Championships Won

Congratulations to TEAM TASER on winning the 2009 Conway NASCAR League Championship!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Gas Man was burning the wheels off but could not reel in Team Taser. BMF Lugnuts was also driving the wheels off to grab a 10th place finish but fell just short.

Congratulations to Chad Knaus, Jimmie Johnson and Rick Hendrick on their historic 4th consecutive championship on the Sprint Cup Circuit.

Commentary and end of season party information to follow soon.

Week 35 Commentary

Jimmie Johnson is well on his way to a fourth consecutive championship after running away with the race at Phoenix International Raceway last weekend. Conway NASCAR League veteran Ricky Racer was in attendance, and as we noted in the week 31 commentary, he is quite bored with Johnson winning every weekend. Apparently, he is quite a conversation piece in the Phoenix infield.



Blind Squirrel Racing won the week, followed by CEBO, THe Gas Man, Lug Nuts and BMF Lugnuts. Several race teams have loaded up the hauler and have headed home.

The standings are tight with only one race to go. Only two racers moved up more than 2 spots, Lug Nuts and CosmoD. Lisa Las Vegas and Big Time Racers brushed the wall and dropped a few spots.

Although I am sure The Gas Man will keep the petal mashed, I doubt he can run down Team Taser. Team Taser would need about 2 DNF's on his team to open the door for The Gas Man, who is the only team that has a chance of catching Team Taser. Ricky Racer, BAHL (actually not a misprint) and WTF Racing round out the top five.

And, if you can believe it, after yet another year of intense weekly pre race deliberation, Boy Racing and Lil Boy have yet again found themselves tied. I may have to play a lotto ticket if I was one of them.

We wrap up the 2009 season down in Homestead for the FORD 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Jimmie Johnson need to only finish 25th to win the championship. Nothing against Johnson, but I think just about everyone is pulling for Mark "The Kid" Martin. The will put them under green at approximately 3:31PM EST

Good Luck and Stand on it!

Week 34 Commentary

Texas is one of the fastest tracks we visit on the circuit but it is wide and there are very few altercations on the day, but one happened very early on and it was extremely costly to points leader Jimmie Johnson. Johnson got collected and finished deep in the 30's, allowing Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon to get back in the hunt.

Burke took the checkers for the Conway NASCAR League, followed by Mangler, Speedway Princess, Team Ish and the Gas Man. Burke was also among the top movers in the standings, along with Tippy Twister, Punch, Speedway Princess and a surprising surge by Budah.

Apparently, we have several racers parked in the garage. Brady Bunch*, S&T Racing and Glynn^ were those who were running short a cylinder.

Team Taser just about has the championship locked up, leading The Gas Man by almost 200 points. From third back there is some real close point totals in there, and you can bet there will be some shaking up going on.

This week we are out in the valley of the sun in Phoenix. Former Conway Racer Tigger, out of a ride this year, is out there looking for a seat for next year. The Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway is a fun race and should produce a lot of tight racing.

Arizona Senator John McCain is the Grand Marshall and will give the command to start the engines. They will put them under green at approximately 3:31PM EST.

Stand on it!

BAHL

Week 33 Commentary

It was, as usual, a bone jarring affair at Talladega, Alabama during the AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. There were two late big ones, with both Mark Martin (first time ever) and Ryan Newman both flipping over.



In the Conway NASCAR League, Team Cuda white knuckled his way across the start finish line to lead our racers. GIRLS Racing, Punch, Snookbabe and S&T Racing all had top fives. Oiler^, RP5, Wiseguys, Team BC and WHS Racing had poor runs.

Team Taser, in similar fashion to Jimmie Johnson, has a rather commanding lead for our championship. Ricky Racer, The Gas Man, WTF Racing and Danielle Hall round our or top five.

Surprisingly, with all the carnage, there was not a lot of significant movement in the standings. Moving up were S&T Racing, Team Cuda, Snookbabe, Burke, Lug Nuts, Big Time Racers and Budah. In the garage with crumpled sheet metal were BMF Lugnuts, Crank McTanken, Jimbo, Blood or Tears Racing, Man in Black Racing and NJ Motorsports.

This week we head out to Texas Motor Speedway for the Dickies 500. Texas is very fast, but usually fails to produce any close racing. Maybe the double file restarts will shake things up. The look to put them under green at 3:16PM.

Stand on it!

BAHL

Week 32 Commentary

There was quite a bit of fender banging at Martinsville, the shortest and slowest fast track on the circuit. It took a toll on our racers as very few brought home great scores. Given the low scores, it was difficult to gain much ground for those hoping to mount a challenge.

The Blue Deuce, who ran early in the top five and is on the hunt, led the way this week. GBR88, S&T Racing, Blue 7 Racing^, Ricky Racer and Team Taser all had top five runs. It is tough to crack the top five when those in those positions are scoring top five runs.

SPC Racing, Jimbo, Brian Racing, Diamond Dave, RW Racing and Sweethang all had poor runs.

Among those gaining 4 or more spots were The Blue Deuce, Lisa Las Vegas, Burke, GBR88 and S&T, who led the way with a gain of six spots. Falling down the scoring pole were James Hall Racing, Tippy Twister, NJ Motorsports, Big Time Racers*, SPC Racing and Jimbo.

Only 24 racers remain on the lead lap, and should we get a caution, Luckydog^ will be our Luckydog.

Team Taser continues to show the way and has a commanding lead. The top four remained the same with Danielle Hall jumping up into fifth place. While the top four seem to be ready to settle it out between themselves, only 279 points separate spots 5 through 21. And, we are heading to Talladega.

Yes, the wildcard as we visit the White Knuckle Highway to run the AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, where as you know, anything can happen. A solid finish by Jimmie Johnson could seal the deal for him, and Mark Martin has not had a lot of success on the Superspeedways.

It will be something to behold. Get home from Church early as they will put the field under green and send them crawling up the banking into turn 1 at 1:16PM EST.

Week 31 Commentary

The races are dwindling down on the 2009 Conway NASCAR League and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In the standings, there were some serious shakeups back in the pack as teams mash the floorboard to try to get into the top ten. At Lowes Motor Speedway, in a rather shocking development, it was once again the Jimmie Johnson show. Ricky Racer was less than thrilled:


For the week, Boy Racing Inc. had the field covered. Lil Boy^^ and Big Boy^ tied for the win, followed by Tippy Twister, Smokes Fury, Two or Five Racing, WTC Racing and Mama's Boy rounded out the top five. There were several race teams who had poor scores, many of whom may have been going for broke here with so few weeks left.

Team Taser continues to show the way in the overall standings, and he has a nice sized lead. WTF Racing, Ricky Racer, The Gas Man and James Hall Racing round out the top five. Those gaining spots were Boy Racing, Inc., Smokes Fury, Team Cuda, Motorcare Racing, WTC and Blood or Tears, who gained a league leading 11 spots.
Losing grip up in the banking were Diamond Dave, The Lug Nuts, NJ Motorsports, Punch, Crank McTanken and Burke.

