Congratulations to Boy Racing Inc on capturing yet another Conway NASCAR League championship. Although Big Boy and Lil Boy formally tied, we will have to look back in the records to award an actual winner, but as they are from the same racing family, it is all good.
Several racers had great seasons, most notably Pamela's Pistons and The Big Lebowski, who led the most laps. It was an ejoyable season and we look forward to 2013.
In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase final race, with five time champion Jimmie Johnson having some mechanical issues, Brad Keselowski drove his #2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger to the 2012 Sprint Cup Championship.
This was the first championship for Keselowski, who now joins 2000 Sprint Cup Champion Bobby Labonte as the only drivers to win both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Championships.
Brad is a neat guy and well deserving, as is his car owner, Roger Penske. Close many time, particularly with Rusty Wallace as a driver, this is the first NASCAR championship for the Captain.
The #48 Lowes Chevrolet team of Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus were very gracious in defeat.
Congratulations to Roger Penske and Brad Keselowski!
Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski/photo @Kenny_Wallace
Information regarding our awards presentations, which will take place in January, will be forthcoming.
In both the Sprint Cup Series, and the Conway NASCAR League, we have been sleeping along, but by the time we got to Phoenix, boy howdy did things heat up.
Jimmie Johnson, in a mind boggling lack of team character, slipped up and tattooed the wall, giving Brad K a big leg up in the championship. But Keselowski had to dodge, pun intended, the melee caused by four time champ Jeff Gordon.
Gordon has simply had enough of Clint Bowyer, and took him out on the track. An old fashioned brawl broke out in the garage area, and it certainly was exciting. Have a recap:
NASCAR hit Gordon pretty hard in penalties from his actions, and they should have.
I am sure I join many of you who are fans of Gordon, but think I should be parked for 2012, not necessarily for his altercation with Bowyer, but for impacting other drivers on the track, in this instance, Joey Logano and Aric Amirola, who had good runs ruined.
Did I mention I had Logano, running fifth?
Meanwhile, in the Conway NASCAR League, The Big Lebowski had been checking gauges hoping to bring home his first championship, but a late caution turned the tables, and now we got a green white checker for the championship.
Ford Racing teammates Big Boy and Lil Boy got out of the pits ahead of The Big Lebowski, and now lead the championship by five points heading into the finale in Homestead. Team Taser and Pamela's Pistons round out the top five, and all are within 18 points and can win it. Lucky Penny has a mathematical chance, but not much of one.
The Blue Deuce won the week, followed by Team BC, SPC Racing and Jims Juggs, no doubt all heavily influenced by SPC's law firm research arm. Fuller's Fast Track was fifth.
The top six all jumbled, but Burke Fullers Fast Track were the only gainers of 4 or more. The Gas Man, Glynn and especially GRR88, down 9 spots, went for broke and failed, slipping down the scoring pylon.
It should be a very interesting weekend, on and off the track.
The Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway culminates the season on Sunday afternoon. Remember Stewart and Edwards last year? Wow?
Brad Keselowski need to finish 15th to win it no matter what Johnson does, and you know Johnson and the 48 team will come to win.
Qualifying is Friday at 6:10PM on Speed TV. Happy Hour practice is Saturday from 3-3:50PM. They will put the field under green Sunday at 3:15PM EST for the championship.
Good luck to all the championship contenders and hope all us bystanders have good runs in prep for the 2013 season!
Jimmie Johnson, in his quest for a sixth championship, won at Texas Motor Speedway and leads the point standings with two races to go.
The Big Lebowski continues to lead the Conway NASCAR League, but Pamela's Pistons is charging fast.
Pamela's Pistons won the week, followed by Lucky Penny and Hog Smoke Racing. A whole bunch of racers tied for fourth.
Cosmo D was the only big gainer, while Luckydog and Chevys Intimidators fell a few spots.
Pamela's Pistons jumped three spots and is 13 points behind The Big Lebowski. Big Boy and Lil Boy, who tied for fourth place this week, are tied for third 23 points back. Lucky Penny is 27 back.
This week we are in Phoenix at Phoenix International Raceway for the running of the AdvoCare 500.
Jimmie Johnson won at Martinsville last weekend, and has taken command of the championship point standings. Could Johnson win an unheard of sixth championship?
Team Taser won the week, followed by Jims Juggs, Glynn, URBANSGATORS and Budah!
There were few racers who picked up a bunch of spots, but Luckydog and Man In Black Racing grabbed at least 4 spots. North 79 Liquor, Lisa Las Vegas and CosmoD lost engines.
The Big Lebowski is edging closer to their first championship, with the Ford Racing group of Big and Lil Boy grinding gears trying to run him down. Team Taser is charging and Pamela's Pistons if within range.
It is recognized that under the current point structure it is hard to catch up, so those in high speed pursuit will have to be at the top of their game.
This week we are in Texas to run the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson is on the pole, and Brad K was fastest in final practice.
The Grand Marshal for the race it the cast of the new Dallas TV show, including Larry Hagman. Green flag at 3:16PM.
The Hollywood Casino in 400, on the newly paved Kansas Speedway, proved to be a menace for many as many drivers had issues with the outside retaining wall. Matt Kenseth took the checkered flag.
RP5 won the week in the Conway NASCAR League, followed by Team Taser, Buke, Punch and Ricky Racer. Other than Team Taser, this collection of contestants have not typically been among our top weekly finishers this year, and it is nice to see them having a good run.
Team Taser jumped six spots and is charging hard, but time may be against him. Ricky Racer, Burke and Little Circle Burner also jumped several spots. Fullers Fast Track, Man In Black Racing and Chevys Intimidators fell four or more.
