COLD!!!!!

Trixie radioed...

That's right winter has hit the home front. I drug my warm butt out of bed to make the trek to work in the freakin' freezin' snowy weather. It was cold, windy, and did I mention COLD? Today's high in Raiderland--31 degrees. That's right people it NEVER got above the freezing mark. This means the snow that did melt will refreeze tonight and cause even more dangerous driving tomorrow morning. We have two kinds of drivers here those who drive safely and those who drive like they are racing at Daytona. Those people are the idiots who cause drivers like me to have wrecks. You start to slide to avoid their dumbass and the next thing you know, you are sitting in a ditch on the side of the road.

I love cold weather, but only when I don't have to get out in it. Here are some photos I took from today's snowy weather! These were taken on the Texas Tech University campus this morning.







Check the DUMBASS in this picture. Apparently the cold got to him last night...that's right...he IS wearing shorts and a t-shirt and seems very happy about it.

2006 Not So Championship Awards

Trixie radioed...

Because there is so much attention being made in NYC this week and I just don't have the energy to add to the fray. So with that in mind, I would like to announce to all who visit The Park, the winners of the "Not So Champion" Awards. I will be celebrating their achievements in The Park.

I have dusted off my tailgating gear and beer cooler and plan to sit out in The Park tail gating section and pay homage to all the winners. I plan to pull out the brauts and hotdogs as well as a six pack of Coors Lite beer. Since the Budweiser driver is in NY this week, I felt Coors Lite would be appropriate at this banquet. Now that I have my refreshments and adult beverages, let's begin with the awards.

The Not So Champions Award Winners for 2006

1. Robby Gordon (this year's Nextel Cup Not So Champion winner)--First up for Mr. Gordon the award for best use for roll bar foam. He will also receive the award for demonstrating how to crash your car all by yourself.

2. Brian Vickers--He received the "How to get sweet revenge on a pissy ass teammate and become the most hated HMS driver since well..Jeff Gordon" Award. I receive a lot of votes from the #8 Nation voting block on this one.

3. Jeremy Mayfield--He receives the "How to lose your ride and sit out the rest of the season" Award.

4. Kyle Busch--I know he is NYC this week, but he will receive an award from this banquet as well. Kyle will be awarded the "Hans Award" for his attempt to use his HANS device for other purposes not outlined by the manufacturer.

5. Kurt Busch--Not to be outdone by his brother, Kurt will receive the "Celebration Award" for his lovely rendition of a snow angel. Because his little brother is unable to attend, he will accept the Hans Award on his brother's behalf. Kurt also receives the "Most Improved Award", not for his driving, but for his ears.

6. Michael Waltrip--He will receive the "Big Pockets" Award for buying his way into the Coca Cola 600. He will also receive the "Big Goober" Award. He is a repeat winner for this award. He will also receive the "Aaron's Not So Lucky Dog" Award for sometimes just being not so lucky on the track. And finally not to be out done, the "I can say all my sponors in one breath" award. Once again a repeat winner in this category. Runner-up to Robby Gordon for the Not So Champion of 2006.

7. Elliott Sadler--He is a champion in my book, but I would be remissed if I didn't mention his awards. First off, he will receive the "Watch This" Award for his attempt to jump into the crowd off the stage during a taping of Speed TV's Trackside. Honorable mention goes to one of Ryan Newman's crew for his "attempt" of stage diving at the All-Star Race.

8. Tony Stewart--He is also a champion in my book, but I he did earn this award. Tony will receive the "Foot In Mouth" Award. I mean you don't shoot off your mouth about safety at Daytona and then do what you did to Matt Kenseth.

9. Chad Knaus--I know, I know, he too is in NYC this week, but who else really deserved this award by Mr. Knaus. Congrats on receiving the "How to Get Around Things" Award. This is a repeat win for him.

10. Bob Dilner--Bob will receive the "I should double check things" Award.

11. Jack Roush--Mr. Roush receives the "WTF Were You Thinking" Award. I am sure there is more to the story of why Mark Martin, a loyal driver for the past 19 years, is leaving Roush. I mean after all Jack, Mark did give up his own retirement to run another full season for you in 2006.

