Nothin' But The Taillights

Go fast...turn left and right (IROC version)...don't crash!

That's two baby...count 'em...TWO wins in a row for SMOKE!

What a way to bounce back from last week's road race woes. drove away from the competition on lap 4 and never looked back. It was if he was out for just a Sunday drive. This win put Tony on top in the IROC standings just ahead of fellow NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth (sorry Babs).

There was a little bit of "off road" racing last night for several of the drivers. Steve Kinser had some problems, but hd did remina right side up and finished the race a lap down. There were a few "meet and greets" on the track and that was me screaming obscenities late in the race when Matt and Mark decided to go synchronized spinning.. It looked lit is just onf the lose log jame things that happened. And I felt sorry for Martin Truex Jr--he slid of the track and into a wall of tires. I don't know if thsoe watching the race saw that goober taking pictures of him...but I don't think that's how Truex wanted his picture taken. All in all it wasn't a bad race.

It was strange to see the IROC cars with headlights and taillights. The commentators were discussing how the IROC people had to take the cars and modify them in order to race last night. Plus now they have to remove the modifications and get them ready for the last race in Atlanta. Props go out to these people.

I would LOVE to see Tony add an IROC championship to his list of accomplishments. I do ilke the idea of IROC on dirt. Of course we all know who would probably win that race. My only gripe about last night...well two...I wanted to see Tony climb the fence (he didn't) and there was no coverage of the celebration in Victory Lane. Speed interviewed him sitting in his car which was great, but come on people. I know it was late, but I stayed up past my bed time to see Mr. Stewart celebrate in Victory Lane!!!!
According to this SI.com article (6/15/2006), there are 10 reasons to love Tony Stewart. Just 10?? I can think of a couple more, but it probably would be a little creepy coming from Mark Zeske who wrote the article (he looks old enough to be my dad). But here they are.
1. He's fun loving
2. He's competitive
3. He's passionate
4. He cares about history and tradition
5. He can see the big picture
6. He's consistent
7. He's tough
8. He races whenever and wahtever he can.
9. He doesn't always shave
10. He takes good care of his mom.

That about sums it up...and I would like to add one more...i think he is downright sexy (sorry Postman--that's just the way it goes). The picture above is one of my favorites of Tony right now...you can't go wrong with a guy who works on his car.

Well, next up the Busch race tonight and then we go Saturday night racing--WOO HOO! That's TWO chances to see Mr. Stewart race and climb that thar fence at Daytona.

Good Luck Boys and Watch that Bump Draftin'! Note to Tony and Matt---let's play nice boys!

IROC Racing

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

IROC (International Race of Champions)
For those of you who don't follow any kind of racing here's a brief summary of what IROC Racing is...

IROC is kind of like an All-Star race where some of the world's best drivers compete for the honor of being named IROC Champion.

According to irocracing.com, the premise, conceived in 1973, is amazingly simple yet effective: Take 12 of the world's top drivers, from different types of racing, put them in identically prepared IROC race cars, give them a set of rules which virtually eliminates the variables usually associated with racing (no pit stops, no qualifying, no driver set-up of the cars, etc.) and wave a green flag at them.

Tonight is Race #3 of this year's IROC race. And those NASCAR boys thought there road racing was over until Watkins Glen. It will be interesting to see an IROC road Race at Daytona. I am hoping Tony can make it two in a row in IROC races. He won Race #2 at Texas in April. I was fortunate to be at THAT race and let me tell you it was quite a race. POSTMAN was none too thrilled that Tony won (he's a Mark Martin fan), but I didn't care. It was some good racing that night in April. Tony wasn't going to climb the fence, but how can he resist with all those Texans cheering him on. Thanks Tony!


Steve Kinser (#11)
Hopefully Steve Kinser will not end up as a "passenger" for this race. He has crashed out in both of the first two races. Hey Steve---the wheels go on the pavement.

Kinser's view Race 1-DAYTONA


Kinser's view Race 2-TEXAS
Take isn't bad here, doesn't look too awful bad, but then he decided to take a couple of flips and amazing enough landed right side up unlike the result as pictured above.



Race 1 Winner...Matt Kenseth
Race 2 Winner...Tony Stewart Race
3 Winner...???? (We will find out tonight.)