With the way the boxes are configured, which as we have mentioned will be adjusted for 2013, it makes it tough to catch racers ahead of you. The Big Lebowski, who has been leading for about 20 races now, holds a 28 point lead over Big Boy and Little Boy. There is little time left for those in high speed pursuit, and it already may require some help in the form of a chosen driver having engine failure, etc.
This afternoon we run the Tums Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. The green flag is scheduled for 2PM. Although Hurricane Sandy is bearing down on the northeast, it should be coll and clear at race time.
Our last night race of the season had us in Charlotte for the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Clint Bowyer won the race, as off sequence pit stops due to gas mileage factor in late.
The Arkansas Razorbacks may be having a tough go of it, but that did not stop Hog Smoke Racing from grabbing the checkered flag this week, edging out a slew of racers. WTF Racing and No Ones Beatch were second and third, followed by The Big Lebowski, Lucky Penny, Blue 7 Racing, Gas Man, Team Hot Stuff, Glynn, Little Circle Burner and Budah tying for fourth.
It was tight all over the track. No drive gained more than three positions, and only Burke fell hard, who may have thought he was racing the Brickyard instead of Concord.
It was announced this week that former Daytona 500 Champion Geoff Bodine has officially retired. Bodine had 18 career cup wins, but I will remember him for the violent fiery crash he had on the front stretch at Daytona in the Craftsman Truck Series race in 2000.
In honor of Bodine's retirement, let us see that wild crash one more time:
This week the good ole boys are at Kansas Speedway for the Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday. Regan Smith, in the 88 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt, Jr., was fastest at practice. The flag drops Sunday at 2:16PM.
Good Luck!
Out on that old burial ground in Alabama, wild things usually happen, and although we waited quite a while for the big one, an unlikely supsect triggered a hack of a mess, and took the brunt, and the blame, of it.
Tony Stewart, leading at the time, dropped to cut off Michael Waltrip and went upside down causing a calamity of crumpled sheet metal. Matt Kenseth, strong all day, got through unscathed and took the checkered flag.
We usually expect some big shakeups in the standings after Talladega, but no so much this week. Perhaps it is the scoring or too many drivers in the boxes. As we mentioned previously, we are going to five per box for 2013.
BMF Lugnuts won the week, with Team Hot Stuff, Fuller Fast Track, No Ones Beatch and K Dog Racing. No Ones Beatch and Fuller Fast Track gained five or more spots, while CosmoD, Burke, Smokes Fury and WTF Racing lost at least five.
The Big Lebowski continues on point, but the Ford racing tandem of Big Boy and Lil Boy are in high speed pursuit turning faster lap times. Lucky Penny and Pamela's Pistons round out the top five.
THE BOXES HAVE CHANGED and we enter the final segment for the race to the championship. Without question, it is time to put the hammer down.
We want to wish Punch best wishes as he had to dive on to pit road for an extended pit stop, but he is anticiapted to be back under full power shortly.
Last week, we reported that Man In Black Racing and Smokes Fury had uncovered some funny business they indicated by commenting out on the message board. I reached out to both of them, and got no response. However, Chief Racing made contact and it was learned the Commish, that would be Me, was fingered for cheating and making illegal picks after the block out. As part of the operation of the league, many times folks will email, call or text changes for whatever reason. In an effort to accomodate them, I will make these changes for them when I can, which is usually after the block out and may be after the race starts. In addition, in an effort to guard against any lack of compliance, I manually write down a few random picks and the leaders. Sometimes, I also do the write up and make my selections at the same time. So, yes, on occasion, my picks have been submitted after the lock out deadline. Every week, someone has a copy of my picks via email or text. This week, it was Chief. No competitive advantage has been sought, and no competitive advantage has been gained. In fact, to accuse me of cheating is laughable, considering in the 14 seasons in the league I started I have one top ten finish, a fourth, finished 35th last year and currently reside in 39th position. Good Grief! The league takes time to run, even after we switched to a computer based scoring system. I am busy and do the best I can. If that does meet with the approval of anyone, 'Have A Nice Day". I guess I should be happy for the wreck at Dega last week, as it looked like if Smoke did not cause a wreck, Michael Waltrip would have been pushed by Casey Mears to the win, with Stewart right there with Dale Jr. and my guy, Bobby Labonte, coming hard. I had them all, and along with Jeff Gordon, could have potentially had a 1,2,3,4,5 finish. As usual for me, it was not to be.
This week we have our final Saturday night race as we run the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Qualifying will be on Thursday night, covered on SPEED TV at 7PM. They aim to put em under green at 7:46PM.
Brad K took the checkers at Dover last week, and is off to a great start in the Chase. While Keselowski is out front, several drivers, including Matt Kenesth, had bad weeks and are in danger of already being eliminated.
Pamela's Pistons won the week with a strong performance, followed by BAHL, Smoke's Fury, Chevys Intimidators and Fuller Fast Track. Many racers scored strong on the week.
The Big Lebowski continues to lead, and time is indeed running out for those in positions to overtake him to get it done. Big Boy, Lil Boy, CF Canes and WTC Racing round out the top five.
Chevys Intimidators was the only racer to have a significant move up or down in the standings, gaining five positions.
Man In Black Racing and Smoke's Fury have hit the message board with some concerns, and these will be investigated when we learn of the particulars. We will provide an overview when appropriate.
Today, it is another hair raiser as we run the white knuckle highway at Talladega. Opportunities present themselves here, as it is a crapshoot to think who may be involved in the big one.
Kasey Kahne is on the pole, with the green flag dropping at 2:20PM.
The Chase continued at New Hampshire International Speedway last Sunday, with Denny Hamlin taking the checkers.
Ratatack Racing won the week, with a freight train of racers in a tie for second, including Big Boy, Lil Boy, CF Canes, CosmoD, Mama's Boy and Mountain Boy.