12. NASCAR Officials--This is group of people will collectively receive the "We can see a speck of dirt on the track, but miss giant safety trucks" Award. Congrats on being repeat winners of this award.

13. Mike Helton--There are too many "awards" and "accolades" to present to Mr. Helton, but I will mention one of them. He will receive the coveted "I Sold Myself to the Devil" Award.

14. Brian France Jr.--Like Mr. Helton, there are too many to mention. I mean he did bring us the COT, the Chase format, two races at California, and moved the Southern 500.

15. NBC and TNT--Once again another group award. They will receive the "How to Piss Off NASCAR fans" Award. I mean how thrilling is it to see all those "wonderful" commercials strategically placed throughout the races. Of course Fox and FX deserves an honorable mention here as well.

That wraps up the 2006 Not So Champion Awards. I will be taking my final laps of the season after work as a brave the snowy streets of Raiderland with not so champion drivers.

Once again I would like to congratulate Robby Gordon our 2006 Not So Champion.

Nominees in each category were submitted and final voting was counted by The Count over at Sesame Street and certified by the accounting firm of Larry, Darryl and Darryl. All decisions are final and the results were not known by the winners until today.

NASCAR Hits the Big Apple

Trixie radioed...

It is championship week in NYC this week. I haven't been keeping track of the festivities. For one I am adjusting to a "new job" and all that goes with that and two, I just don't care right now. I will probably watch the banquet on Friday evening because I have to get my NASCAR fix.

I got another hit tonight to last me to Friday. Postman taped for me several weeks ago an episode of Speed's Past Champions that was profiling Tony Stewart. It was probably taped right after Tony was his first championship in 2002. It was a short diversion from making sausage balls for an office party and waiting for CSI: NY to come on. And of course as well all know he went on to when the championship in 2005. I have put my coutdown clock in The Park (sorry about the margin).

I too will be "tweaking things" soon. I am working on a few things to revamp the look of The Park. Why not I say? However, I hope I won't cause as much controversy as the COT or Toyota. Hopefully you will begin seeing the changes this weekend. I have little under 80 days to get things tweaked before the next season starts.

I want to send out a BIG thanks to Ms. H. for showing me GIMP. The results of her efforts will be seen soon here in The Park.

2006 and then some

Trixie radioed...

Well, I survived my first non-NASCAR weekend of this off season. I hope everyone had lots of food, family, and football. The 2006 NASCAR season was definitely one that left everyone talking and going WTF. So here are some highlights from the 2006 season some good, some not so good.


1. Jimmie Johnson wins his first NEXTEL Cup Championship.
2. Kevin Harvick dominiates the Busch Series walking away with 9 wins and the Busch Championship.
3. Todd Bodine wins the Craftsman Truck Series in a Toyota Tundra.
4. Tony Stewart, 2005 Cup champion fails to make the Chase and finishes 11th. Tony wins 5 races, two of which are The Chase.
5. Denny Hamilin in his full cup season wins the Bud Shootout, sweeps Pocono, qualifies for The Chase, and finishes 3rd in the final standings. This is the highest a rookie has finished since his teammate finished 4th in his rookie season
6. Richard Childress Racing drivers Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton qualify for The Chase for the first time.
7. Kasey Kahne wins six races this year (sweeping Lowe's) and makes his first Chase appearance.
8. Jimmie Johnson wins both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400.
9. Both Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. return to The Chase after missing the 2005 Chase.
10. Brian Vickers gets his first Cup win at Talladega.
11. Jeremy Mayfield is fired from Evernham Motorsports.
12. Toyota will begin fileding teams in the Cup Series.
13. Terry LaBonte raced his final race at Texas Motor Speedway.
14. Mark Martin ended his 19 year relationship with Roush Racing.
15. Ward Burton makes a return to Cup racing after a 2-year abscence.
16. Tony Stewart wins his first IROC Championship. In the process winning two of the four races (Texas, road race Daytona).
17. Chad Knaus is suspended for the first four races of the 2006 season.
18. Toyota finishes 1-6 in the Truck Series while eight Cup regulars finish in the top 10 in the Busch Series.
19. Greg Biffle, Ryan Newman, Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch 2005 Chasers fail to make the 2006 Chase.
20. ESPN and ABC will begin covering NASCAR beginnning 2007 taking over for NBC. Fox, FX, TNT, and Speed will still cover NASCAR events as well.

