Home Boy Takes Dega

Coming out of Turn 4...

WOO HOO!!!! Way to represent!!!

I would have loved to seen Smoke win, but I have to say I was very excited to see the Texas boy, Bobby Labonte cross the finish line first today!!!! That's 1...2...for Kevin Harvick Incorporated!!!

I didn't get to watch much of the race today with moving into new digs, but I took a break and watch about the last 40 laps of the Busch race today.

While at the old digs I saw Kyle's wild ride. I have to give him style points. Sliding on the roof for some distance, losing a tire, lots of sheet metal, flipping and finally coming to end right side up with his car afire. It is amazing how a driver can walk away from such a dramatic crash like that.

I apologize for not commenting about Phoenix and Tony's comments. I for one feel he should have gone to the media center after the race last Saturday night. It's part of your job. There are things about my job I really don't like to do, but I do them. He has a valid argument about debris cautions. It may be just a coincidence of when they fall during the race. I don't believe NASCAR would purposely throw them just to be throwing them. Tony has a right to speak his mind, but there are times I am wondering WTF? Tony has been somewhat vocal on a few things this young season. Tony will comment on something because that's what he feels at that moment. He will get crucified in the media and everything calms down. I think last week, he just wanted to keep his mouth shut, think about things, and then comment. You know the old saying, "if you don't have anything nice to say...". Of course...he did speak up on his radio show on Tuesday. Tony's frustration has set in. He has had some great running cars and for whatever reason has crossed the finish line first. Last week's race was great. Tony and Jeff going door to door to the end. Unfortunately Tony finished second. It was a gutsy call by the #24 team. We all know if could have gone to the crapper.

I don't know if Tony will lose fans over his comments. I am sure he has Smoke Nation all abuzz and wondering what is going on. If he loses fans fine. I for one believe a true fan sticks with their driver through the good and the bad. You don't just jump ship when things are going the way you would like them to. Tony will speak his mind, fly off the handle and say and do things he regrets. We have all done them and we regret them the minute we do them. As a Tony fan, I accept this is the way he is. I don't always agree with everything he says or does, but I will support him anyway. What's my theory on Tony? He has started to eat healthy, has regular exercise, and a steady girlfriend. I for one know when I can't eat all the fun food I enjoy I get a little cranky. Keeping a daily exercise is hard work...and sometimes can be grueling. I don't know what to make of the girlfriend angle. Just some thoughts...

I was impressed with Jeff Gordon's tribute to Dale Sr. last weekend at PIR. I have been listening to quite a bit of NASCAR on Sirius and I have heard nothing but positive things regarding the "3" flag. Jeff knows what Earnhardt meant to not only his life but to NASCAR. He wanted to honor him--plain and simple. And what a classy move on Junior to congratulate Jeff on tying his father. I am not a big fan of Gordon, but he is one of the best drivers in NASCAR. You don't just win 4 championships without some talent behind the wheel.

I am looking forward to tomorrow's Cup race. I will still be working on moving into the new digs, but it will be last final push to the finish. Just a few more boxes and cleaning job and I will be done! I WILL NOT MISS TOMORROW'S RACE!!!

Happy Birthday to Postman! His birthday was Friday, but we won't celebrate until Sunday!!!

PS...Cingular DOES NOT make a RAZR cell phone that can survive a washer and dryer.

Observation

Coming out of Turn 4...

I know this isn't NASCAR related, but it could be...

WHY ARE MEN SUCH BUTTHEADS?

You've Got A Friend

I was listening to my tunes on the MP3 player this morning and this song came on. I just thought how appropriate with everything that has happened this week.

You've Got A Friend
Ooooooooo Yeah baby

When your down and troubled
And you need some love and care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up Even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come runnin' To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together baby
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me
Knockin' at your door

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am I'll come runnin'
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there

Ain't it good to know that
You've got a friend?
People can be so cold oh yeah
They'll hurt you and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
But don't you let them

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come runnin' To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

You've got a friend
You've got a friend

Thinking of the Virginia Tech family from one member of the Texas Tech family.