Those moving up at least fove spots were Pamela's Pistons and Mountain Boy, with Burke and Smoke's Fury losing 5 or more.
The Big Lebowski continues to show the way. With his solid performances and tight scoring among the leaders, he is in a good spot. Big Boy Lil Boy, CF Canes and WTC Racing round out the top five.
We need to note a few passings, First, the dean of motor sports reporting , Chris Economaki, died Friday morning at 91. Economaki was well lover within the garage areas and by the millions of fans who follow auto racing.
And locally, we lost former league member Potentially Tolerable Racing, Pete Roether, on Saturday morning. A wonderful man and friend to all who knew him here in Conway, the Notre Dame graduate was always great for some keen wisdom and good laughs, covering the gamut talking college football, racing and the political arenas. When remembering his big smile, we can all find times to cheer cheer for old Notre Dame in his honor.
This week we are in Dover for the Monster Mile. Dover is a track that can bite you if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, and not withstanding Kyle Petty winning from 37th in 1995 in the Coors Light Pontiac Grand Prix, track position is key.
Brad K jumped out with a victory in the first Chase race at Chicagoland on Sunday, edging out Jimmie Johnson. At the end of the race, nobody had anything for the 2.
I look for the 2, 48, 14 and 88 to fight it out for the Championship. I would have thought the 24 would be among the contenders, but that was a tough blow last week.
CF Canes 7, no doubt inspired by Dan Sileo and his recent rant, took the league checkers. Smokes Fury, Team Hot Stuff, WTC racing and Ricky Racer were in the draft.
WTC Racing , CF Canes 7, Ricky Racer and Smokes Fury gained big, with only Lisa Las Vegas falling 5 or more.
The Big Lebowski runs steady on point, with his challengers is full out whipsaw behind him. WTC Racing, Lucky Penny (sharing notes?) CF Canes7 and Big Boy and Lil Boy round out the top five.
This week we are in Loudon, New Hampshire, for the running of the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. NHIS is always a good race, so we will look forward to seeing who can make adjustments as the Chase rolls on.
The green flag drops Sunday at @2:15PM.
Please visit our FACEBOOK page, where we sometimes post stories we don't have time to write articles about. Today is an example, as AJ Allmendinger has been reinstated in NASCAR.
It was an exciting race at Richmond with Clint Bowyer grabbing the checkers in the Federated Auto Parts 400 and Jeff Gordon pulling off a miracle and grabbing a position in the Chase with a second place finish.
Blue 7 Racing and SPC Racing tied for the week winning honors, followed closely by Team Hot Stuff, Luckydog and Pamela's Pistons.
There were few big movers this week, just some minor shuffling. RP5 Racing fell five spots, and SPC and Luckydog gained five or more.
The Big Lebowski continues to run point, with Big Boy, Lil Boy, hard charging Blue 7 Racing and Lucky Penny rounding out the top five. Nine racers are within 100 points, but gains are tough to come by and time is running out.
We begin the Chase in Chicagoland, running the GEICO 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Jimmie Johnson is our polesitter. Dale Earnhardt Jr. switched engines and will start in the back.
Atlanta Motor Speedway is a very fast track, but the racing there is not as good as it used to be. In addition, Jeff Gordon says he has gone soft.
Gordon did not punt Denny Hamlin, and Hamlin went on to win the AdvoCare 500 at AMS, with Gordon in second. Many leaders crashed out, including Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman while Carl Edwards blew up.
Blue 7 Racing won the week, followed closely by Burke. Maybe these guys found some notes from a Hooters 500 in the old days. O Racing finished third, followed by Lucky Penny and Team Taser.
Team Taser shot up the leader board 11 spots, and leads a drafting freight train of racers, including Big Boy, Lil Boy, Lisa Las Vegas, Burke and Lucky Penny, who are all within 96 points of The Big Lebowski, who continues on point. The time to go is now, and I should remember to alert myself to this point, at some point.
Team Taser, Burke and Blue 7 gained major ground, while Chief, Cane Racing and CosmoD each fell back with blown engines.
The Democrats are meeting in Charlotte this weekend, and although most if not all of the drivers favor the Republicans, the NASCAR Hall of Fame has been host to many television networks, special events and interviews, gaining quite a bit of great publicity for the sport.
After Matt Kenseth announced he will be in the #20 Gibbs Racing Chevrolet, Joey Logano immediately announced he will be in the #22 Penske Ford next season. Silly Season is in full swing.
We race on Saturday night again this week, not good for college football fans, but ideal for the opening Sunday of NFL football. Richmond International Raceway is where we will be, which is good for Smoke, as this is his favorite track and he has been slumping some kind of bad awful.
The rag will drop at Richmond for the Federated Auto Parts 400 at 7:43 PM, at which time they will turn em loose.
It was the Bristol Night Race, and things were bound to happen.
Team Taser had a rough night, and informed us about on the message board. Budah, no doubt asleep when the checkered flag waved, won the week, and Smoke has had his fire lit. Kenseth will be driving with three eyeballs from here on out.
Yes, Budah got another win, followed by Man in Black Racing, Burke, GBR88^ and CF Canes 7.
CF Canes 7, Burke, Man in Black and Budah each advanced several spots. Among the carnage in the garage area was Team Taser, Mountain Boy, Fullers Fast Track, Luckydog^, Little Circle Burner and RP5 Racing.
The Big Lebowski remains our leader, and he is about ready to hire a speechwriter. With Taser tumbling, Lisa Las Vegas has worked her way back up to second, followed by Big and Lil Boy and Chevy Intimidators.
THE BOXES HAVE CHANGED as we have completed segment four. Congratulations to Budah for winning the segment!!!!!
