Tuesday

Coming out of Turn 4...

It's Tuesday. That's the day after Monday and one day closer to the weekend. It's just been one of those days where you just want to do absolutely nothing. Tuesdays for me are not real exciting. It's only positive attribute...it's not Monday. New DVDs and CDs usually come out on Tuesdays. I guess that's something. There are only a couple of tv shows that I like that come on Tuesdays. I can take them or leave. I don't have to TIVO them so I can watch them later. I usually catch up on them during the summer rerun season. So my life wouldn't be over if I missed them. Not many holidays fall on Tuesday except the occasional Christmas or New's Years Day. Most everyone hates Mondays, Wednesday is Hump Day, Thursday is one day before Friday, and well Friday promotes itself. But what about Tuesday? Well, since Tuesday seems to get the shaft...I decided to do some research and here is what I found out. (All information, including notes and picture can be found at Wikipedia) (Note on the picture at the left...this is god Tyr, after whom Tuesday is named.)

Tidbits
*In the Greek World, Tuesday (the day of the week of the Fall of Constantinople) is considered an unlucky day.
*In the Spanish-speaking world, Tuesday is also considered unlucky.
*For both Greeks and Spanish-speakers, the 13th of the month is considered unlucky if it falls on Tuesday, instead of Friday.
*Tuesday is the usual day for election in the United States.
*In business, particularly office work, studies have shown that Tuesday is usually the most productive day of the week. (Not the case for me today).
*Contradicting other nations, Tuesday is a day of good luck and prosperity in the US. It is a day for progress and to complete unfinished work.

Named Days
*Black Tuesday refers to October 29, 1929, part of the great Stock Market Crash of 1929. *Shrove Tuesday (aka "Fat Tuesday") precedes the first day of Lent in the Western Christina calendar *Super Tuesday is the day many American states hold their presidential primary elections *Two-For-One Tuesdays--When Subway usually runs this promotion, you can get a 6 inch sub and the next one for free with the purchase of drink. (Not taken from Wikipedia, but still important).

California Dreamin'

Coming out of Turn 4...

Congratulations to Matty for the clean sweep at California. I didn't get to watch much of the Busch race. I was busy trying to get all that laundry done I put off last week. I mean after all last weekend was Daytona weekend.--priorities people! Of what I saw, Matt dominated once he got the lead. I wasn't all that excited about watching the race today. Not bad for someone who is without their crew chief. Once again way to go Matty!I am not a fan of the California races. I know NASCAR needs to expand their fan base, but sometimes I feel some of the celebrities that come out for these races don't get NASCAR. How many times do I have to watch some reporter ask some celebrity the following question--do you follow NASCAR? It pains me to watch the celebrities struggle to answer the question. Who freakin' cares? Sorry, but get with the celebrities we are interested in--the drivers. Now on to the race...let's see what I can remember from the race since I didn't find it all that exciting except towards the end. Jeff Gordon lead the field as the green flag was thrown by Hall Fame quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys and co-owner of the #96 DLP car, Troy Aikman. This was the first race unleaded fuel was used at the Cup level. Did this have some effect on the engines of Truex, Kahne, Earnhardt, and Blaney?

I wanted to see Tony come back from last week's disappointment of 43rd in the Daytona 500. His running today was definitely better than last week's. He did receive a speeding penalty again. He was able to work his way through the field last week to lead the pack. But this is California. Working your way through the field is a little bit more challenging for the driver and his car. Throughout the race Zippy and the boys gave Tony a good car. Tony finished 8th. Good Job Tony!

I have to give the "Tough Guy" Award to David Reutiman in the #00 car. That was a vicious hit. Of course we were able to get on board with David as he went through his crash. I have to say OUCH!!! Some times the on-board cameras don't always survive the crashes, however this wasn't the case this time. We were able to see what it was like in the car during the crash and after the car came to a stop. David was able to walk away from the crash thanks to all the safety features.

