Is it just me, or what?

Does anyone else find it a bit ironic that Jeff Gordon's sponsored by AARP, and Trevor Bayne celebrates his victory with ice cream?

Did I really hear it, or did I dream it?

Did I hear a rumor that for 2011, NASCAR's thinking of swapping Atlanta's March date with the Infineon date in June? That would put 3 western races in a a row and maybe save money for the teams. I tried to search for the article, but I couldn't find a thing about it.

What do you think? We don't have the most predictable weather in March, so we can be like Kristen was last week -- freezing in the rain. I kinda like the Sonoma weather in June.

On the other hand, the countryside will be green and truly beautiful. March fits in that tiny window when California isn't brown. They call it "the golden state," but get real -- it's brown. If you've never been to CA in the winter months, you oughtta because it looks totally different.

The hotel prices might be lower too in March, that is if they don't jack 'em up for race weekend.

What would Nationwide do that weekend? Would they race here on Saturday? Race somewhere else? Or have a by week?

Hmmmm, a March race at Infineon . . . your thoughts?

Sonoma Rolecall

This year's Sonoma info is over here:

http://lugnutsandfanaddicts.blogspot.com/2010/02/sonoma-rolecall.html

The Worm Anthem (really, it is NASCAR related!)

Can you name the owner of this thumb?
Click to find out.

=)

overheard at homestead

David Ragan got a text late Saturday nite. MEET ME AT MY MOTORCOACH. KID
Joey Lugnuto got the same text.

In 5 minutes, both Joey and David were sitting at Mark Martin's kitchen table drinking their omnipresent Coke.

Mark: Now, since you both owe your driving careers to me for discovering you, I think maybe it's time for you to pay up. So somewhere around a third of the way into the race, you take out the 48. I don't care how you do it, but don't pull a Hambone and just spin him. I mean OUT. Don't do it too early because you know how resilient that team is. They'll just turn it around and come back. They're stubborn that way, you know. You got any questions?

David & Joey: No Sir.

Happy Halloween

my new favorite ad

Have you seen this at NASCAR.com? It's hilarious!

ATTN: SMOKE FANS

Go here: http://lugnutsandfanaddicts.blogspot.com/2009/09/attention-smoke-fans.html

What a goofball!

Dunno about you, but I thought thes shots were hilarious!

Is Smoke giving away his driving secrets to anyone who will listen?

Cranial Tidbits

Carl's Off-Track Adventures
Well, 2 years ago Carl broke his thumb in a late model race, and last week he broke his foot. You know the story, just a friendly game of Frisbee with the guys. Has anyone checked to see if it was Marcos Ambrose who was playing with him?

Carl did ok in tonite's Nationwide race, placing seventh. Matt Kenseth was on standby in case the pain was too much. Isn't it kind of sad that because of NASCAR's ambiguous drug policy, he doesn't dare take any painkillers? Anyway, I think Matty told Carl that if he needed him, to just call his motor coach; he'd be lounging around in his #17 jammies with his firesuit close by. Travis Kvapil will be on the ready for the Cup race. I'm still contemplating if I wanna change my Trifecta pick.

That's Silly
Erik Darnell isn't the most popular guy around these days. He'll be making a rather abrupt Cup debut driving the HoF 96 car (like a dart without feathers?!) for seven of the twelve remaining races this year. That puts Bobby LaBonte out of a ride. But wait, there's more! Bobby caught a ride in the 71 car for those seven races, sending David Gilliland to the curb for the second time this season. But wait, there's more! Gilly landed with his butt in the 21 this weekend, and will be driving the #7 for Robbie Gordon next week. He's also slated to drive in a fourth car for JGR at Charlotte, Texas, and Homestead and may be able to work more seat time in the 71 when Bobby's back in the 96. Gilly must be part cat because he always seems to land on his feet.

Jeremy Update
Ol' Jeremy has been slapped again with yet another lawsuit. This time for not paying his bills. Arrington Manufacturing provided engines for six races, but Jeremy still owes fees for four of those races. Maybe he can pay with the royalties he gets for his Saving Abel vid.



Is It Just Me, Or What?
Is it just me, or do other people find the Burger King Don't-Fall-Asleep-Before-The-King shaving-cream-in-the-face commercial disturbing? How messed up is that for the young co-ed to wake up with some strange-ass clown standing over her bed? That's not funny, it's just plain scary. Burger King seriously needs to hire a new PR company.