Virginia Tech

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the fallen students and the Virginia Tech family as they go through this difficult time. In the weeks and months ahead they will probably be more questions than answers as to why such a tragedy happened. Working on a college campus brought everything that happened yesterday at VT to the forefront of my mind. Our campus will be taking a moment of silence at noon today as well as ringing the bells in honor of those who died yesterday. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers today.

God Bless.

NASCAR--Texas Style

Coming out of Turn 4...

When I left work on Thursday night, I wanted so much to call in "sick" Friday morning and head on out to TMS, but alas...I went to work. I am such a good employee.

After leaving my office on Friday afternoon, I turned on Sirius radio hoping to hear qualifying, but to my surprise, Tony Stewart Live was on. I usually don't mind this at all, but I am thinking...ah...I bet they are having weather issues. Little did I realize...there were tornadoes swirling around. This meant qualifying was canceled and the field was set by the current point standings. Now I didn't want to wish any ill will or harm on anyone, but I had to chuckle just a little. I figured if I couldn't be there, then why should anyone else have fun. I know if I had been there the weather would have been perfect.

I watched the Busch race on Saturday. I did have a little remorse for wishing ill will on those attending TMS because I have several of my racing buds out there enjoying the weekend. It was weird watching the race on television. I hadn't watched a race from TMS on television for the last three race weekends. I am usually in the stands drinking an adult beverage and cheering on my favorite drivers. However, I would like to say the Busch race didn't disappoint. I was hoping Denny Hamlin would have won. Whatever they are doing over there at JGR it is working. But kudos and major props have to go out to Matt Kenseth. That was some damn fine driving you did. You saved your car and able to bring it to victory lane. Thanks for the cleaning race Mr. Kenseth. You earned that white cowboy hat!

Now...on to Sunday's race. I was none to pleased with the Texas weather raining out Friday's qualifying. This meant the HMS duo of Gordon and Johnson would be staring up front. Those were the last two people I wanted to see win at the home track. I have to say to those who don't know about Texas weather...if you don't like it...stick around...it will change. This is exactly what happened on Sunday. They had beautiful weather...they same kind they had last April. Thank you racing Gods! I am not a fan of the pre-race festivities on Fox. They usually cover things I already heard about on Race Day over on Speed. I had to laugh when they were interviewing Gordon and Johnson about the Martinsville race and my man, Tony came up behind them like some annoying fan. You know what I am talking about. The fan that looks like a complete goober when drivers are being interviewed on tv....that was classic Tony.

TMS has not be kind to Jeff Gordon. This is one of the few tracks where he has not been able to tame. TMS is not an easy track to tame no matter who is driving. Up until yesterday, there had been no repeat winner for the April race. Gordon dominated yesterday and I thought to myself good thing I was at home. I would have been miserable if he would have won. But as we all know the fastest and best car on the track doesn't always win. TMS has a way of making things exciting. I know the fans went nuts when Junior took the lead and looked like he was going to walk away as the first repeat winner, but in the blink of an eye...BAM!

I know there are some Stewart fans this morning who will probably curse Juan Pablo, but I thought it was all a racing deal. He did race Tony and Juan Pablo did get loose and cause Tony to spin out, but it was racing. I was a little giddy, when Johnson's car got collected. But this isn't where the day ended for Tony. After going in the pits to fix the #20, TMS struck back. Tony spun out and did some great driving by not hitting anything, however, what happened behind was the talk of the grand stands. Junior slowed down to try to avoid Tony and the next thing he knows Kyle Busch at a faster speed hits Junior. Now...we all know how the Earnhardt Nation can be at times. They are some of the most rabid fans I know...and you know I have to say...if you are thinking Tony is to blame...he's not. I blame Kyle Busch for this one. Earnhardt slowed down to prevent from hitting Tony, Kyle didn't. And I don't know if people in the stands knew this at the time, but Earnhardt got into the #5 and drove it the rest of the race earning points for the #5. Apparently Mr. Busch was gone from the premises. I don't know what that was all about, but the little respect that he earned is gone. Earnhardt showed some definite class. Kudos to you Mr. Earnhardt. You were raised right.