IROC Standings through two races
1. Matt Kenseth (NEXTEL Cup)
2. Tony Stewart (NEXTEL Cup) (2005 NEXTEL Cup Champion)
3. Ryan Newman (NEXTEL Cup)
4. Martin Truex Jr. (NEXTEL Cup)
5. Frank Kimmel (ARCA Re/Max Series)
6. Mark Martin (NEXTEL Cup)
7. Sam Hornish Jr. (IRL IndyCar Series) (2006 Indy 500 Winner)
8. Wayne Taylor/Max Angelelli (Grand American Road Racing Series)
9. Max Papis (Grand American Road Racing Series)
10. Scott Sharp (IRL IndyCar Series)
1. Steve Kinser
12. Ted Musgrave

Confirmation

This confirms what I have always known

You Are 60% Redneck

You're just about as welcome up in town as a hair in a biscuit. Ain't no hidin' your redneck roots!

How Redneck Are You?

Must Read Blog Entry!!!

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

"Top Ten Signs You Watch Too Much NASCAR"--A must read over at NASCAR Gal

I nearly fell off my couch and dropped my laptop when I read it.

Very funny!!!

Moose

Moose, or better known as "Eddie" from the TV show "Frasier" has died at the ripe old age of 16. Moose also had a bit role in the movie "My Dog Skip" playing the older version of Skip.

Rest in Peace Moose.

On The Road Again

Go fast...turn left and right (special Infineon version)...don't crash!

Well, I would have to say yesterday was just in the words of Babs "CRAP".

Jeff Gordon won the race. Yea..woo hoo...BIG FREAKIN' DEAL! Oh by the way...ladies he is off the market---he got engaged to his girlfriend. WHOOP-DEE-FREAKIN' DOO...I don't give a rats butt.

The race didn't even get to finish Lap one, when chaos broke out. Poor Ken Schrader...that hit looked vicious. They kept replaying it...and I must say "OUCH".


Smoke Report
Tony was having a good run throughout the race until the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet went south. "We know we broke a lifter, but we don't know exactly how it happened," said Stewart. "We just know it lost a cylinder." Tony kept driving despite the fact his car was crap towards the end of the race he complted the race and finished 28th. Earlier in the race Tony and Boris Said had a little meet and greet on the course. Tony ended up with a little left front damage, but kept racing. Of course I love the fact that Tony gave Boris the "You're #1" salute.

From NASCAR.com,

"I'm not asking him to give me anything. But if a guy gets a run, don't drive him across the racetrack," Stewart said

"Yeah, this is a road-course race, but it's also a NASCAR race. This isn't European road racing where you block and run guys all over the racetrack. We're not going to do that. They're not going to do that to me. I don't care if they do it to the rest of the field, but the one thing I think we established today was that they're not going to race me that way.

"When Boris got a run on me, I didn't change my line or anything. He got under me and got the spot. But both times I got underneath him it was squeeze, squeeze and run me across the racetrack and tear up the nose of my racecar and it ends up hurting the way the car drives all day."

Tony's finish dropped in 7th in the standings 422 points behind the leader--you all know who he is. Looks liks this year, drivers will have to be in the top ten to make the Chase. I don't think the 400 points thing will even factor in this year.

Elliott Report
Congrats to Elliott! He finished 8th! Of course he didn't hardly any tv time. Check out pictures of Elliott and "Claude" over at Rusty's site. I wasn't aware of this contest (NASCAR Pets Top Dog Contest) until...well yesterday when they annouced the winner. I think it's because of my dislike for road racing. I usually don't keep up on things during road race weekends. He looks soooooo darn cute and Claude isn't bad lookin' either.

Congrats to Larry McReynolds and Teddy!


I am glad Elliott had a good run yesterday. This is something he needed to boost his spirits. I hope Yates is trying to fix everything so Elliott will feel appreciated. If not, I think Elliott will go shopping and I for one don't blame him.

Good News--Elliott on Trackside in the Month of July!

Everything Else
I know this is a road coarse, but there was quite a bit of off roadin' going on as well. And I think #40 Coors Light car driven this week by one of those road race ringers, Scott Pruett, was dippin' into the sponsor product (he he). He was ALL over the track and then some. I bet he was glad when the race was over.

On the pre-race show and Race Day, they kept talking about the road race ringers...blah, blah, blah...well let's see how they fared.

9 Boris Said
30 Scott Pruett
36 PJ Jones
37 Ron Fellows

And to think some of the owners were worried about their regular, less exprienced drivers not doing so hot.

