Racing from a Chicks Point of View

New stuff soon, I swear...

Friday, May 16, 2008

Between a trip back home to Delaware and not having more than one day off, it's been a tad crazy. I know I need to get back to blogging and it's going to be one of my top, top priorities once I have a chance to breath a little. With that said, a few thoughts:

*Rumors are floating around that Kyle Busch may be looking at a possible F1 ride. Probably not true, but if it is: C-ya, pal.

*Congrats to the 83 Red Bull team. That team is serious stuff. They train just for pit stops and changes to the car just for race day. They don't worry about setting the car up all weekend and they workout all week. Good stuff. I'm not sure I like the idea of that being the future of the sport because I actually thinking having guys working on the team during the week and then pitting on the weekend builds a better team and is less expensive for owners, but either way they rocked last night.

*Really can't wait for the race tomorrow night.

*I'm seriously curious as to this new "maturity" that Mike Joy says he sees in Kyle Busch. It's like he lives in an alternate universe where things are completely different than they really are. He probably hangs out with Hilary Clinton there.

*I really miss this blog, guys. I'm going to work to get it back to normal as soon as I can.

-RC

Labels: nascar 2008

Posted by RC at Friday, May 16, 2008

| Permalink | 1 Awesome Comments

Two thoughts on Richmond...

Saturday, May 03, 2008

1) I feel bad for Denny Hamlin. His luck sucks... scratch that. I just remembered he stopped on the track for no reason to bring out the caution and got parked by NASCAR. It's a skeezy move and he deserved what he got.

2) For someone like "The Golden Boy" who the TV booth goes on and on about his car control of the Gods or whatever, to not be able to steer his car under another car is ridiculous. If he's that good, he sure loses talent a lot. Junior has more class than Kyle will ever know, and Kyle bitterness at Junior's jackman Rick Pigeon is simply because Pidge has always had more fans than Kyle could dream of. He needs to grow up and race like a man. If he ever becomes one.

I shouldn't blog while mad, but this is proof that I wanted to really badly because I fired up the old computer just for this post because my laptop is having issues. I'll try to be around as much as possible until it's fixed.

Talk amongst yourselves. And Kyle, grow some.

-RC

Labels: Richmond

Posted by RC at Saturday, May 03, 2008

| Permalink | 5 Awesome Comments

Bad, bad blogger...

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

It's not even funny how long it's been since I've posted here. I know, I know. I'm sorry. I said I'm sorry! No, not just sorry, super sorry. I've apologized already. Right now, I'm apologizing. That just happened. Sorry again. ;)

Anyway. Not only have I still been busy, but I think I actually have scared the graphic designer off. I'll keep you all updated on that bit of business when I know more. Oh and not only those two things but I've been internet-less for a week-ish. Well okay, I had internet but it would time out before I could actually type up a post. Excuses though. I need to get back to this place. Perhaps I should give out my big bosses e-mail and you all could tell Fancy Pants that your girl needs some time off.

So, to make sure I get to all of the news that has happened since I've been slacking, we have a blog in bullets:

*Tony Stewart may be leaving Gibbs. The important word here is may. I think it was Marty Smith that broke this story and I think he jumped the gun a little. Plus, even if he does leave he's not going anywhere until after the 2009 season. We have some time to figure out where he will go. But Mr. Hendrick says it's not him, which we've heard before. But when he said there was no room at the inn about Dale Jr., he didn't tell the reporter to write that down like he did this time. So I'm thinking it's not HMS. RCR would be a good fit but I think they will both miss their windows since RCR wants to have four teams by next season. Like I said, we have lots of time to debate this one. But I would be interested to hear how all of you Stewart fans around here are taking the news. I'm all ears.

*If any of you have seen the footage of Dale Jr. going from 30th to 10th than you're going to completely understand what I'm about to say. And I try not to fly the Junior flag too much around here but... Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is the best restrictor plate driver that has ever raced in NASCAR. Some people won't want to hear that but I just said (typed) it. Find the video online and watch it. If there was a plate racing school, that would be How To Get R' Done 101, my friends.

*Martin Truex, Jr. (I predict) will stay at DEI. I know they've optioned him but it's still up to him, and under the right circumstances he'll stay. Those circumstances will be more money, maybe some clauses to let him leave if they don't run as well as he'd like and guarantees that he's the man over at DEI. I saw him on NASCAR Now and I got the vibe that he'll stay. I know others aren't feeling the same way, so I guess we shall see.

*You all are the coolest. In my very random Friday Fifteen post I got two comments. One reassuring me that I'm not, in fact, losing my mind and one telling me about candles because I mentioned that I love candles. It doesn't get much cooler than that. Thanks guys. ;)

*Congrats to Danica Patrick and Ashley Force. **Starts humming "Anything you can do, I can do better..."**

*Vote for Paul Menard (who ran awesome last weekend) for the All-Star race. Plleeaassseee.