And since we're on the subject of commercials, is it just me, or does that guy in the Golden Corral commercials look like he could be Mikey Waltrip's long-lost brother?

Is it just me, or does Ray Dunlap look alot like Freddie Mercury?

Angels. . . blue ones

WooHoo! The Navy Blue Angels are in town for 2 shows this weekend. They come early in the week to practice in the airspace, plus do all the PR at the local schools and in the community. I don't know how anyone is expected to get any work done when they are in the air. I can't help but stop and watch. Here are some pix from previous years.

(It's so cool to be able to look into the cockpits and see the pilots)

and for our neighbors to the north . . . The Canadian Snow Birds!

Every girl's crazy . . .

. . . 'bout a sharp dressed man.

At least this one is.

As soon as my August edition of NASCAR Illustrated came in, I opened it up and much to my surprise, this is what I saw. Yuh-mmy. Guys, don't be intimidated by young David's good looks. You too can look handsome with a little soap 'n water, and an iron. I guess getting yourself a hot 'tang or a Triumph to lean on wouldn't hurt either.

I'm no fashionista, so I'll be the first to tell you I don't get it when it comes to the price of these clothes! If you read the small print, there's a list of the cost of every item he's wearing. I dunno, would you pay $60 for a t-shirt, $285 for a dress shirt, or $3700 for a watch? I guess I'm shopping in the wrong places. Where do I go to find me a man who can afford to shop like that?

more cranial tidbits

Jeremy, oh Jeremy

I so wanted to believe in you, but you've made it nearly impossible.
You've got an excuse for everything.


"They were perscription!"

"I couldn't find your lab, but I found a lab!"

"I can't pee with you watching me!"

"My stepmom's been a real b!tch since she killed my dad!"

Is it just me, or what?

. . . why hadn't I noticed before that Tony & Denny were conjoined twins?



. . . how do they decide every week who gets to drive forward & who has to drive in reverse?

Crumudgeony

Tell me, why is it, that whenever I go to a concert, no matter who I see, or where I sit, I always get stuck in front of the talkers? Never freakin' fails! I went to see Toad the Wet Sprocket (LOVE the Toad!!) and the people behind me decided to yak all through the whole show. I did not pay $xx (pronounced "x amount of dollars") to listen to your mouth running! Go to the bar or go to the bathroom if you're gonna talk!!!

. . . And I hate to say this, but . . . most of the time it seems to be the women. Sometimes it's the double date and the ladies are yammerin' on because they're just not that into it. Sometimes it's "girls' nite out" and they have to get caught up because they haven't seen each other in like, y' know, 4-EVER! Either way, meet for dinner beforehand and get it out of your system before you sit your @sses down in your reserved concert seats!!!

In front of me was a tall guy. But that was OK because he was just blocking my view of the guitarist (no offense, Todd,) and I could lean. Needless to say, by the last few songs, when everyone stood up, I did not hesitate to stand on the arms of my seat and block the girlies' view.

BTW, see the shirt I bought? Cool, huh?

RANDOMonium

I gots nothing really relevant to say, just tidbits in my brain

The bikes are in town for the Red Bull US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca this weekend. WooHoo! I'll take a crotchrocket anyday over a stupid, noisy Harley. I can say that because my brother spent some time designing those stupid, noisy, aftermarket Harley tailpipes. I blame him every time my fillings rattle loose when driving in a tunnel with a Harley. Anyway, I have my race tix, but I didn't make it out to the track today, and I think I'll hang out at home tomorrow to watch the Daytona race on tv. Maybe I'll finally get out there Sunday for the mains. I'll load up the camera and shoot a few rolls.

Now is it me, or what? Does it seem like there are more rain delays in NASCAR this year? I haven't kept track, but it just seems that alot of starting line-ups have been set by points and alot of races called for rain. This whole global warming thing is messing everyone up. I know, more races in the western states!

I got nothing else, my brain is empty now. Enjoy your Fourth! Don't burn your house down, and more importantly, don't burn mine down either.

Teaser

The pix have arrived via special delivery.