I'm not a huge Robby Gordon fan, but he can race those road races. I would not have minded if this Gordon had won the race. I thought he was going to contend, but he too had several issues. He finished 40th. Robby just can't catch a break.

Major props goes out to Terry Labonte! I think if he didn't have to worry about fuel, he would have made a race out it and I think there would have been a different winner. Of course, as a fellow Texan I am just a tad bit biased.

He is scheduled to run at Watkins Glen with his last race at Texas.

Bobby, he's younger, brother didn't fair as well. He was caught in late race crash. He looked mighty pissed. Bobby finished 35th.


Other finishers
4 Greg Biffle
17 Matt Kenseth
24 Kevin Harvick
26 Dale Jr.
32 David Gilliland (not too bad for his first NEXTEL cup start)

As stated in an earlier post, Brian Vickers will be joining Toyota's Red Bull Racing Team in 2007. Well, I guess #88 and #42 is still available.

Next up DAYTONA!!! I am hoping for a repeat of last's years race. In case we have forgotten...

Brian Vickers

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

Brian Vickers officially announced on "Wind Tunnel" tonight he will be with Red Bull Racing next year.

More about the race tomorrow.

Milwaukee & Sonoma

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

Truck Report
That's two in a row for Mr. Johnny Benson! Congrats!

Busch Report
Congrats to Paul Menard for holding off the rest of the field to win this week's Busch race. I thought Kevin Harvick was going to give him a run for his money, but unfortunately Kevin got into the back bumper of Menard. Kevin got him hit from behind by JJ Yeley and got spun. After the race, Kevin came up beside Paul Menard to give him a "congratulatory" good job. Well...shortly after this Kevin was invited to a meet and greet with NASCAR officials. Of course, you gotta love the pit reporter...she asked Kevin about the meet and greet asking him if he was giving Menard congratulations..."of course" Kevin said. Of course, he said with a little smile on his face...or smirk if you want. Why do reporters ask such silly questions?? Gotta love Kevin! Anyhoo...congratulations to Paul Menard!

Cup Report
Well, Big Shurb is on the pole for Sunday's race. That's alright...he will soon be "Smoked" after the ran starts! Tony is starting 12th with Elliott starting in 24th. I am not worried about Tony's starting spot. He won't take him long to weave his way to the front. And remember...Sonoma was where Tony began his hot streak last year....Good Luck Tony!

From last year's Sonoma race...



In My Own Opinion
I have never been a fan of the road races. For me they aren't as exciting as those on an oval track. Of course we will see the "Road Race Ringers" tomorrow. I really don't like the fact that teams bring in these ringers. I understand the sponsor thing and the 35 in owner points thing, but how are these guys supposed to get experience on road courses if you don't give them a chance. It's kind of like trying to get a job, but they won't hire you because you don't have experience, but you can't get experience unless they give you a chance. Come on guys...give 'em a chance.

There are several double dippers this weekend. I don't know really have much sympathy for them. I know driving a race is tough and having to juggle two different schedules can be tricky, but when you travel back from each race, it's not like you have to fly like us regular people. I mean can you imagine these drivers flying back on Southwest Airlines? If they did, then maybe I would feel a little bit of sympathy for them. If you have ever flown on a Southwest flight, you don't have assigned seats and you only get FREAKIN' peanuts! I would love to be able to fly in a private jet and relax on the way back to a race. Such is the life of a NASCAR star.

I know pit reporters are trying to get infromation for the commentators and us viewers, but there are times I wish they would just leave it alone. I think it is funny when reporters ask questions that have obvious answers and the drivers give them a sarcastic remark. You ask a stupid question...you get a stupid answer. Come on people...get a clue! Of course I do feel sorry for those who interview the drivers after a crash or a run in with another driver especially when it is clearly a volatile situation. Then when things happen on or off the track, they tend to blow things out of whack! I know people are still interested in how Tony is feeling, but give the guy a break (no pun intended). Did you see last week's race? He was in the garage banging out the dents of his car. I think his shoulder is just fine. He's fine. Move on...the horse is dead...let it alone. Thanks.

Good Luck Boys!

Tony Surprise

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

My day today was ho-hum..the weather is kindy of raining here in raiderland. This is good because we need it.

Nothing was going all that great until I got home. As usual I check the mail, you know how it goes junk mail and bills...but what do I see at the bottom of my box, but a key. That's a package has arrived for someone in my household.

