NASCAR 2009

Friday Night

/ Trixie / 1 Comment

Wow…was that some racing yesterday!!!  I didn’t get to watch yet, but Postman told me it was great racing.  I can’t wait for Sunday! 

Back on December 5, 2008 I posted about some new items recently purchased and won. I also posted about how I had a dilemma I needed to figure out. Funny how that all comes full circle today. Here is part of that post that specifically addresses the moral dilemma I had…

With reference to the 500, I have a bit of a moral dilemma…what would you do? Postman, Little Smoke and myself have been invited to spend a fun filled weekend with some great friends of ours in Ruidoso, NM. Guess which weekend? That’s right folks…Daytona 500 weekend. It didn’t occur to me until this morning. Now, that is the biggest race weekend for all of NASCAR fans. It’s our Super Bowl. What would you do? Would you…

1.  Honor your commitment and have a fun filled weekend without watching the race.
2.  Honor your commitment and make sure you plan events around the race so you can return to hotel to watch race.
3.  Honor your commitment and make sure you can be in your car traveling at the time of the race so you can listen to it on Sirius radio
4.  Honor your commitment, set the TIVO, and make sure no one lets you see and/or read about the race until you get home on Monday, Feb. 16 to watch the race.
5.  Convince Postman to buy Trixie (who he has so lovingly devoted his life to) a portable Sirius radio so that she can listen to the race while enjoying the weekend.
6.  Send Postman and Little Smoke and enjoy a quiet weekend with just you, Tony and the rest of the NASCAR boys.
 

So…the time is near..and I made a decision. I am going with #4. I know it’s a shock, but sometimes you have to make that sacrifice for your family and friends. I will for the first time Tivo the Daytona 500. I will probably want to know how the race turned out, but I am OK with that. At least I will be able to fast forward through all those boring commercials. I will stop for the ones that look funny or have Tony in them. I did Tivo the duels yesterday and will probably watch them after the Truck race. I love watching Truck series I think even more than the Nationwide series.

OH…..I got 2 packages from UPS today!!! Why am I so excited you ask? Because they include two new Tony shirts and one fabulous #14 sticker for the my vehicle. Delivered just in time for Sunday! And that my friends is what brown can do for you!!!

I don’t know if I will be able to get to a computer until Monday night so have a great weekend, watch a lot of racing, and GO TONY!!!!

Duelin’

/ Trixie / Leave a comment

That’s right it’s duelin’ day at Daytona!!!  I am so pumped.  This means the big race is just days away.  I said it…DAYS, not MONTHS.  Unfortunately for me I will be working, but that’s ok.  This would not be the first time I have missed the duels.  I will however be listening via the internet through NASCAR.com.  I am considerate of my co-workers (who tolerate this whole NASCAR thing of mine) so I will be consider and wear my earphones.  Of course I am more interested in the first duel since Tony will be racing his way to the front of that dual.  Postman will be Tivoing the first race.  I don’t usually tivo races, but I just want to see Tony in his new ride so I can get used to looking for a red car instead of an orange car.

I am trying to participate in a couple of fantasy games this year.  I am going to give my best shot to top the charts, but you never can tell.  Some weeks I am right on the money and others well, it would have been better to just draw the name out of hat.  One of them that intrigues me the most is over at On Pit Row entitled “One and Done”. Basically you pick one driver each week and once that drive has been picked you cannot use the driver again for the whole season. This is tough because you need to make wise choices and consider the track each week. I am still on the fence about who I want for Sunday’s race. I know at this point, I am holding on to Tony as long as I can. I have a couple of tracks I would like Tony for my pick. I am also participating in another league with someone who presides over the local OMNC chapter. I already have my team members and now it is just a matter of who will drive for me on Sunday and who will sit out this week. I have my lineup, but with the duals today I may have to make some changes.

I purchased this last night.

cart-racing

Yeppers, I now own NASCAR Kart Racing game for the Wii.  I have to say it didn’t take me as long as I thought it would to get the hang of things.  Of course I do have the steering wheel controller which for me makes it a little easier to steer the car.  I didn’t do to bad on my first go around.  Just like with any of these games you get to be your favorite driver.  There are several drivers including Tony Stewart.  You can also unlock “two mystery drivers”.  You can definitely tell one of the “mystery drivers” by just his shadow.  If you can get to this level, you will be “the King” of the game.  I really like the fact you get to partner up with one other driver for your team and you also have two rivals who try to take you out.  I teamed up with a Kyle and Jimmie at one point, but for the most part I stuck with Kevin Harvick.  Oh…I don’t think I have to mention which driver I chose.  I did get to race on Talladega, but there were other unique tracks.  You can also your own sort of debris at other drivers to gain an advantage (i.e. oil can’s and dynamite).  Postman and I played for a little bit.  He did beat me on a couple of times, but don’t worry folks it won’t take me long.  Definitely work purchasing if you have the Wii.

I haven’t really decided on who I think will win the championship this year.  I don’t know if Jimmie will win his fourth title in a row, but he is going to give his best shot.  I think the others are just biting at the bit to get their hands on that trophy.  I will have to say I am very excited about this season.  Before things get going for the 2009 NASCAR season, I have to post a disclaimer for all of you non-NASCAR people. 

