Whitney Poole racing her #00 Chevrolet Taylor Racing Products Pro-Truck at Orlando Speedworld this past Friday night. 
Photo by Karen Pistone

At times, I think local racing is a little more exciting than a NASCAR Cup or Nationwide race.... you know how it is, less rules for the drivers and they actually let 'em race!  Some of these local tracks that are right in our own backyards are the best breeding grounds from where some pretty awesome drivers emerge from.  They have to start somewhere, right? And nothing beats all the "young guns" (and then some) racing, bumping and grinding... doing whatever it takes trying to get that Victory! 

For the past couple of years, Whitney has been racing against some top teams - including Daytona's and NASCAR's France-Kennedy clan, Ben Kennedy (son of Lisa France Kennedy).  To date, Whitney has yet to win a Taylor Racing Products Pro-Truck Series race, where she is currently standing fifth in points.

Whitney Poole (#00) running ahead of #96, Ben Kennedy, at Orlando Speedworld Friday night, Nov. 6th 
Photo by Karen Pistone

"... Orlando Speedworld had a full race for the second straight Friday Night. 

Without question, the race of the night belonged to the Taylor Racing Products Pro-Trucks...

After a brief caution with just 3 laps remaining, the restart saw Scott Reeves (#55)

going from the top spot with Whitney Poole (#00) alongside.  Row two was Anthony Sergi (#20)

and Ben Kennedy (#96)... Reeves got the jump and quickly regained the lead while Sergi

and Poole went side-by-side for second and after a little rubbing in Turn 1, Sergi cleared

Poole, who then, following suit, took third with just two laps to go... as they raced side-by-side,

Reeves got sideways...Kennedy crossed the finished line, winning,

Reeves took second and Poole, third..."

I asked Whitney what the significance was to having the #00 on her truck and she replied  "When I was a little kid, my dad worked on the crew (tire changer) of the  #00 Hooters Pro Cup Team of Curtis Davis, so that had an influence. But when I was 8 years old, I thought it (the number) was cool because my last name was "Poole" and we would put P(00)LE on my go karts." 

As with everyone else trying to meet the demands of our sluggish economy, 2009 has been a tough year for Whitney.  Her main sponsor had to pull out for reasons that were beyond her control.  She had also applied for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity, which, unfortunately, she was later notified that all the spots for the 2010 had been filled – leaving her with no explanation.   NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program is a very tough program to get into. Whitney isn't giving up. She will keep on racing, and in the meantime, will gain more experience and will continue to apply for D4D - however, she is not relying on the program to pickup a ride.   

The next race you can see Whitney Poole race in will be during the biggest short track truck race for the 4th Annual Charity Truckers 200 weekend at Orlando Speedworld - December 5th. Grandstand admission is only $10, Pits $20.  For more information, please go to www.carsracermarketing.com or call 407-497-0448.

TOP PHOTO:  Whitney Poole takes time to sign autographs for her fans out at Orlando Speedworld.

BOTTOM PHOTO:  Whitney Poole has fans of all ages - as seen here with Gavin Koors, 6.

Photos by Karen Pistone

Courtesy Getty Images

Danica Update- Well, it is apparently going to come together for her after all. Sources this week have reported that a deal with JR Motorsports is in its final stages to support Ms. Patrick with a 2 year contract and appear in a limited number of Nationwide Series appearances in 2010. With Junior’s loss of Brad Keselowski to Penske Racing South, an immediate seat opened up. And, while everyone is taking the “5th” right now, the deal is probably pretty close to being inked.

Ryan McGee of ESPN - The Magazine reports that the announcement will probably come sometime after the last race at Homestead. That is probably a good move to let the eventual winner of the Chase (I was going to just say Jimmy Johnson and make a huge number of Hendrix fans happy, but I couldn’t “pull the trigger”) accomplish the complete celebration of the win complete with visits to Letterman, Leno, O’Brien, and Regis and Kelly. Then, get the press core salivating and chanting “Danica over here………Danica over here!”

There is the still the question of whether NASCAR will approve her to drive in the February ARCA race in Daytona. There is protocol involved in getting your “Yellow Bumper” tape and she hasn’t “officially” driven one of the cars as of yet. Rick Hendrick has met with Danica at some point and is integrally involved with support in the JR Motorsports operation. This will certainly not hurt her chances of getting an approval through the system.