There are going to be some driver changes next year and some of which began in 2006.
1. Elliott Sadler leaves the #38 and takes over the #19.
2. David Gilliland takes over the #38 for Robert Yates Racing
3. Dale Jarrett leaves the #88 to drive for Michael Waltrip and Toyota beginning in 2007.
4. Brian Vickers leaves the #25 to drive for Red Bull Racing and Toyota. Casey Mears will begin his tenure with HMS in the #25
5. Juan Pablo Montoya takes over the #42 from Casey Mears.
6. Mark Martin will drive the #01 for Ginn Racing and will share part time duties with Regan Smith. Joe Nemechek will move over to the #13.
7. David Ragan will take over the #6 from Mark Martin.
8. Jeremy Mayfield will return to Cup racing in the #36 with Bill Davis Racing.

I know there have been lots of other things that have happened over the 2006 season. If this is any indication of the 2007 season, we are definitely in for a bumpy ride.

Happy Thanksgiving

Rhett and Raider radioed...

Are you ready for some turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and all the trimmings? We are!



Since our Mommy, Trixie, is working hard in the kitchen to prepare a WONDERFUL feast for us, we wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh by the way...only 86 days til Daytona 500!

It's Over...Finally

Trixie radioed...

Here is your 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion


Even though I am not a Jimmie fan, you have to give him some props. He won the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 this year. He started out in the hole early in the Chase and was practically counted out as a contender. He won at Martinsville. He had second place finishes at Texas and Phoenix. And finished 9th today in today's race at Homestead. He finished 56 points ahead of Matt Kenseth to win his first championship.

I am so glad that Nothing But Commercials or otherwise known as NBC will NOT be covering the races next year. For one, I was already tired of hearing all about Jimmie. It was as if they had already handed the championship to him. Now that he has won we won't have to hear about how he was always so close but never could get over that hump to win a championship.

Way to go Greg! That makes it three years in a row that you have won at Homestead!

I am looking forward to 2007. I will post later on this week with my favorite and not so favorite moments from 2006.

Changes

Trixie radioed...

I know there is still one race left in the 2006 NASCAR season, but my eyes as well as others have turned to preparing for the 2007 NASCAR season.

Ganassi Racing announced that Juan Pablo Montoya will be in the #42 at Homestead this weekend with Casey Mears running in the #30. This will means Casey will have to qualify on time unlike Juan. Good luck with that Casey and good luck over at HMS.

Since the National Guard will not be the primary sponsor next year for Greg Biffle, Ameriquest (who also sponsored several of his Busch cars) will step up to the plate next year and sponsor his Cup car. Here is a photo of the car paint scheme. And of course Greg will also be getting a new crew chief next year as well. A man by the name of Pat Tryson. I haven't seen anything about Doug Richert in the mix. Wonder if he will end up somewhere else next year?

I still would like to have seen Mark race for Roush next year in the trucks, but we all know how things are these days. Travis "can I buy a vowel" Kvapil was named the driver of the #6 truck for the 2007 Craftsman Truck Series. I know owners want to keep up with each other, but there have been a lot of things going on over there in that Roush camp. I am still a little upset that Mark won't be driving for Roush next year, but I can deal with it. Postman not so much. Mark will be taking over the #0 Army over at Ginn Racing (formerly known as MB2 Motorsports) part time and sharing duties with Regan Smith . David Ragan will take over the #6 from Mark.

And how 'bout the Matt Borland deal over at Penske. I guess Matt is no longer in Penske's My Circle. Will Matt be with Penske and Ryan Newman next year? My gut feeling says no, but you never can tell.

