Happy New Year 2008

A Safe and Happy New Years to you and yours this January 1st.

Merry Christmas

A very Merry Christmas to you and yours, from Nothinbutnascar.com and Going in Circles.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 12

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 12 Chase qualifiers, 11 degress banking, 10 caution flags, a 9 car-length lead, 8 weeks til Daytona, 7 pit crew members, 6 hour races, 5 bonus points for leading a lap, 4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 11

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 11 degrees of banking, 10 caution flags, a 9 car-length lead, 8 weeks til Daytona, 7 pit crew members, 6 hour races, 5 bonus points for leading a lap, 4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 10

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 10 caution flags, a 9 car-length lead, 8 weeks til Daytona, 7 pit crew members, 6 hour races, 5 bonus points for leading a lap, 4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 9

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...a 9 car-length lead, 8 weeks til Daytona, 7 pit crew members, 6 hour races, 5 bonus points for leading a lap, 4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 8

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...8 weeks til Daytona, 7 pit crew members, 6 hour races, 5 bonus points for leading a lap, 4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 7

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 7 pit crew members, 6 hour races, 5 bonus points for leading a lap, 4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 6

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love game to me... 6 hour races, 5 bonus points for leading a lap, 4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 5

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 5 bonus points for leading a lap, 4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 4

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

4 new tires, 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 3

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 3 turns at Talladega, 2 Championships for Johnson, and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 2

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 2 Championships for Johnson and a race car with a new paint scheme.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 1

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me... a race car with a new paint scheme.


Editors Note: For each of the next 12 days leading up to Christmas will have a new entry for our Christmas song.

Big Things for Bowyer in 2008

I don't expect Clint Bowyer to rest on his laurels at all heading into 2008. After his breakout year finishing 3rd in the points standings Bowyer will now be one of the "hunted" in the Sprint Cup.

The second year Cup driver from Kansas will need to build on the consistancy that put him into contention in '07. What he has to do is win races. We know the Hendrick drivers will win their share of races, so that forces Bowyer to take more chances to win.

With Boyer's Jack Daniel's team staying intact, there is no reason he shouldn't be up in top 5 of the Chase standings most off the year. A win, or good showing at Daytona will set the tone, and prove to fans that 2007 was no fluke.

Dale Jr. #8 Merchandise- Going, Going...

Get your remaining Earnhardt Jr. merchandise while it lasts. With Dale Jr. moving on from the #8 Bud car, sales of remaining #8 swag is going fast. Earnhardt Jr. merchandise will always be regarded as very collectible. So get your shirts, hats and cars before they are gone. Sales have been reported as very strong leading up to the holiday season.

Earnhardt Jr. fans are very loyal and they continue to prove it with sales of his new teams merchandise being very strong as well.

Craftsman to Pull Title Sponsorship of Truck Series

2008 will be the final season of Craftsman being the title sponsor of NASCAR's truck series. A search is underway for a new sponsor, and one is expected to be found in early 2008 if not sooner.

In 2007, the truck series had 25 races on 22 different tracks. The competitive series crowned Ron Hornaday as its champion for 2007.

The truck series is a great value for any potential title sponsor. It gets a ton of television exposure and racing fanatics love to watch the trucks. There are quite a few good drivers in the trucks and many Nextel regulars cross over and drive the trucks from time to time.

NASCAR Hits The Big Apple

The end of the NASCAR season always means a week of NASCAR and media events in New York City. The weeklong events all lead up to the big NASCAR Awards Banquet.

Among the events were the drivers doing laps around Manhattan in their cars. They weren't racing, it was a parade and locals and tourists alike packed the streets to see their favorite drivers.

The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel is the setting for the banquet. This years ceremony featured comedian David Spade and newsman Tom Brokaw. NASCAR makes the most of its moments in the media capital of the world. There has been some talk of moving this spectacular weeklong events to possibly Las Vegas or Charlotte. That would be a mistake in my estimation. NASCAR needs a week in the big city. Many of the sponsors headquarters are in New York. With NASCAR becoming more global, a goal should be set to put a super speedway close to New York City. This will help us grow our sport even more.

Johnson Claims Another Championship

What more can be said about the finish Jimmie Johnson had down the stretch as he blasted by teammate and rival Jeff Gordon to win his second Nextel Championship in a row.

It was an exciting season, and the off season promises to be exciting as well. Many changes are happening, and news will be breaking.

Chase Comes Down to One Race

With one race remaining in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season, Jimmie Johnson leads Jeff Gordon.
Johnson is looking to win his second straight championship and his fifth visctory in a row to end the season. The last driver to win 5 races in a row was Richard Petty in 1971.


2007 Standings Behind
1. Jimmie Johnson (48) -
2. Jeff Gordon (24) -86

Johnson Wins Again: Big Lead With One Race Remaining

The lead now stands at 86 points and all signs are pointing to Jimmie Johnson winning his second Nextel Cup Championship. Even Jeff Gordon, his teammate and rival admitted as much.