The one major hurdle in fielding a competitive car is sponsorship. It has been stated by several sources that GoDaddy.com will follow her into the NASCAR arena as a primary sponsor. And, judging from the television ads I’ve seen, she is able to sell some “sizzle” with them! If she is successful, the sponsors will flock to her. And, no, Larry the Cable Guy, I am not talking about quarter panels advertising women’s feminine products!

So, let’s get it going! I, for one, will want to dial my scanner into Danica’s frequency to see how she treats her crew chief when the track is slick and the car just doesn’t want to turn. Will she know what adjustments to ask for? Will she argue when they want to take “2” and she thinks “4” is better? Will she have any “expletives” when no one will draft with her and hangs her out? Will she be able to find her pit stall (Junior can help with this one)? Seriously, I want to see how she will adapt to race conditions and professional NASCAR competitors.

There really is not much time before February and Speed Weeks. By the way, Danica, why don’t you get a call into Terri O’Connell. She will be there in February with her helmet in tow ready to race. And, she has already made a few laps where you’ll be sitting. I’ll bet she’ll be glad to give you a few hints.

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

The Chevy Ride and Drive
Friday, Nov. 6
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7
7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Fans will have a rare opportunity to actually get behind the wheel of the coveted new Camaro for a test drive at Texas Motor Speedway.  All participants will receive a Camaro t-shirt to commemorate the occasion.  The Chevy Ride and Drive is located in the bus lot behind Hospitality Village, off Allison Avenue between Highway 114 and Victory Circle, and is open to the public.

 

Justin Allgaier takes the No. 12 Dodge Challenger out of the Talladega
Superspeedway garage and onto the track during Monday's NASCAR Nationwide
Series new car test. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Colin Braun was in his No. 16 Ford Mustang. 

The test runs at Talladega were in place to gather information regarding the size of the tapered spacer that the car will need in order to achieve its desired speed at tracks such as Talladega and Daytona International Speedway – where the new cars will make their points-racing debut in July, 2010. The test is also designed to better identify the proper gear ratio that the new cars will need to generate the proper RPM.

"Ford has done a great job with this Mustang," Braun said. "I’m just having a fun time working with it. Right now, it’s driving really good."

Following their debut next summer at Daytona, the Dodge Challenger will compete in points races at Michigan International Speedway in August,  Richmond in September and Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October.

Full integration for the Dodge Challenger into the series is targeted for 2011.

(Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

The crew of the No. 1 Chevrolet Impala driven by James Buescher make adjustments in the garage during Monday's testing for the NASCAR Nationwide Series new car at Talladega Superspeedway. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Suspension springs are ready to be put in Monday during the NASCAR Nationwide Series new car test at Talladega Superspeedway.  (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Courtesy Associated Press

I was sitting in my daughter’s living room in Virginia watching the last 35 laps of the Talladega race and readying myself for the drive back to West Virginia.  My daughter came in the room and sat down. She commented that the drivers were just running around the track in a big group (She really doesn’t like NASCAR but, then asked a reasonable question). “When they are all bunched up like that, how do they pass?”  I took some time to explain drafting and how it made two cars faster than the “big group”…..I think I used the terminology “rocket ship.”  She then added, “Well, that’s boring….” and I told her that she needed to relax and wait.  The final 10-15 laps you will see some real action.  I knew, as most of you fans knew, that IT was coming.  So, she settled down on the sofa and began watching………and “WALA”, it came 10 laps from the end.

And, it wasn’t just the wreck involving Ryan Newman and the carnage from it.  It was the violence of the incident and seeing his car flying and landing upside down on the nose of Kevin Harvick’s car and then proceeding to flip over and over before landing upside down in the grass with the roof collapsed.   It took approximately 15 minutes to extricate him from the car as the red flag flew.  The good news is that he was not hurt seriously.  “What’ll happen now?” My daughter asked.  Ah, it is what they call the Green-White-Checkers and I gave a short explanation of this.  “So, basically it is over…………….” No, there will be some racing (insert wrecking here if you like) in those last three laps.

