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?????

Coming out of Turn 4…

I have been a bad blogger of late. There’s been lots happening “off the track” that has needed my attention. First of all Postman’s nephew Pickle will be going through some rough times over the next several months. Pickle’s father is being deployed to Iraq. God Bless Army Medic! Second, my friend Banker lost his grandmother on Tuesday. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family this week. Third, the adoption process is still going strong. Postman and I were told on Tuesday our 8-wk parenting course has been reduced to 4 weeks (class size small and doubling up sessions). This means we could be parents (hopefully) by the end of the year. And finally I would like to congratulate Ms. H on becoming a home owner. I have already made a reservation. Now on to racing….

It has been a busy week in NASCAR. Here are a few highlights.

Kevin H. opens mouth and calls Teresa Earnhardt a “dead beat owner”. I am sure he didn’t mean to put it like this. Even though Postman disagrees with me on this. I think she needs to be more of a visible owner than she currently is.

Another Earnhardt note–Jeffie Poo thinks Junior will leave DEI???

Car of Tomorrow’s first race is Bristol. I guess those in charge of all of this want to see how it does. Nothing like a little beatin’ and bangin’ to get the party started.

Ground breaking on the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte took place yesterday. I can’t wait to see who will be the first class of inductees…all I know there better be a Petty and Earnhardt on that list.

And finally…The Chase. NASCAR announced the “tweaks” on Monday. Let me see if I understand this correctly.

• 12 drivers
• 400 point rule gone
• Bonus points for winning a race
• Can’t get bonus points for winning until the end of the first 26 races
• Have to make the Chase in order to “cash in” the bonus points.
• Top 12 points reset to 5000, given bonus points if applicable, and then are reordered

I am going to watch the 24 Hours of Daytona this weekend. It will get me revvved up for the upcoming season. Good Luck Tony!

Next weekend I will have the Super Bowl. The following weekend after that is the Bud Shootout. And then it all begins!!!!!!

That’s it from The Park…

Coming out of Turn 4…

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS–AFC CHAMPS!!!

They say the 3rd time’s a charm and well…it is! This is the 3rd time the Pats and Colts have met in the AFC Championship game. This time, however, they were on the Colts turf.

The Colts came down from 18 points (largest comeback in NFL history in the the Championship game) to beat the New England Patriots..38-34. Get your bags packed Peyton—you’re headed to Miami.

One more note…the Super Bowl will have the first two African American coaches coaching in the Super Bowl.

Oh yea…the Colts will playing the Chicago Bears. The Bears defested the New Orleans Saints…39-14.

Coming out of Turn 4….

I got two GREAT Christmas presents this year. The first one is my Sirius subscription. Yes, I jumped into the world of satellite radio. Right now I only have the receiver in my car, but I am going to purchase the docking port which will allow me to listen at work and at home.
The only way I can catch Tony’s show is if I sit out in my car for two hours on Tuesday nights. Lately that hasn’t been an option because it has been somewhat on the FREAKIN’ COLD side here in The Park. I have been able to listen to the replay of Tony’s show and I must say I like it. Delana Harvick called in to visit with Tony and Matt Yocum. It rather interesting to hear all of them interact. For me it was definitely worth it. Of course some of the listeners that call into the other shows drive me a little crazy at times. Here’s my opinion on calling into a radio show…STOP, THINK, THEN SPEAK!!!!

My second GREAT Christmas gift–a 42′ PLASMA HD TV!!! It finally arrived last night and Postman got it all squared away for us. It is amazing. I didn’t know how much difference there was between “regular” tv and “HD” tv….but WOW!!! This year’s NASCAR season will be AWESOME!!!

Congratulations to Smoke for his Chili Bowl win over in Tulsa!! Way to Go!! Tony looks great…looks like Mike the Trainer is doing great work.

I just looked at the my NASCAR Pets, NASCAR Drivers, and Tony Stewart calendars and saw the date…JANUARY 18, 2007...that’s right…one month from today FEBRUARY 18—DAYTONA 500!!!

Well, that’s all from The Park today. I am getting ready out in my neck of the woods for some nasty wintery weather. Let’s just say 8-12 inches of snow is not something I am looking forward to, but I have my new tv to keep me company.

NASCAR has lost another member of its family today. Benny Parsons passed away today due to complications from battling lung cancer. I for one will miss Benny. I loved his commentary during the races and how he could explain things to where I wouldn’t feel so confused. My thoughts and prayers are with Benny’s family, friends, and the NASCAR community. The 2007 season will not be the same without you Benny. Say “Hi” to the Seniors for us–Bobby and Dale. We miss you guys!

Trixie radioed…

That’s right folks yesterday was the first day of testing at Daytona. That means the 500 is just around turn 4.

History was made yesterday when Dave Blaney drove his #22 Toyota out on the track at Daytona. He may have had a fast time, but wait until that Toyota is surrounded by 42 other cars. That will be the true test of the Toyota Camry.

I was listening to Sirius yesterday and got a chance to hear Elliot Sadler. He sounds very optimistic for this year. I did see signs of good things to come towards the end of last year. Since this will be his first full year in the #19 I am hoping he has some good runs this year and can make the Chase.

Dale Jr. sure has the Earnhardt nation and others in the media talking. I don’t keep close tabs on Dale Jr. as much as I do Tony. This is my opinion, but I think Dale Jr. needs to race for someone other than DEI. I think there is too much that is put on him because of who he is. I am not saying he couldn’t win a championship for DEI–I just think it’s too much pressure for him. I think if there is someone who is not related to him telling him what needs to be done to get to that level where he wants and should be, he would have that championship. There’s a reason I don’t work with my husband and my family members. It will be interesting to see where Dale Jr. will be at the end of the season and if he stays with DEI.

Then of course people are also talking about how the COT will affect things this year as well as the tweaking of the points system. I for one am holding my opinion until I see how it all plays out.

Have a good one…

Trixie radioed…

I was saddened when I heard the news that Bobby Hamilton Sr. lost his battle with cancer. From what I have been reading online Bobby was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, friend, and racer. He will be missed by all those who loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the racing community.

Rest In Peace Bobby and say hi to Dale Sr. for us.

One more note–Get well Benny!