Johnson's victory Sunday at Phoenix was his fourth in a row, and Johnson was impressive in doing it. He had the strongest car, team and seems to get more confident as the Chase winds down. Johnson only needs to finish 18th or better in the final race to clinch the season ending championship.

Greg Biffle finshed a strong second at Phoenix, Matt Kenseth third and Gordon ended up in tenth.

Hornish Jr. to Move to NASCAR

Rumors had been circulating for a while, but it is now being reported that 3 time Indy Car champ Sam Hornish Jr. is going to be moving full time to NASCAR and will be driving for Penske.

Is Hornish going to NASCAR because he wants to, or is he being forced to make the switch?

Hornish is not yet 30, and his best racing should be ahead of him. NASCAR won't be easy for Hornish, but he has told many he wants to prove the critics wrong.

Points Standings

The current points situation with 2 races remaining in the season.


2007 Standings Behind
1. Jimmie Johnson (48) -
2. Jeff Gordon (24) -30

Johnson Wins in Texas; Looks Like He May Win Championship

Jimmie Johnson picked the right time to get hot, as he has won three straight races, and now leads the Nextel Chase by 30 points over rival Jeff Gordon.

Johnson won a neck and neck battle with Matt Kenseth to take the Dickies 500 on Sunday.

Gordon, who struggled at times did all he could to finish seventh, and after the race he looked deflated, but admitted Phoenix is a great track for him and he's not conceeding anything.

Everything is Bigger in Texas

And this weekend proves it.

Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway three drivers with a chance to win the season long Chase will try and position themselves for the final two starts.

How is the Hendrick team holding up under this enormous pressure? Can either Gordon or Johnson break through at Texas? We'll find out the answers to these questions Sunday.

An interesting fact, not one of the three drivers remaining in Chase contention has ever made his way to victory lane at Texas.

RaceTown Atlanta A Hit For the Whole Family

With improving weather over the weekend fans from all over took in the interactive street festival RaceTown Atlanta and everyone I talked to seemed to enjoy it.

There were giveaways, food, games, and the opportunity to get up close to some of the great showcars of the likes of Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton and Jamie McMurray to name a few.

As I reported earlier, Kasey Kahne was onhand to kick off the activities with an autograph session.

Fans could play some pit crew games, and try the products these drivers promote. I was able to pick up a t-shirt from Crown Royal, a couple key chains and a travel coffee mug from NAPA.

In the past this event was held in Downtown Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park, this year it was moved to Atlantic Station. This allowed fans to make a day of it shopping and trying out the neighborhood restaurants.

Thanks to the Atlanta Sports Council for putting it on.

Johnson Wins in Atlanta: On Gordon's Heels

Jimmie Johnson has moved to within nine points of leader Jeff Gordon in his persuit of a second straight Nextel Cup Championship.

Johnson held on Sunday in Atlanta for the victory over Carl Edwards and Gordon ended up in seventh.

Three races remain and it is now certain it will be either Gordon or Johnson hoisting the trophy at the end of the season.


2007 Standings Behind
1. Jeff Gordon (24) -
2. Jimmie Johnson (48) -9

Weather Holds Off For Race Activities

A morning drizzle gave way to dry overcast conditions then some sun as Friday practice, and Friday night qualifying too place.

Friday morning hundreds of fans stood in line for a chance to meet and receive an autograph from Kasey Kahne at RaceTown Atlanta where he was appearing from McDonalds.

The McDonalds exhibit also featured a #35 Bobby Hamilton Jr. car and free McDonald's coffee giveaways.

Craftsman Truck Series practice went on as schedule Friday as did Nextel Cup practice and qualifying.

And Then There Were Three

The three drivers remaining with a chance to win the season long points NASCAR Nextel Chase:


Nextel Cup
2007 Standings
Behind
1. Jeff Gordon (24) -
2. Jimmie Johnson (48) -53
3. Clint Bowyer (07) -115

Bowyer right now is hanging by a thread, he needs a win this week in Atlanta.

Big Weekend on tap for ATL

Four races remaining, and for the last weekend in October NASCAR heads south to Atlanta Motor Speedway. 3 drivers still have a chance, will Atlanta help sort this mess out?

On Friday, The Atlanta Sports Council is putting on a nice race festival at Atlantic Station in Atlanta on Friday and Saturday. Information can be found on the Atlanta Sports Council's website lnked above. Hours are 11am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Showcars, exhibits, merchandise and Kasey Kahne is scheduled to be there on Friday as well. The best part about this street festival is that itis FREE!

I'll be there and will provide a full recap on it with pictures and reports.

Johnson Cuts Into Gordon's Chase Lead

Jimmie Johnson won another exciting race and cut into Jeff Gordon's lead as the Chase for the Championship heads into its home stretcch.

Johnson held off Ryan Newman and Gordon for his 7th victory of the season.

Johnson now trails his Hendrick teammate by 53 points heading into this weeks race in Atlanta.

Off to Martinsville

Five races to go and this week finds us heading to Martinsville for the Subway 500.