The fact, as we all know, was that there was going to be one more incident in those last 3 laps that most likely cost Mark Martin any chance of winning the Chase.  But, it was also was another frightening roll over by his #5 Chevrolet and the loss of some other very good race cars.  So, what is it? Speed- greed- win at any cost or…. is life more valuable than all the Chase trophies a racer could amass.  The anger seen in the drawn face of Mark Martin upon his exit from the infield care center was evident.  If in each hand he had a Walnut, he could have crushed them without much effort at all. 

I guess we could talk about the safety of the COT car and how these cars flipping upside down and then rolling over and over allow the drivers to walk away without a scratch.  We saw that again yesterday, but now there is some concern that when the roof collapses, the driver’s head can get stuck in place by the distortion of the roll bar.  I checked the stats and found Ryan Newman to be 5-11 in height.  What would have happened to Michael Waltrip who is 6-5?  We also know that the roof flaps aren’t working as they have in the past.  They just don’t work when the car is headed backwards at a high rate of speed.  NASCAR has some work to do immediately to find out what is required to keep the car on four wheels in an altercation like when Newman and Ambrose got together.  I believe that the aerodynamics may be such that this isn’t possible at speeds that exceed 190 mph.

Ryan Newman also believes that it is a lack of respect that is missing from the sport today. “Drivers used to be able to respect each other and race around each other-Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison; all those guys have always done that.  I guess they don’t think much of us anymore.”  Wow, for someone who had their entire body weight pressed on their head for approximately 15 minutes in a wrecked and upside down race car ….what an in depth perspective!  He went on to state, “I respect NASCAR, I just wish they respected me.”  Mr. Helton, do you hear this?

But, it isn’t just respect we’re talking about now.  It is driver safety.  It is only a matter of time before one of our drivers is injured and cannot walk away.  Racing engineers are always trying to build safer cars using crush panels, heavier side impact designs, impact foam, caging, etc.  But at the speeds we are seeing at Talladega, I’m not sure that engineering is all that will be needed.  The speed and close proximity racing by COT cars is a formula for disaster.  Elliott Sadler had a great idea.  Sequester the drivers together and start talking to them about what THEY think needs to be changed or modified. 

If we are to continue with these single file parades of cars for 500 miles at very high speeds, it would seem that the only answer would be to slow the cars down.  Dale Earnhardt, Jr. commented that smaller motors with less HP may be a way to go.   Unfortunately, this would cost teams a lot of money that is not in great supply with our current economics.  I have a different approach.  How about taking the backstretch at Talladega and putting in a larger version of the “bus stop” that will require the cars to slow to enter and negotiate through it.  Then, the cars will have to utilize the balance of the track to accelerate back up to racing speed.  With the restrictor plates in place, this maximum speed will be incrementally slower.  Who knows, maybe some driver strategy may come into play that will make the race a good one for the fans instead of the boring affair of this past Sunday.

The Chase may truly be over with the lead that Jimmy Johnson has on the rest of the field.  And readers know I could care less about it.  But, I am seriously concerned about this sport that I love and want to see immediate action to insure the safety of all drivers and a reduction in the “boredom” factor.  Speaking about Talladega, Ryan Newman said it best…………”It’s not even a good race for the fans – bottom line.” – preach on brother!  There are millions of us right there with you.

"More like an air show than a NASCAR race at Talladega"

"The good, the bad and the evil at 'Dega"

"NASCAR Halloween Parade arrives at Talladega" (courtesy of Rich)

"Driver's quotes bests 'Dega!"

"Jamie McMurray and Jimmie Johnson the only happy ones at 'Dega"

'Dega was the 'NAP'CAR of racing"  (courtesy of Brent... he's been waiting for months for me to use it!!  lol)

*******************************************************************************

First, congratulations to Jamie McMurray on winning 'Dega on Sunday.   

Secondly, I want to give you a summary of a press release I received right before I was going to let all my emotions flow regarding Talladega: 

NASCAR has been honored with TWO major awards for listening to YOU, the race fans.  Thanks to the "Fan Council" that was instituted in 2008 by NASCAR because of all the issues that have come about due to the changes issued by them (lol), they are now being awarded for listening to the fan's outcries and fixing those issues.  They have been awarded for inducting the two new rules that were introduced earlier: Double File Restarts and Earlier Start Times.  

Huh?  Doesn't this seem a little ironic, hypocritical and conceited?  

Or just plain WRONG? 

