I had purposely removed myself from all thing racing.  Why you might ask?  A couple of reasons.  First and foremost, I was helping my lovely wife produce her podcast titled “Spooktalkular“.  But mostly because, I simply had grown disgusted with the state of racing today.  At the end of last season, I was so disappointed that I decided to just walk away.  I pretty much left the site untouched since right before Christmas.  Sure, this was supposed to be an exciting time for someone who loves the sport.  I just couldn’t bring myself to watch.  Well, that’s changed.  I sat down yesterday and succumbed to the urge.

I realized that it was Sunday.  And, Sunday equaled raceday in the past so I quickly cruised over to www.nascar.com to look for the TV schedule.  Damn, I missed Fox calling the race so I was stuck with NBC.  Damn, Damn, Damn.  I really dislike NBC’s coverage of NASCAR but, I decided to go ahead and watch it on TNT anyway.  Double Damn, it’s in New Hampshire, one of my least favorite tracks.  I wonder, could this be a sign from above to stay away?  Yep, probably but I’m not smart enough to pay attention so I decided to go ahead and watch anyway.

I felt awkward, like an ugly kid at a dance.  It had been so long since I had watched, I didn’t know who was driving what.  Tony Stewart’s leading the points?  Wow, I’ve got to go back and delete that article that I did last year about this being a huge mistake and how he was going to struggle.  I wonder if anyone noticed it….?  It felt weird, but good. 

It looks like Daytona is next weekend with it being July 4th and all so I think I’ll watch again.  Who knows, I may really be back for good.  And if so, God help us all…

jc

Back towards the end of October, I wrote of how I was shifting focus of the site because I was unhappy with the direction of NASCAR.  Well, who could have ever imagined what would happen over the past couple of months that have followed?  One of my biggest gripes is the multitude of big teams that were drowning out the smaller teams.  This was, of course, fueled by sponsorship dollars endlessly given by big business including the “Big Three” auto makers.

Well, that was yesterday’s NASCAR.  With the significant fall of the Stock Market and, the pending demise of the “Big Three”, sponsorship money has all but dried up.  Teams are starting to collapse and in the interest of surviving, are looking to merge with each other.  The saddest part of all of this is the massive lay-offs that have hit the racing industry.  Especially at this time of year.

Teams started by two of the biggest names in NASCAR/Winston Cup Racing are struggling for existence.  Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has already joined up with Chip Ganassi Racing to field a four car team.  Petty Enterprises is rumored to be looking to join up with Gillett-Evernham Racing in some type of a merger deal.  NASCAR, in an effort to save money, has even eliminated testing for 2009.

For these reasons, I will be remaining active in my NASCAR, Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series racing.  Not because of wanting to watch a train wreck but instead because this could be the be the beginning of a return to the roots by NASCAR and the teams competing in it.  Sure, it’s easy to be the best with unlimited money but what happens when you suddenly have a budget to contend with.  Whereas this is new for a lot of teams, there are some smaller teams that are no strangers to struggling to survive.  It’s in this environment where you may see some of these teams excel. 

I can’t help thinking of the Wood Brothers or even Petty Enterprises and how they are prepared to do better in this environment of having less.  This is indeed a new era in NASCAR racing.  Shoot, we may even start seeing hometown garages on the hoods of cars before it’s over.  Yes boys and girls, this may be what returns NASCAR back to the hands of the people who started it.  Without rockstar salaries, who’s going to want to be a driver except those who truly love the sport?

With that said, I am actually very excited to see what NASCAR looks like during Speedweeks and the months to follow.  I am looking forward to writing about this transformation as well here.

The RacingFaces podcast will be happening.  We are actually planning to produce an introductory episode this weekend with the first regular episode starting with the first week of 2009.  The podcast will be an extension of the blog with an opportunity for more news and interviews.  We’re going to do some prizes so be sure to listen as we’ve already got some really nice prizes lined up courtesy of Sprint and Toyota!

When I originally started blogging a few years ago, I swore that I was going to remain focused on the smaller series that don’t usually get the amount of press coverage that NASCAR’s main series receives.  Sadly, if you have followed this blog much at all, you know this has not been the case.

Starting next year, I’ll be returning the focus of the blog back to some of the lesser known series.  Look for more content on ARCA, ASA and the USAR Hooters Pro Cup.  Now, you’ll still see some content from NASCAR but probably not very much from the main series.  Look for more on the Truck Series and, some on the Nationwide series.