We approach Labor Day weekend in anticipation for college football, are watching Hurricanes, (no, not the U but real ones), looking forward to the holiday weekend.
The revised schedule has the NSCS in Atlanta for the running of the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Qualifying will be at 6:10 Friday evening and the race is slated to go green at 7:46PM Sunday Night. It will be fast.
Don't miss getting your picks in with the new boxes. Have a safe weekend keep the shiny side up, and Go 'Noles!
Usually a boring gas mileage affair, the Pure Michigan 400 had many interesting twists. For starters, Hendrick Motorsports engines had issue through out the day, finding Tony Stewart first, then Jeff Gordon, then Jimmie Johnson as his engine blew leading he race with 5 to go.
Then there was the wild crash Mark Martin had, which got started when Juan Taco took the air off Bobby Labonte, causing the three time Michigan winner to spin. Martin spun in order to miss the crash, then slammed into the edge of an inside retaining wall on pit road. Could have been real bad, but thankfully tragedy was avoided. NASCAR is reviewing the crash.
Greg Biffle took the checkers at Michigan. CosmoD and Blue 7 Racing tied for the win in the Conway NASCAR League, followed by ten other racers. We have seen this occasion in road races, but rarely at a track like MIR. It was a tight leaderboard for sure.
CosmoD and Blue 7 jumped the most spots, while Cane Racing, Lucky Penny, Pamela's Pistons, No Ones Beatch and GBR88^ lost ground.
The Big Lebowski continues to run point, with Team Taser tucked off the back bumper. Lil Boy, Big Boy and WTC Racing round out the top five.
This week we run what used to be the favorite of many, the Bristol night race. Recent changes to the track hurt the racing, but Bruton Smith has taken additional steps to regain the magic. We shall see.
The Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway goes green at 7:43PM on Saturday night. The Camping World Truck Series goes green on Wednesday Night on Speed TV, the Nationwide Series Food City 250 on Friday night gives us a full weekend at Bristol, racing the way it ought to be. The cup cars qualify Friday afternoon at 5:10PM.
It was another wild road course race from up at Watkins Glen for the Finger Lakes 355 with Marcose Ambrose getting the hard fought win. Ambrose is stout on the road courses to be sure.
Budah won the CNL Checkers, with Glynn, Cane Racing, Cosmo D and Chief Racing rounding out the top five.
Big gainers included Cane Racing, The Chief, No Ones Beatch and CosmoD. In the garage area were WTF Racing and Blue 7 Racing.
The Big Lebowski continues to to show the way, and it is time those in contention to step it up. Team Taser, Cane Racing and Big and Lil Boy round out the top five.
There is a wide spread consensus of the talent level of Danica Patrick, and while I don't think she is the next coming of Jimmie Johnson, I think she is pretty good. Never have I seen someone as snake bit. She has wrecked a time or two on her own, been wrecked for no reason a handful of times and wrecked out of the lead once or twice.
Then, there was yesterdays Nationwide race in Montreal.
We are at Michigan International Speedway this weekend for the Pure Michigan 400 at Brooklyn, Michigan. Usually, although the speeds are very fast, the racing is boring and it comes down to gas mileage.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr will try to become the first driver to repeat at Michigan since Bobby Labonte in 1995.
Dale Jr and Jimmie Johnson will have to go the back of the field for the start. Kid Rock will give the command! Stand on it!
We battled the rain some kind of bad up at Pocono this weekend, with Jeff Gordon legitimately on point when the rains came.
The weather was real bad early in the day, and it certainly did not look like we would get the race going on Sunday. We did, but it was shortened by a real bad storm that hit the speedway after the race.
Unfortunately, a race fan from Scranton was killed and several were injured by lightning. The gentleman leaves a wife and three young children. Pocono has set up a fund for the victims, and Carl Edwards spoke by phone with a hospitalized fan. Keep these families in your prayers.
With the win, Gordon gets closer to securing a Chase position, which seemed unlikely a few weeks back.
Raising Cane took the CNL checkers, followed by RP5 Racing, Ratatack Racing and Budah. Eight others tied for 5th, as many had the same drivers. KDog was the only big gainer of the week, with Burke, Chief Racing and Team Wolf falling a few spots.
Among the topics covered at our mid season party was our intent to reduce the number of drivers in each box next year from 6 to 5, which will hopefully shake up instances of the high number of similar lineups, in addition to improving the box 7 and 8 situation.
For those that attended, including BMF Lugnuts, Lil Boy, Luckydog, The Gas Man, Chief Racing, Blind Squirrel Racing, Punch, WTF Racing and MMSH, it was a good time.
This week, we are up in Watkins Glen for The Finger Lakes 355 at Watkins Glen International Speedway. This is the second and final road course race of the season.
Happy hour practice is appropriately at 4:10 on Friday, with qualifying on Saturday at 11AM. The green flag drops at @1:18PM Sunday, with ESPN having the coverage.
It does not seem that long ago, but on Sunday Jimmie Johnson won the 19th Brickyard 400 presented by Golden Corral on Sunday.
As Punch appropriately noted, the Brickyard joins many of the other tracks in having a lower level of excitement.
CosmoD won the week, edging out WTC Racing (turning the fastest track times the last few weeks) Speedway Princess, Smoke's Fury and Blue 7 Racing.
Blue 7 Racing and GBR88 scored gains in the standings.
For our racers, this race presented the opportunity to for some racers to crash hard. If you had cousin Carl Edwards, you did. And if you also had Joey Logano, it was a disaster of a day. Team Cuda can attest to this, dropping a mind boggling 17 spots. Chief and Little Circle Burner had rough days as well.
The Big Lebowski continues to show the way. Team Taser is next, just ahead of hard charging WTC Racing. The Gas Man, Big Boy and Lil Boy round out the top five.