Now my birthday was last week and I got all the cards and letters from all my peeps so what could it be?????

(Note--I live in an apartment complex, so they have these community boxes they put the large packages).

As I opened up the box, there it was! The priority mail envelope and it was from Indianapolis IN which could only mean MY TONY STEWART FAN CLUB ITEMS HAD ARRIVED!!!!

Included in my package:
5 $5 off $25 coupons to purchase TS items--woo hoo
1 McDonalds coupon for a FREE Premium salad
1 Tony Stewart Fan Club sticker
1 Membership Card--pic on card--Tony with Champion Flag at Homestead last year
3 Information cards on Paul McMahan, Josh Wise, & Levi Jones as well as Tony
1 License Plate cover--(i am going to check to see if it is ok--in TX it cannot cover the state on the license plate)
1 T-shirt
and finally A 3 x 5 PICTURE OF TONY suitable for framing....oh my!!!!

Ok--I may the biggest goober this side of the Rio Grande, but DAMN...it cheered up my day!!!

He's Here!

That's right...he has arrived! That's right...my Tony standup is now at my house!

Slogans

Yet another post from "The Park"...I just couldn't let this website get away.

I was purusing the old blogosphere and found one of those addictive and complete useless websites called The Advertising Slogan Generator courtesy of Mike over at Education in Texas

You can type in your name and it generates slogans using your name. Now being the NASCAR crazie that I am...here are some using Tony and Elliott's names

The Tony That Smiles Back
Super Tony is Almost Here
The Best Tony Under One Roof
Whatever You're Into, Get Into Tony
We'll Leave the Tony On For You
Yo Quiero Tony

Watch Out, There's an Elliott About
The Joy of Elliott
Wait Till We Get Our Elliott on You
The Best Part of Waking Up is Elliott in Your Cup
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Elliott
Show me the Elliott!

So pop on over to The Advertising Slogan Generator" and show your results with me. I am sure there are some great ones out there!

Mischief Makers

As reported earlier, my ACTUAL birthday was on Thursday, however, we decided to CELEBRATE on Saturday night!

Lots 'o food was eaten...adult beverages were consumed...and FUN was had by all!

As you can see Postman purchased a "Birthday Cookie" for the occassion. That's right...it's in Tony orange and white. He went with the checkered flags this year. We had the #20 on it last year! Even though the cookie was race themed, I wanted to have a pirate theme for the occasion. Guests were treated to their own treasure chests of Pirate MMs both white and milk chocolate variety as well chocolate gold coins, a tiny pirate, an eye patch, pirate flag, and swords and that one special piece...a tiny chocolate Tony Stewart car. The MMs of course were in honor of Candyman himself Elliott Sadler! See I can have a Non-NASCAR theme party! Of course, you can't have a party without presents! I received Tony Stewart items from two of the guests--see all that brainwashing is working. I also received two Tony Stewart things from my husband as well--two cars--one from Tony's rookie year and a large Action one of his car this year. Pretty cool beans! I love Postman. Unfortunately, I did not receive my Tony standup I so lovingly asked for, but I am will have him as of TODAY!

After enjoying the festivities, it was game time! Postman and I received tokens from our MAVS party earlier in the week. Postman hit the jackpot on his favorite game. Game in a nutshell--put token in try to stop the light between your area and JACKPOT. You still win even if hit around your area. Well, Postman hit it big. Unfortunately this was Lubbock not Vegas and it was tickets not money! You can use the tickets to buy...well stuff. Some it is pretty cool...some it well...basically is useless CRAP! But that's ok...I have plenty of it around the house.

After the movie, we went to see Pixar's "Cars". I hadn't laughed so hard at a movie in a long time. For those who follow NASCAR will LOVE it! They nailed Darrell Waltrip's character "Darrell Cartrip". It was as if they transported him into the movie...too bad he couldn't stay there. And of course one cannot forget "The King" voiced by the King himself Richard Petty. They even used the Petty blue and number for his car. As with most movies, there is always that one character who steels the movie. This is no exception. Larry the Cable Guy does the voice of "Tow Mater". Oh my god....FUNNY!!!! In the words of Larry, "I don't care who you are that's funny." I have to say my favorite line of the entire was uttered by Tow Mater himself, "I'm happier than a tornado in a trailer park."

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT SECTION!!

I would like to thank...