This week it is short track racing at Martinsville, which should be a fender banging affair. Don't bother waking up Ricky Racer, Jimmie Johnson is good here also. The Tums Fast Relief 500 drops the green flag at 1:43PM EST.

Keep the fenders clean!

BAHL

So Long Old Friend

Our Conway NASCAR League racing family has lost one of our great friends in Brad Moore of DFL Racing.

Brad, pictured below flanked by Blood or Tears Racing (Ashley) and No Ones Beatch (Linda), was a longtime friend to many of us in Conway and he will be greatly missed.

Rest In Peace Brad!

Boss Hoss

Jack Roush presented the #16 Conway Ford Mustang Nationwide car this week, and boy howdy does it look fancy. The car, and the other manufacturers counterparts, will run four Nationwide races in 2010. This great looking race car, sponsored by Conway, seems like a car the Conway NASCAR League could throw some support at! See the story at racer.com.

Week 30 Commentary

For California, we had a pretty exciting race this past weekend as we ran the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Jimmie Johnson, who is on fire as usual, took the checkers ahead of Jeff Gordon.

Among the Conway Racers, like JJ in the #48, if you are in the lead and can bring it home ahead of the competition, your chances for the hardware become greater. That is exactly what Team Taser did at Auto Club as he collected his third win of the season. Ratatack was second followed by O Racing, WTC Racing and BAHL.

Collected in late race fender banging were Sweethang, Luckydog^, Team BC, Lucky Penny and L&M Racing. SPC has apparently been kidnapped as he failed to field several teams.

The top five in the standings remain the same, with Taser 318 points ahead, which means those in tow better put a drafting session together quick. WTF remains second with Ricky Racer, Danielle Hall and The Gas Man rounding out the top five.

Gainers this week included Hot Stuff*, Chevy Intimidators*, Glynn^, No Ones Beatch and O Racing. Those who stumbled badly this week were Luckydog^, Team Wolf and SPC Racing.

30 racers remain on the lead lap as we used to fugure it prior to Racescore.

The old league website, Conwaynascarleague.com, had issues this week which left many scrambling. We did post umpteen times the new blog website, which we moved to prior to the season. Sometimes it pays to actually pay attention.

Congratulations to Chevrolet, who won the manufacturers title again this year!


The only Saturday night race of the chase takes place this weekend as we return to Lowes/Charlotte Motor Speedway for the running of the Bank of America 500. The green flag is at 7:41PM EST. Qualifying is Thursday night at 7:10PM EST on ESPN2.

In the spirit of the upcoming Halloween holiday, our MYSTERY LINK explores if there is in fact a Phantom.

Tune in to ESPN NEWS Wednesday at 4PM EST for the announcement of the first five to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. My five are Bill France, Sr., Bill France, Jr., Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Junior Johnson. Who are your top five? Place it in the comments section.

Week 29 Commentary

Tony Stewart led Jeff Gordon across the finish line to capture the Price Chopper 400 at Kansas Speedway last weekend.

The scores for our Conway NASCAR League racers were not impressive as there were little attrition on the track, other than my boy Bobby Labonte getting crashed out on lap 6.

Motorcare Racing won the week, with L&M Racing RW Racing, Sweethang and Blood or Tears Racing having good runs. Those who sideswiped the wall include Mama's Boy, The Blue Deuce, CEBO, Burke, NW Invasion, Team Collin, RKDK and Toga Phil Racing.

Fullers Fast Track jumped up several spots int he standings, as did Budah, SPC Racing, AFC Patriots and Punch. Losing the front draft were Mama's Boy, Lil Boy^^ and Big Boy^. Must have been a faulty part used amount team members.

Team Taser continues to show the way, and until we have a box change, he may be able to hold off everyone as the scores hae been low and tight. WTF and Ricky Racer remain second and third. Danielle Hall is not finished just yet and is in fourth. The Gas Man is fifth.

This week we head out to California to Auto Club Speedway for the Pepsi 500. The Nationwide race yesterday out at Auto Club has some altercations which may bleed over into today's action.
Greg Biffle and Joey Logano mixed it up along with Denny Hamlin, Greg Biffle and Brad Kesolowski.

I was otherwise engaged in College Football on Saturday and missed the telecast of the Nationwide race yesterday, but apparently this was not a banner day for ESPN.

NASCAR did announce that next year, the races will standardized start times, 1PMEST, for all Sunday races. That is good news in my mind, but they are still staggered for the remainder of this season. The green flag on the Pepsi 400 is scheduled to drop at 3:31EST today.

Good Luck!

BAHL

Week 28 Commentary

For those wishing to gain quite a bit of spots as we inch closer to the end of the 2009 season, Dover presented quite an opportunity with the scores being so low. Unfortunately, they were low for everyone.

Things did not go so well for Joey Logano in the #20 Home Depot Toyota Camry, but thankfully, he is just fine.



Fastlane Limited* led our racers at Dover followed by Snookbabe, Crank McTanken, Fullers Fast Track, Speedway Princess* and Mangler. Trouble found several drivers, including some still in the fight for the top ten. Luckydog^, The Big Lebowski, Blood or Tears Racing, BMF Lugnuts* and The Lug Nuts* all had engine trouble.

There were no major shakeups in the standings with the scores being so low. Gaining over five spots were Crank McTanken, Fullers Fast Track and Snookbabe. Only Team Cuda lost five or more spots.

Essentially, we are at the same point we all were a week ago. Team Taser still holds point, followed by WTF Racing, Ricky Racer, The Gas Man and Brady Bunch*.

This week we head out to Kansas for The Price Chopper 400 at Kansas Speedway. The green flag will drop at 2:16PM on Sunday.

We all need to extend our prayers to DFL Racing (Brad), who is in a real bad spot. We are all hoping and praying for the best. DFL has one victory this season, one top five and one top ten, running in 69th spot.

See ya next week!

BAHL

Racing Heroes Visit Real Heroes

Several NASCAR drivers visited Walter Reed Hospital today to visit with many of our wounded veterans.



Please keep the members of our Armed Forces in your prayers each and every day!

God Bless America

Week 27 Commentary

The Chase for the Championship kicked off in Loudon, New Hampshire as we ran the Sylvania 300 with Mark Martin taking the checkered flag. Could Martin get his first championship after all these years?

Jimbo led the league this week with the high score, closely followed by Lil Boy^^, Big Boy^, S&T Racing and Burke Hammond Racing. I do see a pack of Fords moving to the front.

Speaking of moving to the front, The Gas Man jumped four spots in the overall standings to grab third position behind our leader, Team Taser and WTF Racing. Ricky Racer and BMF Lugnuts round out our top five.

Among the other racers moving up this week were the aforementioned high scorers along with The Lug Nuts. Losing spots this week were No Ones Beatch, Crank McTanken, NJ Motorsports, Lisa Las Vegas, Diamond Dave and AFC Patriots, who dropped double digits no doubt taking some extra chances to get to the front.