Yes, I know fans are making their voices heard, BUT I applaud the FANS for hanging in there and putting up with so much crap.... and yes, I know....NASCAR is listening.... who-hoo.  But now let's allow NASCAR to pat themselves on the back rather than have them kick themselves in their butts for what they are doing to our sport?  

Maybe there's a third award already in the works for making this Fall's race at Talladega one of the worst ever!  Who knows. 

NASCAR messes with the cars (COT), has the 'changing of the guard,' oh I mean, 'rules,'  no going below the yellow line, no speeding on entry or exit of pit road, all four wheels must be in the pit box, etc., etc. and has even messed up the Championship Points system.  

Not only are the fans getting bored, but so are the driver's.   A good portion of this weekend's race (at the beginning) featured the cars "following the leader." Harvick mentioned it was like being on "cruise control." Another driver requested "tell me something to keep me awake."    

Driver's were at the point that they were too scared to make any moves in fear of retaliation of penalties by NASCAR.  NASCAR decided to enforce the rule for bump-drafting within two hours before the start of the race.  Some teams had their cars set up to handle some pretty hefty bump-drafting.... so throw that one out the window.

But what were the real issues here at Talladega? It's trying to keep those COT cars on the ground. I yelled at the TV and threw my hands up over my mouth to try to stop any further "Oh, shit! No!!" from coming out as Ryan's No. 39 Chevrolet  -- with roof flaps up --- caught air and did a end-over-end backflip. Thankfully, part of his car landed on Harvick's hood.  Couldn't imagine what the outcome would have been if Harvick's car wasn't there to take on the impact instead of the track, since the roll bar was pushed  down on Ryan's helmet when he landed and came to rest on his roof.  I must, however, applaud the safety crews and the NASCAR officials for their diligence at getting Ryan's No. 39 Chevy in the upright position and to have the patience to get him out in the "straight" position without causing him more harm.

And then there was Mark Martin's flip in his No. 5 Chevrolet with one lap to go.  Luckily, it wasn't as bad as Ryan's.  But what's to blame for this? Who's to blame? Can't blame this one on the  aggressive driving of the drivers, because there wasn't any, really.  It was more from the accordion effect of the driver's trying to slow down going into the turns as not to "bump-draft" (as repeated by NASCAR to the Crew Chiefs and drivers throughout the whole day) and were trying to leave that "daylight" there for NASCAR to see.

What's to be done?  Maybe NASCAR should increase the size of the flaps as to allow more downforce for the car. Maybe it's the wing.  Maybe a whole totally different car is needed for Super Speedways.  Maybe something needs to be done to the track itself. Or nothing - let 'em race.

Photo credits:  Associated Press

Apparently this is something that NASCAR can't fix by themselves.  I agree with Elliott Sadler - NASCAR needs to get the driver's and the crews involved in trying to fix this issue.  Kinda ironic  that teams have engineers and crew chief's who can get .0070 thousandth's of an inch away from being off center with the cars before being illegal, yet, they can't seem to figure out a way to keep the car down on the ground.   

THE BEST QUOTE OF THE DAY

"It's just disappointing," Newman said. "I wish NASCAR would do something. It was a boring race for the fans. That's not something anybody wants to see. At least I hope not. If they do, go home—because you don't belong here."

THE CHASE FOR THE SPRINT CUP

Is there a Chase? Really? Honestly? Seems more like a "Follow-the-Leader to the Sprint Cup" if you ask me.  Does it seem like the closer we get towards the end of the season, the less competitive racing we have?  After all, the driver's are trying to protect their points in the Champions race, right?  Let's take a look at Jimmie Johnson, for example (chill out all you Jimmie Johnson fans...it's not bad) here he is, lying low, running last during the AMP Energy 500, just waiting for the "big one" to happen.  I'm not saying it's a bad idea.  Hell, Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman were playing with the same deck....  BUT IS THIS RACING?  It might be a good strategy, but it totally sucks for us race fans, and it shows - hence all the empty seats.  Race fans are not stupid, they NOW know what to expect from drivers from this point of the Championship race. Fans are actually SMART for not spending their money.  I think by the time NASCAR lands in Miami-Homestead for the final race, NASCAR should be lucky to see maybe the middle section of the frontstretch filled with fans.  Who's gonna pay to go see their driver run 500 miles and not race because of the Championship, or better yet, have the Championship already locked up?  