I know the booing from the Earnhardt nation bothered Tony from what I heard from some post race quotes...(taken from NASCAR.com)

"It's like nothing we can do is right," Stewart said. "Look at all the Junior fans that are mad at me. I didn't even see what happened to Junior. I know I caused it, obviously.

"I'm trying to get one of my laps back right there -- I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. There's no way in hell I would ever do anything to put Dale Jr. in jeopardy [but] it's disheartening when you have 180,000 people booing you every time you come around.

"That's what makes this stuff not fun anymore. It's not about the racing."

I hope he doesn't let these boos get to him. From my own personal experience...Earnhardt fans boo anyone who may be perceived to "hurt" their driver. Once again this is from personal experience...last year at Texas fall race.

The last few laps were some of the best racing all day. Matt Kenseth once gain put himself in place to win, but there was Jeff Burton lingering behind him. It was a good clean race to the finish. And finally...TMS has a repeat winner. And of course...if we are going to have a repeat winner it should be the man who won the first race at TMS back in 1997! WAY TO GO!!!!


And how 'bout that crazy old man...two weeks away from the track (actually three if you include last weekend)...coming away with a third place finish!!!

WTF has happened to Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler this year. Did they not get the memo about the start of the NASCAR season? Both drivers have proven they can win at Texas? I don't know what is going on over at Evernham. Is it time for Ray to take stock in the personnel he has in place? I'm not talking drivers because I think all three drivers can drive the wheels off their vehicles. I mean look what Kahne did last year. I think there is more to be done. I know they have good equipment and cars. I don't know what can be done to stop the bleeding. I know my friend Sadler Fan was been very frustrated by this turn of events with Elliott. I know she had a fun time this weekend, but she would have loved for her man to have a better weekend.

Couple of things...they didn't even get one lap under the belt when things went all crazy...I don't think AAA will be able to help the #6 on this one. YIKES!!!!


There was no "chick fight" in the pits this time around. Last spring the now Mrs. Kurt Busch and soon to be Mrs. Greg Biffle got into a heated discussion. But Stone Cold Steve Austin was the Grand Marshall for the race on Sunday and gave the command to start the engines. I was expecting some exciting "Gentlemen Start Your Engines", but it fell flat once again. Come on people...put some enthusiasm behind!

TMS always has a little something for everyone! See ya in November everyone!

Well....on to the desert for some Saturday night racing.

Texas Motor Speedway

Coming out of Turn 4...

As most of you know I have not made the pilgrimage to TMS this weekend. This is depressing because I won't get to see my friend Sadler Fan and talk NASCAR as well as my other buddies I have met over the last few races. The upside...if there is one...I will be able to sit in front of my television in the comforts of my home. I won't have to be fell like a sardine sitting in the stands. I can use my own bathroom and won't have to stand in line to use a stall. Plus I don't have to pay some ungodly price for food and drinks. Despite some of the "downsides" I would rather be crammed in like a sardine, stand in line for the bathroom and pay some ungodly price for food and beverages. If you haven't attended a race in person you are missing out.

But since I can't be there, I will leave you with some pics from last November's race.

Have a great weekend Sadler Fan! Take lots of pics and say a little prayer for our boys!

Calendar

It is so nice when the people you work with have some level of understanding and tolerance when it comes to my NASCAR obsession/passion.

Computer Guy picked up a NASCAR calendars for me featuring the Coca Cola racing family. Did you notice I said CALENDARS? I have one hanging in my office and the other at home where I can put it in my NASCAR room. This will sort of ease the pain of not being at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend.

Thanks again CG for feeding my habit!!!!