The chase continues this week at the Monster Mile in Dover, Delaware for the running of the AAA 400 at Dover International Raceway. I think Dover is a fun track, and with that in mind we should have some good racing.

The green flag is scheduled to drop at 2:16PM. Time is running out for our drivers to make the necessary moves to get in the top ten for the finish. Stand On It!

BAHL

Chasing The Cup

Brian Vickers and Tony Stewart chat with David Asman on America's Nightly Scoreboard last night as the drivers invade Manhattan to promote the chase:



Today, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon drop by 48th and 6th at FOX News Channel headquarters in Manhattan to join Brian Kilmeade of FOX & Friends to kick off a media blitz for the Chase. Take a listen:



Then, in an embarrasing moment up on 67th street, a pie throwing contest with Regis & Kelly:

Week 26 Commentary

Denny Hamlin took the checkers at his home town track at Richmond International Raceway Saturday night as we set the field for chase. Boo Hoo, Kyle Busch missed out. Thankfully, Brian Vickers realized it was not the Kyle Busch Invitational and did not pull over, securing himself a spot in the chase.

James Hall Racing and Team Taser tied for high score this week, with Mama's Boy, Two or Five Racing and WFTF Racing rounding out the top five. Among those having issues were Team Collin, Toga Phil Racing, Fastlane Limited*, DFL Racing, Wiseguys Racing and Jimbo.

I am sure a handful of those are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the track for it is time to go if there are any aspirations in placing in the top ten.

In the standings, there wer some serious shakeups. Danielle Hall lost the lead and dropped four spots. Team Taser is our new leader with WTF Racing, Brady Bunch*, BMF Lugnuts* close behind. Danielle Hall, still in striking distance, is fifth.

James Hall Racing jumped into the top ten this week. Other big movers upward were Punch, Mama's Boy, Two or Five*, NJ Motorsports, Lisa Las Vegas, Team Cuda and Flat Tires Racing*

Several drivers had a rough week in the standings and they include Toga Phil Racing, Team Collin, S&T Racing, O Racing, Lucky Penny, Smoke's Fury, DFL Racing and Fitz Racing*. Team Blue Deuce has broken a master cylinder no doubt, as our leader a few short weeks ago is now mired in 31st place.

The Chase begins this week, and it is a crapshoot as Jimmie Johnson does not seem as dominant as in recent years. Probably everyone is pulling for Mark Martin. It should be fun, and it begins this Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Green flag drops for the Sylvania 300 Sunday afternoon at approximately 2:15PM. The time is now to mash the floorboard!

Remember, ACORNs don't fall far from the tree!

Week 25 Commentary

The night race at Atlanta was taken by Kasey Kahne and Punch could drink to that.

Punch grabbed the checkers this week netting him a bucket at the Shack, but he is dry for a while. He certainly needed a tall cool one after yet another devastating loss by the 'Noles. Rounding out the top five were GBR 88, Tippy Twister, Fastlane Limited and Oiler^.

Those who got collected and were in the garage area were The Blue Deuce, Sweethang^, Fitz Racing^, Cuda, CosmoD^, Greenbud and Budah. Our leader, Danielle Hall, had a very poor race as did Boy Racing, Inc.

Even with the poor race, Danielle Hall continues to show the way. However, it has tightened up considerably. Team Taser , Brady Bunch^ , WTF Racing and Ricky Racer round out the top five. In looking at the standings there may be 22 racer who could still win the league. But, in all likelihood, it will be sorted out among the top 9.

Top gainers for the week were James Hall Racing, Tippy Twister, Punch, Pamela's Pistons^, NJ Motorsports, Mangler and Oiler^. Some racers had poor weeks, but due to their position in the standings, they did not drop much. But some did, and they include Budah, Burke and Team Cuda.

After the boxes change, we have do some cleanup in the scoring due to folks rolling their lineups. Several racers showed up at our hauler, or fired emails at us, to complain. We need to attack this manual scoring adjustment process sober, so it takes a a day or two to get it sorted out. Luckydog handled it and the standings are up to date and correct.

This week we travel back to Richmond for some Saturday night short track racing at Richmond International Raceway, which is very exciting. The green flag drops at 7:43PM.

Week 24 Commentary

It seems with the new car Bristol has lost some of its luster, but we still had a decent night of racing. I sure was hoping Martin could get by the great one, but it was not meant to be. It was a poor week scoring wise with the Gas Man leading the way.

Those gaining spots this week included The Gas Man, AFC Patirots, Lucky Penny, SPC, Burke, and WHS Racing.

With substantial sheet metal damage were Crank McTanken, Fitz Racing*, Sweethang*, Speedway Princess, Theam Collin, WTC Racing, Tippy Twister, O Racing, NJ Motorsposrts and former champ Oiler^, who appears to have suspended team operations for 2009.

Danielle Hall has taken the lead, which is not surprising with the run she has been on of late. Team Taser grabbed second as Brady Bunch* fell back in line in third. Ricky Race is fourth and WTF Racing sits in fifth. WTF?

We take the week off (why did we not do this the week after Labor Day when we have football as an alternative?) and then picks things up in Hotlanta for the running of the PepBoys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway Saturday night, September 6. The green flag shall fly at 7:46PM.

The boxes will change for Atlanta. Lisa Las Vegas won segment 4, closely followed by Lucky Penny and Danielle Hall.

The Atlanta race will be the first weekend of college football so make your picks early before you get out with a few brews and start looking to borrow a laptop.

Have a great labor day! Visit this weeks MYSTERY LINK

BAHL

Week 23 Commentary

Michigan turned out to be a bit more exciting than usual, even though it once again came down to gas mileage. For a moment there, I thought we may see another Monday race.

Quote of the year: Oh, I'm sorry! If I had known this was the Kyle Busch show, I would have pulled over! said Brian Vickers after the Nationwide race at Michigan after he blocked Busch which allowed a hard charging Brad Keselowski to win.



Vickers waited till Sunday to really one up Busch, by pulling up into victory lane after the CarFax 400 Sprint Cup race, giving the Red Bull team it's first victory and keeping Vickers in contention for a spot in the chase.

For the week, Chevy Intimidators* showed the way, followed by Mangler*, NW Invasion, BAHL and Lucky Penny. A large number of our racers did very poorly. Several, including non start & park entries Wiseguys Racing, Oiler^, L&M racing, Brian Racing*, Smoke's Fury and The Blue Deuce, failed to garner 650 points. Ouch!

Up front for the championship, Brady Bunch* remains on point. Daniell Hall, Ricky Racer, Team Taser and WTF Racing round out the top five. Among those making big moves up the chart this week were BAHL, The Big Lebowski, Crank McTanken, Luckydog^, The Gas Man, Lucky Penny and Chevy Intimidators*. Losing precious ground were Ratatack, The Blue Deuce, Smoke's Fury, SPC racing and Wiseguys Racing.