While many say it is a two horse race at this point don't tell that to Clint Bowyer or especially Tony Stewart.

Historically Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart have fared well at Martinsville.

This should all make for an exciting race on the .53 mile oval. Look for a Chevy to win at Martinsville, the only non Chevy winner in the past 10 races was Rusty Wallace in 2004, in a Dodge.

Rick C. Limpert is a columnist for Nothin' But NASCAR He is an Atlanta based freelance writer and photographer for over 8 years covering Sports and Events all over the world. His works have been featured in numerous print and online publications.

Gordon Wins at Charlotte: Extends Lead

Jeff Gordon earned his sixth win of the season and more importantly increasd his lead in the season long Chase to 68 points over rival and fellow teammate Jimmie Johnson.

Clint Bowyer finished second at Charlotte and remained third in the Chase standings, 78 points behind Gordon.

Chase standings:
1) #24-Jeff Gordon 5880
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson 5812, -68
3) #07-Clint Bowyer 5802, -78
4) #20-Tony Stewart 5682, -198
5) #99-Carl Edwards 5640, -240
6) #5-Kyle Busch 5600, -280
7) #2-Kurt Busch 5565, -315
8) #29-Kevin Harvick 5552, -328
9) #11-Denny Hamlin 5531, -349
10) #31-Jeff Burton 5514, -366
11) #1-Martin Truex Jr. 5502, -378
12)#17-Matt Kenseth 5438, -442

Are More Foreign Drivers Coming to NASCAR?

Juan Pablo Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve, and who may be next? Are we going to need a phonetic pronunciation guide to follow a NASCAR race in 2008 and beyond?

I don't think so, but what you are going to see are more foreign drivers testing the pavement of NASCAR tracks all around the U.S.A. Blame a great open wheel driver like Montoya showing that he can compete a little and drivers in other classifications all over the world have taken note.

Villeneuve was competitive amid much talk at Talladega. On the horizon, watch for Mr. Ashley Judd, Dario Franchitti to dive in and test the waters soon. There are a slew of other drivers including some F1 drivers who could be swayed to come stateside.

And don't think Toyota is going to count on established American drivers forever. At the first sign that a Japanese driver can make a statement in stock car racing he will be here working on his southern drawl. Japanese athletes have made an impact in Major League Baseball and NASCAR may be their next battle station.

With the money and prestige that is now in NASCAR and especially The Nextel Cup the world has taken notice, and current drivers must do the same.

Gordon Takes Talladega and Points Lead

Jeff Gordon passed Jimmie Johnson on the final lap and won at Talladega on Sunday. Gordon takes the current lead in The Chase Championship with six races remaining. Gordon worked the draft after spending part of the race in the back of the pack, and he patiently waited his turn and passd his teammate on the final lap.

Johnson finished second and Dave Blaney had a strong effort to finish third.

In a side note, Tony Eury Jr. worked his last race as crew chief for DEI. He is moving to Hendrick Motorsports early to get ready for Jr's joining Hendrick after this season.

The One Thing That is Certain at a NASCAR Race is Uncertainty

A few examples of questions that needed to be asked before, during, and after the race on Sunday.

1) The Chase Drivers. Who will seperate themselves from the pack going into the final 10 races?

2) Can Stewart repeat at Kansas?

3) Will we race again? Drivers waited during almost 3 hours of delay for rain.

4) What will the weather be like when we go green again?

5) Will we be able to complete the race? Drivers were not only racing the other cars, but also racing darkness, and NASCAR officials that had to make a decision on how many laps were they going to run.

6) Who won the race? Greg Biffle was declared the winner, but other drivers including Jeff Gordon consider Clint Bowyer the winner after the questionable finish.

7) Who is the favorite in The Chase now? Stay tuned, I bet something wierd happens.

Biffle Beats The Rain and Field in Kansas

Greg Biffle beat 42 other drivers, and the rain to win one of the strangest races of the year. The usual amount of controversy surrounded this race at Kansas with Biffle running out of gas down the stretch he was passed by drivers thinking he was out of the race.

NASCAR officials have ruled Biffle the winner. I'll have to sort this out with everyone else.

Edwards Penalized 25 Points; Is It Fair?

Carl Edwards was penalized 25 precious Nextel Cup points Tuesday for failing the postrace inspection on Sunday following his victory in Dover.

The loss of 25 points dropped Edwards from 3rd to 6th in The Chase.

The penalty also included a fine of $25,000 and Edwards' crew chief Bob Osborne being put on probation until the end of the year.

I don't believe the penalties are too harsh. They are inline with other penalties for similar infractions. Johnny Sauter and Kyle Busch received the same penalty earlier this season. Because Edwards is in the heat of a championship run the docking of points seems to sting more. Edwards vows to pick up the pieces with his Roush Fenway Racing Team and move on to the final stretch of races.