Oh by the way...look who is this month's driver!!!!

Happy Easter

I'm dreaming of white Chris...oops Easter.

Operation Bunny

I don't usually talk about the "work place" here in The Park. I can tell you have would lots of material for months, but I want to protect the innocent, mundane, and the down right stupid from further humiliation and ridicule. But when it comes to reeking havoc on a fellow co-worker, well that's just worth sharing with everyone.

Computer Guy noticed two stuffed bunnies in Newbie's office. CG made the comment about how you know what happens when two bunnies get together....thus Operation Bunny was born.

All this week--CG, Pony, and myself have been leaving bunnies on Newbie's desk. Chocolate bunnies, marshmallow bunnies, PEEP bunnies, toy bunnies...you name it we left it. Bunnies would just appear magically on her desk when she left her office.. She claims that her bunnies are gay, but I highly doubt it.

However, today Operation Bunny will end (boo hoo). CG, Pony, and myself have decided to dump the final mounds of bunnies on her desk for one last HURRAH!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!!

Gatorized

Coming out of Turn 4...

The Buckeyes were Gatorized once again this year. I have to give credit to the Florida Gators for taking the Buckeyes out of their game. I did watch the entire game. Work was very busy---and I was extremely tired. I knew however Florida was going to win. From all aspects Florida took Ohio to town. At least this game didn't get out of hand like the football game back in January. Congratulations to the Florida Gators for winning back to back championships. The first team in 15 years to do so. The last time the NCAA had back to back winners was Duke. Now that the NCAA men's tournament is over. I can fully concentrate on NASCAR as if I wasn't these days.

Speaking of Gatorized...that's what I feel like happened to me today--CHOMP...CHOMP!!!

Why is it when you ask for help from someone, they give every excuse in the back to say no? It's not that I don't understand, but come on...don't whine about your "problems"--been there, done that...got the t-shirt. I have been in your spot and I took care of business. Oh well, I guess some people are just better at things then others....but as I say what comes around...goes around.

My friend Architect emailed me today...it did put a little smile on my face. He wanted to know if I was going to make the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Texas Motor Speedway in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately...I will have to worship from afar. I am hoping to make a pilgrimage to see the spring truck race and the IRL race in June. I have never been to an IRL race.

I hope tomorrow I don't get Gatorized, but you never can tell.

A Twofer

Coming out of Turn 4...

Sorry for the delay in posting about Bristol, but I intended to post, but lots of things going on in the Park and I wanted to get a better sense of the COT before posting about it.

Bristol Report
I was hoping for some exciting racing at Bristol. Bristol is one of the races I look forward to watching every year. We are talking 1/2 mile race track, 43 cars, and most of all 43 egos all vying for the win. I was not surprised that Jeff Gordon was sitting on the pole for the race. I mean he likes Bristol. But this race was different in years past. The Car of Tomorrow made its much anticipated and much talked about debut at Bristol. I have to be honest, I wanted to give the COT a chance. Change isn't easy for some people and that includes myself, but I was willing to give the COT the benefit of the doubt. To be honest I don't like the look of the car. I think it looks like my neighbor's jacked up Dodge Neon. I don't like the splitter and I definitely don't like the wing. This is what happens when two things merge and produce. You get a mutated version of something. I know those in power want to make better racing and I am sure that will happen with the COT. And if that happens--wonderful! I am all for that. I was glad the announcers were trying to explain all the nuances of the COT, but they too are still learning along with us. I will probably, eventually get used to the COT because that is the future of the sport. But just let me vent for a bit...it makes me feel better.

Now onto the race...