With this last race crash, it looked like it was going to be another shoot out for the checkers. Matt was in first with the 2007 Daytona 500 winner right behind him. Prior to the crash, Kevin was bearing down on Matt. Of course we will never know if Kevin would have overtaken Matt. Kevin had a left front tire go down and had to pit just as the green flag dropped for the final laps of the race. Jeff Burton was in position to possibly catch Matt for the lead, however he spun his tires after the restart. I was just hoping this race didn't end like the Truck race on Friday night. And speaking of Mark Martin...how 'bout that Crazy Old Man? He finished 2nd last week at Daytona and 5th this week plus he is leading the points standing. Not bad for someone who is running a part time schedule! I have seen quite a few interviews given by Mark Martin and I have to say what a class act he is. Here's my question...if he is leading the standings when he gets to Bristol, the first race he is not running, will he race? That's a question you know everyone will be asking.

The "WTF Were You Thinkin?'" Award goes to Michael Waltrip. I saw him with this hat during some of the pre-race coverage and I have to wonder what he was thinking. I know he wants to be taken seriously as a driver and car owner, but I have a hard taking him seriously when I see things like this. (See Picture At Right)

I have to say on a personal note...I haven't been visiting everyone's sites as I like to. There are some things going on at my end of the world that I am in the middle of that require quite a bit of attention. I am trying to juggle everything and feel a little overwhelmed at times. The Park has kept me on track and so if I don't get to comment on your postings I apologize. I have been reading them and you guys have posted some interesting thoughts and ideas. In fact some of them make me laugh out loud at times. Thank you. Hopefully, things will settle down here in the next few weeks and I will be able to get back to commenting and saying hello. Hey...Ms. H....I am so excited about your new digs. If I was there I would help you move things from the old abode to the new. Thanks for being there for me!

The Cup boys are taking next weekend off and the Busch boys are headed South of the Border.

Have a great week everyone!

Oh Happy Day!

Coming out of Turn 4...

Whew---it was a wild one yesterday down in Daytona. Speedweeks definitely was memorable. With all the talk of cheating, the last several days it was nice to everything end on a good note.

CONGRATULATIONS KEVIN HARVICK!!!!

Yesterday's race was definitely one for the ages. How many of us were sitting on the edge of our seats and willing Mark Martin to the front of the pack? I for one was keeping one eye closed and one eye open. If thousands and thousands of fans could will a car to Victory Lane, Mark Martin would be this year's Daytona winner, but as well know this isn't the case. As you tell, this was a very close finish.

For me it is bittersweet...I really thought Tony had the car to win yesterday and so did everyone else, but it wasn't meant to be. I am not upset at Kurt Busch. Tony's car got loose and moved up the track and Kurt tried to avoid, but there was no where for him to go. It was a racing deal. If Kurt had checked up harder, he would have had a rear end full of his little brother. Plus it might have taken out other competitors. I have to give Tony his props for coming back up through the field after the speeding penalty he received. But this is just the first race of the year, remember there are still lots of racing to be done.

I can't say that I didn't smile just a little when the defending race winner and current defending Nextel Champion crashed out of the race. It wasn't a good day for the HMS camp. I know I should harbor ill will, but I just don't like Jimmie Johnson. It still hurts my ears to hear him called the defending Nextel Cup Champion. Ugh...enough already. Just in case you missed the crash...here's what his car looked like. I guess the boys in the body shop will be busy this week.

I have to give out an award to Mr. Clint Bowyer. He is given the "Doin' It With Style" award. Clint finished the Daytona 500 on his room and on fire. After ending up in the infield, he managed to finish right side up. I was glad to see Clint climbed from his car.