UPDATED POINTS STANDINGS

1.
Jeff Gordon
5,340

2.
Tony Stewart
5,338

3.
Jimmie Johnson
5,336

4.
Kyle Busch
5,330

5.
Clint Bowyer
5,322

6.
Carl Edwards
5,312

7.
Martin Truex Jr.
5,294

8.
Jeff Burton
5,265

9.
Kevin Harvick
5,225

10.
Matt Kenseth
5,224

11.
Kurt Busch
5,189

12.
Denny Hamlin
5,182

Edwards Wins At Monster Mile - Fails Inspection

Carl Edwards tamed the Monster Mile Sunday in Dover, but failed the post race inspection due to the right fender being too low. NASCAR officials say it doesn't appear to be an intentional violation. Edwards will be fined and more than likely docked some precious points this week.

More on this story as information becomes available.

Johnson on Pole at Dover

Jimmie Johnson is on the pole and Juan Pablo Montoya sits on the outside of Row 1 for Sunday's race at Dover.
I'm looking forward to a great race, look for one of the Big 3 (Johnson, Gordon, or Stewart) to win this one.

Dale Jr. Now #88

He may be #1 in the hearts of many die hard NASCAR fans, but he will have a #88 on his car next year. Along with new sponsors like Pepsi that will put Mountain Dew all over Jr.'s car, AMP Energy Drink and The National Guard which will play a part in Jr's new team.

Looks like Earnhardt Jr. fans will have a whole new catalog of swag to go out and buy next year.

Post or send your comments to me on Jr.'s new number and sponsors. I'd like to see your reaction. Send to rick.limpert@gmail.com

Is Bowyer a Realistic Chase Contender?

One Chase race down and Clint Bowyer is the winner and positioned now fourth in the ponts standings. He may be only 15 points down but how close is he actually to being in Chase contention?

One school of thought tells us he may be the hottest driver going at this point. By winning, he has a newly instilled confidence that comes with a visit to victory lane. One unnamed driver claimed Bowyer is one of the most dangerous drivers in The Chase. He turned a few heads among the casual NASCAR fans, but the faithful knew it was just a matter of time before this talent claimed a first place finish.

Another scenario still shows a wide-eyed driver in his first Chase who may just be gaining valuable experience for a year or so down the road. Can Bowyer put together a series of good finishes? I believe he can and will. He may not win the Championship or even break the top three, but he and his team have served notice, and there is the possibility he may not be through turning heads and making visits to victory lane in 2007.

Bowyer Now a Contender With First Career Victory

Clint Bowyer shocked the NASCAR world by winning the opening race in the Nextel Chase for The Championship on Sunday in New Hampshire.

With Bowyer's victory he moved up to fourth place in The Chase behind names like Johnson, Gordon and Stewart. Bowyer's car was good, so good that he ended up leading 222 of the 300 laps.

Info on New NASCAR Board Game You Can Enjoy

Race for the NASCAR Nextel Cup with Patch’s NASCAR Board Game

BELOIT, Wis.—NASCAR fans can have their own race for the NASCAR Nextel Cup with Patch Products’ new NASCAR® Chase for the Nextel Cup™ 2007 board game.

The new for 2007 game features drivers who qualified for The 2007 Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup, which is NASCAR’s version of playoffs. The 12 drivers who are highlighted in the game along with their race cars are: Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer. The drivers were determined Sept. 8 after the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 race at Richmond International Speedway. Manufacturing of the game in the United States started immediately after the race so it will be on store shelves in October.

Players race around the racetrack game board, trying to be the first to cross the finish line for the 10 races that make up The Chase. They collect chips for the races they win, and the player with the most race chips at the end of the game is the winner.

Along the way, players try to avoid the Crash Zone and Pit Road but zoom forward when they land on a Drafting Advantage space or play a Pass Card. The game board also has several Chase Challenge spaces, which might help lucky players take the lead or avoid a crash. Players who aren’t so lucky might be warned about changing track conditions or a tire that’s losing air.

The number of NASCAR fans is estimated at 75 million nationwide. Among major professional sports, NASCAR ranks first in per-event attendance and second in regular season television viewership.

NASCAR® Chase for the Nextel Cup™ 2007 board game is for 2 to 10 players, ages 8 to adult.

About Patch Products
Patch Products, headquartered in Beloit, Wis., is a leading manufacturer and marketer of family entertainment products. Board games, card games, puzzles and collegiate-licensed foam sports toys are the core product lines. Top-selling games include Buzzword®, Such & Such®, Toss Up!®, Swap!® and the Jeff Foxworthy™ You Might Be a Redneck If…™ Game. For more information, visit www.patchproducts.com.

Franchitti Move to NASCAR Imminent?

IndyCar Series Champion Dario Franchitti's contract with Andretti Racing is set to expire in a few months and this is fueling rumors about a move to NASCAR.

While some NASCAR teams are drooling at the thought of the media star Franchitti representing them, he is remaining mostly tightlipped.

