Newmaaannnn!!!!

I got this shot at Daytona. It's a bit hazy because it was shot through a window in the garage area. I was annoyed with Ryan back then because as you can see he was just hanging around but would not give any time to his fans... on that day. I've since gotten over it and he is back up in my top 5 fave's list.

I have Vegas practice on the tele as I write this and Ryan just ran a quick lap.

I've uploaded a media video-news conference from the NASCAR Media only site. It's worth the 16 minute watch as Ryan is very funny. He is quite the character and I laughed out loud several times.

Vegas predictions.....naw! I'm not a gambler, but Carl Edwards....hmmmm. And Bobby Labonte lookin real good during Nationwide practice. I'd love to see Bobby win a race...even a Nationwide.

Much 'bout Nothin

As I surf around reading story after story about nothing exciting I wonder when the next big controversy will emerge. The biggest story this week has been Robby Gordon and correct me if I'm wrong but I've not found anything more on his appeal process. He is clearly innocent of any intent and it would only be in everyone's best interest if NASCAR overturns the penalties...to some degree of lesser severity.

Another big story has been Kyle Busch. This kid is like a rock... but in a Toyota. It's too bad he is not a very likable guy because his success as a Champion is imminent, yet he really does not have the fan base to make it exciting.

On to Vegas. It's another boring flat wide track, but it's at least now a bit seasoned after last years repaving. The drivers should enjoy it more. Here is a short clip with Denny Hamlin on this subject.

Happy race weekend!!

Flipper does it

Photo Credit: Getty Images


Carl made my day. I skipped the afternoon from my other responsibilities to watch the conclusive race and had images running through my mind of Jimmy Johnson in Victory Lane. It's just too soon and the feelings of Johnson's domination from last season still linger in my soul. It was a feel good finish to what was a not so feel good race weekend.

I'll be watching some of the Nationwide race.... it's just after 4:oo pm now. I'm heading out on a photo shoot, but will be back in time to catch the last half.

"Sun"day ?

This is something we don't see very often. Dodge leading the pack. Probably not since the "King" days when Mopar ruled. This will change if Fontana ever dries out.

Last nights rain delay gave me a chance to watch a DVD... "Gone Baby Gone". An awesome production by Ben Affleck, starring Ben's younger brother Casey Affleck. It's worth the watch...but it is a tad on the violent side.

What a discouraging weekend the drivers and crews have had. Today does not appear promising either.

I have access to press release videos and other multimedia stuff through NASCAR Media. I have placed this video on here but unsure if it'll work or not. Windows Media player is a pain!!
There are many videos available... this is the latest.

Pray for dry weather.

Wet

What a mess Mother Nature can make. The Speed Channel guys were shivering on live TV last night. Fontana rarely gets that chilly and after leaving 80+ Daytona weather.....

I got this from the NASCAR Media web site....

Revised Schedule: Saturday at Auto Club Speedway

Saturday, February 23rd

6:00 AM NNS GARAGES & REGISTRATION OPEN
9:00 AM NCTS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS

9:30-11:00 AM NNS FINAL PRACTICE

9:30 AM NCTS DRIVER/CREW CHIEF MEETING (CONFERENCE ROOM )

11:30 AM NCTS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY –CLEAR PIT ROAD
12:00 PM NSCS GARAGES & REGISTRATIONS OPEN
12:00 PM NCTS RACE (100 LAPS, 200 MILES)
1:00 PM NCTS REGISTRATION CLOSES
1:30 PM NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **

1:30 PM NNS DRIVER/CREW CHIEF MEETING (CONFERENCE ROOM )

2:00-3:55 PM NSCS FINAL PRACTICE
4:00 PM NNS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY –CLEAR PIT ROAD
4:30 PM NNS RACE (150 LAPS, 300 MILES)
5:30 PM NNS REGISTRATION CLOSES
5:30 PM NSCS GARAGE & REGISTRATION CLOSES

The Truck Race is at Noon and Nationwide at 4:00 Pacific Time

Happy Saturday!!

Credentials

I suppose we can say Happy Birthday to NASCAR. 60 years since Bill incorporated. I learned things about NASCAR history during Speed Weeks and one of the best multimedia events I saw was Dave Dispain's on Assignment. I enjoyed that broadcast so much that I watched it twice. Bill France was a visionary.

NASCAR has been gracious to give me media credentials. Well, for whatever it's worth I now have access to their Media website and photos. I am slowly working towards Photographer credentials. I have heard back from Getty Images and my application with them is under review...this can take months. I've learned that each individual track has their own PR department and I can apply for access on a track to track basis. My goal is to be among the many photographers at Loudon in Sept.,.... wish me luck!!

California weekend starts today. So much emphasis has been placed on Matt Kenseth. NASCAR press releases and storylines.... it would be awesome if he won it again!

Blogspot Problems

Robby Gordon loses 100 driver and owner points; crew chief fined and suspended for the next six races...

For an unapproved front bumper cover. A tad on the stiff side I'd say. He had an awesome day too.

They also nailed Todd Bodine and Ron Hornaday for infractions... so the "Getting back to Basics" means it's ok for Kurt Busch to use his car as a weapon but zero tolerance for stupid infractions.