Finally, I have to comment on Mark Martin for just a bit. I was excited he was able to challenge for the win at Daytona this past weekend. There is still a lot of racing left in him. I would also have to say Mark is a classy guy. This is why is respected by the racers and fans. You know he really would have loved to have the victory, but he was satisfied with it all. I am sure in his quiet moments he thinks about what might have been, but he would never come out and just blast NASCAR. This is the type of person we should all inspire to be. Could Mark have done any more to get across the finish line before Kevin? I don't think so. Mark was trying to hold off Kyle B. and didn't see Kevin coming up the outside. Kevin had quite a push behind. Once Kyle wrecked, Mark lost his pusher so to speak. I don't disagree with NASCAR's decision of when to throw the yellow. I was glad to see they allowed the drivers to determine the win. With that being said, I think if it had happened in say Turn 2, the yellow would have been thrown immediately. I don't even know if the caution had been thrown Mark would have won. It would have all been determined where they were on the last scoring loop.

I would also like to congratulate Jack Sprague and Kevin Harvick for their victories in the Truck and Busch races respectively.

Well...California here we come!!!

If Can't Beat 'Em...Add Stuff

Coming out of Turn 4...

I have allowed myself a few days to take everything in with regards to all this cheating. I know cheating to some is a harsh word, but that's what it is. When you are an athlete and you try to gain advantage by not following the prescribed rules, that's cheating to me.

When penalties and fines were handed out on Tuesday, I was not surprised they suspended Robbie Reiser and Kenny Francis. From what I have read it was as serious as the violations Chad Knaus committed last year at Daytona. But I was shocked to see the #10 and #19 crew chiefs sent home as well. I wasn't aware those two cars were not legal. Both #17 and #9 were penalized and fined for illegal aerodynamic alterations after qualifying. The qualifying times were disallowed and they will have to start at the rear of the field in the Duals. The #10 & #19 received penalties for unapproved modifications to the decklid which were found prior to qualifying. So here is the rundown of the penalties and fines for each team.

Team #17: Docked 50 driver and owner points; Robbie Reiser suspended for four races and fined $50,000.

Team #9: Docked 50 driver and owner points; Kenny Francis suspended for four races and fined $50,000

Team #10: Docked 25 driver and owner points; Rodney Childers suspended for two races and fined $25,000

Team #19: Docked 25 driver and owner points; Josh Browne suspended for two races and fined $25,000

And of course NASCAR handed out more penalties and fines to Michael Waltrip Racing. Michael Waltrip was docked 100 driver and owner points. His qualifying times were disallowed and he will have to race his way into the Daytona 500 in the Duals using a backup car. His crew chief, David Hyder, has been suspended indefinitely and fined $100,000. Plus his VP of competition, Bobby Kennedy was ejected and suspended indefinitely as well.

Now I have been watching all of this with a keen eye. I guess I am kind of a rules girl. I see things black and white when it comes to rules and regulations. Gray is what gets everyone into trouble.

Sorry for not posting before the Duals, which I wanted to do, but I got caught up in some things and couldn't get away. But here are the results from yesterday's Duals.
Dual 1: Tony Stewart
Dual 2: Jeff Gordon

I didn't get to watch the races because I have to earn my keep, but from the radio broadcast the first Dual sounded a heck of lot more exciting than the second one. I did get to catch the first dual on Speed last night when they reran the Duals and I was right...race one was exciting. I fell asleep before the second one aired.

Congratulations to Michael Waltrip for racing his way into the show. I know he needed this for his racing team. Whether or not Michael Waltrip knew what happened in the garage or not is not for me to say. With that said, I think as a the team owner he needs to do something to save face. I think Toyota will stay with MWR, but with the understanding this WILL NOT happen again. Plus I look for some firings to take place. I just think once Michael gets thorough this weekend and has had time to digest everything, people will no longer be working for MWR.

One more thing on the Duals...Jeff Gordon will have to start 42nd on Sunday because his car did not pass post race inspection. I bet he was not very happy and there were some choice words said after the race and behind closed doors. They showed the replay of his move that put him in front and I have to give him some props. Well done Mr. Gordon.

Well...tonight is the truck race, tomorrow the Busch race, and Sunday....well, we all know what Sunday is...

Have a good one..that's all from the Park for now.

daYATESona

Coming out of Turn 4...

