Week 1 Commentary

 

Speedweeks 2013 is now in the rear view mirror and what an eventful week it was.

 

The new Gen6 cars were unleashed and they look fabulous.  Our first look at them on the track was during the Sprint Unlimited, won by Kevin Harvick in his Budweiser Chevrolet.

 

Then came history.  Danica Patrick, driving the Go Daddy Chevrolet for Stewart Haas Racing, won the pole for the 55th running of The Great American Race.  It was a great accomplishment; Cheers to Danica and her team! 

 

On Thursday, Kevin Harvick won the first Budweiser Duel and Kyle Busch won the second, although I continue to call them the Twins.  Below are a few photos from the race.

 

Danica Patrick and Trevor Bayne roll off pit road.

 

Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr roll off pit road.



 The Nationwide Series race, as usual, did not disappoint. While a calamity unfolded on the front straightaway of the final lap, Tony Stewart won the race.  But Kyle Larson's car got tangled up in the catch fence, and in the wrecking process a Goodyear Racing Eagle flew over the fence and struck a fan in Campbell Box.  While the entire engine and a front tire were snared in the fencing on the walkway concourse, other engine parts flew into the stands.

Thankfully, no race fans lost their lives and only two were injured significantly.  Most of us have been over there and recognize that these types of things are possible.  It could have happened to me on Thursday at the Twins or Punch and Miss Make Shit Happen on Sunday.  In fact, I recall Punch and I ducking the Texaco Havoline hood of Ernie Irvan over out of turn two on The Daytona SuperStretch some years back.  It is racing.

Jimmie Johnson won the Great American Race on Sunday, holding off Junior for his second 500 win.  Danica Patrick led laps, becoming the first woman to lead Sprint Cup under green.  The television ratings were very high and the weather held off for a great race.

A big shout out to Budah, who hosted a Daytona 500 watch party at his affectionately titled home Budahville. There was a big turnout, with many of our league members taking part.  Certainly, we appreciate the hospitality and thank Budah very much.  Kudos to Burke for making sure the keg did not run dry.

Rookie league participant OSteen Racing won the first week of the Conway NASCAR League, with Budah, Chief Racing, Miss Make Shit Happen (MMSH Racing) and No Ones Beatch in high speed pursuit.  No movers and shakers in the standings just yet as we just got started.  A very shaky start for some usually sound race teams, no doubt crumpled sheet metal up on the high banks.

Want to give a shout out to The Chief, who helped get us going from a computer standpoint. He ain't playin around, and is already mouthing off about his top five finish.

We have 70 racers this year.  We extend a warm welcome to our rookie racers and look forward to fun season.

For those who are not aware, we do have a FACEBOOK page!  Friend us to keep up with items we don't have time to mention on the blog.

Our next race is this Sunday out at Phoenix International Raceway as we run the Subway Fresh Fit 500(k).  The green flag drops at 3:14PM EST on FOX.  Remember, the picks need to be in one hour before FOX TV Coverage.  May we recommend picking on Friday or earlier in the week and then making adjustments later.  That way, you will always have a lineup.

Phoenix is usually a fun track. Not withstanding the antics of Ricky Racer in the infield or the feuds similar to the Clint Boywer-Jeff Gordon altercation a year age, the racing is usually good.

And this week, Petty Blue returns to the track!