As this season winds down, and I think about next year’s goals, one thing I’d like to get growing next year is the racingfaces forums.  If you are associated with one of the lesser known series or shoot, if you like a driver in the Sprint Cup that doesn’t get a lot of press even, let me know and we’ll create a forum for that topic.  The only thing I ask in return is that you become a moderator of that particular forum and help manage it.

I have valued my readers over the past few years and hope that you will continue reading as we rededicate the blog to it’s original intention.

jc

I’ve been waiting for Tony Stewart to win just to see if I was correct and, as it turns out, I was.  Since my original theory has been somewhat validated, I’ll share it.  First of all, some history.  Back in 2002, I believe, Tony Stewart was accused of hitting a photographer and shoving a fan after a race.  These were two separate incidents, the first of which landed him on probation with NASCAR for the rest of the year.  That was also the year he earned his first championship. 

Reportedly Tony also attended anger management sessions and, for a great while seamed genuinely changed.  I was timid about accepting this change, however, but in 2005, who could help themselves.  Here was “nice” Tony, coming from a non-eventful start of the season to begin winning everything.  Best part, after the wins, he’d climb the fence “for the fans”.  As you probably know, Tony went on to grab his second championship that year.

At the beginning of the 2006 season, Tony emerged as the “elder statesman” commenting on camera about the dangers of “bump drafting” stating that someone was going to get killed.  Over the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Tony sometime seemed mildly annoyed at the media during interviews.  Along comes the 2008 season and, Katie, bar the door.  Tony’s in a Toyota and seems flat out pissed off whenever he’s on camera.  That is except when he’s talking about Stewart-Haas racing.  Now, I don’t understand that because just about everyone else, including his teammates has done very well in Toyota’s this year.  During interviews, he is rough on the media to the point of damn near calling them idiots.  Old Tony is back.

Well, after his win in Talladega last Sunday, he was back to being nice Tony in the post-race interviews.  Now, I don’t want to ding the guy too bad but after the two “big ones” no true competition was left to mount a challenge for the win.  Granted, they all count when they’re in the W column but who else was there to win?

The reason I point this out is, over the history of NASCAR, there have been some true “Class Acts” when it comes to drivers.  The one that comes to my mind first is the King, Richard Petty.  No matter how he run, he always seemed to have a smile and a good word.  Most recently, Carl Edwards seems to subscribe to the same philosophy. 

Fans are the lifeblood of these drivers.  A good bit of their income comes from merchandise and endorsements.  Positive public perception among the fans is paramount to doing well in both.  No one wants to buy merchandise from an asshole and, who wants to buy a product from a company that has a jerk for a pitchman?  Tony really needs to figure this out fast, especially since he’s formed his own team. 

What do you think?  Do you like the nice or the mean Tony or do you even care?

Since the passing of Dale Earnhardt and the departure of Dale Earnhardt Jr., I have slipped from being a fan of DEI, well, to being a “hater”.  Don’t get me wrong, during the early part of the decade, when Dale’s influence was still being felt, I loved DEI.  They could do no wrong.  Dale had the incredible vision to see how good a little known driver named Michael Waltrip could be and, his son, Jr., was driving Ralph Earnhardt’s old number 8.  And both were strong drivers!  Especially on the restrictor plate tracks.

As we moved further into the decade and farther away from Dale Sr’s death, DEI started to appear like it was falling apart.  DEI went from a team that was able to grab several wins a year to a team that, since 2005, has only had one win per year.  Worse part is they are winless this year.  The last win they nailed was Martin Truex, Jr. in the Spring Dover race, over a year ago.

I, like many, was utterly in shock when Dale Earnhardt. Jr. announced last year that he was leaving DEI and going to Hendrick Motorsports.  Shoot, this was where Jeff Gordon was and as we old school fans remember, he’s the “candy ass” from California.  DEI, namely, Teresa Earnhardt, had refused to give up an ownership stake in DEI, DALE EARNHARDT INC to DALE EARNHARDT JR.  This was absolutely ridiculous to me.  As a father, I can only imagine that Dale Sr. probably thought that one day he’d be doing some type of ownership stake to his children.  The fact that this was being refused was very disheartening.  In my mind, I envisioned Teresa Earnhardt as Cruella de Vil.

Now, I have a funny, somewhat related story to pass along.  Michael Waltrip was addressing the group for Media day this year and told of how he was informed about his leaving DEI: “At Dover in June, Dale Jr. said that I wasn’t a part of that teams long-term plan. Evidently, he didn’t know he wasn’t either.”