Attention to all of my family, friends, co-workers, and complete strangers, NASCAR season is upon us.  I will NOT be available for family functions, outings, or get-togethers on Sundays.  If there is an event on said Sunday, you will have to understand they must be held prior to the start of the race or after the race.  If you must schedule things during the race be aware I may not attend your function or request that I have access to a television set.  This also applies to races that are held occasionally on Saturday nights.  If you wish to spend time with me, you must understand the topic of conversation will be predominately about the upcoming race, the previous Sunday’s race, Tony Stewart, or anything in general about NASCAR.  This is the time of the year all projects are put aside unless they involve a NASCAR related event.  Please don’t be offended if I ignore you on Sundays or the occasional Saturday…it’s nothing personal…IT’S NASCAR!!!

tony-stewart-14-background1

Pole Day

/ Trixie / Leave a comment

pole665Looks like it is was the Martin and Martin show today at Daytona.  Congrats to Martin Truex Jr for out qualifying the rest of field today to capture the pole for the 2009 Daytona 500.  And not to be outdone, Mr. Mark Martin.  It looked like that Martin had the pole until the other Martin came along.  If today was any indication of how Mark is going to run this year…I think we all better watch out.  Tony will start 6th in this dual race on Thursday.  I won’t get to watch the duals this year, but Postman will be home and I am sure he will keep me up to date on things.

Let’s Go Racin’ Boys!

/ Trixie / Leave a comment

9194824Did you hear it last night?  You know that sound that start with a low rumbling and turns into the most beautiful sound in the world…a NASCAR engine.  To hear those most famous words in motersports, “Gentlemen state your engines”, to see those 28 cars coming out of Turn 4 racing towards the green flag and DW saying in the background, “Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, let’s go racin’ boys”…I was in my own little heaven last night.

It has been a long off season for us NASCAR fans especially since there was a ban a testing.  Perhaps this is why I have been a little extra cranky since November.  No NASCAR makes Trixie a little cranky, but that’s all over folks, NASCAR season is here!  

If last night’s race is any indication of how the Daytona 500 will be next Sunday, it’s going to be awesome.  I have to say I was very excited to watch the Bud Shootout this year.  For one, this would be the first time any of us would see the #14 out on the track racing with the other boys.  It was a little strange to see “Lagano” beside the #20, but once the race got going I settled in.  Of course it didn’t take long before there was some action on the track.  The first casualties of the night…Lagano and Speed.  Strange how that works out.  All I have to say is…”Welcome to NASCAR!”

I am listening to the scanner on NASCAR.com and chatting, we I look up and see a red car leading the pack.  That’s right…#14 was leading the charge.  The #14 looked might pretty with all those other cars following in behind Tony.  I was pumped.  But as well all know this is Daytona and the lead can change in the blink of an eye.  And this was certainly the case last night.  There was definitely some three wide driving, beating and banging…my kind of NASCAR.  There were are some g

ood saves…Denny Hamlin comes to mind.  There was a loud roar last night in case you didn’t hear it…that was all those Junior fans shouting out at once when Junior took the lead, but it wasn’t meant to be.  During the second segment, Junior crashed and yes…that was me you heard cheering as he drove his mangled car to the pits.  (Note…I am one of those people who really doesn’t like Junior…liked his father, but I have never really cared for Junior..there I said it.) .  

We all know Daytona racing doesn’t get exciting until the last 10-15 laps and last night didn’t disappoint us race fans.  I think we all need to remind Jeff Gordan, you can’t go four wide into a turn at Daytona and expect to come out unscathed.   All I have to say is, too many cars, not enough real estate.  This late crash was going to set up a race to the finish.  And if just like an action pa

cked movie, there was one last twist to the story…a late crash with a few laps left put the Shootout into overtime.  That’s right…it was green white checker time baby.  At to quote, Peyton Manning from those Oreo commercials…”it was on like Donkey Kong”.

harvickfront2

It was crazy.  I truly thought Jamie was going to hold off the pack, but in the blink of an eye, out shot Kevin Harvick.  There was also that red #14 nipping at the heels. It was everything we as race fans wanted…a FANTASTIC finish.  Congratulations to Kevin Harvick for winning the 2009 Bud Shootout! And where was that #14 when all the smoke cleared (no pun intended), that would be third!   

Here are the rest of the results from last night.

  1. Kevin Harvick
  2. Jamie McMurray
  3. Tony Stewart
  4. Jeff Gordon
  5. A.J. Allmendinger
  6. Kasey Kahne
  7. Carl Edwards 
  8. Matt Kenseth
  9. Kurt Busch
  10. Kyle Busch
  11. Brian Vickers
  12. Paul Menard
  13. Denny Hamlin
  14. Jimmie Johnson
  15. Casey Mears
  16. David Stremme
  17. Greg Biffle
  18. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
  19. Bobby Labonte
  20. David Reutiman
  21. Elliott Sadler
  22. Michael Waltrip
  23. Reed Sorenson
  24. Jeff Burton
  25. Scott Speed
  26. David Ragan
  27. Robby Gordon
  28. Joey Lagano

Last night’s race was a great start to the NASCAR season.  Today is qualifying for the Daytona 500.  I will be watching to see if that #14 will be heading towards that front row.

