Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway : Entry List

1. David Reutimann – Tums; Toyota

2. Jamie McMurray – McDonalds; Chevrolet

3. Brad Keselowski – Miller Lite; Dodge

4. Kasey Kahne – Red Bull; Toyota

5. Mark Martin – GoDaddy.com; Chevrolet

6. David Ragan – UPS; Ford

7. Robby Gordon – Speed Energy; Dodge

8. Marcos Ambrose – Stanley/DeWalt; Ford

9. Bill Elliott – Phoenix Construction; Chevrolet

10. Denny Hamlin – FedEx Ground; Toyota

11. Casey Mears – Geico; Toyota

12. Tony Stewart – Mobil 1/ Office Depot; Chevrolet

13. Greg Biffle – Post It; Ford

14. Matt Kenseth – Crown Royal; Ford

15. Kyle Busch – Snickers; Toyota

16. Joey Logano – Office Depot; Toyota

17. Trevor Bayne – Motor Craft/ Quick Lane; Ford

18. Kurt Busch – Shell/Pennzoil; Dodge

19. Jeff Gordon – DuPont; Chevrolet

20. Paul Menard- Moen/Menards; Chevrolet

21. Kevin Harvick – Budweiser; Chevrolet

22. Jeff Burton- Caterpillar; Chevrolet

23. Terry Labonte – TBA; Ford

24. Clint Bowyer – Wheaties Fuel; Chevrolet

25. David Gilliland – Taco Bell; Ford

26. Dave Blaney – Accell Contruction; Chevrolet

27. Tony Raines – TBA; Ford

28. Travis Kvapil – Long John Silvers; Ford

29. Ryan Newman – Haas Automation; Chevrolet

30. Juan Pablo Montoya – Clorox; Chevrolet

31. AJ Allmendinger – Best Buy; Ford

32. J.J. Yeley -Red Line;Chevrolet

33. Bobby Labonte – Kingsford; Toyota

34. Jimmie Johnson – Kobalt/Lowe’s; Chevrolet

35. Martin Truex Jr. – NAPA; Toyota

36. Landon Cassill – Big Red; Toyota

37. Michael McDowell- HP Racing; Toyota

38. Andy Lally- Eco Fuel Saver; Chevrolet

39. Regan Smith- Furniture Row; Chevrolet

40. Brian Vickers- Red Bull; Toyota

41. Joe Nemechek – TBA; Toyota

42. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – National Guard/AMP Energy; Chevrolet

43. Brian Keselowski – TBA; Dodge

44. Carl Edwards- Scotts/ Kellogs ; Ford.

Point Standings After “The Subway Fresh Fit 500”

1. Kyle Busch

2. Kurt Busch

3.Tony Stewart

4. AJ Allmendinger

5. Jeff Gordon

6. Mark Martin

7. Bobby Labonte

8. Ryan Newman

9. Juan Pablo Montoya

10. David Gilliland

11. Paul Menard

12. Carl Edwards

13. Jimmie Johnson

14. Denny Hamlin

15. Kasey Kahne

16. Martin Truex Jr.

17. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

18. Bill Elliott

19. Regan Smith

20. Brad Keselowski

21. Clint Bowyer

22.Kevin Harvick

23. Matt Kenseth

24. Robby Gordon

25. David Ragan

26. Jamie McMurray

27. Marcos Ambrose

28. Greg Biffle

29. Joey Logano

30. Terry Labonte

31. David Reutimann

32. Jeff Burton

33. Brian Vickers

34. Casey Mears

35. Andy lally

36. Dave Blaney

37. Tony Raines

38. J.J. Yeley

39. Michael Waltrip

40. Michael McDowell

41. Brian Keselowski

42. Trevor Bayne

43. Steve Wallace

44. Mike Skinner

45. Travis Kvapil

46. Robert Richardson Jr.

47. Landon Cassill

48. Joe Nemechek

49. Derrike Cope

50. Kevin Conway

51. Todd Bodine

Phoenix Recap.

   The second race of the 2011 season, is officially in the record books, with Jeff Gordon as the winner.

Jeff Gordon snapped a sixty six race winless streak, Sunday. So heartfelt congratulations to him and his whole 24 team. It was well deserved, and earned also. After he crossed the finish line he said “We actually beat Kyle Busch” , it was pretty evident that Kyle and Jeff, have a mutual respect for each other, in my opinion that’s a good thing.

Being a fan and watching that race; your heart had to be pounding, with an early crash that took out the majority of the field and bring out red flag conditions. Many drivers weren’t a fan of the three wide racing 67 laps into a race. Clint Bowyer even went on to say “It’s ridiculous to race that hard, 67 laps into the race.”

