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Readers, be sure to update your RSS subscription if you want to follow me (Brian Vermette) on my new blogstream ThinkingBrian.com

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Thu, 03 May 2012 18:45:00 +0000

It's no secret by now that I have decided to not only stop blogging on RaceDriven.com Blog, but to move on to a new project site called ThinkingBrian.com v3.0 Blogstream. But for my readers here at RD, if you want to continue reading my articles, posts and comments, you should update your RSS subscription to ThinkingBrian.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @brianvermette.

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The End of an Era: Goodbye Racedriven.com Blog, hello ThinkingBrian.com and BrianVermette.com

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:48:00 +0000

Welcome readers to what is my final post on RaceDriven.com Blog. Just over 7 years ago, I started RaceDriven Blog as a project site for my portfolio, but the site has become so much more since then, it has become a successful and insightful blog for many. Over the last 7 years, RaceDriven has opened up several doors for me as well as allowed me to voice my opinion and be heard through my writing.

However very recently, I have discovered that just like in life, things change. Simply put, I have changed and I have outgrown RaceDriven and in some ways blogging as well. And with that I feel that it is time for me to move on to the next project which are BrianVermette.com and more importantly ThinkingBrian.com, my blogstream (One part blog with large blurbs and one part stream with photography). TB is a blogstream with a good mix.

I really don't know if ThinkingBrian is the next big thing for me or not, but the only way to find out is to embark on the new project and put all of my effect into the new site. But I do have to say that after the first two months, so far so good for ThinkingBrian as the new blogstream is already finding a little bit of success in growing the site, namely in traffic and posts.

With that all said, as for RaceDriven.com BLOG, this is where I say goodbye and move on. Naturally I will be keeping RaceDriven blog up for a while for readers to enjoy the archived posts and as an addition to my portfolio. But in the future, I will shut down the blog itself (keeping a copy of the blog itself in ebook format for my portfolio). But I am still leaving the door open for RaceDriven.com itself to return in one form or another either under my ownership or someone else's ownership.

What an amazing ride RaceDriven has been and I will miss it. But most importantly, I want to say thank you to my readers, supporters, commenters and advertisers for a great 7 years here at RaceDriven and hopefully here's to a new and successful project in ThinkingBrian.com. Goodbye.

TB Rewind on RD: AT&T vs GoPhone Smartphone users, American Chopper PJD Muscle Car, Instagram on Android, ACM Awards in Las Vegas and NASCAR in Martinsville.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 21:39:00 +0000

It's been a while since I have posted on RaceDriven.com. However I wanted to another edition of TB Rewind on RD today. Is if you haven't been over to my new blogstream ThinkingBrian.com, here is a sample of what I have been talking about, commenting on and sharing on TB.

1. AT&T forces GoPhone Smartphone users to switch to monthly plans or lose data – I feel cheated and I want my $100 for my Smartphone back.

If you're an AT&T GoPhone Smartphone user, then you know that in less than one year, AT&T has changed the terms of using a Smartphone on a non-monthly plan with data. Personally I think this terrible considering it was only last November when I bought a GoPhone branded Android Smartphone because of this plan. And now I will have no 3G data period.

2. American Chopper: Sr vs Jr: Paul Jr Designs unveils Chevrolet Camaro at the 2012 Daytona Bike Week.

This one was interesting, in a special American Chopper Sr vs Jr, PJD takes a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro and inspired by his Plane themed build off bike, creates a unique PJD Camaro.

3. Trying out Instagram on Android with a recent photo of Wegmans. Here's a few thoughts.

4. Fan Insight: Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Thompson Square win big at the 2012 ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

5. NASCAR: Ryan Newman wins Goody's 500 at Martinsville as Johnson vs. Gordon in final laps denies Hendrick 200th win.

Well ladies and gentlemen, that's all for this edition of TB Rewind on RD.

RaceDriven.com turned 7 last week and now celebrates its 1000 posts with a looking back at the top 5 most popular posts.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 05:20:00 +0000

Last Monday (March 12, 2012), RaceDriven.com turned 7 years old, and now just one week late, RD celebrates with its 1000th post. So with this amazing accomplishment, I take a look back at the top 5 most popular articles over the last 7 years.

1. American Chopper: The Build-Off - Paul Jr. Designs beats out Jesse James and OCC to win Build-Off.: There's no doubt about it, the TV Series American Chopper are some of my biggest posts here on RaceDriven.com. But this article itself was posted on Dec. 6th 2011 and it has over 10,000 page views.

2. TV Spotlight: American Chopper's Sr vs Jr. Production bikes and the Go Daddy bike. UPDATED: Another American Chopper article.

3. 800hp biodiesel 1965 Chevy Impala created on Pimp My Ride is worth a second look.: A dream ride in my book that I would love to own.

