The Fast and the Fabulous

more fun with comparisons: nascar drivers vs hollywood actors

Valli — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:44:50 +0000

It was while I was watching Bridget Jones’ Diary for the 500th time that I realized that Mark Darcy, a character played by the Oscar nominated actor Colin Firth, looks a lot like NASCAR’s most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The eyes, the lips, the general skin tone and coloring are all very similar. See for yourself.

Dale Earnhardt Jr (left) and Colin Firth (right)

And then when I was watching the Oscars on Sunday night I thought that Jake Gyllenhaal, who is starring in the upcoming Prince of Persia film and whom I really, really hope will be at a race that I am at sometime this year, looks kinda similar to Red Bull Racing driver Brian Vickers.

Maybe it’s the beard and the eyebrows?

Brian Vickers (left) and Jake Gyllenhaal (right)

Oh! I would like to take this moment to say that I am loving Clint Bowyer’s hair these days. It seems, to me at least, to be reminiscent of Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s look circa 1991 on the TV show Saved by the Bell. Clint, please don’t cut your hair.

I’m not joking, I really like it.

(Left to right) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Clint Bowyer and Marcos Ambrose answer questions in the James H. Hunter Media Center Tuesday during a Goodyear Tire test at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. (Credit: MotorRacingNetwork.com)

Here’s my comparison of Kasey Kahne to Twilight hottie Robert Pattinson, again, because who wouldn’t want to look at these two guys?

Kasey Kahne (left) and Robert Pattinson (right)

**Gillette 500 – Don’t forget to join Team Denny / Kasey!**

i’m joining team z-line!

Valli — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:14:47 +0000

I promised you last week that I’d tell you the name of the company I’ll be joining in the coming weeks.

Well, that company is Z-Line Designs! I’ll be their Director of Advertising and Racing Services starting March 22nd. If you need home entertainment and/or home office furniture you should check out Z-Line Designs. They’re everywhere — in Target, Staples, Office Max, etc.

Z-Line Designs sponsors Kyle Busch in the No. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Justin Wilson in the No. 22 for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series.

It’s a pretty unique opportunity and I can’t wait to get started. And, as I said before The Fast and the Fabulous will still be here with tons of great stories. So stay tuned!

Justin Wilson (left) and Kyle Busch (right) make up Team Z-Line

Justin Wilson at the Barber Motorsports Park for the IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test (photo credit: IZOD IndyCar Series)

Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Z-Line Designs Toyota, celebrates on the track with the checkered flag and the fans after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Stater Bros. 300 at Auto Club Speedway. (Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

you won’t like carl when he’s angry

Valli — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:00:20 +0000

So I know everybody is putting a lot of thought into Carl Edwards actions this weekend at Atlanta. Was he justified in bumping Brad “I Have No Friends” Keselowski into flight or should he have found him after the race and gently slapped him across the face with a white glove?

I’m in two minds about it, but I know for sure that it was fun to watch. I’m glad Brad was OK after the wreck (and we should never take the strides they’ve made in keeping the drivers safe for granted), but we know that Carl didn’t intend for him to flip around like that.

Now let’s talk about the other disaster in this race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. gets the pole and then proceeds to lead not a single lap in the ENTIRE race. How is this possible? Holy crap, I love you Dale. I really, really, really do, but what the heck?

Big shout out and congrats to David Gilliland for putting on a great show on Sunday! He led laps and ran up front a whole heck of a lot. Good things are coming for that No. 38 Charter Air Transport / Taco Bell team! It’s so nice when you support a driver and they do good things to remind you why you pull for them in the first place. Seriously, I cannot WAIT till David wins a Sprint Cup race. It’s going to be AH-MAY-ZING.

**Gillette 500 – Don’t forget to join Team Denny / Kasey!**

Fellow Toyota drivers Kyle Busch and Brian Vickers talk in the garage during Friday’s practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(Credit: Tom Whitmore/Getty Images for NASCAR)

NASCAR Drive for Diversity drivers (from left) Jason Romero, Ryan Gifford, Darrell Wallace Jr., Michael Cherry pose with daughter of NASCAR legend Wendell Scott, Sybil Scott, after a press conference at Atlanta Motor Speedway. A decal featuring Wendell Scott’s image was revealed during the Saturday press conference. (Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Tony Stewart straps in with a smile during practice for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Bronze medalist members of the U.S. Olympic woman’s bobsled driver Erin Pac, poses along with team brakeman Elana Meyers, NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine, head of the Bodine bobsled project, gold-winning men’s bobsled team pilot Steve Holcomb and pushman Steve Mesler in the media center at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Kevin Harvick celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series E-Z-GO 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

I will say this about the Lowe’s team, I love their firesuits. Veddy nice.

Jimmie Johnson talks with crew chief Chad Knaus before the start of Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500. (Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

shortcuts: cardboard denny hamlin and me

Valli — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:45:03 +0000

– The following photo is quite possibly the greatest photo of Clint Bowyer ever taken to date. Love it!