No-Eyed Pirate


and

One-Eyed Charley


for making an appearance at the festivites! I know how difficult it was for you two to break away from your pillaging and plundering. Thanks!

I would like to thank everyone out there for your kind words, thoughts, and presents! You guys are the greatest. For those who could not be with us on this special occasion, we missed you guys! Keep pillaging and plundering out there--if you don't who will!

Michigan

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!


As I sip coffee out of my NEW Tony Stewart coffee travel mug, let's take a look at this weeks races.

Truck Report
Congratulations to Johnny Benson!
I turned over to watch the race Saturday, but couldn't stay there for more than 5-10 minutes. It wasn't because it wasn't exciting to watch the trucks. They have some of the best racing out there. It was because of the WALTRIP factor. That's right--two WALTRIPS in the booth. Both Mikey and DW were in the booth--UGH! It usually doesn't bother me when there is one, but two...GOOD GRIEF! It was like nails on a chalkboard. I did manage to overlook the WALTRIP factor and watch a good chuck of the race.

Busch Report
I didn't catch this race at all. I was out celebrating with friends my birthday (yes it was Thursday, but partying is so much better when you don't have to get up the next day to go to work)

Congratulaions to David Gilliland! David who? David Gilliland. He is a non-sponsored, non-Cup affiliated, Busch regular rookie...that's who. Way to Go!

Cup Report
I have to be honest here. I dozed on and off during the race. I think it was all the rain delays that kept me from being interested in this race.

When the boys did get to racing...it was good. Tony was looking great--of course when does he not. I thought for a moment it was going to be the HMS show--I mean Jeff, Jimmie, & Brian all qualified in the top 5 and were doing pretty good at the beginning.

For me the race was over at Lap 22. Jeff Green clipped Tony which sent him spinning into the wall. OUCH! Apparently the crash did not bother Tony's shoulder because he was underneath the car with the sledge hammer banging out the fender/bumper or anything else that needing banging. This dropped him from 4th to 6th!


The race was called at Lap 129 and Kasey Kahne was declared the winner.

Congratulations to Kasey Kahne! That makes it 4 wins this year!


Other Notables
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
4. Greg Biffle
10. Kevin Harvick
13. Matt Kenseth
22. Elliott Sadler
41. Tony Stewart

Next Week--Road Racing at Sonoma.

That's 4 for Kasey

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

Well...that's #4 for Mr. Kahne--CONGRATULATIONS!

My Day

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

Today...I celebrate the 6th year anniversary of my 30th birthday.

For those who know me, I usually take the day off from work on my birthday, however I am at work today....boo hoo!!! This will be only the 2nd time I have worked on my birthday.

For the past ten years I have dreadeD the old birthday, not because I was getting older--the real reason...strange/bad things happen around it.

June 14, 1995-Ex-hubby Houston's father passes away. After that he never wanted to celebrate my birthday

June 11, 1998--Flying back from Waco to Lubbock after finalizing divorce to have a birthday/divorce party. Ended up spending it circling the Midland/Odesaa airport for two hours because of tornadoes and monsoon like rain occuring in Lubbock.

June 14, 2000--Gall bladder surgery. I had no choice for this one. It was either this date or wait six months.

June 15, 2004--My grandfather passes away. This was espcecially difficult for me because I was very close to my grandfather and was unable to attend his funeral

I did have a couple of good birthdays

June 15, 1977--Got to have a McDonald's party. When your seven this is a cool deal. I got to be "Manager for the Day" and I was taken on a tour of the kitchen. Like I said..when your seven this is pretty cool.

June 15, 1985-Spent part of the day in Washington DC and the rest at the Officier's Club at the Naval Base in Norfolk, VA. When your fifteen and you are spending the day around navy officiers...well you can see why I would remember this birthday. Too bad I couldn't have one of those navy guys as a birthday present. Anchors Away! Go Navy!

June 15, 1991--Yep, became legal. No explanation needed here. This Bud's for you!

For the most part my birthdays have been decent and I have had spent them with lots of different people over the years, some of who still like to share my birthday celebrations with me.
So Postman is going to take me out to dinner tonight and then I will celebrate with friends on Saturday...much food will be eaten, adult beverages will be consumed, and fun will be had by all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Casey to HMS

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

It's official...Casey Mears will drive the #25 for Hendrick Motorsports.