I won't even go into what NASCAR did to 7 of the Nationwide teams.

This Blogspot site is acting horrible. I can't copy and paste anything anymore...add links.. and it seems to have a mind of it's own. I'm probably going to search for a new home.

Just some photos

Until next season.

Dale looking right at me.

Jeff on the Chevy stage with Riki Rachtman. I was less than 6' away from him.

Clint through glass contemplating.

The final 20

Well.... The Dark Horse came in and even though I am disappointed with his not so friendly way with his fans last week, I do feel very good about his victory. He's still on my $&!t list, but a big congratulations goes out to Ryan, Chrissy and the whole Penske gang. Roger deserves this for sure.

Great finish! Thought Smoke had it and wow... Shrub was impressive. That kid can really get up on the wheel. There sure was an interesting mix of cars at the end, and "mix" they did. We all sit through 180 laps of boredom for the final 20 laps of excitement. Pattyjo got so excited she got the dogs howling again and things went flying off the end table... but her man Smoke was left behind... again.

Race Day

Wishing I were there this weekend instead of last, but I'm grateful for the awesome experience we had. It was almost as if we had the whole place to ourselves.

Toyota & Gibbs.... hmmm... who'da ever thunk!! ME!! Well I'm not blowing my own horn, it's more of a case of logic and well... I have mentioned several times that Toyota will flex a lot of muscle this year. Joe Gibbs is no fool and Toyota has moola galore. That coupled with the likes of Stewart, Hamlin and Shrub is a recipe for success. Watching Stewart and Shrub dominate the opening Nationwide race was not surprising and Smoke walked away from the pack at the end like that Toyo had a rocket launcher attached to its spoiler. It's all fine by me because Hendrick needs some competition.

Today could very well be another story and for some reason I am rootin' for Jr.... although a dark horse winner is always cool. I'm sitting on the fence without a favorite driver. It's hard for me to settle on "one" anymore. Five... yes. But not one. One of my top 5 fav's has dropped down on my list due to what I witnessed at Daytona and that would be Ryan Newman. Sorry Mike the Newman fan...but I did not walk away from Daytona last week feeling good about one of my long time fave drivers. I base a lot on "Fan Friendliness" and Ryan proved he is not. On the other hand, several drivers climbed my list because of this and one is Clint Bowyer, another is Dale Jr. and another is Reed Sorensen. When these guys go out of there way to give autographs and put a smile on their faces while doing it, things are so much better. Jr. makes himself available.. I have photos ... closeup's.. of Dale smiling and waving at me and my camera. Reed Sorensen blushed when Pattyjo complimented him on his kindness plus he talked to my wife like she was a long time friend. Of course they have met on a few occasions. And Clint... he is just a good ole boy and is fan available. Being a great driver is one thing, but public relations, or "bad" public relations can kill a fan base. This is a huge part of Jr.'s popularity.

Okay..I've ranted enough. The big day!
I hope the fenders stay on for them and Kurt Busch doesn't push Smoke into the wall.

Happy 50th Daytona!!

Nationwackers

A beauty!
Click image for full effect...gorgeous paint job.

I'm still very much under the weather.

Nationwackers it is.

Link to an archived post.

Need New Name for Buschwhacker

Empty Grandstands

Imagine this!! Take your pick! Well... this was on 2/8/08. That is Pattyjo walking near the Red light. We had to walk from turn 4 to turn 1 in order to get the infield tram.

The starting grid is set... finally! It was an awesome form of teamwork watching Mikey help DJ make the cut, but sad to see the Wood Bros. fall short.

I'm short on words today...I get an annual flu like cold and it hit me hard yesterday with a fever over 103. I could have made the Pole with that one!

Frazzled

Okay...so Patty loves Jeff Hammond and thinks he his the hottest guy on the planet, well that is after me.. or so she says. Anyway... this whole episode was downright hilarious! We were watching Jeff do a skit with the cut-out car and it just so happened we were standing next to one of his buddies. Patty told him she thinks Jeff is hot and he said not to tell Jeff that. Well...that was a mistake!!

Jeff finished and came right over to us. Patty's legs almost went out from under her and after he signed she went on a rampage about how Hot he is and anyone within 100 yards heard it all. It's a good thing I'm not the jealous type! Patty had all of us busting a gut. This went on for the better part of 10 minutes and it's a classic. Jeff is one hell of a nice guy and a great sport.

Gatorade Duels today! Toyota????

Confettied

Kevin Harvick's car still on display at Daytona.

This is for you George!!

Click image for large size.

Up, Up and Away

The trend continues as yet another small team joins one of the big boys. Robby Gordon joining Evernham/Gillette is probably Robby's saving grace. It's more of a marketing deal than a full partnership, but it's a win win. Ford is the big loser in this move. I like Robby for his guts and stamina and I hope this helps his struggles.

Heading to central Florida on Monday 2/4. Going to visit my father in-law and we will take a day to tour Daytona I.S. Patty and I plan on meeting one of our fellow bloggers in person. That should be very cool as we all support each other and share thoughts. Meeting any of you in person would be great, so knowing that one of our blogger friends lives in that area I contacted him and we are meeting for breakfast. COOL!!