No doubt, it is time to stand on it.
We have some announcements.
Our mid season party will be Sunday, August 5, 2012 at the Wingshack for the cup series return to Pocono. Our party will begin at lunch time, 12:30PM. We will do the usual, pour some beers and pound some wings. The green flag at the tricky triangle drops a 1:19 EST.
We are exploring an exciting option for the year end party, and will keep you posted.
We have decided to place FIVE drivers, instead of the current six, in each box. We feel this will increase the variety of driver selected, which has dropped considerably in recent seasons. We will make sure everyone is clear on the new rules when we hit Speedweeks next February.
Hope everyone enjoyed the Lenox Tools 301 in Loudon last week.
Due to complete the incompetence of Brighthouse Networks, my cable was dark and I did not see ONE lap. What a bunch of idiots.
Anyhow, Kasey Kahne won the race and Ricky Racer won the week, followed by CF Canes, Chief Racing and WTC Racing. Several racers were right behind the front group.
Man In Black was the only big gainer of the week, with Lisa Las Vegas and Ron Dog slipping several spots.
The Big Lebowski and his counselors continue to lead, with Team Taser, The Gas Man and Big and Lil Boy rounding out the top five.
No race this week.
Next week, we will be at the Brickyard for The Brickyard 400, with coverage over on ESPN.
Our midseason party will be August 5 as we return to Pocono for the Pennsylvania 500. Details coming soon, so keep an eye out.
It was a crazy evening of racing on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway for the running of the Coke Zero 400, with Smoke rising tee pee style as Tony Stewart came from 42nd starting position to take the checkered flag.
Matt Kenseth seemed to have the best car, but the best car rarely wins these restrictor plate races.
Bobby Labonte finally brought home a good finish, helping your commish BAHL win the week. This, of course, was quite fitting with Bobby Bowden giving the command to start engines. WTC Racing, O Racing, Team Taser and WTF Racing rounded out the top five.
Restrictor plate races usually shake up the standings, and this week was no exception. Gaining big were BAHL and WTC Racing while collected with crumpled sheet metal in the garage area were Pamela's Pistons, Ron Dog Racing and Man In Black Racing.
The Big LeBowski is on point, followed by Team Taser, Lisa Las Vegas, The Gas Man and Team Cuda.
Unofficial segment winners are as follows:
Segment 1
1. Team Cuda
2. Lisa Las Vegas
3. WTF Racing
Segment 2
1. Little Circle Burner
2. The Gas Man
3. North 79 Liquor
Segment 3
1. Team Taser
2. BAHL
3. Lucky Penny
As we have concluded the third segment, the BOXES WILL CHANGE for the race next week up in Loudon at New Hampshire International Speedway. The Lenox Industrial Tools 301 will go green at approximately 1:16 PM next Sunday.
Keep your eyes peeled on the Allmendinger situation and who may be at the wheel of the #22 Dodge.
In addition, some good news as we offer congrats to Kevin and Delana Harvick, who have welcomed Keelan Paul Harick into the world!
Legendary former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden gave the command to start engines for the Coke Zero 400 with his folksy flare Saturday night at The World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.
Bowden was a big hit in the drivers meeting and during pre race interviews.
Tallahassee.com reported "Bowden wore black pants with an FSU logo. When asked if they were part of his severance package, he quipped, "Boy, I took everything I could."
As an FSU booster, fine with me.
Always great to see Coach Bowden, ya know it. Bowden had never been to a Sprint Cup race before, but figured he would enjoy it. After giving the command, he was fixin to find out.
It was good to get Bowden acquainted with Daytona International Speedway; giants in their own way in history here in the Sunshine State. Go Seminoles!
Thursday evening, after Sprint Cup Happy Hour practice, AJ Allmendinger was the guest on Speed TV's Trackside. Along with Rutledge Wood and Kyle Petty; Dinger was tossing birthday cakes and old televisions of the top of Winston Tower in a made for TV clowning around skit.
No clowning, or kidding, around hours before the Coke Zero 400 as Allmendinger was temporarily suspended for failing a drug test. The particulars have not been released.
No doubt, this is a tough blow for AJ. Sometimes, a man is made when he must face adversity and chooses to do so with integrity.
Many of us are big fans of Dinger and are hoping this is not what it appears to be. Lets hope for the best and we will be pulling for AJ to get it together and take advantage of what life has to offer him.
With blistering temperatures up in Kentucky, the good ole boys put on a decent show with Brad K taking the checkers, pretty much solidifying him a spot in the chase.
Ricky Racer won the week, with The Big Lebowski, Team Cuda, The Gas Man, Team Taser, ME Racing and Team Wolf close behind.
Among those jumping in the standings wee The Gas Man, Team Cuda, Ricky Racer and Little Circle Burner. GBR88^, North 79 Liquor and BAHL crashed and burned.
The Big Lebowski has regained the lead from Lisa Las Vegas with Team Taser, Pamela's Pistons and Cane Racing rounding out the top five.
This week we come back home to Daytona International Speedway for the running of the Coke Zero 400. Qualifying will be Friday at 4:10PM. TNT will have the coverage of the Coke Zero 400 on Saturday night, with the green flag dropping at 7:49PM.
Bobby Bowden, former head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, will be the Grand Marshal, giving the command to start engines. Believe it or not, even though Coach Bowden grew up in Alabama and, of course, spent 30+ years in Tallahassee, he will be attending his first NASCAR race. Bowden said he does not want to pilot the pace car. Thank Ya Buddy!
We will see you at the track, or Hooters parking lot. Stand on it!
Sorry for the delay in posting the update; I have been immersed within The Federalist Papers for the last 48 hours.