  It made for exciting racing? In my opinion? Yes, it was, but I think it would have been more exciting had it been later on in the race. It was a shame to see, so many great drivers leaving there with torn up race cars. They say ‘rubbin is racin’, and I agree, and there was plenty of that. It was all came down to, if you could handle the car after getting “bumped” and “rubbed”, some drivers could more so than others.

Some drivers rebounded from tough breaks in Daytona. Drivers such as Kevin Harvick, who suffered engine failure, last week, and spun out this week and rebounded to a 4th place finish. Kudos to him. Dale Earnhardt Jr., suffered a loose wheel, pitted and went a lap down. Got the lucky dog, and rebounded to a 10th place finish. Just to name a few. Other drivers, came out and got decent place finishes.

  One person leaving with much disappointment was the 20 year old Trevor Bayne,driver of the famous number 21 for the Wood Brothers,  who wrecked his car early on, giving him a 40th place finish. How about poor Joey Logano? Suffering engine failure, he was able to milk it out until it finally let go, leaving him with a 33rd place finish.

Driver Kasey Kahne had an awesome 6th place finish, at what he deems is his worst track, as a Kasey Kahne fan, I couldn’t be more happier, when he brought home that 6th place finish. Even though it was only 6th place, it felt like a win, after the year that he had last year. So congrats to him, Kenny Francis, Keith Rodden, and the other members of Team Red Bull!

What did fans like most about the race, well I asked them via twitter and here’s what they had to say:

-ClayMakeKahne4 said : Kasey finishing 6th, he deserved that finish and Jeff almost crying in victory lane.

-Laura_sspeedfan said : Watching the last laps and seeing the intensity and drive to be number 1.

With the conclusion of this race, Phoenix International Raceway, will be dug up and repaved for the fall race. Many drivers like the track surface, and want them to just let it alone. Driver, Carl Edwards said he “would lay down in front of the excavator”. They will be adding banking and widening the front and backstretches. So when we get back there in the fall, it’s going to make for some exciting racing.

But as of right now, this season is shaping up to be the best one yet, and I’m proud to be a part of it. Whether it will be sitting at home, or at the track, I’ll be there cheering for my favorite driver!

Subway Fresh Fit 500 From Phoenix International Raceway : Results

1. Jeff Gordon

2. Kyle Busch

3. Jimmie Johnson

4. Kevin Harvick

5. Ryan Newman

6. Kasey Kahne

7. Tony Stewart

8. Kurt Busch

9. AJ Allmendinger

10. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

11. Denny Hamlin

12. Matt Kenseth

13. Mark Martin

14. Martin Truex Jr.

15. Brad Keselowski

16. Marcos Ambrose

17. Paul Menard

18. Casey Mears

19. Juan Pablo Montoya

20. Greg Biffle

21. Bobby Labonte

22. David Gilliland

23. Bill Elliott

24. Mike Skinner

25. Tony Raines

26. Jeff Burton

27. Clint Bowyer

28. Carl Edwards

29. David Reutimann

30. Brian Vickers

31. Andy Lally

32. Robby Gordon

33. Joey Logano.

34. Regan Smith

35. Jamie McMurray

36. David Ragan

37. J.J. Yeley

38. Landon Cassill

39. Travis Kvapil

40. Trevor Bayne

41. Michael McDowell

42. Dave Blaney

43. Joe Nemechek

Edwards The Hottest Free Agent There Is?

   Several drivers will become “free agents”, so to speak. Among them are Roush Fenway Teammates Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards. Richard Childress Racing’s Clint Bowyer. Red Bull Racing Team’s Brian Vickers. Hendrick Motorsports’ Mark Martin, and Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing’s Juan Pablo Montoya.

  Without a doubt Brian will probably stay put with Red Bull Racing, and Clint Bowyer is pretty content at Richard Childress Racing, and Mark Martin will not be racing full time in 2012, that’s why Hendrick signed Kasey Kahne to drive the 5 car. Greg Biffle is reportedly close to signing a contract. So that leaves Carl Edwards and Juan Pablo Montoya. Who would you rather have driving for you?

My choice, and it might not matter much would be Carl Edwards. By far he’s the best free agent out there. In two hundred and thirty starts he has 18 wins, 71 top fives, 119 top tens, and 7 poles. I don’t know much about statistics, but I would say that puts him pretty high up there.

  I believe that he will stay with Roush Fenway Racing. Hopefully AFLAC will stay as the primary sponsor of the 99 car! Plus, he flies the open skies with Bossman Jack Roush.

Enough About Danica Already

  Watching that Nationwide Race today, I got really irritated. Not because Kyle Busch was winning, because I think Kyle is an amazing talent, and I like him. It was because they made a huge deal about Danica Patrick, being in the top 20. Now mind you, she started 20th. It would have been understandable if she started 30th on back, but she didn’t. Not to mention she was 18th, when they said about it, which means she only passed 2 cars.