We had a great time at our midseason party at the Wingshack. Thanks to Shawn and Jessica at the Shack and Fraser Sells Orlando for helping out. Among those spotted were S&T Racing, Team Wolf, CosmoD, BMF Lugnuts*, The Big Lebowski, L&M Racing, No Ones Beatch, DFL Racing and Crank McTanken.

We go Saturday night short track racing as we run the famous Bristol night race at Thunder Valley. The Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway will drop the green flag at approximately 7:43PM.

I'll look forward to catching up with many of you for the race and a tall cool one after attending the Orlando Tea Party at Lake Eola. Stand on it!

BAHL

Stewart Talks Business

Tony Stewart, on an Office Depot promotion, stopped by the FOX News studios on 48th & 6th in Manhattan to speak with America's Nightly Scoreboard host David Asman.

Week 22 Commentary

After yet another rain delay, we ran the Bud, or, Helluva Good 500 at the road course at Watkins Glen International Raceway on Monday. Tony Stewart is the man, and he won going away for his second consecutive triumph at the Glen.

After a decade or better of no altercations up in turn #9, there was a horrendous crash involving Bobby Labonte and David Gilliland. Today, there was a spectacular crash caused by Kasey Kahne involving Jeff Burton, Sam Hornish, Jr and Jeff Gordon.



Ouch! Glad Hornish and Gordon were not injured!

No Ones Beatch took the checkers this week, closely followed by Fullers Fast Track, Brian Racing, Pamela's Pistons* and Offshore Gamester*. Crashed and burned for the week were Burke, Toga Phil Racing, Fraser Sells Orlando, Ed Racing, Charging Aardvarks and Bazil^, whose appeared rejuvenated with the secure of some additional sponsorship.

Crank McTanken, No Ones Beatch, Fullers Fast Track, Pamela's Pistons and Brian Racing moved up the most spots, while The Gas Man, Wiseguys Racing, James Hall Racing, Tippy Twister, Burke (oh my) and Blood or Tears slipped several.

Tippy Twister, BMF Lugnuts*, O Racing and Danielle Hall each lead the way with 4 top five finishes. Team Taser has sole position of the most top tens with 7. Danielle Hall and No Ones Beatch each have 2 wins.

Brady Bunch remains on point, followed by Danielle Hall, Ricky Racer, Team Taser and BMF Lugnuts*.

Our midseason party will be this weekend at The Wingshack for the CarFax 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The green flag will drop for the race at 2:16PM, but our festivities will begin at Noon. As usual, there is an allotment of food and beer available and when it runs out, you are on your own. If you arrive at 3:30PM, you will more than likely be on out of luck.

We look forward to visiting with everyone.

BAHL

Week 21 Commentary

It was a strange run at Pocono this past week as The Conway NASCAR League had very poor aggregate scoring. Denny Hamlin was the victor, pushing the 00 car out of the way en route to victory.

Slow Motion Racing collected the league win, followed closely by Blood or Tears Racing (indicative of the kind of day we had out in the Poconos), Speedway Princess, CEBO and Smoke's Fury.

Collecting the wall out of turn 2 were Girls Racing*, Team Ish*, Greenbud, Fitz Racing* and WTF Racing. It looks as though several cars have parked.

With such poor overall scoring, there was little movement in the standings. Brady Bunch continues to show the way, followed by Daniell Hall, Team Taser, The Blue Deuce and Ricky Racer. Gaining some ground were The Gas Man, Blood or Tears Racing, Smoke's Fury, Speedway Princess and CEBO. Among those dropping some spots were Pamela's Pistons, Fitz Racing* and Big Boy^.

This week we head up to the Finger Lakes area of New York as we go raod course racing and run the Bud at the Glen at Watkins Glen International. Actually, it is now the Helluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen.

Back in the day, several of us used to listen to MRN Radio coverage of the Bud at the Glen drinking Bud at the Glen, as in Silver Glen Springs on the boats. What fun!

Anyhow, NASCAR Countdown begins at 1PM and the green flag will drop at 2:18PM. There will be several ringers in the race, so check the lineup.

Turning left all day won't work this weekend.

Good Luck

BAHL

PS Don't forget our mid-season party will be at The Wingshack on August 16, 2009 for the race at Michigan. Make plans today!

Week 20 Commentary

The Brickyard 400 is one of the top stops on the circuit each year, and this year did not disappoint. Juan Pablo Montoya had it won until he was nailed for speeding on pit road.

With Montoya out, it was settled between Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson. Johnson became the first back to back winner of this event.

Although for the most part, there was not a lot of shakeups in the standings. But, a couple of top teams got hit with a couple of bad finishing racers, and paid a heavy price.

Crank McTanken, of all people, led the way this week and gets himself a bucket at Wing Shack. Crank was all cranked up, andhe led The Big LeBowski, Chevy Intimidators*, fast charging Danielle Hall and The Gas Man.

Those who had a bad week (Ky Busch and Earnhardt, Jr.) were MotorCare Racing, Flat Tires Racing*, The Blue Deuce, Raising Cane and Boy Racing, Inc.'s entire stable.

In the standings, Brady Bunch continues to show the way. Danielle Hall dialed in and coming to the front with only one spot to go, while Team Taser, BMF Lugnuts and Ricky Racer round out the top five.

Gaining this week were O Racing, The Big LeBowski, Snookbabe, Chevy Intimidators*, Burke and The Gas Man. Those who are not start and park who found themselves in gasoline alley during green flag conditions were CEBO, Flat Tires*, MotorCare Racing, Team Collin, Two or Five*, Lil Boy^^, Big Boy^ and Mama's Boy.

Although we were just there, we head back to Pocono this week for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 2:18PM on Sunday.

When John Roberts, pictured at left, Jimmy Spencer and Kenna Walla get through with the pre race on Speed, you need to have your picks in. So, remember, pick early and then adjust later so you do not get locked out. ESPN now has rece coverage rather than TNT.

Good Luck and stand on it!

BAHL

Brickyard Photos

We had a former league member at the Brickyard who got some great pics.

Here are few. I will post more in the days to come. Enjoy!

Jeff Gordon waiting out rain for qualifying.


Brian Vickers and Greg Biffle enter pit road.


The front of Mark Martin's Chevy after the race.

Mayfield Deal Quite Puzzling

Here is a report from FOX Charlotte on the Jeremy Mayfield saga:



Until proven otherwise, I am sticking with Mayfield on this deal. Am I missing something? Why would NASCAR be so out to get this guy? Ray Evernham indicated his releasing of Mayfield from his race team was only due to performance issues, nothing else.

Anybody got some insight on this or have any thoughts they would like to share? Hit the comment box and let your voice be heard!

Week 19 Commentary

With all the goings on a Chicagoland, which is quite unusual, the scores for the Conway NASCAR League were in the tank as Mark "The Kid" Martin outclassed the field.

Danielle Hall, who won the week and flat out has the hammer down, was closely followed by ORacing, Team Hot Stuff* (where did they come from?), Fitz Racing* and RW Racing. Even Fraser Sells Orlando posted a sixth place finish.