4. Kevin Harvick unveil 2011 Budweiser paint scheme, that's cool!: This one was unveiled and within minutes, the pictures was posted on Twitter and then I posted it here on RaceDriven.com.

5. 1970 Road Runner "The Hammer" hammered down at $175,000 at 2010 Barrett-Jackson Orange County.: One hell of a dream ride that was also the star of a movie.

Wild card: Photography: SEMA 2011: Justin Bieber’s Batman-Themed Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.: I couldn't resist posting this wild card considering I like watching Inside West Coast Customs on TV and I thought this modern ride was build just like I would love it myself if I had it built...all blacked out.

Well RaceDriven readers, that's 1000 posts in just over 7 years of blogging, what an adventure. Thanks to all of my readers for coming to RaceDriven.com and being a part of this incredible and challenging journey. See Yeah!

BTW: Be sure to follow and subscribe to me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and now on my blogstream ThinkingBrian.com.

12 Hours of Sebring celebrates 60 years with exciting finish; No surprise, Audi wins in R18.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 22:23:00 +0000

Shared link: 12 Hours of Sebring celebrates 60 years with exciting finish | Autoblog.com

"My Take" While the 12 Hours of Sebring is one of the biggest races of the 2012 Motorsports season, I couldn't really tell you what happened because the race was only televised on ESPN3.com and since I didn't want to sit in front of my notebook, I didn't watch the most of the race period. Of course that would be a different story if the WatchESPN app for Android worked, but Charter wasn't on the list. No surprise there. But thanks to the Autoblog.com, they posted a good detailed article with a lot of photos. Thanks Autoblog and congrats the Audi on winning the 12 hours of Sebring in a space ship looking R18.

(Photo by Rick Dole/Getty Images via Autoblog.com)

TB Rewind on RD: Top Gear USA, American Chopper, Android, Car Warriors and NASCAR.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:17:00 +0000

Welcome RaceDriven.com readers to the first edition of TB Rewind. Yesterday I announced here on RaceDriven.com that I have built a new project called ThinkingBrian.com v3.0: Lifestream. TB Rewind will showcase five posts or in this case, five of the top subjects on my new lifestream ThinkingBrian.com after the first month of being online. The goal with TB Rewind is to introduce RaceDriven readers to ThinkingBrian,com.

1. Top Gear USA - "Top Gear USA: Donald Trump goes supercar shopping and ends up back in the boardroom, who didn't see "Your fined" coming???" I enjoy watching the new season of Top Gear USA, its entertaining and when something is entertaining to me, I like to discuss it and it is the hottest topic on TB.

2. American Chopper: Sr vs. Jr. - "Photo: American Chopper: The Build-Off - Paul Jr. Design's Plane inspired Chopper that won the Build-Off." For the most part, I enjoy watching about 22 minutes of American Chopper: Sr. vs. Jr. considering Paul Jr. Designs is on for half of the show or around 22 minutes. But most of the postings are photos.

3. Car Warriors on SPEED - "SPEED's Car Warriors: Shows major changes for season 2 is a hit at least in my eyes especially resulting in better cars." While last seasons episodes of Car Warriors on SPEED was for the most part a joke, this season has been meant with a good turn around. It features some of the same drama, but one judge, two challenging teams and they're building some cool creations.

4. Google's Android OS and an Android Smartphone - "Is the LG Thrive Android smartphone going to either get the gingerbread or ice cream sandwich update?" Every since I started looking at and using Google's Android OS towards the end of 2011, I have loved the mobile OS. So I started by changing carriers and buying a new android smartphone. But this long blurb is all about looking for at least gingerbread onto this smartphone, however I'm not going to hold my breathe.

5. NASCAR, NASCAR and oh yeah, NASCAR racing - "NASCAR Predictions: Five drivers to watch in the 2012 Daytona 500 including Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and dark horse Ricky Stenhouse Jr." Despite the fact that I heavily discuss NASCAR here on RaceDriven, I do tend to have some fun with it on TB as well with long blurbs for social media.

Well that's it for this edition of TB Rewind highlighting the top 5 most talked about subjects on ThinkingBrian.com. However if you liked what you read here, please feel free to check out and book ThinkingBrian.com Lifestream.

NASCAR: Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were the headlines from the Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:21:00 +0000

Last Sunday's Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the third race of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wasn't much to write home about. However while the race didn't give us those moments for a highlight reel, there were three headlines or drivers' in this case that stood out to me during the course of this race.

