Drama Keeps the Attention of NASCAR Fans

If it wasn't for the various story lines in NASCAR this year, face it,  this year would be rather boring.  Kyle Busch is running away with this thing. He's about 250-points in front of Dale Jr. The only thing saving NASCAR is the 10 race Chase at the end of the year.  This year's headlines are also helping.  Here's a glance, in no particular order; Carl Edwards caught "cheating", then some tire controversy, which included Tony Stewart running his mouth at Goodyear. Let's see, then there was accusations by Rousch-Fenway Racing that a Toyota team stole a proprietary part. Toyota gets it first win. More tire controversy, Stewart leaves Gibbs Racing. More tire controversy.  Dale Jr. back in victory lane, Dale Jarrett retires, Mark Martin un-retires, again, whew... I think I may have missed some tire controversy along the way.  Ohh, and don't forget the whole Aaron Fike driving high on heroin story. Yup, I love NASCAR for so many reasons. 

Other than Kyle Busch's complete dominance over the competition, what's your favorite headline from this season. I certainly left a few out...let's hear what you got!!!

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!

Dale Jr back in Victory Lane!!!

It's hard to believe its been 76 races since Jr last won a Cup race. Well, it's hard for most to believe, anyway. My opinion, it was a matter of time. This whole season proves that you can be the best driver, but in the end, it's really the team that matters. Before his win this Sunday, Jr was sitting comfortably in 3rd in the Chase for the Cup. His latest win is just icing on the cake. Mark my words, Jr will win the Championship this year, and much of the credit will have to go to his new owner, Rick Hendrick. It will also come as no surprise to me if Jr, Johnson and Gordon finish in the top 5 this year. 

What was old is new again at Thompson...

It's rather appropriate heading into the weekend where NASCAR drivers are complaining the Pocono 500 is too long, boring and just plain antiquated, Thompson Raceway officials have announced plans for a  Thursday, June 19th, 75 lap Whelen Modified feature that is sure to bring some excitement to eastern Connecticut.  Yeah, I have to agree, Pocono is not much to get fired up over. It's a long, flat, triangular track that will have the field spread out before I can get to my second helping of nachos (complete with a dollop of Daisy and Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa). But, Thompson's decision bring back this "shoot out" format (it's been 23 years since the mods have run a 75-lap feature at Thompson) is a welcomed change for the media, drivers and yes even the fans. The 150 lap features makes for a very, very long night at the track. Don't get me wrong, I love the 150's and the 300 at Thompson. But spending upwards of 9 or 10 hours at the track on a week night is too much, especially if you have kids. Keep the longer races to the weekends and Thompson has a winning formula.  

Edwards and Busch Impressive

As impressive as Kyle Busch has been this season (4 wins) if I had to pick the best driver so far, it goes to Carl Edwards. He is doing everything he can to get back in the battle for the top spot. Edwards is sitting in 4th place, 377 points behind Busch. Edwards would be in 3rd if he wasn't docked 100 points earlier this season. And look who is creeping back into the hunt...yup, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, 6th and 7th in points, respectively. It wasn't too long ago many were wondering if the Hendrick superstars were going to show up at all this year. I still like Dale Earnhardt Jr. to pull off the championship. Although, he has yet to win a race this season, he is hanging around in 3rd.
This weekend we head to Pocono. Remember, TNT has the race coverage.

It's all about the $$$

Thank you to those who responded to my recent poll. Times are tough for fans and race teams, which in turn will impact the local tracks' bottomline. I'm glad to see most people will still be able to make it to the track this summer. I too will be cutting back on trips to Stafford and Thompson this year. I live about 20 minutes southwest of Hartford. That's 135 miles round trip to and from Thompson. I'll still make a few of the Thompson Thursday Night Thunders and the Mod 150's. We will just have to keep an eye on the gas prices. Traditionally, prices tend to peak around Memorial Day weekend. 

You're saving gas money this weekend as NASCAR's All-Star Weekend is underway. This is huge for all NASCAR fans. It's the one time a year when the purist and the modern fan get to enjoy racing for what it is. Racing! Take my Dad for example. He hates the green, white, checkered finishes. In that regard, my old man is very much a purist. That's okay, he took me to my first race, so we can over look the little things, I guess. I like the shootouts. It takes team mates, brothers, father-sons out of the equation. Every man for himself. No points. Four segments of flat out peddle to the metal, stand on it racing. 

So race fans of all ages and mindsets, sit back and enjoy this weekend for what it is and what it was meant to be; a bunch of guys screaming around the track for $$$!