Jeremy Mayfield will attempt to qualify for the race this weekend at Homestead. Perhaps he will be able to qualify on time this go around. As well know he was fired from his #19 ride over there at Evernham Motorsports. The #19 is currently occupied by Mr. Elliott Sadler. I still believe Jeremy and Ray could have handled it in a more professional manner, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Jeremy will be driving the #36 360 OTC Toyota Camry for Bill Davis Racing next year. He will have to qualify on time beginning next season. Good luck Jeremy.

And this is all before the end of the season. Of course there will be more changes during the off season. I am probably going to need some kind of flow chart or diagram to keep up with this.

That's all to report from The Park..

Mark Rocks

Trixie radioed...

Congratulations to Mark Martin for being ranked #1 on the 25 Greatest Busch Drivers Poll.

A poll was conducted by NASCAR.com and NASCARMedia.com to find the top 25 greatest Busch Drivers. And well...when Postman told me about the poll, the first name of my lips was Mark Martin. Of course I was right. He was tops on both polls. Check out the results on NASCAR.com

Trixie's Ramblings

Trixie radioed...

Since the 2006 NASCAR season will be coming to an end this Sunday, I have to find things to write about. I might as well get started with some of this randomness that fills my life during the down time between NASCAR seasons. So here I go...just ten things that are randomly wandering my mind this morning.

1. Bobby Knight incident--moot point and too much media coverage. Was the NASCAR media covering the event?

2. When it's cold outside dress appropriately and don't bitch when you are freezing especially if all you have on is a t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops. Get a clue! Watch the freakin' weather channel!

3. If someone works for you and they decide to move on to a better opportunity, don't treat them like dirt.

4. Thanksgiving is next Thursday and that means the start of the Christmas shopping season. I am already kind of tired of Christmas. These stores start earlier and earlier with putting out Christmas decorations. I am a "one holiday" at a time gal.

5. I was a Garanimals kid. And for the past few days I look like I used the Garanimals to dress my self. I'm not real good about matching things. So perhaps there should be adult Garanimals.

6. It's Jimmie's championship to lose. Go Matty!

7. Emmitt Smith danced his ass off last night on "Dancing with the Stars." I voted. Did you?

8. Ohio State and Michigan will play each other this weekend. Oh by the way...Ohio State is ranked #1 with Michigan right behind them at #2.

9. Postman is running for President of his local letter carrier union. Good Luck!

10. Red means stop people. When the light turns red STOP!!!!

Dancin' With Emmitt

Trixie radioed...

Yes, I have been watching Dancing with the Stars this season. Tonight is the last one of the season. It is down to Mario Lopez (Slater from "Saved by the Bell) and Emmitt Smith (who needs no introduction).

I will be rooting for Mr. Smith. After all he does hold the all-time NFL rushing record just above Mr. Walter Peyton. And he has THREE Super Bowl rings. Oh did I mention he played for the Dallas Cowboys. And if you make a showing at a NASCAR race well then you are alright in my book!

Good luck to Emmitt and his partner Cheryl Burke!

One More To Go

Trixie radioed...

Well, it looks like we are down to the last race of the year. Before we get to that fact, let's revisit today.

Congratulations to Mr. Harvick! He was running on a defective battery late was not on full voltage. He needed a push from the wrecker to jump start his car after the late race crash. Tony finished 14th.

I think the Chase has come down to really two drivers Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kenseth. Jimmie just has to finish in the 12th position to claim the championship. Am I happy about this fact? Not so much, but I will deal with. I do have to give him his props. He was at one time 8th in the standings and people were considering him not to challenge for the title including myself. But he has battled back and had some good finishes including the last two. This may be the year that finally gets him over the hump. But all my support will be thrown Matty's way.

Rumor...DEI to purchase RYR? I am holding on to my thoughts until I see further reports.

Next week will end this 2006 NASCAR season. I will have to fill my Sundays with other activities. I have football. The Cowboys are keeping me guessing as well as my Red Raiders. This also means I will have to find other things to write about here in The Park. Don't worry...I have lots of things to comment about which don't usually get discussed during NASCAR season. I am looking forward to next year. Tony will be back in the Chase and I hope with Elliott and The Biff coming in with him. There will be lots of changes to talk about. Will the Chase format get "tweaked"? The only thing I want to see is more points for winning a race. I think Buschwhacking will be looked at as well.