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Anyone surprised with that didn't watch the race. Dale Jr. lead basically from the drop of the green flag for a total of 70 laps on Sunday before a pit stop of four tires put him back in dirty air. For some reason or another, he just couldn't make his way up through the field to regain that top spot and ended up finishing in 10TH spot. Its another good run for Dale Jr.,

However it was the incident between Dale Jr. and Mark Martin during the race that have some screaming foul. Personally, its the exact same deal that happened to Dale Jr. back at Michigan when he and Mark Martin were teammates. Dale Jr. was running the high line and Mark Martin was trying to make the pass, but crowded him and one driver would end up in the wall. Dale Jr. was right to hold his line and in this case it was Martin who paid the price. Its unfortunate, but its something everyone is blowing up while these two just need to deal with themselves.

2. Jimmie Johnson: Despite the fact that the #48 Hendrick Motorsports team and Chad Knaus lost their first appeal yesterday in the fist round of the media circus, I don't think it's going to matter as Jimmie Johnson and the #48 team are showing why they are still the team to beat. Right now even with the 25 point penalty and finishing 42ND at Daytona, Johnson and his team have racked off a 4th place finish at Phoenix and a 2nd place finish last Sunday at Las Vegas. And now finds himself 23rd in points, -64 points behind leader Greg Biffle.

One writer asked, how many races before Jimmie Johnson is back in the top 10 in the point standings? My answer was before the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in last May. But I wouldn't be surprised if it was sooner.

Personally this is entertaining to watch.

3. Tony Stewart: As a Tony Stewart fan myself, normally at this time of the year, Smoke is still warming up for the summer time where he starts to win races, with the exception of 2011 where he wanted until the chase to gets his five wins on the season.

But not in 2012, Tony Stewart is picking up where he left off in 2011 after winning the Cup Title by winning at Las Vegas just 3 races into the season. This win was key for Smoke considering he finished 2ND in Las Vegas last year and has rebound this time around.

Its kind of fitting that he does it with his new crew chief Steve Addington. Of course his former crew chief Darin Grubb won last weekend at Phoenix with his new driver Denny Hamlin. I have to say its great to see both crew chiefs winning already in the season. This should be a cool rivalry (at least in the media's eyes) to watch play out for the rest of the 2012 NASCAR season.

Now that Las Vegas is behind us for yet another year, its off to Thunder Valley and the day race at Bristol Motor Speedway.Personally any race at Bristol Motor Speedway needs to be under the lights. I hate this race being in the daytime and so early in the year. It just doesn't pack the grandstands and add the same excitement that the August night race. But its still a short track race and it still should be good.

And Brian Vickers will be in the #55 Toyota at Bristol, does the words "oh brother" or "fireworks" come to mind? I'll leave it at that.

Introducing my newest project – ThinkingBrian.com v3.0: Blogstream

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:06:00 +0000

Over the past six month now, I have been working on my latest project, my blogstream that I have nicknamed “third times a charm for TB” and named ThinkingBrian.com: blogstream . The v3.0 refers to ThinkingBrian.com version 3.0.

The concept behind ThinkingBrian and the blogstream is a combination of several things including an extension of my social media presence (Facebook, twitter, Google+ and more), a timeline, a one stop feed for my readers and a hub for all my online information like the celebrity site WhoSay.com has. And of course a rebooted blogging experience.

ThinkingBrian.com: blogstream is where I share my insight using long blurbs (blurbs are messages or tweets if you will) and photography. The site is really optimized for social media. Think of it as a long tweet in some cases where the title is the tweet and the link goes to the rest of the message over 140 characters or a long note on Facebook.

But keep in mind, this isn’t a niche blog, so with the exception of 50% of my life and subjects I don’t feel strong about and of course the workplace, most subjects or hot topics will be discussed.

Anyway, one month ago, I did a soft launch of ThinkingBrian.com (on Feb. 14, 2012) to iron out some details and get the site re-established. So far after one month’s time and 45 posts later, I have seen a good stream of traffic from a few different sources as well as good search results.

I believe that since ThinkingBrian.com domain name has been around for two years, the blogstream is hosted on Blogger.com (owned by Google) and I have a good social media presences where I share all these posts, those factors has contributed to my early success of my blogstream. Right now I can’t wait to see what happens next.

So be sure to check out my newest project ThinkingBrian.com: Lifestream.

5 things to take away from the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix including Denny Hamlin, NASCAR, and Jimmie Johnson all rebound while “You Can’t Fix Stupid”.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:39:00 +0000

After last week’s Daytona 500, I said on ThinkingBrian.com (my lifestream) "goodbye Daytona, hello to the real start of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season at Phoenix" and I was dead on with that one. The Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway was one hell of a race to watch and fans saw the return of some good old fashion short track racing on the 1 mile unique track.

But in watching the Phoenix Cup race, I noticed a theme if you will, the word “rebound” seemed to come up pretty often as well as “EFI”. So here are 5 things to take away from the race.