  If you look at her stats they aren’t all that impressive if you ask me. Then again I get sick and tired of everyone talking about her like she’s the next big thing, when in reality she’s not. You don’t hear the announcers talking about Jennifer Jo Cobb, so what makes Danica any different, yeah she might drive an Indy Car, but her stats aren’t that impressive there either.

So my question is when are they going to get over Danica coming to NASCAR, and start talking about more impressive drivers out there? Probably not for a while because she drives for the illustrious Jr Motorsports. . .

My suggestion is, let’s talk talking about the good drivers that are out on that track, and get no recognition. Drivers like Justin Allgaier, Reed Sorenson, Elliott Sadler, Brian Scott, and Trevor Bayne. They deserve to be talked about more then some over-rated driver. .

Subway Fresh Fit 500 From Phoenix International Raceway Line Up :

1. Carl Edwards

2. Kurt Busch

3. Kasey Kahne

4. Kyle Busch

5. Regan Smith

6. Joey Logano

7. Martin Truex Jr.

8. Jamie McMurray

9. Brad Keselowski

10. Greg Biffle

11. David Ragan

12. Denny Hamlin

13. Paul Menard

14. Ryan Newman

15. AJ Allmendinger

16. Clint Bowyer

17. Kevin Harvick

18. Tony Stewart

19. Brian Vickers

20. Jeff Gordon

21. Bobby Labonte

22. Juan Pablo Montoya

23. Mark Martin

24. Matt Kenseth

25. Jeff Burton

26. David Reutimann

27. Casey Mears

28. Jimmie Johnson

29. David Gilliland

30. Marcos Ambrose

31. Robby Gordon

32. Joe Nemechek

33. Trevor Bayne

34. Michael McDowell

35. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

36. Mike Skinner

37. Landon Cassill

38. J.J. Yeley

39. Bill Elliott

40. Travis Kvapil

41. Andy Lally

42. Tony Raines

43. Dave Blaney

**Brian Keselowski failed to qualify **

Brian Vickers : Back on Track

Imagine being sidelined from the thing that you love the most, racing. Imagine watching someone else getting strapped into YOUR race car. Imagine having to sit up on top of the pit box, during a race. Imagine being Brian Vickers.

The 28 year old from Thomasville, North Carolina, was sidelined last year, due to blood clots. His doctors told him that he had blood clots and the only thing on his mind, was getting out of the hospital, so he could be at practice Friday afternoon. In the blink of an eye his career was hanging in the balance. Not sure if he would ever be able to climb behind the wheel of a race car. I can only imagine all the thoughts going through his mind.

  He went to a few races, and in some interviews that he did, he said that “watching someone else race that car, was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and a time came when I couldn’t be there anymore”, so he traveled abroad, going to Rome, and the Bahamas just to name a few. 

  So when he got the hesitant all clear from his doctors, he had to ask himself, if he even wanted to come back, and it wasn’t long before the answer came clear, he wanted to come back, he loves racing, and loves driving. Yeah, he traveled and seen places that many of us dream about, it was his love of the sport that brought him back.

Welcome Back Brian, Welcome Back.

We’ve missed you.  

Phoenix International Raceway: Subway Fresh Fit 500 : Final Practice

1. Kyle Busch – 136.085

2. David Ragan – 136.034

3. Carl Edwards – 136.024

4. Jamie McMurray – 135.993

5. Greg Biffle – 135.716

6. Mark Martin – 135.614

7. Ryan Newman – 135.583

8. Tony Stewart – 135.456

9. Martin Truex Jr. – 135.430

10. Paul Menard –135.430

11. Clint Bowyer – 135.364

12. Juan Pablo Montoya- 135.211

13. Regan Smith – 134.569

14. AJ Allmendinger - 134.534

15. Joey Logano – 134.444

16. Marcos Ambrose – 134.389

17. Kasey Kahne – 134.389

18. Matt Kenseth - 134.318

19. David Reutimann – 134.303

20. Casey Mears – 134.228

21. Jimmie Johnson – 134.118

22. David Gilliland – 134.098

23. Brad Keselowski – 134.013

24. Jeff Burton – 133.874

25. Kevin Harvick – 133.849

26. Robby Gordon – 133.844

27. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 133.794

28. Jeff Gordon – 133.789

29. Brian Vickers – 133.720

30. Michael McDowell – 133.348

31. Joe Nemechek – 133.131

32. Bobby Labonte -  133.077

33. Trevor Bayne – 133.052

34. Denny Hamlin – 132.988

35. Landon Cassill – 132.831

36. Bill Elliott – 132.553

37. Travis Kvapil – 132.494

38. J.J. Yeley – 132.455

39.  Kurt Busch – 132.337

40. Mike Skinner – 131.931

41. Tony Raines – 130.553

42. Dave Blaney – 130.322

43. Andy Lally – 130.317

44. Brian Keselowski – 128.255

 