Not only will I be watching the last Cup race of the season next Sunday, but I will also be watching next Saturday the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes vs #2 Michigan Woleverines battle at The Horseshoe in Colombus. This is HUGE!! Depending on when the Busch race is televised, I may have to miss it. I have grown up a Buckeye fan...well since coming out of the womb. I remember sitting with my father watching the Bucks during the Woody Hayes days. I saw OSU gig those Aggies in the 1987 Cotton Bowl. I was thrilled when they won the National Championship in 2002. My fellow Red Raiders played OSU that year. We lost, but we put up a valiant effort. Of course Postman will be rooting for Michigan. That's right I married a Michigan fan. I just tell my father Postman married up. I love you Postman.

Oh one more thing...YOU ROCK KANSAS STATE!!! You did what my Red Raiders should have done a couple of weeks ago. BEAT UT!!!

That's all from The Park today.

Matty Wins!

Trixie radioed...

Congratulations to Mr. Matt Kenseth for winning the Busch race today at Phoenix.

I know this isn't just of Matt, but I kind of like this picture. I wonder what they were discussing??? Maybe Tony was giving Matt some tips on fence climbing? Or maybe they were deciding what to give Jeff Gordon for his wedding?

Veteran's Day

Trixie radioed...

As you are out today running errands, watching football games or even a little NASCAR take a moment to remember what today is all about.

Say a little thank you to all the Veterans you know or even ones you don't know. It is because of them we are able to do, say, and be who we are. I may not always agree with those around me, but I am glad I have the freedom to voice my opinion.

To all the veterans in my family, THANK YOU. To all the veterans who I don't know, THANK YOU.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Musical Crew Chiefs

Trixie radioed...

Pat Tryson who is currently the crew chief for Mark Martin, will become Greg Biffle's crew chief beginning in the 2007 season. This may be a good move for Biffle. Biffle contended for the title the first two years in the Chase format. I think Greg could have been in the Chase this year, but he ended up in messes that were not of his doing. Perhaps Tryson will help him return to the Chase next year. Effective immediately the crew chief for Jamie McMurray and Carl Edwards will switch again. I guess the previous switch didn't work out for either of the drivers. Sometimes change doesn't always work.

Good Luck to all the Boys in Phoenix this weekend. The Chase is down to just a few drivers now. I think it will come down to Jimmie, Matt, Junior, and perhaps that rookie fella Denny Hamlin. My money will be on Matt K. The driver I thought would walk away with the championship Jeff Burton had one too many mulligans. And well we all know how Tony didn't make the Chase. Elliott Sadler switched teams mid year and is still going through his adjustment period. I think the 2007 season will definitely be one to watch.

Speaking of Phoenix, Maricopa county Sherriff Joe Arpaio now has a "new" deputy on his staff. That's right folks Kurt Busch was made an honorary sheriff's deputy on Thursday. Remember last year Kurt wasn't exactly "best friends" with the sheriff's department. Due to his actions in Phoenix last year Kurt was suspended for the remaining races by Roush and basically finished his season at home. Now he's an honorary deputy. Wow! what a difference a year makes.

That Boy is Off the Market

Trixie radioed...

That's right ladies and gentlemen..both Jeff and Ingrid are off the market.

Jeff Gordon and Ingrid Vandebosch were married in Mexico on Tuesday. Congratulations.

Credit: Autostock

Texas, Our Texas

Trixie radioed...

