Stop and Go Penalty for Walsh

Yeah, that's right. I'm imposing a penalty on myself. What for you ask? Well, for not blogging. So, I'm coming in, taking on fresh sneakers and topping off the tank. But, in my defense, it has been a rather hectic month. Here's a quick recap...

I've been in three weddings since late June. No, not just as a guest, but in the wedding party. What can I say, I'm a popular guy! Not to mention, my wife Ashley and I are about two laps away from purchasing our first house. (Very involved...I could start my own "first time home buyers" blog.)

Anyway, enough about me, really. The weddings were a blast. Congrats to my wife's sister Maren and husband, Ben. They are the best! 

My brother Andrew and his wife Liz tied the knot in late June. This wedding awesome, great food and a round of golf at Wachusett C.C. 

And finally, my good friends Tom and Heather celebrated in victory circle earlier this month. You may know them from Stafford Speedway. Tom and Heather race go-carts at the track every Monday. In fact, my sources tell me that they had their first marital spat after Heather spun Tom coming off of turn 4! 

Best of luck to all the newlyweds! May your tank always be full and your tires fresh!

Guess who's back?

No, its not me. I know I haven't blogged in awhile, but this is about one of the greats making his way back to NASCAR. 49-year-old Mark Martin has announced he will be racing a full 2009 Sprint Cup schedule. And he will be doing so in the #5 Hendrick Chevy. 

I was very excited when I first heard the news. Martin has always been one of my favorites. Plus, he is going to be in the 5 car. That's kind of a big deal for me. I was a huge Geoff Bodine fan and I have great memories of him winning the Daytona 500 in the yellow and white Levi Garrett.  So, my first thought was how awesome it was going to be to be able to root for the 5 car again. Reliving the glory days!

Then it hit me.  How pathetic! Those days are over. There's no need to live in the past. Quite frankly, Martin should do the same. Honestly, it's a bit inconsiderate.  Martin was in his early 20's when he broke into the NASCAR Winston Cup scene. He earned his spot and proved he was worthy of being a NASCAR driver. Now it's time to give someone else that opportunity. Even though he never won a Championship in his 26 year career, he will always be considered one of the best the sport has ever seen. NASCAR is better off for having, but it's time to hang them up and let someone else take advantage of the same opportunities he had 26 years ago.

Don't even get me started on Brett Farve!