Restrictor-Plate This: Front Page Posts

Chase For The NASCAR 2008 Sprint Cup – The Seedings

Diecast Dude — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:38:15 -0000

Seed/Driver Starting Chase Points

1.   Kyle Busch             5,080
2.   Carl Edwards          5,050 *
3.   Jimmie Johnson      5,040
4.   Dale Earnhardt Jr.   5,010
5.   Clint Bowyer           5,010
6.   Denny Hamlin         5,010
7.   Jeff Burton              5,010
8.   Tony Stewart          5,000
9.   Greg Biffle              5,000
10. Jeff Gordon             5,000
11. Kevin Harvick         5,000
12. Matt Kenseth          5,000

* Carl Edwards was docked 10 bonus points for failing post-race inspection after his win at Las Vegas.

To start the Chase, all 12 drivers have their point totals reset to 5,000.

After the reset, Chase drivers get 10 bonus points for each victory thus far this season.

Those new totals produce the Chase seedings.

For drivers starting the Chase with identical point totals, their seedings are determined by the traditional tiebreaker of best finishes beyond race victories.

[Open Thread] 2008 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway (Sunday September 7, 2008)

Diecast Dude — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:50:12 -0000

First, the starting lineup for the 2008 Chevrolet Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway:

	Pos	Car	Driver	Team	Time	Speed
Row 1:	1	18	Kyle Busch	M&M's Toyota
	2	99	Carl Edwards	Office Depot Ford
Row 2:	3	48	Jimmie Johnson	Lowe's Chevrolet
	4	88	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet
Row 3:	5	31	Jeff Burton	AT&T Mobility Chevrolet
	6	16	Greg Biffle	3M Ford
Row 4:	7	29	Kevin Harvick	Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet
	8	20	Tony Stewart	Home Depot Toyota
Row 5:	9	17	Matt Kenseth	DeWalt Ford
	10	24	Jeff Gordon	DuPont/Nicorette Chevrolet
Row 6:	11	11	Denny Hamlin	FedEx Express Toyota
	12	07	Clint Bowyer	Jack Daniel's Chevrolet
Row 7:	13	6	David Ragan	AAA Insurance Ford
	14	9	Kasey Kahne	Budweiser Dodge
Row 8:	15	83	Brian Vickers	Red Bull Toyota
	16	12	Ryan Newman	alltel Dodge
Row 9:	17	8	Mark Martin	U.S. ARMY Chevrolet
	18	1	Martin Truex Jr.	Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Chevrolet
Row 10:	19	26	Jamie McMurray	Crown Royal Ford
	20	2	Kurt Busch	Miller Lite Dodge
Row 11:	21	19	Elliott Sadler	Best Buy Dodge
	22	42	Juan Pablo Montoya	Juicy Fruit Slim Pack Dodge
Row 12:	23	43	Bobby Labonte	Cheerios / Betty Crocker Dodge
	24	28	Travis Kvapil	Hitachi Power Tools Ford
Row 13:	25	5	Casey Mears	Kellogg's / CARQUEST Chevrolet
	26	38	David Gilliland	CitiFinancial Ford
Row 14:	27	44	David Reutimann	UPS Toyota
	28	15	Paul Menard	Menards/Energizer Chevrolet
Row 15:	29	01	Regan Smith #	DEI/The Principal Financial Group Chevrolet
	30	41	Reed Sorenson	Target Dodge
Row 16:	31	84	AJ Allmendinger	Red Bull Toyota
	32	22	Dave Blaney	Caterpillar Toyota
Row 17:	33	66	Scott Riggs	State Water Heaters Chevrolet
	34	55	Michael Waltrip	NAPA Toyota
Row 18:	35	7	Robby Gordon	Jim Beam/Operation Homefront Dodge
	36	77	Sam Hornish Jr. #	Mobil 1 Dodge
Row 19:	37	21	Bill Elliott	Air Force Ford
	38	00	Michael McDowell	Champion Mortgage Toyota
Row 20:	39	10	Patrick Carpentier #	Valvoline Dodge
	40	96	Ken Schrader	DLP HDTV Toyota
Row 21:	41	45	Kyle Petty	Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge
	42	78	Joe Nemechek	Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet
Row 22:	43	70	Johnny Sauter	Hunt Brothers Pizza Chevrolet

Did Not Qualify: #34 Tony Raines; #09 Sterling Marlin; #02 Joey Logano

Given how everyone set up for a night race -- which this no longer is -- cars should be all over the place in terms of hitting the note. Most won't be. Then again, I'm a Jeff Gordon fan and therefore am quite used to this sort of thing (sigh).

See you in the Comments area.

Götterdämmerung Noch Einmal

Diecast Dude — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:07:45 -0000

The Captain and The Kid were supposed to last forever. Weren't they? Weren't they somehow enabled to stop the clock even as they stopped hearts battling each other in race after race, track after track? Wasn't that the way it was always going to be?

They were the perfect pair, the ultimate example of everything right about NASCAR. The hardscrabble North Carolina conqueror, taking no prisoners on the track while off it pouring his heart and sweat into the sport he loved, a larger than life titan who acted gruff but underneath was a teddy bear. The handsome California clean-cut, always the polite spokesman, a cosmopolitan gentleman whose modest demeanor belied a fierce competitive nature. They were two separate tribes embodied in one individual, the kind of men who led without calling themselves leaders. You naturally swore allegiance to one or the other. It was a classic clash between two worlds, one where race results and championships became almost a sidebar to the debate that raged in grandstands and in front of television sets across the country as to which one was the greatest.

Then the Captain left, and the Kid was alone.

