NASCAR Eclectic

Happy Ending

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 07:54:00 +0000

What a fantastic way to finish! Mark Martin's Nationwide win yesterday at Las Vegas "Marked" his 49th career victory in the series. He continues to hold the record. The race had so many lead changes it was hard to keep up... with Kyle Busch dominating in his usual manner until he got careless and over confident with a move that put him in the wall. That stupid move changed everything for the rest of the field and what I thought was going to be another Carl Edwards race turned into a fuel mileage game. The race had all the ingredients for excitement, fun and a very happy ending. Danica Patrick even set a record for the first woman to get a 4th place finish... she picked off one car at a time working her way forward coming from a lap down. She is getting the hang of these cars... look for more record breaking stuff from her. Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne held his ground all day with a very respectable 5th place finish.
I love happy endings.

I'm liking 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:13:00 +0000

After a 66 win less streak Jeff Gordon sealed the deal with his 83rd career victory. Phoenix delivered with an action packed short track race with Gordon dominating and even with a crash involvement he showed the younger guys and the fans that he still has it. I was never a Gordon fan... that is until I met him at Daytona 4 years ago and spent and hour taking photos of him while he spoke to a small gathering. I saw a different Jeff Gordon after that and one that I now have complete respect and admiration for. The 2011 season may prove to be his "Drive for Five" and Rick Hendrick's decision to swap crew chiefs... placing Alan Gustafson with Jeff was a great move. I couldn't be happier and I know most us NASCAR fans are happy with today's outcome.

Trevor Bayne is one hell of a nice kid. It was a bad day for him after a week of Daytona Champion stuff. The kid is so likable and I expect he will do well with days like today being necessary for his growth.

Twenty One

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:20:00 +0000

In the past 30 years you can practically count on one hand the amount of times the Wood Brother's have seen Victory Lane... but just that fact that I said "30 years" is incredible and in fact this racing family goes back to the hay days of the early 50's. They have employed drivers that have gone down in history and some not so famous but with the likes of Neil Bonnett, Buddy Baker, Cale Yarlborough, A.J. Foyt and the unforgettable David Pearson who drove this car to more victories than any of them including the 1976 Daytona 500. Once again the #21 is crowned only this time by a rookie in his 2nd cup race ever and one who just turned 20 years old. Trevor Bayne has carried on the legacy for the #21 and The Wood's Brother's Racing and he has jump started his cup racing with the Daytona Crown... one I hope he wears with the humble yet proud attitude it deserves with the #21 attached to it.

Leap Frog

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 09:16:00 +0000

Someone said to me yesterday at my daily coffee stop... you know that neighborhood gas coffee and go... only my little place has a few tables where the same half a dozen men sit every morning with their paper in front of them, their eyes on everything but the paper and their mouths spewing out daily local jargon as I heard from the little crowd "hey Michael whose winning today?"... without even turning around from the sticky counter where I poured my coffee I simply answered "Smoke" followed by several jib jabs from the little crowd as I paid and exited with a smile on my face. Well... what can I say... it's obvious that this has become Stewart's annual opening statement and I have a strong feeling he'll do it again today in the Cup race.

During the Nationwide race yesterday I sat fully reclined in my Lazy Boy in front of my flat screen nodding off... I've decided that the networks should only air the last 25 laps of the Superspeedway races... a decision in my little mind because I wasted an entire afternoon to watch 2 minutes of exciting racing at the end... oh well... I justified it because I had a touch of the flu but these type races really are boring as hell... 500 miles where 99% of the race is during the last mile as we watched the same 8 cars play leap frog for two hours.

Heart Felt Win

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 08:53:00 +0000

"I didn't come here to celebrate winning the 2001 Daytona 500. I came here to celebrate Dale's life and honor him."

Fantastic and an incredibly feel good finish for the running of the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death in the Camping World Truck race at Daytona. The irony involved held an eeary feeling to it with E. Sadler and Mikey running up front along with Austin Dillon in the black #3. A late race wreck took out most of what was left in the field including Dillon but E. Sad and Mikey escaped unscathed returning after the caution to a green white checker. Michael's skill allowed him to push Sadler through turn four and then slingshot out for the final yards to take the win. It was just simply an awesome tribute to Dale an an incredible win for Michael... not only his first truck series win but a win that will stay in his heart forever and mine too.