Chase Standings With 10 Races Remaining

1

Jimmie Johnson
5060
Leader

2
Jeff Gordon
5040

3
Tony Stewart
5030

4
Carl Edwards
5020

5
Kurt Busch
5020

6
+1
Kevin Harvick
5010

7
Jeff Burton
5010

8
Matt Kenseth
5010

9
Martin Truex Jr.
5010

10
Denny Hamlin
5010

11
Kyle Busch
5010

12
Clint Bowyer

Breaking News!! Johnson Wins at Richmond, Dale Jr. Out

Jimmie Johnson held off Tony Stewart and won the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Saturday night. Johnson earned the top spot heading into the end of season Chase.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished a disappointing 30th with his engine blowing, he ended up almost 200 points out of the 12th spot.

AT&T Logo Back on #31 Car

On Friday NASCAR, Sprint/Nextel, and AT&T reached a mutual agreement to put the AT&T logos back on Jeff Burton's #31 car.

AT&T will remain sponsor of Burton's #31 for at least the next 16 months.

Yeley Finds New Team for 2008

J.J. Yeley who lost his job driving for Joe Gibbs Racing when Kyle Busch was signed landed with a new team and "a team where we can grow together", as Yeley put it.

Yeley joined the new ownership structure at Hall of Fame Racing Tuesday. Yeley will replace Tony Raines in the number 96 next season. Yeley will still have some relationship with Joe Gibbs as they have a partnership with Hall of Fame.

It's a good decision for Yeley. It gives him a fresh start and more than likely he will be driving a Toyota next year, and Toyota is looking for young drivers to make a bigger splash next year. Yeley is hungry and I beieve he is on the verge of making a breakthrough and winning races. Whether he can do it next year in a Toyota is a big queston mark.

Hall of Fame racing is currently a single car operation. This could be both a blessing and a curse for Yeley. On the positive side, he will get a lot of attention and money spent on him to make him a winner. But Yeley would benefit from making Hall of Fame a multiple car organization. Time will tell.

Johnson Clinches Spot in Chase

Jimmie Johnson ended a mini slump Sunday night by winning the Sharp Aquos 500 in Fontana. Johnson earned his circuit leading fifth victory of the season.

Notes: Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished in 5th place and cut his margin behind 12th place Kevin Harvick to 128 points heading into the last race of the regular season.

Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr. only need to make the field this weekend in Richmond to punch their tickets into The Chase.

Chase Spots Up For Grabs???

Time is running out on those 12 precious spots in The Chase.

Here's who sits on the bubble heading into Sunday's Race in California:
Second number listed is points behind Chase leader Jeff Gordon

8
--
Kyle Busch
3024
-558

9
--
Clint Bowyer
2944
-638

10
--
Kevin Harvick
2888
-694

11
--
Martin Truex Jr.
2887
-695

12
--
Kurt Busch
2879
-703

13
--
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2721
-861

Bowyer Happy to be Sitting 9th

He may not have any Cup wins, but Clint Bowyer is sitting pretty heading into this weeks race. He is currently in 9th place, 223 points ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. who is in 13th. The top 12 make the year end Chase.

Bowyer says he is aware of his place and will drive to keep his position. Bowyer to me is one of the pleasant surprises of the year.

Dale Jr. Appears To Be On The Outside Looking In - 8/28/07 Column

With two races remaining Dale Earnhardt Jr. is apparently going to fall short in his effort to make The Chase again this year. Is this becoming a yearly event, or with his change of teams taking affect next year will Earnhardt Jr. have a new lease on life?

He may have finished fifth at Bristol, but he still remains more than 150 points behind the 12th spot in the Nextel Cup Chase now held down by Kurt Busch.

In an interview following the race at Bristol, Earnhardt Jr. didn't seem that upset with the possibility of not being able to gain entry into The Chase he instead stressed the importance of winning a race this season and moving on.

I believe Dale Jr. deserves another pass for this season. Next season however Earnhardt Jr. is on the clock. Next year there will be no excuses. His Stepmom won't be looking over his shoulder and he will be part of a dream team with the best of everything.

Jr. fans don't get down with this disappointing season, instead expect big things to come and in the immortal words of Chicago Cub's fans, "Wait til next year."

I Want To Hear From You

Feel free to send your questions and comments to me on NASCAR, The Chase or anything you are curious about. E-mail me directly at Rick.Limpert@gmail.com.

Edwards Gets Second Victory of the Year

Carl Edwards earned his second victory of 2007 by winning the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Saturday night. Edwards dominated most of the evening and defeated Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished fifth, but remains in 13th, one spot out of The Chase. Two more races remain before The Chase Field of 12 is set.

Not A Misprint: Kahne Wins and ESPN Drops The Ball

Kasey Kahne held off a late race surge by Jason Leffler to win Friday Night's Busch Race at Bristol.

We saw Kahne celebrating in Victory Lane and that is all we saw of Kahne's victory as ESPN lost its satellite feed of the race with about 3 laps to go. After the race ESPN did reair the final laps so we had visual proof of Kahne's victory.

Drivers were pretty much in agreement that the improved resurfacing of the track is great for racing at Bristol.