Now the Kid is talking openly about stepping away. He isn't a kid anymore, he says. Time hasn't quite caught up to him, but it is beginning to tap on his shoulder. He has a child of his own now, one that means the world to him, one he wants to be with every step of the way as she grows up. He signed a one year extension with the only primary sponsor he's known in Cup earlier this year. Maybe 2009 will be it. Or perhaps a year or two after that. But no longer. Try to win one more title, and then go home.

Knowing what to say about this is difficult when the Kid has been your driver since... well, since you first saw that rainbow on the track and when you heard its driver talk thought here's someone you can support, then seven months later when your main man died in a plane crash thus forcing you to deal with that gray area of defining proper reaction to a celebrity's passing knew this is now your driver. You knew this day would come. Someday. But you'd done a pretty good job of being in denial it would really arrive. It did anyway. Now you face the need of accepting not only the moment but also how being inexorable doesn't make a given moment any less painful.

At least, save that which is thought of but never spoken of taking place, you get to see your driver walk away. You can always imagine he's out there. You can always console yourself with the thought that were he out there he'd show them all why he was the best. Ever. That's something. Sort of.

But the deepest regret, even after accepting what will happen one day soon when Jeff Gordon steps out of the #24 for the last time, is that you and everyone else won't be able to see the Captain greet the Kid with a wisecrack and a welcome to retirement.

That's a regret that will never fade.

Ever.

Weather Permitting

Diecast Dude — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:57:22 -0000

Provided Hanna doesn't wreak too much havoc tomorrow, the final race before the Chase will take place this Saturday evening in Richmond, Virginia.

Before the new car lurched onto the scene Richmond was guaranteed action plus, short enough for short track madness yet at three-quarters of a mike long enough to allow breathing room. Unfortunately, until such time as either teams figure out how to make the new car competitive under the rules or NASCAR lightens up on same this will be just another boring parade. As if we haven't had enough of those this year.

While who will manage to climb the lowest rungs of the top twelve and scrape their way into the Chase offers some interest, the brutal truth is it's difficult to care. The three drivers in genuine contention for the title are Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson. Everyone else is in the Happy To Be Here Club. A season where Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart are all present yet invisible is an instant turn-off for the majority of fans. Ah well.

Enjoy the weekend anyway, and if you're on the east coast stay safe.

On Target

Diecast Dude — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:36:59 -0000

The news that Dario Franchitti will be taking over for Dan Wheldon next year in IRL isn't a complete surprise. Wheldon has often made it known he's never been averse to looking around for something else; one strongly suspects his increasingly apparent status as second banana behind Scott Dixon has more than a little to do with this. Also, Franchitti is smart enough to know that Chip Ganassi's open wheel program is vastly superior to his NASCAR rolling trainwreck. That, and it's a full-time gig with a full-time sponsor, namely Target.

Speaking of the latter, some quotes from the press release announcing the move are telling. First is this from Ganassi:

"There is little in my racing career that I am more proud of than my team's partnership with Target. We will be entering our 20^th year with Target in 2009 and we could not be happier. In the market place Target has created a powerful brand that represents - VALUE, INNOVATION, DIFFERENTIATION & QUALITY. The image that Target has cultivated over the years played a huge part in how I wanted my race teams to be viewed. I have said many times that I am much less interested in having sponsors than I am in having PARTNERS. Partners look out for each other's best interests at all times. I can honestly say that Target is our PARTNER."

Next comes from Franchitti:

"Part of the reason that I signed with Ganassi last year was because of how many options that Chip has at his disposal for a driver. You can do almost any form of racing that you want. With unification and the new schedule having more road and street courses it made me think about this more and more. I have really enjoyed this last season in stockcars and have not completely closed that chapter of my professional career but the opportunity that arose was just something I could not pass up. I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of one of those Target cars and be a teammate to Scott Dixon. Target is a tremendous sponsor and they and Chip always give you everything you need to win."

And a few words from Gregg Steinhafel, a/k/a Target's CEO:

"We are excited about our relationship with Ganassi in both their IndyCar and along with Felix Sabates in their NASCAR operations, and we look forward to celebrating our 20^th year with the team in 2009. This program has had tremendous success over the years, and we look forward to even more success in the years to come."

Think maybe Target (ahem) enthusiastically suggested Franchitti for the ride?

Given how despite Dixon's accomplishments as a driver he makes Ben Stein seem like Bluto Blutarsky it makes more than a little sense for Target to want Franchitti and his gentlemanly air plus movie star looks on its roster. And there's that 'who he's married to' thing as well. Ashley something or other.

The question then arises why Target would want Franchitti in IRL and not the Sprint Cup ride it sponsors which is being vacated by Reed Sorenson at the end of the year. Quite simple, really. Target has always been far more about the open wheel fan base, i.e. middle to upper middle class suburbia, than NASCAR aficionados with its reputation for being more of a blue collar sport. The company will want someone with at least some ability to reach open wheel fans piloting the #41 in 2009, but overall its NASCAR sponsorship is something of an afterthought. Open wheel is where Bullseye's heart lies along with where it most wants to win. And it must be nice to be able to afford a multi-million dollar afterthought. But I digress.

So now that the IRL as a feeder series to NASCAR trend has been reversed, wonder what's next. Other than making plans to see a lot of these at the Franchitti/Judd household:

California King

Diecast Dude — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:35:27 -0000

I suppose it's possible to more completely dominate a race than Jimmie Johnson dominated tonight's Pepsi 500 at Auto Club (formerly California) Speedway. Possible. But not probable.