Watch this space

I just sent in 11 rolls of film for developing. After I get 'em back and organized, I'll actually write something new. Really. In the meantime, enjoy David, in all his glory. ====>

From the Archyves: I see Potential 05/15/09

For last night's Pit Crew Challenge, many teams' strategy was to place the lightest person in the driver's seat to lighten the load. Many of the drivers' WAGs stepped up to help out.. A couple of teams had female engineers come from the garage. That's cool.

I also noticed that Kurt Busch was steering the 2 car. I say that if/when we all make it to Charlotte for next year's All-Star week, we campaign to get our own Kristen V in the car for the Brew Crew. She's already their unofficial tool-box-puller, so why not? Whadya think?

From the Archyves: I dint needa know that... 04/27/09

... and you probably don't either, but since I do, I thought I'd let you know too.
Seems that with all the fluids Sam Hornish took in yesterday (due to his flu), he had to get rid of them somehow. As his crew chief said to him, "Let her rip."

And rip he did. Poor, poor Sam. It's bad enough that it had to happen, but the press made it worse by publicizing it. Of course, I'm adding to it by passing this non-news on to you, but what's a little potty-talk between friends?

I'm just glad Travis Kvapil didn't have to take over for him after that!

I know he's not the first driver, nor will he be the last to hafta go, but I always have wondered if the winner or any of theTop 5/10 finishers have ever had to meet their media obligations with wet pants or worse.

From the Archyves: WOOHOO!!! RAGAN GETS HIS FIRST WIN! 04/25/09

Yeah, Baby! I'm stuck at work, listening on Sirius, so I didn't get to see it, but after a green/white/checkered finish, David came from P4 (with a push from Joey Logano) to take the win from Ryan Newman.

And I didn't record it! I'll have to rely on ESPN's replay tonite. Hope they don't edit out the victory lane festivities.

Next up: Will Colin Braun get his first Truck win today?

From the Archyves: He Said What?! 04/07/09

Gordito:

"... I'm just a tool to Steve and the team and I just want to be
the best tool and asset to them that I can be.”

(In my best Butthead voice) Huh, huh, he said "tool."


Don't be hatin' on me, somebody had to point it out!


Source: http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Jeff_Gordons_return_to_a_Sprint_Cup_victory_lane_is_hardly_childs_play.html

From the Archyves: Is it Just Me, Or What? 03/09/09

Is it just me, or...

...does Jeff Gordon look like he has devil horns?

Is it just me, or...

...does David Gilliland look alot like

former American Idol contestant, Michael Johns?

Please feel free to add your own.

From the Archyves: Race Reflections 2008 01/01/09

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! As some know, I made my annual trek to Sonoma last June. Eventhough this is WAY late, I’ll try to remember as many details as possible and let you know how it went.

WooHoo! I survived this year’s day at the races. When my friend, Lori, and I arrived at the track, we got credentialed and parked and were ready for a great day. After a quick stop at the AAA display, we made our way to the garage. We saw our friend, Brenda, at Biff’s hauler, which was parked between Kasey Kahne’s and Jeff Gordon’s. Hangin at the hauler is like watchin a big ol’ block party. Every house has their grill fired up, and their coolers iced down, and everyone’s as friendly as can be. As we were talking with Brenda, I was a little distracted when Kasey came out next door. I tried not to stare, but I’m not so sure I was completely successful.

Lori & I continued to make our way through the garage area till I spotted Kristen at Kurt’s hauler. As we were getting acquainted, Bobby LaBonte came out of his hauler next door, and Casey Mears walked past with his PR person. Kristen got a kick outta all the mini stand-ups I had of the Roush guys sticking out of my backpack. After talking with Kristen for some time, we kept wandering the garages. We saw the Grand Marshall, Guy Fierri from the Food Network, walking around. He was no big thrill; he’d’ve scored more points if he were passing out food.

We saw Jack Roush being interviewed outside Carl’s hauler and waited for him to break free. He saw us and came over to say hello. He saw my mini stand-ups in my backpack, took them out and asked if I wanted to get them signed. Of course I did! He took them out and had “his people” running around to get them all signed!

As we were waiting, I snapped a few more pix of the drivers at their haulers. I think Ryan Newman was intimidated by my big honkin’ camera and turned away when he saw me pointing it at him. We went back to Biff’s hauler and talked with Brenda a little longer. While there, I had the opportunity to snap some shots of Kasey and Jeff.