Clint Bowyer gathers his concentration before heading out on track at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday for practice. (Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

– This photo (below) of me with a cardboard Denny Hamlin was taken in 2008 at Infineon Raceway. At the Toyota tent roving photographers will volunteer to take your picture with one of the standee versions of their drivers and then they give you a little Pit Pass card that tells you how to download your photo once you get home. I didn’t have anything else to do at that point in time so I thought it’d be funny to take a pic with flat Denny. The cool thing is that 2 years later the photo was still available for me to download from the Toyota racing website. You’d think after a year they’d delete it to save space or something.

This is me at Infineon Raceway in Toyota tent with a flat version of Denny Hamlin circa 2008

– On Thursday Kasey Kahne was in Johnson City, Tennessee to promote the upcoming race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. He spent time with the media at Fun Expedition shooting hoops, hitting up the batting cage and climbing a rock wall. All of which got me thinking about what it would be like to go on a date with Kasey at a place like Fun Expedition. ‘Cause really, who goes to a place like that if they’re not a kid, a teenager or a person on a date. Just imagine playing Skee Ball with Kasey. Super fun! I’ve got dibs on Kasey if Infineon Raceway decides to do that (hint, hint) to help promote their NASCAR weekend this year. I’m just sayin’.

Kasey Kahne talks with Leah Rubertino of NBC affiliate WCYB Thursday at Fun Expedition in Johnson City, Tenn. during a visit to promote the upcoming NASCAR weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway (Credit: Bristol Motor Speedway)

Kasey Kahne shoots hoops with Kenny Hawkins of WJHL and Steve Wilmoth of tricitiessports.com at Fun Expedition in Johnson City, Tenn. during a visit Thursday to promote the upcoming NASCAR weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway(Credit: Bristol Motor Speedway)

Kasey Kahne takes on the rock climbing wall at Fun Expedition in Johnson City, Tenn. during a visit Thursday to promote the upcoming NASCAR weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway(Credit: Bristol Motor Speedway)

‘things are going to change now, for the better’

Valli — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:57:53 +0000

So I have to tell you guys something. I got a new job. And not just any job. No, this one will have me at more races than ever! I’ll be managing a certain company’s team sponsorships in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and IndyCar.

It’s a big freaking deal. I’ll tell you the name of the company and all that next week. I don’t want to say too much before I have complete permission to do so.

But I can tell you this much, The Fast and the Fabulous will continue and it’s going to be better than ever because of this new adventure/opportunity. I’m so excited & anxious to get started. It’s going to be so much fun, not just for me but for you too!

(FYI – In case you were wondering, the subject title/headline is from the Anberlin song “Dismantle. Repair.”, they’re one of my favorite bands)

las vegas: okay jimmie, we get it!

Valli — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:26:19 +0000

43 different drivers started the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby American in Las Vegas, but for some reason the same guy that won the race the weekend before won again.

How is this possible? What are the 42 other drivers, and their teams, doing?? I mean, really? This cannot keep happening. It’s not like it’s 5 dudes out there running around. There are FORTY-THREE cars!! Nobody should be winning anything in a row!

Grrr… Step it up please! Frankly, I was very sad that Jeff Gordon couldn’t get the win over Jimmie Johnson. Not because I wanted Jimmie to lose, so much as I just wanted Jeff to win.

Anyway, I have to talk about Amy of Amy’s Bad Groove. She got the chance to interview Tony Stewart, her favorite driver, in person over the Las Vegas race weekend. I am sooooo excited that she got the opportunity, and I cannot WAIT to read her interview with Tony. I have to put you guys on notice that she’s working on it so you should subscribe to her RSS feed so you can get it as soon as she posts it. I’m sure it’ll be awesome. This would be equivalent to me getting the chance to interview Dale Earnhardt Jr. one-on-one, so the fact that she didn’t pass out or forget all of her questions (which could totally happen if I was confronted with Dale Jr.) is awesome. Congrats Amy!

Fans watch Friday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series practice action from above in Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Neon Garage. (Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Mark Martin, driver of the No. 5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, started eighth and finished fourth at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Feb. 28. (Courtesy Hendrick Motorsports)

Television personality Kim Kardashian (R) greets Jimmie Johnson (L), driver of the #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet on stage prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 28, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson signs autographs for fans during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images)

Jeff and Mark Martin should grow beards too, it’ll even everything out.

Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson talk during driver introductions on Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Brian Vickers prepares to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Friday.(Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

little anne edwards has arrived

Valli — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:25:08 +0000

Carl and Kate Edwards daughter was born yesterday. Yay! Congratulations to the Edwards’!

Anne Edwards was born February 24, 2010 in Columbia, Mo., at 12:44 p.m. (CT) weighing in at 8 lbs., 4 oz. Parents Carl and Kate Edwards, and baby Anne are all doing well.