Johnson's superiority over the rest of the field was so great there were times it was difficult to not suspect he deliberately came out of the pits after a yellow had brought everyone in behind a few cars so he'd have something to do, namely blowing their doors off (or the NASCAR equivalent thereof, since the cars don't have doors). He brutalized the competition... no, wait, that's not correct. He had no competition. Tokyo put up a better fight against Godzilla than the other forty-two drivers offered in an attempt to keep Johnson out of Victory Lane. He was a cheetah blazing after its prey while everyone else was a snail tiptoeing through a salt mine. Johnson could have left the track, driven down to his hometown of El Cajon outside San Diego, paid a visit to the local In-N-Out Burger, stopped by one of the Habitat for Humanity homes he's funding the construction of through his charity foundation to hammer together several two-by-fours, and still made it back to Fontana in time to win. Without losing a second off his lead. Were it not for assorted cautions more often than not caused by the track's yellow lights being attached or assembled with school paste Johnson would have lapped the field. And the parking lot. And then the field again for good measure.

Meanwhile, Jeff Gordon's team once again made all wonder why www.firesteveletarte.com is still available for registration while Dale Earnhardt Jr. fared little better despite clinching a spot in the Chase. Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch continued their not so private little war, the former coming from twenty-sixth to finish sixth while the latter after being invisible most of the race staging one of his patented reckless yet wreckless rallies to snag seventh. Also worth noting is how Edwards' stablemates Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth showed when it comes to cookie cutters the house of Roush has it figured out.

This all duly noted, the night belonged to Johnson, sharing the spotlight with no one. If ever there were doubts we're in for a three-way titanic title fight, tonight permanently erased them all. A tip of the hat to the California king, and we'll see you this Saturday at Richmond for what promises to be drama on every lap as the final spots in the Chase are captured.

[Open Thread] 2008 Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California (August 31, 2008)

Diecast Dude — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:01:57 -0000

First, the starting lineup:

	Pos	Car	Driver	Team	Time	Speed
Row 1:	1	48	Jimmie Johnson	Lowe's/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevrolet	39.912	180.397
	2	84	AJ Allmendinger	Red Bull Toyota	40.076	179.659
Row 2:	3	24	Jeff Gordon	DuPont/Pepsi Chevrolet	40.097	179.565
	4	9	Kasey Kahne	Budweiser Dodge	40.188	179.158
Row 3:	5	10	Patrick Carpentier #	Sears Auto Center Dodge	40.255	178.860
	6	19	Elliott Sadler	McDonald's Dodge	40.338	178.492
Row 4:	7	1	Martin Truex Jr.	Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet	40.351	178.434
	8	22	Dave Blaney	Caterpillar Toyota	40.363	178.381
Row 5:	9	2	Kurt Busch	Miller Lite Dodge	40.412	178.165
	10	8	Aric Almirola	U.S. ARMY Chevrolet	40.419	178.134
Row 6:	11	18	Kyle Busch	M&M's Toyota	40.421	178.125
	12	44	David Reutimann	UPS/Toys For Tots Toyota	40.446	178.015
Row 7:	13	26	Jamie McMurray	Crown Royal Ford	40.448	178.006
	14	20	Tony Stewart	Subway/Home Depot Toyota	40.482	177.857
Row 8:	15	16	Greg Biffle	3M Ford	40.507	177.747
	16	5	Casey Mears	Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet	40.537	177.616
Row 9:	17	12	Ryan Newman	Kodak Dodge	40.566	177.489
	18	88	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet	40.574	177.454
Row 10:	19	83	Brian Vickers	Red Bull Toyota	40.588	177.392
	20	78	Joe Nemechek	Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet	40.635	177.187
Row 11:	21	11	Denny Hamlin	FedEx Ground Toyota	40.636	177.183
	22	6	David Ragan	AAA Insurance Ford	40.648	177.130
Row 12:	23	42	Juan Pablo Montoya	Texaco/Havoline Dodge	40.682	176.982
	24	43	Bobby Labonte	Cheerois Racing/Betty Crocker/Totinos Dodge	40.692	176.939
Row 13:	25	01	Regan Smith #	DEI/The Principal Financial Group Chevrolet	40.697	176.917
	26	99	Carl Edwards	Aflac Ford	40.726	176.791
Row 14:	27	31	Jeff Burton	AT&T Mobility Chevrolet	40.742	176.722
	28	96	Ken Schrader	DLP HDTV Toyota	40.817	176.397
Row 15:	29	15	Paul Menard	Menards/Johns Manville Chevrolet	40.818	176.393
	30	55	Michael Waltrip	NAPA Toyota	40.831	176.337
Row 16:	31	07	Clint Bowyer	Jack Daniel's Chevrolet	40.839	176.302
	32	77	Sam Hornish Jr. #	Penske Truck Rental Dodge	40.913	175.983
Row 17:	33	29	Kevin Harvick	Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet	40.937	175.880
	34	28	Travis Kvapil	Hitachi Power Tools Ford	40.964	175.764
Row 18:	35	00	Mike Skinner	Affliction Clothing Toyota	41.009	175.571
	36	7	Robby Gordon	Monster Energy Dodge	41.043	175.426
Row 19:	37	17	Matt Kenseth	R&L Carriers Ford	41.059	175.357
	38	45	Kyle Petty	Wells Fargo Dodge	41.059	175.357
Row 20:	39	66	Scott Riggs	State Water Heaters Chevrolet	41.081	175.264
	40	21	Marcos Ambrose	Little Debbie Ford	41.099	175.187
Row 21:	41	41	Reed Sorenson	Target Dodge	41.136	175.029
	42	38	David Gilliland	CitiFinancial Ford	Owner Points
Row 22:	43	08	Johnny Sauter	FUBAR All Natural Dodge	41.233	174.617

Did Not Qualify: # 70 Tony Raines

Well, it's not as miserable as it was for this race last year, but it's still plenty hot enough.

After last night's miserable Nationwide "race" here's hoping there's this stuff called passing tonight. Somewhere other than from twenty-fifth on back.