(I was thinking of Yee Mum when I took this)

From there, we went into the pits where we watched the various crews setting up. By the time we got to the area just opposite the stage, driver intros were about to begin. I snapped lotsa shots, and dontcha know, my film ran out during Tony Stewart’s intro. Just my luck, I knew David Ragan was up next. As I was hurriedly trying to reload film, I was telling Lori to shoot as many as she could on her digital. I finally was reloaded, and then the trucks started coming down pit road, taking the drivers to their cars. I was able to shoot more drivers, calling their names to get their attention. Then, dontcha know, the battery on the camera went dead. I was fortunate to have had a new battery in my pocket, but I, in my panic, couldn’t get it set in correctly. Damn polarization. I decided to give up on the big honkin’ cam till I got to our seats.

(I was thinking of HFLori)

We weren’t too far from Carl & his car, so we went closer to get some more shots on our point n shoot digitals. I saw that people were approaching him, so I went for it and asked for a picture with him. Now, before I even got to the track, I told both Lori and Kristen, that when I saw Carl or David, I couldn’t guarantee that I wouldn’t throw myself at either of them. Well, when opportunity knocks…I’m not usually shy. If I hadn't had the big ol' honkin' camera, I'd've wrapped both arms around him.

We started to make our way back down pit road and went to Matt’s car. He was standing there, talking to some DeWalt guys. I waited for them to finish and I asked Matt for a picture. Unfortunately the invocation was about to begin, so I didn’t get it. My next thought was “Oh God! The invocation is about to begin! Are we supposed to be here?” It was too late to make a mad dash back over the wall, so we just froze where we were, between the pit crew and Matt, Katie, and Chip. We stood respectfully still during the prayer, then someone walked past me from behind. It was the flat-ass, skinny-butt of Kyle Busch. I said to Lori, as I had many times before, “He walks like a girl!” A guy standing in front of me turned and snickered. Oops, oh well, I’ve never been known for showing restraint.

(I was thinking of Volfan)

After the Anthem, we made our way to our seats above pit stall 9, this year occupied by #7, Robby Gordon. We also had great views of the #24, #43, #1, & #45 pits, and the start/finish line. I won’t go into details of the race because we all know how that ended (the skinny-butted dorkfish won). Jamie McCupcake had the best chance of the all Roush boys but Harvick took him out with six laps to go. Bummer.

After the race, Lori and I made our way out of the grand stands and found Kristen again to say goodbye. After a long day of fun, we packed it up and hit the road for our 3-hour drive home.

To see the complete set of pix, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/26611793@N07/sets/72157610351882591/

From the Archyves: Jack Roush's Old Crow II 10/10/08

As an addendum to HammerHands' post yesterday about Jack Roush and his flying machines, I'll give you a taste of the shots I took last summer of Jack and Old Crow. These were from a test flight taken a couple of days before he took delivery of the plane.

Man in Command

Ventral view

Post flight

Jack entered Old Crow at this year's Oshkosh AirVenture ("The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration") and won the Reserve Grand Champion Award in the World War II catagory. The shop where it was restored earned top honors by winning the Gold Wrench Award. WooHoo!

And, as a note to Photo's comment, Jack provided engine assistance to the winning team of this year's Reno Air Race, "Strega". Seems like a great year for Roush Aviation.

This week, Bob Margolis at YAHOO Sports is spending time with Jack and writing (so far) a great 4-part series of his adventures. Check out Day 1 and go from there.

From the Archyves: Keeping an eye on the sky 06/12/08

For those going to the Craftsman race this Saturday at MIS, you're in for a treat. Take a look up at the planes during the flyover. Jack Roush will be piloting one of his P-51 Mustangs, alongside his buddies in T-6's. “This will be a great honor for me to celebrate the military and to remember all the veterans...."

Jack has been an aviator for twentysomething years and has owned several P-51's. His latest project is nearly complete, the restoration of his second Old Crow. This "new" Old Crow has spent the last few years in a shop close to my home, and last Sunday took it's first test flight. She's a beauty, and if we're lucky, and if testing keeps going well, we just might see her in the skies over Sonoma next weekend. Jack's hoping to take delivery when he's in the area for the Infineon race. WooHoo!

To learn more about Jack and his hobby, check out the following:
http://www.cebudanderson.com/jroush.htm>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWc9ED9vvuI

I hope to post some of my own pics when i receive clearance from the shop to do so