Racing for the Chase

With his win on Tuesday Kurt Busch moved into the Chase, now sitting in 12th place.

It will be a mad dash to the Chase from this point on, Bristol should be real interesting.

Here are the drivers and their spots that could change either good or bad heading into this weekend.

8.
Kyle Busch
2881
+157
9.
Clint Bowyer
2779
+55
10.
Kevin Harvick
2773
+49
11.
Martin Truex Jr.
2757
+33
12.
Kurt Busch
2724
---
13.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2561
-163
14.
Ryan Newman
2553
-171

Burton Must Remove "AT&T" from Car

It is not the most interesting story, but it is a story nonetheless. I'm just about sick of it and I don't even understand the whole thing, but a District Court Judge has now ruled that Childress Racing must take the AT&T logo off the #31 car starting with this weeks race at Bristol.

In short, Cingular, the sponsor Burton had on the car at the start of the year was "grandfathered in" and was allowed to remain a sponsor even though Nextel/Sprint are the sole telecommunications company allowed to have their logo displayed in any NASCAR arena.

Cingular merged into AT&T and now having an AT&T logo for the remainder of the year is too much for Nextel/Spring and NASCAR to handle. While Cingular was ok, AT&T is too much of a competitior for Nextel/Sprint ti have in close proximity.

It will be interesting to see what Childress Racing and Burton have on the car this weekend.

Kurt Busch Wins Rain Delayed Race

If anyone ws paying attention, on Tuesday Kurt Busch won for the second time in the last three races. It is believed this was the first Tuesday ran race since 1973.

Ricky Rudd has given indication he will retire at the end of the year.

Are We There Yet? - 8/14/07 Column

Are We There Yet? NASCAR Races Just Keep Going and Going


When you are nestled up in front of your television watching the weekly NASCAR race do you find yourself fighting the urge to take a nap? Can you anticipate when the next Domino’s commercial will air?
The time has come to think about the possibility of shortening some of these races. Yes, the true hardcore fan does sit there with his/her favorite adult beverage and make a day of it. But with every race now having a prerace and a pre prerace show then the actual race followed by some post race commentary and results you will have to invest close to 7 hours on an average race day.
With the conclusion of the second Pocono race a week ago I think there has to be some discussion among NASCAR officials to shorten some of these races. I am realistic and realize that in this day and age this cannot be done.
On the side or reducing the laps in some of these races, teams would save on fuel, engines and other parts. Multiple events could be held in a day, eliminating those fans disguised as empty seats during those Truck Series races. Fans would get more bang for their buck, and there would be less pit stops and more than likely fewer crashes.
On the negative side for the sport would be fewer opportunities for sponsors names and logos to be seen. Television networks will have a much harder time selling those expensive ad spots for a Busch or Truck Series race than for the Nextel Cup Race package. This in fact would kill the golden goose, since it is the sponsors and television that have brought NASCAR to the verge of becoming one of out major sports.
A quick solution would be to try this shortening of some of the dog days of summer races. Pocono, Dover, are just two that this could work at. These races seem excruciating long, and I can’t watch an entire event.
Even the drivers admit that the races drag for the fans who watch on television. Dale Earnhardt Jr. says that adding a few 300 mile races into the mix might make things more exciting. "It would eliminate some of the boring middle laps," adds Jr. New fans especially find the length of races disturbing. During a recent radio call in show in Tennessee a young fan asked why the races don’t end sooner and why are the yellow flags so long?
NASCAR has many problems it needs to address in the coming years. They can’t be short sighted and have blinders on just because the sport is bringing in mega dollars right now. They need to be proactive with the length on some of these races, NASCAR claims to be all about the fans, let’s hope they listen to our concerns a little.

Rick C. Limpert is Nothinbutnascar.com's columnist. He has been a freelance writer and photographer for over 8 years. His works have been featured in numerous print and online publications. To reach Rick with a question or comment his main e-mail is rclimpert003@yahoo.com.

Michigan Race Moved To Tuesday

New race start time will be Tuesday at 10am.

Season Half-Way Point - Predictions for The Chase

Picking The Chase

As the season is almost at the half-way point and the cream is starting to rise to the top it's time for me to boldly pick the 12 drivers who will make The Chase this fall. Some are easy to place and some these were pretty tough.

1) Jeff Gordon - Easy pick. He's been the best all year so far. He is fast, he is consistent and he is lucky. He has four wins and five poles; he is hoping he hasn't peaked at this early stage of the season.

2) Matt Kenseth - Very consistent in 2007. Ten top 10's, nobody has more except for Gordon. He has one win (California) and will need to produce a couple if he is going to pass Gordon.

3) Jimmie Johnson - He too is consistent with his top 10's and has wins, but he has to avoid those very low finishes once Chase races start.

4) Denny Hamlin - Has six top 5's and appears to be on the verge of getting some wins if he gets a little bit of luck. He should be a regular Chase participant for many years to come.