And before anyone says anything, yes the attendance is anything but spectacular. Blame the weather, blame the economy. Don't blame the fans out here. Give us a reason to come out, okay? The track has made huge strides in making it a better facility since even last February -- lots more "cool zones," tents with misters and fans -- but until the racing itself improves it's not going to make that much of a difference. Having this race in October and part of the Chase next year will help put fans in the seats.

As to this race... who knows what to expect. This past February was actually pretty good. Here's hoping for more.

See you in the Comments area.

We're Going Where This Weekend?

Diecast Dude — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:50:49 -0000

"So what's our assignment, KITT?"

"Well, Michael, we're going to Auto Club..."

"So we're going to hang out with your relatives?"

"That's not very funny, Michael. Especially after you gave me that Hot Wheels for Christmas last year claiming it was my nephew."

"Don't hassle the Hoff, KITT."

"Sorry, Micheal. The place we are going to is Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California."

"Fontana? That blue-collar place? Why there?"

"For the NASCAR race this weekend."

"Wait a minute. NASCAR? You? ME?!! I should go hang out at the beach."

"And do your best Chariots Of Fire impersonation?"

"Huh?"

"Never mind, Michael. We're going to Fontana to see the race."

"Oh, come on KITT. NASCAR? All those rednecks and..."

"Stop right there, Michael."

"That's what my ex said."

"Huh?"

"Never mind, KITT. So again I ask: NASCAR?"

"Now Michael. You should know how popular NASCAR is. And you should know better than most anyone on the planet not to believe assumptions made by others."

"Like the one how people didn't tune in to Baywatch every week because of Pamela Anderson's immense dramatic skills?"

"Not going to go there, Michael. Now back to this weekend. Even with the rain delay, this past February's race at Fontana was one of the better ones thus far this season. There's no reason to believe it can't happen again despite how so many people rip on the place for no legitimate reason other than it's in California and it's Labor Day weekend when people were used to having the race at Darlington."

"I'll take your word for it, KITT. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for at this thing?"

"Yes, Michael. There are only two races left until NASCAR starts its equivalent of the post-season. Several drivers are hoping this weekend will be when they lock themselves into where they can contend for the championship, while others are hoping to either stay in contention or get back into it."

"Names, KITT. Names."

"I'm getting there, Michael. Look for the Roush drivers such as Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle to do well this weekend; they're very strong at these kinds of tracks. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson usually are, although Gordon's team has been less than stellar this year far too often. And there's always the Gibbs drivers -- Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart."

"You win, KITT. We're going to the race."

"And Michael, there are two other reasons we're going."

"I knew it! Danger? Intrigue? Mystery? Suspense?"

"Only on the freeways getting out of L.A. as fast as possible to go hang out with real people."

"And what's the other thing?"

"My son is in the race this weekend!"

Travis Kvapil's #28 will be sporting a special paint scheme this weekend for the new "Knight Rider" series on NBC.

Whisking Through Wednesday

Diecast Dude — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:51:52 -0000

Gathering together the snigglets of news thus far this week...

... but before the NASCAR items, in the real world hope you don't mind me mentioning the first available part of something I've been working on since the beginning of 2006.

As noted earlier, Joe Gibbs Racing shocked the world Monday by announcing Joey Logano will be taking over the #20 Home Depot car next year. Is he ready for the ride? Maybe. Is an eighteen year old ready for the life of a Sprint Cup driver? A rich father and the best equipment money can buy is no guarantee this is the case. We'll all find out together if Logano is cut out for living the dream.
Randy Moss is giving Marc Davis a shot in his truck for a few races. Hope it goes well if for no other reason than shutting up the liberal bigots who bleat day and night about NASCAR being a haven for rednecks.
Reed Sorenson has jumped the not-so good ship Ganassi in favor of Gillett Evernham starting next year. Since Target isn't going with him, it's easy to surmise he's lined up some other sponsor or sponsors. There's no other reason to replace Patrick Carpentier with Sorenson. While he's shown occasional flashes of promise there's nothing in his career to suggest he can revive a #10 team that more often than not is a speedbump. Then again, maybe the problem with the #41 hasn't been the driver. Which leaves one possibility...
Speaking of teams with issues, the reports are Brad Keselowski turned down an offer to replace Ryan Newman in the #12 next year. Either Penske is even worse than we think or he knows starting in 2010 part-time with full-time following in 2011 the #5 is his.
You all care about the format change in the Bud Shootout, right? After all, who doesn't want to see the top six teams for all four manufacturers first thing each season... and if you can name all twenty-four off the top of your head, please start getting out more often.
NASCAR has put Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards on double-super probation for their assorted post-race escapades after Bristol. As this guy would say, what-ever...

Joey Logano to replace Tony Stewart in #20 Home Depot Toyota in 2009

Diecast Dude — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:30:16 -0000

Joey Logano to replace Tony Stewart in #20 Home Depot Toyota in 2009

In other news of equally surprising nature, Republicans and Democrats sometimes disagree about political issues.

Sunday Afternoon At Infineon With Danica

Diecast Dude — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:47:47 -0000

Sunday Afternoon At Infineon With Danica

And here I am at Infineon waiting for the IRL race.

Truth be known, I actually love Indy car racing with a passion. More than NASCAR? Sometimes. They were my first love racing-wise.

I'll check in from time to time.

Quick Note: "Slightly" different crowd for IRL than NASCAR. NASCAR parking lot? Lynyrd Skynyrd blasting out of trucks. IRL? Blues Traveler from an iPod with portable speakers. I kid you not.

Off To The Races

Diecast Dude — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:40:22 -0000

I'm out the door in a few minutes to visit my home track (Infineon) and catch some IRL action. But first, a few thoughts about last night's race of which I caught the end after leaving the Raiders-Cardinals game early since the Raiders never bothered to show up (sigh)...

