Tony Stewart

NASCAR

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I haven’t been doing such a good blogger of late.  I have been stuck in the back of the pack, on pit road or in the garage.  But to be honest I have been trying to get some things in my life back on track and get some focus into my life.  I have come to the conclusion I need to get back to what I love to do here in The Park…talk about NASCAR.

I have to say I was somewhat excited about Jeff Gordon finally breaking his winless streak, the longest of his career at what I consider my home track Texas Motor Speedway.  TMS was one of two tracks Jeff had not conquered, the other being Homestead, but after last Sunday, Homestead is the last track standing.  I think his fellow teammate, Jimmie Johnson, had other ideas.  I think if the race had lasted a few more laps, Jimmie would have caught his teammate. 

I have been researching some things and I really want to post something about Dale Jr, but I want to wait a few more weeks before making this post.  I will say up front that I am not a fan of Dale Jr, but I was a little saddened by the apparent demise of the #8 team he made famous.  It is going to be strange not to see the #8 racing on Sundays.  The team was suspended indefinitely due to lack of sponsorship.  The economic times have been tough for all teams in NASCAR.  Many have had to tighten their belts and make decisions they  might not have made if it wasn’t for the economy.  I am sure there are those in Earnhardt Nation who are just sitting back and saying “We told you so.”  Do I think DEI, or EGR as it is now known, will slowly fall to the wayside?  I am not sure.  EGR isn’t the only team who has had to park a team due to lack of sponsorship.

I am a fan of Kyle Busch.  I wasn’t when he first came into NASCAR.  I thought he was punk and needed to be taken back behind the woodshed, but he has earned my respect and has won me over.  I believe Kyle Busch is exactly what NASCAR has needed.  He is a breath of fresh air.  He does have smart ass mouth on him and he isn’t afraid to speak his plus he is a damn good driver.  I have read he is being compared to a Dale Earnhardt Sr. when he first came into NASCAR.  I know that seems like blasphemy in NASCAR, but why can’t we compare him to Dale Sr.?  Aren’t other sport superstars compared to each other in the other major sports?  Will Kyle accomplish the things Dale Sr. did during his tenure in NASCAR?  I don’t know.  Dale Sr. raced during a different time in NASCAR.  But from this NASCAR fan’s point of view, it’s going to be a blast to see him try.

It looks like Stewart Haas Racing is headed in the right direction.  Tony has started out with several great runs.  He has 2 Top 5s and 5 Top 10s and is sitting 5th in the points.  He doesn’t have a win as of yet, but it is only a matter of time.  Ryan got off to a slow start (and I am sure he was thrilled to just get of Daytona), but they have slowly found something and are headed in the right direction.  He’s only 92 points behind 12th place Jeff Burton in the standings.  He moved up one spot last week to 17th.  I figure with a few more good runs, Newman can get into the Top 12.  And isn’t that where you want to be after Richmond?

I am hoping to make a more concerted effort to post more NASCAR stuff with a little of my messy and confusing life mixed in.

Bad Medicine

/ Trixie / 2 Comments

I was so busy this weekend between T-ball, T-Rexs, Tourney brackets and Tony Stewart, I am exhausted. 

Let’s talk about Martinsville.  I think I like Martinsville a little bit better than Bristol.  Denny had his #11 Fed Ex car in the zone yesterday.  He lead 296 laps of the 500 lap race yesterday.  He just had the car dialed in all day.  But as we all know the best car or the one who leads the most laps doesn’t always win the race.  Plus he had history working against him yesterday.  I mean it was the 25th anniversary of the first win by Hendrick in the Cup series.   But it did look like Denny was going to spoil the whole Hendrick party.  But Jimmie Johnson loves this track.  Up until yesterday he had won 4 of the last five races.  With yesterday’s win it is now up to 5 of the last 6.  We used to say Lowe’s was Jimmie’s house, I am beginning to think Martinsville is Jimmie’s house.  No matter what happeend yesterday it seemed to be in the cards for a Hendrick driver to win yesterday.  All four teams finished in Top Ten.   I do have to say Johnson made a bold move on Denny in the waning laps of the race to take the lead from Denny.  It was the kind of racing I like.  Two drivers fighting for the lead and respecting each other and not taking one out.  Would I have jumped up and down if Jimmie had made the move on Denny and they both went spinning?  Hell yes I would have because who was in that third place spot????  Tony Stewart!  But unfortunately the two drivers did what they do best race cleanly.  Denny showed some class in his post race interview.  Kudos Denny.  And what was the deal with Robby Gordon?  Every time I looked up (well, it seemed that way) he was cuasing a yellow flag to flown.  Hey Robbie…green is our friend, yellow bad.  Two thumbs up for Stewart Haas Racing–both Ryan and Tony finished in the Top Ten.   I know this really didn’t have to do with the race, but did anyone see Ingrid’s new do?  OMG—she cut off quite a bit of hair!