Clint Bowyer put on a dazzling performance out on the road course at Sonoma, dominating the field. Again, there were not too many dustups out there, unusual for the road course.
Brian Vickers had another stellar run, as did Kurt Busch.
Luckydog won the week, followed by The Chevy Intimidators, Smoke's Fury, Ricky Racer, Captain Schwab and Team Cuda.
Those gaining ground on the leaders were Luckydog, Team Cuda, Smoke's Furya nd BAHL. Cane Racing, WTF, Blue 7 and Hog Smoke Racing got off in the gravel smacking the tire barrier.
Lisa Las Vegas is back on point. followed by The Big Lebowski, Pamela's Pistons, Big Boy and Lil Boy.
Boy Racing Inc is feeling the pain with the announcement that their boy Matt Kenseth is leaving the Roush racing stables, and Ford, at the end of the year. Word on the street says Kenseth lands with Gibbs.
This week we hit Kentucky Speedway, where last year half the fans aiming to attend were stuck in a traffic jam outside and missed the race. I would have been torqued for sure.
Jimmie Johnson is our pole sitter for the Quaker State 400 which goes green at 7:46PM.
Dale Earnhardt Jr broke his winless streak at Michigan International Speedway to the delight of many. He has been running strong all year, so he was bound to win.
Fuller's Fast Track took the checkers, with Smoke's Fury, Steve O, Team BC and Lucky Penny rounding out the top 5.
Among those with strong runs were Team Taser, Lucky Penny, Fullers Fast Track, Little Circle Burner and SPC Racing. The Gas Man, Burke and Hog Smoke Racing each has miserable runs.
The Big Lebowski is out front, closely chased by Lisa Las Vegas. Cane Racing, Pamela's Pistons and North 79 Liquor make the top five.
We are road racing this weekend out in Sonoma, which means we will have some ringers in the field.
Marcose Ambrose is on the pole, and Robby Gordon is back. Jeff Gordon was fastest in happy hour practice.
For the first time in many a moon, qualifying was not shown live on TV, which I found disturbing. They aim to put them under green at 3:18PM.
The only time Joey Logano took the checkered flag at a cup race, it was primarily due to the race being called for rain with everyone in the pits. Many felt the win was not legitimate, for the 20 Toyota had not among the leaders much of the day.
On Sunday at Pocono, polesitter Logano ran strong from the get go and scored the win, the first for a polesitter om over 30 races.
For sure, this was a legitimate win, timely for Logano who is hoping to hold his seat in Joe Gibbs 20 Home Depot Toyota.
CF Canes took the CNL checkers, followed by Burke, BAHL, Team BC, Cane Racing and Lucky Penny. CF Canes, Lucky Penny, BAHL, Burke, Gas Man and Man In Black all gained sveral spots. Man In Black did this while getting locked out with last weeks box selection, rather than the change he wanted. Do you have to guess which driver finished higher?
It was a rough afternoon for several racers, a long list to be sure. No Ones Beatch, Team Cuda, Chevy Intimidators, Little Circle Burner, O Racing, Rick Racer, SPC Racing, BMF Lugnuts, Glynn^, Budah and Fitz Racing all fell five or more spots.
Lisa Las Vegas regained the lead, with The Big Lebowski, North 79 Liquor, Cane Racing and Pamela's Pistons rounding out the top five. There are 22 drivers within 100 points of the lead, certainly within striking distance.
It is Fathers Day weekend, and that finds the good ole boys in Michigan for the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Speeds are very fast, but close racing is uncommon. Gas mileage is always a factor at Michigan. Tony Stewart was fastest at today's testing session.
Qualifying is Saturday afternoon. They aim to put them under green at 1:19PM Sunday.
Happy Fathers Day and Good Luck.
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Well we are half way to the chase, and ole five time exhibited some strength by winning at Dover again. Dover is a self cleaning track for sure, and we did have a pile up collecting some 13 rides, but the only chase contender involved was Smoke.
Don't worry about Tony, with his two wins he will be in the chase and likely be a favorite to win it.
While Jimmie Johnson was celebrating in victory lane up at Dover, when the calculations were finished it was GBR88 edging out ME Racing and Pamela's Pistons (his teammate) for the win. Offshore Gamester, MMSH (Miss Make Shit Happen) and Man In Black Racing rounded out the the top five. Glory be, Budah scored a top ten!
Smoke's Fury hit the message board after his dismal performance, no doubt associated with Stewart crashing. Welcome to the weekly party! Team BC, Team Cuda and Speedway Princess joined him at the back.
The Big Lebowski pulled a slingshot move on No 79 Liquor and has retaken the lead. Lisa Las Vegas followed him and is now in second. No 79, Pamela's Pistons and WTC Racing are the top five.
Pamela's Pistons, GBR88, ME Racing and O Racing jumped over 5 spots. Hog Smoke and Ron Dog Racing hit the wall.
Television coverage moves over to TNT for the Summer Series as we we roll up to the Poconos for the first of two runs up there at the boomerang at Long Pond, PA. The Pocono 400 presented by #NASCAR goes green and 1:19PM. Jeff Gordon has led more laps than anyone at this tricky track, and his lengthy run of bad luck has to end sometime soon.
It was Memorial Day Weekend and that means the good ole boys were on home turf in Charlotte for the running of the World Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
I do not think any one touched anybody all night, and it was the fastest 600 ever as caution flags were minimal. I don't know about you, but what happened to rubbin is racin?
North 79 Liquor won the week, is surging and has taken the lead. I got tech inspectors going over the car in post race inspection.
In No 79's rear view mirror were Little Circle Burner, Blue 7 Racing, Burke and L&M Racing.