May we assume that as part of his going to Richard Childress Racing next year Casey Mears' current spotter won't be coming with him?
I have a strong hunch Carl Edwards' souvenir trailer was extremely popular at Bristol last night after the race. A third from actual fans, a third from frontrunners, and a third from people who'd buy a Lucifer incarnate diecast if he'd just spun out Kyle Busch.
If Edwards and Busch get into a wreckathon, Jimmie Johnson will be the beneficiary. Do not let the past handful of races with woes brought on by situations out of his control fool you. This will be a three-way battle for the championship and Johnson will be part of the proceedings.
Hint for all parties concerned: the proper answer for being the recipient of physical (i.e. bump and run) driving is, "Yes, he got me. I would have done the same thing under the circumstances. Nothing to complain about, nothing to apologize for. Next race I'll do a better job so he can't get close enough to my bumper. By the way, my sponsor is way better than his."

On to Fontana.

[Open Thread] 2008 Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway (Saturday August 23, 2008)

Diecast Dude — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:03:19 -0000

First, the starting lineup for the 2008 Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway:

	Pos	Car	Driver	Team	Time	Speed
Row 1:	1	99	Carl Edwards	Office Depot Ford	15.746	121.860
	2	44	David Reutimann	UPS Toyota	15.835	121.175
Row 2:	3	24	Jeff Gordon	DuPont Chevrolet	15.842	121.121
	4	01	Regan Smith #	DEI/The Principal Financial Group Chevrolet	15.847	121.083
Row 3:	5	21	Bill Elliott	Motorcraft Ford	15.892	120.740
	6	29	Kevin Harvick	Pennzoil Platinum Chevrolet	15.904	120.649
Row 4:	7	96	Ken Schrader	DLP HDTV Toyota	15.906	120.634
	8	84	A.J. Allmendinger	Red Bull Toyota	15.912	120.588
Row 5:	9	18	Kyle Busch	M&M's Toyota	15.917	120.550
	10	19	Elliott Sadler	Stanley Dodge	15.920	120.528
Row 6:	11	12	Ryan Newman	alltel Dodge	15.922	120.512
	12	1	Martin Truex Jr.	Bass Pro Shops/Red Head 1856 Chevrolet	15.947	120.324
Row 7:	13	9	Kasey Kahne	Budweiser Dodge	15.948	120.316
	14	16	Greg Biffle	Dish Network Turbo HD Ford	15.957	120.248
Row 8:	15	38	David Gilliland	Ford Drive one Ford	15.963	120.203
	16	15	Paul Menard	Menards/Quaker State Chevrolet	15.963	120.203
Row 9:	17	5	Casey Mears	Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet	15.966	120.180
	18	31	Jeff Burton	AT&T Mobility Chevrolet	15.970	120.150
Row 10:	19	2	Kurt Busch	Miller Lite Dodge	15.974	120.120
	20	70	Tony Raines	Hunt Brothers Pizza Chevrolet	15.978	120.090
Row 11:	21	11	Denny Hamlin	FedEx Freight Toyota	15.979	120.083
	22	07	Clint Bowyer	Jack Daniel's Chevrolet	15.979	120.083
Row 12:	23	8	Aric Almirola	U.S. Army Chevrolet	15.979	120.083
	24	09	Sterling Marlin	Miccosukee Resorts Chevrolet	15.985	120.038
Row 13:	25	17	Matt Kenseth	DeWalt Ford	15.990	120.000
	26	83	Brian Vickers	Red Bull Toyota	15.994	119.970
Row 14:	27	6	David Ragan	AAA Insurance Ford	16.019	119.783
	28	20	Tony Stewart	Home Depot Toyota	16.021	119.768
Row 15:	29	45	Kyle Petty	Wells Fargo Dodge	16.041	119.618
	30	41	Reed Sorenson	Tums Quik Pak Dodge	16.043	119.604
Row 16:	31	7	Robby Gordon	Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. Dodge	16.045	119.589
	32	28	Travis Kvapil	Knight Rider Ford	16.060	119.477
Row 17:	33	00	Mike Skinner	Champion Mortgage Toyota	16.071	119.395
	34	48	Jimmie Johnson	Lowe's Chevrolet	16.084	119.299
Row 18:	35	77	Sam Hornish Jr. #	Mobil 1 Dodge	16.086	119.284
	36	22	Dave Blaney	Caterpillar Toyota	16.099	119.188
Row 19:	37	43	Bobby Labonte	Cheerios/Box Tops for Education Dodge	16.141	118.877
	38	66	Scott Riggs	State Water Heaters Chevrolet	16.164	118.708
Row 20:	39	42	Juan Pablo Montoya	Slim Pack Juicy Fruit Dodge	16.172	118.650
	40	88	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet	Owner Points
Row 21:	41	26	Jamie McMurray	Sharpie Ford	Owner Points
	42	55	Michael Waltrip	NAPA Auto Parts Toyota	Owner Points
Row 22:	43	78	Joe Nemechek	Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet	16.102	119.165

Did Not Qualify: # 34 Jeff Green; # 10 Patrick Carpentier #; # 08 Johnny Sauter

Ah, the legendary Bristol night race. I'm so excited over this momentous occasion I'm... going to a pre-season football game. Ah well.

This fact alone should provide ample testimony as to how the new car's competitive woes, namely the lack of competition provided, at short tracks has affected NASCAR circa 2008. It's not that I want thirty-five spinouts per lap. I would, however, like to see someone pass someone for something other than thirty-fifth.

With the Chase drawing nigh it's purt near if not plum time for more than a few drivers to, shall we say, get'cha head in the game. It's almost graduation time. Who will make the cut? Who has what it takes? Who will be a wildcat out there?

Token gratuitous 'High School Musical' mention in a cheap attempt to drive search engine traffic this way.

Anyway, have fun watching the race. Chat it up in the Comments area. And be nice to each other. No matter who you or anyone else roots for.

