be real successful in the Cup Series, too.  Sometimes you’ve just got to take control and make it stop.”

Putting JJ's dominance in perspective

Ed Hinton/espn.com

An old history professor friend of mine liked to say of some major current event, "I'm anxious for 25 or 30 years to pass so we can view this in historical perspective."

That's how long it might take for Jimmie Johnson's unprecedented four-peat of the NASCAR championship to be appreciated in full.

Oh, the fans in the stands at Homestead-Miami Speedway cheered him politely, the only decent thing to do, after he won the title with a fifth-place finish in Sunday's season-ending Ford 400.

But now the resentment among many if not most NASCAR fans will set in, and it might last until Johnson, now 34, is eligible for Medicare.

It is a fandom deaf in the short haul to what Johnson's crew chief, Chad Knaus, said so accurately about him to ESPN TV reporters: "That guy can do things with a race car that I've never seen done before."

This is a realm that frowns on dominance and takes decades to forgive excellence.

The leading indicator is that it took 30 years after Cale Yarborough's three-peat for NASCAR to take him on a sort of tour of honor, culminating at its New York awards ceremonies in December 2008 -- and even then only in conjunction with Johnson's becoming the second driver to three-peat.

They didn't have elaborate New York banquets when Yarborough rampaged through NASCAR in 1976-77-78.

And they didn't appreciate what he was doing, either.

A prime example: Down the stretch to his third title, in October '78 at Rockingham, N.C., Yarborough was leading by two laps by midrace, on his way to his 10th win of the season.

Retiring to the rear of the press box in search of coffee to stay awake, I encountered Herman Hickman, the Rock's longtime chief publicist, an ever-genial gentleman who never had so much as a bad word for anybody. Well, almost never.

He was pacing the floor near the coffee urn. He was muttering.

"What's the matter, Herman?" I asked.

"Cale's an a------," he grumbled. "He's f---ing up my race."

I knew a guy in Atlanta who made and sold T-shirts reading "ABC -- Anybody But Cale."

That's what they thought of Yarborough's accomplishment while it was happening.

And now comes the realization that Johnson, too, might be white-haired before he is appreciated.

For analysis, I phoned a younger history professor friend who studies NASCAR. Dr. Wanda Ellen Wakefield is a professor of history and popular culture at the State University of New York's Brockport campus. She has had her finger on the pulse of NASCAR and its fans since she became fascinated with the Dale Earnhardt phenomenon in the 1990s.

In refusing to embrace Johnson's four-peat, "I think the NASCAR fans are probably responding to what has essentially been very boring racing the last two years," Wakefield said.

"And Jimmie Johnson is a perfectly nice guy apparently, but he's kind of bland.

"So it's been boring racing, and Jimmie Johnson is cursed with consistency and blandness."

To that, add the classic watershed line among fans of all sports.

"In the United States, sports fans are divided into two strands," Wakefield said. "One is the strand that embraces excellence. The other is represented by the people who really like the underdog and really have trouble with overdogs.

"That's what's happening here."

Overdog -- I can't think of a better term for how you the majority of fans view Johnson. And I think in NASCAR, more of you have issues with overdogs than in any other sport.

Now this is Wakefield wearing her pop culture hat, understanding the current event and your attitudes toward it. In her historian's hat, she is true to her discipline.

"In general, you don't know how remarkable achievement is in terms of sport until you have a look back at it."

That is, from decades hence -- when the whole picture is complete.

"What we're assuming here is that it's four and done" for Johnson, Wakefield said. "What about 'one for the thumb'?"

What about all the way to a six-peat?

"From the perspective of a historian, definitely 30 years from now you can assess his achievement by factors such as, did he continue to do well? And did someone else in that 30 years approach his achievement?"

Each season Johnson repeats as champion will exponentially increase the pressure on him, and therefore the value of the achievement, Wakefield believes.

"Let's pretend next year we're having this conversation -- which is entirely possible. There's no reason to assume he won't have all of the factors on his side that he has this year.

"So one of the things we look at from the historical perspective is, 'This is a magnificent achievement; what happens next?' Let's pretend … next year he finishes first.

"Then you've got the sort of burden of, will he win the next year? Which puts more pressure on. Which indeed makes the achievement more remarkable."

Whether it's four and done, or six or seven and done, the next key factor is whether anybody else puts together a similar streak in the course of the next 30 years.

"When Cale Yarborough won three, nobody knew it was going to be so long for the next three-peat," Wakefield pointed out from the historical perspective of 30 years.

So, "until we know whether anyone else ever approaches [Johnson's] achievement, we don't know what the achievement really means."

For example, "Let's pretend Jimmie does his four, and next year Joey Logano, to pick a name out of the air, wins. And Logano wins the next four. Well, then, Johnson's achievement is remarkable, but it's not remarkable out of the context of the way NASCAR's championships are evolving. That's where you just don't know.

"But if indeed, 30 years from now Johnson's four-peat has not been repeated, then there you go."

For analogy in another sport, "Let's take for example Roger Maris, who of course was not embraced at the time of his 61 home runs [in 1961]. He was harassed, as a matter of fact. At the time, I imagine people assumed, 'OK, Roger Maris got the 61 home runs, but that's not such a remarkable achievement … somebody else will get that 61 or 62 very easily and very quickly.'

"And it didn't happen. And so as time went on, it became more and more remarkable the 61 home runs were." And Wakefield argues that, for all the skepticism over Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds, all of whom have since broken Maris' record that stood for 37 years, history also will treat their achievements more kindly than contemporary culture does.

Thinking analytically, Wakefield has to allow for the possibility of someone else matching Johnson's achievement. But as a longtime NASCAR writer whose job always includes some conjecture, I would rate the chances of someone else getting the right combination of Johnson's consistency and talent, plus a clockwork crew chief like Knaus, plus the enormous resources of a Hendrick Motorsports, as very slim indeed.

Regardless, Jimmie Johnson's place, present and future, in NASCAR history, all comes back to the axiom of that old driver/philosopher Jeff Burton.

"You never get your just due in the era that you're in," Burton said recently of Johnson. "The people you're competing against don't want to give it to you."

Maybe NASCAR fans' bent against overdogs actually stems from the attitudes in the garages, where competitors want no part of yielding milestones to others.

A decade after Yarborough's three-peat, he had moved on to another team, and in 1987 almost prevented Bill Elliott from winning the Winston Million bonus at Darlington, S.C. I remember very well that after that race, Yarborough's crew chief, Waddell Wilson, stood in the pits stunned with anger and outrage, randomly swinging a towel around his head with furious energy.

I asked Wilson whether it weren't a bit of consolation that his and Yarborough's loss led to a milestone achievement in NASCAR.

"Why, hell, no!" Wilson growled, and went on swinging the towel around his head in disgust. All he had wanted was to prevent Elliott's milestone.

Now, not all NASCAR fans feel the way the now-notorious dancing fans at the fence near the scene of Johnson's wreck at Texas felt. Homestead-Miami Speedway president Curtis Gray, although acknowledging that Johnson's runaway hadn't exactly helped ticket sales for the Ford 400 season finale, did point out to me that a significant number of ticket buyers said they were doing so "to be part of the celebration of Jimmie's accomplishment."

But NASCAR fans, by and large, rejoice in seeing big winners fall. And they resent good fortune -- especially Johnson's seemingly charmed existence during this run.

"Not only has he been consistently good but he's been consistently lucky," Wakefield said. "To have gone four years and have a [streak] like this is both a reflection of his skills and a reflection of his basic luck.

"And I think that kind of worries people sometimes, too."

Assuming all is well with NASCAR in 2039 or 2040 -- and that's not a 100 percent safe assumption, considering the likely demise of fossil-fuel vehicles and the current malaise of the NASCAR fan base -- all that will stand out in minds of the time are the numbers.

The luck, the Hendrick financing, the brilliance of Knaus may well fade in the public mind, so that Johnson's four-peat -- or five-peat, or six-peat -- stands uncluttered.

So maybe they'll parade the graying old driver out onto some stage somewhere, maybe still Las Vegas, and they will speak in awe of what he did.

Maybe they will recognize that not even the seven-time champions, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, were ever able to put four years of uninterrupted dominance together.

Maybe they will acknowledge that neither Petty nor Earnhardt ever faced the intensity and breadth of competition Johnson did.

Maybe they will take a full look at all of NASCAR history and see that, through all of it, there is only one open-ended question as to who else might have four-peated or beyond.

In 1962 and '63, Joe Weatherly and car owner/crew chief Bud Moore had won two straight championships and showed no letup at rolling up titles, until Weatherly was killed at Riverside, Calif., in January of the '64 season. That's the only one we will never know.

Maybe the graying fans of JJ's era of triumph -- I think I know you pretty well -- will say in 30 years that you were one of the few who recognized the greatness, the history, in the making. Maybe you'll say you saw it all along, that you were unique, not among the boo-birds, the grumblers, the detractors, the dancers at the scenes of his wrecks.

Hindsight works that way sometimes.

Joe Gibbs Racing's Kyle Busch offers humorous insight into 2009 Nationwide championship

By Lee Montgomery/scenedaily.com

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch has had his share of controversial moments in his career – and even during his 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship season.
But Monday night at the joint banquet celebrating the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck series top finishers at the Loews Miami Beach, Busch was able to poke fun at himself. Others joked about Busch and his penchant for controversy, too.
One such moment came after a race at Bristol Motor Speedway earlier this year, when Busch parked his car on pit road and quickly sprinted to the infield tunnel, angry over a sixth-place finish after dominating the race.
“I guess y’all didn’t know about the valet stand that NASCAR set up for to help me with an easy escape to the tunnel,” Busch said.

Though Busch had a phenomenal season with nine victories and a series-record 5,682 points and 2,698 laps led, it wasn’t perfect. His 11 runner-up finishes was also a series record, though it was one Busch would rather not have.
Many of those second-place finishes came the fiercely-competitive Busch had  led the most laps. As a result, Busch often simply didn’t want to talk to anyone.
“[ESPN’s] Mike Massaro, was it he that chased me through the garage?” Busch asked. “Wait, Dave Burns. Maybe it was Vince Welch, Jamie Little. Heck, I made more moves through the garage area than Adrian Peterson this year.”
Four of those second-place finishes came to JGR teammate Joey Logano, who drove the No. 20 Toyota with Dave Rogers as crew chief. Rogers was named Busch’s Sprint Cup crew chief late in the year.
“You know, there was a time this year where I finished second – I guess 11 of them,” Busch said. “I finished second to Joey Logano at Nashville, Kentucky, Chicago, Kansas. Oh, I did beat him at Loudon, that’s right.
“I mean, seriously, isn’t 11 second-place finishes a bit much? What’s a guy got to do to beat the new kid on the block? Oh, that’s right, take Dave Rogers and put him on his Cup program.”
Busch showed he could take as much as he could dish out, though. Championship crew chief Jason Ratcliff made reference to Busch’s second-place finishes when he said. “In my book, you’re second. No, second to none. Sorry buddy.”
Team president J.D. Gibbs also cracked a joke at Busch’s expense.
“You do have the most seconds ever, ever, ever,” Gibbs said. “Next year, we’re going to go for the most thirds.”
Even NASCAR President Mike Helton joined in the roasting of the 2009 champion. As he presented Busch with the championship ring, Helton told Busch, “I’m glad this is not a guitar.”
In one of the more controversial moments of the season, Busch smashed the Sam Bass-designed trophy that Nashville Superspeedway awards its race winners.
“I’m proud that you’re our 2009 Nationwide Series champion,” Helton said. “Don’t change. You do it your way, and it’ll work out fine. We may have to visit from time to time.”
Busch, though, acknowledged his less-than-stellar moments.
“Clearly, I’m still a work in progress,” Busch said. “… I know a caused a headache … or 10 … for the guys at JGR. But Coach [Joe Gibbs] and J.D., didn’t Smoke (Tony Stewart) break you guys in for me?”
The night wasn’t all about Busch’s off-track incidents. J.D. Gibbs spoke about Busch’s maturity throughout the year, citing his driver’s consistency and ability to pile up top finish after top finish.
“Kyle, I’ve enjoyed watching you grow, both on and off the track these past couple years,” Gibbs said. “We’re getting there, we’re getting there. The maturity he showed ... in sometimes taking a car that might not have been a winning car but making the most of it wasn’t easy. But it paid off with a championship. That’s a great lesson we all learned together.”
Busch later called the championship, his first in one of NASCAR’s national series, as “easily the biggest accomplishment in my NASCAR career.”
“I’ve heard a lot lately that because this isn’t a Cup title, and because I didn’t make the Chase, that because this is the Nationwide title, that this is some sort of consolation prize for me,” Busch said. “But [former Cup chief] Steve [Addington] is one of the guys who told me that any championship in NACSAR is a big championship.”

Rivalries a fun sideshow to JJ's 4-peat

David Newton/espn.com

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Too bad the 2009 NASCAR season is over. Things were just heating up.

In Saturday's Nationwide Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, we saw Denny Hamlin intentionally wreck Brad Keselowski as promised a week earlier and then claim the sun got in his eyes.

In Sunday's Sprint Cup finale, we saw Juan Pablo Montoya and Tony Stewart wreck each other on two different occasions, and heard more 12-letter words that can't be repeated in print than we've heard all season.

For the record, the sun was not out.

And oh, by the way, Jimmie Johnson finished a ho-hum fifth place Sunday to claim a record fourth straight Cup championship, and Hamlin won for the third time in the final 11 races to establish himself as a contender for next season.

Fireworks filled the South Florida sky as both drivers celebrated.

But the real fireworks began on Lap 116 of the 267-lap event. That's when Montoya got into the rear of Stewart's car and Stewart retaliated by slamming his No. 14 Chevrolet into the side of the No.42.

Montoya, a crowd favorite among the Latin American crowd in his U.S. hometown, screamed over his radio, "They should park him. If they penalized Denny [Saturday], they should suspend the [insert first 12-letter word]."

NASCAR penalized Hamlin one lap for fulfilling his promise to take out Keselowski on Saturday. The governing body did nothing to Stewart.

But the best was yet to come.

Around Lap 150, crew chief Chad Knaus warned Johnson that Stewart was ahead of him and Montoya "unfortunately" was back on the track after garage time for repairs. It was a warning for Johnson to be careful.

"I probably would do the same thing if I was leading for the championship," said Montoya's crew chief, Brian Pattie, who also knows Stewart well. "That's not a very good recipe."

It got ugly on Lap 155. Without warning to Pattie or anybody else, Montoya spun out Stewart to bring out another caution. He earned a two-lap penalty from NASCAR and a warning that stepping out of line again would earn him a vacation for the rest of the season.

It was great stuff on a night when there wasn't a lot of great passing for the lead.

Had there been so much excitement all season, maybe we wouldn't have had so many complaints about boring racing and how much the new car is hurting the sport. We may not have had grumbling about Johnson ruining the sport with his domination.

We may not have had any moaning about Dale Earnhardt Jr. having a dreadful season and missing yet another Chase.

It was so crazy at one point that there was a multicar pileup on pit road that ended the day of Elliott Sadler (in the 19 car), leading Johnson to say "What the hell happened to the 19?"

It might have gotten crazier after the race had Montoya and Stewart -- whose haulers were conveniently parked side by side -- not disappeared into the darkness without saying a word.

At least it gives us something to look forward to when they are reunited in two weeks at the banquet in Las Vegas. It definitely could make the start of the 2010 season interesting.

Well, at least for the fans. Not Pattie, who hopes Montoya can push Johnson for the championship as well.

"We don't need that stuff next year," Pattie said, noting that Montoya's 38th-place finish dropped him from sixth to eighth in the final standings and Stewart's 22nd dropped him a spot to sixth.

Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick, who finished second and third to give Richard Childress Racing momentum after failing to put a car in the Chase, also don't think it's good for the sport.

"What this sport needs is good racing," Burton said. "It doesn't need running that mouth. Running that mouth is not what it's all about. Good, hard racing is what fans want to see."

Interjected Harvick, "And good, hard racing is going to create its own passion."

Perhaps. But the fans sure seem to enjoy the extracurricular. They cheered loudly Saturday when Hamlin wrecked Keselowski, and just as loudly Sunday after Montoya wrecked Stewart.

"I think everyone has got a little fight in them, especially when they feel they've been wronged," Hamlin said.

Before Hamlin could get too deep into what happened Saturday or Sunday, team president J.D. Gibbs leaned over and shushed him.

And honestly, Hamlin doesn't want to be a trendsetter in that way. He wants to be the kind of trendsetter Johnson has become, winning races and championships at a record pace.

He doesn't want the season to be over, either. Were it not for three DNFs in the Chase -- two for engine failures and one because of a crash -- he might be celebrating the end of Johnson's reign.

Outside of the DNFs, Hamlin had five top-5s, including two wins and two seconds.

"If we just averaged seventh or eighth in those races then we're out on the front stage celebrating," Hamlin said. "On the other hand, maybe [Johnson] performs better, too. All I know is we seem to be good enough to perform with those guys."

Hamlin went so far as to promise that over the next few years he'll win a title.

"The end of this Chase has just made us stronger," he said, basking in the moment of a season-high fourth win. "Now everyone is focused and fired up about next year, knowing we're one of the few guys that can run with [Johnson] each and every week."

Too bad the 2009 season is over. Things were just starting to heat up.

Fourget the arguments -- Johnson now stands alone

By Duane Cross, NASCAR.COM

Jimmie Johnson is the only driver in Cup Series history to win four consecutive championships -- point system be damned. The asinine argument that Johnson's four-in-a-row should have an asterisk or is somehow less impressive than Cale Yarborough's threepeat or other drivers' multiple championships is the result of sour grapes.

Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus, team owner Rick Hendrick and each of the HMS team members deserve to be hailed for their accomplishments during this phenomenal run. The bottom line is that every team -- not just the No. 48 -- enters Daytona and races to Richmond in hopes of making the Chase. After that, 12 teams -- including the No. 48 -- enters Loudon and races to Homestead with the hopes of winning the championship.

For the past four years, it's been Johnson who has achieved the most during the Chase. In his 40 Chase races during his championship run, Johnson has a series-best Driver Rating of 114.0. Yeah, he's earned it on the track. And to use the "old point system" argument is ignorant. The "old point system" hasn't been in play since the 2003 season. Get with it -- or get out of the conversation.

Another ignorant allegation is that Knaus has "cheated" to get ahead. Has he run afoul of the rules? Yes. Has he been fined and suspended? Yes. OK -- and the argument is ... what, exactly? Accept the fact that Knaus and the proverbial "guys back at the shop" mastered the old race car as well as the new car. Their efforts should be applauded.

"Those key players, guys I started this team with, are still at HMS," Johnson said at Homestead. "There is a lot of confidence in my mind knowing that Chad has been here before, our engineers have been here before ... that gives me the comfort to sleep at night."

Ask yourself this: If Jimmie Johnson is so vanilla and Chad Knaus is a blatant cheat, why would NASCAR want those two making a mockery of the Chase -- much less celebrating a record-setting four consecutive championships? You'd be better off making inroads for new evidence on the grassy knoll with that kind of idiotic conspiracy theory.

No doubt Johnson makes it look easy. However, perception is not reality. When was the last time you, the Hate on 48 crowd, walked a step -- much less drove a mile -- in his shoes? He makes it look easy because he puts in the work before he slides behind the wheel.

"I've worked my entire life to be in this position," Johnson said after the race. "So has Chad, so has Rick. So it's not that we backed into any of this. It's not that it just happened. We've gone out and worked really, really hard and have dedicated our lives to it, and it's paid off."

Knaus, who is now tied with Kirk Shelmerdine for the second-most championships as a crew chief behind Dale Inman (8), is the lynchpin for the No. 48. Knaus' tenacity and ability to narrow his focus is key when the race is on the line.

"Obviously the achievement of winning four championships is awesome," Knaus said. "But the week in, week out battles that we go through to try to win these championships is so difficult, and it's difficult on everybody on the team.

"As you guys know, I pride myself on our team being prepared and ready for action at the drop of a hat, and I think that those guys [the 48 crew] do that. I think that if the chips are down and we have to do massive adjustments to the race car to try to get the speed out of it to extract whatever it is we need to extract out of it, they do it. And I think that speaks volumes, and I'm proud of that. I'm proud to be a part of it."

So what's the rub against Johnson, Knaus and the rest of the Hendrick bunch? What, your driver isn't getting it done so it's open season on those who are excelling? Apparently it's easier to take pot-shots at those who do the work and succeed than it is to appreciate the effort that goes into a championship -- not to mention four consecutive years of outstanding effort.

Ah yes, the Chase -- that's the rub. The first 26 races are meaningless, so goes the theory. No, the first 26 races determine the top 12 team's position for the final 10 races. After that, it's every man for himself with every man still running under the same point system. What's so hard to understand about that? It's not like Johnson is scored under a different point system ...

For those who continue to hail the virtues of the good ol' days, you do realize that Richard Petty won his championships under the rules of the day, correct? (Not to mention Petty raced under two different point systems while racking up his seven titles.) Ditto Dale Earnhardt and the other 25 series champions not named Jimmie Johnson.

"You know, the fact that nobody has done this, I think it puts me near the top," Johnson said. "I certainly look at the seven championships by both Earnhardt and Petty, their race wins, their being in the sport for the number of years and all that they've done, those two guys are kind of at a draw at the top.

"Hopefully my stats and win totals and championship totals can rival theirs. But it puts us up there, it really does. And the cool thing is we're not done yet. We've got a lot of racing left ahead of us. So hopefully we can improve on that."

We're not done yet ... that's gotta chap some of you where the sun don't shine.

Johnson winning four consecutive titles ranks at the top of the charts for driver feat in the sport. And that he did it with class and dogged determination should be exalted by those who purportedly are fans of the sport. It is not a comparison of today vs. yesteryear. It is not a comparison of driver vs. driver. It is a celebration of a remarkable achievement. Anything less is whine.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.

Well, that's all for today.  Until the next time, I remain,

Your Nascar Momma

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Well, another season is over.  It may not have been the best, but it was racing.  We may have complained about a lot of things, but we at least had something to complain about.  Now what do we do?  We do the countdown…like all of us do every year.  

Today In Nascar History

Nov. 23, 1975: Forty cars start the Los Angeles Times 500 at Ontario (Calif.) Motor Speedway, but only 14 cars finish the final race of the season. Buddy Baker wins the 200-lap race by 29.4 seconds over David Pearson. Dave Marcis, in third, is the only other car on the lead lap. Twenty cars drop out of the 500-mile race because of blown engines.

Quote of the Year

There's an unwritten rule in NASCAR: Thou shalt not take on Dale Earnhardt Jr.

--Terry Blount/espn 

Countdown to Daytona

83

Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud

Matt McLaughlin · Frontstretch.com

Homestead

The Key Moment: Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin made quick work of Kurt Busch on the final restart, and Hamlin prevailed in the battle of the JGR teammates to drive to an uncontested win.

In a Nutshell: With a whimper, not a bang, the 2009 Cup season finished, imploding upon itself with a very unpleasant sneezing and wheezing as the calliope collapsed to the ground.

Dramatic Moment: Unfortunately, most of them occurred at the midpoint of Saturday’s Nationwide race.

Watching Juan Pablo Montoya run down Tony Stewart to deliver a little retribution off his front bumper.

What They’ll Be Talking About Around the Water Cooler This Week

Has any other driver in NASCAR history ever won four consecutive titles? I don’t think ESPN ever brought that point up. Seriously, ESPN tends to decide on storylines prior to the race, then spend the next three hours beating fans over the head with them.

Some folks really dislike Rick Hendrick and I have my own doubts about how good one team’s domination is for the sport (while holding him to a certain degree of affection for letting Tim Richmond reach his potential) but it surely does seem that Mr. Hendrick has had to face more personal tragedy than any mortal since Job. Thought and prayers go out to his niece and the Hendrick family as they are forced to face yet another challenge.

Starting a stock car race on the east coast after 3:30 with weather threatening? Isn’t that like the NFL holding the Super Bowl at 4:45 AM on a Tuesday? Nope, they’re not going to do that. It would be stupid, simply stupid.

Some highlights from ABC’s pre-race Jimmie Johnson love fest. “My attorney is wearing his lucky shoes.” “Drink the Kool-Aid.” “Chad makes sure the crew has their shirts tucked in and they’re polite….” Was anyone else feeling a little nauseous thinking about how much the sport has changed since Cale Yarborough won his three straight titles?

The final TV ratings for last week’s Phoenix race came in at 3.3 in the Nielsen rankings. Wow, ouch, Medic! It seems the Chase format isn’t igniting fan fervor to quite the degree Brian France hoped. For the record, the Phoenix spring race drew a 3.6 rating. In 2007 this same race drew a 3.8. In 2005 it posted a solid 5.0. It’s the economy, right? Balderdash. The race was on network TV. Even fans who couldn’t travel to the track or who have canceled their cable TV contracts could have watched it for free.

It didn’t matter if you love Denny Hamlin or you loathe him, if you pull for Bad Brad Kesolowski or you’d like to see him eaten by a pack of Albino Snow Weasels, it was just flat out cool to see Hamlin make good on last week’s promise to rattle Kesolwski’s cage hard in Saturday’s NW race by sending him spinning off his front bumper on lap 35. No innocent drivers were collected, and Hamlin accepted his one lap penalty for rough driving with a wink and a grin but no apology. Genuine human emotion and a dose of rivalry in NASCAR racing? Scotty beam me up. I’ve found myself back in the 1980s.

There’s the downside of branding a race weekend. During the Ford Championship weekend we watched two races and two titles claimed by Chevy drivers and the other race and title awarded to a Toyota pilot.

I’m not sure Jimmie Johnson was thinking clearly when he decided to continue his burnout down a crowded pit road. What a tragedy it would have been had the car gotten out from under him and he’d driven into that crowd. It would have completely overshadowed a very notable accomplishment.

Among those drivers who finished 2009 with a big goose egg in the win column, you find Carl Edwards (who won nine races last year) Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

If this season doesn’t make NASCAR brass rethink this whole Chase mess, what will? C’mon, guys, it’s time to ship the Chase off to the Island of Unwanted Toys.

Much will be made of the fact that Jimmie Johnson broke Cale Yarborough’s record for consecutive championships. But there will always be that footnote in blinking red neon letters that Johnson’s four titles were under the Chase and Cale had to battle all year for his three championships. And let me ask you this: If you were in a house-clearing barroom brawl, who would you want to have your back, Johnson or Yarborough?

Brian France held a press conference on Friday and used a whole lot of words to say a whole lot of nothing. Apparently, he’s well satisfied with everything and says all the challenges the sport is facing can be dealt with without offering any specifics on to how he plans to deal with those challenges, be it flagging attendance at races, declining TV ratings, or the general malaise that is gripping the sport. To quote that Yoda-like bastion of wisdom, “2010 doesn’t look to be an awfully lot better.” Not what I wanted to hear. All is well, said the captain of the Titanic. Keep on dancing on the foredeck. We’re only stopping by this iceberg to grab up some more ice cubes to keep the party rolling.

Did it seem like the engines Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman were getting from Hendrick Motorsports once the Chase began lacked the oats of the mills under the hood of the 48, 24 and 5 cars?

I hate racism. I hate it like I hate cancer. Cancer has claimed too many of my family members and friends, some as young as 17. Eventually it will claim me. I know how I’m going to die, just not when. But I hate reverse racism as well. Juan Pablo Montoya is a talented race car driver who has excelled in many disciplines in the sport ranging from F1 to NASCAR. I welcome his talent and his blunt personality with open arms. But all week, NASCAR has been trying to promote Montoya as the Second Coming to Hispanic (well I think the official line is “Latino“) race fans. Well is it OK for white or black race fans to pull for the feisty, outspoken driver too? Is it OK for “Latino” fans to pull for Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, or Jimmie Johnson? I’m an American-Irish Catholic. Does that mean I have to root for a driver with the same heritage or am I free to root for whatever driver lights my fire? Given this week’s promotion, NASCAR wants to go back to the Wendell Scott days when he had to sit out a race because the “colored” ambulance wasn’t at the track.

Last week it was reported Brian France and his legal team were trying hard to keep details of a lawsuit Brian filed against his former wife private. Mr. France’s lawyer said if details of the case became public, it could do his client’s reputation irreparable harm. Then, this week it was revealed that Jeremy Mayfield’s lawyers are trying to depose the former Mrs. France. Am I seeing a relationship here? Then late yesterday afternoon I got an email from a person purporting to be in the employ of one of Mayfield’s lawyers. She refused to give me a number and an extension so I could speak to her and this is the internet so it could have been a bored truck driver sitting in his trailer home trying to toss an Ozark in the cesspool. But this person claims (and had the legal jargon down cold) they want to discuss Brian France’s own past or present substance abuse issues with his former wife. Throw some popcorn in the microwave and a six pack in the cooler. Watching this one play out could be more entertaining to watch than the 2009 Cup season.

For fans who felt ESPN phoned in their portion of the 2009 Cup season, just remember the next time you watch a race FOX and most likely “Little Digger” will be back to annoy the crap out of you. Darrell Waltrip certainly will unless he goes out riding with his brother Michael during the off-season. That’s one of the best things about Christmas. FOX sports doesn’t cover Christmas.

A note to Kyle Busch’s girlfriend about *protocol during the National Anthem*….wrong hand, Hun.

Tom Petty is from Florida. And a long time ago he summed up my feelings towards the 2009 Cup season and how I feel about all my loyal readers who have stayed with me and the sport this season despite the challenges. “And it’s all over before you know it, and the days go by so fast, the bad times seem to last forever, and the good times they never seem to last, but wherever you are tonight, I wish you the best of everything, and I hope you found, whatever you were looking for.” I want go way off the grid for a second and offer up something for my many readers from here in the Northeast Quadrant of the US of A, and fellow fans of the Boss. Trust me, this is so cool it makes up for watching a dozen boring NASCAR races. And if it doesn’t get you up and dancing, have a registered nurse stop by and check your pulse. Long live the Boss and the Spectrum.:“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DytO5K0rPu8

The Hindenburg Award For Foul Fortune

Marcos Ambrose led the race early and clearly had a strong car. Not long afterwards he cut down a tire, then he spun out on lap 81 and again on 108.

Elliott Sadler wrecked his car in a bizarre pit road pileup during the fourth caution period.

Jack Roush’s Fords had won the last five Homestead Cup races. Sunday none of the organization’s five drivers even led a lap.

Mark Martin knew going into the day the odds were stacked against him to win the title but you have to believe he’d have liked a more competitive car to finish the season with.

It was another trying afternoon for Dale Earnhardt Jr. who finished 28th after hitting the wall umpteen times. Earnhardt finished 25th in the standings while his three teammates finished first second and third.

The “Seven Come Fore Eleven” Award For Fine Fortune

Denny Hamlin had to overcome a 38th place starting spot en route to his fourth victory of the season.

They closed out the season without a win, but Richard Childress Racing has been making major strides back towards respectability lately. Three drivers finishing in the top 11 was a pretty nice way to end the season.

Kurt Busch and Pat Tryson ended their relationship on an upbeat note with a fourth straight finish.

Bill Elliott ended his career with a solid sixteenth place finish in the lightly regarded Wood Brothers Ford.

Worth Noting

·         Hamlin’s win was his fourth of the season and second of the Chase. In five of those ten Chase races Hamlin finished first, second or third. His DNFs at Charlotte, Fontana and Talladega did in Hamlin’s title hopes or he’d have been in the mix.

·         Jeff Burton finished out the year with four straight top 10 finishes and two straight runner up results. As it stands written in the Book of Bruce, “Man the dope is there’s still hope.”