5) Jeff Burton - He is currently sitting in 5th place. Last week he was in 5th place, he will more than likely end up the year in 5th place. A real pro, does his job and most of the time nobody notices. Had a well deserved win at Texas and will get at least one more.

6) Carl Edwards - I think some of his Busch Success will translate over to Nextel Cup. Had two top 5's, but no wins yet.

7) Tony Stewart - He is simmering for a win. Has made as much noise off the track as on so far this season. He is too good of a driver to finish lower than 7th this year.

8) Kyle Busch - Wouldn't be a Chase if one Busch Brother didn't make it. Has a big win at Bristol, and I expect him to get at least one more.

9) Kevin Harvick - The Daytona 500 winner is a little inconsistent, but has good equipment and talent, so he will make The Chase.

10) Martin Truex Jr. - Well at least one "Jr." and one DEI driver will make it. Big win at Dover has instilled confidence in him that will vault him into the upper echelon of drivers.

11) Clint Bowyer - He has been consistent with seven top 10's in the first 14 races. Will get some key top 5 finishes that will keep him in the top 12.

12) Casey Mears - A good driver that has found something. He still has some ground to make up as he is only in 23rd right now. Another win or a couple top 3 finishes will keep him moving up in the standings.

WILDCARD - Mark Martin - If he were running a full schedule he would be a shoo-in. He may fall just short as he says he is not running additional races to make the Chase. Has four top 5's in the 11 races he has started. He is close to getting a win.

Remembering France

The NASCAR world remembers Bill France Jr. while laying him to rest last Thursday. Bill Jr. took control of NASCAR in 1972, and his legacy was cemented when he brought large corporations in as NASCAR sponsors and the sport has never looked back. France also brought live television coverage of NASCAR races to the American public starting with the 1979 Daytona 500.

NASCAR Marketing Hits Potato Chips and ARM Pits

Over the years NASCAR has had some great marketing campaigns. Remember the Viagra sponsorship of Mark Martin. The current Busch Series ads that run on ESPN2 are fantastic, and NASCAR received kudos from Promo Magazine for its MBNA VISA card which when used to purchase goods or services from NASCAR sponsors earns the cardholder special NASCAR gear and collectibles.

But something my fiancé’ brought home from the grocery store last week had me stunned in amazement. I love Pringles, the addictive thin and tasty potato chip. But while eating some the other night she started peppering me with trivia questions about NASCAR and The Daytona 500.

I looked up and sat at attention and wondered where this sudden burst of NASCAR knowledge in her had come from. She replied, “The potato chip.” It turns out, and evidently these came out a couple years ago there is a NASCAR factoid or trivia question in blue ink on each chip.

One cannot absolutely go wrong with this. Great tasting chips and boning up on your NASCAR knowledge while eating them. If you watch NASCAR in a group play a little side game of trivia as those middle of the race laps drone on.

Usually when you are watching a race and a mention of “pits” come up you are usually getting ready to watch a car come to a screeching halt and what looks like a “Chinese Fire drill” begins to take place around the car. Well pulling into the pits has new meaning in 2007.

Tony Stewart is teaming with deodorant Old Spice to offer his likeness on Old Spice High Endurance deodorants and body washes. If you are a customer who likes Old Spice you have a chance to take home Tony’s one of a kind driver’s suit that will be given away to one lucky fan at the end of the year. Wonder how that suit is going to smell by November.

Kudos to P&G for keeping NASCAR fans in mind with these two products.

Waltrip and Montoya have Different Degrees of Success

Waltrip, Montoya have Different Degrees of Success


Two of the most talked about stories coming into the 2007 NASCAR season involved drivers who were looking at making a new statement in racing. Michael Waltrip and his three car Toyota team were looking to take Toyota to the top of NASCAR. Juan Pablo Montoya, a successful driver at many levels of racing now was embarking on his initial season in NASCAR with lots of experts predicting a quick learning curve and success of the ovals of NASCAR. So far in 2007 these two drivers appear to be heading in different directions.

Waltrip’s season has been anything but a success. Until racing in Saturday’s Nextel Open Waltrip’s only racing in 2007 had been at the Daytona 500 or in practice or qualifying. Waltrip has failed to qualify his Toyota Camry in ten consecutive races. At this point in the season Waltrip actually has negative driver’s points in the standings as a result of an illegal substance found in his fuel at Daytona. His crew chief and team manager were suspended and his crew chief David Hyer eventually quit the team altogether.

Waltrip tries to stay positive. He puts most of the blame for his own struggles on the fact he is trying to keep a three car team using new equipment together. Running a three car team for an established team is hard enough, for Waltrip and his new Toyota’s it has been too much.

Juan Pablo Montoya has been trying to do everything the right way in his first NASCAR season. Montoya has been making his way through the first part of the NASCAR season and has had moments of success. The rookie driver sits 21st in the Nextel Points race, ahead of such drivers like Reed Sorenson, Kasey Kahne and Sterling Marlin. He has two top tens and one top five so far this season. In the Busch series Montoya ranks 9th in the points and has three top tens. The jewel of Montoya’s 2007 season so far has to be his Busch series win in Mexico.