Casey Mears to drive #07 Jack Daniel's, Clint Bowyer to drive #33 Cheerios/Whatever Else General Mills Is Pushing This Week in 2009

Diecast Dude — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:41:30 -0000

Casey Mears to drive #07 Jack Daniel's, Clint Bowyer to drive #33 Cheerios/Whatever Else General Mills Is Pushing This Week in 2009

Austin Dillon thanks Casey for keeping the seat warm for him. Meanwhile, look for Lucky the leprechaun and the Trix rabbit to be sporting one of the free Clint Bowyer crewcut wigs now available in specially marked boxes!

Reed Sorenson to Gillett Evernham?

Diecast Dude — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:08:19 -0000

Reed Sorenson to Gillett Evernham?

Will the last person leaving Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates please turn out the lights?

Juan Pablo Montoya must be cursing his loyalty right about now.

The Weekend That Approaches

Diecast Dude — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:40:22 -0000

SCENE:
Outside the arena where gladiators battle.
Two former combatants approach.

HAMMONDICUS:
Yes, and do you recall
The many times we strode into this grand arena;
Heads held high with pride in our step
For we knew victory was ours for the taking.
Alas, now but memories remain of those epic contests
When one chariot could actually pass another.

WALTRIPICUS:
Yea, but nary a negative word on this weekend
Should pass from either of our lips
Until the new chariots have proven themselves
To be fair or foe for this place.

HAMMONDICUS:
Look, the friend to some yet foul fiend to others approaches.

SHRUBICUS:
Behold the scene of my upcoming triumph!
Already once in recent days have I conquered these steep banks.
Once, nay twice more shall I vanquish all
Who dare challenge my superiority.
For I, I alone reign supreme.
And have my portrait adorning sweet morsels.

FLIPPERICUS:
You are bold yet rash in your speech.
It is no mystery why your ears grow so large,
For they are needed to capture all the boasting
From which you does emanate.
Do not take haste in proclaiming yourself champion of the coming weekend,
For I too possess a chariot carried by mighty steeds,
Which unlike those from your stable
Need not be hidden from view by deeds most treacherous.

KNAUSICUS:
I am amused by you both.
The noble champion who guides the chariot I skillfully prepare
Has twice proven himself master of all.
Yet you strut and speak like peacocks
Displaying their plumage in hopes of attracting nubile young maidens
With naught to offer save your feathers and frivolous conversation.

SHRUBICUS:
Idle boasting? I think not.
Count the number of bows
Which I have made to the gathered throng this year
At coliseums across the land.

FLIPPERICUS:
I too have accomplishments of mighty nature this year.
Not to mention abs that fill even Hercules with great envy.

LETARTICUS:
Forget not my pilot of past championships both great and numerous.
Now, which way do I bridle the horses on this thing?

AMPMANICUS:
You all speak much yet say little of note,
For I alone rule the hearts of the people.

SMOKEICUS:
Forget me not in these proceedings,
As I have much to prove in the place of construction
Before departing to my own kingdom of paper and manly perfume.

RUSTICUS:
You know, when I...

ALL (in unison):
Oh, silence yourself!

WALTRIPICUS:
Boogity boogity boogity!
Let us go racing, boys!

The Big Red Texaco Star

Diecast Dude — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:20:31 -0000

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

Buried amidst the news of magnetic spacers and schedule realignment has been the note that Havoline won't be back as a sponsor on the #42 next year. Setting aside the almost mandatory "what -- a Big Oil company can't afford it?" snark, the thought of not seeing what was once referred to in ads long ago as the big red Texaco star provides cause for remembrance.

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

Another whisper down the electronic wires brings reflection: Gene Upshaw, dead at 63 from pancreatic cancer. How unamusingly ironic his age was the same as the number he wore for many years as alongside Art Shell he anchored the left side of the Oakland Raiders offensive line, the team I followed and obsessed over each Sunday alongside my father. Now I watch them in person or on television every Sunday yearning for a return to the glory years. Ah well. It appears they're getting better. And they're still my team.

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

A dear friend asked me the other day about the pangs of guilt she was feeling over her mother having recently come through a cancer scare while at the same time close friends of hers have parents facing the same scenario but with promised sadly different results. It's a genuine emotion. Why not me is as legitimate as why me. The answer is simple but not simplistic. There is no fault in rejoicing at a time when others grieve. Our turn for the latter will come soon enough.

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

I've mentioned my Dad before during the five years I've been writing a NASCAR blog, first over at AOL and then at different locations before hitching my modest star to SBN's wagon last year. From him I inherited my love of cars and racing; from him I learned to love books and learning. From him I received instruction in life and faith; from him I took a love of sports in general. I've also mentioned certain inviolable edicts in his house: you will go to Mass on Sunday, you will root for Notre Dame on Saturday and the Raiders on Sunday although in the latter's case the Colts were added to the list after he retired and moved back home to Indiana from California. There were other tenets he closely held, one being a Chrysler vehicle was always superior to anything Ford and GM could produce. And you were always better off with Texaco gasoline in that Chrysler vehicle. I asked him once why Texaco, knowing there was always a well thought-out reason behind his preferences; perhaps something in his experiences as an engineer behind his belief. He shrugged then smiled as he replied, "Don't know. Just always liked them better." Good enough.

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

Certainly there is no comparing the end of a sponsorship with the passing away of a man. There is however in both cases a reminder of loss, of what once was now no more. A cherished memory is what remains, not something to brood over in a gloomy fatalistic mode but rather cause for a smile and contemplation that this world is not all that there is to life. We are here but a moment. We ourselves are forever. A good thing to keep in mind and prepare for.