With North 79 taking the lead, The Big Lebowski has fallen to second. Lisa Las Vegas, Cane Racing and WTF Racing round out the top five as we approach the mid point of the season.
Ron Dog, Little Circle Burner, Blue 7, Burke, Lucky Penny and Wolf Racing all gained several spots.
Overheating were GBR88, Mama's Boy and Blind Squirrel Racing.
With the 600 behind us, we roll up to Dover International Speedway for the Fed Ex 400 benefiting Autism Speaks. Of significant importance is that The BOXES HAVE CHANGED, so rolling picks would be like pounding the inside retaining wall.
It was a fun Saturday night of racing at Darlington Raceway as ole five time, Jimmie Johnson, got the win. Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman go into it, and you would think if someone was going to put a whipping on Busch, it might be Newman, but no.
Anyhow, Ricky Racer grabbed the win with Hog Smoke, Smoke's Fury, Speedway Princess and Team BC in high speed pursuit.
Ricky Racer move up a ton of spots, but nobody else made significant position gains. On the other hand, RP5 Racing, BAHL, O Racing and Lucky Penny blew engines.
Lisa Las Vegas has moved into a tie atop the standings with The Big Lebowski, with WTF Racing, Cane Racing and No 79 Liquor rounding out the top five.
No point racing this weekend as the All Star Race will be run in Charlotte Saturday night. The good ole boys will be back at next Sunday on Memorial Day weekend for the running of the World Coca Cola 600.
Another bunch of cars got crumpled up at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend as Brad Keselowski won the Aarons 499. Although we had a very serious crash with Eric McClure in the Nationwide Series, nothing serious happened for the cup drivers.
Little Circle Burner had another blistering week, torching the field by 15 points and scoring the second win of the season. Big Boy, Lil Boy and The Gas Man tied for second with Pamela's Pistons finishing fifth.
Tony Stewart was not pleased about the goings on at Talladega. Although I can appreciate his position, if these drivers think us fans enjoy them running without coming within feet of one another at the likes of Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway and the oh so boring California Speedway, they are missing all the empty seats in the stands. Without question, our pitiful economy is a major factor, but even Bristol has lost its appeal because no longer is rubbin racing.
This week, we head out to the oldest Superspeedway on the circuit as we roll into Darlington to tackle the Lady in Black on Saturday evening. Thankfully, this is still a good race, and the Darlington stripe will still reach out and grab the best of the best.
The Bojangles' Southern 500 is schedule to be put under green at 7:15PM. Greg Biffle is on the pole and yes, Danika Patrick made the race and will start 38th.
Kyle Busch ran away with Richmond once again, out running Tony Stewart at the end for his fourth consecutive win in the spring Richmond race.
No One's Beatch won the week, followed by Speedway Princess, Hog Smoke Racing,Lucky Penny and Chief Racing.
The Big Lebowki continues to show the way, followed by No One's Beatch, Cane Racing, North 79 Liquor and WTF Racing.
Hog Smoke, Lucky Penny and Chief Racing moved up several positions, while Irish Racing and Fitz Racing went tumbling.
It will be a crapshoot this weekend as we hit the White Knuckle Highway for the Aarons 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. The restrictor plate races are always a wildcard.
Green flag drops at 1:19PM. Keep the shiny side up!
Martin Truex, Jr and Denny Hamlin ran for the checkers at Kansas Speedway while engine trouble collected Jeff Gordon and AJ Allmendinger, our polesitter, who were strong early.
Blue Deuce won the week in the Conway NASCAR League, with North 79 Liquors from beautiful downtown Russellville, Kentucky, RonDog Racing and BMF Lugnuts tucked in close off the back bumper.
Big movers upward were The Gas Man, URBANSGATORS and BMF Lugnuts, while rookie operations KDog Racing and ME Racing, Chief Racing and Team Cuda blew engines.
We go Saturday night racing this week at Richmond International Raceway, one of the few tracks we still might see some good racing, for the Capital City 400 presented by Virginia is for Lovers.
Veteran Mark Martin is on the pole tonight.Chris Berman, Jon Gruden and Mel Kiper will have things wrapped up for the day at Radio City Music Hall, so settle in this evening for some great racing at Richmond. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 7:43PM.
Saturday night racing in Texas sure failed to produce the fireworks many were expecting, but Greg Biffle had them all covered and took the checkers.
Little Circle Burner had a perfect score, selecting the top scoring driver in each box. I think this is the first time this has happened since we started using Racescore. Good Job!
The Big Lebowski, Luckydog, The Gas Man, Lisa Las Vegas and No One's Beatch rounded out the top five.
Gainers from Texas were Little Circle Burner, URBANSGATORS, Luckydog, The Gas Man and Mama's Boy.
Hog Smoke, O Racing, CF Canes, Budah, Irish Racing and Team BC all crashed hard.
We are out just west of metro Kansas City for the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway this weekend. Let us hope this is not another snoozer. AJ Allmendinger is our polesitter.
In some related news, it appears there is now a rift between the Petty family and Victory Junction Gang, the charity Kyle and Pattie Petty started in the aftermath of the death of Adam Petty and a charity the Conway NASCAR League, particularly through our old association with Pit Row Sports Pub, has long supported.
It was a dog day afternoon over at Martinsville, home of the shortest of short tracks. It looked like a battle between Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, that is until Clint Bowyer dove deep and took the Hendrick gang out. Then, David Reutimann was limping around and broke in the back straightaway to upend the running order.
Ryan Newman somehow won the race, and tempers raes as usual.
Fullers Fast Track and Speedway Princess, about to be called to the NASCAR hauler, won the week. The Big Lebowski, No Ones Beatch, Cane Racing and BMF Lugnuts had top five runs.