1. “You can’t fix stupid!” What a great saying because it’s so true and unfortunately for Jeff Gordon who asked his spotter to ask the #42-Juan Montoya’s spotter if this is really how the #42 is going to race him and the spotter responded back with I’m standing right next to him and I’ll try, but “You can’t fix stupid”. (Not exact quote, except “You can’t fix stupid” part)

2. NASCAR rebounds. Last Sunday-Monday-Tuesday’s Daytona 500 was a complete nightmare for so many from a two-hours red flag for Montoya hitting the jet dryer, several wrecks, the #48 penalty and more, but the Subway 500 was a complete 180 degree turn around where fans saw the return of good old fashion short track racing and a good battle for the victory. Believe me when I say it, I was entertained and the grandstands were 80-90% full and that’s a good sign.

3. Denny Hamlin rebounds from a hard hitting 2011. I mean what can you say, after 2011, JGR made changes within the #11-Denny Hamlin including bring on a new crew chief in Darin Grubb. This combination so far is working well after a good speedweeks at Daytona and now a victory at Phoenix.

4. Jimmie Johnson rebounds. Jimmie Johnson came in with somewhere around negative 23 points in the Cup point standings because of a 42nd place finish at Daytona and that still pending 25 point penalty form the C-Post deal at Daytona. But on Sunday, Johnson rebounds to finish 4th after running well all day long. But I will stress to say that Johnson does have a long road back to the top 10 in points.

5. EFI. This new Electronic Fuel Injection or EFI for short is still a work in progress and while some teams have figured it out, others including the #14-Tony Stewart haven’t after Smoke found out that when he shut the engine off to save fuel, he couldn’t turn the engine back on. I believe it was the kill switch and it needed a reboot is what the explanation was. It’s a work in progress ladies and gentlemen.

Now all that is left to say is, NASCAR teams leave Phoenix in the rearview mirror and travel about 400 miles up to Las Vegas for next Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway…

Why Jimmie Johnson's #48 Cup car Daytona penalty may not be as cut and dry as NASCAR thinks.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 02:03:00 +0000

Every since not only February 17th, when NASCAR announced that they had found the C-Posts on the #48-Jimmie Johnson's Lowe's Chevrolet Impala SS illegal and made the team replace them. But earlier this week when NASCAR handed down there standard penalties for COT infractions (crew chief gets six race suspension, probation, 100k fine and docked 25 driver and 25 owner points), I have have been thinking about the illegal parts and whether or not the #48 Hendrick Motorsports team can win there appeal.

I mean let's think about it for a moment:
- NASCAR didn't eject Knaus right after they found the illegal parts. In previous infractions at Daytona, NASCAR has ejected the crew chief at least three different times, but nothing this time.
- NASCAR made there ruling on based on just a visual inspection, not a template inspection too.
- NASCAR didn't impound the racecar and make the team go to a backup. Of course the #48 hadn't even been presented for inspection yet. The racecar was just in the garage area.
- Rick Hendrick's comments that this is the same racecar that Jimmie Johnson raced several times last season including when he won the Spring Talladega Cup Series race and that the car had just been repainted.

In looking at everything, I think that once the appeals board hears the appeal, I believe that besides the media circus that will be happening outside of the building especially if Hendrick has to appeal all the way up the chair like RCR did with the #33 car after New Hampshire in 2010, I see either these penalties being cut in half or thrown out completely. Cut in half seems more likely, but you never know. Just a thought.

Related Articles:
- Why isn't anyone talking about Rick Hendrick defending the #48 car penalty and that this is the 2011 Talladega win car that is being penalized | ThinkingBrian.com

7 things to take away from Speedweeks 2012 including the Daytona 500: Danica Patrick, Hybrid racing, a blaze, a tweet picture, Biffle playing blocker and NASCAR vs. #48 team.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:48:00 +0000

One word to best describe the 2012 NASCAR Speedweeks at Daytona is “vicious”! Glad there is only four restrictor plate races a year period. With that said, I can summarize Speedweeks 2012 in by these 7 things:

1. Danica Patrick. What a rollercoaster two weeks Danica had from grabbing the pole for the Nationwide Series race to getting wrecked in her Duel race with a hard hit to the inside wall, getting wrecked by her teammate Cole Whitt during the Nationwide race and getting caught up in a lap 2 wreck in the Daytona 500. But she did gain some experience by getting back out in the Daytona 500 to complete laps, the pole and now hopefully a return trip to Phoenix will be a good one for her.

2. Hybrid racing is here to stay throughout the 2012 restrictor plate season. During the off season, NASCAR said that they were trying to get rid of the two-car tandem racing and from what I saw in all of the racing, NASCAR has actually created hydrid racing – it was a mix of pack racing for most of the race and two-car tandem racing. It’s a mixed bag for sure with most fans saying they enjoyed, but not me. Sorry I’m just not a restrictor plate racing fan period.