The rest of my weekend was quite busy.  First up for me was to see if I could gain some ground on Postman in our NCAA Bracket Challange.  I certainly didn’t want to wear the University of Texas shirt to his birthday party.  Please note I am an alum of Texas Tech Unversity and well, we don’t like UT.  I was only 2 points behind him and I would have been able to make up some ground only if Michigan State and Connecticut lost as well as Pitt winning it all.  But if you followed the tourney, you will find that Michigan State and Connecticut and Michigan State are in the Final Four and well…Pittsburgh’s fate.  Same fate as me…dead in the water.  That’s right folks I cannot overtake my Postman in the bracket challenge.  Only 1 of my 4 picks for the final four made.  Go North Carolina!  So this is what I will be wearing (or something similar) to Postman’s party.  Sorry folks, I must go through this “humilation” by myself.  No sympathy shirt wearing to make me feel better.  I made the bet and lost. 

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Little Smoke and his team the Diamondbacks had their first t-ball game on Saturday.  We won 28-4.  I know that is a high score for t-ballers, but we dominated the other team…well as much as a t-ball team can dominate.  We are only allowed to score 7 runs/inning.  The other team never got us out in the traditional sense.  Little Smoke went 3 for 3 with 1 RBI.  A ball was hit to him in the outfield, but he didn’t let it get by him and in t-ball that is everything.  Still needs a littel work on the baserunning and throwing, but all in all not bad for his first game.  Wish us luck tonight…we play the Yankess.  And as I recall, the D-Backs beat the Yankees in the 2001 World Series.  Sign of good things to come?

If you need to make a dinosaur I am your gal.  Little Smoke needed a dinosaur model for school this week.  Of course as we all know this project becomes bigger than it really is and it can take on a life of it’s own.  And naturally, Little Smoke wanted his model to be a T-Rex.  In case you are not up on all the dinosaurs, he is like the Michael Jordan of dinosaurs.  So I spent most of yesterday while he was at two birthday partys constructing the model, he helped paint the thing though.  Bascially Little Smoke and Postman were the designers and well, I was the free labor.  But I think it turned out pretty good.  Take a gander and tell me what you think.

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California Dreamin’

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Matt goes all last year without a win and how does he start off 2009? Two wins in a row. I was very happy yesterday since I picked him to win for one of my fantasy racing leagues. It was a little bit of gamble since both Jeff G. and Jimmie run well at California and off course you can’t forget that #18 car or any of the other Roush drivers, but sometimes you have to go with your gut. Thank you Mr. Kenseth.

Congratulations to Mr. Kyle Busch. He made NASCAR history this past Saturday with two wins in the Truck and Nationwide Series on the same day. He tried to get the threepeat on Sunday, but came up a little short..oh by the way he finished third.

I hate to admit it, but I was flipping back between the race and the Oscars. Even though I hadn’t seen any of the movies except Wall-E and The Dark Knight. I wanted to see Hugh Jackman and also to see if Heath Ledger was going to win best supporting actor. Plus California is not my favorite race.

Looks like Dale Junior had another bad weekend. This time it was mechanical and not self inflicted. Dale Jr. is now sitting 35 in points. The season is still young so he will have a chance to work his way back up the standings, but he has definitely dug himself into a big hole. I am sure Mr. Hendrick will make sure Junior is heading back up the points standings.

I am proud of Stewart Haas Racing. Tony has finished 8th in both races and is now tied with Kurt Busch for third place in the standings. I wish Ryan Newman was having a better time of it, but give it some time, Ryan will be back. I hope Ryan starts to have some better luck beginning next week in Vegas. I mean if anyone needs some lady luck it’s Ryan. He has 1 top 5 and 4 top 10s. Perhaps Ryan call roll the dice this weekend and hit the jackpot.

While looking up things for my post, I noticed some interesting things about the Top 10. Jimmie is no where in sight. He is currently 19th. Of course, this means nothing to this team. It was few years ago where people had Jimmie counted out for the championship…what was he in 8th after Talladega. And of course we all know how that turned out. I think this season is going to be the most interesting in awhile.

Good luck in Vegas boys.

Daytona…short and sweet

/ Trixie / 1 Comment

Sorry for the short post for now. I was a little jaunt to Ruidoso, NM this past weekend. It was definitely relaxing. Did a little sand surfing, snow tubing and hot tubbing. Mix in a little hissy fit…from Little Smoke, and not Junior, it was a great getaway.

Congratulations to Matt Kenseth for winning this year’s Daytona 500 even though it was shortened because of rain. I was able to listen to quite a bit of the race on Sirius. It wasn’t the same as watching it from the recliner, but I was able to get my Daytona fix.

I saw the little “hi, how are you?” between Vickers and Earnhardt. Enough already people! It was a racing deal in my personal opinion. They were BOTH trying to get their lap back. I have quite a bit to say about the matter (I have seen the clips on ESPN), but I want to see things for myself. I tivoed the race. I may post later on in the week once I recover from my little mini vacation.

I have to give kudos to Tony for finishing 8th yesterday in a back up car. Ryan Newman didn’t fair as well…he finished 36th. I bet Newman is just glad to get out of Daytona. And a WOO HOO to Tony for his win on Saturday!!!!

On to California boys!

Duelin’

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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.

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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!!!

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Let’s Go Racin’ Boys!

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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”.

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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

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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