Phoenix International Raceway: Subway Fresh Fit 500 : Practice 1

1. Kurt Busch - 136.539

2. Jeff Burton – 133.869

3. Denny Hamlin – 133.754

4. Kevin Harvick – 133.412

5. Kyle Busch – 133.398

6. Brad Keselowski – 133.269

7. Kasey Kahne – 132.944

8. Joey Logano – 132.797

9. Robby Gordon – 132.577

10. Mark Martin – 132.460

11. Greg Biffle – 132.338

12. Carl Edwards – 132.173

13.  Regan Smith – 132.115

14. Jimmie Johnson – 132.037

15. Ryan Newman – 132.033

16. Clint Bowyer – 131.912

17. Jamie McMurray – 131.873

18. David Ragan – 131.849

19. Paul Menard – 131.801

20. Jeff Gordon – 131.791

21. Tony Stewart – 131.646

22. Marcos Ambrose – 131.613

23. AJ Allmendinger – 131.584

24. David Reutimann – 131.536

25. Dale Earnhardt Jr – 131.516

26. Brian Vickers – 131.488

27. Joe Nemechek – 131.444

28. Martin Truex Jr. – 131.411

29. Mike Skinner – 131.062

30. Matt Kenseth – 131.033

31. Casey Mears – 130.985

32. Juan Pablo Montoya – 130.881

33. Travis Kvapil – 130.515

34. J.J. Yeley – 130.487

35. David Gilliland – 130.359

36. Bill Elliott -  129.772

37. Bobby Labonte – 129.566

38. Dave Blaney – 129.389

39. Tony Raines – 128.926

40. Andy Lally – 128.164

41. Brian Keselowski – 125.209

42. Trevor Bayne – 98.47

43. Landon Cassill 

44. Michael McDowell

 

To Young To Win The Daytona 500? I Think Not.

    There are a few things you can’t do when you’re only twenty- years old. Things such as, renting a car, drinking alcohol, and getting cheaper car insurance. There is no age limit on winning the Daytona 500, and that’s a good thing for young Trevor Bayne, he proved that already; becoming the youngest driver to ever win the Daytona 500.

    Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning, only having 1 NASCAR start under your belt, and going to bed the Daytona 500 winner. I can only imagine that would be hard to believe, almost like your living in a dream.  Young Trevor Bayne, didn’t let the instant celebrity status go to his head like most people would have. He still remains humble, and true to who he is and here he’s from.

   Earlier today on twitter Trevor said:

“ It is important for us to realize why we are in certain situations.. its not for our glory but for His” Ezekiel 36:22-23

   To me, that says a lot of the young driver. Ever since he won, he’s been giving all the credit to God, and taking very little for himself. Last year, after Jamie McMurray he also gave his thanks to God. But for me, seeing 20 year old Trevor, thanking God, on National TV, struck something with me, and maybe that’s just because I’m a Christian.

   I feel safe saying that I believe Trevor will be fine in the center spotlight. He’s just beginning. I can’t wait to see how well he progresses throughout time.

February 24,2011: Pictures

  Kasey Kahne

Denny Hamlin

Jamie McMurray

Joey Logano

 

Kyle Busch

 

Trevor Bayne

*I own none of these photos, I found them on www.zimbio.com . . For more great pictures of all your favorite drivers check them out!