Moving up were Fuller, Speedway Princess, ME (nice car) and BMF Lugnuts. Several races dive bombed in the standings, including Bazil, Jimm's Juggs, URBANSGATORS (did you see The Sporting News story on Urban?) Luckydog, The Gas Man and Team BC.
Congrats to Team Cuda for winning segment 1. Cuda leads Lisa Las Vegas, WTF Racing, GBR88^ and No Ones Beatch.
THE BOXES HAVE CHANGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We move to segment 2 this week, and do so on Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway for the Samsung Mobile 500. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 7:46PM, on Saturday night.
Bristol may be racing the way it ought to be, but it ain't what it used to be.
I know Obama has torpedoes the economy, but that does not tell the whole tale regarding the empty seats we saw Sunday. It has gotten the attention of the track owners as well.
Brad Keselowski was stout all day and won the race. Brian Vickers, in his first Cup start this season, ran strong also in the 55 Toyota.
RP5 Racing is off to a strong start in the Conway NASCAR League, posting the Bristol win after finishing second a week ago. RP5 out ran BAHL, WTF Racing, GBR88^ , Irish Racing and Team Wolf.
Big Chuck Hurst, Blind Squirrel the team effort of Speedway Princess and Fullers Fast Track joined Kyle Busch behind the wall.
Those with big gains leaving Bristol were RP5, BAHL, Pamela's Pistons, Team Taser, Irish Racing, Mama's Boy, and Burke. Losing mega spots were Fullers Fast Track and Speedway Princess, SPC Racing with a St Patricks Day hangover, Chevy Intimidators, CF Canes, Team Hot Stuff and Blind Squirrel.
This week we are going to California for the Auto Club 500 out in Fontana. The rag drops at approximately 3:16PM. It may well be an interesting day, as the Grand Marshal are The Three Stooges.
Tony Stewart finally got a win at Las Vegas while Team Steve O took the checkers, by a wider than usual margin in the Conway NASCAR League.
Behind Steve O was RP5 Racing, North 79 Liquor, No One's Beatch and CF Canes.
Fullers Fast Track, Speedway Princess, URBANSGATORS, Blue 7 Racing and Oiler were in the garage area.
No Ones Beatch, CF Canes, RP5 Racing and North 79 Liquor jumped 10+ spots. On free fall were Ratatack Racing, Lucky Penny, URBANSGATORS, Fullers Fast Track and Speedway Princess.
With the bizarre events surround the 54th Daytona 500 behind us, it was back to business as usual at Phoenix International Raceway for the running of the Fresh Fit Subway 500.
Former Nebraska and current Detroit Lions All Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh gave the command to start engines.
Things did not go well early for Kasey Kahne, who slapped the wall on lap 4, but it was fairly uneventful. Jimmie Johnson responded from a horrible Daytona to post a good finish.
In the league, Budah, Team Cuda and SPC Racing ties for the top spot, followed by Cane Racing and Team BC. Team Wolf, Offshore Gamester and BMF Lugnuts were among those who blew an engine.
Many whipsaw moves took place in the standings, which is typical for the first three or so weeks. Team BC, Budah, The Big Lebowski, SPC, WTF and Chief all gained 20 or more spots. Rookie driver North 79 Liquor, Pamela's Pistons and Team Hot Stuff all fell at least 20 spots. Team Steve O, MMSH and BAHL have seemingly tossed anchor in the back.
This week we are in Las Vegas for the Kobalt Tools 400. Five time is in a backup after crashing in Friday practice. Kasey Kahne sits on the pole while Joey Logano won happy hour practice. Many of drivers will be remembering Indy Car racer Dan Wheldon, who lost his life in a horrific crash here at Vegas last fall.
It was quite a Speedweeks this year, culminating with wet weather forcing the postponement of the 54th running of the Great American Race until Monday evening. Matt Kenseth held off Dale Earnhardt, Jr for the win.
Add intrigue to the race was an unbelievable crash involving Juan Paublo Montoya and a truck pulling a jet dryer; under caution. As DW said, I have never.
Thank goodness nobody was hurt in this bizarre crash, which absolutely destroyed the #42 Target Chevrolet.
GBR88 took the league checkers, with and outstanding score. RonDog Racing, Chevy Intimidators, Team Hot Stuff and Cane Racing rounded out the top five. As a group, the scores were very good, which is kind of surprising given the high number of name drivers who had issues.
Exhausted from it all, the teams head out to Phoenix International Raceway for the Subway Fresh Fit 500. Green Flag drops at 3:14 EST. Good luck!
It is nice to see Love Bug Racing as a experiment of the past!
If the Gatorade Duels are any indication, we are back to having some wide open pack racing. Blue 7 Racing predicts a wild 500.
Matt Kenseth had his new ride out for fans to see in Hooters parking lot, although other sights were much more impressive.
Once we got going, the racing was fast and furious, with Smoke owning the day. After running solid all day in about 10th spot, Danica Patrick got pushed off the track and took a massive hit. Take a look:
Ole DW (@ALLWALTRIP) has it right about those safer walls having been placed in places around the track you might not ordinarily think they would be. Thank goodness.
Late in January, The Conway NASCAR League held our championship party over at The Wingshack, where Boy Racing Inc collected a ton of hardware.
We had a good time, with 22 league members joining the party. Winning is nothing new to Boy Racing Inc, the CNL flagship Ford operation, who have been dominant in our league since we dropped the green flag. But, it was an emotional day for the team as they retired their Boy's Toy Racing team after losing Mrs. Boys Toy during the year. For all of us.
Boy Racing Inc. will remain a four team operation in 2012, as Mountain Boy Racing emerges from their Western Carolina shop.
Now that the accolades have been loving submitted, it is time to find out if anyone has anything for Boy Racing. Lead, follow or get out the way!