3. Two first time winners are crowned at Daytona. In Friday night’s Truck race, it was rookie John King who would pick up his first Truck Series victory and in Saturday’s Nationwide Series race, a last lap crash results in, James Buescher capturing his first Nationwide Series victory. Both victories were a good moment after two vicious races.

4. Brad Keselowski gives fans on track pix during red flag of Daytona 500. The main stream media is a huge buzz over this one tweeted picture that Brad Keseloski took with his iPhone in his racecar during a red flag period in the Daytona 500. What some may not understand is, Brad took the picture and tweeted it during a red flag period, not under caution or green flag racing. And as I heard yesterday, thankfully NASCAR wouldn’t penalize Brad for taking the tweet and for now will allow drivers to have their cell phones in their racecars. I wonder how long that will last? But what a great picture, thanks Brad. (Photo Credit: Brad Keseloski's Twitter Account.

5. Racecar meets Jet-dry: Under caution, Juan Montoya’s racecar breaks something in the rear end and sends Montoya out of control and into a jet drying which resulted in a major blaze. But thankfully both Montoya and the jet dryer driver from Michigan walked away and was checked out and released from the care center.

However while some are quick to blame Montoya, I’m not going to. Montoya was following NASCAR rules under caution and was safety trying to caught up to the field when something broke on his car. Once that part broke, he was just a passenger along for the ride. But I would expect NASCAR to review its policy and see what they could do to prevent this freak accident from happening in the future.

6. The final two laps and Greg Biffle trying to win the Daytona 500. Since originally writing this article and publishing it, I have been thinking about it and I'll admit it, I though that Greg Biffle was blocking for his teammate Matt Kenseth to win the Daytona 500 by holding off Dale Earnhardt Jr. because Biffle wasn't making any moves in the final two laps, instead he just stayed his teammate. I'm not saying he wasn't trying to win the Daytona 500, but he didn't make any moves in the final laps to go for the win.

Since then, I have written article on my lifestream ThinkingBrian.com called "I'll admit, after the 2012 Daytona 500, I thought Greg Biffle was blocking for his teammate Matt Kenseth to win the 500...", so I conclude Biffle just couldn’t get their to win, but it would have been better if he had did something of a move a few times to try. And now I say goodbye to the Daytona 500, hello Phoenix and good racing.

7. NASCAR vs. the #48 Cup car of Jimmie Johnson. Yes once again, here were are and for life of me, fans are not getting the full story here as NASCAR is being NASCAR over penalizing the #48 Cup car over C-Posts that might have been raced several times last season with another six race suspension for Knaus, a car chief suspended, 100k fine, and 25 driver and 25 owner points being docked – As a result, Hendrick pays to appeal. I just hope that we don’t see another RCR vs. NASCAR in the appeals, what a nightmare that was.

With all that said, I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again…I’m just glad there are only four restrictor plate races a year period.

Please note on 3/1/2012, I have updated my thoughts on #6 including changing the title and adding a link to some insight on why I think this way.

2012 NASCAR: Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth win Gatorade Duel races at Daytona while Kenny Wallace, Michael Waltrip and more DNQ for the Daytona 500.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:33:00 +0000

(Photo Credit: Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)

With single-car qualifying last Sunday and the Duels at Daytona in the record books, we now know the 43 starters for the 2012 Daytona 500 and we also know who is out of the Daytona 500 as well.

In the Duel #1, it was Tony Stewart beating Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win the first Duel race, while three separate wrecks would claim several drivers including sending Juan Montoya, Danica Patrick and more to a backup call. And Michael Waltrip will miss the 500 after wrecking off turn 2 going from the apron to the main racing grove. Damn what a hard hit Danica Patrick took on the back straightaway, when she got send flying into the inside wall. She did get out and wall away. I guess her open wheel experience helped her as she took her hands off the steering wheel just before the crash.

But in Duel #2, it was Matt Kenseth in a late race charge to win the second duel in what was a boring race until two laps to go. Interesting seeing the teammates of Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth slice and dice for the lead, but I know that once Kenseth was left out to dry by Biffle early on, Kenseth wouldn’t run with him late in the race. Plus Kenseth really wanted that win and a tip of the hat to Jimmie Johnson, who pushing Kenseth up to the front to contend for the victory.

DNQ: 09-Kenny Wallace 40-Michael Waltrip 97-Bill Elliott 37-Mike Wallace 23-Robert Richardson and 49-JJ. Yeley

Final thoughts: Very interesting set of 150 mile qualifying races at Daytona with the first race being action packed, while the second race being well boring until the final two laps. But at the end of the day, this was a happy day for some, while others it was the end of chasing Daytona 2012 including fan favorites Kenny Wallace and Michael Waltrip. Both drivers will have to watch from the side lines at the racetrack. Now its time for Sunday’s Daytona 500, let’s go racing.