So, here we are, DEI has started slipping since the death of Dale Sr., they’ve canned Michael Waltrip and lost Dale Jr.  Teresa looks like the wicked stepmother.  Things can’t get any worse, or can they?

Paul Menard announced that he would be leaving DEI and heading to Yates Racing in 2009.  Now, on the surface, this doesn’t sound horrible but, with Paul Menard goes Menard’s sponsor, oldly enough, “Menards”.  So, we’ve now lost a major sponsor.  But, it’s still not that bad…  Or is it?  US Army has announced that DEI is out.  This leaves only Bass Pro Shops as a major sponsor on Truex’s car.  So, unless sponsorship is found, DEI may be a one-car team next year.

I’m a betting about now, Teresa is wishing she could have a do-over.  Is it better to own 49% of a winning team with the most popular driver in NASCAR at the helm or 100% of a team that is swirling the bowl waiting for the flush to finish? 

And, along those lines, I need a do-over also.  Dale Jr.’s joining Hendrick was a good thing.  He seems fairly happy and he’s running pretty good also.  Plus, as I’ve mentioned before, Kyle’s getting the Hendrick boot to make room for Jr. is one of the things that I bet lit a fire in his belly.  Both of those have made for a fairly good season.

I know, it sounds far fetched but how cool would it be to see a Petty back in Victory Lane?  Do you know when the last Petty Enterprises car won a race?  Back in 1999, John Andretti won the spring Martinsville race driving the #43 STP.  I can’t really remember the details of the race but that’s a heck of a long time.  Shoot, I even had to look it up to find out when it was.

Now, you might ask, if we all agree that Petty in Victory Lane is far fetched, why did I even bring up the possibility?  Well, as we all know, NASCAR is a sport of momentum.  Last year, Kyle led 4 laps at Kansas.  Now, I don’t remember the circumstances but I did look up the stat.  So far this season, he hasn’t led any laps.  Most importantly, Kyle will be attending a press conference on Friday morning to discuss the progress of the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City.  I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone as passionate about a cause as Kyle is about Victory Junction.  Maybe Kyle’s passion for Victory Junction, combined with his past performance at Kansas can equal momentum.

I know all this doesn’t translate into a victory or even a top 35 finish but here’s where my mind is.  I have always been a huge fan of the Petty’s.  Both The King, Richard and Kyle, are on my list of people I’d most like to meet and sit and talk with.  Richard’s last win was in 1984 and Kyle’s eleven years later in 1995.  That was a whopping 24 and 13 years ago respectively.  Believe it or not, the King has been retired since 1992.  Thinking back, it only seems like yesterday but the current fans have never seen a Petty in victory lane.  I would even bet that many don’t even know who Richard is and if they do, they don’t even know why he’s the King.  Shoot, I would even go further and bet that a great number of the fans today think that Jeff Gordon is the greatest driver ever.  Now before the hate mail starts, I know and agree, the greatest drivers ever are Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt,  I can actually name about 10 other drivers greater, in my mind, than Gordon.  Nothing against him but you have to look at the entire history of NASCAR when you consider the greatest drivers.

I am concerned that with Kyle sitting some races out, he may be getting ready to leave driving all together.  I personally can’t imagine a NASCAR without a Petty.  It would almost be like a Christmas without Santa.  Before that horrible thought becomes reality, I would like to see a Petty back in victory lane, even if it’s just one more time.  It would especially mean a lot for it to be the number 45 car in memory of Adam Petty with Kyle driving.  I’ll even take a pit strategy or fuel mileage win.  I’m not too picky.  If that ever happens, and you just happen to be near me, you might just see a grumpy old guy shed a few tears himself.

While we’re talking about it, please check out the Victory Junction Gang Camp and support it if you can.  It’s really an incredible cause.

(Photo credit: Worth Canoy of VPS Motorimages)

It’s official.  After months of rumor and speculation, Red Bull Racing announced that AJ Allmendinger is out for ‘09.  I’m kind of sad to see Allmendinger go.  Kid had talent and he’s marketable.  Here’s the official announcement from Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull Racing Team and driver AJ Allmendinger have agreed to part ways for the 2009 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series season.  Allmendinger is in his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season driving
the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota, which currently sits 34th in owners’ points.