Postman and I made another pilgrammage to Texas Motor Speedway this past weekend. For those of you who aren't from Texas, Lubbock is roughly 5-6 hours from Ft. Worth. The drive isn't all that bad, upside you get to see lots of Texas...downside stuck in a car for 5-6 hours.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
My only goal today was to meet and acquire an autograph from Mr. Elliott Sadler. As most of ya'll know this goal was accomplished. We missed our turn, got caught up in some NASTY traffic, and arrived late, but that's all in life of a NASCAR fan. I just have to say television and pictures don't do Elliott justice. Can I just say....VROOOM!!! Sorry I got a little distracted. There wasn't much going on at the track on Thursday except truck practice.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Another one of my goals for the weekend was to swing by and watch Trackside live. It was being taped early in the day due to the truck race. I had my sign hoping to get on television. You sometimes have to be somewhat creative to get on television. So I began to write on the posterboard the following..."Spent all my money, Mom---sent more!" I think I accomplished my goal because the camera stopped several times on my sign. Plus when Jeff Hammond was standing on the stand he pointed towards my sign. I don't know if I managed to get on television because I forgot to Tivo the show and my friend didn't have Speed TV. Oh well...so if anyone taped it can ya let me know if you saw my sign? Of course my sign couldn't top the sign I saw above one of the food vendors..."Pork Butt on a Stick". I guess you can put another on a stick and sell it.

Got my picture with Rutledge. It was definitely a lot of fun except for those pesky drunk people in front of me. I know drunk people at a NASCAR race, but these people we just plain rude. Thank you for letting me see your tramp stamp (a tramp stamp in case you don't know is a tattoo placed on the lower back)...I could have gone all my life without seeing that.

Let me just say it was FREAKIN' COLD at the Truck race. I was definitely in layers...shirt, jeans, sweatshirt, jacket, toboggin, gloves, scanners earphones and Tony blanket. I was still freezin' my ass off. My NASCAR collection for a heater...just one chance to stand in front of a heater. I am slowly getting into the trucks. Got a chance to meet to meet Johnny Benson. He was just standing around in the truck pits. I guess the truck drivers can pretty much walk around unnoticed.

Another cool thing about the truck race was Emmitt Smith and his Dancing with the Stars partner giving the start command. It was amazing to see him draw more cheers than the drivers. Of course...he did play for the Cowboys and well he was a HELL of a football player.

Congrats to Clint Bowyer for winning the Silverado 350K in the #46 Jack Daniels Silverado.


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
I decided not to hang in the pits on Saturday. I was a little tired from the previous two days. I did pick up all the free stuff I could, but what the heck am I supposed to do with it? I guess I could use it as stocking stuffers. I just wanted to take in all the midway action before going in to watch the Busch race.

I stood in line to get a chance to win something from the Goody's Headache Powder display. It was kind of like Plinko from the Price Is Right except you didn't win money. I won instead a radio headset. I also was able to get my picture taken on one of those riding lawn mowers that can do a 360 in your yard. Only thing missing was my beer. I also had my picture taken with a cardboard cutout of Tony and the Nextel Cup down at the Nextel Fan Area. Plus how could I resist a picture with Sparky (TMS mascot) and the Aaron's Lucky Dog dog.

I thought the Busch race was pretty boring. It bascially became the Kevin and Tony show. And Kevin Harvick won...didn't see that one coming.

I would have to give some props to Shane Huffman. I saw his crash coming out of turn 4 and let me tell that was a HELL of a crash and you knew it was going to leave a mark. His car was junk as you can see from the pictures. Our seats are located across from pit road entrance so we got to see what was left of his car. It is amazing how the drivers can walk away from something like this.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
The weather forecast for Sunday was RAIN! I didn't care if it rained as long as it stopped during the race. It did rain before the race, luckily Postman and I were inside at the Q&A with Greg Biffle at the time. It was supposed to be Jamie McMurray at the Q&A, but I guess due to scheduling conflicts he wasn't able to be there. I am glad. Don't get me wrong, I like Jamie, but I was interested in seeing Greg Biffle. I have kind of watched him over the season and you know he is kind of growing on me. We were able to submit questions for Greg to answer. They didn't pick mine, but Postman was thrilled they picked his.

We decided to head into the stands to take our places for the race. After a several runs around the track with the jet dryers and several laps under caution, the green flag dropped for the start of the race. Tony just dominated the race. I thought Kasey was going to get him, but Kasey's engine just gave out. Then there was that pesky other home improvement store driver knocking on the back bumper of Mr. Stewart. I think Princess Jimmie could have caught Smoke, but a late race crash pretty much sealed the deal for Tony. I belive Jimmie was also big picture racing. I think I would have done the same thing if I had been Jimmie. Not only did Tony win the race, but he won my a cool $75! Thanks Tony!