Phoenix International Raceway: Subway Fresh Fit 500- Entry List

1. Jamie McMurray- Pro Bass Shops/Tracker Chevrolet

2. Brad Keselowski- Miller Lite/ Ruby Tuesday Dodge

4. Kasey Kahne- Red Bull Toyota

5. Mark Martin- Go Daddy/ Car Quest Chevrolet

6. David Ragan- UPS Ford

7. Robby Gordon- Speed Energy Dodge

9. Marcos Ambrose- Stanley/Medallion Ford

11. Denny Hamlin – Fed Ex Toyota

13. Casey Mears – Geico/Germain Toyota

14. Tony Stewart- Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet

16. Greg Biffle- 3M Ford

17. Matt Kennseth- Crown Royal Black Ford

18. Kyle Busch- Combos/Interstate Toyota

21. Trevor Bayne- Motorcraft / Quick Lane Ford

22. Kurt Busch- Shell- Pennzoil Dodge

24. Jeff Gordon- Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet

27 . Paul Menard- Vertis/ Menards  Chevrolet

29. Kevin Harvick- Budweiser Chevrolet

31. Jeff Burton- Caterpillar/ Real Tree Chevrolet

32. Mike Skinner – FAS  Lane Racing Ford

33. Clint Bowyer – Cheerios/BB&T Chevrolet

34. David Gilliland- Taco Bell Ford

36. Dave Blaney – Tommy Baldwin Racing – Chevrolet

37. Tony Raines-  A&W Ford

39. Ryan Newman – Tornados/ Haas Chevrolet

42. Juan Pablo Montoya- Target/ Cottonelle Chevrolet

43. AJ Allmendinger – Best Buy Ford

46. J.J. Yeley – Whitney Motorsports Chevrolet

47. Bobby Labonte- Clorox/Kleenex Toyota

48. Jimmie Johnson- Lowes Chevrolet

56. Martin Truex Jr – NAPA Toyota

60. Landon Cassill- Big Red Toyota

64. Mike Bliss – Max Q Motorsports Toyota

66. Michael McDowell- HP Racing Toyota

78. Regan Smith – Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Chevrolet

83. Brian Vickers – Red Bull Toyota

87. Joe Nemechek- Nemco Motorsports Toyota

88. Dale Earnhardt Jr – National Guard/ AMP Chevrolet

92. Brian Keselowski – K- Automotive Motorsports Dodge

99. Carl Edwards – Subway/Aflac Ford

00. David Reuitmann- Best Western/Aaron’s Toyota

09. Bill Elliott- Phoenix Racing Chevrolet

Results: Daytona 500

1. Trevor Bayne

2. Carl Edwards

3. David Gilliland

4. Bobby LaBonte

5. Kurt Busch

6. Juan Pablo Montoya

7. Regan Smith

8. Kyle Busch

9. Paul Menard

10. Mark Martin

11. AJ Allmendinger

12. Bill Elliott

13. Tony Stewart

14. David Ragan

15. Terry LaBonte

16. Robby Gordon

17. Clint Bowyer

18. Jamie McMurray

19. Martin Truex Jr.

20. Steve Wallace

21. Denny Hamlin

22. Ryan Newman

23. Joey Logano

24. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

25. Kasey Kahne

26. Dave Blaney

27. Jimmie Johnson

28. Jeff Gordon

29. Brad Keselowski

30. David Reutimann

31. Brian Vickers

32. Travis Kvapil

33. Andy Lally*

34. Matt Kennseth

35. Greg Biffle

36. Jeff Burton

37. Marcos Ambrose

38. Robert Richardson Jr.

39. Joe Nemechek

40. Michael Waltrip

41. Brian Keselowski*

42. Kevin Harvick

43. J.J. Yeley

*Drivers in blue are drivers for Red Bull Racing

* Rookie of the Year Candidates

Kasey Kahne : Driver of the Day for February 20, 2011

Name: Kasey Kenneth Kahne

Birthday April 10, 1980

Hometown : Enumclaw Washington

Parents: Kelly and Tammy Kahne.

Siblings : Shannon Adams and Kale Kahne

Sponsor: Red Bull

Crew Chief: Kenny Francis

Manufacturer: Toyota

Awards and Achievements: 2000 USAC National Midget Series Champion, Sprint All-Star Race winner, 2004 Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year.

My prediction to win this years Daytona 500!

Driver of the Day Feb. 19, 2011

 

Name: Kyle Thomas Busch

Birthday: May 2, 1985

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Wife: Samantha Sarcinella Busch

Awards/Achievements: 2004 Busch Series Rookie of the Year, 2005 Nextel Cup Series Rookie of the Year, 2009 Nationwide Series Champion.

Daytona 500 Starting Line Up

1. Dale Earnhard Jr. – Amp Energy Chevrolet; Hendrick Motorsports

2. Jeff Gordon.- AARP Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet; Hendrick Motorsports

3. Kurt Busch- Shell/Pennzoil Dodge; Penske Racing

4. Jeff Burton- Caterpiller Chevrolet; Richard Childress Racing

5. Regan Smith- Furniture Row Chevrolet; Furniture Row Racing

6. Clint Bowyer- Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet; Richard Childress Racing

7. Kevin Harvick- Budweiser Chevrolet; Richard Childress Racing

8. Michael Waltrip- Napa Auto Parts Toyota; Michael Waltrip Racing

9. Matt Kenseth- Crown Royal Black Ford; Roush Fenway Racing

10. Kyle Busch – M&M’s Toyota; Joe Gibbs Racing

11. Kasey Kahne- RedBull Toyota; Red Bull Racing

12. Brian Keselowski- K Automotive Dodge;

13. Juan Pablo Montoya- Target Chevrolet; Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

14. Jamie McMurray- Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet; Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