New Nominee's

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:04:00 +0000

Courtesy of NASCAR Media

DW... well you either love him or hate him and speaking for myself I can't help but love the this 3 time Champion. I'm not here to ramble on about Darrell but I'm happy he is among the 25 nominee's for the 2011 Hall of Fame Class. All of the chosen are very well deserved of the honor.

Daytona is proving to be hazardous to car and driver with several drivers having to go to back up cars after yesterdays melee practice runs. This should be an interesting race and the last one of the old surface. The old girl is about to go under a complete face lift. Hang on to your helmets fellas.

I've posted very little here on NASCAR Eclectic as I am so occupied with photography, but I keep getting emails from many other media members and sports writers asking me where I am. I'm right here and I'll try to put more effort into my twisted NASCAR thinking and writing.

Happy Race weekend and a very Happy Independence Day

Simply Fantastic

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 08:50:00 +0000

Getty Images

This was one of the best "Feel Good" races in a long time. After watching the usual domination by the usual suspects Ryan Newman takes a surprise victory during a green white checkered finish. He can thank Jeff Gordon for spinning his tires on the restart.

I have been a long time fan of Newman so this is especially good for me and other Newman fans. This win comes after a 77 race dry period when Newman won the '08 Daytona 500. In his second year driving for Stewart Haas he has had a rough start sitting 22nd in the point standings. This is not typical of Ryan who is usually hanging in the top ten & always a Chase contender, but he has time.

Simply fantastic !!

'Bout Time

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:35:00 +0000

I was able to sit home on a Monday. Martinsville 2010 will remain in my memory. I'm not a huge Hamlin fan but, it was a fantastic finish to a fantastic race. No one thought Hamlin would pull it off after pitting with 10 laps remaining. The four new tires gave him a huge advantage but we all know passing at Martinsville is not easy. Another late caution gave Hamlin an edge over then leader Jeff Gordon and the green white checkered finish truly was exciting. Bumpin' and bangin' all the way and Hamlin found a hole.

Happy Easter

Feel Good

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:47:00 +0000

One word.... fantastic !

That's how I feel about Justin Allgaier winning the Nationwide race at Bristol yesterday. Not only did it feel good not to see Kyle Busch in Victory Lane it felt good to see a non - cup driver win. I was actually excited. Something I have not felt in awhile watching a race. About half way I said to Pattyjo "watch this kid Allgaier". Albeit I've had my eye on him since he started his Nationwide career last season making Rookie of the Year. I also want to give a kudo to Brad Keselowski for racing Justin clean in the final laps. They both gave The Captain something to be proud of.

Now if only we can have another feel good race today....

Must be Love

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:30:00 +0000

This explains it

Yay Kevin !!

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:14:00 +0000

Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

Like a breath of fresh air... Kyle Busch did not win a Nationwide race. Kudos to Kevin Harvick for his win at Vegas.

The top 5 were all cup drivers... go figure... so my next kudos goes out to Trevor Bayne and Justin Allgaier whom finished a respectable 6th and 7th. It would be nice to see a Nationwide regular clinch a victory... perhaps at Iowa on July 31st.

Danica... nuff said.

Re-Run

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:06:00 +0000

This is an image of what the vast majority of NASCAR fans dream of. I'm not a Johnson hater but I too am discouraged. I actually believe that NASCAR's TV ratings will fall even more if Johnson continues to win races. I read many forums last night after the race and fans as a whole are not happy. My own wife won't even sit to watch a race anymore, she was in another room watching Lifetime movies. This from a woman who used to jump up and down in the living room, now she won't even bat an eyelash. As soon as I saw Harvick scrape the wall with 2 laps to go I took the dog for a walk.

His win yesterday was pure luck. Something he has had time and time again. He did not have the best car in the field. Funny how many think it's a conspiracy.. NASCAR conspire ?? nah! But much of it is just pure good luck.

So we brush ourselves off and hope somebody new wins at Vegas.