Among the top teams with issues this week were Flat Tires Racing (off last weeks stellar run), DFL Racing,who won two weeks ago, Glynn^, Team Collin and The Blue Deuce, who did manage to hold firm in the points.

The Brady Bunch* still runs point, with The Blue Deuce, Team Taser, rising fast Danielle Hall and one of our western representatives, Ricky Racer.

Big gainers this week were few and far between, with O Racing moving up 8 spots and GBR88* 5 spots. Slipping up out of the groove were Team Collin, NJ Motorsports, Man in Black Racing*, Sweethang and Flat Tires Racing*

A good time was had for the Saturday night race fans at The Wingshack. Several beers were had, which may be why I did lose a friendly wager to BMF on what is probably deemed common knowledge to most sports fans. But, Luckydog^ and I did win the Wingshack trivia contests, so it all comes out in the wash.

There is NO RACE THIS WEEKEND. Could they have waited until pre-season football started for an off week? Anyhow, we get back together for The Brickyard 400 on July 26.

We have identified August 16th for our midseason party, which will be held at the Wingshack.
Stay tuned for further info on this, but it is during the race at Michigan, so you won't miss much as you mingle with the crowd.

Study up on your notes over the off week or read Common Sense by Glenn Beck. Have fun anyhow and we will see you at The Brickyard.

Week 18 Commentary

"If Tony hits you, you needed hittin" quipped Tigger a few years back. He was correct!

Restrictor plate racing on the superspeedways is always a thrill, and the events at The World Center of Racing this past weekend was just that. Finally, someone had the stones to take out Kyle Busch, who up until this point did exactly what he wants with no regard for his fellow racers. So, congratulations to Tony Stewart for winning the Coke Zero 400 and and for punting the punk in the wall.

Although the accident involving Mark Martin had an impact, since most of damage caused by Kyle Busch happened after the start finish line, we did not have much of an impact on the scoring. Brady Bunch* and The Blue Deuce* are running nose to tail atop our league standings.

No Ones Beatch and Fitz Racing* shared top honors this week, so they should stop by The Wingshack for their free beer. Other with strong runs were Flat Tires Racing*, Smoke's Fury and Tippy Twister.

Among those who are not start and park having headaches were RKDK*, GBR 88, Toga Phil Racing, Chief Racing and CosmoD*.

There was not alot of major moves made in the standings this week, which is surprising for plate racing. Among those moving up were Tippy Twister, O Racing, No Ones Beatch, Smoke's Fury, Man in Black Racing*, Flat Tires* and Fitz Racing*.

CosmoD* began a free fall, while NJ Motorsports, Glynn^, Motorcare Racing, RKDK* and Team Collin all fell several spots.

Our race schedule presents us another Saturday night race as we run the Lifelock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. The new restart rule should bring some needed excitement to this race.

Please note that the boxes have changed for Chicagoland!!!!

The green flag drops at @8:16PM EST. A review of the Orlando Sentinel indicates television coverage begins at 6:30PM EST with "NASCAR Live on TNT". Therefore, picks should be in by 5:30PM EST. Pick early, adjust later and do not get locked out!

After Chicagoland, we will then be off a week before we head to Indianapolis.

Before we leave the high banks, see Tony take the checkers one more time!

The Business of NASCAR

Tonight, on CNBC, host Darren Rovell takes a look a the new realities of NASCAR, given the recessionary time we find ourselves living in. Please see a pair of promotional videos for the special below:



Sprint Cup points leader and new team owner Tony Stewart, fresh off his Firecracker 400 victory, weighs in:



This recession has been brutal to the Big 3 with manufacturer support dwindling. Seats are empty as the consumer has pulled back of discretionary spending and we appear heading to a point where we race electric cars with #18 Toyota Prius of Kyle Busch wrecking the #26 Ford Fusion Hybrid of Jamie McMurray as they raced up into turn two at Darlington at speeds reaching 75MPH. Talk about empty stands? Good grief!

More information on the special can be found by clicking HERE. CNBC usually does a great job with these specials, so be sure to tune in tonight at 9PM EST.

Happy Independence Day

Nothing like spending the Independence Day holiday at The World Center of Racing with a couple hundred thousand hard working Americans.
It was 25 years ago today the The King Richard Petty won his 200th race in his red, white and Petty blue Pontiac Grand Prix with President Ronald Reagan in attendance.
Pictured; Ned Jarret, President Ronald Reagan, Richard Petty and Mike Curb.

NASCAR Nationwide Images

Dale Earnhardt Jr walking down pit lane to go qualify the Fastenal #5 Chevrolet.


A look a the main front stretch grandstands.


Pole sitter and eventual winner Clint Bowyer pits the #29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet.

Week 17 Commentary

Yet another rain shortened race where a team with no shot of winning takes the checkered flag. First, it was David Reutimann and now Joey Logano. Logano seems nice and he is no doubt talented but he had about the 25th best car on Sunday, but rain strategy won day. Good for him, bad for us fans.

DFL Racing led the way for the Conway NASCAR League this week. DFL saw a collection of drivers in his mirror, including Mangler, The Lug Nuts* and Chief Racing. Flat Tires Raceteam*, found an air pump and crossed the stripe in second place.

Gaining on the day were CosmoD, Team Collin and Bigtime Racers.

Those in the garage area for the week included some top teams, thanks to the cocky Kyle Busch. Since apparently no one in the garage area wants any part of him, I may travel my happy ass down to pit road this Saturday afternoon and, among other things, voice my displeasure to him for putting 4, that's right, 4 of my cars behind the wall. Yes, I got points bludgeoned by this asshole. I wish Truex would have yanked Busch out of the car after the race, but for some reason, a fist has yet to find his nose.

Joining me behind the wall were CEBO, Man in Black Racing*, The Big LeBowski, O Racing and Lil Boy^. Those who had poor days but avoided the points free fall were James Hall Racing, Crank McTanken, Team Hot Stuff and WHS Racing. Several other teams, including former champs Luckydog^, Big Boy^, Glynn^ and Oiler^ were limping around the track.

Got some emails and see the message box where folks are getting locked out. As we have noted several times, picks need to be made 1 hour before network television coverage. The Orlando Sentinel TV Time notes NASCAR on TNT Live began at 12:30PM. Hence, picks should be in at 11:30AM. Not to call out anyone but the message box message was at 12:20PM and the emails I got were also well after 11:30AM.

Unfortunately, this is by far the best option Racescore affords us, so we have to live with it. We have made every effort to illustrate the rules to everyone, and went over it yet again here on the blog just a few short weeks ago.

Error on the side of safety. Make picks, say on Friday or after qualifying, or early on raceday. Then, if you get a wild hair, come back to make a change. If you get locked out, no big deal, you are already posted in the clubhouse. It is not difficult.

PHOTO VIA NASCAR.COM OF DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY COKE ZERO 400

And this week, we have a Saturday night race as the good ole boys come back down to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway for the running of the Coke Zero Firecracker 400 Saturday Night. Green flag at 8:19PM.