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

While sponsorship isn't eternal in NASCAR, the merchandise accompanying same can feel that way. There will probably always be toy cars and trinkets floating around to remind those who remember how you can trust your car to the man who wears the star. How fitting what will probably be the final visit to Victory Lane for that star came aboard a Dodge. My Dad would have liked that. He also would have liked Juan Pablo Montoya. Dad always had an appreciation for those who didn't back down.

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

I'll miss the Havoline sponsorship. But it will always remain in my heart as a reminder of life and love shared in the love of a father and son, watching the Raiders and racing together. How I look forward to the day when we will do so again.

The Hammer Falls On Joe Gibbs Racing

Diecast Dude — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:28:29 -0000

Courtesy NASCAR Media:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2008) - NASCAR announced today that the No. 18 and No. 20 teams in the NASCAR Nationwide Series have been penalized due to rule violations discovered by NASCAR inspectors prior to post-race testing on the chassis dynamometer Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway.

Both the No. 18 and No. 20 cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 8-9 (competitive analysis - from time to time, NASCAR may determine, in the interest of competition, that it is necessary or appropriate to undertake an analysis of the performance capabilities of a car, car part, component or equipment. The Competitor shall take whatever steps are requested by NASCAR Officials for this purpose. NASCAR also has the right to seal or impound cars, car parts, components and/or equipment for this purpose); 12-4-Q (1): (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules, detailed in Section 20A of the 2008 NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event, or is not required for the normal functional operation of the race car, or has been altered to detract from or compromise its integrity or effectiveness, whether operational or not); 12-4-K: (when NASCAR Officials mandate inspection during the Event, if any car, car parts, components, and/or equipment which have been used in the Event are taken from the racing premises without permission of a NASCAR Official, or are tampered with by any member of the team or anyone associated with the team: Magnetic spacer attached under the gas pedal with the intent of compromising the chassis dynamometer test).

Both of the drivers - Joey Logano of the No. 18 and Tony Stewart of the No. 20 - have been penalized with the loss of 150 championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2008. Joe Gibbs, owner of both of the cars, has likewise been penalized 150 championship owner points for each of those entries.

Both crew chiefs - Jason Ratcliff of the No. 18 and Dave Rogers of the No. 20 - have been fined $50,000 and indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.

From the No. 18 team, car chief Dorian Thorsen; engine tuner Michael Johnson; and crew member Toby Bigelow have been placed on indefinite suspension from NASCAR. From the No. 20 team, car chief Richard Bray and engine tuner Dan Bajek have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.

In addition, the entire No. 18 and No. 20 NASCAR Nationwide Series teams have been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2008.

The Schedule's Here! The Schedule's Here!

Diecast Dude — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:57:23 -0000

Courtesy NASCAR Media:

NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule Has Realignment Involving Atlanta, Auto Club, Talladega Tracks
NASCAR Nationwide Series Includes Date At Iowa Speedway
NASCAR Truck Series Realigns Date To Chicago For Night Race

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2008) - NASCAR announced today its national series schedules for the 2009 season, which features realigned dates for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Truck Series.

In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series there will be a three-way date swap between Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) and Talladega Superspeedway.

Atlanta's second 2009 race will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6, taking the Labor Day weekend slot now held by Auto Club Speedway.

Auto Club Speedway's second race will be Sunday, Oct. 11 - the fourth week of the "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup," a slot formerly held by Talladega.

Talladega's second event will move to Sunday, Nov. 1, making it the seventh Chase event - the slot formerly held by Atlanta.

"The 2009 schedule reflects realigned dates that are good opportunities for everyone involved in our sport - fans, sponsors, tracks and teams," said NASCAR President Mike Helton.

The season begins with a tripleheader weekend at Daytona International Speedway capped by the running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15.

In addition to that season-opening event for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Truck Series starts its season on Friday night, Feb. 13, followed the next afternoon by the NASCAR Nationwide Series opener.

For all three series, the season will conclude with another tripleheader weekend, at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 20-22.

Other key NASCAR Sprint Cup dates in 2009:

The 31st annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona - a non-points event - will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7.

On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 12, Richmond International Raceway will again host the "Chase cut-off" race, affording the last opportunity for drivers to qualify for NASCAR's championship playoffs.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host the first races in both the "Race to the Chase" (Sunday, June 28) and the Chase (Sunday, Sept. 20).

There also will be an additional off-week for NASCAR's premier series in 2009, prior to the Labor Day weekend event, giving teams a final break before a 12-week stretch that will end the season. Because of the way the calendar falls, NASCAR Sprint Cup teams will have a total of four off-weeks during the 2009 season.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series will have a 35-race schedule. Changes from this year include a new event at Iowa Speedway on Aug. 1, replacing Mexico City; a switch of the Atlanta Motor Speedway event from March to September; and moving the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve event in Montreal to Sunday, Aug. 30.

The NASCAR Truck Series in 2009 again will have 25 races, with one realigned date: The series' late-season race at Atlanta will be replaced by a night event at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday, Aug. 28.

(Starting times and television information will be announced at a later date.)

2009 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES SCHEDULE
Date       Site
Feb. 7     Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, Daytona International Speedway*
Feb. 15   Daytona International Speedway
Feb. 22   Auto Club Speedway
March 1   Las Vegas Motor Speedway
March 8   Atlanta Motor Speedway
March 22  Bristol Motor Speedway
March 29  Martinsville Speedway
April 5     Texas Motor Speedway
April 18    Phoenix International Raceway
April 26    Talladega Superspeedway
May 2      Richmond International Raceway
May 9      Darlington Raceway
May 16    NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Lowe's Motor Speedway*
May 24    Lowe's Motor Speedway
May 31    Dover International Speedway
June 7    Pocono Raceway
June 14   Michigan International Speedway
June 21   Infineon Raceway
June 28   New Hampshire Motor Speedway
July 4    Daytona International Speedway
July 11   Chicagoland Speedway
July 26   Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Aug. 2     Pocono Raceway
Aug. 9   Watkins Glen International
Aug. 16   Michigan International Speedway
Aug. 22   Bristol Motor Speedway
Sept. 6    Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sept. 12 Richmond International Raceway
Sept. 20 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sept. 27  Dover International Speedway
Oct. 4     Kansas Speedway
Oct. 11   Auto Club Speedway
Oct. 17   Lowe's Motor Speedway
Oct. 25   Martinsville Speedway
Nov. 1     Talladega Superspeedway
Nov. 8     Texas Motor Speedway
Nov. 15   Phoenix International Raceway
Nov. 22   Homestead-Miami Speedway
* - Denotes non-points event.