“AJ is a talented driver and we really enjoyed working with him,” said RBRT Vice President and
General Manager Jay Frye. “He’s come a long way in just two years and we wish him nothing but
the best.”

In an effort to continue the development of the No. 84 team, Red Bull athlete Mike Skinner will
drive the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota during this week’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway open test.  Skinner has
been called upon by RBRT on multiple occasions since the team’s 2006 NSCS entrance, including a
five-race stint in the No. 84 earlier in the 2008 season, as well as mentor duties for both
Allmendinger and Red Bull development driver Scott Speed. Skinner will round off a three-car test
for Red Bull Racing Team alongside Red Bull development driver Scott Speed in the No. 82, and
Brian Vickers in the No. 83.

Red Bull Racing Team will make an announcement regarding the 2009 driver lineup at a later date.

       CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 22, 2008) – One lucky fan is guaranteed to have
an unforgettable experience on Friday night, Oct. 10, at Lowe’s Motor
Speedway when they drive away in a brand new 2008 Toyota Tundra following
the Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.
       “This is just another way Lowe’s Motor Speedway is setting the
standard in putting fans first,” said Marcus Smith, president and general
manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “The Dollar General 300 is a great event
and for one lucky fan, that evening is going to be even more memorable.”
       The contest winner will be presented the keys to the Tundra prior to
the start of the Dollar General 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The truck,
donated by Braun Racing and Great Clips, is a red, 2008 Toyota Tundra
regular cab with a 5.7-liter V8 and 18-inch steel wheels.
       Fans can enter the contest in one of three ways before 11:59 p.m. on
Oct. 7 by purchasing or having purchased a ticket to the Dollar General 300;
by completing an entry form available at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway ticket
office; or by completing an entry form online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
Contestants must be present on Oct. 10 to win. Contest details are available
at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
       Tickets for the Dollar General 300 on Friday evening, Oct. 10, start
at $17. Tickets can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by
calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

According to a release by Hendrick Motorsports, Brad Keselowski will be making his Sprint Cup debut at Lowes Motor Speedway in the October 11^th Bank of America 500. He will be driving the number 25 GoDaddy Chevrolet. A few weeks later, on November 2^nd, he’ll be doing it again at the Dickie’s 500 in Texas. Keselowski is currently third in the Nationwide points, driving for JR Motorsports. In order to get ready, Keselowski will be driving the car during an open test this week at the Lowes Motor Speedway.

“I’m focused on making the most of these first two races,” Keselowski said. “The Sprint Cup Series has always been a goal, and now it’s up to me to take advantage of the opportunity. I have to thank Mr. Hendrick, Dale Jr. and the folks at GoDaddy.com for showing so much faith in me.”

For full details of the release, check out http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news_detail.asp?id=2135&bhcp=1

If you’ve always wanted to take the family out to the races but couldn’t afford it, I would suggest that you check out Rockingham on the first weekend in November.  On November 1st, the Hooters Pro Cup, American 200 will be run at the Rock.  This is the series season finale so the champion and the rookie of the year will all be determined after the race.  Festivities start Friday the 31st with practice, qualifying and a Pit Crew competition.  All this for $10.00 and children under 12 get in free with a paid adult.

Saturday the 1st starts out with tours of the pit areas for $10.00 per person.  Drivers will be signing autographs at 11:30am and all the pre-race festivities kick-off at 12:30pm with the race starting at 1:00pm.  Now, here’s the absolute best part, reserved tickets are only $25.00 and $28.00 depending on where you sit and kids under 12, again, get in free with a paid adult.

Need somewhere to stay while you’re at the race?  Check out this.  Camping in all the outside lots at the Speedway is, you guessed it, free.  Thunder Alley RV slots are $100.00 for a view overlooking the backstretch.

Let’s do the math real quick.  If you’re the average family of four, you would spend $20.00 on Friday.  On Saturday, you’d spend $40.00 for the pit tours if all four of you went plus $56.00 for event tickets for a total of $126.00 plus food, fuel and souvenirs for a race weekend for the entire family.  Wow, that’s not bad even in this economy.

I would urge everyone to schedule some time off in November and take advantage of this chance to check out one of the best tracks around.  If you’re a NASCAR fan, this is one of the original tracks that was all but lost until Andy Hillenburg snapped it from the jaws of death. 

Great racing, family outing and easy on the purse to boot.  All this makes the Hooters Pro Cup, American 200 at Rockingham my top pick for the 2008 season.  Check out the details at www.rockinghamracewaypark.com/.