It looks like an injunction clears the way for suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield to field an entry. The case surrounding him seems suspect from the outside, so until I know different, I'll be pulling for him.

And what happened to TNT's Bill Weber? Check out the link to The Daly Planet at right for more details and a comment section.

Cap and Trade my exhaust pipe and as Punch would say, keep the shiny side up!

Major Shakeups Beginning

Richard Petty, although with a decade stint in Pontiacs, has long been associated with Dodge. But with the Chrysler bankruptcy, things could be changing quickly.
Check out this piece from NASCAR.com where RPM may be moving to Toyota.

General Motors has already announced part of the scale back they will be doing, but unfortunately, there will be many more dominoes to fall.

Week 16 Commentary

Gas mileage and spinning in the marbles ruled the day out in Sonoma as we put the Save Mart 300 in the books with Kasey Kahne of all people grabbing the checkers. Prior to Sunday, Kahne's best finish on a road course was 14th, and that was at Watkins Glen, where will be in August.

I am sure many of you are thinking the same thing I am, and that is I have got to re-evaluate these road course ringers. I usually pick Robby Gordon and although he should be a top five lock, he rarely backs that up. I pick Boris Said and his temper usually secures him a solid finish in the 30's. Ron Fellows is ok but he and PJ Jones have only two top fives between them in about 40 races. May as well take David Gilliand?

At Sonoma, it was Team Cuda as the only driver to score over 1000 points. A bucket for him at Wing Ding. Ricky Racer, Tippy Twister, Team Wolf and Danielle Hall, who is recently on fire, rounded out the top five. Slow Motion, Gas Man , Burke, GIRLS Racing*, RP5 and Brian Racing* are among those I think still runnin who lost the manifold on the turn 12. Oh, and Fraser.

The Blue Deuce hangs on to the lead but Brady Bunch* has pulled by URBANSGATORS for second. Ratatack and James Hall Racing* round out the top five.

Danielle Hall, who has driven up into the top ten, WTC Racing and Team Cuda were the top point gainers this week. RKDK*, Brian Racing*, Luckydog^, Pamela's Pistons (after a few good runs), Burke and The Gas Man lost ground this week.

Hope everyone is still in tact this week. We did lose two superstars in Michael Jackson and the lovely Farrah Fawcett (still got Thriller and THE Poster). Prayers out to Punch and his family as a family member remains in a battle of health.

This weekend, we run The Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway at Loudon, NH. This is a fun track with a lot of racing actually going on. Green flag drops at 2:16PM.

Next week; The High Banks at Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Firecracker 400. Tickets are posted for sale at the message box on Racescore if anyone is interested.

Week 15 Commentary

Fuel mileage was the story during a Sunday afternoon snoozer otherwise known as the Lifelock 400 at Michigan International Speedway at Brooklyn, MI. Without much action on the track, the racers in the Conway NASCAR League did not get much chance to make any significant moves in the standings. But, Mark "the Kid" Martin got another win, and most are pleased about that!

Before we get on to the winners and losers of the week, I need to make some commentary about making you race picks. The boxes lock for the race 1 HOUR before race coverage. Example: For Michigan, TNT began coverage at 1:30PM EST, with the green flag waving at @2:16PM EST. So, if you logged on at 1:45PM to make picks, you were out of luck. A good rule of thumb to adopt is to make selections early, say Friday, and then do some fine tuning after qualifying and final happy hour practice. Usually, qualifying is Friday afternoon and happy hour is usually Saturday about noon. When John Roberts, the lovely Wendy Venturini, Mr. Excitement and Kenna Walla sign off on SPEED's Raceday, you will be locked.

Danielle Hall, who ran point for several early weeks a year ago, got the high score of the week. WTF Racing, Boy Racing, Inc., Blood or Tears (nice dart throwing ASH) and Crank McTanken rounded out the high scorers. We have about five or so racers behind wall, some looking as if they are loading up the hauler, but among those still thought to be competing, Oiler^, Brian Racing*, Chevy Intimidators* and WHS Racing had some major issues.

The Blue Deuce has regained the lead over URBANSGATORS while Brady Bunch and Ratatack moved up a pair. James Hall Racing rounds out the top five. Team Taser and WTF Racing lead the league with 6 top ten finishes. BMF Lugnuts is our leader with 4 top five finishes.

This week we roll out to Sonoma for some road course action for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. Without question, this is a race to make sure you have your picks in on time as we usually have a series of ringers running and some regulars sitting out. TNT is scheduled to begin broadcast at 3:30PM with the green flag flying at @5:16 PM.

Stay out of the gravel!

BAHL

NASCAR Mexico Fatal Crash

Who knew NASCAR ran a series in Mexico?

Unfortunately, a former series champion lost his life in a horrific crash over the weekend. Read the story HERE and see the video below.

Week 14 Commentary

The first of two trips to the Poconos was a disaster for most of the Conway NASCAR League racers as we set a season low for scoring average, but Tony Stewart picked up his first points win as a driver/owner coming from shotgun on the field to grab the checkers.

Snookbabe, our only racer who scored over 900 points week, took the high points for the week. James Hall Racing*, Chevy Intimidators*, Ricky Racer and Speedway Princess rounded out the top five.

URBANSGATORS continues to show the way, with Ricky Racer tucked in off the rear bumper. Lurking just behind are The Blue Deuce, James Hall Racing* and Brady Bunch*.

With the scores so low, there were no major moves one way or the other. Snookbabe, Chevy Intimidators, Speedway Princess and Jimbo gained some spots while Blood or Tears Racing, Greenbud, WHS Racing and Team Cuda spun out.

This week we head up to Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI for the Lifelock 400. Detroit is on fire with the events surrounding the auto industry. Should be interesting. Green flag at 2:16PM Sunday. If Detroit ain't shut down!

The New Heartbeat of America?

Simply put, Obama and his Czar's are completely out of control. Hopefully, it will hit home with America soon! It will hit NASCAR hard, no doubt.

I just cannot see Dale Earnhardt, Jr rolling up in the banking three wide in this Yugo style golf cart. Is this going to be Tommorow's Chevrolet?


This is incredibly sad and I am quite angry about it! Thankfully, we got our memories!

Have I driven a Ford lately? No, not yet!

Vickers on Car Crisis Panel

Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota, joins a panel on FOX Business America's Nightly Scoreboard to discuss the plight of the US automakers. Take listen:

Week 13 Commentary

While Jimmie Johnson took the checkers at the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway, O Racing showed the way in a rather low scoring week for the Conway NASCAR League racers. Luckydog^, James Hall Racing, Glynn^ and Pamela's Pistons* rounded out the top five.

Several drivers have either loaded up the hauler or failed to recognize the box change and had very poor performances. Among those were JD Racing, Team Hot Stuff, Team Annihilation, Chief Racing, ClubBdawg, Toga Phil, Turn4G8tor, Bazil^.