15. AJ Allmendinger – Best Buy Ford; Richard Petty Motorsports

16. Brad Keselowski- Miller Lite Dodge; Penske Racing

17. Mark Martin- Go Daddy Chevrolet; Hendrick Motorsports

18. Denny Hamlin- FedEx Toyota; Joe Gibbs Racing

19. Paul Menard- Mendard Chevrolet; Richard Childress Racing

20. Martin Truex Jr.- Napa Auto Parts Toyota; Michael Waltrip Racing

21. Ryan Newman- US Army Chevrolet; Stewart Haas Racing

22. Carl Edwards- Aflac Ford; Roush Fenway Racing

23. Jimmie Johnson- Lowe’s Chevrolet; Hendrick Motorsports

24. David Reutimann- Aarons Dream Machine Toyota; Michael Waltrip Racing

25. Toni Steward- Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet; Stewart Haas Racing

26. Greg Biffle- 3m Ford; Roush Fenway Racing

27. Brian Vickers- Red Bull Toyota; Redbull Racing

28. Robert Richardson Jr.- North Texas Pipe Ford;

29. Bill Elliott- Phoenix Construction Ford; Phoenix Racing

30. Robby Gordon – Speed Energy Dodge; Robby Gordon Motorsports

31. Bobby LaBonte- Kroger/USO  Toyota;

32. Trevor Bayne- Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center Ford;

33. JJ Yeley – Red Line Oil; Chevrolet

34. David Ragan- UPS Ford; Roush Fenway Racing

35. Marcos Ambrose- Stanley Ford; Richard Petty Motorsports

36. Steve Wallace- 5 hour Energy Toyota; Rusty Wallace Racing

37. Andy Lally- Adobe Road Winery Chevrolet

38. Joey Logano- Home Depot Toyota; Joe Gibbs Racing

39. David Gilliland- Taco Bell Ford;

40. Travis Kvapil – Long John Silvers Ford;

41. Joe Nemechek- AM/FM Energy Toyota

42. Dave Blaney- Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet

43. Terry Labonte- US Chrome; Ford

*Drivers Highlighted with this color are drivers for Red Bull Racing.

Scott Speed Driver of the Day February 18, 2011

Name: Scott Andrew Speed

Birthday: January 24, 1983

Hometown: Manteca California

Wife: Amanda Speed

Step-Children/Children : Rex (Step-Son)

Although Scott Speed is without a cup ride for the 2011 season, Scott will run a few nationwide races for Kevin Harvick Incorporated. Scott was released from his contract with RedBull Racing a year early to make way for Kasey Kahne in 2011.  Scott and wife Amanda are expecting a little speedster.

I would love to see Scott Speed land a fulltime ride in 2011, but with most of the teams pretty much set, it’s probably not going to happen, but I look for him to make his sprint cup return in 2012.

Results for Gatorade Duel 2:

1. Jeff Burton

2. Clint Bowyer

3. Michael Waltrip

4. Kyle Busch

5. Brian Keselowski

6. Jamie McMurray

7. Brad Keselowski

8. Denny Hamlin

9. Martin Truex Jr.

10.  Carl Edwards

11. David Reuitmann

12. Jeff Gordon

13. Travis Kvapil

14. Derrike Cope

15. Greg Biffle

16. Robert Richardson Jr.

17. Robbie Gordon

18. Terry Lebonte

19. Trevor Bayne

20. David Ragan

21. Todd Bodine

22. Steve Wallace

23. Joey Logano

24. Casey Mears

Results from Gatorade Duel 1

1. Kurt Busch

2. Regan Smith

3. Kevin Harvick

4. Matt Kenseth

5. Kasey Kahne

6. Juan Pablo Montoya

7. AJ Allmendinger

8. Mark Martin

9. Paul Menard

10. Ryan Newman

11. Jimmie Johnson

12. Tony Stewart

13. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

14. Brian Vickers

15. Bill Elliott

16. Bobby Labonte

17. J.J. Yele

18. Kevin Conway

19. Joe Nemechek

20. Dave Blaney

21. Marcos Ambrose

22. Andy Lally

23. Michael McDowell

24. David Gilliland

**Blue Denotes Red Bull Racing Drivers **

Waltrip Driver of the Day for February 17, 2011

 

Name: Michael Curtis Waltrip

Birthday: April 30,1963

Hometown: Owensboro, Kentucky

Achievements : 2001 and 2003 Daytona 500 winner.

McMurray: Driver of the Day for February 16,2011

Name: James Christopher McMurray

Birthday: June 3, 1976

Hometown: Joplin Missouri

Wife: Christy Futrell

Children: Carter Scott McMurray (born 2010.)

Achievements: 2010 Daytona 500 Winner, 2010 Brickyard 400 Winner, 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of The Year. Found the power of Prayer.

Driver of the Day for February 15, 2011 : Joey Logano

Name: Joseph Thomas Logano

Birthday: May 24, 1990

Hometown: Middletown Connecticut

Achievements: 2007 NASCAR Busch East Series Champion, 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year. Youngest driver to race in the Daytona 500. Youngest driver to ever win a race in the Sprint Cup Series.