Tony looked good during most of the race in the Flying Brick. He can pretty much drive anything if you give him the keys. But just when I thought Tony was going to take Bristol...BANG...the racing Gods struck. I guess it isn't nice to mess with the racing Gods. The #20 suffered fuel pump issues. Once that happened Tony's day was pretty much a wash. Denny looked good and I was hoping Denny would win, but alas...that Little Shrub from HMS won. What little respect he earned from me after the California Busch race all but washed away. I know Tony has voiced his opinion about the car, but he has toned it down a bit (if you can tell Tony to tone down anything). You may not like the car, but come on dude...you are in Victory Lane! You just won the first race with the COT. It must not suck that bad.

After everything settled...Vickers received 2nd degree burns from the COT and inhaled some carbon monoxide due to faulty exhaust pipes. Then Greg Biffle car was found to be low according to the NASCAR specs, however he was not penalized due to the COT. I have my own theory on this one, but hey...I like a good conspiracy.

Martinsville
The second race of the year with the COT and another short track race. I don't know why I am not excited about this race. I guess I am sad because I will not be at the Texas spring race---withdrawal symptoms. I did watch the race. I was hoping Tony would dominate and see him climbed the fence at Martinsville as he did at the last race. But as we all know Jeff Gordon loves Martinsville. He has 6 wins at the place and wanted number 7. He has the most of any active driver. As typical of Mr. Gordon, he got up front and dominated for several laps. But he wasn't the only driver that dominated the track yesterday at Martinsville. Denny Hamlin looked good on the track. I really wanted Denny to win. After last week's performance at Bristol, I believe he has the COT under control. It looks like JGR has the COT understood. Denny, Tony, and JJ all qualified in the top 10. The Three Amigos finished--3rd (Denny), 7th (Tony), and 23rd (JJ). Dale Jr. looked good on the track as well.

Since yesterday was April 1, I was hoping I would wake up this morning and realize yesterday's race was all an April Fool's joke, but it wasn't. Jimmie took the lead with his fellow teammate Jeff G. behind him. As someone who used to follow Mr. Gordon, I wondered if he would do his famous "bump and run" to take the victory. The only man standing in his way from his 7th victory at Martinsville was Jimmie Johnson. Gordon raced his fellow teammate clean. That late caution closed the gap between somewhat. It was only a matter of time before Gordon caught up to Jimmie's back bumper. If Gordon got to the bumper and the win was in sight, Gordon would "move" the car out of the way. But this wasn't just another driver this was a teammate--a good friend. Heck, Gordon introduced Jimmie to his wife Shandra. Jeff likes to win. Jeff got to the back bumper of Johnson and Johnson was leaving him no choice, but to get moved. Jeff to to the bumper and moved him, but Johnson went nowhere. Jeff almost had him coming out of Turn 4 on the last lap, but Jimmie beat him to the line. Once again Jeff was denied another victory. With Johnson's win, that makes three in a row for HMS.

Here's my take...we all know if that had been any other driver on the track, we would be talking about Jeff Gordon's 7th win at Martinsville. I must say Jeff did look a little miffed when the Fox pit reporter was interviewing him. He was a little "upset" that Jimmie had blocked him. Hey, Jeff all is fair in racing.

As for the COT...still have lots of work to be done. I give a grade of "C". I wasn't all that impressed or disappointed. The boys get back to the other cars in two weeks at Texas. I will not be able to see the boys in person during the spring race. I will be at home in front of the old TV. Even though I have a pretty decent tv, it is not comforting to know that I won't be there hangin' out with my other NASCAR fanatics. But I am saving up and I am hoping to make the November race. The crews will have Easter weekend off and won't have to step back into the COT until Phoenix (April 21).

I have to congratulate the Ohio State Buckeyes for making the championship game in the NCAA. It is kind of cool they will be playing the Florida Gators for the national championship tonight. Hopefully, the basketball team won't do the same thing the football team did. As always, Postman will be rooting against the Bucks. What can I say...he is a Michigan fan. And even if he did like the team I liked, he would root for the other team just to irritate me. He better watch it is all I have to say...that Pittsburgh yellow towel sitting at the sporting goods store in the mall would make a nice birthday gift for you. GO BUCKEYES!

Have a good one!