URBANSGATORS continues to lead The Blue Deuce with Ricky Racer, Brady Bunch* and Team Taser following close behind. Team Taser leads the league with 6 top ten finishes. Those who gained spots on the competition this week were Glynn^, Girls Racing*, Pamela's Pistons*, The Big Lebowski, O Racing, Greenbud and Wiseguys Racing. Those on the wrecker included Oiler^, Team Hot Stuff, RKDK and Danielle Hall Racing.

This week we head out to Pocono for the Pocono 500 at Long Pond, PA. TNT begins coverage this week and the green flag is scheduled to drop at @2:16PM.

Qualifying was rained out so we will start from points. Denny Hamlin was fastest in final practice

Week 12 Commentary

Local favorite David Reutimann of Michael Waltrip Racing picked up his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at the Coca Cola 600 on Monday after the race was called due to rain. It rained and rained and rained. And then it rained.

No way the 00 would have won had they got going again, but this is a gamble the team took that few other rolled the dice on so they get the win. Congrats to David and MWR! In reviewing my score, I damn sure wish they would have refired those engines at some point later, but no. COSMO points out after reviewing Racescore that none of our competitors had the 00.

URBANSGATORS, no doubt warming up for another football season, has been on fire of late and showed the way here at Lowes. BigTime Racers*, Ratatack, Smoke's Fury and Speedway Princess rounded out the top five. 12 racers scored over 1000 points.

Among those who finished behind the wall were Team BC, RW (looking at his team photo they were already water logged), Club BDwag*, former champ Bazil^ and Team Annihilation*.

Not only winning the week, URBANSGATORS has taken the lead and edged out Brady Bunch* to win the second segment. In the standings, the Blue Deuce is second, and Ricky Racer, Brady Bunch* and Ratatack round out the top five.

With a rain delayed odd finish, an opportunity to jump or lose several spots was at hand. Those who gained on the day were Jimbo, BigTime Drivers, Oiler^, Fullers Fast Track, Speedway Princess, Smoke's Fury and Hot Tuff Racing*. Those caught without an umbrella were Lisa Las Vegas, NJ Motorsports, Brain Racing*, SPC Racing, Team Wolf and Lug Nuts*.

We begin the third segment, so those is the back who are likely out the running for the championship can still claim the trophy for each remaining segment, so start anew. An average of 939 a week won segment 1, while 1013 won segment 2. Twelve drivers in the cup standings are within 300 points of the leader, and that is exactly the casein the Conway NASCAR League.

At this time, we also have a change in the boxes for the next six races, so make sure to make your picks at least for this weeks race, which will be held at The Monster Mile in Dover.

Dover is a fast self cleaning concrete short track which usually has great races. Lets hope for some dry weather as all three NASCAR Series will be there this weekend.

We will stay on top of things, including a crew chief change on the 88 and have an update after qualifying for your review.

Flag Waving

From Blind Squirrel

A move is a foot in South Florida by the NAACP to ban the Confederate Flag at NASCAR races.

I agree with Brian France, who was quoted that "And I can’t tell people what flag to fly. I can tell you the flag we get behind. It’s the American flag.”

I am not sure why the NAACP even exists these days, but I would suspect they have more useful opportunites to better utilize their time than targeting the redneck fan base of NASCAR.

Open Thread: World Coca Cola 600

Time to fire up the engines on this Memorial Day weekend when we take time to give thanks to our troops who make it possible for us to live our lives in freedom.

Before the good ole boys get cut loose, we have the running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Brickyard. NASCAR's Sam Hornish Jr. won the event in 2006 and John Andretti will be in the field today in a car owned by Richard Petty.

They cut the boys loose in Charlotte for The Coco Cola 600 at approximately 5:35PM. The lineup, set Thursday night, finds Ryan Newman on the pole. In a rain shortened happy hour practice, Jimmie Johnson was fastest.

Enjoy the weekend and stand on it! Your thoughts on the race events are welcomed, just post your comments.

Gentlemen: Fire up the Inboard Outboards

It's been raining quite a bit around here this week.

At least the good ole boys are up in Charlotte for the World Coca Cola 600 and not at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.

Week 11 Commentary

Mark Martin, who is defintiely in a resurgence with Hendrick MotorSports, collected the win at Darlington at the track too tough to tame.

Speaking of a resurgence, AFC Patriots, a stellar performer a year ago, got his first win of 2009 in the Conway NASCAR League as he bested an upstart Budah to the finish line. Rounding out the top five were Ricky Racer, WTC Racing, Team Taser^ and Diamond Dave. The scores were very high considering the odd finishing order of the race.

Girls Racing, Oiler^ (no access to a computer?) Team Ish, Mangler, Turn4G8tr and Speedway Princess all found themselves behind the wall.

The Blue Deuce continues to hold on and the pack behind him is getting bunched up. BAHL, Ricky Racer, URBANSGATORS, BMF racing and Brady Bunch are all within 200 points of the lead.

Leading the point gainers for the week was AFC Patriots followed by WTC racing Team Taser, Budah, Ed Racing, Lisa Las Vegas and GBR 88*. Speedway Princess dropped a mind boggling 29 spots and among the others sliding were NJ Motorsports, WTF Racing( a total yo-yo season), Blind Squirrel Racing, Oiler^, Tippy Twister, Snookbabe, Fullers Fast Track and Team Ish.

While we were away, Tony Stewart won the Spring All Star Race. Congrats Smoke!

We remain in Charlotte for the running of the World Coca Cola (KO:NYSE) 600 on Sunday. Practice is this afternoon at 3 and qualifying is tonight at 7PM.

Make sure to get your picks in before you go to the beach and have a safe Memorial Day Weekend and remember our troops. God Bless America!

Remembering Adam Petty

Mayfield Suspended Indefintiely

Due to a failed drug test, Jeremy Mayfield, owner and driver of the #41 Sprint Cup Toyota, has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR.

Mayfield will appeal the decision and we will have to see what comes of it. Most everyone had been pulling for Mayfield since he formed a team late and came down to the high banks in February.

Jayski reports J. J. Yeley will take the whell for now in the #41. We hope Jeremy gets thing straightened up!

Week 10 Commentary

The good ole boys took in some Saturday night short track racing at Richmond, and Kyle Busch held off Tony Stewart to grab yet another win. Meanwhile, it was WTF Racing, responding from spending most of last weeks race in the garage area, taking the checkers in the Conway NASCAR League.

WTF was followed closely by Brian Racing*, Big Boy^ (I thought I saw him singing the National Anthem at the Richmond Nationwide race), Budah and WHS Racing. A closer look at the race results finds Fraser Sells Orlando, Budah and Blood or Tears Racing with solid top tens, which is extremely rare.

Tippy Twister, BDawg Racing and Turn4Gator brought up the rear due to mechanical failure.

Behind a disappointing 71st place finish last week, The Blue Deuce was able to hold on to the league lead. WTF, Chevy Intimidators, Blood or Tears, Budah, O Racing, Big Boy^, No Ones Beatch, Brian Racing and WHS Racing gained the most positions this week.