Johnson Driver of the Day for February 14,2010

Driver of the Day: February 14, 2011

Name:  Jimmie Kenneth Johnson

Birthday: September 17,1975

Hometown: El Cajon, California

Wife: Chandra Johnson

Children: Genevieve Marie Johnson

Other Achievements: 5 time champion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Johnson was the first driver to win the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in 2009, and Driver of the year four times.

Johnson drives the Number 48 Chevy Impala for Hendrick Motorsports.

Gatorade Duel 2 Line Up

Gatorade Duel 2 Line Up:

1.)                Jeff Gordon

2.)               Trevor Bayne

3.)               Clint Boywer

4.)               Jeff Burton

5.)               Greg Biffle

6.)               David Ragan

7.)               Carl Edwards

8.)              Travis Kvapil

9.)               David Reutimann

10.)           Brad Keselowski

11.)            Michael Waltrip

12.)           Jamie McMurray

13.)           Kyle Busch

14.)           Martin Truex Jr

15.)            Joey Logano

16.)           Todd Bodine

17.)            Casey Mears

18.)           Steve Wallace

19.)           Robby Gordon

20.)          Terry Labonte

21.)           Robert Richardson Jr.

22.)          Denny Hamlin

23.)          Derrike Cope

24.)          Brian Keselowski

** Driver in Green is the Outside pole-sitter for the Daytona 500.

Gatorade Duel 1 Line Up

Gatorade Duel 1 Line Up:

1.)                Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2.)               Paul Menard

3.)               Ryan Newman

4.)               Mark Martin

5.)               Tony Stewart

6.)               Kurt Busch

7.)               Juan Pablo Montoya

8.)              Marcos Ambrose

9.)               Kevin Harvick

10.)           Jimmie Johnson

11.)            Bill Elliott

12.)           AJ Allmendinger

13.)           Joe Nemechek

14.)           Matt Kenseth

15.)            Dave Blaney

16.)           Regan Smith

17.)            Kasey Kahne

18.)           Bobby LaBonte

19.)           Brian Vickers

20.)          Kevin Conway

21.)           David Gilliland

22.)          Michael McDowell

23.)          JJ Yeley

24.)          Andy Lally

** Drivers highlighted in blue are Drivers for Team Red Bull Racing

** Driver in Green is the pole-sitter for the Daytona 500.

A Legacy Of His Own : Dale Earnhardt Jr.

A decade ago, we lost a very influential member of the racing community. Someone, who people both young and old looked up to, and respected, Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Many people remember the day, the time, and the place. One, being his son, and his namesake, Dale Earnhardt Jr. He remembers, not only because it was his father, but because he was there. I’m in no way a part of Jr. Nation. However, I’m sick of people expecting him to live up to the expectations that he should be as great as his father. I’m not sure, I believe that.

Jr. has not won a race since Michigan in 2008, and his fans will still argue that he’s the best driver that there ever is, and ever will be since Sr, I give them credit for that. It takes a lot to of faith to stand by a driver who hasn’t done the greatest. However, if you talk to other people they say that he should have taken more lessons from his father and then he would know how to drive. Well here’s my view point on this: He has to be a decent driver to have a cup ride with Hendrick Motorsports. You can tell me that, Hendrick only put him in a cup car because of who is father is, and I’ll argue with that.

You have to have talent and a will to win, and a passion to race. Maybe its just me, but I  can see it in his eyes, whenever he steps out of the car, or whenever he climbs behind the wheel. I believe that you’re going to see Jr. in Victory Lane this year. During the Budshoot out tonight, before getting caught up in an accident, after the break, He was running in the top 5 all night. Which is a step up, from where he was running last year. So, a big atta boy to Steve LeTarte and the whole 88 team!

Leave Jr, make his own legacy. Don’t expect him to be like his father, because they are infact two different people with the same passion.

Changes to the Points System, and for the Chase.