Congratulations to Robert Yates Racing! They own the front row for the Daytona 500. David Gilliland took the pole for next Sunday's race and he qualified for next year's Bud Shootout. Daytona has been kind to Mr. Gilliland. Congratulations!

And how 'bout Ricky Rudd. After taking a year off from the NASCAR circuit, he comes back to Daytona and qualifies 2nd. Way to go Ricky!

Perhaps this will give Robert Yates Racing the momentum to get back to being a competitive race team. Of course this is only the week of the racing season. There is still a lot of racing season to go.


In other news, both Kasey Kahne's and Matt Kenseth's qualifying runs from today were not allowed and both will start at the rear of the field during the Dual 150s on Thursday. NASCAR officials found unapproved devices that improved the speeds of the car. There were also problems for Michael Waltrip as well. His manifold was confiscated and there hasn't been any word whether the car will be allowed to run on Thursday. NASCAR will announce tomorrow if there will be additional penalties and fines.

That's it from The Park today...have a good one....

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Coming out of Turn 4...

I must say last night's race was a good one. With only 70 laps to the race, everyone was going to be driving wide open. The first segment of 20 laps was not that exciting to me. I think everyone was feeling everything out. It was the next phase of the race that would prove to be the most exciting. Jeff Gordon was the first causality of the night. Of course this really didn't upset me all that much. There was only one caution (there was a mandatory one--doesn't count) during the night for debris. I knew it was at this point Tony was going to make his move. He did put a little bump on Kyle, but it's all good from this racing fan's point of view--rubbin' is racin'. Once Tony took control of the race it was all over with. Of course Daytona wouldn't be Daytona without a crash. As Tony was headed towards the finish line, Dale Jr. tapped Elliott from the back. And well, let's just say there was some carnage on the front stretch. Evernham didn't fair too well last night, he lost two cars...Elliott and Kasey in that late crash.

I do have to give major props to David Gilliland for finishing second in the shootout. This was his first race on the Daytona track since taking over the #38 after Elliott Sadler went to Evernham. I don't believe David could have overtaken Tony. It's one thing to catch Tony, it's a whole other ball game when you want to pass him.

I am hoping Tony can bottle this success for qualifying and the race next Sunday. I would love to see Tony win his first Daytona 500 next Sunday.

I was reading something online last night and noticed next Sunday will be 6 years to the day NASCAR Nation lost one of its greatest ambassadors--Dale Earnhardt Sr. We miss you Dale!

The big question last night of course was how was Toyota to perform. I don't think last night was a true test how how Toyota will perform next Sunday. There were only 21 cars out on the track, only 70 laps to the race, and no points were involved. Next Sunday will be more of test for the new manufacturer.

It was a little strange to see Mark Martin in the #01 Army car. I will always still think of him as the #6 driver. It is sort of how Rusty fans feel. He will always be the #2 in their hearts. Speaking of the #2 car, I have to admit it, but I kind of liked the #2 gold car. You can definitely pick it out among the racers. Speaking of picking out race cars, I will have to keep in mind the difference between Kasey and Elliott's cars. Elliott has the red hood while Kasey's is the white hood. Even the announcers struggled with this last night...when they were showing on board camera footage of the race, they mistakenly said they were seeing it from Elliott's car when in fact it was actually Kasey's car. Oh well...this was the first broadcast of the season for Fox.

There was an added bonus for me last night...I was able to crank it up and listen to the race using my surround sound...AWESOME!!!!

I will be watching qualifying today to see if Tony can capture the pole for Daytona.

Only 7 days everyone!!! 7 days!!!

Bud Shoot Out

Coming out of Turn 4...

The Bud Shoot Out has started...well not the race, but the Shoot Out between Junior and Teresa. Majority ownership of DEI? I am definitely looking forward to see how this all plays out. I am hoping Teresa and Dale Jr. can come to some understanding. I really don't want this to drag out all season (which I don't think it will). Stayed tuned everyone...