*I will refer you back to a post about a month ago where I told you to keep an eye of the crew chief situation over at Ganassi. *Takes a bow* Although I don't think we're done seeing the Ganassi drama unfold. You have an owner who wants perfection but goes to the IRL races instead. He also has cars blowing engines which is neither the fault of his drivers or crew chiefs. He also has open wheel drivers and a young guy in the line-up. That's not the formula for success. The owners is part of the problem, not the solution.

*My All-Star plans have pretty much gone up in flames because I have a trip back home to Delaware planned during that time and there's the whole working 24/7 thing. Humpphh!

*The COT proved it's worth this weekend. There is still work to be done to make it more drivable but on RP tracks, it's golden.

*I can't think of anything else.

What's on your minds?

-RC

Labels: NASCAR

Posted by RC at Wednesday, April 30, 2008

| Permalink | 4 Awesome Comments

NASCAR's drug problem...

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Okay, so no. I don't think NASCAR, as a sport, has a drug problem. With Aaron Fike's interview, (which, by the way, who paid him to come out with that mess? Classless.) coming out and Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart and others speaking about drug testing, or the lack there of, it's impossible for me to ignore this topic. Even if it's touchy, and I'm not quite sure I have a set, secure opinion on it. So here's a breakdown:

- Drugs are bad. And they should be banned in any sport, household and/or business. Obviously.
-Driving (or doing anything else in sports or life) while under the influence of any drug is wrong.
-We are not, unlike baseball, talking about any performance enhancing drugs, if there is such a thing in racing.
-We are also not, unlike baseball, talking about a huge outbreak of drug usage.
-We have, in the past, seen NASCAR ban drivers, some indefinitely (I'll get to this in a sec.), for the use of drugs.
-We know that NASCAR hasn't tested some drivers that have been in the sport for ten years and more.
-NASCAR's drug policy is based on whether or not they have suspicion that said driver has been using drugs.

So there are the facts. And here is what I think. I think drug testing should be mandatory, no questions asked. It should be random but every driver should be tested. Being on drugs on the racetrack, much like everything else in life, is dangerous and life threatening. Not only for that reason, but because like I mentioned above, these aren't performance enhancers. These are drugs that are for highs and are being abused, which means that this person(s) have a problem and these problems need to be addressed. Only once by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has anyone mentioned the fact that we should also be concerned about Fike and him getting help.

NASCAR, to be tough and save face, dismisses drug users in the sport with bans, but does not take action to help these drivers get better. That's something that needs to be changed. They need to help the drivers get back on track and, if they can find a sponsor and can pass weekly drug tests, actually get back on the track.

Now here is the sticky part for me. I don't like life-time, indefinite bans. I'm sure a lot of you know I was a fan of Shane Hmiel. Shane was banned indefinitely by NASCAR after his second failed drug test. A) NASCAR took away his lively-hood because they suspected he was using (although he failed the test, they tested him under suspicion), while letting others (possibly) get away because they didn't raise any red flags with NASCAR and that's not fair and B) I think everyone deserves the chance to make themselves better and come back. I'm not saying we keep letting them fail drug test after drug test but I think three strikes is a good limit. These guys have problems, which as we've covered, NASCAR has done nothing to help, and anyone should be able to make their lives better.

I know that seems leaniant and I'm sure I will get a lot of objection for it, but it's just my opinion.

The bottom line is that NASCAR has some work to do. They need more testing on all drivers and crew members, they need to help out the drivers when they are found to have a problem and (in my opinion) they need to allow these drivers to make something of themselves again. This sport is based on sponsorships and I don't know if Shane or Aaron, or Kevin Grubb could even get another sponsorship, but they deserve the chance to do it under the right circumstances.

So what about you all? What's your stance on all of this?

-RC

Labels: drugs in NASCAR

Posted by RC at Wednesday, April 16, 2008

| Permalink | 2 Awesome Comments

Friday Fifteen...

Friday, April 11, 2008

Alrighty. So I have plans for some back to basics, nitty-gritty posts about the sport, but they are going to have to wait until I get off of a seven day work bender. Days off?! Psshht! Not how I roll. So with that... a Friday Fifteen of fifteen quirky things about yours truly.

1. I'm currently in the middle of a quarter-life crisis. Which is a huge deal to me but doesn't seem to be that big of a deal to everyone I tell about it. Weird.

2. I'm really concerned that I'm going to scare the graphic designer that's doing the CV design away. I can't tell if I'm really picky or if changing all of the little things that I think of right before I fall asleep at night is normal.