·         Kevin Harvick (third) ended the season with top 5 finishes in two of the last three races. Those finishes account for two of the five top 5 finishes Harvick earned all season.

·         Kurt Busch (fourth) led nine of the ten Chase races. Even Jimmie Johnson only led eight Chase races.

·         Johnson did score top 10 finishes in nine of the ten Chase races.

·         Jeff Gordon (sixth) ends the season with 25 top 10 finishes in 36 races. A lot of seasons, that would have been good enough to win the title. Or it would have been before they invented Jimmie Johnson.

·         Kyle Busch’s eighth place finish was his best since Martinsville.

·         A.J. Allmendinger (tenth) has average an 11th place finish in the three races he ran in Fords to end the season. I don’t know if his car was running the Ecoboost engine but it had to be an ego-boost for the former open wheel racer.

·         Bill Elliott finished 16th for the third time in his twelve race 2009 Cup schedule.

·         The top 10 finishers at Homestead drove two Toyotas, five Chevys, a pair of Fords and a Dodge. The top 10 points finishers drove six Chevys, two Dodges a Ford and a Toyota.

·         Joey Logano scored the top finish by a rookie at Homestead.

What’s the Points?

Here’s a surprise. Jimmie Johnson won the title.

Under the traditional points system Johnson still would have won the title. He’d have beaten second place Jeff Gordon by 66 points and Tony Stewart by 71 points. Of course were he running for a title it’s doubtful he’d have engaged in that shoving match with Montoya.

Denny Hamlin’s win propelled him forward five spots to fifth in the standings. That’s not bad for a driver with three DNFs in the ten race Chase.

Thanks to their mid-race bamming and framming, Tony Stewart fell a spot to sixth in the standings and Juan Pablo Montoya fell two spots to eighth.

In the “Best of the Rest” category Kyle Busch finished 13th, 68 points ahead of Matt Kenseth.

Overall Rating (On a scale of one to six beer cans with one being a stinker and a six pack an instant classic) We’ll give this one three cans, two for the race and one for the road. See ya on the breeze.

Next Up: A long winter’s nap. Racing, or the putrid approximation of racing NASCAR offers up as computation these days, resumes in February at Daytona. In the meantime, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving (and I am most thankful for my continuingly loyal readership) and blessed and joyful Christmas (or whatever winter holiday you celebrate even if it’s Festivus). My best wishes to friends and foes alike for the best of everything n the coming New Year. That’s the news and I am out of here.

Final UNOFFICIAL 2009 Sprint Cup CHASE Standings
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [7 wins], 6652, finished 5th
2) #5-Mark Martin [5 wins], 6511, -141, 12th
3) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 6473, -179, 6th
4) #2-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 6446, -206, 4th
5) #11-Denny Hamlin [4 wins], 6335, -317, WON
6) #14-Tony Stewart [4 wins], 6309, -243, 22nd
7) #16-Greg Biffle, 6292, -360, 14th
8) #42-Juan Montoya, 6252, -400, 38th
9) #39-Ryan Newman, 6175, -477, 23rd
10) #9-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 6128, -524, 17th
11) #99-Carl Edwards, 6118, -534, 7th
12) #83-Brian Vickers [1 win], 5929, -723, 20th

Final UNOFFICIAL 2009 Sprint Cup CLASSIC
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson (X), 5156
2) #24-Jeff Gordon (X), 5090, -66
3) #14-Tony Stewart (X), 5085, -71
4) #11-Denny Hamlin (X), 4806, -350
5) #5-Mark Martin (X), 4762, -394
6) #2-Kurt Busch (X), 4758, -398
7) #16-Greg Biffle (X), 4541, -615
8) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya (X), 4503, -653
9) #18-Kyle Busch, 4457, -699
10) #39-Ryan Newman (X), 4447, -709
11) #99-Carl Edwards (X), 4398, -758
12) #17-Matt Kenseth, 4389, -767
13) #9-Kasey Kahne (X), 4388, -768
14) #33-Clint Bowyer, 4359, -797
15) #00-David Reutimann, 4221, -935
16) #83-Brian Vickers (X), 4122, -1034

Inspection Time: NASCAR officials announced after the race that all cars had passed technical inspection at Homestead-Miami Speedway. NASCAR also announced that the cars of #11-Denny Hamlin, #31-Jeff Burton, #48-Jimmie Johnson and #5-Mark Martin would be confiscated and taken to the series research and development center in Concord, N.C. for a thorough inspection. (Racin' Today)

Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2009 Ford 400:
Total number of commercials: 118
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 59
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 18
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:15 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:40 PM
Total minutes: 205
Minutes of race broadcast: 159
Minutes of commercials: 46
Number of missed restarts: 0 One restart occurred right as broadcast returned from commercial too close to call
Number of 'mysterious cautions' (reason for caution not given): 1
Number of commercial-free moments at the end of the race broadcast: 35 Thanks ESPN
Total race brdcst time 159 Total comm. brdcst time 46

Hendrick Motorsports Championship Notes:
NINTH TITLE: With Jimmie Johnson's performance today at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports secured its ninth car owner's championship in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition, tying the organization with Petty Enterprises for the all-time lead. Car owner Rick Hendrick has won nine of the past 15 Sprint Cup titles.
COMPARISONS: In the major American professional sports leagues, Hendrick Motorsports' nine Sprint Cup owner's championships are tied for ninth behind only the New York Yankees (27 World Series titles), Montreal Canadiens (24 Stanley Cups), Boston Celtics (17 NBA titles), Los Angeles Lakers (15 NBA titles), Toronto Maple Leafs (13 Stanley Cups), Green Bay Packers (12 NFL championships), Detroit Red Wings (11 Stanley Cups) and St. Louis Cardinals (10 World Series titles). The other teams with nine championships are Petty Enterprises (NASCAR owner's championships), the Chicago Bears (NFL) and the Oakland Athletics (MLB).
ALL-TIME CHAMPIONSHIPS: The 2009 Sprint Cup car owner's championship is the 12th for Hendrick Motorsports across NASCAR's three national series -- a new all-time record. In the car owner category, the organization has won nine titles in the Sprint Cup Series and three in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Hendrick Motorsports also has won a NASCAR Nationwide Series driver championship, which came in 2003.
FOUR-PEAT: After earning the 2009 Sprint Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson is now the first driver ever to capture the honor in four consecutive seasons. With his 2006-2008 titles, Johnson tied the legendary Cale Yarborough, who recorded three in a row from 1976-1978.
KNAUS SETS THE STANDARD: Chad Knaus is the only crew chief ever to win more than two consecutive Sprint Cup titles (he now has four in a row), and his championship total (also four) ties him for second with Kirk Shelmerdine among crew chiefs in NASCAR history. Only Dale Inman (eight titles) has more.
FIRST AND 10: A Hendrick Motorsports driver led the championship points after every Chase for the Sprint Cup race in 2009. Mark Martin, who entered the Chase with the points lead, led following the first three Chase races, and Jimmie Johnson led after the final seven. It marks the first time since the format's inception that one organization has led the points after each Chase race.
NOT A FIRST: Hendrick Motorsports' run of four consecutive championships is not a first in NASCAR -- or for the team. In the 1990s, drivers Jeff Gordon (1995, 1997 and 1998) and Terry Labonte (1996) combined to win four straight Sprint Cup titles for the organization. No other team has won more than three in a row.
THE OTHER GUYS: In major American professional sports, only three teams have won more than four championships consecutively: the Boston Celtics' eight NBA titles starting with the 1958-59 season and ending in 1965-66; the New York Yankees' five World Series rings from 1949-53; and the Montreal Canadiens' five Stanley Cups from 1956-60.
A RARE FEAT: Hendrick Motorsports, the New York Yankees and the Montreal Canadiens are the only teams in any of the major American professional sports leagues to win four or more consecutive championships on more than one occasion. Hendrick Motorsports accomplished the feat 1995-98 and 2006-09; the Yankees did it 1936-39 and 1949-53; and the Canadiens recorded titles 1956-60 and 1976-79.
THREE SWEEP: Hendrick Motorsports is the first NASCAR team ever to capture the top-three spots in the championship standings with Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon finishing 1-2-3 in the 2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Hendrick Motorsports drivers have qualified 15 times for the Chase, the most of any team since the playoff format went into effect in 2004. In each year that Hendrick qualified three drivers, the organization earned the championship.
WINNING PERCENTAGE: Hendrick Motorsports is the most efficient team in major American professional sports, earning nine titles since its inception in 1984 for a 34.6 all-time title-winning percentage. The Celtics rank second with 17 titles in 64 seasons (26.56 percent), while the Yankees are third with an all-time winning percentage of 25.47 percent (27 championships in 106 seasons).
SINCE 1984: No other major American professional sports team has earned more championships than Hendrick Motorsports since 1984, the organization's inaugural season. The Chicago Bulls have collected six championships in that time, while the New York Yankees (MLB) and Edmonton Oilers (NHL) have scored five titles apiece.
25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON: Hendrick Motorsports wrapped up its 25th anniversary season today at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Founded in 1984, the organization has posted 188 Sprint Cup wins (second all-time), which is an average of more than seven trips to Victory Lane annually.
HOW 2009 STACKS UP: Hendrick Motorsports drivers scored the second-most top-five finishes (48) and top-10s (76) in the organization's history during the 2009 campaign. The team's 13 Cup wins tie this season with 2004 for the team's third-highest one-year total. Hendrick scored the most wins (18), top-five finishes (57) and top-10s (84) in 2007.
STILL ROLLING: Hendrick Motorsports never has run a Sprint Cup campaign without winning a pole position (1984-2009), and this season the team scored 12, including a career-best of seven from Mark Martin. The team's all-time season record was set in 1986, when Geoff Bodine and Tim Richmond combined for 16 pole positions.
WINNING WAYS: Hendrick Motorsports has posted at least one Cup-level win in 24 straight seasons (1986-2009), the longest active streak in NASCAR. The streak began Feb. 16, 1986, when Geoff Bodine won Hendrick's first Daytona 500.
ANOTHER ONE FOR CHEVY: Chevrolet captured its 33rd Sprint Cup manufacturers' championship this season after winning 18 races. Johnson led all Chevy drivers with seven victories, and Hendrick Motorsports contributed 13 of the 18 wins.(Hendrick Motorsports)(

Signed, Sealed, And Delivered

By Sarah Farlee, CupScene.com Senior Staff Writer

Homestead, Fla. - Jimmie Johnson made history as he crossed the stripe in Sunday’s season finale, the Ford 400 at the Homestead Miami Speedway, by winning his fourth consecutive series championship – an unprecedented feat that didn’t come easy.

Johnson had to fight to hoist the trophy, but it wasn’t Mark Martin that made the Sprint Cup tough to nab – it was the field.

“It was hairy racing at times. Everybody is trying to get the best finish at the end of the year,” said Johnson, who finished in the fifth position after an up and down night that included tight racing and aggressive driving.

“I think we were coming there at the end,” said Johnson, who held off teammate Jeff Gordon in the closing laps of the race. 

At the end it was all Johnson, who earned his fourth championship in just eight seasons in Sprint Cup racing. An emotional Johnson said he wasn’t sure he would be in this similar position, but noted that his team gave him confidence – especially the addition of Martin, who came to congratulate Johnson on making history.

“I just want to say how much I appreciate Mark Martin,” said Johnson of his teammate. “He’s made me step my game up.”

Martin was a non-issue for Johnson all night, but Martin is adamant about his place in the sport. He’s earned it and doesn’t feel a championship would change that.

“It’s been cool to be a part of all of that,” said Martin, of joining Hendrick Motorsports. “This has been more fun than I can remember having.”

“There’s no frustration. I’m very proud of what we accomplished,” added Martin of his year that included five wins and seven poles.

Martin will be back next season to contend again, but won’t disregard Johnson and team 48.

“Don’t think they’re done making it,” said Martin of Johnson’s history. “They’ve got a lot in front of them.”

The Hendrick organization have a lot in front of them as they also made history by becoming the first team to sweep the first three positions in final series point’s standings.

“What can you say, one, two, three Hendrick, that’s incredible,” said Jeff Gordon. “Just when you think you’ve seen everything a guy goes out and wins four in a row and Hendrick goes one, two, three. It’s incredible.”

 “I really never thought I would see in my career or my life time somebody winning four in a row,” Gordon added. “To see it happen in front of your eyes makes it more extraordinary.”
Other notes from the Ford 400

Marcos Ambrose spun to bring out the first caution of the day on lap 81. Ambrose qualified third and led four laps after getting around Johnson in the opening laps of the race. Ambrose’s good run would be short lived after a cut tire forced an unscheduled pit stop and the day went downhill from there. Ambrose brushed the wall later in the race to bring out the third caution on lap 109. Ambrose would finish 35th, 16 laps down.

Under the third caution a stack up coming onto pit road ended Elliott Sadler’s chances at a good run when Erik Darnell slowed to enter the garage entrance and missed the entryway. The miscue caused the stack up of Robby Gordon, Reed Sorenson and Sadler. Darnell finished 36th twenty laps down. Sorenson and Sadler finished 40th and 41st, both 150 laps down. Gordon would finish 39th, forty laps down after spinning again later in the race.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s bad luck continued. Running as high as sixth, coming from a 32nd qualifying position in just 35 laps, Earnhardt looked to have a strong car. While running the high line Earnhardt brushed the wall multiple times damaging the car enough to effect performance. Earnhardt finished 28th.
Joey Logano finished his first season finale in the 24th position. Logano also nabbed Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors, becoming the youngest driver to do so.

Five Points to Ponder…

Mike Lovecchio · Frontstretch.com

Homestead

ONE: With four consecutive titles, is Jimmie Johnson’s championship run the best ever?
Fan Vote – YES: 50%; NO: 50%

You can’t fault Jimmie Johnson for dominating the sport in its current points format, but nonetheless the fact that he has won four consecutive titles in the “Chase era” has allowed critics to dispel his accomplishment and put it behind Cale Yarborough’s three consecutive titles between 1976 and 1978 and possibly even Dale Earnhardt’s four in five years in the early ‘90s. Because Johnson simply needs to run well over the final 10 races as opposed to the entire schedule under the Chase format discredits the run a bit, but there is no doubting he beat the best of the best four consecutive years. I will admit it was more difficult for Yarborough to beat the likes of Richard Petty and David Pearson over a full season in the mid ‘70’s, but he only did it three years…I put Johnson’s four on the same level.

TWO: Will Johnson win his fifth consecutive title next season?
Fan Vote – YES: 40%; NO: 60%

Is there really any reason to think Johnson won’t win numero cinco next season? Let’s face it, the No. 48 team has this thing figured out and the only thing that can beat them at this point is bad luck. Until NASCAR figures out a way to Johnson-proof the Chase – and I hope they don’t – year in and year out he WILL be the man to beat. Don’t get me wrong, he will have challengers – I think Hamlin will be his biggest threat, along with Kyle Busch, Mark Martin, Carl Edwards and a few others, but he will be the odds on favorite. If you have a legitimate reason why you think Johnson won’t win the championship next season, I’d love to read it below in the comments section.

THREE: Did Juan Montoya need an oval win to make 2009 a successful season?
Fan Vote – YES: 14%; NO: 86%

In 2007 Juan Montoya had his best season in the Sprint Cup series with an average finish of 21.5. Two years later the Colombian has finally figured this whole stock car racing thing out and broke out with his first Chase berth and career-best 18 top 10s and seven top 5s. In what was a breakout season, Montoya finished 8th in points, but does the lack of an oval win make the 2009 season an overall failure? Heck no! In what was one of the biggest surprises of the season Montoya and Earnhardt-Ganassi racing – both underdogs – together made the No. 42 team one of the toughest challengers to Johnson, Martin and the giants at Hendrick Motorsports. 2009 was anything but a disappointment for Juan Montoya; it was proof that he can make it in NASCAR and reassured what motorsports fans everywhere already know — that he is one of the best drivers in the world.

FOUR: Do you expect the reemergence of Richard Childress Racing to carry over into 2010?
Fan Vote – YES: 87%; NO: 13%

For ¾ of the season Richard Childress Racing was a disappointment after many expected them to have at least a shot of challenging Roush-Fenway and Hendrick Motorsorts. Well, over the past month Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer have gradually put together better runs culminating with all three finishing in the top 11 on Sunday. I’m not saying they’ll be championship contenders next season, but expect the RCR banner to contend for more top 5s and top 10s as they try to reach the same plateau that everybody else is in the quest for – contending with the boys at Hendrick.

FIVE: Putting a bow on a rather lackluster season

Perhaps it was sign from above when the 2009 season opener symbolized what was to become this year – the rain shortened Daytona 500 made the sport’s biggest race rather, well, boring. Despite Johnson running away with another championship and some of the least exciting action we’ve seen in a while, the season still had its share of moments. While we go into the offseason let’s try and forget the debris cautions, the lack of racing and the Jimmie Johnson parade and remember the reemergence of Mark Martin, the emergence of Juan Montoya, the rivalries, and frankly anything that you can actually remember that was good about the sport next year. We can only hope that 2010 will be better.

Notes to Ponder:

Rivals retaliate: Everyone expected Denny Hamlin to dump Brad Keselowski Saturday, but the Montoya/Stewart rivalry that developed Sunday may be one to watch in 2010.

Poor finishes for Ambrose/Earnhardt: Dale Earnhardt Jr. had another fast race car this weekend, but once again results didn’t follow. Ambrose has been a surprise this season, but had his worst race of the year in the finale bringing out multiple cautions and finishing 35th.

Allmendinger stays hot:. With an average finish of 11th over the final three races, the ‘Dinger showed the promise down the stretch that he flashed at the beginning of the year.

End of a career: Michael Waltrip’s career came to an end Sunday. He may not be the winningest driver of the era, but he is among the most recognizable.

Johnson Now a Serious Threat to Petty’s And Earnhardt’s Championship Record

By Jerry Bonkowski/autoracingdaily.com

By winning his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup championship Sunday at Homestead Miami Speedway, Jimmie Johnson turned a huge corner.

He is now tied with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon for third place on NASCAR’s all-time championships list, putting him directly behind leaders Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt, who have seven titles each between them.

Sunday, Johnson entered NASCAR’s most elite class – a class that he now is the star pupil in – and becomes a most significant and legitimate threat to break a record that many people thought might never be broken.

While it’s unlikely he’ll ever top Petty’s 200 career Cup wins, Johnson is now within striking distance of Petty’s and Earnhardt’s shared championships mark.

It’s not out of the realm of possibility now. Given how relatively easy he’s made winning his first four Cup titles look, Johnson appears headed to do something Gordon has pretty much given up on: winning a fifth Cup title.

And even though it’s coincidental that it would be a fifth-straight championship for Johnson next season, the fact remains that the torch Gordon has carried as the most successful active driver in NASCAR has now officially been passed to Johnson.

Sure, Gordon has 35 more career Cup wins than Johnson, but as each year has passed since Gordon’s last title in 2001, it has become more and more apparent that Gordon will not come much closer to the joint Petty/Earnhardt mark, a record that many longtime Gordon fans thought he would have at least tied, if not broken, by now.

Johnson, on the other hand, is essentially just getting started. At the age of 34, he has a good six to eight more years ahead of him. And, given how he led the series with seven wins this season – and continues to appear to be in the prime of his racing career – one thing is pretty apparent.

The quest for a fifth straight is a given. The quest for winning a record eight championships overall – or more – is now a distinct possibility and ultimately a potential reality.

If you would have told me last year, after Johnson won his third straight, that he would be a serious challenger to Petty’s and Earnhardt’s mark, I would have said no way. He’d have had to win four more titles to win and five to break the record.

It’s funny how one more championship now, though, can change my thought process – and I’m sure the thought process of many others. Now that he’s tied with Gordon with four championships each, Johnson needs to win only three more to tie and four to break Petty’s and Earnhardt’s record.

Somehow, it’s like he’s climbed over the top of a mountain and now that goal is much more in sight and potentially attainable.

That’s bad news to the rest of his NASCAR challengers, for if Johnson continues his stranglehold on remaining champion, a lot of potential championship opportunities for other drivers will continue to fall by the wayside, year after year after year.

Carl Edwards? May never see his first Cup title.

Ageless Mark Martin, who finished second for a fifth consecutive time in his career this season? The only way he’ll get a chance at the title is if/when Johnson retires. Then again, knowing how strong Martin’s competitiveness and ability still are at the age of 50, he may just try and wait Johnson out to finally get that elusive first Cup title.

Tony Stewart? Somehow, as long as Johnson’s still around, it’s likely Smoke won’t be adding to the two Cup crowns he’s already earned.

And what about Dale Earnhardt Jr.? As much as I hate to say it, particularly since Johnson is his teammate, I think Junior fans better get used to the fact that their heartthrob also will never win a Cup championship while Johnson is still around. And given that Earnhardt is the same age as Johnson, again, as much as I hate to say it, we may have already seen the best seasons of Junior’s Cup career.

Can Johnson win a fifth next year? Most definitely. I’d say he’s already the big favorite to do so, given how he won No. 4.

Can he win more than five? Without a doubt. In fact, as I reflect back on what are now four consecutive championships, I was struck by a thought: a relatively dangerous thought at that to Johnson’s fellow competitors.

What if, even with the incredible achievement of four consecutive championships now, Johnson is ultimately just warming up?

Check back with me in about six years from now. I wouldn’t exactly be surprised if we’re talking about – and celebrating – Johnson’s record 10th consecutive championship.

Time to give Jimmie Johnson his due

by Jeff Owens, NASCAR Scene, Special to FOXSports.com

When Jimmie Johnson captured his fourth straight NASCAR Cup championship Sunday, it wasn't widely celebrated by the vast majority of NASCAR Nation.

In fact, many fans have been disgruntled most of the season over the prospects of the bland Johnson winning a fourth straight title, of his sucking the very life out of another Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Johnson and his vanilla personality don't exactly mesmerize or polarize fans, making him one of the least appealing successful drivers in the sport (Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal recently reported that Johnson is 13th among all race-car drivers in public awareness).

Many fans, in fact, are ambivalent toward him, which is almost worse than being widely hated.

So his fourth straight title has gone over like a lead balloon among a fickle fan base that seems to complain about everything these days, including Johnson's dominance the past four years.

But it's time for NASCAR fans to suck it up, lay their intense loyalties and apathy aside and applaud Johnson for one of the most impressive accomplishments in the history of the sport.

The four straight titles by Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports team rivals some of the greatest championship runs in professional sports, surpassing the Steelers, Cowboys and 49ers of the National Football League and putting the No. 48 team in a class with the Yankees, Celtics and Canadiens across all pro sports.

Individually, Johnson's reign puts him among some of the greatest athletes of this generation — in a category with such legendary names as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Roger Federer, players who dominated their sports.

In NASCAR, Johnson's four straight championships are even more impressive than the seven Cup titles won by Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt — a record that he also may tie and, possibly, surpass in the next four or five years.

What Johnson has done is simply dominate the most competitive era in NASCAR history, making him not only the greatest driver of the past decade, but also one of the greatest of all time.

His 47 wins and four titles in just eight years put him in the same company as Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. And though he hasn't won as many races as any of them — yet — he has accumulated those stats in fewer years and in a tougher era.

For the past four decades, the seven titles won by Petty and Earnhardt have stood as the most impressive feats in the sport. But neither faced the competition and the obstacles that Johnson has faced.

Petty won all seven of his titles in seasons when only a handful of teams ran enough races to contend for the championship.

When he won his first title in 1964, only one other driver — Pearson — ran the same number of races. When he won a remarkable 27 races in 1967, including 10 in a row, no one ran as many races as Petty (48), who beat winless James Hylton in the points standings.

In '71, only four drivers ran as many events as Petty, and none of them won. Even in the early years of the modern era, beginning in 1972, only a handful of drivers ran all the races. The only title Petty won when he was truly challenged was in 1979, when he edged Waltrip, Allison and Yarborough for his final championship.

Earnhardt faced stiffer competition, but even in the 1980s, when he won three titles, the fields weren't as deep. He beat drivers like Waltrip, Tim Richmond, Bill Elliott and Rusty Wallace, but behind them, the competition wasn't as fierce.

That all changed in the 1990s, when Jeff Gordon arrived, opening the door for a slew of new, young talent to follow him.

Gordon quickly became the sport's dominant driver, winning four titles in seven years. Many thought he would match, and possibly surpass, Petty and Earnhardt.

He might have — if not for Johnson, his protégé at Hendrick Motorsports. The past 10 to 15 years have been the most competitive era in NASCAR history, with the emergence of Gordon and Tony Stewart battling veterans such as Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Wallace, Terry Labonte, Bobby Labonte and others.

And they were followed by arguably the best crop of young drivers ever to enter the sport — Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman, Johnson, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, the Busch brothers and, for a while, even Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt Sr. had to fend off such young stars as Richmond, Elliott and Wallace, but neither Petty nor Earnhardt faced as many rising stars and potential threats as Johnson.

One of the most impressive feats by both Petty and Earnhardt is that they both beat legendary drivers who had also won multiple championships — Pearson, Yarborough and Waltrip.

Johnson, by comparison, has beaten Gordon and Stewart, who have six championships between them.

Johnson has also had to face two huge obstacles during his reign — the Chase and NASCAR's new model Cup car.

All four of Johnson's championships have come under NASCAR's unique 10-race playoff format. Many fans believe that is a knock against him, arguing it was much tougher to win championships under the old, full-season format.

That is a ridiculous argument.

How can it be harder to rise to the top and hang on over a long, 36-race schedule than during a tense, pressure-packed, 10-race shootout when everyone starts on almost-equal footing?

The Chase has made it harder, not easier, to win championships — just ask Gordon, who has four under the old format and none during the Chase.

Under the old format, a driver and team had to be excellent during only two-thirds of the season. Once comfortably on top, they could put it on cruise control and stroke their way to the title, as Earnhardt often did and as Matt Kenseth did in 2003, the last season of the old, season-long format.

Rising to the top under intense pressure and during a 10-week free-for-all takes much more talent, versatility and mental fortitude.

Johnson and his team obviously have mastered that.

Johnson also has remained on top during another one of the most dramatic changes in the sport in years — the introduction of NASCAR's new car.

NASCAR's new car is much harder to drive and set up, as evidenced by the numerous stars who have struggled to get a handle on it. Johnson has won three of his four titles with the new machine, including in 2007 when the schedule was split between the old car and the new one.

Johnson critics argue the new car simply played into the hands of Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus and mighty Hendrick Motorsports.

True, but that is still a testament to their remarkable talent and ingenuity. The fact that they have mastered it when so many other "elite" teams haven't is just further evidence to their superiority.

One of the greatest ironies during Johnson's reign is he has continued to dominate despite the majority of NASCAR fans pulling against him.

The way he has ignored the "48 haters" and remained focused on the ultimate prize is yet another testament to his remarkable ability.

Much of the disdain for his team has been fueled by several penalties for rules violations, incidents that landed Knaus on suspension and saddled him with the label of "cheater."

Their team, though, has risen above such adversity and won despite intense scrutiny and criticism.

Johnson may not be the sport's most popular or well-liked driver, but he is currently its greatest — the greatest now, and perhaps of all time.

It's time he got his due and was recognized as such.  

Bowles-Eye View

Jay Pennell · Frontstretch.com

Appreciating History Rewritten

Editor’s Note: Jay Pennell is filling in for Bowles-Eye View this week. Tom Bowles’ commentary can be found on his regular gig over at SI.com’s Racing section.

He may not be the most popular driver and he may seem a bit “vanilla” to some, but Jimmie Johnson is without question one of the best to ever strap into a race car. Earning his fourth straight NASCAR title Sunday night, Johnson separated himself from some of the greatest in the 61-year history of the sport.

Johnson is now one of only four drivers to win four championships (the others being Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon), but among those NASCAR greats, Johnson is the only driver to win them all in a row. Last year’s hoopla was Johnson’s chance to tie Cale Yarborough by winning three straight titles; but this year, the attention is all squarely on him for breaking the record.

This team has set the bar since joining the Cup Series ranks full-time in 2002. In each of their eight years, the No. 48 organization has finished in the top-5 in the season-ending standings, maturing along with NASCAR’s new playoff format that came into existence during his third year. Working together with crew chief Chad Knaus, he has more wins (18) and top 10s (55) then anyone in the 60-race history of the Chase.

One of the biggest contributors and advantages the No. 48 team has had during its championship run is the man calling the shots atop the pit box. Chad Knaus came up through the Hendrick organization learning from one of the greatest crew chiefs in the business, Ray Evernham. Since taking over as crew chief for Johnson, Knaus has set himself apart from his competition. One of the most methodical and calculated guys in the garage area, winning is a way of life for him, and he conducts his team accordingly.

The road to history has not always been easy, though. Struggles on the track and Knaus’ suspensions over the years for rules violations have made this team dig deep to get the job done. BUt whenever they hit a string of bad luck and were behind the eight ball, everyone in the organization stepped up and performed to the best of their ability.

“Just when you think you’ve seen everything, a guy goes out and finishes four in a row and Hendrick finishes 1-2-3 in the points,” Jeff Gordon said. “As a competitor, that Johnson ticks me off. As a friend, a teammate, and sort of car owner they’re amazing. I’m really happy for [Johnson], Chad and the entire 48 team…I really never thought I’d see in my career or my lifetime somebody win four in a row.”

Yet despite his success on the track, Johnson has become a guy fans love to hate. The dislike for Johnson is not exactly at say, Kyle Busch levels, but boos ring loud when Johnson is introduced each week. The general idea is that he is a polished driver that has the best equipment. A clean cut native of California, Johnson has not always related to the blue collar fans … but while that may be the feeling amongst some, the drivers themselves know better.

“I know the garage really respects what they have done and really realizes how hard it is for that happen,” Kevin Harvick said. “To win a championship in this sport four times in a row is something pretty remarkable. I think it’s time for the fans to give the credit that he deserves. That is the most dominant team we have sitting in this garage, and they deserve that respect.”

“I will say that as much as he wins and everything happens, Jimmie’s one of those guys you want to hate, but he’s one of the best guys out here,” Jamie McMurray added. “I think that he is very deserving of what he has.”

And what he and the Hendrick organization now have is their own page in the history books of NASCAR.

“I think that’s got to say how impressive this Lowe’s team is and what a great, fantastic driver Jimmie Johnson is,” Knaus said after the race. “Jimmie is an incredible, incredible talent. He is the most underrated driver in this garage from a perspective of media recognition and stuff like that. He can do things with a race car that I’ve never seen done before, and I hope this proves it to everybody.”

When asked where he ranks among the sport’s best drivers, Johnson admitted this accomplishment puts him up there. He has earned his fourth title quicker than Petty, Earnhardt, and Gordon. Over the last eight years, Johnson has 47 wins, 117 top-5s, and 180 top-10s in 291 races.

“I have a lot of racing ahead of me, so it is tough to really say at this point,” Johnson said. “We’ve have covered some territory in a short period of time, and I feel the years ahead of us we can even get higher in the record books.”

The scariest thing for the competition is the No. 48 team shows no signs of slowing. Come next year, they’ll once again be the team to beat. Knaus even admitted they have been working on 2010 for the last two months.

So congratulations to Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, Rick Hendrick, and the entire No. 48 team. There are rare moments in sports in which history of this magnitude is made, and witnessing it is something every competitor, media member, and fan should be appreciative of.

Please! More Hamlin vs. Keselowski and Stewart vs. Montoya

By Richard Allen/racingwithrich.com

Paybacks are…Well, you know.

This weekend’s racing at the Homestead-Miami Speedway featured plenty of payback and it made for some entertaining stuff.