Maverick Party

MAVERICKS Party
Postman won a Mavericks viewing party package from one of his favorite sports radio shows The Williams and Hyatt Show on Monday by answering a Mavericks trivia question. The package included front row seating in front of the HD Big Screen TV at 50th Street Sports Bar and Grill, $10 gift certificates and 40 tokens for Charles and four of his closest buddies.

The quest for a Mavericks shirt...because Postman did not own a Mavs shirt, we went on a quest to find one for him in Raiderland. We looked at every stinkin' store in the mall..nothing...we looked at K-Mart and Walmart..nothing. He was able to find this Dirk shirt at Champs in the mall after an exhaustive search. I opted for the Maverick blue polo shirt.

A good time was had by all in attendance. I had three drinks...1 Sunsetini (vodka, orange juice, and peach) and 2 Appletinis. I was feeling mighty good by game time. The food was great and the atmosphere ok. I was hoping it would more rowdy than it was, but overall fun. We left sometime during the 3rd period because the smoke was getting bad and we had to be at work the next day.

Unfortunately the Mavericks lost to the Heat 98-96. Looks like no sweep for the Mavs--oh well, they still lead the series 2-1.
GO MAVERICKS!

Smoke Rocks

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

From "We Wonder" today on NASCAR.com

... what hurts worse than a broken shoulder?
Let's get this straight, NBA players (ahem, Shaq) sit out weeks because of a bum toe or a baseball player (how do you like your juice, Barry?) decides not to play due to a sore back. But Tony Stewart drives 500 miles with a broken shoulder? A broken shoulder.
Tired of this story yet? Well get another big dose of it. We're talking about last year's champion suffering through an injury that -- according to the aforementioned -- would have ended the NBA Finals or halted a pursuit of being a home run king. Yet Smoke finishes third in his first full race back.
Is it safe? Depends. Is it smart? Who knows? But until Steve Nash dishes a no-look dime to Dirk with his arm in a sling, there is no argument.

I would have to agree with this one. I know I couldn't drive 500 miles with a broken shoulder. I hate it when I even have a little back pain. You rock, Mr. Stewart, you rock!

POCONO

Go fast...turn left...don't crash!

Denny--CONGRATS ROOKIE! YOU ARE THE MAN! First race at POCONO--you win the pole and you finish FIRST which gives you your first CUP points race win. Nice driving when your tire blew. This puts you 9th in the standings. WELCOME TO NASCAR MR. HAMLIN!

Tony--Welcome back Smoke! 3rd place...no shoulder injury can keep Smoke down. Tony moves back up to 4th in the standings

Elliott--Decent run, finished 20th. How cute was Elliott on Fox pre-race explaining Pocono to this year's rookies? He can definitely teach me a few things about Pocono if he wants. Thanks to Babs for the "booty" picture from yesterday's Happy Hour coverage.

Kenseth--Another top 5. Good Job!

Biffle--I have to give props to #16 team for battling back after brake problems. He finished 6th.

Petty--you know you are having a bad day when your tire is faster than you are. Does he get the 5 bonus points if his tire leads a lap????

Edwards--The jack came out from under the car and his boys couldn't get the car lifted up. Lost a lot of time in the pits. Guess no backflip at Pocono today.

HMS--SPEEDING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE PITS BOYS!

Gordon--No brakes...BAM...Mr. Gordon meet Mr. Wall...that drops him out of the top ten.

RCR--Nice run boys. Burton was battling up front, but got a speeding penalty during a pit stop. Burton finished 9th, Harvick 13th, Bowyer 21st.

#8 Conspiracy???

Congrats to Jazil for winning the Belmont Stakes.


Notice the number Jazil is wearing??? That's right folks #8?

Here's the weird, twilight zone, moment...Barbaro, Bernardini, and Jazil all won and have one thing in common...that's right folks ALL were wearing the #8 when they won!

Maybe Dale Jr. should switch to horseracing..he he!!!!

Pocono, Nashville, Texas...Oh My!

View from the Pit Box...

Pocono Report
Way to go Denny! Best place to start is from the front row--not too shabby rookie! See ya at the Bud Shootout in 2007!