Now on to the race...here is the starting line-up for the Bud Shoot Out on Saturday.
1. Dale Jarrett
2. Scott Riggs
3. Boris Said
4. Brian Vickers
5. Greg Biffle
6. Kyle Busch
7. Ken Schrader
8. Jimmie Johnson
9. Ryan Newman
10. Mark Martin
11. Jeff Gordon
12. Jeff Burton
13. David Gilliland
14. Tony Stewart
15. Kasey Kahne
16. Bill Elliott
17. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
18. Elliott Sadler
19. Kurt Busch
20. Kevin Harvick
21. Denny Hamlin

It is going to be a fun race with all these drivers in it. It's balls to the wall gentlemen. I am so looking forward to tomorrow night. I know this isn't a points race, but damn...it's been a long off-season. I am currently watching practice in surround sound on the new 42' inch HD plasma television and let me tell....BOOGITY...BOOGITY...BOOGITY...LET'S GO RACIN' BOYS!!!

Super Sunday

Coming out of Turn 4...

Magic happened yesterday in Miami, Florida. The Colts put the naysayers to sleep yesterday. For the past several years, those in media have had several discussions regarding Coach Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning. Why couldn't they win the "Big One" or even if they would win the "Big One" was always a hot topic. I know great players are made and validated with how many "rings" they have on their fingers, but I for one didn't share their opinion. That's like saying Mark Martin isn't a great NASCAR driver becuase he hasn't won a championship. Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino only went to one Super Bowl during his career. It wasn't because he wasn't a good quarterback, there were things at work. It takes a team effort to get to and win the Super Bowl. It was a formidable opponent. Plus he was playing in the era of Montana. Yesterday validated for those naysayers out there regarding the Colts. I always knew they would get. And once they did, they would win it all. They were not going to suffer the same fate as the Buffalo Bills did in the 1990s. To the Bills credit, they did get to four Super Bowls. In two of them, they played against Aikman and The Boys from Big D. I think Manning, Dungee and all the Colts will have a great off season. Once everything settles down, they will able to enjoy this victory. Congratulations Colts!

Now that the "other sport" has finished for the year, I can turn my attention to the real sport--NASCAR. I am looking forward to the 2007 season. They has been quite a bit of goings ons during the offseason. I have very definite and passionate opinions on them from the Car of Tomorrow to Toyota to the Chase changes. I know everyone has their picks on who will be in The Chase and who will eventually win the Championship. I am still doing a little researching. I am reading my press guide, 2007 preview magazines, as well as listening to Sirius NASCAR. I am hoping to have my predicitions sometime next week. I do think there will be some "newbies" in the Chase, but I don't think it will be a Toyota. I don't think Toyota will win a race this year. Toyota has been successful in the Truck series, the Cup cars are a whole different ball game my friends. Will Toyota be successful? I think they will but will struggle as they work out the kinks. I think the COT will struggle as well. Which drivers will have the easiest time with the COT? I think the Young Guns may have an easier time at then the Vets. Like with anything, the more you are used to something the more bad habits you have time to develop. Of course, I could be way off here. But like with Toyota time will tell on how successful the COT will be. And please...shouldn't it be the Car of Today instead of Tomorrow?

Now...we all can look towards Saturday and the Bud Shoot Out. Finally, we are getting this party started. I am getting geared up for the season. I have warned my co-workers as well as my non-NASCAR friends. That's right people...it starts Saturday! The Bud Shoot Out is my preseason game! For those who haven't been around me during the NASCAR seat better shut up, get in, buckle up, and hang on. It is a 9 month sport season. That's 270 days and 36 races, plus an All Star race. I am a fantical NASCAR fan. I wear nothing but NASCAR shirts on the weekend. I eat, drink, and speak NASCAR. Just a note, when you ask me how my driver did on race day, pull up a chair and plan to stay awhile. That's right...NASCAR SEASON IS HERE!!!

One more note...it was so great to hear from my fellow NASCAR fan--Texas Sadler Fan--from the DFW area. I know she is ready for the season to begin.


To all the visitors who visit The Park...I have all my gear pressed, cleaned and ready to go. Do you?????