In the Nationwide Series race on Saturday, the brewing rivalry between Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski came to a head. Hamlin promised payback for previous fouls, and he delivered.

Hamlin caught Keselowski and sent him into the spin cycle early in that race. NASCAR penalized Hamlin one lap for rough driving as a result.

On Sunday, Tony Stewart and Juan Pablo Montoya found themselves tangled together on more than one occasion. After a bump from Montoya to Stewart on one side of the track, Stewart slammed Montoya’s car and caused a flat tire which resulted in a bump with the wall on the other side of the track.

Montoya retaliated on Stewart by sending him for a spin after the #42 car returned to the track following a stint in the garage. He was penalized two laps, which didn’t really mean much to a guy already multiple laps down.

NASCAR could use a lot more rivalries like these two cases. The sanctioning body actually did well not to over-penalize the combatants. Hamlin was able to recover from his penalty and record a top-5 finish. And as was said, Montoya’s penalty was inconsequential.

As long as no other innocent bystander is collected, paybacks could even go completely unpunished. Penalties ought to be doled out only if others not originally involved are collected.

Those that believe folks who dare to criticize NASCAR are stuck in some time warp and see things as better in the ‘good ole days’ like to point out statistics such as the number of cars on the lead lap at the end of a race as a way of claiming racing is better now than it was ‘back in the day’. What people such as myself are trying to point out is that racing used to be a sport filled with passion, emotion and grit. It has nothing to do with the number of cars on the lead lap at the end of a race.

Rivalries and payback were once every bit as much a part of racing as points and trophies are today. The sport misses that element badly. Such activities provide a reason to tune in and stay tuned in.

Today’s antiseptic NASCAR does not offer much of this sort of thing. That’s why such a big deal was made of Hamlin vs. Keselowski and Stewart vs. Montoya. In the days of Petty, Pearson, Allison, Baker and Yarborough this type stuff was commonplace, and it was exciting.

Let’s hope 2010 offers more rivalries and even a few more paybacks.

Montoya-Stewart rivalry spices up season finale

By Seth Livingstone, USA TODAY

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Tony Stewart and Juan Pablo Montoya, running fifth and sixth in points, were close all weekend, their bright red haulers parked beside each other in the Cup garage.

Close turned to physical 117 laps into Sunday's Ford 400.

Montoya got into the back of Stewart, who would have none of it. He came down on Montoya, all but scraping the 42 off the right side of Montoya's Chevrolet.

Forty-three laps later, the two were at it again, Montoya drawing a two-lap penalty for rough driving when he rammed the rear end of Stewart.

Neither driver was available for postrace discussion.

"I definitely didn't see that coming," said Montoya's crew chief, Brian Pattie.

"It shows you that (Montoya) is not going to be pushed around. But it didn't help us, and it didn't help (Stewart). We both had a chance to finish in the top five."

Stewart finished 22nd, falling behind race winner Denny Hamlin to sixth in points. Montoya, who lost 32 laps to repairs and penalty, finished 38th.

"Tony was frustrated," said Joe Custer, executive vice president at Stewart-Haas Racing.

Hamlin was penalized one lap for rough driving after an incident with Brad Keselowski in Saturday's Nationwide Series race.

"I think everyone's got a little fight in them, especially when they've been done wrong," Hamlin said. "Maybe they thought (retaliation) was worth it. I thought yesterday that it was worth it."

Hamlin-Keselowski and Montoya-Stewart were an unexpected heavyweight double-bill caused by frayed nerves and a "nothing to lose" mentality with the season down to the final laps.

"I haven't seen all the replays and I don't know what happened first and when," Stewart crew chief Darian Grubb said. "They were racing each other pretty hard and both got frustrated."

The race finished without another road-rage incident between the two after Montoya's penalty. Stewart finished 22nd and Montoya was 38th.

Respected veteran driver Jeff Burton said the sport could do without the trash talking.

"What this sport needs is good racing, it doesn't need running that mouth," he said. "I think running that mouth is not what it's all about. Good hard racing is what fans want to see. There's a certain portion of people that want to see people yell at each other, but I think the general population is better off."

Most drivers feel should they self-police the field in the garage and on the track.

"You have your moments where you lose your mind and lose your temper and you just want to run over the top of somebody," Kevin Harvick said.

Montoya, Stewart let anger get best of them in finale

Both finish outside top 20 after on-track altercations

By Joe Menzer, NASCAR.COM

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- The fireworks that filled the night-time sky following the end of the Ford 400 weren't the only ones to go off Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The others blasted off much earlier during the 267-lap race at the 1.5-mile track, when drivers Juan Montoya and Tony Stewart bumped and banged and wrecked each other on two different occasions, providing the most entertaining moments of Jimmie Johnson's championship-clinching run.

Those fireworks started on Lap 116 when it appeared Montoya, driving the No. 42 Chevrolet, bumped Stewart's No. 14 Chevy from behind. Stewart almost immediately seemed to retaliate by turning down into Montoya's car, causing the right-front tire of the No. 42 to go flat, sending it into the wall.

That tore up the right side of Montoya's machine and sent him to the garage to get it fixed. When he returned 30 laps later, it seemed he quickly set his sights on getting even with Stewart.

Chad Knaus, crew chief for Johnson, even told the No. 48 team's spotter, Earl Barban, to find out where Montoya and Johnson were on the track and instructed Johnson to give the frisky pair a wide berth as soon as Montoya emerged from the garage and got back into the fray.

"Earl, keep an eye on the 42 and the 14. The 42 is back on the race track and the 14 is unfortunately ahead of us," Knaus told Barban.

Brian Pattie, Montoya's crew chief, later admitted: "If we had been going for a championship and I saw all that stuff happening, I would have told my driver the same thing."

On Lap 155, Pattie's driver booted Stewart from behind, sending the No. 14, which had been in contention for a strong finish and possibly even the win, spinning off into oblivion. Although Stewart wasn't penalized for the first portion of the incident, Montoya was black-flagged by NASCAR and parked for two laps.

The scuffles ruined the nights of both drivers. Montoya ended up finishing 38th and dropped two spots to eighth in the final Chase standings. Stewart, who lost one lap and fell to 33rd after getting spun and having to pit under green, eventually did gain his lap and several positions back, but had to settle for a 22nd-place finish that dropped him to sixth in the final standings.

As irony would have it, the two entered the race fifth and sixth in points, respectively -- meaning their haulers were parked right next to each other all weekend in the garage. But there were no additional post-race fireworks from either driver -- at least not that the public could see or hear.

Montoya drove in after the race first and quickly stormed off after climbing from his car. Stewart came in next and lingered only a little before disappearing into his hauler. He sent word through a spokesman about 10 minutes later that he would not be discussing the incidents with reporters.

That left the crew chiefs to try to explain what happened. Unfortunately, they more or less said they didn't have a clue.

"I haven't seen all the replays, so I don't know what exactly happened when," said Darian Grubb, crew chief for Stewart. "But they were racing each other hard, and they both got frustrated."

Pattie smiled and added: "I asked the crew chief on the 14 what happened, and he said he didn't know, either. So we'll just have to go back and look at the tape like we always do, and try to see what happened. All I saw was the right side [of the 42] went flat, he got into the wall, and we were headed to the garage.

"We'll figure it out. We definitely don't need this stuff heading into next year."

The two crew chiefs did end up speaking with each other afterward. Eventually, they shrugged shoulders and had a laugh about it after agreeing that any lingering bad feelings between the drivers needs to be flushed from all systems before the 2010 season opens with the Daytona 500 next February.

"It didn't help us; it didn't help him," Pattie said. "We fell a couple of spots in the points; he ended up out of the top five, when both of us had a fighting chance to finish there. I don't know. We'll see what happens. I mean, Tony is a friend of mine so we'll see what happens."

Both crew chiefs also agreed that the two cars were fast before the fireworks exploded in their collective faces.

"We were going to go out on a high note," Grubb said. "We wanted to win this race and we had the car to do it. We led some laps. We fell back a couple of times because of pit sequences or whatever, and we were always able to drive right back up to the front.

"We were really hopeful. Then the sun went down, the track got a little cooler, and our car started getting off a little bit while others started picking it up a bit. We just got the best we could out of it at that point."

Well, it didn't help getting turned by Montoya. Then again, Pattie said he thought his camp had a top-five car as well before the beating and banging with Stewart commenced.

"We're still building. We're still a new team, when you think about it. It's only my first full-time year in the Cup Series," said Pattie, who was on the pit box for 19 poles and 18 wins in the Nationwide Series before moving to Cup late last season. "If I knew it was going to be like this all the time, I should have switched a long time ago.

"[Juan] buys into the system. We've changed some stuff and started clicking this season, but I don't want to be a one-hit wonder. We do a lot of things and we're pretty meticulous about what we do, so we can perform the second time around [at tracks] even better [than the first]. I think we proved that in the second half of this season, and we'll try to carry that over to all of the tracks next season. I want to take what we had the last 15, 18 races and build on it. This was a brand-new race car that easily had another top-five [finish] in it."

Pattie said the only thing he said to Montoya while the car was in the garage getting fixed was to remind him to keep it at the minimum speed. But he also later admitted that he was not all that surprised when his driver tangled a second time with Stewart.

"That's not a very good recipe, to be honest with you," Pattie said. "We'll watch the tape and see that it doesn't happen again."

Pattie added that he was not too upset with Montoya.

"It shows you that he wants to be here, and that he's not going to be pushed around," Pattie said. "He's fiery, and he's going to stay that way. It's in there; it's in him. We just calmed him down to get him points racing [earlier this season]. He didn't start it [with Stewart], I don't think. He just finished it."

Grubb added: "It's just racers racin' hard. A lot of common sense goes out the window when you're racing as hard as you can. We weren't thinking about points, we were thinking about winning the race -- and we thought Juan was racing a little too hard right there. That happens. Juan's a great race-car driver and so is Tony. Both of their common senses went out the window altogether there."

The one man responsible for creating the monster

Gordon discovery of Johnson changed course of history

By David Caraviello, NASCAR.COM

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Blame it on Jeff Gordon.

If only he had averted his eyes from the kid in the red and white car running the perfect line around Darlington Raceway at that test session so many years ago. If only he hadn't passed his name on to team owner Rick Hendrick. If only he hadn't sat in a conference room with the chief executive officer of Lowe's, swallowed hard, and said, yeah, sure, of course the guy is capable of winning races and championships.

How different modern NASCAR history would be. How ironic that the man most responsible for unleashing Jimmie Johnson upon the world is the driver who likely would have gained the most had the once-unknown Busch driver never been unearthed.

"I'm very proud of what that team has accomplished. I'm proud to have been a part of it from the beginning," Gordon said at Homestead-Miami Speedway, site of Sunday's season finale, where Johnson likely will secure his record-breaking fourth consecutive championship on NASCAR's highest level.

"It's a bittersweet thing, because as a driver, you know, we won the championship in '01 when they ran their first race. They watched us win that championship in '01. I think maybe in '02 I finished ahead of him in points. I don't think I've finished ahead of him in points since then. It just reminds me of when the 24 team came together, the people that made that happen, how it came together, how it clicked, all the right things happening. It reminds me a lot about that. You know, I'm happy for those guys, being able to be a part of something like that."

Gordon laughs about it now, this realization that he created a monster. But without Johnson in the way, the driver of the No. 24 car unquestionably wins a fifth championship in 2007, the season when he stockpiled an amazing 30 top-10s yet fell 77 points short of the crown. He'd have a more-than-realistic shot at a sixth title this year, given that he's 61 points behind second place Mark Martin. As it stands now, though, they're all watching Johnson continue a march that may not end until the sport's greatest record is equaled.

Even Gordon, made wary of such prognostications by personal experience -- he heard plenty of talk about seven championships himself after he won his fourth and still most recent title in 2001 -- concedes the possibility given Johnson's success under the current championship format.

"Those guys are on a roll right now, and I don't really see it slowing down," Gordon said. "I think they're very capable of doing it again next year. You know, that's still just five. Seven is a big number. That's tough to get to. I remember a lot of people telling me or asking me, oh man, seven is in reach, seven is in reach. A lot changed.

"To me the only difference is, I don't compare the championships those guys won, or the ones I won, to the new championship. It's totally different. If they continue to keep the 10 races in the Chase that are in there now, I don't know if there's anybody better than the 48 team at those 10 races, those 10 tracks."

Hard to believe it all started at a place like Darlington, at an event like a Busch Series test that Gordon attended to lend advice to Ricky Hendrick, who had never before raced at the old egg-shaped track. Standing on top of the transporter, Gordon noticed a red and white No. 92 car that was running the right line, snug up against the outside wall, and getting around the place fast. Gordon told Hendrick -- that guy is running the line you want to run. And by the way, who is he?

Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick told him. Later that day, Gordon went over to introduce himself. How many times have you been here before, the four-time NASCAR champion asked the unknown. Never, Johnson told him.

"I mean, right there, that's pretty impressive," Gordon remembered. "A guy that has never been there before that picked it up that quick."

Gordon kept his eye on the kid, who turned out to be a former off-road racer from El Cajon, Calif. He liked how Johnson handled himself on the race track, clearly getting the most out of a Herzog Motorsports car that was competitive, but far from dominant. After a drivers' meeting at Michigan, Johnson approached Gordon to discuss some career options. Then Johnson drove his way past Gordon in the race.

At the same time, Hendrick Motorsports was finalizing plans for a new 85,000-square-foot shop for the No. 24 team, a facility big enough to house another car. Gordon put all the pieces together, went to team owner Rick Hendrick, and pitched the idea of a new team with Johnson behind the wheel.

"Rick had some interest," he said, the understatement heavier than the South Florida humidity. Yet there were no guarantees. As much promise as Gordon had seen in Johnson's ability, this still was a driver without much of a track record. Johnson's average finish on the Busch tour in 2000 had been an underwhelming 19.5. By 2001, the year he made his Cup debut with Hendrick, that number had improved -- but only slightly, to 16.2. He had one career victory in the series, but was probably better known for standing on the roof of his car with his arms up in the air after a wicked crash at Watkins Glen.

So understandably, the CEO of Lowe's at the time had some doubts when Gordon and Hendrick arrived to ask the company to spend millions to back a driver no one had ever heard of. Chief executive Bob Tillman looked at Gordon and asked -- can this kid really win?

"When a guy like that puts the pressure on you like that, you don't want to just lie to him. You want to be honest. And I feel like I was honest. I told him that I believed with Hendrick equipment and the right people around him that, yes, he was capable of it," Gordon remembered.

"Now, how much of that did I believe was going to come true? I mean, I wasn't sure. I wasn't sure. I mean, I knew that Jimmie had a great talent, but I had no idea. You don't know how much they have until you put them in your equipment. You don't know what kind of crew chief Chad Knaus was going to be. I don't even know if we had a crew chief at that time. Just a lot of factors in there.

"But, you know what, I was confident in Hendrick Motorsports, and I did see something in Jimmie that I thought could be special. I had no idea it was going to take off and do what it's done. But I sure am happy now, because I look pretty good saying, oh, yeah, absolutely, he's going to do all that."

Even Johnson still seems amazed at how it all unfolded. "I don't know what [Hendrick] and Jeff both saw in me back in 2000, as I was a mid-pack Busch driver," he said. "They saw it, offered me a job. Nobody else was calling offering me a job. I don't think I'd be where I am today without Jeff and Rick, what they've put on the line for me."

Gordon, as it turns out, put much more on the line than just his nascent reputation as a talent scout. His decision to pursue Johnson has quite clearly cost him championships, and a place in the NASCAR pantheon even more elevated than the one he currently enjoys. So go ahead, blame the guy. Jeff Gordon could have so easily kept quiet, could have ignored that red and white car running the perfect line around Darlington, and in the process further enhanced his own career.

But he didn't. And ultimately, Gordon's discovery of Jimmie Johnson may go down as his greatest contribution to his sport and his organization, regardless of how many titles he may -- or may not -- have won.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.

Well, that's all for today.  Until the next time, I remain,

Your Nascar Momma

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Happy Friday everyone.  Habbajeeba, we made it through the week! 

Today In Nascar History

Nov. 20, 2004: David Ragan makes his Nationwide Series debut in the Ford 300 at Homestead. Ragan, 18 at the time, starts 36th and finishes 31st. Kevin Harvick gets the win, Jamie McMurray is second and 19-year-old Kyle Busch is third.

Quote of the Year

There's an unwritten rule in NASCAR: Thou shalt not take on Dale Earnhardt Jr.

--Terry Blount/espn 

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Bits and Pieces

It’s Official: McMurray to drive for Earnhardt-Ganassi in 2010

Greg Engle/nascarexaminer.com

As we reported earlier, Jamie McMurray will drive for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in 2010, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team did indeed make the announcement late Wednesday.
McMurray will drive the No. 1 Chevrolet with primary sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops, replacing Martin Truex Jr, who is leaving EGR to join Michael Waltrip Racing.
McMurray will reunite former boss Chip Ganassi, after a four-year stint at Roush-Fenway Racing.
McMurray made his debut in NASCAR's premier touring series in October of 2002 at Talladega, replacing injured Ganassi driver Sterling Marlin. McMurray scored his first career Sprint Cup victory a race later at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
In 2003 he was moved to the No. 42 car and in 2004 he had his best career season finishing 11th in the championship standings after scoring 23 top-ten finishes. In 2005 he was ranked 12th in the standings before leaving the team.
In 2008 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates merged with Dale Earnhardt Inc, adding the No.1 car to the stable and switching from Dodge to Chevrolet. The team recently confirmed they will remain with Chevy in 2010.

The full press release follows:
Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Signs Jamie McMurray
CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 18, 2009) – Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that they will add NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) driver Jamie McMurray as a teammate of Juan Pablo Montoya, to drive the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats Chevrolet for the 2010 NSCS season. Fresh off his win at the Talladega Superspeedway on Nov. 1, McMurray will return to Ganassi whom he raced for from 2002-05. Bass Pro Shops will once again return for their fifth season as one of the primary partners on the No. 1 Chevrolet.
MCMURRAY BEHIND THE WHEEL: The Joplin, MO native has won three NSCS races since he entered the series near the end of 2002. In his seven years and 258 races at NASCAR’s highest level he has 30 career top-five finishes and 80 top-10 results. McMurray shocked the racing world in 2002 when he won his first NSCS race while racing for CGRFS in only his second NSCS start and set a modern-era NASCAR record by becoming the quickest driver to win a cup race. The 2003 Rookie of the Year has finished in the top-20 in points in five of his seven seasons on the Cup circuit with a best finish of 11th in 2004.
COMING HOME: McMurray broke into the NSCS in 2002 as a member of the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates team of drivers and spent three full seasons there from 2003-05. Those three seasons are statistically the best seasons of McMurray’s career. In those three years he had a combined 18 top-five finishes and 46 top-10s and competed until the end for a spot in the 10-member Chase field every year. He finished 13th, 11th and 12th in those three seasons. His 23 top-10 finishes in 2004 were tied for second most with Jimmie Johnson and behind only Jeff Gordon in the NSCS.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION: McMurray won his first two Nationwide Series races and scored his first Cup win within a four-week period in 2002. He finished sixth in the NNS standings in 2002 and posted career-bests in top-fives (six) and top-10s (14). McMurray has seven NNS wins under his belt and one truck series victory and has also raced in the NASCAR Midwest Series. McMurray began racing competitively at eight-years-old when he started with go-karts. He won four U.S. Go-Kart titles from 1986-92 and was World Go-Kart Champion in 1991.
AWAY FROM THE TRACK: McMurray has been equally as active off the track as he has been on with the Jamie McMurray Foundation (JMF). Created in 2006, the foundation was formed to promote awareness of, and raise funding for, research, education and support for individuals and families affected by autism. The JMF is dedicated to bringing the financial backing and support of the NASCAR community, together with the passion and commitment of the autism community to promote better understanding of this challenging disability.
BASS PRO SHOPS: Bass Pro Shops, of Springfield, Missouri, will enter their fifth season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as one of the primary sponsors of the No. 1 Chevrolet. With 56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada, Bass Pro Shops are visited by over 100 million people annually. Their international catalog and internet retailing are second to none. The American Rod & Gun wholesale division sells to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, and the Outdoor World Incentives sell Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America. Bass Pro Shops is also extremely proud of their restaurant division, featuring 26 unique locations.
QUOTE BOARD
Chip Ganassi, Team Owner:
“To be able to sign a veteran driver with the talent and experience of Jamie was important to us. We know Jamie and understand what makes him tick as a driver. We had a lot of success with Jamie in the early part of his career and are looking for more of the same. We also think he will be a tremendous compliment to Juan Pablo Montoya as well. The duo of McMurray and Montoya creates a very formidable team as we look to continue the momentum that has been established this year in our chase for the championship.”
Jamie McMurray, Driver:
“I am really excited about this opportunity with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing as I think Juan Pablo and Martin have shown this season, their equipment is as good as anyone’s in the garage. I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of their cars and once again competing for a NASCAR championship. It will also be fun to work with some of the people that I worked with when I was there a few years ago. They have really good people there. As an added bonus, I am really happy to have the opportunity to work with Bass Pro Shops as I grew up near Bass Pro’s headquarters in Springfield, MO and am a huge fan of their stores.”
Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops:
“We are proud to be able to continue our long relationship with Teresa Earnhardt and Chip Ganassi and we are also excited that a fine young feller from our home state, Jamie McMurray, will be our driver.”

Fuel Injection in 2011?: Several sources, including a NASCAR Sprint Cup crew chief and a manufacturer's representative, have confirmed that the sanctioning body intends to replace carburetors with fuel injection on Sprint Cup engines in 2011. The move has been discussed for several years, but in a meeting between NASCAR representatives and representatives of the manufacturers held after the Talladega race, the plan was reportedly presented to those in attendance.(Orlando Sentinel)

Sterling Marlin...retiring? denied: Sterling Marlin plans to enter Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway [Marlin is not on the entry list, but the #70 Chevy driver is listed as TBA-to be announced, so maybe.....] then, after over 30 years of life in the fast lane, will "probably" hang up his helmet. "Will I miss it? Yeah, in some ways," said Marlin, 52, who raced his way out of the Carter's Creek tobacco fields and into international fame with back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in '94 and '95. "But in some ways I'll kinda be glad when it's over. The sport has changed. It's not much fun anymore."(Racin' Today) UPDATE: been told that Marlin says he is not retiring but would think about retiring in the off-season because it just wasn't fun anymore. Marlin has no plans to drive at Homestead. Marlin can be heard on a scheduled radio interview, Thursday, Nov 19th on Race 2 Win Radio around 1:20pm/et.

One track left with no win for Hendrick: Homestead-Miami Speedway is the only racetrack on the current Sprint Cup schedule where Hendrick Motorsports has not won a race. The organization, which will wrap up its 25th anniversary season this weekend, has recorded eight top-five finishes and 16 top-10s in 10 Cup events (39 starts) there (HMS). It is also the only race track that #24-Jeff Gordon has not won a Sprint Cup race and for #48-Jimmie Johnson, Homestead is one of six race tracks on the Cup circuit he has not won at [the others being Watkins Glen, Infineon Raceway, Chicago, Michigan and Bristol.

Final race for Jack Daniel's in NASCAR: After five years of partnership, Jack Daniel's announced in September they would be discontinuing their NASCAR sponsorship with the conclusion of this weekend's race. In honor of their association with Richard Childress Racing, Jack Daniel's has placed the name of every driver, crew member and administrative person who was part of their program at RCR on the hood of this weekend's #07 Chevy that Casey Mears drives. This will be the last time fans can purchase Jack Daniel's souvenirs from the #07 merchandise trailer. And, Mears will be making his final autograph appearance there on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 12:15pm/et and Mears will make his "last call" at the Jack Daniel's Experience on the same day at 12:00pm/et.(RCR)

What is up with Scott Riggs: Scott Riggs has had a lot of free time lately, 6 months to be exact. So when the former Nascar Sprint Cup series driver got a call from his former late model team, the Bahama, NC native jumped at the opportunity to go out and play. The recent free agent is looking for his second career Myrtle Beach 400 race victory, and recently spent Monday November 16th Testing at Myrtle Beach. He spent the day getting reacquainted with the track regarded as one of the toughest short tracks in the country. "The track has a lot less grip than it did 10 years ago," Riggs stated after spending some time out on the track before making some changes to the car. But he said the lack of grip and the challenging nature is what gives Myrtle Beach its character, and that's what makes it so gratifying when you run well. So on Saturday November 21st and Sunday November 22nd the crafty veteran will make his return to Myrtle Beach Speedway driving the Romeo Guest Construction #2 Ford Fusion. (Myrtle Beach Speedway)

RCR, no wins at Homestead: Homestead has been a bit of an Achilles Heel for Richard Childress Racing and is one of the few race tracks where team owner Richard Childress hasn't earned a Sprint Cup Series victory. As a company, RCR's best finish at HMS came in 2003 and in 2008 when Kevin Harvick finished second. In 29 starts, RCR has four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes at the mile-and-a-half, progressively-banked oval with drivers Dave Blaney, Clint Bowyer, Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Green, Harvick and Mike Skinner. Auto Club Speedway, Kansas and Las Vegas are the other tracks on the current schedule where RCR has yet to visit Victory Lane.(RCR)

Hall of Champions to be enshrined at HMS: "Hall of Champions" Homestead-Miami Speedway Champions Club 12:30-1 p.m. Homestead-Miami Speedway, in conjunction with NASCAR President Mike Helton, will enshrine the inaugural class of the Homestead-Miami Speedway Hall of Champions in the Champions Club high above Turn 1 on Saturday, Nov. 21st at 12:30pm. Inaugural inductees include Cup Champions "The Gentleman" Ned Jarrett, "The Matador" Bobby Allison and reigning three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson.(HMS)

MWR wraps up testing with Salo and Trulli: Michael Waltrip Racing officials were pleased with the outcome of a two-day test with Formula One drivers Jarno Trulli and Mika Salo behind the wheel of the #55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna, FL. "Both Jarno and Mika have done really well," said Steve Hallam, Executive Vice President of Competition for Michael Waltrip Racing and a 27-year Formula One veteran. "They have both delivered competitive lap times. They bring a different perspective to our ears. We are able to hear about the cars in a different way. Also, Trevor (Bayne) being here is very useful because he is articulate and able to relate their experiences to reality. It has been a really positive test and has brought good value to us."
"They wanted to test our NAPA Auto Parts Toyota and see what our sport is all about," Waltrip said. "They did an outstanding job and were turning some pretty quick times. We were just as serious about this two-day test as they were. We brought down an entire crew. Toyota, our team and engineers fully supported this effort. We were 100% committed to giving it our all just like we would at any of our tests."
On Tuesday, Diamond-Waltrip Nationwide Series driver Trevor Bayne climbed into the #55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota seat to shake down the car before Salo took to the wheel for the first time during his one day of testing. For over two years, Salo searched for an opportunity to test a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. Ironically, Salo knew MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman for a little over a year, but what he did not know was that he co-owned multiple NASCAR teams until recently. "Thanks to Rob, I was able to test a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car for the first time in my life," said Salo, who turned 208 laps in the #55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota. "I was very comfortable out there and had a lot of fun. I was quick and I know that if I had today to test, I would be a lot quicker. Now, I want to have 42 other cars around me and see what it is really like. I have never raced on an oval before and New Smyrna is a good place to do my first run. I would be scared if we were at a high speed circuit. I was just trying to get the feel of the car with the changes they were making. At the beginning, I was running to get comfortable. The car is a lot heavier and has a lot of power. I was comfortable in the car and that's basically what I wanted. They made different changes. They changed springs, bars and so forth. We tried different things so I could understand what everything does."
As Salo tested, Trulli observed. Midday the two were surprised when they had a visit from one of the locals - - Mark Martin. "All of a sudden, Mark Martin was here at New Smyrna," Salo said. "He sat down in front of me and I listened. I learned some things from him during his time here. I also learned some things from Michael, David (Reutimann) and Marcos (Ambrose) when I attended the race at Phoenix International Raceway." Trulli turned his first laps Wednesday morning. Climbing out of the car for the first time he said he was shocked by the differences between Formula One and NASCAR. "In the beginning, it was a big shock for me," said Trulli, who turned nearly 300 laps today. "It was the first time in my life I was leaving pit road in a closed cockpit. I needed to get used to that feeling of not having my head out. I'm used to being in a stiff car on the ground. The Cup car moves around a lot. It requires skill, feeling and understanding. There are so many different factors and you need to be a smart person to be aware of what is happening around you."
By the one hour lunch break, Trulli had a better feel for the NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry. "Running here at New Smyrna is easy and very exciting, but racing here might be difficult," Trulli said. "It would take a lot of experience. I prefer a high speed circuit, but at least I have a taste and know the feeling. Today was important for me to understand what I have to do to get better. In driving the car, I must understand the car. I have to trust it. The center and exit of the corner are important. Braking is crucial here." Trulli is thankful to MWR and Toyota for the opportunity and admitted his interest was sparked when Juan Pablo Montoya made his move to NASCAR. "I didn't know about NASCAR until Juan Pablo Montoya made his move," Trulli said. "The world has changed and everyone is looking at different Series. I haven't signed with anyone yet and I've talked to teams. My door is open right now."
MWR benefited just as much from the test as did Salo and Trulli. "We have two enormously talented drivers that showed interest in trying NASCAR," said Ty Norris, Vice President and General Manager for Michael Waltrip Racing. "MWR wanted to participate because we are always interested in recruiting talent and we have a great desire to expand to a fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup team in the near future. We know the talent pool currently racing in NASCAR, so it is of great interest to us to evaluate talent from other racing disciplines. It just adds another international element to our organization."(Michael Waltrip Racing)

Final race for DeWalt on the #17: This weekend will mark the end of an era for Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing. After more than a decade serving as the primary sponsor for Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 team, DEWALT will run its last race aboard the No. 17 Ford Fusion this weekend at Homestead. One of the most successful partnerships in NASCAR history, the duo of Kenseth and DEWALT teamed for the 2000 Rookie of the Year Award, the 2003 Championship and the 2009 Daytona 500 win during their 10-plus year tenure together.(RFR)

Siemens to sponsor the #43; Sorenson thanks RPM: Reed Sorenson drives the #43 Siemens Dodge at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. Sorenson is behind the wheel of the #43 for the final time for Richard Petty Motorsports. SORENSON: "I want to thank the Richard Petty Motorsports organization for giving me the chance to race the #43 Dodge this year. I did the best I could and tried to represent the number and company in a way that would make Mr. Petty and our sponsors proud. I learned a lot this year. The opportunity to work with people like Richard Petty and Dale Inman is something that I'll never forget. I also want to thank all of the people that I've worked with this year. I know that everyone put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into getting us to the racetrack every week. I wish we could send them off with a win. They are all first class people and I look forward to hopefully working with some of those people again in the future wherever that takes us."(RPM)

Junior Johnson to host 'ShineFest': NASCAR Legend Junior Johnson is scheduled to host the inaugural Carolina 'ShineFest in Madison, N.C. Saturday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 22. Johnson, recently selected to the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, will appear during both days of the event. The Carolina 'ShineFest will entertain, educate and honor important parts of North Carolina's historical and cultural past. The event will focus on North Carolina's rich Moonshine history while allowing event attendees to get a glimpse of the history that led to the creation of stock car racing.