Other notables....
3. Kasey Kahne
7. Greg Biffle
11. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
12. Kevin Harvick
13. Elliott Sadler (woo hoo!!)
18. Tony Stewart
20. Mark Martin
25. Matt Kenseth

Texas Report
Congrats to Todd Bodine! I saw the last part of the race. It looked like Mike Skinner was going to win, but those announcers jinked yet another driver. They said Skinner had not won at Texas and when he was close something would happen. Yep...that's exactly what happened...yellow came out late and the race went to a green/white checker. This meant Todd Bodine was able to close up on Skinner, pass him, and go on to win. Have to give Todd his props. He was lapped, got the lucky dog, and came back to win.

Non-Nascar report from Texas: Congrats to Helio Castroneves for winning the Bombardier Learjet 500 at TMS.

Nashville Report
Pole winner--Todd Kluever--Busch rookie.

Best highlight during practice...Justin Labonte crashing Little Shrub's primary car..(as Trixie stands up on the pitbox and does the happy dance) and he struggled ALL night long...and several laps down.

It was nice to have the Busch race be DW free! Thanks Hermie for making listening to the announcers a pleasant experience.

Best name for a driver...Cale Gale.

Congrats to Flipper! Clint, Kevin, and Denny gave him a good run, but it just wasn't enough.

6.9.2001

Happy Anniversary Postman!

Postman and I have been married five years today. I still can't believe it's been five years already. I guess time flies when you are having fun. That's exactly what's it been, FUN! When you find your best friend everything around you just falls into place.

Not only will I remember 2001 as the year we were married, but it is the same year the NASCAR family lost Dale Sr. and we lost Americans on 9.11.2001. We went to Vegas for our honeymoon and stayed at the Sahara. For those who haven't been to Vegas, the Sahara is home to NASCAR Cafe. They have lots of memorabilia hanging from the ceiling, walls, etc. They have several showcases too. During our visit, they had on display one of Dale Sr's cars. It was surrounded by cards, letters, photos, and flowers. It was breathtaking to see how many people paid tribute to the #3. I was touched by their love and devotion. This was probably when I got bitten by the NASCAR bug.

Postman and I made another trip to Vegas a couple of years ago and once again stayed at the Sahara. This time I took more pics. One of those was of Tony Stewart's Winston Cup Trophy. Maybe this time we go back this August they will have his Nextel Cup. How cool would that be? We also visited the MM Store. If you haven't been I suggest you go...if you are an Elliott Sadler fan..go directly to the 3rd floor. You can see a full size Elliott car. I will definitely be stocking up on my Sadler stuff.

Ok...back to the real reason for this post...to say Happy Anniversary to Postman...here's looking forward to many more years. I love you!

Free Agents

View from the Pit Box...

Free Agents
Brian Vickers has asked and received permission from Hendrick Motor Sports to look for other opportunities. I haven't really followed Brian Vickers all that much, but from what I have seen he does not "fit in" with "Three Amigos" (Little Shurb, Princess, and Gordo). We all know the #88 will need a driver for 2007. If Vickers is looking and finds a home, the #25 will need a driver. Vickers is not the only driver looking for another ride for 2007. Casey Mears announced that he will not be back next in the #42 for Chip Ganassi. His annoucement doesn't surprise me either. Of course he could move to the #25 if Vickers signs with another team or there's always the #88 too and then of course Toyota is probably looking for other drivers.
I know Mark Martin will be retiring from the #6 after this year and Todd Kluever is picked to replace Martin, but in my opinion, I don't know if he is ready. From what I have seen, he needs to get some more seat time under his belt before taking over. Both Mears and Vickers might be suitable replacements.
It will be interesting to see the next round of musical drivers. We will all just have to sit back and speculate. I personally would like to see Vickers with Yates or perhaps Roush especially if Jack decides Kluever isn't ready for the #6. I like Mears, but I don't know if he would fit in at HMS either. I don't see him as a whiner, princess or a jackass.

Craftsman News
Congrats to Mike Skinner for winning the pole at Texas Motor Speedway. Postman and I are season ticket holders at TMS and wished we could be there tomorrow night, but unfortunately Postman has to work this weekend. Part is glad though because I know it will be HOT!


Non-Nascar Report
The Dallas Mavericks start their quest to win their first NBA championship tonight against the Miami Heat. I would love for the Mavericks to sweep the series. If this were the case they would clinch the championship next Thursday, June 15. Why is this special? Because it is MY BIRTHDAY!!!! However, I think Miami will give the Mavs some tough competition.

Smoke

View from the Pit Box...

Just don't have the strength to write something inspiring about Tony today, so I will let the pictures do the talkin'...