For anyone wanting to send flowers or gifts, Carl and Kate have requested that instead donations be made to the following charity:

Back 2 Back Ministries
c/o Anne Edwards
P.O. Box 70
Mason, Ohio 45040

Donations will be used for an orphanage in Monterrey, Mexico.

shortcuts: my final thoughts on 24/7 jimmie johnson

Valli — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:21:48 +0000

So, I’ve decided that I want Liev Schreiber, the awesome writer/director/actor that did the voiceover for the 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona series, to narrate my life. It’d be awesome, just imagine this: “Valli stopped by Starbucks for her usual — a Grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte — on her way to work, as she does everyday. The cordial staff has her drink ready by the time it’s her turn at the counter.” It’d be riveting stuff.

Did you see the second episode where Chad Knaus cooks dinner for himself? I think he was making pasta or something. Anyway, my eyes nearly bugged out of my head when I saw that he has a faucet over his STOVE! I need that kitchen. That was so cool.

I’m sad the series has come to an end. I wish they were with Jimmie, Chad and the rest of the 48 team for the rest of the season. It’d be fun. They could of videotaped Chandra giving birth! Missed opportunities, people.

In other news…

– I’ve decided that David Reutimann looks like Dax Shepard’s long lost brother. Dax is an actor that got his “big break” by playing pranks on people in the first season of Ashton Kutcher’s series Punk’d. Now he does movies. What do you think??

David Reutimann (left) and Dax Shepard (right)

– A Gillette 500 update! Team Denny Hamlin / Kasey Kahne are in second place. This is not good people, we need to be number one!!! So sign up and log your shaves. And if you’ve already signed up, continue to log your shaves! You gotta do it every day. By doing it EVERY DAY you increase your chances of winning a hometown visit by one of the guys! Shave your underarms, legs, whatever! Goooo Team Densey!!!

Also, since you’re here, check out Kasey and Denny in the “Book Club Crashers” commercial. It made me snort-laugh, which is saying something.

the auto club 500 was a race, yep, a race

Valli — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:59:08 +0000

The Auto Club 500 was, uhm, a race that happened last weekend. I don’t have too much to say about it because to be perfectly honest with you I’ve had a bunch of other stuff on my mind; stuff that I hope to get to tell you about very soon.

And really, not that much happened in the race, I mean, aside from Carl Edwards still calling his soon to be born baby daughter “it” (which I’m sure is just a symptom of being a first time parent and the reality hasn’t set in yet), Ella Gordon continuing to be one of the most adorable kids on the planet, and Kevin Harvick giving the greatest post-race quote in NASCAR history — everything else was just “eh.”

I won’t be at Las Vegas this weekend, which sucks, but I know there’ll be more races in my future. More to come about that later.

So without further adieu I give you photo fun time from Auto Club Speedway:

During Friday’s qualifying Kasey Kahne, driver of the No. 9 Budweiser Ford, listens to crew chief Kenny Francis at Auto Club Speedway. Kahne will start Sunday’s Auto Club 500 in fourth position. (Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)

Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Z-Line Designs Toyota, celebrates in Victory Lane after getting his first win of the season at the NASCAR Nationwide Series Stater Bros. 300 on Saturday in Fontana, Calif. (Credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images for NASCAR)

FYI, I really love Katharine’s new CD “Unbroken.” It’s good stuff, I recommend it!

Former “American Idol” runner-up and actress Katharine McPhee sings the national anthem Sunday before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. (Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Actor and race Grand Marshall Andy Garcia talks with Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford, in the garage area before Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway. (Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Former star of MTV’s “The Hills” Lauren Conrad looks on from Kasey Kahne’s pit during Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway. (Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Shell Pennzoil Chevrolet, and wife DeLana look on from pit road before the start of Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway. (Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)

jamie mcmurray cooked crab

Valli — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:05:11 +0000

Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray stopped by San Francisco this week for a victory tour through the city, hosted by Infineon Raceway. He took a ride in a cable car and everything, and I could of been in said cable car with Jamie but I couldn’t make it. So yes, I’m as sad as you’d expect about missing out! They had ice cream sundaes too! Grrr!!

Too bad because it looks like Jamie had an awesome time in the city by the bay.

Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray hangs off the side of a cable car during his victory tour of San Francisco on February 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray jokes with members of the California Highway Patrol before he boarded a cable car for his victory tour of San Francisco on February 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray, his wife Christy McMurray, and Infineon Raceway President and General Manager Steve Page take in the sights from inside a cable car during McMurray’s victory tour of San Francisco on February 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray gets lessons on how to cook and crack a crab from Anthony Geraldi, co-owner of Grotto No. 9 at Fisherman’s Wharf during his victory tour of San Francisco on February 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray is given a San Francisco Giants jersey by Russ Stanley, Managing Vice President, Ticket Services and Client Relations of the San Francisco Giants, during a press conference at Willie Mays Plaza in front of AT&T Park on February 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Best photo of the bunch! That little boy looks so happy. Supercute!

Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray signs an autograph for a young fan during his victory tour of San Francisco on February 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray stops for an ice cream sundae at Ghirardelli Square during his victory tour of San Francisco on February 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

A cable car that carried Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray through San Francisco on his victory tour is parked at Willie Mays Plaza in front of AT&T Park on February 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)