Edwards going for win, had 9 wins in 2008: #99-Carl Edwards, who won a Sprint Cup Series-high nine races in 2008, is still looking for his first Cup win in 2009 heading into Sunday's season finale at Homestead. Only once in series history has a driver won more races one season and been shut out the next. Ned Jarrett won 13 times in 1965, but was winless in 1966. He ran only half the season in 1966 and still finished 13th in the points.(Roanoke Times)

Bowyer's Crew Captures Tissot Pit Road Award in Phoenix: Clint Bowyer's #33 crew captured the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday's (Nov. 15) NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. It was the third Tissot win of the season for Bowyer's crew and the second straight win for a Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team. Last week's Tissot winner was the RCR teammate of the #33 the #29 crew for Kevin Harvick. Bowyer's #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road 170.217 seconds -- during the Checkers O'Reilly Auto Parts 500. The quick stops lifted Bowyer to a seventh-place finish. Bowyer's over-the-wall crew, which earned $5,000 for the win, consists of: Jason Pulver (front-tire changer), Austin Craven (front-tire carrier), Dustin Niecaise (rear-tire changer), Matt Kreuter (rear-tire carrier), Nick Terry (jackman), Bryan Smith (gasman), Chad Haney (catch can) and Scott Brewer (eighth man). The team's crew chief is Shane Wilson. With one Sprint Cup race remaining Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway the crews for Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon are the only teams in contention to capture the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award season championship. Biffle's crew leads the competition with six wins while Gordon's team is second with five wins. If there's a tie, the team which finishes the highest in the Sprint Cup driver point standings will be awarded the Tissot season title. The season-champion crew will receive $100,000 plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot)

Montoya Pleased With McMurray Move

By Reid Spencer, Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

CORAL GABLES, FL — Juan Pablo Montoya, who qualified for the 2009 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in his third full year in the series, sees the addition of Jamie McMurray as a positive move for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

The team announced Wednesday night that McMurray will drive the No. 1 Chevrolet in the Cup series next year. McMurray replaces Martin Truex Jr., who will drive the No. 56 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota in 2010.

The hiring represents a reunion between team owner Chip Ganassi and McMurray, who drove for Ganassi from 2002 to 2005 before moving to Roush Fenway Racing.

“Chip is really committed to building the team,” Montoya said Thursday. “Jamie is a guy with talent who can bring a lot to the table, so I’m pretty excited to have him as a teammate.”

Montoya, who lives in Miami, has never won a NASCAR race on an oval track; his only win came in 2007 at the Infineon Raceway road course. To score a breakthrough in Sunday’s Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he’ll have to overcome distractions.

“Well, we’ll come here and run as hard as we can, like we do every week, and hopefully what we bring to the table this week is good enough,” he said. “It’s a little frenzied (racing at the home track). A lot of people come here (asking for tickets). It’s more of a headache than a good thing.”

One final triple for 2009 by Kyle Busch: With #18-Kyle Busch participating in Friday's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series race, as well as Sunday's Sprint Cup event at Homestead, Busch will make his 84th 85th and 86th overall starts in 2009 across NASCAR's top three series. By merely starting Saturday's Nationwide Series race, Busch will clinch the series championship, his first in NASCAR.(JGR)

M&M'S Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR at Homestead: Cynthia Peace, grand prize winner of the M&M'S Seeks the Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR Contest, will receive a VIP experience at Homestead-Miami Speedway that includes meeting Kyle Busch and viewing all three season-ending races in style. An avid NASCAR fan for more than a decade, Peace attended her first race at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill., in 1999. She has completed the Richard Petty Driving Experience, her favorite track is Bristol Motor Speedway, her favorite driver is Kyle Petty, and she is excited to share her VIP experience at Homestead with family from California, Oklahoma and Texas. Peace and her husband Bobby are parents of 16-year-old daughter Kelsey and live in Havana, Ill.(JGR)

History Awaits: Johnson Closing in On Fourth Straight Title: #48-Jimmie Johnson needs to finish 25th or better in Sunday's Ford 400 to become only the first driver to win four consecutive championships. Johnson now leads second-place Mark Martin by 108 points. Even if Martin were to win and lead the most laps on Sunday a 195-point day Johnson would clinch with that 25th-place finish. The clinch scenarios change if Johnson leads laps. If he leads at least one lap, Johnson will clinch with at least a 27th-place finish. If he leads the most laps Sunday, he needs at least a 28th-place finish. A phenomenal Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup has put Johnson in this position. Over the nine races, Johnson has four wins, six top fives, eight top 10s and an average finish of 7.0. It is the third Chase in which Johnson has won four races. He also did it in 2004 and 2007. The statistics don't bode well for a Mark Martin comeback, but anything can happen. Since the current points structure was implemented in 1975, the largest deficit ever overcome in the final race was 30 points by Alan Kulwicki over Davey Allision in 1992. So, clearly, the 108-point gap to Johnson seems daunting but not impossible. Martin has gained more than 108 points on Jimmie Johnson in a single race nine times their 266-race head-to-head career including once at Homestead. A couple of other numbers to mull over: Johnson has finished worse than 25th 47 times in his 290-race career. If Martin does end the season in second, it would be the fifth runner-up points finish of his career. Richard Petty has the most career runner-up championship finishes, with six.(NASCAR)

Jeremy Mayfield's estate on auction block

By Mark Boone - NewsChannel 36

Months after he was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for alleged drug use, Jeremy Mayfield is putting his 475-acre estate on the auction block.

Today's sale includes Mayfield's 13,000 square-foot mansion which has been gutted for renovations and remains unfinished, said Will Lilly, an auctioneer for Iron Horse Auctions.

Mayfield and his wife, Shana, have been living in a 3,000 square-foot home that is also being offered for sale in the auction.

Other items up for bid include a fleet of go-karts purchased from a Myrtle Beach amusement park, dozens of rifles from Mayfield's gun collection, autographed memorabilia, and a Prevost motor home which was originally purchased for $1.4 million.

Mayfield fought his suspension from the race track which was upheld by a judge.

He's also being sued by his stepmother, who he has blamed for his father's death in 2007.

The auction will be held on Mayfield's estate at 6397 Hudson Chapel Road.

Allison paved way for venerable Martin

By Terry Blount/ESPN.com

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Bobby Allison realizes that his record as NASCAR's oldest Cup champion is on the line this weekend, and he gladly would give it up.

Allison wouldn't feel that way about just any old driver. But this is Mark Martin, a man who holds a special place in Allison's heart.

Allison believed in Martin long before almost anyone else did. And if it wasn't for Allison, Martin might not be here today with a chance to win the title at age 50.

You have to go back 22 years to know the story. Allison was nearing the end of his remarkable career. His friend Jack Roush was about to start his career as a NASCAR team owner.

Roush needed a driver, and he needed someone he trusted to steer him to the right guy. So he went to Allison and asked for his advice.

"Jack came to me and said he wanted my opinion for someone to put in his car," Allison said Thursday. "I had raced against Mark on the short tracks in ASA events through the Midwest.

"I was familiar with his talent and his enthusiasm. So I told Jack, 'Why not try Mark Martin?' And he did."

Martin had raced in parts of four Cup seasons in the 1980s, but going to Roush's new team in 1988 was his big break.

Martin took time to acknowledge that fact Thursday during the championship contenders' news conference.

"It's so good to see Bobby Allison here," Martin said. "I owe a part of what I do today to Bobby."

Allison, a Miami native, is the honorary starter for Sunday's Ford 400. He's looking pretty spry at 71, 26 years removed from his only Cup title, which he won in 1983, when he was 45.

No man on the planet knows better how Martin feels than Allison. Until he finally got the Cup title, Allison held the moniker Martin has now -- the best driver never to win a championship.

"I was worried about that, for sure," Allison said of his runner-up status. "I got so close so many times. I was at my wits' end. And really, I had to sell my soul to finally get that championship. I made a deal with [team owner] Bill Gardner where I didn't get paid the year I won it."

Allison was a five-time runner-up before he finally got it done. Martin will become a five-time runner-up if Jimmie Johnson holds on to win his historic fourth consecutive Cup title Sunday.

But Martin has said many times that it doesn't matter to him now. Does Allison believe it?

"No. He wants to be a champion," Allison said. "For everyone of us, this is what turns us on. It's not just to win a race, but to win the big race. The championship is the race of the season.

"He wants it, but I understand he has to keep that in some kind of range that he can deal with it. You guys [the media] can put so much pressure on us poor little racer guys."

Martin is 108 points behind Johnson entering the final race. Unless Johnson has a major problem with a crash or a mechanical failure, Martin will fall short again.

"I'm not looking over my shoulder or looking ahead, either," Martin said. "We could wind up fourth in the points. But I'm not worried about that or Jimmie.

"It's been the best year of my life, professionally and personally. To give the best team out here a run for their money has made me very proud."

Whether it's Johnson or Martin, Rick Hendrick will earn a record ninth Cup championship as a team owner. He said his organization is better than ever before because he persuaded Martin to race full time again and take over the No. 5 Chevy.

Before Martin arrived, Hendrick had a message for all this employees: "If Mark Martin joins our organization, it will make all of us better," Hendrick told them. "And he has made all of us better. I don't know how this guy hasn't won a championship."

If there is a reason, maybe it's that Martin was too nice a guy. He never wanted to win a race at the expense of wrecking someone else.

"If you do a good job, you don't have to wear a mask and a gun," Martin said. "That's not how I want to win. You race people the way you want to be raced."

Martin is the perfect example of sportsmanship, but many people do list him among the best ever to sit in a stock car. Martin disagrees.

"My career does not stand up against the greats in this business," he said.

If so, why is he so revered?

"Because I'm a worker," he said. "I'm the guy that rolls up his sleeves. I worked really hard and raced pretty hard. And I tried to do it fair and square."

Whether he wins a championship or not, this is how he'll be remembered. Martin has raced clean his entire career and done things with dignity.

It's interesting that Johnson, the man Martin hopes to catch for the title, also is seen in that light.

On Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, they'll race for the same goal. But what about the overall goal? Johnson was asked what more he would want for himself if he wins his fourth title.

In other words, what's the meaning of it all? Johnson said he just wants to keep doing what he's doing.

But Martin's long journey has enabled him see it a little differently. At 50, he understands who he is and what drives him.

"I've thought about that myself," Martin said. "All I've ever wanted was to be a winner. And that doesn't mean in my career or Monopoly or Scrabble."

We know what he means. Even Allison knew it back in 1987. Martin wanted to be a winner in life.

No worries there. Win or lose on Sunday, that part was decided long ago.

Play the Hamlin-Keselowski feud for all it's worth

By Pete Pistone/Special to CBSSports.com

Many believe NASCAR has been without a good old-fashioned rivalry for quite some time.

In this age of multi-car teams and mega sponsorships, some argue the passion between drivers is a relic from NASCAR's storied past.

Well, those who long for the days of stock car racing's Hatfields and McCoys should be pretty pleased with the current feud between Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin.

To say the pair don't exactly see eye to eye is a fair assessment.

Keselowski and Hamlin have been leaning on each other, sniping at one another and generally disliking the other just about the entire Nationwide Series season.

But things came to a boil last weekend at Phoenix when the duo made contact a couple of times on the track, with the battle boiling over to a war of words after the race.

Hamlin basically guaranteed payback at this week's Nationwide Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"I just wanted to say [to Keselowski], 'Hey, look, you wreck me at Watkins Glen last year, you wreck me at Dover this year, you force me into the three-wide wreck at California, how many times have I wrecked you? Zero. Never have I wrecked you. Until I get back in a Nationwide car,'" Hamlin said after the meeting.

"It's a self-policing garage," Hamlin said after exchanging words with Keselowski in the desert. "NASCAR doesn't want to get in the middle of it. If it's the opinion of me or maybe one other guy, then, hey, maybe it's me. But every driver in the garage comes up to me and says, 'That guy is a complete whack job,' not everyone is wrong and he's right. And the thing is, he says, 'What do you want me to say?' I say, 'You don't want to say you're sorry? Nothing? It's cool?' And he says, 'I'm cool.' And I said, 'All right, we're cool then.'"

Hamlin let one final sting ring out.

"Let me tell you something, the one thing he ain't got is more talent than me," Hamlin said.

Keselowski maintained Hamlin caused the initial contact and that the second incident when the two touched in Turn 4, sending Hamlin spinning around, was in no way retaliation.

"Denny got in the back of me and pushed me up the track and I was going to return the favor," Keselowski said. "When he did it to me, I saved it, and when I did it to him, he didn't save it. We just got in a pushing match. I don't really hold any grudges. I don't know why he wanted to do that. It's just the way racing is, I guess."

NASCAR officials including Brian France met with Keselowski -- who has quickly earned a reputation as one of the sport's most aggressive drivers -- hoping to settle down the young pilot who will make the move to a full-time Sprint Cup ride with Penske Racing next season.

While the feud has made headlines all week, NASCAR is trying to head things off before more fireworks erupt this week in Homestead.

"Race drivers, in the heat of battle, say a lot of things," Nationwide Series director Joe Balash said. "We had a conversation. A lot of things were said. There will be a whole different scenario when we get to the race track next week. We've got a whole week to manage the expectations of next week. You never condone retaliation."

But while no one wants to see anything dangerous take place on the track or a Hamlin-Keselowski scuffle sweep up other innocent bystanders in Saturday's race, NASCAR should embrace this dispute.

It's a race promoter's dream to have a couple of young, aggressive and high-profile drivers at odds, and I have to believe this little spat will sell a few more tickets to Saturday's race in South Florida.

Controversy is a lightning rod for interest and there's nothing like a couple of feuding stock car drivers to get the attention of race fans, many of whom aren't completely thrilled with the current NASCAR product.

Here's hoping Hamlin and Keselowski don't shake hands and bury the hatchet for a while. It will be fun to watch this "disagreement" continue into NASCAR's top division next year.

And it may be a very good thing to awaken NASCAR Nation.

And we thought feuds fueled fans' passion

By Jim Utter - charlotteobserver.com

My two cents

Some things in NASCAR just don't make sense to me.

All season long I've heard race fans complain about the lack of good competition – perceived or otherwise. Add to that complaints the drivers are too "vanilla" and NASCAR polices the sport too much.

"Remember the past," they yell. Let the drivers decide the issues on the track, they say.

But then when exactly that scenario unfolds, they change tunes.

Case in point: The feud between Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski.

Over the past several weeks, Hamlin and Keselowski have had run-ins on the track, with Hamlin usually complaining Keselowski is overly aggressive. Keselowski has also had run-ins with other drivers, but none as public as with Hamlin.

Keselowski, 25, already has a Sprint Cup Series win, could finish second in points in the Nationwide Series and has earned four wins in that series this season and six in his two years of full-time competition.

Yet, with Hamlin acting almost as a cheerleader for the cause, fans seem taken aback by Keselowski's actions on the track: racing hard every lap, nudging and rooting people out of the way to gain positions that put him sight of race wins.

Complaints about Keselowski range include "he needs to pay his dues," or "he needs to earn respect," or "he needs to remember who he's racing."

Huh?

This is racing. The object is to go as fast as you can and get to the finish before everybody else. If that's not the objective, this isn't the place for you.

If a driver knocks people out of the way, doesn't respect those around him and drives with reckless abandon, let the driver deal with the consequences – from either NASCAR or competitors.

Good feuds and hard racing are what led to NASCAR's success. Anybody remember the name Earnhardt?

A spot in top 35 on the line

The race to claim a spot in the top 35 of car owner points, which guarantees a starting position in the 2010 Daytona 500, is down to one position – 35th.

The No. 34 team owned by Teresa Earnhardt ranks 35th with 2,667 points. The only team with a shot at taking that spot away is Red Bull Racing's No. 82, driven by rookie Scott Speed.

Speed trails by 114 points and would have to match his best performance of the year (fifth) to have a shot at overcoming the deficit.

Bires to make JR Motorsports debut

Kelly Bires, hired by JR Motorsports to replace Brad Keselowski in its No. 88 Chevrolets in the Nationwide Series next season, is getting an early start.

Bires will drive the No. 5 in this weekend's season finale at Homestead as a teammate to Keselowski, who moves to Penske Racing next season.

"We wanted to get Kelly in one of our cars before the season was out," said team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. "It's important that Kelly hit the ground running at Daytona next year, and this certainly helps."

Kligerman gets another start

Penske development driver Parker Kligerman, who was runner-up in the Automobile Racing Club of America series this season, will make his second Nationwide start this weekend.

Kligerman will drive the No. 22 Dodge. He won the pole and finished 16th in his season debut Oct. 3 at Kansas.

Richard Petty still drawing a royal following

By Bob Gillespie - thestate.com

The sleek Dodge Challenger SRTA, painted its distinctive shade of blue, drew admiring looks from the auto racing fans who poured through the doors of the Mike Addy Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep showroom in Lexington at 6 p.m. Wednesday. But the car was not the reason most were there.

They quickly lined up, waiting their turn to meet Richard Petty, NASCAR's winningest driver and "The King" of his sport.

Petty, still trim at 72 and wearing his signature cowboy hat, jeans, boots and sunglasses, perched on a stool and patiently signed model cars, caps, photos, posters – even an oil painting of Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt with "autographs" of NASCAR's two seven-time champions.

"I had a guy do it for me" in 2001, said Lexington's Kevin Brown, then owner of a racing souvenir store. "But I didn't think the autographs were real, since Earnhardt died six weeks before I got the painting."

Petty grinned before affixing his looping signature. "NOW it's authentic," he told Brown.

Winner of a record 200 races and a member of the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Petty was promoting a new project, Petty's Garage, which produces high-performance cars. The retro-1970s Challenger will be auctioned off in Scottsdale, Ariz., in late January, with proceeds going to the Petty Family Foundation.

"(Auction house Barrett-Jackson) auctioned off another car for $500,000, not one of mine," Petty said. "I doubt this will bring that much, but anything helps the cause."

This year has been busy for Petty. Besides sharing the Hall of Fame spotlight in Charlotte, he has overseen a merger of Richard Petty Motorsports with Yates Racing, set to take place in early 2010.

"When I started out running here in Columbia, in Cayce, you never thought about being in a hall of fame," Petty said. "You were just thinking about doing your job, and you went out and done it."

Petty said he would have preferred the first Hall class to be about the "first era" of NASCAR, and thought France Jr. and Earnhardt should have waited while Spartanburg's David Pearson should have been in the first class.

"Big Bill (France) started (NASCAR) and Junior (Johnson) was there when he started it, I was there, and Pearson was there," he said. "(France Jr.) and Earnhardt, that's another era.

"I thought they should've covered the first era, and the second era with the next crowd. But (NASCAR) did it like they wanted to, and I'm just fortunate to get in."

Petty's role with the RPM-Yates operation "won't change a lot," he said. The team will end its long-time ties with Chrysler and Dodge to run Fords in 2010. "We take over a program that's established with Ford, and we're established, so that should make us stronger and Ford stronger," he said.

Petty conceded NASCAR's move in recent years away from the Carolinas, "which is where it all started," has cost it ties with its roots.

"To get more sponsorships and fans, we had to go where they was at. They couldn't all come to Charlotte or Darlington; we had to go to New Hampshire and Chicago and Texas, Kansas City, California."

These days, Petty marvels at NASCAR's national profile. But he remains most at home with fans such as those on hand Wednesday.

"I had a pretty good career, and some (fans) appreciate that part of it," he said. "I know I appreciate what I got out of it, and hopefully they got something out of it, too."

Judging by the turnout, they still do.

By the Numbers: Homestead

Numbers favor Johnson, but anything can happen

Johnson has finished 26th or worse 47 times in his career

By Bill Kimm, NASCAR.COM

Twenty-fifth place.

That's all that stands between Jimmie Johnson and his historic fourth consecutive Cup Series championship. If Johnson finishes 25th or better in the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway (2:30 p.m. ET, ABC), the Cup title is his.

The good news for Mark Martin, who is the only driver that can catch Johnson, is that Johnson has finished 26th or worse 47 times in his career. Even better news for Martin is one of those came at Homestead, when the No. 48 crashed in 2005 and came home 40th.

The bad news for Martin is aside from that slip, Johnson has been impressive in Miami. He doesn't have a win, but he does have five top-10s in eight starts, including a second and a third back in '03 and '04.

Even worse news for Martin is how Johnson returns to the track after a victory. In 46 starts following a visit to Victory Lane, Johnson has nine victories, 23 top-fives and 31 top-10s. So after a victory, Johnson averages a finish of 9.47.

Johnson has finished 26th or worse after a victory six times, but the last time that happened was in 2007.

Inside the Data

Chase drivers at Homestead-Miami Speedway

DID YOU KNOW?

7.0  Average finish of Jimmie Johnson in this year's Chase. Believe it or not, this is only his third best Chase. In 2007, he averaged a finish of 5.0 en route to his second Cup title. Last year his average finish was 5.7 for title number three. His first championship was won with an average finish in the Chase of 10.8.

NECESSITOUS NUMBERS

1  Homestead is the only Cup track Jeff Gordon has competed on and has yet to score a victory. He has a win at 21 of the 22 tracks currently on the Cup schedule along with wins at Rockingham and North Wilkesboro.

2  Mark Martin is just the second driver in Cup Series history to win five or more races in a season over the age of 50. Harry Gant won five races in 1991 at the age of 51.

3  Three drivers average a top-10 finish at Homestead: Carl Edwards (6.4), Kevin Harvick (9.1) and Jeff Gordon (9.9).

3  Three drivers have led 20 or more races this season. Jimmie Johnson has led the most races with 28 of 35, Mark Martin held the lead in 23 races and Kurt Busch led 21 races.

3  Three drivers have been running at the finish in all 35 races this season: Casey Mears, Juan Montoya and David Reutimann.

5  Kevin Harvick has top-10 finishes at Homestead in five of the past six races. He's finished second twice and finished on the lead lap in all six events.

6  Roush Fenway Racing has won six of the 10 Cup races held at Homestead, including the past five. Kurt Busch took the checkered in 2002, Greg Biffle rolled off three consecutive from '04-'06, Matt Kenseth earned his first win at the track in '07 and Carl Edwards is the defending race winner.

7.8  Average starting position of the winners at Homestead in the Chase era. Four of the five races were won from a starting position inside the top seven. Greg Biffle's win from the 22nd starting position in 2006 is the deepest a race winner has started at Homestead.

12  Rick Hendrick will win his 12th national series owners title Sunday at Homestead, putting him alone in first place with 12. Richard Childress is second with 11.

492  Number of points Carl Edwards has scored in the past three races at Homestead, tops among all drivers. In those races, Edwards finished first, fifth and eighth. Martin Truex Jr. is second with 464 points and Denny Hamlin is third with 459.

NASCAR ON TV THIS WEEK

All times Eastern

Well, that's all for today.  Until the next time, I remain,

Your Nascar Momma

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Happy Hump Day!

Today In Nascar History

Nov. 18, 2001: Kurt Busch, a 23-year-old rookie driving the No. 97 Ford for Jack Roush, fails to qualify for the NAPA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is the only time in his 327-race Cup career Busch has failed to qualify for a race.

Quote of the Year

There's an unwritten rule in NASCAR: Thou shalt not take on Dale Earnhardt Jr.

--Terry Blount/espn 

Vote for your driver!

www.chexmostpopulardriver.com/

Comments from the Peanut Gallery

From F.M. Dom

Just for your information I am over 65 years of age and been involved with motor sports over 50 years. I was at Daytona Beach in 1958 it was on the sand and State highway.  I’ve build hobby class circle track and still build drag cars and pull trucks, not monster type. In my opinion
There will be boring races as long as we have the cookie cutter cars, all built to NASCAR specs. A Ford should be a Ford and look like a Ford .a Dodge like a Dodge etc.
NASCAR should get out of the automobile design business and let the owners run what the major manufactures sell to the public. What happen to the “Stock Car” in NASCAR?

Bits and Pieces

#39 to feature U.S. Army All-American Bowl: The hood of Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army/Haas Automation Chevy for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will showcase the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, an annual football game featuring the nation's top 90 high school seniors. The 10th anniversary U.S. Army All-American Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The all-star classic -- East vs West match-up -- will be televised live on NBC, 1:00pm/et. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl alumni include many current NFL and college standouts including Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings), Chad Henne and Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins), Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints), Vince Young (Tennessee Titans), Mark Sanchez (New York Jets), Tim Tebow (University of Florida Gators), Terrell Pryor (Ohio State Buckeyes), Demarco Murray (Oklahoma Sooners) and Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame Fighting Irish). Gerald Christian, a U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection from Dwyer High School in West Palm Beach, Fla., will attend Sunday's season finale race and will be recognized on stage during prerace ceremonies. A nationally-ranked tight end and linebacker, Christian has verbally committed to play at the University of Florida. Other south Florida area high school stalwarts who have been selected to play in the upcoming U.S. Army All-American Bowl are: Brandon Linder and Michael Palardy, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Ft. Lauderdale; Ivan McCartney, Miramar High School, Miramar; Jaylen Watkins, Cape Coral High School, Cape Coral; and Matt Elam also of Dwyer High School in West Palm Beach.(US Army Racing)

McMurray supposedly signs with EGR: Apparently, a one-year deal was inked last Wednesday between Jamie McMurray and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and is expected to be announced sometime on Tuesday. Kevin "Bono" Manion is expected to continue on as the crew chief.(FoxSports)

Roush's Smith not retiring: Roush Fenway Racing president Geoff Smith has decided to delay his retirement. Smith said because of tough economic times and the merger between partner Yates Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports that he will stay on at least through the 2010 season. Smith is handling a lot of the paperwork in the merger that he said is agreed to on all major issues and should be announced soon. He also plays a major role in bringing sponsors to the cars for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. Smith has yet to wrap up a full season of sponsorship for the #17 of Matt Kenseth.(see more at ESPN Insiders)

Busch's truck team "not looking good", maybe back to Ballew in 2010? During a testing session for the upcoming Snowball Derby [Dec. 2-6] at Five Flags Speedway located in Pensacola, Florida, had a chance to ask Kyle Busch how things were progressing with the truck team he's been trying to put together.
Q: You and your truck team --- how are things progressing on that?
A: It's going nowhere fast. I've got no shop to put my stuff in, my builders can't build a building in three years, got no hauler, no trucks no equipment&.so, it's pretty late in the year. Obviously we're already to Homestead; we only have two months before Daytona so it's a short amount of time to put a lot together. I don't think it's going to happen. So if Billy's [Ballew] got an open seat for me over at Ballew, I'd be happy to take it again and hopefully we can get Miccosukee to return. They've been a great partner for us, as well as Toyota.
Q: So it looks like you are going back to Billy Ballew next year?
See Nancy's full interview on my Camping World Truck Series site.

BAM plans to run Toyota's: BAM Racing owner Beth Ann Morgenthau came on Race Talk Radio Monday night, announcing their #49 car will run full-time in 2010 under the Toyota Camry banner. With sponsorship from Warner Records, the team is expected to return to full-time competition, running all 36 races for the first time since the 2007 Cup Series season. Driver and crew chief announcements will come at a later date, but regardless the team will have its own show on RTR every Wednesday night next season.(RTR)

Observer asks court to unseal France records

By Gary L. Wright - charlotteobserver.com

The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday asked that the secret court records in the case of NASCAR Chairman Brian France and his ex-wife wife, Megan, be unsealed.

The newspaper also has asked that court hearings in the case be kept open to the public.

All the records in the case, including the initial complaint, have been sealed by order of then-Mecklenburg District Judge Todd Owens. Even the judge's order keeping the documents secret is under seal. The broad sealings provide an unusual level of secrecy beyond what is typically provided.

The case apparently involves domestic issues and a contract dispute.

Brian France's lawyers have asked Mecklenburg District Judge Jena Culler to close the courtroom to the public as the case proceeds.

Culler had already considered a request to close the courtroom last month, but ruled that the proceedings should remain open. But Brian France's attorneys asked her to reconsider, noting the Observer has shown interest in the case, which they feared would make it a "public spectacle."

In a motion filed Tuesday, attorneys for the Observer, and its news partner WCNC-TV, argued that the public has a constitutional right of access to the judicial proceedings and to the records.

The N.C. Constitution provides that "all courts shall be open," and the N.C. Supreme Court has recognized the public's presumptive right of access to court records, the newspaper's motion says.

"France - the CEO and Chairman of NASCAR since 2003 and a well-known national public figure - apparently contends the judicial process should be closed and made confidential, despite having chosen this public forum in which to litigate his disputes," the Observer motion says.

Brian France, 47, took over the NASCAR chairman's role from his father, Bill France Jr., in 2003. His father and grandfather, Bill France Sr., were recently named to the first class of Charlotte's NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Brian France filed the complaint in family court against his ex-wife last year, a few months after the couple divorced in Florida. The case, according to a court computer code, involves what's called "specific performance," where one litigant seeks a court order to require the other to honor the terms of a contract.

During a hearing last week, Brian France's lawyers argued that a confidentiality agreement is at the heart of the case between their client and his ex-wife and that it shouldn't be breached in open court hearings.

"Mr. France paid a fair amount of money to make sure that didn't happen," attorney Kary Watson told the judge.

"Publicizing the information ... would cause huge adverse effects for Mr. France."

The Observer's lawyers, Ray Owens and Chris Lam, challenged Brian France's reasoning for sealing the documents and closing the courtroom.

"While private parties may contract with each other for confidentiality...," the newspaper's lawyers argued, "that bargained for private right falls well short of the threshold to overcome the public's constitutional right of access.

"Our courts are the final venues where a civilized society must litigate and remedy on a daily basis the most difficult and often personal issues. Few litigants desire the necessary airing of the personal and often sensitive details of their legal dispute."

Johnson overshadowed by Hamlin and Keselowski

Jeremy Dunn/nascarexaminer.com

Just when many felt the tide turning for three-time champion Jimmie Johnson, he pulls off another overpowering victory.  It was not even a contest, really.  Johnson led 228 of 312 laps in what was one of the most humdrum races of the 2009 season. 

Despite the lack of excitement, or general interest for that matter, what Johnson and the No. 48 group are achieving is unprecedented.  Four championships in a row?  If Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt, or Jeff Gordon could not pull it off, no one could, right?  Well folks, like it or not, Johnson is embarking on auto racing history.

While it is not over just yet, the writing is on the wall…the fat lady is warming up…and I am all out of played-out clichés. 

What Johnson is about to accomplish should be ‘The Story’ in NASCAR this week.  While there is a plethora of articles relating to Johnson’s eminent four-peat, other storylines engender more interest.  The Danica Patrick to NASCAR story is the one that sticks out the most. 

I just wish she would sign the dotted line and get it over with. 

The sprouting rivalry of Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin leads the way this week as far as fan interest is concerned.  This contention began over a year ago, and has lingered, mainly because the first issue that occurred at Charlotte last May was never resolved between the two drivers.  They have pinned up resentment towards each other, and it has nearly reached a boiling point. 

Hamlin and Keselowski briefly discussed the latest confrontation on Saturday, but both parties left the valley of the sun with no less disdain for the other. 

In case you missed it, Hamlin nudged Keselowski following a late restart in the Nationwide Series event.  Keselowski retaliated by spinning Hamlin for a second time in two months.  Keselowski did not hide from his intentions following the race as many drivers would. 

“On the last restart there, Denny [Hamlin] got into the back of me and pushed me up the track. I was going to return the favor. When he did it to me, I saved it. When I did it to him, he didn’t save it. We just got into a pushing match,” said Keselowski. 

He also stated that he held no grudges against Hamlin.

Hamlin responded with a not-so-subtle threat.

“I’m just happy that I signed up for next week’s Nationwide race, and you know in turn, there’s a lot of guys that owe him. There’s a lot of guys that have a lot of chips that they’re going to cash in. I’m just going to be the first to the pay window.”