2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Preview: Off season movers and shakers and top 10 contenders.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:34:00 +0000

After a very busy off season and with the official kick off to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, The Daytona 500 is just days away. NASCAR fans and media are still trying to get use to all of the names and faces that moved around during the off season as well as who are the top 10 contenders to watch in 2012.

The biggest movers and shakers was lead by Kurt Busch. Busch found himself out of a ride after being released by Penske Racing. But in 2012, he will go back to basics and move to a single car team, the #51 James Finch Chevrolet that has Hendrick Motorsports support.

The vacant #22 Shell-Pennzoil Penske Racing Dodge was rumored to be going to several drivers, however it would be A.J. Allmendinger who went from RPM and the #43 to Penske Racing and the #22 Dodge. 2012 does mark as sort of a make it or break it season for the dinger. But personally I think he will rise to the challenge and win his first Cup Series race later this season.

That left the #43 RPM Ford open and it would be a Nationwide regular to be called up to the elite series, Aric Almirola.

Michael Waltrip Racing make headlines not only during the end of the 2011 season, but during the off season as well as they would release David Reutimann, change the #00 to the #15 and add the former RCR driver, Clint Bowyer and 5-hour energy to the seat in a multi-year deal. MWR would also give Mark Martin what he wanted in a part-time 25-race schedule driving the #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine along with Michael Waltrip himself and a few other drivers filling in the remaining races.

But the biggest mover had to be the long awaited driver Kasey Kahne finally joining Hendrick Motorsports to pilot the flagship #5 Chevrolet. Kahne brings his long time crew chief with him.

And of course it isn’t just drivers that are on the move as two big named crew chiefs found new roles as well. Darian Grubb moves for SHR to be Denny Hamlin’s crew chief and Steve Addington takes on a new driver, Tony Stewart at SHR. This should be two very interesting pairings. Addington has his work cut out for him with Stewart, but they have already been jelling after a 2nd place finish in the Shootout.

The Top 10 contenders to watch in the 2012; (In no particular order)

1. Jimmie Johnson: The five-time Cup Champion is looking to rebound in 2012. Of course Johnson finished 6th in the final 2011 point standings. Predictions: 3 wins, making the chase and a top 3 finish in the final point standings
2. Tony Stewart: Stewart is looking to follow up from his 2011 Cup title and 5 wins and with another good season. But he will have to do it with his new crew chief Steve Addington. Prediction: Making the chase, 2 wins in the chase and a top 10 finish in the final point standings.
3. Kevin Harvick: Over the last few seasons, Harvick has been a huge threat for the Cup title as he has finished 3rd in the final standings in last two seasons now. But in 2012, he has a new crew chief and a good team behind him. Prediction: Making the chase, a few wins and another top 5 finish in the final point standings.
4. Kasey Kahne: Despite the fact that Kahne hasn’t made the chase in a while, he is now driving for Hendrick Motorsports driving the #5 Chevrolet and comes with his long time crew chief. But after winning a race for the now bought up Red Bull Racing team, he is poised to win races and make the chase in 2012.
5. Denny Hamlin: Coming off of a bad 2011 season not only for Hamlin, but all 3 JGR cars, 2012 comes with new engines, a new championship winning crew chief in Darian Grubb and no curse. I see Hamlin winning 2 races and making the chase in 2012.
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Junior comes off an impressive 2011 season after making chase and contending for wins several times. And in 2012, I believe Junior will continue with his success by again making the chase and winning at least 2 races this season.
7. Brad Keselowski: 2011 was a very impressive season for bad Brad after winning 3 races, making the chase and finishing 5th in the final points standings and in 2012, I see him building on that by winning races, making the chase and contending for the Cup title.
8. Jeff Gordon: It’s the drive for 5, what else can you say.
9. Matt Kenseth: The quite one that is the best chance Roush-Fenway Racing has to win the championship this season and the most consistent. I never really know what to think of Kenseth, he isn’t on the radar, but by the end of the season, Kenseth will be a contender for the Cup title just like he was in 2011.
10. Kyle Busch: The most outspoken one. 2011 showed that Busch needs to change after even NASCAR decided they had enough with him and parked him at the fall Texas race because of a dangerous incident between him and Hornaday Jr. in the Friday night Truck race. As for 2012 and after winning last Saturday Night’s Budweiser Shootout, it would be a good year for Busch if could just stay out of trouble.

Next, the 2012 Daytona 500 on February 26th, 2012.

Parking Wars invaded Providence, RI

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:32:00 +0000

“My Take": Watching Parking Wars on A&E, interesting now they're in Providence, RI. Its all about no parking in a bus stop zone on this episode...how about painting NO PARKING inside a squiggly line instead of making it look like a parking space??? Well at least they have a sign their.