Before I begin my discussion about the pre-race festivities I have to say the following. I want to say that I know several Dale Earnhardt Jr fans and all of them are wonderfual people. Just like me they are passionate about their driver as well as NASCAR. They respect my right to cheer on Tony and I respect them. However, this little rant is directed at the Junior fans sitting about three rows down from me at the race. Do you really think Jimmie and Jeff can see you flipping them off at 180 mph? You may be decent people, but you made watching this race unbearable. You were loud and obnoxious to all the other fans who paid hundreds of dollars to come see their drivers race. You blocked the view of several of your fellow race fans because you were being stupid. No wonder Postman cheered when Dale Jr. got loose and crashed. I know all drivers' have fans who do this.

Speaking of Junior, TMS was celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year. As part of the "10 Years Strong" celebration, they had the fans vote on the top 10 moments at TMS. Congratulations to Junior for topping the list. His first victory at TMS topped the list.

My favorite part of Sunday was the pre-race festivities. TMS gave Terry a Texas size goodbye. Along with several goodies including a new Texas Silverado, he given a wonderful tribute. Justin Labonte was driving his father's 1980 Monte Carlo. The same car Terry drove to his first Cup win at the Darlington Raceway. It was pretty cool to see them drive side by side as they lead the field around the track. (Sorry for the blurrines). I was touching when Terry's daughter, Kristy, gave her father his final "Gentleman Start Your Engines" command. I think what touched me the most...Mr. Hendrick giving Terry the car he used for his final race. I'm not much of Hendrick fan, but that was pretty cool of him. Terry Labonte will be missed by this NASCAR fan. Thank you Terry!

Of course, NASCAR wouldn't be NASCAR without a little controversy. Kevin Harvick got Scott Riggs loose which resulted in a late race crash. Apparently there was a scuffle in the pits resulting in Kevin and Delana as well as NASCAR official being knocked down. This was caused by a crew member of Scott Riggs. I know tempers get hot, but come on dude. It's racing, plain and simple. What did it cost you? You were basically fired. Can I just say DUMBASS? You should have taken a lesson from Dale Jr. The same thing pretty much happened to him and he handled it like a professional. He knew it was a racing deal nothing more.

Well, that's about it in a nutshell. I Saw lots of people who define the word redneck. I came home with lots of free stuff which I still don't know what to do with, lots of souvenirs including a car tire, and sore feet and back. But I will do it all again come April.

That's it from The Park...

Elliott

Trixie radioed...

I will have another post to recap the festivities from Texas, but I wanted to share with all my Elliott fans out there my new desktop picture.

I headed out to Bass Pro Shop to try and get Elliott's autograph. My husband missed the turn and we ended up in some horrible traffic. I didn't think we would make it in time, but we thought let's try. Glad I did. He was going to be there from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm and we got there at 6:30...we were up to the table about 7:30 or so.

Postman took this picture while he was signing something for him. Let me tell you something TV does not do him justice. He looks much hotter in person. THANK YOU POSTMAN!!!

Well..here you guys go. You are more than welcome to save the picture to your desktop as well.


One more note...thanks to Mr. Lug Nut for driving all that way through some traffic yourself to meet us at Bass Pro. I know HOW much you love NASCAR...(for those who are daily readers to The Park--he doesn't care for NASCAR).

Tired

Trixie radioed...

Just got back from my weekend at TMS. I am very tired.

Just a few things...

TONY WON!!! I picked him in the side pot with some friends of ours and he won me $75!!! Thanks Tony!!! We both walked away a winner this weekend.

The tribute to Terry Labonte was AWESOME. The folks at TMS did things up right. Thanks for the memories!

Spent lots of money on more NASCAR items, saw people who well...define the word REDNECK and a great time with all my fellow NASCAR fanatics.

I will share lots of pictures and tales once I get some rest.

That's all from The Park....