With all of that said, I would be surprised if Hamlin flat out wrecks Keselowski on the 1.5-mile speedway.  However, remember when Greg Biffle shoved Joey Logano into the wall at California?  Hamlin could pull a similar stunt.  While Logano and crew recovered and won the race, Keselowski would unlikely be as fortunate. 

Throughout the weekend, the majority will be paying more attention to Keselowski and Hamlin.  The championship chase is second-page material.  

Johnson, Hendrick looking to make history

The Sports Network

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- One thing is for sure in Sunday's Sprint Cup season-finale at Homestead. Hendrick Motorsports will capture its ninth championship in NASCAR's top-tier series. Which driver -- Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin -- has yet to be decided.

Johnson rebounded from his Texas setback by winning last weekend's race at Phoenix. He now leads second-place Martin by 108 points. Johnson will lock up his unprecedented fourth consecutive title with a 25th-place finish or better at Homestead. Jeff Gordon, currently third in points (-169), officially will be eliminated from championship contention when Johnson starts the 400-mile race in South Florida.

Despite a comfortable points margin right now, Johnson clinching the title at Homestead is not a sure thing. He survived the "wild-card" race at Talladega with a sixth-place run, but after his 38th-place finish at Texas due to an early-race crash, Martin trimmed 111 points from his teammate's lead.

"After Talladega, there was a big relief we made it through and had a good finish," Johnson said. "I'd be lying if I didn't feel some things, relief, wonder if, maybe this is really going to happen. We went to Texas, had the carpet jerked out from underneath our feet and finished 38th. Maybe there was a good lesson in that.

"I'm not one to let my mind wander and think about the possibilities. I've always known I've got to go out and race the race and get it done. Maybe it was a good lesson to myself and the team that this thing isn't over. With that in mind, I'm not thinking about a party, what I'm saying or what I'm doing."

Johnson has finished worse than 25th in 47 of his 290-race Cup career.

Martin has gained more than 108 points on Johnson nine times, including once at Homestead (2005).

If Martin ends the year second in points, it would be the fifth time that has occurred in his career. He was the points runner-up in 1990, '94, '98 and 2002. Richard Petty holds the record for the most second-place finishes in Cup points with six.

"I'm pretty proud of what we've done this season, the 50-year-old Martin said. "That's really all I've got to say about it. I'm proud of what we've accomplished."

Martin , in his first full-season with Hendrick, has five victories and a series-high seven poles so far this year.

Rick Hendrick's guaranteed ninth owner championship will place him in a tie with Petty Enterprises for most all-time in the series. Hendrick also will surpass Richard Childress for most owner titles combined in NASCAR's three national touring series with 12.

"It's an awesome feeling," Hendrick said. "I really have a hard time explaining how proud I am of the organization...just unbelievable. We thought we would be good this year, knowing that one of our cars is going to win it."

Jack Sprague gave Hendrick three championships in the Truck Series (1997, '99 and 2001). Brian Vickers won the 2003 Nationwide driver's title in a Hendrick car, but Childress claimed the owner championship that year.

While Johnson and Martin battle for the title, several drivers who won a Cup race in 2008 have one last chance to score their first victory this year. Perhaps the biggest surprise this season has been Carl Edwards in the winless column. Edwards won a series-high nine races last year, including Homestead.

"It's our last chance to get a win in 2009," Edwards said. "I have real high hopes going in [Homestead]. We're just going to go until the last lap and give it a hundred percent with guns blazing. We're going for the win. Hopefully we'll get a shot at it."

Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman, Clint Bowyer and Dale Earnhardt Jr. also won at least one Cup race last year, but have yet to win this season.

Biffle recorded three consecutive victories at Homestead from 2004-06.

Forty-eight teams are on the preliminary entry list for the Ford 400.

Ford 400

Series: NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Date: Sunday, 3:15 p.m. (ET).

Site: Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Track: 1.5-mile oval.

Laps: 267. Miles: 400.

Defending winner: Carl Edwards.

Television: ABC.

Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) /SIRIUS NASCAR Radio.

NASCAR claims Jeremy Mayfield has no case, asks judge to make ruling

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

The legal jockeying in the Jeremy Mayfield-NASCAR case continued Tuesday as the sanctioning body requested that U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen should rule in its favor based on the pleadings that already have been filed and without the two sides continuing to investigate the issues.

NASCAR filed its motion Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Charlotte.

As it has in previous filings, NASCAR stressed the danger of its sport as a reason why it must be able to enforce its drug-testing policy if it believes a driver has used methamphetamines. Mayfield was suspended May 9 for a May 1 test that NASCAR says was positive for methamphetamines, and the Sprint Cup driver has sued NASCAR for breach of contract, discrimination and defamation in an attempt to get back on the track and for financial damages.

Mayfield has denied using methamphetamines and contends the drug-test findings that prompted his suspension resulted from a combination of prescription drug Adderall, which is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and over-the-counter Claritin-D allergy medicine.

“A professional racecar driver who used methamphetamine and is armed with a vehicle weighing more than a ton and capable of driving at nearly 200 miles per hour … may kill himself, another driver, a crew member and/or hundreds of fans,” NASCAR states in its motion.

Mayfield, who qualified for five of the first 11 Sprint Cup races this season after starting his own team and has 433 career series starts, is the only Cup driver to be suspended under NASCAR’s random drug-testing policy implemented this year.

He contends that NASCAR must follow guidelines that regulate federal agencies. NASCAR denies that Aegis Sciences Corp., which conducts the NASCAR drug-testing program, must follow those regulations.

In its motion Tuesday, NASCAR claims:

• The driver agreement with NASCAR waives all claims arising from the implementation of NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy.

• NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy does not include an obligation to follow guidelines that regulate federal agencies.

• NASCAR Chairman Brian France and Aegis’ Dr. David Black have no reason to believe the tests are inaccurate, so their statements about Mayfield testing positive were done without malice – and with Mayfield a public figure, their statements cannot be considered defamation.

• NASCAR did not discriminate against Mayfield because Mayfield is not a NASCAR employee and not a qualified person with a disability under North Carolina law.

The judge won’t rule on the motion until after Mayfield has a chance to file a response. Mullen is the same judge who initially granted Mayfield an injunction to have the suspension lifted July 1 although he has since indicated he would reverse his decision based on additional information.

After Mayfield obtained the injunction, NASCAR obtained another urine sample from Mayfield on July 6 that officials say also tested positive for methamphetamines. Mayfield has filed documentation from a test he said he took within an hour of the NASCAR test that was not positive for methamphetamines.

The U.S. Court of Appeals granted NASCAR’s request for a stay of the injunction July 24, and Mayfield has been suspended since then. Mayfield has filed documents indicating he is not interested in the injunction any longer. The case is going through the discovery process, where each side investigates the other, and is scheduled for trial in September 2010 at the earliest.

In another move, NASCAR recently changed its North Carolina attorneys in the case. NASCAR is now using the Charlotte firm of Wyatt & Blake. When the case started, NASCAR used Hendrick, Bryant & Nerhood out of Winston-Salem, N.C.

Things aren't so bad after all

by Larry McReynolds/foxsports.com

With the 2009 NASCAR season winding down, it's time to look back and see what worked and where the sport can improve as a whole.

There's one area in particular that I think we can all do a better job with in 2010 and beyond: Keeping our attitudes in check.

I know we always strive for the perfect world and let's be honest, that's what we should be striving for. I have been in NASCAR since 1979 and it just seems every year folks complain about the competition, even back then.

I don't think folks realize that this year we have had 14 different winners in the Sprint Cup Series this year. That's actually a lot of winners for one racing series — many of which don't have many more than 14 races.

Now with the addition of the free pass and the double-file restarts, it is not uncommon for us to have 25-30 cars on the lead lap at the end of a race. Go check some of the statistics from the 1970's and '80's and see how many cars finished on the lead lap. I can remember finishing second in the 1987 Coca Cola 600, one lap down.

My point in all this is, again, it's great to strive for the perfect world while at the same time we realize we probably will never get it. That being said, however, I think we need to stop and realize what we have today isn't too awfully bad.

I also have a real problem with drivers complaining about other drivers racing them too hard. You have got to be kidding me. That absolutely drives me crazy. I wish we could get that one to go away. I mean, c'mon, that's what these guys are paid and paid well to do? Drive hard!

NASCAR keeps getting beat up about the restrictor plates at places like Talladega. I have said it before and will say it again, I do not envy the position those folks are in. Everyone has the answer of what should be changed. I do wholeheartedly disagree with NASCAR creating a rule two hours before the race that tells these guys how to race.

While I think our drivers can do more with the fans, truth be told, we do more than most. If you put our drivers up against athletes from the stick and ball sports, well there is no comparison. Our guys are head and shoulders above them. Can we do better? Sure we can, but I think we do a pretty good job right now.

I am going to give NASCAR the benefit of the doubt that behind closed doors they probably do know there are problems that need to be fixed, but sometimes I get concerned that they don't totally acknowledge the issues that need to be worked on.

To me, for example, if a husband and wife are going through a tough patch but both sides acknowledge the issue, then to me it is no longer a problem. There's an issue, sure, but both sides agree to work on it. However, if one side doesn't acknowledge that a problem even exists, well the odds are pretty good that it is going to get worse.

I've told this to Mike Helton and to Robin Pemberton that they would be hard pressed to find anyone in the garage area that cares more about NASCAR than I do. That's probably why I complain so much. If I didn't care, then I wouldn't even bother to take the time to complain, but that's not me because I love this sport.

When will Junior Nation crack?
by Clayton Caldwell/speedwaymedia.com

It was Wednesday night as I woke up from my nap to watch the Country Music Awards on ABC.  As I watched the awards go the wrong way all night, I found myself asking a question when the female vocalist of the year award was announced. No, I was not questioning who won the award, nor was I questioning the mistake of pronunciation on the part of the person presenting the award. I found myself questioning commitment and a racecar driver’s heart.

For those of you who are unaware, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was a guest host on the CMA’s last Wednesday.  I sat there wondering, if I was a fan of this guy, why in the world would I care to see him on the CMA’s? Especially when the guy said “There’s no need for that redneck kind of music in NASCAR” back in 2002, why would he have any interest in Country Music? I then checked the stats to make sure it was still 2009 and that the season wasn't a dream I had. Sure enough, when I turned on my computer there it was, the name Dale Earnhardt Jr, with 23rd sitting next to it under the category of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Points.

It may seem like no big deal to some fans, but after Sunday’s awful mistake, maybe the CMA’s was a bad idea for Earnhardt. After all, his fans can’t understand why he looks so tired after races? Could it have something to do with him flying coast to coast every day?

In Sunday’s O’Reilly Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, the fatigue may have played a role. When most drivers were experiencing control issues on the racetrack, they figure out the problem and how to correct and how hard to push. Earnhardt’s fatigue may have impaired his judgment.

When most drivers and crew chiefs were debriefing or coming up with a game plan for Phoenix, Earnhardt was nowhere to be found at the Hendrick Motorsports shop on Wednesday. Pretty incredible considering how 2009 has gone. Instead of pleasing his fans, who pay 25 dollars for a t-shirt, he is fattening up his every growing pockets in Nashville.

I now begin to ask myself what I would do if I rooted for Earnhardt, who now sits a dismal 24th in the series standings with one race to go and a one point cushion on AJ Allmendinger for 25th. Would I buy the $25 t-shirt for a driver who is sitting in Nashville, mispronouncing words at an awards banquet for a genre of music he doesn’t care for?  

The ever-growing divide at Hendrick Motorsports this season was evident again on Sunday as all three of Earnhardt’s teammates finished in the top ten. Earnhardt, who was running about mid pack all day long, caused an accident coming off of turn four and it makes some fans wonder what was on his mind at that moment.

Was it the way he messed up “Female Vocalist of the Year” Wednesday night in Nashville? Was he thinking about how embarrassing that moment was? Was he thinking about his Washington Redskins beating the Denver Broncos for just the teams’ third win all year?  Whatever he was thinking, few think it was on how to keep his car from spinning out, which is what caused the six car pileup on Sunday.

That leaves the question of when will Junior Nation start to crack? In this economy the fan base has been more than loyal to Earnhardt all season. He’s been disappointing since he missed his pit stall at Daytona in February. With the amount of money he charges for his merchandise, Junior Nation can’t be happy to see him in Nashville on Wednesday can they?   

Changes have been made and the same results are shown. When other teams are starting to show positive signs of improvement, the No. 88 Chevrolet shows signs of fatigue and no focus. It’s only a matter of time until fans get sick of it.

If he loses fans, he’ll lose money because merchandise sales would go down. Maybe then Earnhardt will get the point, until then however, Junior Nation has nothing to look forward too except another embarrassing appearance on another lousy television show coming up soon.

Waid's World

A NASCAR BLOG BY Steve Waid

A classic case of overcoming adversity to win a title

It seems all but certain that Jimmie Johnson will win his fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship this Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It can be said that, among many other things, his Hendrick Motorsports team’s effort to put him back into
the Texas race is one determining factor.

Rather than give up after Johnson crashed and practically destroyed his Chevrolet three laps into the race, the team bucked the odds and got Johnson back into competition. That done, with the help of members of other Hendrick teams, Johnson gained a few points – which certainly didn’t hurt.

When teams that ultimately win titles are faced with adversity, they find ways to overcome it. One of the most dramatic examples of that in NASCAR came in the 1973 season finale.

Benny Parsons was the points leader heading into that race in Rockingham, N.C. He raced for L.G. Dewitt, out of Ellerbe, N.C., whose small-time operation was far removed from the potent teams of the day. The team did not have a sponsor.

But Parsons had performed well. He had only one victory, but given the point system at the time, which rewarded consistency, he was atop the point standings.

The lead was slim. Parsons was 194.35 points ahead of Richard Petty. The convoluted system rewarded 100 points to the winner plus a half-point for each lap completed. A driver could earn as much as 375 points in a race and as few as 22.

Befuddled, Parsons had no idea what he had to do to win the title. He decided that his strategy was to stay out of trouble and finish the race. Afterward, the numbers would tell the story.

As it was for Johnson recently at Texas, it didn’t take long for disaster to strike Parsons at Rockingham.

On lap 13, Johnny Barnes’ Mercury went out of control in the first turn of the 1-mile Rockingham track. Parsons, unable to avoid the situation, snagged Barnes’ left-front quarter panel.

The entire right side of Parsons’ Chevrolet was ripped off. The rear-end assembly settled at the middle of the track. The roll cage was ripped apart. Debris spewed everywhere.

Parsons seemed done. Finished. A championship was lost – or so everyone thought.

Parsons’ crew chief, Travis Carter, decided to do everything possible to get his driver back on the track. As remote as that possibility seemed, it was the only hope.

Then, something amazing happened. Members of other teams hijacked parts and pieces from cars that had retired from the race and scrambled en masse to help Parsons. An army of mechanics piled into the restoration effort.

These guys certainly weren’t required to do anything. They weren’t teammates. They had no stake in a Parsons championship. Their only motivation was to help the underdog, the man known as “Mr. Nice Guy,” have the chance to win a title. They wanted him to succeed.

When the work was completed, Parsons returned to competition after 136 laps. His car was junk. The right side was bare to the roll cage.

It certainly helped that Petty dropped out of the race after 133 laps with a broken camshaft to finish 35th.

Meanwhile, Cale Yarborough, Parsons’ other serious challenger for the title, finished third, one lap down.

Despite the heroic efforts of his team and others, Parsons could not complete the race. He retired with a severe vibration after 308 of 492 laps.

Remarkably, that was enough. Parsons won the first and only championship of his career by 67.15 points over Yarborough.

If his team had not chosen to return to the race, and received the help of others to do so, the outcome would have been different.

At Texas the same effort was made for Johnson.

That helped make a difference. 

A Bit of Humor

Dale Earnhardt Jr Takes Aggressive Measures to Stop Curse
By Dennis Michelsen/racetalkradion.com

The nightmare season for Dale Earnhardt Jr has been too much for even the mild mannered Junior to tolerate. It doesn't seem to matter what he tries to do to improve his performance something always happens to knock him back down. While his teammates dominate Junior struggles. RaceTalkRadio.com has learned that the management team at Hendrick Motorsports has decided to take drastic measures to make sure 2010 is better for Junior. The Mountain Dew Corporation has agreed to change the logo for their AMP Energy Drink to remove all shades of green from the new design. "Everyone knows that green is bad luck," said Junior. "My Daddy would never have driven a green car and now I see why. Them boys at AMP agreed to these changes and I'm willing to give anything a shot right now." RaceTalkRadio.com has also been sent copies of Hendrick Motorsports memos ordering a massive search of the No. 88 hauler to make sure there are no traces of peanuts! While I agree it is a good idea to pull out all of the stops to make sure 2010 is a better season I can't agree with the last thing that we uncovered this week. Listen for an announcement at Homestead-Miami Speedway that Kermit the Frog has had his membership in the Dale Earnhardt Jr Fan Club returned to him and he will be black listed from all Fan Club events. "It's not easy being green," said Kermit. RaceTalkRadio is happy to learn that Dale Earnhardt Jr is taking aggressive measures to stop the curse!

NASCAR ON TV THIS WEEK

All times Eastern

Well, that's all for today.  Until the next time, I remain,

Your Nascar Momma

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Happy Tuesday. 

Today In Nascar History

Nov. 17, 1964: Fireball Roberts wins a 139-lap race on the 3-mile road course of August (Ga.) International Raceway for his 33rd and final Cup victory. The time of the race is nearly five hours, and Roberts takes the checkered flag one lap and 28 seconds ahead of Bob MacDonald.

Quote of the Year

There's an unwritten rule in NASCAR: Thou shalt not take on Dale Earnhardt Jr.

--Terry Blount/espn 

Vote for your driver!

www.chexmostpopulardriver.com/

Comments from the Peanut Gallery

From Chip

Dear NASCAR Momma: It appears now that there are only two left in the chase for the championship. It is really hard to watch this because of mixed feelings. On one hand I would like to see Jimmy Johnson win his fourth consecutive title and on the other hand, as many others have stated, there is no one is NASCAR who deserves a title any more than Mark Martin. Many may not agree with the first part of that statement but it would be much harder to argue against the second part. Mark Martin has the respect many if not all of NASCAR. Is he the nice guy who is destined to be the brides maid and never the bride? I hope not but also do not harbor any ill will to Jimmy Johnson. Therein lays the dilemma. I saw a poll in today's newsletter that stated so many would probably not watch the Homestead race because of the points as they are now. I think that is a shame but I can understand that many who are no fan of any of the Hendrick drivers feel at this time. I do not know what happened at Roush this year or many of the other teams who have at one time or another run so much better than they did this year. Many say that it is the car and with the announcement that there will be no changes in the car it could be a very boring year for everyone other than Hendrick next year. Just a fan observation on my part. If that's parity, then please give some to Dale Jr. Chip

Bits and Pieces

Sterling Marlin....retiring?: Sterling Marlin plans to enter Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway [Marlin is not on the entry list, but the #70 Chevy driver is listed as TBA-to be announced, so maybe.....] then, after over 30 years of life in the fast lane, will "probably" hang up his helmet. "Will I miss it? Yeah, in some ways," said Marlin, 52, who raced his way out of the Carter's Creek tobacco fields and into international fame with back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in '94 and '95. "But in some ways I'll kinda be glad when it's over. The sport has changed. It's not much fun anymore."(Racin' Today) Full story below.

Goodyear to test bigger tire: Goodyear will again test the taller, wider tire again with Roush Racing at Phoenix International Raceway on Dec. 8 and 9.(FoxSports)

New Ford engine to run at Homestead: Ford will run its new FR9 engine next week at Homestead, said Doug Hervey, who oversees Ford's North American racing operations. The plan is for #6-David Ragan to run the car at Homestead, Hervey said. It will be the second race for the engine. The restrictor-plate version was run at Talladega with Ragan and #17-Matt Kenseth. This will be the first time the unrestricted version has run in competition.(Roanoke Times)

RCR cars to support "call 811": Richard Childress is a strong advocate for safety and protecting the community and environment. All four Richard Childress Racing (RCR) teams are supporting the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) and its "Call 811" initiative this week in Homestead to help educate fans about the importance of calling 811 before doing any digging or excavation activity. A quick and easy call to 811 helps to protect people from unintentionally hitting underground pipelines, infrastructure and utility lines, which can put the community and environment at risk. As part of the race teams' support, the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy will feature a logo on the deck lid that will read, "811 Know what's below. Call before you dig." In addition to support from RCR and Shell, CGA is also working with driver Joey Logano to help communicate the "Call 811" message at an appearance during race weekend.(RCR)

Robby thanks Jim Beam, Crafton to help out: The Phoenix Sprint Cup race was the final appearance of Jim Beam on the hood of Robby Gordon's #7 Toyota and the end of a five-year partnership between the two companies. "Jim Beam has been a great partner to the Robby Gordon Motorsports organization since its formation back in 2005," said Gordon. "I really hoped that we would be able to bring home a stronger finish than 22nd for their last race to show our appreciation for everything they have done." Prior to racing in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Robby Gordon will travel to the Baja Peninsula to race the #77 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires Trophy Truck in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, November 19-22. The Baja 1000 marks the fifth and final competition in the 2009 Tecate SCORE International Off-Road Championship, which Gordon is currently leading for both the Trophy Truck division and the Overall SCORE Desert Series. While Gordon works to clinch the SCORE Championship, the Robby Gordon Motorsports team will work to prepare and perfect their Toyota Camry with the help of Matt Crafton. Crafton is set to practice and qualify the #7 MAPEI / Menards Toyota, turning the wheel back over to Gordon for the 400-mile race on Sunday afternoon.(RGM)

Overnight Phoenix TV ratings down: ABC's broadcast of Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500(k) Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway earned a 2.9 overnight rating with a 6 share. That is down from last season Nov. 9th race at Phoenix, a 3.4 ratings with a 6 share. The final rating in 2008 for Phoenix was a 3.6/7 before the race was moved over to ESPN2 for the final 34 minutes when it ran long due to two red flags.

Keselowski may have rough road ahead

THATSRACIN.COM OPINION

By Jenna Fryer - Associated Press

AVONDALE, Ariz. - Brad Keselowski's crew chief was headed to the pre-race driver meeting when Juan Pablo Montoya cut him off at the door.

"The next two weeks, you better bring your worst cars," Montoya told Roy McCauley.

"Why's that?" McCauley asked.

"Because they are going to get wrecked," Montoya warned. "Somebody is going to wreck him, if Denny Hamlin doesn't do it first."

The banter was friendly, and Montoya smiled as he delivered the message. But he certainly wasn't joking.

NASCAR's newest hotshot driver is quickly racking up a long list of enemies who are looking to make his transition to the big leagues a rough one. First up is Hamlin, who is openly feuding with Keselowski over a series of at least five Nationwide Series incidents dating to last season.

What's not in dispute is that the two have rubbed fenders, pushed each other around on the track and maybe changed lanes once or twice without using their signals.

Each time, though, Hamlin made his point with finesse and Keselowski moved on unscathed. Not so for Hamlin, who has five wrecked cars to show for the times Keselowski has pushed back.

Hamlin, now at his boiling point, is done being subtle.

A late-race exchange at Phoenix International Raceway started with a bump from Hamlin, but ended with two shoves by Keselowski that sent him into the wall. Hamlin later promised to exact his revenge in Saturday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"There's a lot of guys that owe him," he said. "There's a lot of guys that have a lot of chips that they're going to cash in. I'm just going to be the first to the pay window."

Revealing his intent may not have been the smartest move by Hamlin. He now has a worried team wondering if they are spending good money on a big-name driver who has already earmarked the car for the scrap heap.

Aware of the growing list of disgruntled drivers, top NASCAR officials called Keselowski in for a little chat about aggressive driving before Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race. Even chairman Brian France popped his head in for this talk, and when the 25-year-old Keselowski emerged, it wasn't clear if he'd heard the entire message.

Sure, they talked about the need to choose your enemies carefully as Keselowski prepares for his full-time Cup ride next season with Penske Racing. But Keselowski will have to show if the recommendations sunk in about his hard-charging style.

"I've dug and clawed for everything I've got, and the only way to do that is by being aggressive," he said. "That's not to say I need to be aggressive every race. There's races where you need to play it cool and be smart."

There really is no reason for Keselowski to change his style. It's exciting and created controversy. He's won six Nationwide races and landed a Cup ride with Roger Penske.

He's been defended by current Nationwide Series team owners Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Both insist that as long as he's in control of his car and not intentionally causing accidents, anything goes.

Others aren't so sure.

His only Cup victory came in a last-lap crash at Talladega in April, when he hooked the rear of Carl Edwards' car to start an accident that sent Edwards sailing into the safety fence. That brought attention and new opportunities for Keselowski, but also may have created a monster.

Keselowski apparently alienated most of the principal players at Hendrick Motorsports two months after that Talladega win, when he tried to explain the best strategy to win at Daytona International Speedway. Last check showed the current Hendrick drivers have a combined 187 Cup victories, and probably don't need much advice from a one-time winner.

Still, the groundswell of drivers turning against him stayed fairly quiet until his feud with Hamlin hit high gear in September. They played bumper-cars at Dover, and Hamlin ended up in the wall. They raced hard at California, and Hamlin ended up in the wall. Then came Phoenix, where NASCAR officials clearly believed Keselowski's second hit on Hamlin was intended to wreck him.

After the first two incidents, Earnhardt defended his driver and wondered if Keselowski maybe wasn't inside Hamlin's head. But he also said Keselowski had no plans to back down to Hamlin, or anyone else.

"I think people underestimate Brad and how strong he is because I certainly did," Earnhardt said in October. "I'll be honest, I underestimated how mentally tough he is."

Hamlin might view it as stubbornness or arrogance, and is convinced Keselowski has some hard lessons ahead.

"I'm racing for a Chase and he's racing to make sure he stays in the seat," Hamlin said. "I'm just going to do my job, and if the opportunity arises, I'm going to handle the situation, the way I should. The way anybody else would."

Hamlin versus Keselowski: Let 'em race

David Newton/espn.com

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- I digress to the debacle at Talladega Superspeedway and a comment made by Denny Hamlin after NASCAR president Mike Helton told drivers to curb their enthusiasm with bump-drafting.

"Let us race," the driver of the No. 11 said. "They gave us the car to race. Now let the drivers handle it."

I refer to that comment because the same thing needs to be said in the Brad Keselowski-Hamlin feud.

Let 'em race. Let them handle it.

That's not going to happen. NASCAR officials, including chairman Brian France, met with Keselowski before Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway to talk about his aggressive driving that is ticking off fellow drivers.

They believe it is in the best interest of the driver and the sport to guide the rookie driver, to teach him ways to compete without making others so mad that they want to retaliate, as Hamlin promised after Saturday's Nationwide Series race.

But that's the main problem with the sport today: It's too sanitized.

In case you missed it, Keselowski caused Hamlin to spin out, igniting a war of words from Hamlin about his getting even. It was a continuation of the feud that began in May 2008 and escalated a few months ago at Dover when Keselowski wrecked Hamlin late.

With apologies to Ron Hornaday Jr. for wrapping up a fourth Truck series title Friday night, it was the most excitement of the weekend.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

As I sarcastically Twittered on Saturday, where do you think NASCAR would be today had Cale Yarborough and the Allison brothers, Bobby and Donnie, gotten out of their cars at Daytona in 1979 and tweeted each other instead of exchanging fisticuffs?

NASCAR officials have used that clip to promote the sport for as long as I can remember. They do it because they know fans like the drama, the feuding and fighting almost as much as they do the racing. Some like it more.

We as sports writers certainly appreciate it.

What is happening between Keselowski and Hamlin is good for the sport. If they get into each other on the track, penalize them, slap them on the wrist and say they are bad boys.

But let them be bad boys.

We had a bad boy in Kyle Busch until he became sanitized. Drivers once complained about him the way they complain about Keselowski now.

You don't hear that anymore.

You may not hear much more from Keselowski and Hamlin after Sunday's meeting, although there was a certain confidence -- or maybe arrogance -- in Keselowski's voice that makes me believe he won't back off too much.

I hope not.

Let 'em race. Let them handle it.

Sterling Marlin Says It Is ‘Probably” All Over

Larry Woody | Senior Writer, RacinToday.com

The last of the Good Ol’ Boys is preparing to ride off into the sunset.

Sterling Marlin plans to enter Sunday’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway then, after over 30 years of life in the fast lane, will “probably” hang up his helmet.

“Will I miss it? Yeah, in some ways,” said Marlin, 52, who raced his way out of the Carter’s Creek tobacco fields and into international fame with back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in ’94 and ’95.

“But in some ways I’ll kinda be glad when it’s over. The sport has changed. It’s not much fun anymore.”

One of the biggest changes is the steady decline of Southern drivers. They once dominated stock car racing; now they’re a vanishing species.

Sterling attended his first race when he was two weeks old. His mom, Eula Faye, held him in her arms while his dad, Coo Coo banged his way around Nashville’s Fairgrounds Speedway. The roar of racing engines was his lullaby.

By his early teens Sterling was behind the wheel, following in the tire tracks of his dad and Uncle Jack. He won everything there was to win in Nashville. At 18 he made his debut in the big-league Winston Cup Series. He hasn’t slowed down since.

Until now. Sterling has spent the last few years struggling with second-tier rides – the kind he was forced to accept throughout the first 17 years of his career. When he finally got a good car he broke it in by winning the Daytona 500.

Now he’s back where he started, trying to make a slow car to go fast and keep up with the superstars that his daddy called “hot dogs.”

When Sterling was starting out I wrote a story titled “The Prince and the Pauper.” I compared self-reliant Sterling to fellow racing teen Kyle Petty whose famous father had given him the world.

Sterling’s mom didn’t like the story. “We’re not paupers!” Eula Faye declared. “We may not be the Petty’s, but we’re not paupers.”

I explained that I meant “racing paupers” but I don’t think Eula Faye bought it. (Her “pauper” son would go on to win over $40 million in NASCAR gold.)

Those were heady days, fun days, watching colorful Coo Coo in his prime and following the rapid rise of his talented son. Seems just yesterday Sterling was a tow-headed kid tagging around the track after his dad and dreaming big dreams. Today he’s a grandfather preparing to ride off into down the trail.

Sterling spends most of his time tending the Maury County farm he yearned to escape as a youngster. The one-time terror of Daytona now drives a tractor. But he’s been to the top, basked in the bright lights, and if it’s over, it’s over. No complaints, no regrets.

Sterling has lived his dream.

Fans are mad at the wrong guy

by Darrell Waltrip/foxsports.com

You know after Peyton Manning threw that interception late in the game Sunday night, I turned the TV off because I said it was over and the Patriots won. Well I woke up Monday only to learn that the Colts came back and won 35-34.

Just like Peyton shook off the interception and helped lead his team to victory, Jimmie Johnson shook off the wreck at Texas two weeks ago and came back to win at Phoenix. He didn't just win, he put an absolute spanking on the field.

The No. 48 team unloaded fast at Phoenix. They qualified third and then the race was all Jimmie all the time. There are folks out there complaining that Johnson is stinking up the show. Some call him bland and boring or try to blame him for all that is wrong with NASCAR right now.

It also seemed last week after Texas that everyone was thinking the pressure had finally gotten to the No. 48 team and that they were cracking underneath all of it.

Guess what? They aren't.

Team 48 came back at Phoenix and sent a very clear message that Texas was simply a very small bump in the road to championship number four.

But you shouldn't be mad at Jimmie Johnson because he is better than everyone else. Don't be mad at Chad Knaus because he is smarter than everyone else or at the team because they are better than everyone else.