The VW dog and Best Buy commercials are my winners for best 2012 Superbowl game day commercials.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:25:00 +0000

Earlier this week, I posted two Superbowl game day commercials. The first one was "The Dog Strikes Back: VW Commercial", which was a preview to the big game and the other one was the 2011 Superbowl commercial winner, "The Force: VW Commercial".

Well after watching all of the game day commercials, I liked two of them the best:

1. "The Dog Strikes Back: VW Commercial"

This commercial is funny to watch, but its also could be inspiring for some people to get up off the couch (including me) and exercise and diet, get fit and run for our dreams. Yeah I know, a little much, but its still funny and it works for me.

2. "Phone Innovators: Official 2012 Best Buy Game Day Commercial"

I liked the Best Buy commercial from the poking fun at Airlines vs. Alex Baldwin over Words with Friends, I invented instagram and more. Of course that is a little surprising to me considering my feelings on Best Buy aren't all that good and I'm putting it loosely. I've just had a few bad experiences with them, of course that was with the Geek Squad and warranty service. But in this case, Best Buy actually came up with a good commercial and since I still do shop their when needed, I posted the game day ad here.

Now, what's next!?

Will any of the 2012 Superbowl game day commercials beat last years best "The Force" Volkswagen Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:04:00 +0000

Earlier today I thought I would have a little bit of fun ahead of game day this coming Sunday, I published the latest Volkswagen Commercial, "The Dog Strikes Back in latest 2012 Volkswagen Game Day Commercial...but what's with the bar scene?". However I wonder after last years Volkswagen hit commercial called "The Force" (posted below) that was really cute and the best one, can anyone beat that commercial during the 2012 game day?

The Force: Volkswagen Commercial

By the way advertisers, not all commercials have to be terrible, take a hit, the above VW "The force" commercial is funny to watch and might sell cars.

The Dog Strikes Back in latest 2012 Volkswagen Game Day Commercial...but what's with he bar scene?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:51:00 +0000

A pretty funny Volkswagen commercial with the dog getting fit, but the extension with the bar scene has a lot to be desired. Frankly, VW should have just stayed with the normal version of the dog getting fit to chase the more slimmer VW down the street.

By the way, Go New England Patriots.

Note: Besure to check out my latest project ThinkingBrian.com v3.0: My Lifestream for more of my insight.

#60 Michael Shank Racing Ford with A.J. Allmendinger, Ozz Negri, John Pew and Justin Wilson wins the 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:27:00 +0000

(Photo Credit: Daytona International Speedway Facebook Page)

What battle for the lead it was during the final 2.5 hours between the #60 Michael Shack Racing Ford driven at the time by A.J. Allmendinger and the #8 Starworks Motorsport Ford driven at the time by Allen McNish that was then turned over to Ryan Dalziel for the final two hours for the race. These two beat and bang on each other, swapping the lead between the two of them several times. But in the end, it was the #60 Michael Shack Racing driven by A.J. Allmendinger with co-drivers Ozz Negri, John Pew and Justin Wilson that captured the overall victory in the 50th (2012) Rolex 24 at Daytona. Hell of a job to Michael Shack Racing and the drivers. And also, great job to second place #8 Starworks Motorsport Ford with co-drivers Dalziel / Luhr / McNish / Popow / Potolicchio.

In GT, it was Andy Lally, John Potter, Richard Lietz and Rene Rast in the No. 44 Magnus Racing Porsche over the #67 TRG.

What an interesting race, but just one question, a family member asked me why do they run the Rolex 24 at Daytona with really nobody in the grandstands? Personally I really didn't have an answer for him other than made for television. These 24 hour races don't normally have people in the grandstands, but instead fans attend these races using their campers/RV's. Of course the Rolex 24 at Daytona doesn't draw as many fans as the 12 hours of sebring and especially the 24 hours of LeMans.

NASCAR changes policy and now will publicly disclose fines in 2012 - Fans and media cheer.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Earlier today, NASCAR issued a statement on how fines will be disclosed to the public beginning this season:

NASCAR will no longer issue fines that are undisclosed. We looked at this issue from every angle and gathered feedback from the industry. While there are always sensitivities related to sponsor relationships and other leagues may continue issuing disclosed and undisclosed fines, NASCAR has decided that all fines moving forward will be made public after the competitor or organization that has been penalized has been informed. (Read Statement at NASCAR.com)

As a NASCAR fan, I have seen this sport change over the years from its stars to its policies and while the "Boy's Have at it" policy hasn't changed that let's drivers wreck each other at will if they see fit, at least NASCAR is making the effect to make changes as needed in the sport and today's statement that NASCAR will now publicly disclose fines in 2012 is a good step forward.