At the end of last year, NASCAR fans wanted to see a change in the points system, for this year. NASCAR listened, and did so but now, the fans who wanted this change don’t like it, and they want it to go back to the way that it was. The old points system was complex and hard to understand. However, the new point system they have come up with his simpler and easier to follow, and understand.
Under the old points system:
1.) The top 12 in points would make the “Chase” which is like the playoffs in any other sports. Regardless of wins.
2.) The person who led the most laps would score and extra 5 bonus points.
3.) The person, who won the race, would score 10 bonus points.
4.) The win was for 185 pts., so you have a possible 200 points that you could score in any race. (185 for the win, plus 5 for leading a lap, plus 10 for leading the most laps.)
5.) After the 26 “Regular Season” races, the points would be reset to 5,000, plus 10 points for each regular season win, now this only applies to those who have made the chase (if failing to make the chase, driver points remained the same).
Under the NEW points system:
1.) The chase is comprised of the top 1o in points, plus two who have the most wins, and are in the top 20 in points
2.) If no-one from 11th to 20th has any wins, then the 11th and 12th place person would make the chase, based on points. Just like the old points system. (So that hasn’t changed).
3.) Here’s where it gets simpler. The most points that a driver can win in any given day is 48. (43 points for finishing 1s, plus 3 bonus points (for winning), 1 point for leading a lap, and 1 point for leading the most laps.) For a total of 48 points.
Now that NASCAR has done what the fans wanted, all of the sudden, it’s really not what they wanted at all. It just seems to me, that they wanted something to bitch about, and NASCAR has done just that. Personally, I like the new points system; to me it’s easier to understand. I didn’t understand the old points system. With this new change, I think that it’s going to be a tight point’s battle.
With racing the way that it was last year, the best it has ever been. The championship came down to the last lap, of the last race. This is the way that it should be.
Take Jamie McMurray for example, he won all the major races last year, and failed to make the chase. Inconsistency may have been to blame for that, yes. Under the old points system, he failed to make the chase, however under the new points system, he would have been “in the chase”, so to speak.
I guess that it is all a matter of personal preference, but keep this in mind before asking for NASCAR to change the points system again: NASCAR did what we the fans wanted them too, if the drivers aren’t complaining about it then maybe you shouldn’t. NASCAR sanctioning bodies know what’s best for this sport as whole. Before asking for changing think about if that’s what you really want, just because they change it, doesn’t mean that you’re going like the changes that are made.

Dear RedBull Racing

Dear Red Bull Racing,
I personally want to thank you for giving Kasey Kahne the perfect opportunity, to drive for your organization this year. You’ve got a good group of guys over there, and Kasey seems to be a perfect fit for Red Bull. He’ll be joining the amazing talent of Brian Vickers. Even though he’ll only be with you for a year, I know that this will be one of the best years of his career, and he’ll succeed. You’ve showed with Brian Vickers that you can go out there weekly, and contend for wins. That’s what not only your fans want to see, but fans of other drivers.
As a Kasey Kahne fan, I appreciate, how the whole organization, welcomed Kahne fans, with open arms. Take twitter for example, you’ll interact with fans, not only Kasey’s but also Brian’s, and that means a lot to know that you care about your fans, and you’ll take the time out and talk to them, and respond to them if they ask a question. It’s surprising how many other teams out there that don’t do that. I’m thankful that you do. A lot of my twitter friends and fellow Kasey Kahne fans, are glad that he got to join RedBull Racing, 5 races early last year. To see him finish as well as he did, and scoring a pole, was pretty awesome.
You also show that you stand by your drivers, take Brian Vickers for example, whom had to take a sideline because of health problems in May, and you never removed his name from the car. That says a lot. Other teams, would have had the temporary drivers name on the car, but keeping his name on the door, showed that he would have a seat when he was able to come back, and that he’d have a ride to come back to.
Thank you, for all that you do for this sport and for your drivers. It’s greatly appreciated. Happy 5th Birthday.

Sincerely,
Brittany.

This is My NASCAR

As most of you guys know, that I have a passion for NASCAR. Most people don’t understand why, because all they are doing is making another left turn, is the response that you’ll get whenever you tell them.

My response would be, just because they don’t compete in the same way that football, baseball, basketball, soccer players compete, doesn’t mean it’s not a sport. A sport is defined as: “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc. “ If that doesn’t describe NASCAR, then I don’t know what does.

Drivers are going out there, weekly competing against each other to prove that they are the best at what they do. They go out there every week leaving it on the track, and yet they still get criticized because all they, do is turn left.  I don’t believe that’s all they do, if you ask me, you have to be physically fit, and healthy, before you can even race. When people tell me that they could drive a car, and only turn left also, this is my response to them, you may be able to, but can you do it at over 150 miles per hour, and keep control of your car without wrecking in the wall, or safer barrier?  No, probably not.  They don’t realize how hard it really is, it takes a lot of skill and talent to be able to drive a car at those speeds.

Take Brian Vickers for instance, he had to step out for 8 months. Not being able to race, due to blood clots, and other health problems. When it came time for testing in Daytona, he was ecstatic, to be able to climb back in the car, and go those speeds. I’m sure if you ask any other driver, they will feel the same way about climbing back in the car after being out during the off-season.  The same way, football players are excited to get back on the field after the offs-season. Along with every sport that’s out there. The athletes who participate in these sports, are out there to prove that they are best. Just like the drivers are, they want to make the chase each and every year. Just like football players want to make the Super Bowl, and baseball players want to make it to the World Series.

If you ask me, if I really believe that NASCAR is a sport, I’m going to say yes, it’s my sport, and I love it.  Whether or not, you personally believe that, I don’t know, but I do.