So who should you be mad at? The answer is pretty simple. You should be mad at your driver and team. Do you know why? They still haven't figured out a way to beat that No. 48 car. When you have a dominant team, well it is the benchmark. It's what everybody shoots at. Until you can get there, well simply expect the No. 48 team to kick your butt.

Simply put, no one, and I mean no one, has been able to accomplish what that No. 48 team has been able to do.

You may not like it. Again, maybe you think Johnson is bland and boring but perfection sometimes is boring. It's boring because you can't find anything wrong with it. That No. 48 team has been on a roll for a long time now. It's not like they are lucky. If you are lucky, you might win a championship. These guys have won three in a row and are going to set a NASCAR record by winning four in a row Sunday at Homestead-Miami.

These guys aren't just lucky or good. These guys are great. They work extremely hard and are extremely focused. Do you know how easy it would have been after the Lap 3 wreck at Texas to simply load it on the hauler and head back to North Carolina? Folks that car was totaled, but they didn't care. They all came together and thrashed on that car and one hour later they rolled back out onto the track. It wouldn't have mattered if they didn't pick up any spots or gain any points because it was the effort that counted. You win championships by never saying never.

Texas showed the heart and character of that team. It also sent a very loud statement that if you want the championship, well, by golly, you are going to have to go through the No. 48 to get it because they aren't going to roll over simply because of adversity.

All weekend long it seemed as if every sports program you turned on was showing the wreck at Texas about once an hour. The folks on TV were making so much noise about the fact Jimmie lost 111 points. What everyone seems to forget is that Jimmie had a 184-point lead. Yes he lost 111 points, but he still rolled into Phoenix with a 73-point lead. I mentioned this last week, but folks, 73 points is still the second largest lead in Chase history going into the last two races.

Did folks really expect lightning to strike twice? Did they really expect Jimmie to stumble at Phoenix? Not this time. It just wasn't meant to be. That driver is too focused. That crew chief is too smart. That team is at the top of its game right now and won't let anything like that happen.

Like I said, if you want to be mad, be mad at someone other than Jimmie Johnson. If you want to be jealous, well I can understand that. If you want to be envious, well I can understand that too. Don't be mad at Jimmie. Give him the credit that he is due.

He and Chad are like Batman and Robin. Chad knows how to run the team and Jimmie obviously knows how to run that car. Any given Sunday they can simply whoop your butt. I am going to keep saying this, but nothing is going to change until something changes. Either the schedule has to change, or the point system has to change or the No. 48 will have to implode but if they stay joined at the hip as they are right now, well it's clear that everyone else is racing for second place.

Oh by the way

I loved what Carl Edwards did Saturday after winning the Nationwide Series race. Although he has recovered from his broken foot, he can't be hopping off the side of the car like he used to. But he still did a variation of a backflip after his win.

What people may not have realized was he laid down on his back and he flipped over. Yes, a real back flip. Let's face it, what he has been doing is a somersault.

Now this is the same guy that almost went into the grandstands at Talladega yet he gets out of his car and runs across the finish line like Ricky Bobby. What he did Saturday showed me he gave it a lot of thought. I had a big belly laugh when I saw what he did on Saturday ...

... but then I had a big belly ache when I saw what he did on Sunday.

Oh by the way II

I want to make something perfectly clear. What I wrote about Danica last week was purely meant to point out the obstacles she is facing should she decide to give NASCAR a try.

Let me also make it perfectly clear that if she should come to NASCAR, I Darrell Waltrip will wish her well. I would also like to make it perfectly clear that I, Darrell Waltrip, do not think it is a good idea. I just don't believe she can handle our kind of racing. There is too much to learn in a short period of time. She is too big of a star to gamble on something like coming to NASCAR and tarnishing her reputation.

I am thinking right about now that she is having second thoughts about the very same thing.

Hendrick Motorsports owns NASCAR… except for that Junior guy

Greg Engle/nascarexaminer.com

Barring any Earth-shattering events, Jimmie Johnson will win his fourth championship next Sunday at Homestead, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin will finish the season in second while Jeff Gordon has a pretty good shot at third.
In other words, Hendrick Motorsports will own this year’s version of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
All of them of course except Dale Earnhardt Junior.
Earnhardt’s day at Phoenix started out badly. His pit crew was involved in a pretty serious accident on the way to the track. And while no one was seriously injured, it certainly was not the way the team wanted to start the day.
The day for the No. 88 team ended badly as well.
On lap 169 restart, Earnhardt’s Chevy got loose coming out of turn four. The resulting spin set off a multi-car melee and sent Earnhardt to a place that he has visited all too frequently this season, the garage before the end of a race.
He would return later, but finished 35th. Worse yet, he now finds himself in 24th in the points with very little hope of gaining any ground with one race to go in the season.
Almost before Earnhardt stopped spinning Sunday, the fans of NASCAR’s most popular driver, otherwise known as the Junior Nation were lighting up the Internet message boards. Some were trying to find excuses for his latest on-track woe, while others tried again to defend him; meanwhile his detractors seemed to revel.
Many have tried to analyze the reasons behind the lack of success Earnhardt has suffered through for several years. And while his detractors may continue to claim Earnhardt doesn’t have the talent to be in NASCAR, one look at his career might say otherwise. Earnhardt is a two-time Nationwide Series champion and has 18 Sprint Cup series wins since 2000, including a Daytona 500 victory. And as Hendrick Motorsports is proving with three drivers occupying the top three positions in the points, it certainly isn’t the lack of quality equipment.
Maybe then it comes down to chemistry. One of the most overlooked elements in NASCAR is that intangible factor that no one can really see or predict beforehand. Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus have had it and it might be what Earnhardt is missing.
Earnhardt has had very few crew chiefs in his career. The list includes Pete Rondeau, Steve Hmiel, his cousin Tony Eury Jr., and Eury Jr.’s father Tony Eury Sr. In fact it was under Eury Sr.’s leadership that Earnhardt had his career best year, 2004, when he scored six wins. Eury Sr. was promoted the following season and after stints with Rondeau and Hmiel, Eury Jr. took over.
Eury Jr. followed Earnhardt to Hendrick Motorsports where he remained as crew chief until May of this year when Lance McGrew replaced him on an interim basis. The Earnhardt-McGrew pairing hasn’t exactly produced the results Earnhardt is capable of and if the management at Hendrick ever pinpoints that lack of chemistry there may be another crew chief change in the off season.
Might Hendrick try yet another crew chief despite recently announcing that McGrew would be the fulltime leader next season? Could Eury Sr. come back? No one knows the answers yet. But as he proved in 2004 given the right chemistry he can win and one thing is certain, until the right chemistry is found again, Earnhardt may not have a reason to look forward to Sunday’s during the NASCAR season for a very long time to come.

Confessions of a NASCAR fan

Carolyn Brewster/scenedaily.com

I want the nail-biting drama

I know Jimmie Johnson fans are giddy with the anticipation of four back-to-back championships. Yawn!

Don’t get me wrong. I think Chad Knaus, Johnson’s Hendrick Motorsports crew chief, is absolutely brilliant and deserving of all the success he has earned, but again, yawn.

Last week’s setback for the team at Texas Motor Speedway, although painful for them, was absolutely thrilling for me. I want the championship to be determined by some sort of nail-biting drama in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway instead of a foregone conclusion. Competition, people, competition.

As a fan, I’m realistic that JJ will more than likely do it again. But with the door slightly cracked, I’d love nothing more than for Mark Martin to walk through it. Give me a reason to want to watch the last few races, an out-and-out brawl for the title.   

NASCAR watching, but not policing, Hamlin-BK feud

By Joe Menzer, NASCAR.COM

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Despite a continuing and open display of dislike for each other that now and again seems to include knocking into each other with their race cars, Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski's budding rivalry is being embraced by NASCAR and not discouraged.

Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition for NASCAR, said officials from the governing body had spoken with both drivers separately following the latest incident involving them during Saturday's Nationwide Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Neither was penalized or punished in any way, and Pemberton said he considers their latest brush with each other concluded.

"We talked to Denny and Brad separately. We talked to each of them [Saturday] and again [before Sunday's race]," Pemberton said. "It was nothing major. It was just to remind everybody of the bigger picture.

"It really was not to tell them not to race hard at all. They need to keep racing as hard as they want to. That's what people come to see. So we didn't tell them not to race hard."

Joe Balash, Nationwide Series director, added: "I think we've really finished all the events from [Saturday]. There were no penalties from anything that happened out on the race track and no calls from the [control] tower and we're moving on to our next race."

Pemberton added that such rivalries as the one blossoming between Hamlin and Keselowski are good for the sport.

"They are rivalries, and you'd like to let things take care of themselves and have the guys work it out, on and off the track," Pemberton said. "They owe that, because many of these guys are going to be racing each other for years to come -- decades, potentially. When you're in close quarters like that, not everyone agrees on what real estate they have to own -- and you'll see that from time to time.

"I see out there in some of these younger guys the potential for these rivalries to be in the style of Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt, or in the David Pearson-Richard Petty style," Pemberton said. "We've got a lot of young, talented guys out there who are really standing on the gas and picking up their game -- and they've very, very competitive. I think that helps add to the competition at the race track every weekend.

Pemberton added that NASCAR perceived nothing wrong with Hamlin's "colorful" comments after Saturday's race, when he basically threatened retaliation for what he thought had happened.

"Everybody should enjoy [the comments]," Pemberton said. "And everybody should remember we're the sport where you can go stick a microphone in someone's face 15 minutes after something either really good happens, or something really bad happens. They're still pumped up, their adrenaline is still flowing -- and we get the natural thing when those things happen. That's not bad. Guys have personalities and it's OK to share that."

Keselowski and Hamlin had plenty to say about each other after Saturday's race.

Hamlin, in particular, was hot over the Lap 157 incident that started with Hamlin bumping Keselowski and ducking beneath him. Keselowski retaliated in the corner and turned Hamlin's No. 20 Toyota. Hamlin kept the car off the wall but had to pit and restarted at the back of the field on Lap 164, leading to a 12th-place finish after he had been running up front most of the afternoon.

"On the last restart there, Denny got into the back of me and pushed me up the track," said Keselowski, who went on to finish fifth. "I was going to return the favor. When he did it to me, I saved it. When I did it to him, he didn't save it. We just got into a pushing match. I don't really don't hold any grudges. I don't know why he wanted to do that. But whatever, that's just how racing is, I guess.

"To me, I was over it. I'm focused on running the No. 88 JR Motorsports car and trying to run up front, chase down Carl [Edwards in the Nationwide standings] and finish second in points. I haven't put a lot of thought into [the rivalry], but apparently he has."

Hamlin implied that he looked forward to having a shot at revenge in next Saturday's race, the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"I can sit here and bash him for the next 20 seconds or so and give you all a bunch of sound bites, but I'm just happy that I signed up for next week's Nationwide race," Hamlin said. "And you know in turn, there are a lot of guys that owe him. There are a lot of guys that have a lot of chips that they're going to cash in; I'm just going to be the first to the pay window.'' 

Behind closed doors: Tony Stewart's kinder, gentler side
Away From the Track, Tony Aids Children and Animals in Need

by Kimberley Powell/speedwaymedia.com

Tony Stewart isn’t your typical self-absorbed athlete. While his competitors are kicking back at home, Tony is busy shining light on children with terminal illnesses and animals in need of rescuing. To truly appreciate Tony Stewart you must understand that he is strong-minded, intense and highly competitive—but not by money.

Born with a heart of gold, Tony Stewart continues to prove why he is one of the most charitable drivers in NASCAR and one of the greatest givers among professional athletes. In fact, Tony was listed among the top-30 celebrity donors by the Giving Back Fund of 2006.

Acts of Generosity

Established in August of 2003, the Tony Stewart Foundation was created to raise funds for groups caring for chronically ill children as well as drivers injured in motorsports activities. In addition, the foundation assists charitable organizations in the protection of various animal species. Charities actively supported by the Foundation include the Ronald McDonald House, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Indiana Special Olympics, Grey rescue (Greyhound Rescue Organization), the Charlotte (N.C.) Metropolitan Zoo, and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Since the launch of the Tony Stewart Foundation, the organization has donated an estimated $6.25 million to charities of Stewart’s choice.

The Indiana native also builds playgrounds for his sponsor Home Depot, has auctioned off his own items for charity — driver suits, helmets, championship rings, — and has even dispatched his private plane to fly sick race fans across the country. When a little girl, a fan, stricken with cancer was ignored by most drivers, Tony spent half the day with her.

Acts of kindness like this abound. ‘Smoke’ has been a major contributor to the Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp since its inception. In fact, Stewart is the largest individual fundraiser for the camp and is even one of the founding members. On three separate occasions, The Tony Stewart Foundation has written checks for $1 million to the camp.

Tony’s top fundraiser is the Prelude to the Dream where he brings a number of Sprint Cup drivers to Eldora Speedway for an exhibition race. Proceeds from the event go to the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

As it turns out, it’s not the number of checks that Tony writes or the children he helps that grabs headlines. His occasionally tempestuous nature, his determination and his sharp tongue is what the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion has become known for.

Tony Stewart may speak his mind about racing-related topics but, at the same time, doesn’t talk about the good deeds that he did all week before the race. Although it may seem as though Tony’s at his best when he’s courting controversy, there is a side of Tony Stewart that fans often don’t get to see. Guys like Tony don’t come along every day.

The Yellow Stripe

Danny Peters · Frontstretch.com

Is Jeff Gordon's Drive For Five Permanently Stalled?

The whimsical 1986 movie “Short Circuit,” starring those giants of the big screen, Ally Sheedy and Steve Guttenberg, is a story about the mad cap adventures of an artificially intelligent robot named “Number Five.” The premise of the tale sees the U.S. Military designed and owned robot brought to “life” by a freak power surge. It’s a heartwarming, if somewhat flippant tale, and those fans of the movie will certainly remember the robot at one point screaming to Ally Sheedy’s character that “Number Five is Alive!”

Relating this back to NASCAR and yeah, I bet you were wondering if I was actually going to get there, in the case of one Jeffrey Michael Gordon from Vallejo, CA, number five is not very much alive. Instead, if you’ll forgive the crass reference, Gordon’s “Drive for Five” has very much “short-circuited” all over again. Barring an alien abduction of the entire No. 48 team, the minute Jimmie J starts his engine at Homestead-Miami, Gordon’s quest for a fifth Championship will be officially over for 2009 — the eighth straight year the sport’s biggest trophy has been giftwrapped for someone else instead.

Now, at 38 years old, time is quickly running out for a man who’s well into the second half of his driving career. Suddenly, the question becomes whether can Gordon crest the hump and finally put a Sprint Cup trophy on his already burgeoning mantelpiece to go along with those four he won during the Winston era.

The answer, folks, appears to be “probably not.”

Before we get to the reasons why, let’s take a quick glance at Gordon’s incredible and impeccable credentials. For starters, he’s a four-time Cup Champion. Only the two first ballot Hall of Famers, King Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. have won more titles with seven apiece. He sits sixth on the all-time wins list with 82 — one behind Cale Yarborough and two behind Darrell Waltrip and Bobby Allison — so by the time he hangs up his driving gloves, he should be in third place behind only David Pearson (105 wins) and Richard Petty (200 wins). He’s won, just for the record, a staggering 14.1% of the races he’s entered (580) and of active drivers only (surprise, surprise) Jimmie J ranks above him at a 16.2% clip.

Gordon also sits fourth on the all-time poles list — one behind Cale, again – and has an average finish of 12.3. He’s led 20,738 laps, won three Daytona 500’s (1997, 1999, 2005) four Brickyard 400’s (1994, 1998, 2001, 2004), including the inaugural event, and three All-Star challenges (1995, 1997, 2001). Add to this list a record nine road course victories, a restrictor-plate best 12 victories, six wins at the revered Darlington, and you’ve got one heck of a career resume to flaunt. Oh, and did I mention he’s married to the smoking hot Ingrid? OK, that’s not strictly relevant… but I felt it was worth pointing out.

In short, then, Jeff Gordon has done just about everything in NASCAR. If he never drove another lap in anger on the Sprint Cup circuit, he would go down as arguably one of the top 5 best drivers in the history of the sport. But the trouble is, you can’t help but feel Gordon won’t be truly satisfied until he gets his hands on a Sprint Cup title to go along with all the other accolades and achievements that have been the hallmark of his career.

So let’s start with his most obvious impediment: Jimmie Johnson.

With the best will in the world, there still must be days when Gordon rues the recommendation he gave Mr. Hendrick to employ Johnson some eight years ago. If it wasn’t for Johnson, he would already have had his fifth title back in 2007. After a regular season of metronomic brilliance, Gordon averaged a 5.1 finish in the Chase and had a lowest finish of 11th through ten races. But his teammate and the man he shares office space with was even better, winning four of the last five races, averaging a 5.0 finish, and running away with the title by some 77 points. In 2004, the inaugural year of the Chase, Gordon was even closer, missing out by an agonizing 16 markers over Kurt Busch when one poor finish at Atlanta really wrecked his chances. At some point, after so many near-misses, in a sport where confidence in your ability cannot be overestimated, you can start believing it’s not meant to be. Just ask Mark Martin (bless him). It’s not just Jimmie, however, as despite all the many and varied criticisms there are of NASCAR today, one thing is undeniable: The competition is better and harder than ever before in the sport’s history. That plays a role, no question, for a man who’s been there, done that for nearly 20 years in the sport.

Another factor is his life circumstances, if you’ll pardon the banal way of putting that. Let me be clear here, I’m not suggesting for a minute that the birth of his daughter Ella has made him a worse driver. I don’t have children (yet) so I can’t speak from experience here, but all my friends who do tell me the moment they had their first child their lives changed irrevocably. It’s not a reason, but it’s a factor. After all, who doesn’t make their kids a number one priority? So again, I’m not saying Gordon’s not as dedicated as he was when he had the most ridiculous piece of upper-lip facial hair in the history of mustaches, but his priorities have shifted some, and that can play into things — especially in a sport that is defined by the tenths and hundredths of a second. Keep in mind that of the 12 drivers that made the Chase this season, just three have kids.

One thing that may also play into Gordon’s quest is the hard crashes he’s sustained. All drivers who have raced as long as he has have their wrecks to remember, but this man seems to have suffered more than most. There was the 2004 crash when he plowed nose first into Andy Hillenburg’s spun out car at Darlington, after which he said “I haven’t taken a hit like that, possibly ever, and certainly not a head-on shot.” Then there was the hugely hard lick at Pocono in August 2006, and the equally fierce crash at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 2007 when he all but took out the flagstand. In 2008, there was the wreck at Las Vegas when he hit the inside wall with great ferocity, a move which prompted the powers-that-be to install SAFER barriers to go along with those already installed on the outer walls. And last but not least, one final wreck to mention would be the unusual and violent hit he sustained at Watkins Glen in an incident with Sam Hornish, Jr. earlier this year. As I said, all drivers take hits, but you can’t help but wonder how the combined effects on all these tough crashes affect Gordon’s back, his overall health, and his long-term prognosis as a Cup driver.

The Chase format probably hasn’t helped this legend, either. While it’s fair to say he runs better than most pretty much anywhere, if you look at his statistics in terms of average finish, only six Chase tracks make his top 20 list. Given the nature of the beast that is this format and given the strength of his teammate Johnson at said Chase venues it’s not, simply put, good news.

Last week, I wrote about Jimmie needing the validation of a fourth Championship. I don’t feel it’s quite the same for Jeff. If it happens, fantastic; but if it doesn’t, then he’ll retire as one of the greatest to ever strap on a pair of racing shoes. And despite what racing-reference.info lists as career earnings of $106,758,284, he’s still hard at it each and every week — a fact not lost among his fans and No. 24 haters alike.

So the question remains, can Gordon finally win a fifth title, or will his “Drive For Five” be forever stalled at four? I wouldn’t rule him out, per se. But if I was a betting man (which I’m not, really) my money would not be on Gordon collecting the trophy he’s coveted for so long. He signed up at HMS on a “long-term, lifetime” contract, so there’s no ticking clock as far as a ride goes, but you can’t help but feel he won’t be making the 36-race slog in his fifth decade like the ageless Mark Martin.

Still, fifth championship or not, Gordon’s legacy is rock solid secure. And for a kid who only ever wanted to race, that should be solace enough when he parks his famous No. 24 Chevy for the last time.

That’s All Folks

Larry Woody | Senior Writer, RacinToday.com

They can take down the tents, load the elephants and wipe the grease paint off the clowns’ faces so they can return to their regular jobs as Washington politicians.

This circus is over.

As if there was really ever any doubt.

Anyone who wondered how Jimmie Johnson could win a NASCAR-record fourth Cup championship should wonder no more. Not after Tornado Jimmie touched down in Phoenix last Sunday.

Johnson bounced back from his previous week’s wipeout at Texas by not just winning, but winning with total dominance. I believe it’s called Making a Statement.

Suddenly all of that excited post-Texas twittering about “a whole new Chase” is silent again. You can hear the crickets (Jiminy Crickets?) chirping. It’s over.

When Johnson fires up his Chevy Sunday at  Homestead-Miami, third-place Jeff Gordon will be officially eliminated. That will leave second-place Mark Martin as Johnson’s lone challenger, and Martin is buried 108 points back.

What we’ve witnessed during the past nine weeks of Chase-racing has been truly amazing, and I’m not talking about Jimmie’s impressive sprint.

I’m talking about the disappearing act pulled by almost all of the other Chase racers.

Ten weeks ago we were told that the 12 drivers who made the Chase were the cream of NASCAR, the best of the best, the dozen greatest stock car drivers the sport had to offer.

If that’s true – and it probably is, with a couple of exceptions – the sport’s in trouble.

The Dandy Dozen faded faster than cheap blue jeans. Half the field apparently didn’t get the word that the Chase has started. And of the remaining half nobody except Martin and Gordon seemed to really get in the game.

So now we’re off to Homestead with one – count ‘em, ONE – challenger.

So much for parity. Parity drives No. 48.

NASCAR has become HENDRICK-CAR. Hendrick Motorsports is headed for a 1-2-3 finish in the final standings with Johnson, Martin and Gordon. If Dale Earnhardt Jr. ever gets it in gear we may see 1-2-3-4 finish next year.

Wonder how much longer fans will come out to watch Hendrick intramural racing?

Again, that’s not Johnson’s fault. He can’t pull over to the curb and wait for everybody else to catch up. (On second thought, he did that at Texas, and they STILL couldn’t catch up.)

And now he’s poised to make history.

Yes I realize, as the Boys in the Booth keep reminding us, that it’s not over. I suppose they’re technically correct. Jimmie has to find his way to Homestead this weekend, get his car started and dodge meteorites falling from space.

Can he do it? Ah, the drama.

Hamlin, Keselowski rivalry is at its boiling point

By Chris Symeon, Motorsports Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The rivalry between Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski reached its apex in last Saturday's Nationwide Series race at Phoenix, and chances are the heated feud will boil over into this weekend's season finale at Homestead.

Hamlin and Keselowski's latest on-track altercation occurred on lap 158, when Keselowski spun Hamlin while the two were battling for a top-five position.

After the race, Keselowski claimed that Hamlin got into the back of him and pushed him up the track the lap prior to their incident. Hamlin saw things differently and promised retaliation at Homestead. When ESPN pit reporter Dave Burns asked Hamlin if NASCAR should intervene, he replied, "Nah, nah, I'll take care of him, it's no biggie. I got him. He'll learn the hard way."

Hamlin later called Keselowski a "complete moron" and said he lacks respect from fellow drivers.

The following day, NASCAR officials, including chairman Brian France, had a sit-down with Keselowski prior to the Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix. NASCAR also met with Hamlin.

"It went real well," Keselowski said in regards to the meeting. "That's probably the most impressed I've been with NASCAR. I honestly will say that. I'm not brainwashed in saying that either. I really respected the fact that Brian France walked in there. That meant a lot to me. It really is the first time I've ever had a conversation with him."

Keselowski will run his first full-time schedule in Sprint Cup next year, driving the No.12 Dodge for Penske Racing.

Since the 2008 spring Nationwide race at Charlotte, Hamlin and Keselowski have clashed numerous times, particularly in this year's fall event at Dover. Keselowski's aggressive driving style has not only ticked off Hamlin, but angered several other drivers as well. If Keselowski continues to be a nuisance on the track, he might become the next Cup driver labeled as "a dart without feathers." In 2006, Tony Stewart referred to David Ragan by the same phrase after Ragan triggered several accidents at Martinsville and generated rage from many of his competitors.

Last month, Keselowski won the final Nationwide stand-alone event of the season at Memphis, but did so after causing several wrecks, including one where he spun Carl Edwards in the closing laps.

Now it could be payback time for the 25-year-old Keselowski.

Even though Kyle Busch will clinch the Nationwide championship by simply starting at Homestead, the next Hamlin vs. Keselowski bout will add at least some drama before the season concludes.

NASCAR ON TV THIS WEEK

All times Eastern

Well, that's all for today.  Until the next time, I remain,

Your Nascar Momma

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Happy Monday all. 

Today In Nascar History

Nov. 16, 1986: Al Unser, a four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, starts his last NASCAR Cup race, finishing 20th in Winston Western 500 at Riverside. Unser starts five races over three seasons (1968, 1969 and 1986) and posts three top 10s, two in the top five.

Quote of the Year

There's an unwritten rule in NASCAR: Thou shalt not take on Dale Earnhardt Jr.

--Terry Blount/espn

Quote of the Day

You can't show 'em all your lines and tip your hand. I like to kind try to drive a couple of botched lines, so guys focus in on that. Then when they get close enough, you just drive back away.

JIMMIE JOHNSON

Vote for your driver!

www.chexmostpopulardriver.com/

Comments from the Peanut Gallery

Thanks to everyone who sent in your comments on the racing at Talladega.  All comments have been duly noted and passed on to NASCAR.  Guess we will have to wait and see what the end result is.  But at least we provided them with the information they wanted.  Thanks again to each and every one of you!!!

Bits and Pieces

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing confirms 2010 driver selected; sources say Jamie McMurray will drive No. 1

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has agreed to terms with a driver to replace Martin Truex Jr., and Kevin Manion will remain as the crew chief for the No. 1 NASCAR Sprint Cup car, team president Steve Lauletta said Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway.

Lauletta wouldn’t name the driver, but sources indicated it would be Jamie McMurray, whose Roush Fenway Racing team is being phased out so the organization can go from five to four teams. McMurray started his Cup career driving for team co-owner Chip Ganassi.

McMurray has been considered the frontrunner for the ride for the last three months. Bobby Labonte emerged as a possible candidate last month but announced Saturday he will drive for TRG Motorsports in 2010.

“We’ve got a full agreement,” Lauletta said. “I really hope it will be [announced] this week.”

As far as the crew chief for the car, Lauletta said Manion would remain as crew chief of the No. 1 team. Manion was Truex’s crew chief for his two titles in what is now the Nationwide Series and then went on to Cup with Truex in 2006. Truex is leaving the team after the season to drive for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2010.

“Hopefully his team will remain intact and we’ll be ready for next year,” Lauletta said. “[Manion] brings a lot of good leadership qualities. Him and [fellow crew chief] Brian [Pattie] get along really well. Obviously, it’s been a difficult year bringing the two organizations together, and he’s really been a big part of bringing the two groups together and having them work together.

“We think with the new driver we’re going to bring in, he’ll have a great relationship with him and we’ll win some races.”

Denny Hamlin vows to retaliate against Brad Keselowski

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin vowed that he will retaliate against JR Motorsports’ Brad Keselowski during the Nationwide Series race next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

After contact with Keselowski resulted in Hamlin spinning late in the Able Body Labor 200 on Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway, Hamlin and Keselowski had a discussion in the Nationwide Series garage. It was the third time in the last nine weeks that they were involved in an incident together.

“I just wanted to say [to Keselowski], ‘Hey, look, you wreck me at Watkins Glen last year, you wreck me at Dover this year, you force me into the three-wide wreck at California, how many times have I wrecked you? Zero. Never have I wrecked you. Until I get back in a Nationwide car,’” Hamlin said after the meeting.

“It’s a self-policing garage. NASCAR doesn’t want to get in the middle of it. ... If it’s the opinion of me or maybe one other guy, then, hey, maybe it’s me. But every driver in the garage comes up to me and says, ‘That guy is a complete whack job.’ Not everyone is wrong and he’s right. And the thing is, he says, ‘What do you want me to say?’ I say, ‘You don’t want to say you're sorry? Nothing? It’s cool?’ And he says, ‘I’m cool.’ And I said, ‘All right, we’re cool then.’”

Obviously, Hamlin didn’t seem too thrilled with the conversation with Keselowski.

“I could talk to this … concrete right here and it would talk back more,” Hamlin said.

After the race, Keselowski didn’t seem to think there should be any payback.

“Denny got in the back of me and pushed me up the track and I was going to return the favor,” Keselowski said. “When he did it to me, I saved it, and when I did it to him, he didn’t save it. We just got in a pushing match. I don’t really hold any grudges. I don’t know why he wanted to do that. It’s just the way racing is, I guess.”

Hamlin seemed irked that Keselowski implied that he could handle a car better.

“Let me tell you something, the one thing he ain’t got is more talent than me,” Hamlin said.

Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash said he would not approve of retaliation.

“Race drivers, in the heat of battle, say a lot of things,” Balash said. “We had a conversation. A lot of things were said. There will be a whole different scenario when we get to the race track next week. We’ve got a whole week to manage the expectations of next week. You never condone retaliation.”