Good PR

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:31:00 +0000

Credit: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Toyota's recent woes have not effected TRD. The not so happy Logano pulled off a fifth place finish sliding through the infield and across the finish line as his team mate and fellow Toyota driver, Kyle Busch (no surprise there), takes the checker at the Nationwide ACS race. Although, in Fontana tradition, Logano dominated the race with somewhere around 100 laps led. The final lap was pretty exciting with The Biff tapping Logano's bumper and taking the lead. Busch just had more muscle in the end with Toyota's horsepower and beat Biffle out in a drag race down the final stretch with Keselowski running a close third. The kid I'm watching towards the future is Justin Allgaier.

Steve and Charlie

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:10:00 +0000

From my desktop in Upstate NY I can tune into Toledo's finest radio show "On Pit Row". It's broadcast live on Tuesday's from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Steve and Charlie do an outstanding job. I tuned in this past Tuesday to listen to NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison. Somehow these guys managed to get Bobby on the phone, but I must say that it was the most comfortable laid back conversation I've heard. Bobby seemed to feel right at home and I felt like I was right there with them. This is in part due to the live interaction they provide with their Facebook page. Here I listened and left comments on Facebook that were answered live by the guys. One can also call in on 800-645-2946. It's really a fantastic gig these guys have. Thanks Steve and Charlie.

Here we go... from the most highly anticipated week in NASCAR, Daytona, to the hum drum of Hollywood. Boring!! These mile and a half flat tracks are like driving on interstate I-95 although without a speed limit. It's like watching the Pied Piper because whoever takes the lead early on seems to stay there for the entire race while the rest of the field falls in behind... tune in for the pre-race and listen to Styx then come back in two hours to watch the final laps. You'll have a much more productive Sunday. NASCAR needs a track like Bristol in a warmer climate zone.

Twists

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:58:00 +0000

Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR
NASCAR Media

Rules change, some benefit, some flounder and the commonly heard cliche' "it's anybody's race" could not have been more prevalent in the 52nd running of The Great American Race. New rules and Mother Nature helped determine the outcome but with a final push from The Biff, McMurray held on to the lead nudging out Dale Jr.

The emotions McMurray demonstrated in Victory Lane were anything but subtle, emotions Jr. Nation were experiencing for the opposite reason. I don't fault Jamie for this and in fact it was a nice feel good finish, but I felt his embarrassment he'll undoubtedly feel when the excitement wears off. Melodramatic but characteristic of McMurray.

I found the race to be decent with plenty of excitement, mostly from the continuous lead changes. The pot holes... well those nasty things played a big role in the outcome albeit causing delays that nearly put me to sleep. Repaving is on the agenda and the old girl may never be the same. Perhaps, as Carl Edwards stated, they can repave the track with a rough surface.

On to L.A.

Same Ole'

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:09:00 +0000

Photo credit NASCAR Media

I suppose I too am entitled as a member of NASCAR Media to prolong the agony on the overwhelming coverage Danica Patrick has received. I made up my mind last week not to write about her due to this tsunami, but the hyped up anticipation of her Nationwide debut and the not so surprising early demise to her day has prompted me to at least say... I knew it. But I must add that up until she was taken out just past the halfway point she ran quite well. She avoided another crash very early and like last weeks ARCA race proved she can drive a stock car. Beyond all this I especially liked her post crash interview. She was very honest and seemed content even though her day was over. Danica... welcome to NASCAR.

The Nationwide race was fantastic... at least in my humble opinion. I lost count of the number of lead changes, but they were numerous and record breaking ?? Tony Stewart winning was no surprise but the action was ( I even enjoyed watching Dale Jr. in his acrobatic crash, but thoughts of his dad entered my mind as I watched his car get tossed like a rag doll ). It was not the boring restrictor plate racing we were forced to endure in the past... it was racing !! Will today's 500 prove as exciting ?

Who to watch today... Harvick, Stewart, Newman and my dark horse pick... Paul Menard, even though daddy's money paid for his spot.

Back at the cottage... Happy Valentine's Day and enjoy the race with your sweetheart... I will be.

Bud Shutout

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:27:00 +0000

Kudos to Harvick.

His domination has me questioning the larger restrictor plate. It's almost like there was no change and all cars were created equal. The draft was stagnant although at 190 plus mph, still no one could get around him... how many lead changes... what 5 or 6? And only briefly. Could it actually be that RCR nailed this and we'll see Harvick in Victory Lane next Sunday ? That's a feel good story, but what follows throughout the season remains.