Tippy Twister led the way down tumbling 24 spots. Offshore Gamester, Blind Squirrel Racing, BC and Ed Racing also lost major ground.

We run Darlington on Saturday night. Darlington is the old lady of tracks and is most entertaining. The green flag is set to drop at 7:35PM. Matt Kenseth tops the lineup while Jeff Gordon was fastest in practice.

Wider Was Better

With General Motors announcing the elimination of the Pontiac Motor Division, and since we are heading to Darlington this week, lets relive the last win for the Pontiac on the Sprint Cup circuit.

Week 9 Commentary

The big one hit twice at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday and it left quite a bit of carnage both on the track in the standings of the Conway NASCAR League.

Brad Kesolowski collected his first cup win with Carl Edwards teetering along the catch fence. Meanwhile, The Blue Deuce catapulted to the top of the Conway NASCAR League standings and even carved out some elbow room.

The top scorers for the week were Bigtime Drivers*, The Blue Deuce*, Team Glass, Team Taser, URBANSGATORS and BMF Lugnuts*, who is running quite well over the last several weeks. The list of drivers who hit the wall are to numerous to mention, but most noteworthy was WTF Racing, who finished 88th from a top five points position.

Top position gainers of the week were Sweethang*, Bigtime*, Speedway Princess*, Brady Bunch*, BMF Lugnuts* and URBANSGATORS. Behind the wall with sheet metal damage were over a dozen drivers who lost over 12 spots.

We head off to Richmond this week for some short track bangin which should be fun. Green flag scheduled to fly at 7:43PM Saturday night,

Veteran NASCAR Sportswriter Poole Dies

When we set up the new Conway NASCAR League blog, replacing our previous website, we wanted to make it interactive. With that in mind, we identified some other websites and blogs we thought you may find interesting. They are located on the right, and you can click to go visit them.

One of the blogs, Life In The Turn Lane, was written by Charlotte Observer NASCAR beat writer David Poole. In a bit of very sad news, Poole died today of a heart attack, notes The Charlotte Observer.

Jayski says Poole helped him get started, and we know just how good Jayski is. I really enjoyed reading Poole's blog, and his last column, posted post Talladega, ran in today's paper. Poole must have driven a Pontiac, and he will indeed be missed.

The Edwards Media Tour Is On

Carl Edwards visits with the CBS Early Show with Harry Smith.

White Knuckle Highway

When the good ole boys hit the Superspeedway restrictor plate races at Daytona and Talladega, the races usually invovle a major accident, which is commonly referred to as the big one. Often, the big on has been followed by a late race accident involving cars getting airborne.

The reason NASCAR implemented the restrictor plate, a small plate placed over the carburetor which restricts the flow of fuel to the engine thus reducing horsepower, was due to the following crash in 1987 as Bobby Allison in his Miller High Life Buick almost entered the grandstands. Check it out:



The placement of the restrictor plate slowed the cars down about from about 210 to 195 and seemed to bunch the cars together for tight racing, but it did not stop the major crashes. Take a look at Neil Bonnett, who was returning to competition after a few years in the television booth in the Mom and Pops Chevrolet Lumina, a car owned by his buddy, Dale Earnhardt.



Bonnett would later lose his life in a practice lap in his Country Time Lemonade Chevrolet at Daytona in 1994.

Another nasty crash at Talladega found Rusty Wallace finishing the race in sixth place in his Miller Genuine Draft Pontiac Grand Prix barrel rolling through he air. Take a look at this one:



Other drivers who have had last lap flips at Talladega, otherwise known as the White Knuckle Highway, are Elliott Sadler in the M&M's Ford and Bobby Labonte in the Interstate Batteries Pontiac.

The running of the Aarons's 449 yesterday at Talladega Superspeedway had it all. We had the big one on lap eight and then a very scary incident involving Carl Edwards as his Ford Fusion, in an eerily similar crash to the aforementioned Bobby Allison crash, almost entered the stands. Eight spectators were injured, either from debris from Edwards car or from broken parts of the catch fence. Check out this heartstopper:



I have been attending races at Daytona since 1992 and the catch fence is quite imposing and obviously capable of prohibiting the cars from breaking through to enter the stands. You can see the fencing in this photo of Jeff Gordon in his Dupont Chevy at Daytona last year:

NASCAR has made great safety strides with the safer walls, the catch fencing, the restrictor plates, roof flaps, fuel cells, roll cages and the HANS device. I remember Ernie Irvan and Dale Earnhardt wrecking in front of me on the Daytona Superstretch in 1997 when Irvans hood flew up toward where we were sitting. NASCAR is an awesome thrill and I love the sport, but I am in those stands twice a year and find it amazing there have been very few spectator injuries. Maybe ISC (ISCA:NASDAQ) might want to consider raising the fence height about two feet or so after the events of this past weekend. NASCAR is reviewing policies.

Open Thread Talladega

Things happen in a hurry at The White Knuckle Highway, as Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth found out during yesterdays Aarons 312 at Talladega Superspeedway.


This is an impound race with no practice after qualifying. The final practice speeds are HERE, with Carl Edwards topping the chart. The field for todays race is set, with Juan Pablo Montoya as the polesitter. Anybody got any predictions for today's race. Will Montoya take the checkers or maybe Junior will get it done today?

Week 8 Commentary

A Saturday night shootout at Phoenix International Raceway saw fan favorite Mark Martin roll into victory lane. Martin win was very popular, with drivers Jeff Burton, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart showing up in victory circle to congratulate him.

Budah led all Conway NASCAR League racers to the stripe with a post of 1065 points. Eight drivers, including BMF Lugnuts*, SPC Racing, BAHL, WTF Rcing, The Big LeBowski, Blind Squirrel Racing, URBANSGATORS and Slow Motion Racing, tied for second with 1042 points.

We had a few who did not adjust their lineups, and as usual, they paid a heavy price. Among the car behind the wall were Team Glass, Club BDawg*, JD Racing* and Turn4Gator (must have been delayed in Hogtown from the Orange and Blue game).

The standings are beginning to settle in a bit now that we have ran a few races with box 2. Racers who made the best of PIR included Slow Motion Racing, Greendbud, Budah WHS Racing, URBANSGATORS, SPC, Team Taser^, The Big LeBowski and BMF Lugnuts*.

Toga Phil and Ed Racing* crashed out early, dropping over 20 spots. Other who had issue were Snookbabe, Oiler^, Team Glass, Big Time Drivers* and Blood or Tears Racing.

This week we head to the White Knuckle Highway in Talladega, AL for the Aarons 499. The green flag drops at 2:16PM, and it commands your full attention.

Open Thread Phoenix

Saturday night racing at Phoenix! The field is set and you can see it HERE. Happy Hour practice is over and HERE is who was fastest!

Any thought on the race? Fire away!

The King Visits Hannity

Seven time Sprint Cup Series Champion Richard Petty joins FOX News Sean Hannity on the Great America Panel kicking around some of the political issues of the day.