Hendrick denies having a deal with Danica: Rick Hendrick said Sunday he has no deal to bring IndyCar superstar Danica Patrick to NASCAR, and there's no certainty she'll even be driving stock cars next season. "I just think that they are not even close to making a decision on whether to even do it this year or next year," Hendrick said of Patrick and her representatives at IMG. "You never know until it's done. You never know until it's signed. And anybody can change their mind. When you get down to the nitty gritty of any deal, it's always complicated. There can always be someone who comes back and says `I can't do it because of this.' So until it's done, it's not done. And that's the honest truth." Patrick is reportedly in the final stages of a contract that would partner her on a limited Nationwide Series schedule with JR Motorsports, the team owned by both Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. But speaking before Sunday's race at Phoenix International Raceway, Hendrick called the reports "premature" and insisted nothing is imminent. "I think everything is an option, and it's just too early to really comment on it," he said. "I can't give you anything concrete, because there isn't anything concrete right now. Nothing is imminent until it's signed. Too many things can happen." Hendrick, who just returned from a weeklong vacation in Israel, said there have been no new developments in talks with Patrick and that IndyCar remains her first priority. Existing contracts she has in that series could also complicate a potential venture into NASCAR. Patrick has said very little about her 2010 plans, including an apparent contract extension to stay with Andretti Green Racing. Part of that holdup is a pending change of team ownership, which is expected to be transferred solely to Michael Andretti.(in part from the Associated Press)

NASCAR meets with Keselowski: NASCAR chairman Brian France and other top officials talked to rookie #12-Brad Keselowski before Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway about his over-aggressive driving that has angered several drivers. "It's hard to bust a guy for being aggressive, but there's a fine line between being aggressive and destructive," Series director John Darby said. "From listening and talking to people, he's already got a few drivers upset. Typically if you leave it alone you get a worse situation, so we'll talk to him." Keselowski said the meeting was good and that he was impressed that France was part of it. "It's the first time I've ever had a conversation with him," Keselowski said. "It's good to know he cared enough to be there and is paying attention to what is happening in the sport." The meeting was called in response to Saturday's Nationwide Series race at PIR in which Keselowski reignited his feud with Denny Hamlin. Asked if he thought the meeting was necessary, Keselowski smiled and said, "I don't have all the answers." Darby said there are no plans to talk to Hamlin and he's not worried that the retaliation will take place in the Cup race.(in part from ESPN)

Earnhardt crew treated after wreck: Six pit crew workers for #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. were involved in a car accident Sunday morning on the way to Phoenix International Raceway, but all of them are expected to work the Checker Auto Parts 500 Sunday afternoon, team officials confirmed. All six men were treated and released at the PIR Infield Care Center after their vehicle was T-boned at an intersection near the track. Crew chief Lance McGrew was not in the accident and didn't want to speak about the incident Sunday morning when approached at the #88 AMP Energy Drink/National Guard Chevy hauler in the Sprint Cup garage. Earnhardt will start 18th in Sunday's race.(ESPN)

Best Western to sponsor Reutimann: Phoenix-based Best Western will be primary sponsor of David Reutimann's #00 Toyota at Phoenix International Raceway next April.(Arizona Republic)

Tony Stewart's "the Stewie" awards return: SIRIUS XM Radio announced that Tony Stewart will host the third annual 'Stewie Awards,' the acclaimed awards show that honors the most memorable moments of the NASCAR season. The 'Stewies,' which first debuted in 2007 and features Stewart's entertaining and irreverent take on the best, boldest and funniest moments from the recently concluded season, will be awarded during a live broadcast hosted by Stewart and Matt Yocum from the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday, December 3 (10:00pm/12:00pm/et / 7:00/9:00pm/pt). The live broadcast will air on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, available to listeners nationwide on SIRIUS channel 128 and XM channel 128 with the "Best of SIRIUS" programming package. The two-hour event will feature live interviews with the 2009 champion and other drivers in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in Las Vegas, plus other special guests. Stewart and Yocum will announce the nominees in the award categories in the coming weeks. Following the announcement of the nominees, fans around the country can determine the winners by casting their votes online at sirius.com/stewieawards. (SIRIUS XM Radio)

Labonte expected back in #71 UPDATE: Bobby Labonte is expected to remain driver of the #71 TRG Motorsports Chevy in 2010. An announcement is expected to take place Saturday [morning around 11:00am] at Phoenix International Raceway.(FoxSports) UPDATE: TRG Motorsports announced NASCAR Cup Series Champion Bobby Labonte will be the full-time driver of the #71 TRG Motorsports Chevy for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Additionally, TaxSlayer.com has signed a multi-race primary sponsorship agreement with TRG for 2010. "I'm really excited about the opportunity that I'll have next year with both TRG Motorsports and TaxSlayer.com as a sponsor," Labonte said. "Each time I've run with the team this year I've enjoyed the experience, and I'm looking forward to filling the seat full time next year and really building on what we've started. I have gotten to know the management team at TaxSlayer and they are great people. I am looking forward to representing them next season." TaxSlayer.com made its debut in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at this year's race at Watkins Glen International Raceway, and will have served as the primary sponsor of the #71 a total of six times in 2009, including the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "Everyone at Taxslayer.com is very excited to continue our relationship with TRG Motorsports and Bobby Labonte," stated Eubanks. "TRG and TaxSlayer both exhibit a phenomenal product and unbelievable quality. Headed in to next season, we're looking forward to showcasing our service to the entire NASCAR community, especially as tax season approaches."(TRG Motorsports)

UPDATE 2: Bobby Labonte has signed a one-year contract to drive TRG Motorsports' car in 2010 -- and at least for the season-opening Daytona 500 he'll have a teammate in TRG's hoped-for full-time second car. On Saturday morning at Phoenix International Raceway, TRG owner Kevin Buckler and Labonte announced the deal and a 12-race primary sponsorship with TaxSlayer.com, a provider of online tax preparation software, that Buckler hopes will be the first of several.
One of the biggest short-term decisions TRG must make is which car manufacturer to align itself. Buckler said he hopes to have that decision made right after Homestead. "We're talking to several manufacturers right now, we're in the middle of some strong negotiations with them, and as usual we have to do what's best for the team," Buckler said. "I tend to be very, very loyal about stuff, maybe too much so; but I've got a lot of partners and other people to consider here, and our final decision needs to be based on what's best for TRG Motorsports."(NASCAR.com)

Michael Waltrip Racing extends with Toyota: Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) announced the extension of its partnership with Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The new agreement will keep the emerging organization with the manufacturer through the end of 2012. In 2010, MWR will field the #00 Aaron's/Tums/Best Western Toyota full-time with driver David Reutimann, the #55 Toyota with Michael Waltrip on a limited basis and the #56 NAPA Auto Part Toyota full-time with Martin Truex Jr. Additionally, MWR signed a two-year technical alliance extension with JTG-Daugherty Racing to field the #47 Toyota with driver Marcos Ambrose. MWR receives engines from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) out of Costa Mesa, California, along with Red Bull Racing. TRD's Salisbury, N.C., facility supports MWR's vehicle dynamics and development, aerodynamics, tire data analysis and race strategy programs. This announcement comes on the heels of MWR announcing 100% renewal with its existing sponsors, a new relationship with TUMS as a primary and associate sponsor on the #00, a two-year extension with JTG-Daugherty Racing and a new partnership with its NASCAR Nationwide Series team with Gary and Blake Bechtel forming Diamond-Waltrip Racing to field Camrys for 18-year-old phenom Trevor Bayne.(MWR)

Another sponsor for Newman? UPDATE: Stewart Haas Racing is scheduled to make a sponsorship announcement regarding #39-Ryan Newman in 2010 on Sunday morning. One possibility is Bass Pro Shops, though no announcement has been made of a decision by that company to leave Earnhardt Ganassi [and supposedly they are signed with EGR thru 2010]. Bass Pro Shops currently sponsors Martin Truex Jr.'s #1 Chevy [with Jamie McMurray rumored as the driver in 2010]. Truex is leaving for Michael Waltrip Racing [#56 NAPA Toyota] in 2010. (NASCAR This Week) UPDATE: not Bass Pro Shops but.........Tornados foods will be the primary sponsor of Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy next April at PIR and at four other races. (Arizona Republic) UPDATE 2 - Tornados Joins Stewart-Haas Racing: Stewart-Haas Racing has announced a two-year partnership with Tornados, a brand of Dinuba, Calif.-based Ruiz Foods, in a press conference Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway. Tornados, the bold taste of savory meats, real cheeses and zesty sauces rolled in a crispy seasoned crust, will adorn Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy as a primary sponsor for five Sprint Cup races beginning in 2010, and when not serving as a primary, will take associate sponsor status on the car's lower-rear quarterpanel. Teammate Tony Stewart will also carry Tornados on a portion of the lower-rear quarterpanel of his #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy. The agreement extends through the 2011 season, where Tornados will again be the primary sponsor of Newman and the #39 team for five Sprint Cup races. "We're very proud to partner with Tornados for the next two years," said Stewart, who in his first year as a driver/owner has notched five wins for Stewart-Haas Racing, including the non-point NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in May. "They're new to the sport and we aim to make their entry into NASCAR a positive one that will grow their business, and ultimately, grow their involvement within the sport and Stewart-Haas Racing."
The #39 Tornados Chevy will debut in March at Atlanta and will return in April at Phoenix, in July at Daytona, in August at Michigan before culminating its season run as Newman's primary sponsor with an October visit to Martinsville. "In this sport, we're always on the go, whether we're at home or at the track," said Newman, winner of the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in 2008. "Tornados is an ideal partner for us because a lot of times we have to eat quick, especially at the track. Now, we don't have to sacrifice taste for speed. They're a welcome addition to Stewart-Haas Racing and we look forward to many successful years with them." Tornados offer variety and convenience, contain zero grams trans fat, and are available in a wide variety of innovative flavors that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, For more information about Tornados, please visit www.MyTornados.com.(Stewart-Haas Racing)

Wingo to stay at Roush UPDATE Fennig? #26 Crew chief Donnie Wingo appears to be headed back to Roush Fenway Racing next season in a capacity still to be determined. Wingo's future with the organization has been uncertain since it was revealed in late July that driver Jamie McMurray's #26 team would go away and sponsor Crown Royal would move to Roush driver Matt Kenseth's team next year. The breakup of McMurray's team is part of a downsizing by Roush Fenway to conform to NASCAR's new four-car limit set to take effect in 2010. Asked on Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway if there would be a place for Wingo next season at Roush Fenway, team co-owner Jack Roush said, "The answer to that is yes." Wingo later backed up his boss' assertion. "I don't think the plan is finalized for next year but we have spoken and he says he's got a place for me there next year and I'm real happy about that," he said. "It's where I want to be right now and I hope I can end my career here. ... I'm just looking forward to whatever they have for me in the future, whatever I can do to help."(SceneDaily), on SPEED's Happy Hour coverage, it was mentioned at Jimmy Fennig, crew chief of the #6 Ford of David Ragan with Roush Fenway Racing, will go to Roush's R&D area and Donnie Wingo will become the crew chief of the #6 team. UPDATE: #6-David Ragan doesn't expect Jimmy Fennig to be his crew chief in 2010. "Yeah, I would say there will be some change in the crew chief role,'' Ragan said on Friday at Phoenix International Raceway. "As far as who and when and all that stuff, that's to be determined. We still feel like we don't want to lose focus on the last two races and start planning for 2010 too early. As soon as the checkered flag falls on Homestead all of our thoughts will be on 2010 and preparing a stronger team.'' Ragan said Fennig, who has been at Roush Fenway Racing for 13 years, wants to head up an R&D department for the organization. "He's been a teacher and crew chief and mentor and really taught me a lot the last couple of years,'' said Ragan, in his third full season in the Sprint Cup series. "Ninety percent of what I know today I learned from Jimmy Fennig. A lot of things are changing at Roush Fenway. I'm sure right after Homestead, Jack [Roush] and [general manager Robbie Reiser] will make those decisions.'' Fennig said he is waiting for management to tell him what he will be doing next season.(ESPN)

Nadeau looking to go racing in 2010: Jerry Nadeau, who suffered a head injury in a crash at Richmond in 2003 and has not competed in NASCAR since, was at the track Friday. He's trying to find funding for a Grand Am ride for next season.(Roanoke Times)

Danica to JR Motorsports? Maybe Not: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says a deal to put Danica Patrick in his Nationwide Series car isn't imminent, and even if it were, JR Motorsports wouldn't necessarily have the funding for the IndyCar Series' most popular driver. Multiple media outlets have reported in recent weeks that Patrick was on the verge of signing with JRM for a part-time Nationwide schedule next season while continuing to run the Indy Racing League. Patrick and JRM share a sponsor in GoDaddy.com, but Earnhardt says it doesn't make the deal a cinch. "We've had a relationship with GoDaddy, so that makes us look like a nice fit, but they're moving (next year), so we don't really have it anymore," Earnhardt said after Sprint Cup practice Friday at Phoenix International Raceway. "We're having to search around." JRM's #88 Chevy currently driven by Brad Keselowski is sponsored by GoDaddy.com, but the company will move to Cup next year to back the #5 Chevy of Mark Martin at Hendrick Motorsports, which has an alliance with JRM. Earnhardt says JRM has only "three-quarters to half a season" of sponsors for the #88 in 2010. Earnhardt says the lack of funding is what's driving JRM's interest in Patrick, who also has been pursued by Roush Fenway Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing. Patrick also has met with Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing, and Earnhardt says he's talked to her along with Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick. Patrick lives in the Phoenix area, but offseason sponsor commitments are expected to keep her from attending Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500. "She's very interested in trying NASCAR, and a lot of people weren't sure whether she was serious or not, but she is serious," Earnhardt said. "There's a lot to learn there for her. She's got to get in the cars. She's got a lot of (stuff) to do before she ever takes the green flag for anything. But she's talked to a lot of people. I've spoken with her a couple of times just about the lifestyle and the difference in the series vs. what she does now." Besides GoDaddy, Patrick has sponsorship ties to Motorola's Boost Mobile brand and Tissot. Earnhardt believes she might be able to bring those companies to NASCAR, though without some TV advertising campaigns that could be considered risqué.(in part from the USA Today)

Eight 2008 pole sitters shut out so far: with one race left to qualifying for, Homestead, there are eight drivers who scored a pole in 2008 that have not in 2009. #9-Kahne has a six season pole streak on the line [he has won at least one pole in each of the last six seasons]. Other drivers who won a pole in 2008 and none in 2009 are: #16-Biffle [2 straight season with a pole], #88-Earnhardt Jr.[2], #99-Edwards [2], #87-Nemechek[1], Patrick Carpentier [1 - has no ride], #98-Menard [1] and Travis Kvapil [1 - no ride].

Brian France fights to keep case quiet: NASCAR chairman Brian France filed a civil complaint against his ex-wife, Megan France, last year, a few months after the couple divorced in Florida. They married in California in 2005. Lawyers persuaded Mecklenburg [County, NC] Judge Todd Owens to seal the court file from public inspection, an unusual move in a court system that typically allows widespread access to courtrooms and documents. On Friday, France's attorneys petitioned a Mecklenburg judge to bar the public from the courtroom as arguments in the case unfold. It's unclear exactly what the dispute involves, but the matter is being heard in family court and apparently involves domestic issues. France's attorneys argued Friday that a confidentiality agreement is at the heart of the case, and that it shouldn't be breached in open court hearings. (see full story at the Charlotte Observer)

NASCAR rated with 5th best Drug Testing in sports: The Wall Street Journal examined anti-doping policies of 22 major sports or governing bodies and gave them a "clarity quotient" based on the presence of a policy, its accessibility to the public, severity of sanctions for offenders and administration of the code itself. A score of 100 is the gold standard, below 50, insufficient. NASCAR's policy is rated 5th of 22 with a score of 90.  NASCAR: Has nine racing series with close to 2,000 drivers. The misuse or abuse of any drug or alcohol is a violation. Even prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs that may cause a driver "to have a competitive advantage or diminished or impaired ability to perform" on the day of the event are banned. Competitors are subject to out-of-season testing, preseason testing, random testing and testing for cause. Positive test result means an indefinite suspension. Competitors are offered a treatment program to undergo and afterward may seek reinstatement. No drivers' union to contend with and an obligation to protect spectators allow for strict policy.
The four sports ahead of NASCAR: International Boxing Federation / U.S. Boxing Association; International Olympic Committee; International Tennis Federation; International Association of Athletics Federations (track & field).(Wall Street Journal)

Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud

Matt McLaughlin · Frontstretch.com

Phoenix

The Key Moment: Johnson’s crew got their driver off pit road first on the final set of pit stops. Once the No. 48 car had clean air on its snout, it was unstoppable.

In a Nutshell: Jimmie Johnson drove another nail in his competition’s coffin with a dominating drive.

Dramatic Moment: There weren’t many in a race that started out with some enthusiasm but quickly petered out altogether.

Johnson and Kurt Busch actually waged a somewhat stirring battle early in the event.

The side-by-side restarts at the narrow Phoenix track made for some physical racing and a pair of big wrecks.

What They’ll Be Talking About Around the Water Cooler This Week

Cup Racing At Phoenix. Name that acronym!

Denny Hamlin suggested this week that there be a board of drivers to advise NASCAR on key issues, that they should treat input from all the various drivers equally, and that the sanctioning body should listen to the fans as well. He then laid aside his bong, ate a dozen doughnuts, and listened to American Beauty on his eight track player.

You want some clear evidence of how bad the sponsorship market is in the Cup series right now? Mark Martin is one of the most respected, successful, and talented drivers the circuit has ever known. He’s going to finish second in the standings, and has won five races this year. Yet Kellogg’s won’t be returning to the team next year and CARQUEST will only be back for eight races. GoDaddy will sponsor the team for twenty races, while Delphi will be primary sponsor of the No. 5 car for two events. That still leaves six points paying events that Martin isn’t sponsored for at this point. It’s scary to think about, especially for the smaller, less successful team owners…

It was a study in contrasts when Johnson and Busch were battling for the lead. Johnson and Knaus are one of the more enduring driver-crew chief combinations in the garage area, while Busch’s crew chief is a lame duck with one race left to run with Penske South.

It was far from a perfect race, but the 312-mile distance at a one mile track which cars routinely lap at under 30 seconds seemed pretty close to the ideal length for a Cup event. Maybe all the 500 milers next year should be 500 kilometers instead?

The National Enquirer ran an article earlier this week claiming Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s drinking is out of control, he’s approaching a nervous breakdown, and he shows up race mornings morose and resigned instead of eager and enthused. This information was attributed to “a source close to the situation” that could be any one of numerous hangers on who Earnhardt has shed from his orbit over the years. So maybe that’s the solution — hire the Bat-Faced Boy as Junior’s new crew chief.

Give Carl Edwards some style points for not taking himself too seriously. Everyone wondered what he’d do if he won a race and couldn’t do his traditional backflip celebration owing to his still healing foot. So after winning Saturday’s Nationwide race, Edwards got out of the car and did an awkward somersault on the track.

Phoenix had a decent crowd on Sunday, even if it was far from a sellout. But Saturday’s Nationwide attendance was downright embarrassing.

Yeah, it’s a tough real estate market. Having thrown in the towel on developing their Staten Island track, the ISC has agreed in principle to sell the 676 acre tract to another entity for 80 million bucks. That’s about thirty million dollars less than the ISC paid for it. Ouch. You know what they say. A million dollars here, a million dollars there, and all of a sudden, you’re talking about real money.

A lot of folks are quick to point out what the new ESPN coverage is lacking, and I don’t disagree with much of the criticism, but sometimes credit must be given when it’s due. The pre-race tribute to Mark Martin was excellent. It was rather curious, though, that no mention was made that Martin lost a title to Earnhardt in 1990 because of a 46-point penalty NASCAR hit him with at Rockingham, the second race of the season. The infraction NASCAR objected to was a carb spacer that was bolted to the manifold rather than welded as the rule stipulated. Even Earnhardt’s car owner Richard Childress admitted bolting the spacer to the manifold rather than welding it offered no performance advantage, but NASCAR stuck by their call. The penalty didn’t finish off Mark Martin’s championship hopes, though. Roush and Martin shot themselves in the foot during the Atlanta season finale by running a Yates-prepared car rather than the mounts they were used to. (For an excellent article on that topic, stop by That’s Racin’ and read Tom Higgins account.) One thing about the historic footage that was part of ESPN’s pre-race coverage is that it was hard not to notice how much better and more “Stock” cars of that era looked.

After watching him take out Denny Hamlin in Saturday’s Nationwide race, I’m beginning to see why some wags refer to the driver of the No. 88 car as “Brad Cause-a-wreck-ski.” Denny Hamlin’s post-race quote was perfect. When asked if NASCAR should do something about Keselowski, Hamlin flashed a nasty grin and replied, “No, that’s OK. I’ll take care of it.” To be continued? Somewhere, the Intimidator is smiling.

What did the No. 19 team call that unfortunate shade of green their car was slathered in Sunday? Back in high school, when the same shade was popular on Chevys we called it ‘Snot Pretty.

It appears with the declining ratings for Cup races ABC is having increasing problems filling its commercial load. Where the problem is particularly evident is during the local affiliates’ scheduled breaks, which are increasingly low rent. I mean, these are the sort of ads normally consigned to late night reruns of the Dukes of Hazzard. Will those affiliates dip to the “1-900-Call Me” level in time for Homestead?

Brian France and his lawyers are apparently shelling out big bucks to keep a legal dispute involving his divorce from his wife of four years from being made public. The court notes that it’s an unusual request, as such court documents are normally available to the public and such hearings are usually fair game for the media. France’s lawyer pointed out the presence of a Charlotte Observer reporter at the hearing to keep the records sealed by noting “the big bad wolf is blowing at the door.” (France really doesn’t like the media, does he? That’s cool. In this journalist’s case, I really don’t like him either.) France’s lawyer went on to argue that since France is rich and has spent all this money, he ought to be able to keep the records sealed because revealing their content would do him irreparable harm. Now, I’m not a lawyer and I don’t play one on TV, but my guess is now that the weasel’s halfway out of the bag it’s better to just let the story out. In this tabloid crazed society that made a princess of Paris Hilton — who is most famous just for being famous — absent hard evidence on France folks are going to assume the worst. My guess is readers of the National Enquirer (see above) are going to guess he was caught by his wife beating a homosexual prostitute in their marital bed while in the midst of a psychotic episode fueled by meth and strawberry wine. Or, worse yet, he went on a date with Paris Hilton, and there’s video evidence of the evening…

The Hindenburg Award For Foul Fortune

Kurt Busch seemed to have a car that could compete with the No. 48, at least in clean air, but a slow pit stop dropped him out of contention.

Tony Stewart struggled with an ill-handling car all afternoon. The contact he endured in the wreck Junior triggered just added insult to injury.

Brad Keselowski felt what it was like to be on the receiving end of another driver’s front bumper. Apparently, he didn’t like it.

Kevin Harvick’s win in Friday’s truck race and second place finish in Saturday’s Nationwide race didn’t translate to success on Sunday. His car was so out to lunch I half expected to see his crew hand him a picnic basket and fishing pole during the final pit stop.

The “Seven Come Fore Eleven” Award For Fine Fortune

At times, it looked like Johnson was on cruise control much of the event, but Johnson barely escaped potentially race-ending contact with Robby Gordon and Jamie McMurray while lapping them.

The way this season has gone for Jeff Burton, a second place finish has to feel like a win. Burton had the car sideways for the final twenty laps in a Quixotic attempt to catch Johnson.

Jeff Gordon’s tangle with Kyle Busch and the post-contact confrontation could easily have cost him that top 10 finish.

Martin Truex, Jr. enjoyed his best finish of the 2009 season.

Six members of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s pit crew were lucky to escape serious injury when the van they were riding in to the track was hit broadside. Hey, guys, leave the wrecking to your driver!

Worth Noting

·         Johnson’s victory was his seventh of the season and his third consecutive win in the Phoenix Fall race.

·         Jeff Burton’s second place finish was his best since he won at Charlotte last Fall. He now has three consecutive top 10 finishes.

·         Denny Hamlin (third) has finished in the top 3 in three of the last four races.

·         Mark Martin finished fourth for the second straight week.

·         Martin Truex, Jr.’s fifth place finish was his first top 5 result since Watkins Glen in August 2008.

·         Clint Bowyer finished seventh for the second straight week.

·         Jeff Gordon (ninth) enjoyed a top 10 finish for the first time since Martinsville. But he still put a .44 slug in his rental car’s radio when it started playing the Eagle’s “New Kid In Town” over the weekend.

·         David Reutimann (tenth) drove to his first top 10 finish since Kansas.

·         Marcos Ambrose’s eleventh place finish was his best since Bristol. But he’s still the only driver in the series who gets the summer off when he returns home after next week’s race.

·         These Fords seem to be agreeing with A.J. Allmendinger, who has driven to tenth and 13th place finishes since making the switch.

·         Carl Edwards hasn’t managed a top 5 finish since Michigan in August.

·         Ron Hornaday, at 51 years of age, has become the most senior champion ever in one of NASCAR’s top three touring series. I gotta admit, I thought one of Hornaday’s sponsors, Indian Motorcycles, had gone out of business years ago. They haven’t. Really wealthy people with a taste for vintage styled motorcycles can check them out at www.indianmotorcycle.com. Tasty, but a bit rich for my budget.

·         The top 10 finishers at Phoenix drove seven Chevys, two Toyotas, and a lone Dodge. A.J. Allmendinger in 13th was the top finishing Ford pilot.

·         Joey Logano’s 21st place finish was the best by a rookie. It’s been awhile since we’ve heard that “Sliced Bread” nickname, huh?

What’s the Points?

And then, there were two. Only Mark Martin can upset Johnson’s apple cart at Homestead. Presuming the visitors from V don’t kidnap Johnson and use him as a pre-Thanksgiving snack, Jeff Gordon will be eliminated when Johnson takes the green flag at Homestead.

Right now, the gap between Johnson and Mark Martin stands at 108. But under the traditional and legitimate pre-Chase points system, Jimmie Johnson would have moved from third to first in the standings after Phoenix. He’d be leading Tony Stewart by 13 points and Jeff Gordon by 56 heading into next weekend’s season finale, and we’d have the sort of barnburner on our hands the Chase was supposed to produce. Sigh.

Well, this is going to be short and sweet. All twelve of the drivers in the Chase left Phoenix in the same points position they entered the race in. (Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don’t end a sentence with a preposition. This is something up with which I’m not going to put.) In fact, the top 22 drivers held position after Phoenix. Tell me again how great this Chase points system is.

Kyle Busch now leads Matt Kenseth by 45 points in their battle for “Best of the Rest” in 13th.

And last but not least, just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse Earnhardt fell another spot to 24th in the standings. In comparison, Jamie McMurray is currently 22nd in the standings and he’s not only getting the ax, he’s still looking for a ride for 2009.

Overall Rating (On a scale of one to six beer cans with one being a stinker and a six pack an instant classic) — We’ll give this one three cans, with that extra can added for some decent racing back in the pack and an event that ended by 6:30 ET.

Next Up: It’s off to Homestead to finally end a season that should have been dragged behind the woodshed and had a bullet put between its eyes about three months ago. Somewhere, over the rainbow…

UNOFFICIAL Sprint Cup CHASE Standings
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [7 wins], 6492, finished 1st
2) #5-Mark Martin [5 wins], 6384, -108, 4th
3) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 6323, -169, 9th
4) #2-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 6281, -211, 6th
5) #14-Tony Stewart [4 wins], 6207, -285, 25th
6) #42-Juan Montoya, 6203, -289, 8th
7) #16-Greg Biffle, 6171, -321, 14th
8) #11-Denny Hamlin [3 wins], 6140, -352, 3rd
9) #39-Ryan Newman, 6081, -476, 20th
10) #9-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 6016, -476, 15th
11) #99-Carl Edwards, 5972, -520, 16th
12) #83-Brian Vickers [1 win], 5826, -666, 38th

UNOFFICIAL Sprint Cup CLASSIC - the OLD way - Driver Points Standings
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X), 4996
2) #14-Tony Stewart(X), 4983, -13
3) #24-Jeff Gordon(X), 4940, -56
4) #5-Mark Martin(X), 4635, -361
5) #11-Denny Hamlin(X), 4611, -385
6) #2-Kurt Busch(X), 4593, -403
7) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya(X), 4454 -542
8) #16-Greg Biffle(X), 4420, -576
9) #39-Ryan Newman(X), 4353, -643
10) #18-Kyle Busch, 4310, -686
11) #9-Kasey Kahne(X), 4276, -720
12) #17-Matt Kenseth, 4265, -731
13) #99-Carl Edwards(X), 4252, -744
14) #33-Clint Bowyer, 4224, -772
15) #00-David Reutimann, 4103, -893
16) #83-Brian Vickers(X), 4024, -972

Phoenix Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday's race. ABC was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 111
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 58
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 22
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:15 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:23 PM
Total minutes: 188
Minutes of race broadcast: 140
Minutes of commercials: 48
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 2
Total race brdcst time 140 Total comm. brdcst time 48

Jeff Burton rebounds from poor qualifying effort to finish second at Phoenix

By SceneDaily Staff

AVONDALE, Ariz. - Richard Childress Racing's Jeff Burton sees great strides being made within his team - something evident in his second-place finish in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.

Burton, 42, lamented his poor qualifying effort after the race - he started 36th - pointing out that that kind of start can mislead one about changes that need to be made to a car over the course of a race.

That could throw a team behind - or perhaps be the difference in almost catching the leader and being able to do so.

"It always helps to race against the guys that are leading the race because it enables you to compare yourself against them," Burton said. "You should be able to win the race with a hundred to go starting sixth. I know my numbers are off a little bit, but it's close. It's hard to use that as an excuse, as far as track position.

"But what you lose is the opportunity to compare yourself against a guy that has a shot to win the race. You get a little bit fooled about how good you are when you have maybe the fastest car on the track and you're running 15th because you're beating everybody around you. Then when you get to the top, the top guys, it gets harder. I think that's the biggest disadvantage."

Still, it's not clear that anyone would have been able to catch winner Jimmie Johnson in the race.

What is clear is the ground Burton and his Todd Berrier-led team have gained in recent weeks.

The finish was Burton's third consecutive top-10.

"I think this is fair to say, that this is the best we've run all year," he said. "Last week, you know, I know it was ninth, but I'm telling you, we won that race last week with what we had for a backup [car]. The way I felt, what we made happen with that car, we won that race. I know that's hard for you guys to understand, but that was an incredible effort last week.

"This week, you know, we honestly had a shot to win this race. So I think this for sure is the best second-place finish we had. We led a lot in [Las] Vegas and finished third. We had a shot to win that race earlier in the year. That race and this race were our best shots with the exception of the superspeedway races."

Key to those gains is Berrier.

The pair was in its third race together at Phoenix. Burton's previous crew chief, Scott Miller, has taken a new role helping run the competition department.

Burton says that he and Berrier connected from the outset.

"I have a lot of faith in Todd," he said. "I think Todd has a lot of faith in me. We're very blunt, very up front, very honest.  We just go to work. He's real good about reminding me about things I need to be reminded of. He's everything I thought he was and more."

Berrier says the two are still learning about one another, gaining additional knowledge week to week.

That is helping them lay a solid foundation for the 2010 season.

"They all say somewhat the same things, just a little different ways and you’ve just got to learn by the tone of their voice or however they sense it, how big a magnitude a change you need to make," Berrier said. "And it’s just trying to learn that."

He admits that he has already had some things about Burton validated through their new relationship - especially after runs like Sunday's.

"He drives his tail off," Berrier said. "He’ll drive it sideways. He works really hard at it."

Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin third in NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix … again

By SceneDaily Staff

AVONDALE, Ariz. – For the fourth time in his NASCAR Cup series career, Denny Hamlin finished third in a race at Phoenix International Raceway. So while Hamlin was certainly pleased to run well in Sunday’s Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at PIR, he understandably wanted more.
“We had a good day,” the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said. “You know, we threw a lot of different things at the car this morning, figuring that we were going to be a fifth‑ to 10th‑place car by the practice sheets. We have a new car here, ran a setup that we never really ran before.
“We finished where we usually do at this race track. … No matter what you throw in the car, I'm the best of the worst or the worst of the best, one of the two.”
Hamlin was one of the few drivers in the race who appeared to have any shot at beating Hendrick Motorsports' Jimmie Johnson, who led 238 of 312 laps en route to a victory that was a significant step in his attempt to win a fourth consecutive Cup title.
Thanks to fast pit work under a final cycle of green-flag stops, Hamlin emerged just a few car lengths off Johnson’s rear bumper with 65 laps to go and hung with the Hendrick driver for several laps before fading down the stretch.
Hamlin gave up second to Richard Childress Racing’s Jeff Burton with 29 laps to go and held on from there to net his 14th top-five and 19th top-10 of the season.
“Jimmie, when I did see him those last 50 laps, for the first time all day, I mean, he just has a tremendous arc into the corner,” Hamlin said. “Of course, I tried to do that as soon as I saw that. My car just would not respond to doing that. So, I mean, they set up their cars evidently to run that type of line. For whatever reason, Turn 3, everyone enters that corner the same, but he can just accelerate off the corners much, much better than a lot of guys.
“That's what makes him so strong on the short tracks and one of the guys you usually have to beat every time, because they're so strong on corner exit. You know, we turn the center as good as them, but we just don't have the acceleration they do from that point on.”
Hamlin remained eighth in NASCAR’s 12-driver Chase For The Sprint Cup with one race remaining this season.