2009 NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES SCHEDULE
Date       Site
Feb. 14    Daytona International Speedway
Feb. 21    Auto Club Speedway
Feb. 28    Las Vegas Motor Speedway
March 21  Bristol Motor Speedway
April 4      Texas Motor Speedway
April 11     Nashville Superspeedway
April 17     Phoenix International Raceway
April 25     Talladega Superspeedway
May 1       Richmond International Raceway
May 8       Darlington Raceway
May 23      Lowe's Motor Speedway
May 30      Dover International Speedway
June 6       Nashville Superspeedway
June 13     Kentucky Speedway
June 20     Milwaukee Mile
June 27    New Hampshire Motor Speedway
July 3      Daytona International Speedway
July 10     Chicagoland Speedway
July 18     Gateway International Raceway
July 25     O'Reilly Raceway Park
Aug. 1      Iowa Speedway
Aug. 8     Watkins Glen International
Aug. 15    Michigan International Speedway
Aug. 21    Bristol Motor Speedway
Aug. 30    Circuit Gilles Villenueve
Sept. 5     Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sept. 11   Richmond International Raceway
Sept. 26   Dover International Speedway
Oct. 3      Kansas Speedway
Oct. 10    Auto Club Speedway
Oct. 16    Lowe's Motor Speedway
Oct. 24    Memphis Motorsports Park
Nov. 7      Texas Motor Speedway
Nov. 14 Phoenix International Raceway
Nov. 21   Homestead-Miami Speedway

2009 NASCAR TRUCK SERIES SCHEDULE
Date        Site
Feb. 13   Daytona International Speedway
Feb. 21    Auto Club Speedway
March 7    Atlanta Motor Speedway
March 28  Martinsville Speedway
April 25     Kansas Speedway
May 15     Lowe's Motor Speedway
May 23     Mansfield Motorsports Park
May 29     Dover International Speedway
June 5      Texas Motor Speedway
June 13   Michigan International Speedway
June 19    Milwaukee Mile
June 27    Memphis Motorsports Park
July 18     Kentucky Speedway
July 24     O'Reilly Raceway Park
Aug. 1      Nashville Superspeedway
Aug. 19    Bristol Motor Speedway
Aug. 28    Chicagoland Speedway
Sept. 12 Gateway International Raceway
Sept. 19   New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sept. 26   Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Oct. 24    Martinsville Speedway
Oct. 31    Talladega Superspeedway
Nov. 6      Texas Motor Speedway
Nov. 13    Phoenix International Raceway
Nov. 20    Homestead-Miami Speedway

Note: All dates subject to change.

Marching Through Michigan

Diecast Dude — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:43:39 -0000

Looking back at the weekend that was in Michigan...

While there have been more than a few times this season where it's seemed like in attempting to fix what ails the new car it's behaved like a hydra -- chop off one head, two more grow in its place -- the action during the Cup race was noticeable because there actually was some. It wasn't a get out front / stay out front kind of day. There were on-track lead changes. Yes, there were stretches of everyone stretching out better suited for napping than attempting to note any subtle nuances of who was running which line. That duly noted, when measured against what you can possibly get out of a race on an open wheel track yesterday was pretty good. Which was one of the main motivations behind the new car; namely trying to generate action at locations normally averse to same. Now, to reignite action at places formerly featuring same (*coughbristolcough*)...

Some other notes noting things of... um, note:

Expect NASCAR to drop a double-headed hammer twice on Joe Gibbs Racing for the shenanigans that transpired prior to the dyno test of their Nationwide cars. One for one of the most blatant attempts to alter results and/or performance since someone at Micheal Waltrip Racing decided to be a jet fuel genius prior to Daytona 500 qualifying a while back, and two for nominating themselves for the Darwin Award as someone or someones who frankly should be immediately removed from the gene pool due to terminal stupidity.
Speaking of JGR, it's difficult to imagine a driver sounding more disgusted by most everything than Denny Hamlin yesterday after his engine grenaded.
A driver who ought to be disgusted is Jeff Gordon, who after finally getting a car that was almost competitive following weeks of being handed a turnip truck by Steve Letarte and friends saw his day and eventually his ride demolished through a series of abominable pit stops. Yet he seemed eerily calm in the post-crash interview. Was it belief he can pull this season out by stopping the freefall and making the Chase despite it all? Or was it the serenity of resignation in face of knowing it's already time to start prepping for 2009? Answer forthcoming during the next three races, assuming he remains in contention for the duration.
Final thought on Jeff Gordon. If he doesn't make the Chase, will Rick Hendrick make one or more changes on his team starting with the crew chief? If not, look for a whole bunch of unamused #24 fans at a track near you.
Finally, Carl Edwards' win accompanied by a whole bunch of co-workers in close proximity made two clear statements. One, Roush has the one and a half plus mile tracks, i.e. open wheel tracks, down pat. Two, as noted earlier we are heading toward one doozy of a title fight between Edwards, Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson. If only the quality of racing would rise up to be its equivalent. Ah well.