NASCAR needs to take a LONG, HARD look at this and shake it up some.  Where's that SPARK?

I thought for sure that heading to Talladega would shake up the point standings big time. Boy, was I wrong!!! With two wrecks eliminating a good chunk of the field, Jimmie ends up with a 6th place finish after running last all day, and emerges (still) as the points leader, 184 ahead of Mark Martin. Here's the point standings after the conclusion of the race:

1.  Jimmie Johnson

2.  Mark Martin

3.  Jeff Gordon

4.  Juan Montoya (+1)

5.  Tony Stewart (DNF -1)

6.  Kurt Busch

7.  Greg Biffle (+1)

8.  Ryan Newman (DNF -1)

9.  Kasey Kahne (+2)

10.Carl Edwards

11.Denny Hamlin (DNF -2)

12.Brian Vickers  

I hate to admit it, and there will be people saying, "I told you so," but maybe they are right.  Maybe this Chase IS over.

• NASCAR Nationwide Series    Gateway International Raceway    October 23, 2010

Source: Dover Motorsports PR

TRACK FACTS:

Remember last April when Carl Edwards' #99 Ford flew into the safety fence and had pieces of the car fly off and had injured about 8 people in the stands? 

Well, this weekend Carl hopes to meet Blake Bobbitt,18, the young lady who's jaw was broken when a piece of Carl's car hit her in April.  Blake and Carl have been in contact via text messages.

Blake, then 17, underwent reconstructive surgery where two plates had to be inserted in her jaw, which was wired shut for six weeks and had to have teeth replaced.

STATS OF CURRENT CHASE CONTENDERS FOR 'DEGA
Jimmie Johnson
Wins - 1
Top 5 - 4
Top 10 - 6

Mark Martin
Wins - 2
Top 5 - 10
Top 10 - 22

Jeff Gordon
Wins - 6
Top 5 -13
Top 10 - 16

Tony Stewart
Wins -1
Top 5 - 9 (6 - 2nd place finishes)
Top 10 - 12

Juan Montoya
Top 5 - 1
Top 10 - 1

Kurt Busch
Top 5 - 6
Top 10 - 12

Ryan Newman
Top 5 - 4
Top 10 - 7

Greg Biffle
Top 10 - 1

Denny Hamlin
Top 5 - 2
Top 10 - 2
DNF - 1

Carl Edwards
Top - 5
Top 10 - 3

Kasey Kahne
Top 5 - 1
Top 10 - 1

Brian Vickers
Win -1
Top 5 - 3
Top 10 - 5

HISTORY

5:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, Oct. 31

AJ Allmendinger, Rutledge Wood & Miss Sprint

CREW CHIEF CHANGES

• Joe Gibbs Racing replaced Kyle Busch's crew chief, Steve Addington, with Nationwide skipper Dave Rogers.

• Todd Berrier will take over crew chief duties on the No. 31 Caterpillar team (Jeff Burton) beginning this weekend.  Scott Miller, who has led the No. 31 team since 2005, will now move full time to the director of competition position he was named to in September.

• Doug Randolph assumes Berrier’s duties on the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s team with driver Casey Mears.

Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today a special kid’s meal package that will be offered during the AMP Energy 500 weekend.  The package consists of a Smucker’s Uncrustable peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cookie and juice box and includes an activity pad with crayons.  The meal is a deal at only $4.

For the second time in just barely over a week, a NASCAR driver is in trouble with the law where alcohol has been involved.  

NASCAR driver of the #44 car for RPM, A.J. Allmendinger, was arrested for drunk driving, Mooresville police say. Allmendinger was pulled over around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. According to the police, Allmendinger blew a .08, which is the legal limit in North Carolina. 

"I made an error in judgment last night for which I take full responsibility," Allmendinger said in a statement released by RPM.  RPM officials said Allmendinger will be in the car this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway

Allmendinger was released and has a court date set for Dec. 18.

Last week, NASCAR driver and team owner, Michael Waltrip was involved in an accident with a motorcycle while trying to do a U-Turn.  Police suspecting alcohol, conducted a field sobriety test, which Waltrip passed with a .06.  

    A.J. Allmendinger