Johnson, meanwhile, stretched his series lead from 73 to 108 points over teammate Mark Martin, who finished fourth. Johnson rebounded from a disappointing outing in last weekend’s race at Texas Motor Speedway where he finished 38th on the heels of a lap-3 crash.
Johnson gave up 111 points to Martin in that race but once again appears poised to capture a series record fourth straight crown.
“Any time that Jimmie is down it’s not usually because of performance, it's usually because of an incident like you had last week,” Hamlin said. “There was no doubt in my mind they were going to come this week and make a statement. Obviously leading all the laps pretty much and winning the race sends a statement out there that he is the best, that they're not going to be denied this year.
“The only thing that was going to keep him from winning the championship this year was bad luck. Obviously, they had a big enough gap where they could afford that one bad luck that they had last week.”
 

Mark Martin runs well at Phoenix, but loses ground in championship race

By Mike Hembree/scenedaily.com

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Mark Martin and crew chief Alan Gustafson were good but not great. And that was the difference Sunday in NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader Jimmie Johnson making his margin bigger leading into next weekend’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Johnson dominated the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on the way to his seventh win of the season. Martin had a strong car but finished fourth, enabling Johnson to boost his point lead from 73 to 108 over the second-place Martin.

“It was a great run, a great team effort and a really great race car,” Martin said. “It was a really good run. We were right there. We were really good on long runs, and that last run was what we needed, but the car got a little tight and wasn’t quite what it had been on some of the long runs.

“I really thought I could get to him [Johnson]. I thought it was going to be a four-car race there. With 35 to go, the way my car had been coming on, I really thought, ‘This is going to be fun. It’s going to be a four-car race.’ But it kind of fizzled out. But I’m very satisfied. It was a good job by this team.”

Johnson led 238 laps. Martin never led. But the difference in their cars was not huge.

“It was a good, solid day,” Gustafson said. “We ran good. Pit stops were good. We just weren’t great, and to win them you have to be great. We fought track position a little all day long, which is tough. We weren’t perfect, and to win these things you have to be perfect.

“The 48 [of Johnson] had track position all day long. If we had had that, we might have been able to compete with them.”

Going to Homestead, Martin faces long odds. He has a shot at the championship only if Johnson finishes 26th or worse.

“That makes that pretty cut and dried,” Gustafson said. “We have to win it for that scenario to play out, so we’ll just focus on doing that and going down there to Homestead and enjoy it.

“That is a really tough track. It’s going to be hot and slick. You can’t be too loose in the corner. You have to roll the center really well. You have to get off the corner. It’s tough to do, but we’ve got the right driver for that. He’s really good down there. He can deal with a lot of those issues.”

Martin said he will approach Homestead “the same as I did today. No different.”

Earnhardt Ganassi's Martin Truex Jr. notches first top-five of 2009 at Phoenix

By SceneDaily Staff

AVONDALE, Ariz. - It's hard to believe that Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's Martin Truex Jr. ran 34 NASCAR Sprint Cup races without a top-five finish this season. But it wasn't until Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway that Truex broke through with a top-five, finishing fifth from the pole position.

That marked Truex's first top-five since last year at Watkins Glen International.

As he looked over the race weekend, Truex said that it was just a weekend where the team got all the little things right - and nothing went awry.

"We didn't have any problems in the pits," he said. "Nothing fell off the car. The tires held air. You know all that good stuff. We just had a good race. Nothing bad happened and we didn't have any bad luck and we had a good car."

He said that crew chief Kevin Manion and his group made the car better on every pit stop. In the last couple of runs, Truex felt that he had one of the best cars on the track.

That hasn't been a feeling he's enjoyed all that much this season. Truex, who is leaving for Michael Waltrip Racing following next weekend's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, said that made this all that much sweeter.

"We've had a rough season, so it feels good," he said.

He heads to Homestead with mixed emotions, too. Truex has been with this group since his rookie season of 2006, starting out with it as Dale Earnhardt Inc. then being part of the offseason merger with Chip Ganassi Racing that created Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

Now, he has just one race remaining with the group. Running well Sunday at Phoenix, and hopefully again next week at Homestead, would help make leaving easier for all of them.

"It's huge to me because those guys are just like brothers to me," said Truex, who gained three spots to 23rd in the standings. "We're just like a family. I wanted it so bad all year. I've been trying all year. I think sometimes we try too hard and that's what gets us in trouble and causes problems. It feels great and I'm really proud of their efforts.

"To keep digging all year after the year we've had and not give up and come out here and get a top-five, I'm just real proud of their efforts. Just hope we can get a little closer next week."

Penske Racing's Kurt Busch continues recent surge in performances with strong Phoenix run

By SceneDaily Staff

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Fresh off a win one week earlier at Texas Motor Speedway, Kurt Busch continued his recent string of strong performances with a sixth-place finish in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.
The outcome didn't match how well Busch ran earlier in the race, though.
Starting second, the Penske Racing driver took the lead from polesitter Martin Truex Jr. on the race’s opening lap and went on to pace the field three times for a total of 69 laps.
But as the race wore on and the sun began going down, the handling on Busch’s Dodge began to go away, and the Las Vegas native was no match for race-winner Jimmie Johnson and several other frontrunners.
“It was a good day, just not quite good enough,” crew chief Pat Tryson said. “We started out good, but as the track rubbered up, we weren’t quite as good as we needed to be. All in all, it was a good day.

“We would have liked it to have been a little better.”
Still, it was a solid outing for the 2004 series champion as he remained fourth in NASCAR’s Chase For The Sprint Cup and closed to within 42 points of third-place Jeff Gordon, who finished ninth.
“We had a great car in the beginning, a good feel, but lost the handle,” said Busch, who notched his sixth top-10 in nine Chase races. “A tough day for the [team]. We wanted to be right up there in the mix going for the win. Sixth place, we’ll take it. Last week was a win. We’re gaining points and we’re still doing a good job. Gordon is within distance going into Homestead for third place overall.”

Busch is already looking forward to next Sunday’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where his team will resurrect the car that just went to victory lane at Texas.
Busch would especially like to finish the season with a win since next weekend will mark his last race with Tryson, who is leaving to join Truex at Michael Waltrip Racing in 2010.
“We’re bringing back ‘Patriot,’ the car we won with at Texas,” Busch said. “It’s a great car. Our team has an upbeat feel.

“We’ve had a long year. We’ve had a successful year.”

Richard Childress Racing's Clint Bowyer showing familiar form in recent races

By SceneDaily Staff

AVONDALE, Ariz. – The Clint Bowyer of the late 2009 season is slowly starting to resemble the Clint Bowyer of early 2009.
That driver was a consistent top-10 performer in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, netting four top-10s in the season’s opening six races.
Now after a tough middle part of the season, Bowyer appears to be back in strong form.
The latest evidence came in Sunday’s Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, where he finished seventh to earn his second straight top-10 and sixth in 10 races. That was second to teammate Jeff Burton among Richard Childress Racing drivers.
“It was a good run for our [team],” the RCR driver said. “We are still a little bit off here, but it is a huge step in the right direction.
“We just have to keep plugging away."
Bowyer, who missed NASCAR’s Chase For The Sprint Cup, remained 15th in the standings heading into next Sunday’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“We are getting there; we’re running out of time though,” said Bowyer, who qualified for NASCAR’s 10-race playoff in 2007 and 2008. “There is only one race left.
“All in all it was a good day for us.”

As Easy As ABC

By Sarah Farlee, CupScene.com Senior Staff Writer

Avondale, AZ - Jimmie Johnson makes winning races, and championships, look easy.

Johnson gave Hendrick Motorsports its sixth win in a row at the Phoenix International Raceway in Sunday’s Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500, and did it in dominating fashion.

“What a great car, what a great race team,” said Johnson, who won his third consecutive fall race at PIR. “These guys have bounced back and we’ve always been good at it.”

“Dominating this race says a lot,” Johnson added.

The dominating performance by the 48 team gives Johnson a 108 point lead over teammate Mark Martin going into the season finale at Homestead. Johnson will need a 25th place finish or better to clinch his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Series championship – an unprecedented feat in NASCAR history.

“We wanted to come in here and attack,” said crew chief Chad Knaus.

Attack they did. Johnson led 76 percent of the race, leaving everyone else to battle for second on back. Jeff Burton had his best finish of the season finishing second, while Denny Hamlin finished third for the fourth time at PIR.

Polesitter Martin Truex, Jr. capped of a solid weekend with a fifth place finish. It is his only top-five finish of the year.

“We had a good race, nothing bad happened and we didn’t have bad luck,” Truex said.

The race had few caution periods, only four. Two cautions for debris and two incidents involving several cars brought out the yellow, which allowed the double file restart to make its debut at PIR.

On the lap 119 restart Erik Darnell was rear ended and that started the melee toward the back of the field that involved Robby Gordon, Elliott Sadler, Jamie McMurray, Brad Keselowski, John Andretti, Casey Mears and David Ragan - who all had moderate damage and Michael Waltrip, who had significant damage and had to be towed from the scene.   

“Tricky,” said Waltrip. “I was slowed down and didn’t have any power steering and two people passed me to get in the wreck.”

Jeff Gordon seemed to struggle on restarts and said he had a ninth place day, which is were the four-time champion finished the day. Gordon added he was excited with the way they started the race, but at the end the car got away from them.  

“The 48 did what they needed to do, which is no surprise,” said Gordon, who will be eliminated from the championship picture when Johnson starts the race at Homestead.

It was also not a surprise that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. had issues as his 2009 woes continue. On lap 169 Earnhardt spun in front of the pack and a mess broke out that involved Scott Speed, Casey Mears, Joey Logano, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Bobby Labonte and Chase drivers Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Brian Vickers. Labonte and Vickers were the only two that did not return to the track following the incident.

Earnhardt returned 53 laps down after the crew repaired a severed oil line believed to have been the cause of the spin. He would finish 35th.

Stewart, Newman and Vickers would all finish outside the top-20. Newman finished 20th, Stewart 25th and Vickers 38th.

As the circuit heads to the season finale the rest of the Chase for the Sprint Cup drivers are just hoping to get the best finish they can. Kurt Busch, who finished sixth in the race, is hoping to break up the Hendrick Motorsports party at the top of the Chase.

“Sixth place, we’ll take it,” said Busch. “Last week was a win. We’re gaining points and we’re still doing a good job. (Jeff) Gordon is within distance going into Homestead for third place overall.”

Hamlin also is looking at the final points standings as motivation.

“We are trying to crawl back up in the points just as high as we can,” said Hamlin, who is currently eighth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings. “We wanted to get back to the top five in points — I highly doubt that’s going to happen, but you never know, we’re making steps.”

Martin finished fourth and remains the only legitimate contender to battle Johnson for the Sprint Cup.

“We gave it everything we had,” said Martin.

The remaining Chase field had top-15 finishes in Phoenix. Juan Pablo Montoya finished eighth, Greg Biffle finished 14th, Kasey Kahne finished 15th and Carl Edwards finished 16th.

As Johnson heads to Homestead he is quick to remind himself that anything can happen.

“We finished 38th last week so I can’t let my guard down,” said Johnson.

Hendrick Motorsports' Jeff Gordon effectively eliminated from championship race

By Bob Pockrass/scenedaily.com

AVONDALE, Ariz. - Jeff Gordon was all but eliminated from NASCAR Sprint Cup title contention as his ninth-place finish in Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 put him 169 points behind points leader Jimmie Johnson, who will officially eliminate Gordon by starting the season finale next Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Gordon was disappointed as his solid car at the beginning of the day turned sour during the NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

“I was really excited when we started the race,” Gordon said. “We drove right to the front. … It just got away from us. We weren’t very good on the restarts, and it was just a ninth-place day for us.

“[It’s] a little disappointing because I thought we were going to be better than that. Even if we had been a third- or fourth-place car, the No. 48 [of Johnson] did what they needed to do, which is no surprise. We’ve seen them do it many times. That’s why they are three-time champions, soon to be four.”

A four-time champ himself, Gordon said the fact that even with a top-five car he likely wouldn’t have gained ground on Johnson didn’t change the way he felt about his day.

“It just really matters to me how we run,” Gordon said. “That’s how we operate. Last week, we didn’t run good and we didn’t capitalize on [Johnson’s] misfortune. And so if they finished ninth and we didn’t capitalize on that, I’d be upset, too. But it was more because we just didn’t run better.”

While he was disappointed, Gordon did take a little pride knowing that the Sprint Cup championship belongs to Hendrick Motorsports, either to Johnson or Mark Martin, who trails Johnson by 108 points.

“It’s gratifying to know that it’s coming to Hendrick Motorsports,” Gordon said. “We’re excited and at the same time, we’re just like everybody else out there: We want to beat the 48 team [of Johnson]. So it inspires us in the offseason to try to get better. We’ll look at doing that. We have one race to go and we’ll certainly look forward to giving those guys all the props and respect they deserve because they earned it.”

And now it’s time for Gordon to try to remain third in points (he is 42 ahead of Penske Racing's Kurt Busch) or gain 62 on Martin for second.

“There’s a lot of different reasons why we need to run good out there,” Gordon said. “It’s not just because we were trying to win the championship. We were also trying to stay within the battle that we have for second. We lost points to the 2 [of Busch], we lost points to the 5 [of Martin], and that’s what makes it a little more frustrating.”

Wherever Gordon finishes, he will be better than his seventh in points in 2008.

“We’ve got to get better ... and I feel like that was our efforts this year – we made them better but not good enough,” Gordon said. “We’ll come back next year and hopefully be stronger. We’re still looking forward to Homestead. I think we have a great car for that race, and we’ll see what happens.”

Five Points to Ponder…

Mike Lovecchio · Frontstretch.com

Phoenix

ONE: Does Jimmie Johnson’s points lead determine whether or not you watch the race next week at Homestead?
Fan Vote – YES: 30%; NO: 70%

What seems like a pretty simple question to any die hard sports fan: “Are you going to watch your favorite sports’ championship?” really isn’t all that simple for NASCAR fans. Unlike stick and ball sports, where the championship is often unpredictable and fans don’t know who the eventual champion will be until the final whistle, buzzer, or pitch, when the Cup Series travels down south to Miami next weekend fans have already conceded that it will take a near miracle for Mark Martin to make up 108 points and pass Jimmie Johnson for the title. Couple that with the fact that it’s been a rather lackluster year for the sport as a whole, and you can’t blame fans for prematurely beginning their offseason routine and recharging their batteries before Daytona in February. Will Johnson win the championship? Probably. But the unpredictability that racing holds makes Sunday’s Ford 400 must-see TV for NASCAR purists. Heck, even if you can’t stomach seeing Johnson, Knaus, and Co. hold a fourth consecutive Sprint Cup, grab a cold one and at least switch over from NFL football one last time to witness history.

TWO: Is the Brad Keselowski / Denny Hamlin feud good for NASCAR?
Fan Vote – YES: 100%; NO: 0%

Like any great feud in NASCAR over the past handful of years, the ongoing rivalry between Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski in the Nationwide Series has provided a spark to rather dull racing. Ask any NASCAR fan – as evidenced by the poll numbers – and they’ll tell you drivers should show more emotion. Although a good percentage of fans can’t stand Kyle Busch’s antics, even they’ll admit that he’s a character who’s good for the sport. Keselowski is from the Lil’ Busch mold, and for NASCAR to sit him down and tell him to throttle back on his on-track aggressiveness is absurd. This feud may have reared its head in the Nationwide Series, but what makes it great is that it has the potential to expand to the Cup Series in 2010 and beyond.

THREE: Should NASCAR step in and prevent any retaliation from Denny Hamlin next week?

I may be contradicting my previous point, but there is a difference between showing emotion on the track and off the track. A good ol’ shoving match is alright, but to blatantly put somebody in the wall – especially at a high-speed track like Homestead — is crossing the line. Denny Hamlin was obviously frustrated when interviewed Saturday after the race, but nonetheless warned about a future retaliation and NASCAR should do all they can to see that it doesn’t happen. If Hamlin clearly goes out of his way to put Keselowski in the wall (ala Scott Speed v. Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.) NASCAR should sit him for the Cup race on Sunday.

FOUR: The reemergence of A.J. Allmendinger

Has anybody else noticed that Richard Petty Motorsports’ decision to put A.J. Allmendinger in a Ford for the remainder of the season has lit a fire under both the team and driver? A 10th place finish last week at Texas and subsequent 13th this weekend is the best two-race average of the season for the No. 44 team, and there is no reason to think the top 15 streak won’t continue next weekend in Miami. With RPM set to sport Fords in 2010 next season, Allmendinger has an opportunity to be a shot in the arm not just for the No. 44 team, but for all of RPM as well.

FIVE: Does anyone really care that Kyle Busch will be your Nationwide champion?

With a 190-point lead going to Homestead, all Kyle Busch needs to do is start the Ford 300 to win the Nationwide championship. Sure, that was his goal when he decided to run the series full-time at the beginning of the year, but is it worth it to not make the Chase on the Cup side? Listen, I’m happy for the No. 18 team on the Nationwide side, but if you had to grade Lil’ Busch’s year across NASCAR’s three national series together – even with the championship and Truck Series dominance – the lack of a Chase berth has to drop that grade to at best a “B” and leaning more towards a “C.”

Notes to Ponder:

Danica in/Danica out: Is anyone else sick and tired of these Danica’s going to sign, Danica’s not going to sign reports?

Crew accident: Six members of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s Cup Series team were T-boned at an intersection on the way to the track Sunday morning. Props go out to those individuals for continuing to work during the race.

Bayne signs:. An atta-boy to Michael Waltrip Racing for keeping Trevor Bayne under contract – one of the bright young talents in the sport.

Bowles-Eye View

Thomas Bowles · Frontstretch.com

Want To Stop Hendrick? Here's Five Ways To Do It

In his 25th year in Sprint Cup, Rick Hendrick hasn’t just reached the peak of his sport … he’s carving a new mountain upon which all others must climb. With just one week left in 2009, his driver Jimmie Johnson stands poised to win a fourth straight title, with team cars Mark Martin second and Jeff Gordon third in points in what’s poised to be the first 1-2-3 finish by a car owner in NASCAR history. It’s a run of dominance the likes of which the sport hasn’t seen in the modern era, perhaps ever.

And here’s the scary part (or thrilling, depending on which side of the fence you’re on) — it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Johnson, Martin, and Gordon are signed to long-term deals that will keep them in the fold until they retire. Behind them, not only has the Stewart-Haas “B” team composed of Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman been successful, both Chase-making drivers have solid sponsorship and the team holds two open slots for more drivers (Kevin Harvick? Danica Patrick?) to enter the powerhouse down the line. The NASCAR equivalent of auto racing’s New York Yankees, Hendrick shows no signs of holding anything in his poker hand other than the ultimate royal flush.

There’s just one problem with this competitive machine of dominance on and off the
track: the rest of the sport has failed to cash in. Ratings, at-track attendance, and enthusiasm have waned against the yearly yawn-inducer the Chase has become – a parade to showcase one team’s inevitable success.

So while credit should be given where credit’s due – Hendrick’s simply worked the system better than anyone else – the worries remain about how their philosophies and personnel, if left unchecked, could hurt the long-term health of the sport. At the very least, Homestead and the rest of the offseason becomes a mind-boggling question for the rest of the Sprint Cup garage: How can they ever be stopped?

Well, I think I’ve found some answers — and I guarantee you plenty of people are going to find them crazy. That’s fine, because some of it’s tongue-in-cheek and I know the chances of them being adopted are slim to none. But without any type of restrictions in place, one wonders if there’s any way we can step back from the power of a select few and diversify the NASCAR landscape – a formula that led to the sport’s unprecedented growth until a few short years ago. No one else is coming up with solutions these days, so I figure going radical is a whole lot better than simply saying nothing at all.

Step #1: Add adjustability back into these race cars.

One area in which Hendrick reigns superior over all its rivals is engineering. With the testing ban making it difficult to perfect the handling on the new car, computer simulations combined with precision chassis work have become just as important as a test at Rockingham or New Smyrna that may or may not relate to the handling of a car at, say, Texas Motor Speedway. That allows the Hendrick cars to hit the track at the top of their game at Friday practice, already in position to have a strong run a full 48 hours before the race even starts.

That’s a problem for the rest of the competition. Because for all the “parity” the new car is supposed to achieve, one of the top complaints from drivers and crew chiefs is a painful inability to adjust on the fly. If you start the weekend out to lunch, forget it; it’s just difficult, if not impossible, to get the car headed back in the right direction to contend. Taking the power away from the at-track mechanics, the CoT leaves it in the hands of wind tunnel experts, computer and engineering geniuses — but are they the ones supposed to be the face of the sport? When men like Jimmy Fennig and Doug Richert become aliens to a car they once dominated the sport with, when a race team hires a former engineer from Formula 1 to run their program — you know there’s been a titanic shift towards technology over mechanical innovation and intuition.

So in order to allow for other teams to catch up at the race track, there needs to be greater adjustability for the cars on-site, putting more control back in the driver and crew chief’s hands. Don’t mandate so many parts and pieces, and give mechanics leeway to do what they do best — come up with ways to make a car go fast. IROC cars lead to limited improvements, a lack of innovation that keeps the best-funded cars in the best position to succeed week in, week out — and Hendrick’s posse of perfect personnel on top.

Step #2: Truly enforce the four-team limit.

At the end of this season, NASCAR will require each car owner to cut down to a maximum of four teams he can “own” according to the records down in Daytona Beach. But in an era of consolidation, expansion is the name of the game instead with the sport’s country club elite. This year, Hendrick benefited from their chassis and engine support agreement with Stewart-Haas, leading to extensive information sharing amongst both teams. Roush Fenway actually one-upped HMS, with a total of seven cars under their umbrella when you include the two-car team at Yates; but with their “B” team struggling to achieve maximum funding, it was the HMS cars who stole the show.

Can you imagine a Robby Gordon or even a Team Red Bull competing against this onslaught of data? The fact TRB made the Chase was a true miracle in itself. Sure, the argument can be made that individual personnel can inevitably make a difference; if the No. 83 pulls off the fastest pit stop, what does it matter that Chad Knaus had five crew chiefs helping him over the course of the weekend? But the more information you have, the better chance you have at success, as we’ve learned all too well these last few years. There’s a reason why Hendrick’s “teamwork” motto gives them a leg up on a sport that’s supposed to be based on the results of individual cars. It’s legal under the rules, but it leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth – after all, it’s one car, not four, that gets credit for the victory in the end.

But breaking apart the multi-car giants are easier said than done. With the teams owned by private contractors, can the sport control what really happens behind the scenes? In baseball, franchising leads to parity, as small-market teams can get the Yankee owners, the Steinbrenners, to make changes for the good of the league. But in NASCAR, that power ceases to exist … a misstep that could inevitably lead to its downfall.

Step #3: Restrict team sponsorship.

Speaking of finances, one way in which Hendrick gets a leg up on the competition is money. Just look at the deals for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. alone, with PepsiCo’s AMP Energy combining with second sponsor National Guard to give them more money than most two-car teams have to work with combined. Other cars benefit from a host of associate sponsor deals that allow them to be primaries for just a handful of races, adding on an extra $5 – $10 million other teams simply do not have. That can be used for anything from extra wind tunnel time to an extra engineering/simulation department – especially critical in an era when testing at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks is banned for a new car nobody has a handle on.

As for the smaller teams fighting Hendrick, forget an engineering department – they’re just struggling to find enough money to go to the track these days. But there’s a way to funnel back some cash without instituting a salary cap … or even franchising. NASCAR, the all-powerful czar it is, simply has to make a rule that any car on the starting grid cannot market more than one company on a car over the course of a season. You can have all the special paint schemes you want … as long as it’s for just one product. Not four, not five, not six: one. Maybe we can still allow all the small stickers on the front side of the car, the ones for the official Beer of NASCAR, Coffee of NASCAR, Diaper of NASCAR … whatever. But no more of these patchwork deals where five companies give a multi-car giant $10 million apiece for five races instead of doing a full-time deal with a smaller, top 25 team for $6 million.

“How can you do that?” you’re saying. “So many people would lose their jobs!” And you’re right; reducing the funding for a super-team like Hendrick by half would result in more, massive layoffs. But sometimes, you need short-term pain for long-term gain. Making the sport cheaper allows for more owners to get involved, leading to new, startup operations where those with pink slips can eventually be reemployed. And while some sponsors would simply leave the sport, others would actually go sign with organizations they wouldn’t otherwise give a second look.

It’s a radical change, but one that might be needed in a sport where to the victor go the spoils … and there’s nothing left for anybody else.

Step #4 – Find Someone To “Rattle Their Cage.”

For those newer fans, that’s the words Dale Earnhardt used to describe his blatant spinout of Terry Labonte, a signature move that won him the 1999 Night race at Bristol. But since the Intimidator left us, there’s no one out there willing to follow in his footsteps.

At the beginning of the Chase, we heard from Denny Hamlin how Kyle Busch had a lot of scores to settle. Oh really? Seems like Kyle’s been wrecked far more often than he’s dared try to wreck anyone else. Even Juan Pablo Montoya, considered the most aggressive driver in the Chase, has been relatively tame during a playoff that’s turned into a Hendrick coronation.

Instead, what we see nowadays is 31 guys walking on eggshells around 12 “would be” champions who try desperately to stay out of each other’s way. Now, I’m not saying someone should slam into Jimmie Johnson in the last lap of a restrictor plate race and cause a 20-car wreck. But what if Montoya gave Johnson a little love tap at Martinsville to send a message he means business? It’s not like the three-time champ doesn’t dish it out every once in awhile (witness his April tangle with Denny Hamlin at Martinsville as the latest example).

The name of the game at Hendrick is that everyone works together, plays nice, and tries not to get their hands dirty unless they absolutely have to. In order to shake things up, you’re going to have to take them out of their element, issue a different type of challenge they haven’t seen. I always think back to a certain Richmond race in early 1986, when Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip were fighting for the win. Earnhardt, in a blatant maneuver, took out both he and Waltrip’s car in what led to a devastating crash. Clearly shaken by the incident, Waltrip cried both foul and dirty – but NASCAR didn’t suspend the Intimidator, and suddenly the man had gotten to his rival’s head. Earnhardt went on that year to win the second of what would be seven championships … while Waltrip never won another.

Can the same thing happen over at Hendrick? Who knows if someone doesn’t try …

Step #5: Break up Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus.

The Johnson-Knaus pairing is quickly rivaling Gordon-Evernham as the best in the modern era, with more wins (47) and championships (soon to be four) than anyone else. They have one of the best relationships in the Cup garage … but don’t all good things come to an end at some point?

Let’s not forget, just a few short years ago Knaus went public about his struggles to get a contract extension over at Hendrick. Hurt feelings were quickly patched up and a deal was struck, but it’s not for a lifetime; in fact, it’s only through 2010. And how many times this decade have we seen a driver like Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, etc. tire of their current situation and opt out of a place they could have easily stayed forever?
Someone, somewhere is going to make a move on Knaus. The only question is whether it’ll be the right price, the right opportunity, and the right time to do it.

So, there you have it … five ways to stop racing’s version of the Yankees. But for those looking for this reign of superiority to end … know that might not be enough. After all, guess who won the World Series over in baseball this year?

Superman will fly into Homestead a champion

Some may continue to dream, but the Chase is over

By Joe Menzer, NASCAR.COM

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- One little slipup at Texas that wasn't even his fault, and some of us actually believed for a few seconds that Mark Martin had a chance of at least taking this Chase for the Sprint Cup down to the wire with three-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson.

Well, if you believed it then, there is nothing that says you can't keep on dreaming. In the aftermath of Johnson's dominant victory Sunday in the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, it's over. But if you want to keep on fooling yourself into thinking Martin has a chance, NASCAR did make an announcement following the race.

Martin, who finished fourth in Sunday's race, now trails Johnson by 108 points heading into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway next Sunday. He was down only 73 prior to the Phoenix race.

But get this: just after a NASCAR official announced that all Johnson has to do in Homestead to win his unprecedented fourth consecutive championship is start and finish 25th or better -- regardless of whatever Martin does -- it also was announced that Martin has already accomplished this feat nine times in his career.

Nine times out of 266.

If a Major League baseball batter had nine hits in 266 at-bats, his batting average would be .034. He wouldn't be a Major Leaguer any longer.

No, this time Johnson cannot fool us with his talk and his 38th-place Texas finish. It's over.

The proof

You want to know how we know? How we're absolutely certain now that it is indeed over?

Because, if you'll pardon another baseball term, Johnson is a closer. Maybe the best closer in NASCAR history -- and if not, certainly one of the top five.

Sure he had a rare bobble with the debacle in Texas, but that was an aberration of the rarest form. Not only that, but it merely served to sharpen the senses of Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus and the entire No. 48 team.

"I was really proud to show up the way that we did this weekend," Knaus said. "It would have been easy for us to come in here with our tails between our legs, really bow out, try to pull a conservative race, hang out, finish right behind the 5 [of Martin], whatever the situation may have been.

"We didn't want to do that. We wanted to come in here confident and go after it and attack."

They not only attack, they destroyed and demoralized their opponents. Johnson led 238 of the 312 laps that comprised the race. No one else led more than 69.

"We knew this was going to be a great track for the 5 and also for the 24 [of Jeff Gordon, yet another Hendrick Motorsports teammate]. The only way to get any points on 'em would be to lead the most laps and win the race," Johnson said.

"We did it. I'm very proud of the fact we looked each other in the eyes, knew what we had to do, and delivered. It wasn't easy. You know, there was a lot of pressure on us to do this. All week long, thinking about this race, wondering if we could come back and step up like we did, there were just a lot of thoughts that go through the brain. I'm very, very proud of how we delivered and rose to the occasion."

Not easy?

It wasn't easy? It sure looked easy.

But then, maybe that's why the excellence of Johnson and Knaus and the 48 gang so often goes unappreciated. It's not easy -- but there dang sure make it look like it is often enough.

Sunday was one of those days, as Johnson won his series-high seventh race of this season. No one else has won five, so with one to go he's assured of having more victories than anyone else in 2009.

Standing in Victory Lane, where he sure looked comfortable, Johnson again insisted in the Sunday desert twilight that he's not and that this isn't over until he says it's over.

"If last weekend wasn't in my head, I would really go down there (to Homestead) feeling comfortable," Johnson said. "But it's still in my head. We finished 38th at Texas and Mark finished fourth, and we lost 111 points in one day. So we need to go down there and be on our toes and be smart about it."

Does anyone doubt that will be the case? In 35 races this season, he's finished outside of the top 25 only six times -- but never with the championship on the line like it will be in Homestead.

Johnson also was asked about his car following Sunday's event.

"In the middle of the race, the car was awesome," he replied. "I could do anything I wanted, anywhere. That last run there, the car wasn't as good as I would have hoped -- not bad, but not as strong as it was earlier in the day. It was still a strong car."

So strong that when Jeff Burton, who finished second, came gunning for him, Johnson was ready.

"I thought we were going to win, to be honest," Burton said. "I thought we had him. But he did what he always does -- he found a little bit of speed. We were running him down pretty hard, and he was able to pick up just enough to keep me away from him. We were still running him down, but not at the pace we needed to.

"So I honestly thought we were going to win. But in typical Jimmie Johnson fashion, he found a little bit of speed when he needed to and he was able to get away from us."

Asked about this analysis, Johnson grinned so hard it must have hurt, but in a good way.

"You can't show everybody what you've got. These guys are too smart," Johnson said. "You can't show 'em all your lines and tip your hand. I like to kind try to drive a couple of botched lines, so guys focus in on that. Then when they get close enough, you just drive back away. So it worked out."

There you have it. Johnson was only messing with Burton down the stretch. As it turns out, even with the whole Texas deal, Superman was only messing with all of us, including Martin.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.

Well, that's all for today.  Until the next time, I remain,

Your Nascar Momma