Bud Shootout Lineup

/ Trixie / Leave a comment

I didn’t get to watch the Bud Shootout Pole draw show last night on Speed.  I was having dinner with some good friends of mine at Carino’s.  Unfortunately, the only good thing about the evening was good company and the dessert.  But that’s another post…let’s get to the racing.

Congratulations to Paul Menard for getting the pole.  With the Shootout, it’s pretty much the luck of the draw when it comes to getting the pole, but nonetheless, he will be sitting with the best spot on the track come Saturday night.  I truly wish I could be there today to watch practice.  Yea, it’s practice, but it has been a very long off season for this NASCAR.  I am ready to go racing!

In fact, I just purchased two more Stewart shirts and a decal for my car.  And…I will be getting two new Tony cars–OOPS MAKE THAT THREE, including a #14 diecast.  These were my Christmas presents from Postman.  Damn he sure does know how to treat this NASCAR fan!  You rock Postman!

I did get to listen to quite a bit of the media day stuff yesterday on NASCAR.com.   It was difficult for me because I was trying to work and get my NASCAR on at the same time.  For me it’s like trying to chew gum and walk at the same time.  However, I did get to hear Mark Martin and Tony Stewart.  I think everyone better watch our for Mr. Martin.  He is defintely renergized and he will be a force to reckon with during the 2009 season.  And don’t forget he will have that Hendrick power behind him.  As for Tony, he is excited about this year too.  Like Mark Martin I am pumped and very excited about this year.  I think Tony is reenergized and will be in the winner’s circle this year.  Watch out Jimmie!

So…here’s your lineup for the 2009 Budshoot.

  1. Paul Menard
  2. Elliott Sadler
  3. Reed Sorenson
  4. Scott Speed
  5. Denny Hamlin
  6. Tony Stewart (Watch out Boys!!!  Here Kitty Kitty!!!)
  7. Brian Vickers
  8. Bobby Labonte
  9. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  10. Kyl Busch
  11. Carl Edwards
  12. Kurt Busch
  13. Robby Gordon
  14. Kasey Kahne
  15. Jamie McMurray
  16. David Ragan
  17. Michael Waltrip
  18. A.J. Allmendinger
  19. Joey Logano
  20. David Stremme
  21. Jimmie Johnson
  22. David Reutimann
  23. Jeff Burton
  24. Casey Mears
  25. Matt Kenseth
  26. Greg Biffle
  27. Kevin Harvick
  28. Jeff Gordon

Bud Shootout

/ Trixie / Leave a comment

Don’t forget to watch the Bud Shootout Selection tonight on Speed.  I will probably have to Tivo the whole thing.  I have made other plans and I don’t know if I will be home in time to watch, but I am pumped.  It’s finally here….NASCAR!!!   I know most people think it really gets started next week wtih Daytona, but for me it starts today.  It has been a long off season and I am ready to go racing.  I don’t have all my new gear yet.  I am still searching my usual sites for things to purchase, but don’t worry, I won’t be without things for very long.

Questions and more Questions

/ Trixie / Leave a comment

It’s getting closer and closer to NASCAR 2009!!!!  I am waiting on pins and needles to see how Stewart Haas Racing will perform this year.  I think they will be a force to be reackon with.  I mean come one now, Tony and Ryan, how can they not be a challenge week to week.  I am in the process of trying to make a list of who I think will make the 2009 Chase.  It’s not an easier task for me.  There are some drivers who I know will be there after Richmond and some who won’t.   I also have some questions to think to about as well when deciding on my list. 

  • Will Mark Martin reach that elusive goal of being a NASCAR champion? 
  • Will Jimmie Johnson make a run at an unprecedented fourth championship in a row? 
  • Will Dale Jr. finally break out and have that season all Dale fans crave and desire?
  • How will Joey Lagano perform in his rookie year?
  • Can Carl Edwards jumped over that hump can become the next NASCAR champion?
  • Is Kyle Busch still polarizing as ever and will he have another year as he did in 2008?
  • Who will be the “hot” driver for 2009?
  • Will the SHR teams make the Chase?

These are a lot of things to ponder for the next couple of weeks as we get closer and closer to the Daytona 500.

One final thought…today is the 50th anniversary of the “Day the Music Died”.  For those of you who might not know…50 years ago today on February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P Richardson (aka The Big Bopper) were killed in a plane crash along with the pilot, Roger Peterson, shortly after midnight in Clear Lake, Iowa.  Wayton Jennings (one of Holly’s guitarists) was supposed to be on the plane as well, but gave up his seat to Richardson (he had the flu).  The other guitarist, Tommy Alsup, lost a coin toss with Ritchie Valens for the final seat on the plane.  There are still reminders of him around my hometown.  I usually don’t watch the Buddy Holly Story because I am not a big fan of Gary Busey, but I may go out and rent La Bamba in honor of this day. 

My thoughts are also on my Ms. H today.  God Bless.