Basically as one NASCAR fan commented on this article on NASCAR.com, "There is no secrets in the garage anyhow. It always gets out." And to that I give you the examples of Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski, they are received secret fines.

Ford unveils the new 2013 NASCAR Ford Fusion during the NASCAR Media Tour.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:37:00 +0000

Earlier today during the NASCAR Media Tour, Ford unveils there new 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racecar that will debut at the 2013 Daytona 500. The new racecar does in fact look more similar to the street version than the 2012 NASCAR racecar. However the new racecar add more including four doors (decals), but not bad, they are getting better.

(Photo Credit: Ford Racing via Jayski.com)

(Photo Credit: Autoguide.com)

A 1948 Tucker Torpedo, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing and a 1969 Dodge Charger General Lee stool the show at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Its Saturday night and here I am still watching the 2012 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction live on SPEED which is in Scottsdale, AZ. In watching this collector car auction like I do every year for the last several years, there is always those few special vehicles that have caught my attention and on this Saturday night, there were three collector cars that were jaw droppers to say the least.

(Photo Credit: Barrett-Jackson Official Website)

1. One top seller, a 1948 Tucker Torpedo from the 5000 series collection that hammered away for $2,260,000. What a work of art.

(Photo Credit: Barrett-Jackson Official Website)

2. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (one of 146 in 1954) with 4,149 Original Miles, a rare car and it crossed the block and sold for $2 Million Dollars and in my opinion, it was well worth it. This car to me is considered priceless. It is the ride.

(Photo Credit: Barrett-Jackson Official Website)

3. A 1969 Dodge Charger (General Lee #1) sold for $110K. Considering the fact that I'm not only a huge fan of the television show "The Dukes of Hazzard" and one of the collector cars that I would love to own before I die is a 1969 Dodge Charger, it should be no surprise that this ride got my full attention.

After all that the 2012 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction brought for hammer prices and amazing rides, I just have one question, how will 2013 top this one?

A quick note on the 1965 Shelby GT350 Fastback that sold for $350,000 at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:49:00 +0000

(Photo Credit: Barrett-Jackson Official Website)

One of the collector cars that crossed the auction block earlier tonight at the Barrett-Jackson really caught my attention was a barn find or garage find in this case, a 1965 Shelby GT350 Fastback that sat in a garage for over three decades undriven.

In my opinion, this Shelby is a classic, its original and you just don't find a classic car like this anymore. But it also begs the question, what would you do with this 1965 Shelby GT350?

Well I thought about that and personally I thought that $200,000 would be well worth it, but I have to say that I was shocked to see that a bidder paid $350k for this ride.

As for what I would do with the ride, well an option would of course be to have a full restoration done to it, but actually I would take this Shelby and just have it repainted white with blue strips like it was when it was in the showrooms, how some maintenance done, register it and drive it to car shows and Sunday drives. Its better left as much original as possible. Of course I love resto-modes, but this ride would be one that I would touch in that way, it would be a waste.

$82K takes home this 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale. I love this custom ride.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

(Photo Credit: Barrett-Jackson.com Official Website)

So some of my readers may be asking, why would he write about this collector car, a 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe Custom that went across the block and sold for $82k on a Saturday afternoon? Well that's easy, as a car enthusiast, I have a list of collector cars including custom ride that I would love to own one day before I died and this particular collector car is on my wish list. Yes, someday I would love to own a 1940 Ford Coupe.

However there is one more part to this story. Back in January 2009 at the World of Wheels in Boston, Massachusetts, I stood in line for 6 hours to get Chip Foose's autography. I received a picture with Chip, an autographed discast that I bought just a few hours before and a signed sketch that he did in front of me of what looks to be a 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe. The signed sketch was incredible, but the experience of meeting Chip Foose was perfect. He ended up signing autographs for over 6.5 hours straight and I couldn't thank him enough for those autographs and his time.

And yes Chip Foose is a really nice guy in person.

A jaw dropping $325k buys this 1962 Chevrolet Corvette convertible at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:16:00 +0000

(Photo Credit: Barrett-Jackson Official Website)

My jaw just dropped with after that 1962 Chevy Corvette custom crossed the block and sold for $325k and its only Friday night. What a buy, you can't get no better than that pure custom. But I bet they will. And here I though nothing would get this crowds attention other than charity cars when it comes to high dollar bids.

A 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 with serial #00001 hammered away for $185k at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Vermette) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:08:00 +0000

(Photo Credit: Barrett-Jackson Official website)

Moments ago at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, this (pictured above) 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 with a serial #00001 and 3600 miles on it (list price for $121k), crossed the auction block and sold for $185k. Damn, this will be a collectors dream in years to come, hell its my dream now.

Now this is Corvette is a supercar that I would drive regularly and I would pick this Corvette over a Ferrari any day.