Although Montoya has not won on the 2007 Nextel Cup circuit, he has been sniffing around waiting for his opportunity. I said before the season Montoya would win a race and it still could happen with a little luck. There is no doubt he is a great driver and as he sees these tracks for the second and third times he should be even more competitive.

Two drivers, one new to the grind of NASCAR, one that has been around the block a few times. Both with great resumes of racing, one seemingly heading the right direction, and one trying to stop the bleeding. This is one of the reasons NASCAR is that ever evolving soap opera of racing. Two stories to keep your eye on for the remainder of 2007.

DEI Better Without Junior

There is that old saying that sometimes you have to take a step back to jump a few steps forward. I believe this is what will happen to DEI. Yes they are losing NASCAR’s most popular driver, but if DEI plays its card right and they survive the publicity hit they are experiencing now brighter days could be ahead.

The shining star might be Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of Dale Sr. and son of Driver Kerry Earnhardt. Although only 17, Jeffrey has been on the radar of NASCAR fans for a couple years. Jeffrey is currently still in high school in North Carolina and will run Busch East events this year. Jeffrey won’t be rushed to the forefront at DEI, but it’s inevitable he will be given every opportunity to lead a stable of DEI drivers at some point in the future. The mob of fans at tracks where Jeffrey races or tests just about guarantees he will have similar followings to his grandfather and uncle’s. Having a magnetic personality and the Earnhardt name will surely help Jeffrey attract that major sponsor that will give him mainstream exposure and make him that crossover star.

Losing Junior also gives DEI as a whole the opportunity to breathe. Everyone knew about the rocky relationship between Dale Jr. and step mom Teresa and this had to have caused a trickle down effect throughout the organization. This allows Teresa to restate her claim to DEI and leave no doubt to who is in charge. Employees of DEI will not have to choose sides anymore, that choosing of sides usually leads to a slow erosion of the organization that sometimes cannot be fixed.

If Jeffrey Earnhardt is still a few years away from making an impact with DEI, Teresa and DEI president Max Siegel have picked the right year to be in the market to hire drivers. Assuming Martin Truex Jr. leaves to go somewhere with Dale Jr., DEI could possible pick from the likes of Jeff Burton, Tony Raines or Bobby Labonte in the current drivers looking for work category. Wildcards could be someone like truck racer Todd Bodine, or CART driver Sam Hornish Jr. Adding a veteran like Jeff Burton or even a Sterling Marlin might make Teresa step back a little from having her hand in every aspect of DEI and that could be a good thing.

Famous NASCAR Brushes With the Law

In the wake of two major suspensions in the NFL, a former Olympic athlete pleading guilty to fraud and Michael Waltrip being in the news for more than just being unable to qualify his Toyota, I thought this would be the perfect time to call to mind some other famous, or should I saw infamous skirmishes with the law.

Starting with the most recent and still in the news, Michael Waltrip was charged this past week reckless driving and failing to report an accident after his Toyota Land Cruiser hit a telephone pole and rolling it a mile from his home. Waltrip suffered scratches and cuts on his finger in the one car accident. Following the accident, which he said was caused by him falling asleep at the wheel, Waltrip walked home. This is more great press for Toyota and Waltrip who has been fined, docked driver points and failed to qualify his Camry in over 80% of the races this season.

Earlier this year, Martin Truex Jr. was charged with disorderly intoxication when he was found urinating on his car in a parking deck in Daytona Beach, FL. A Volusia County Beach Patrol officer smelled alcohol on Truex’s breath. Truex apologized for his behavior, it is not known if he has apologized to anyone yet for only one top 10 finish so far this season.

How about Kyle Busch being charged with reckless driving while in the parking lot of a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Richmond. I guess he was a little upset at the slow drive thru lane as we all are.

Remember Jimmy Spencer getting arrested and interfering with police officers as they attempted to serve a warrant on his son, James. Because of this Jimmy lost his NASCAR ride and found himself dealing with two misdemeanors. Way to live up to your nickname of “Mr. Excitement”.

Back in 2004, Scott Wimmer was charged with DWI and his wife with obstruction after he was found with a .15 percent blood alcohol content. Wimmer wrecked a pick up truck owned by the team he drove for.

And how about a couple of all timers…

Rachel Otto the granddaughter of NASCAR founder Edgar Otto was found impersonating an officer and trying to arrest a driver in Palm Beach County, FL. The wasn’t the first time she was caught doing this, she has been arrested nine times since 2004. The kicker is she was wearing military fatigues and a cropped men’s haircut. Everyone at the scene thought she was a man including the woman in her passenger seat he moved in with Otto last week.

And how about the NASCAR fan “Daniel”, who all over the internet brags about being arrested four times. Twice for reckless driving and twice for domestic violence. Wow looks like Jeff Foxworthy might have another “You might be a redneck” line to add to his act.