Read My Lips....

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:05:00 +0000

Ya think ?

Well I suppose it's better late than never. I've been to a race at Dega and it was incredibly exciting... 3 years ago. Last seasons fall race was a complete waste of the fans money... in a time when few of us in this Country have much to spare. Bringing "back to basics" with allowing drivers to race is so cool... thank you NASCAR !! Let's only hope that replacing the wing with a spoiler keeps the wheels on the ground.

Preseason Thunder Fan Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 11:16:00 +0000

It's nice to see things on a roll again. I'm truly hoping for a more exciting season without so much domination by one or two drivers.

Hope everyone is having a nice winter... stay tuned

All kidding aside

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:06:00 +0000

Photo courtesy
NASCAR Media.com

Who is Chad trying to kid? Only having "light conversation" concerning his contract with Hendrick. First of all, his current contract runs through the 2010 season so why would there be table talk now ? Secondly, can you possibly imagine Knaus separating from the Hendrick empire?
Yeah Okay.... "I don't have a new contract, and we've barely had enough conversation for me to agree to anything." Like he'd even remotely disagree. Please Chad... keep it real... "you never know what will happen. There are so many what-ifs."
What if???
He and Jimmy can go on the road as a comedy duo.

The Morning After

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:25:00 +0000

The morning after of what many feel is one of NASCAR's worst seasons. On the other hand records have been set with Johnson taking four titles back to back and Hendrick getting the 1, 2, 3 punch. Disgusting to many and perhaps has cast a dark shadow over the sport. I'm just another NASCAR fan and I too am not pleased with the dominance by two drivers.. JJ and K. Busch. Two of the least popular drivers but possibly the best the sport has ever seen. It's like a bad hangover after a good drunk.

Pre-Season Promo

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:19:00 +0000

Local promoter and owner of Albany/Saratoga Speedway Bruce Richards has developed some super ideas to help fans, drivers, owners and sponsors. He set up this show at a local mall this weekend at no charge to the owners, he has dropped some of the entry fees for '09 and has several ideas for ticket give aways for the fans. He's no fool... all this in the face of bad economics, but he has a full entry field for the season, something other local Speedways can't claim, and has even added Saturday night racing for the Sprint Cars.

He and I had coffee together Saturday morning and he had several suggestions on photo ideas. One would be to set up a cut-out car for kids and adults too I suppose, to sit in and have their picture taken for a few bucks. Also have driver autograph sessions with photos.. nothing new to NASCAR tracks, but not seen very often at local tracks. I told Bruce I'm willing to try anything.

On a roll Matty... Vegas too?!

Timing

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:38:00 +0000

Unfortunately.

The only cool thing about Matt Kenseth winning the Daytona 500 is he started 43rd. That made it somewhat worthwhile. He had an amazing march to the front making it up into the top ten somewhere around lap 35 and Tony Stewart wasn't far behind him landing himself a respectable 8th place finish in his debut of Stewart Haas Racing. Team mate and employee of Smoke's, Ryan Newman didn't fare as well in 36th, but I expect to see good things outa that Hendrick powered Army #39 as the season goes on.

Speaking of Hendrick... chalk one up for Jr. Nice move Dale. Curious to see the jib jab about that. In my opinion it was just pure frustration. Nice crash though!!

All Nighter

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:23:00 +0000

With several Cup drivers competing in this years marathon race I am following it closer than I normally would. A.J. Allmendinger was leading late last night when he developed engine trouble... too bad for the kid. He has tons of potential but cannot get a break. Latest news is the Ganassi Team with Dixon, Pruett and Montoya is running up front. That's no surprise.

Tune in to the Speed Channel at 7:00 am for live coverage.

Future

noreply@blogger.com (Racefan57) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:52:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of
NASCAR Media.com

Thursday was NASCAR's (poor) state of the sport address.
It seems Mr. France took full charge as the reining head honcho and made it clear as Mike Helton sat on the bench.

I don't envy Brian's position right now as it just seems to be the repetitive barrage of questions by the hungry Media folk. He'll do the right things and make solid choices... at least we better hope and pray he does. Perhaps he and Barrack should have lunch.

Yes Mr. Esquire... I am a member of NASCAR Media and have written permission to use their photos.