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.