3. I'm also kind of worried that you all will hate it.

4. I'm going to the Pit Crew Challenge during All-Star week in Charlotte and I almost squeak with excitement when I think about. I've said it before and I'll say it again, pit crew and stops are my favorite part of NASCAR.

5. I've found myself rooting seriously for Jamie McMurray. For fantasy league purposes only, but it's still weird.

6. The AC in my car doesn't work. And I live in North Carolina. And it's hot in North Carolina. Really hot.

7. DW is surprisingly not getting on my nerves this season.

8. I'm watching qualifying from Phoenix on my DVR right now and I've been sitting here waiting to see certain drivers while I have other things to do. I forgot that it's on my DVR. I could just pause it, but I've waited this long, I think I can make it a few minutes longer.

9. My DVR is overflowing, mostly with racing stuff that I miss. And The Hills.

10. I love candles. And bamboo plants.

11. And gnomes.

12. I'm going to be rushing home from work both Friday (I'm writing this obscenely late, so it's technically Friday but I'm still on Thursday) and Saturday to get home to see the races. I'm talking seriously no time to waste.

13. 13 is my favorite number. I was born on November 13th as well.

14. I still don't own any HMS, Amp or National Guard merch. None.

15. It's almost 3 am. I can't think of anything else except for the fact that I stay up until 3am to blog. That's something.

:)

-RC

Labels: Friday Fifteen.

Posted by RC at Friday, April 11, 2008

| Permalink | 3 Awesome Comments

Petty, Junior and Texas...

Sunday, April 06, 2008

I'm not sure if I'm the only person truly troubled by what's going on at Petty Enterprises or not. It's been mentioned here and there that Kyle has been taken out of the seat, even if it's temporary, and we all now know that General Mills will be leaving the team for RCR in 2009. And I'm thinking that we all also know that Bobby Labonte will in all actuality be at RCR next year as well. The situation is dire, in my opinion.

Number one, you have Chad McCumbee who hasn't done anything in his career except star in a movie playing someone who has won races. I mean nothing against him, but if I'm building a team, that's not someone I'm building my future around. Then you have Labonte, the one that a team could be built around, leaving (most likely) for greener and better funded pastures. But the real trouble for me here is Kyle Petty. I'd love to know who made the decision to take him out of that car. I'm guessing it was The King, and while I understand that the team is struggling, I just don't think you take your son, and the one person who has done all he can to hold that team together, out of the car.

It doesn't look good on many fronts. Number one, any sponsor looking at that situation is thinking that it's not stable if the owner is taking his son out of the car. Business or not. Second, any driver looking at that team would have to wonder how much Richard can have their back when, again, he's taken his son out of the car. Kyle's not a helpless kid, which in a way makes it worse. He's an adult who has been instrumental in keeping that team going after the death of his own son, and he's been pushed out... and he's made it public that it wasn't of his own doing. And that he would be open to driving for someone else. It's scary for the team and sad for the sport. I hope they get everything worked out soon. For their sake.

Now on the Junior topic, I'm going to be completely honest, and I only hope that I don't offend people but it's something that's been nagging at me all season. Now I know it's complete irony that I'm saying any of this because of my past stance on the subject, but you know, I'm a girl and I change my mind. Sue me.

First, Junior is fourth in points. Should he have run better in Martinsville and Texas? Yes. There is no excuse in the world for that team to run outside of the top five. Ever. They're that good. Does the fact that they've run out of the top five, even if it's barely, mean that Tony Eury, Jr. is the worst crew chief that ever lived and he should be skewered until he leaves or they get rid of him? No.

I'm a Dale Jr. fan. We all know that, but damn if Dale Jr. fans aren't getting on my nerves. I don't know if other driver's fans are the same way because I don't frequent (and by frequent I mean read, just FYI, I don't post anywhere but here) their message board but for the love of Pidge, let's get our heads about us. He finished 6th and 12th in the last two weeks. (Meanwhile, a DEI car blew up today... if you can believe it.) Either way the world as we know it is still moving... on it's axis and everything. Tony Jr. has his flaws and as you all know, I think there could be better people to chief Junior than him but let me just post a quote from Junior:

"I enjoy working with him on the weekends. We’ve gone too far to learn that and gain that with someone else. I don’t think I would ever have that close relationship with someone else.

So as long as it’s up to me, that will be the way it is. I think we’re a great team and I don’t want to race against him, ‘cause he’ll whip you. He’s good. I don’t want him taking some other guy and running circles around me."

So there. I mean, Junior wants him there, Rick wants him there, Tony Jr. wants to be there. Done and done. Shut it. I know that all fans think that, although they've never done it in their lives, they can run a race team but the truth is you can't. I can't. Well... I think I could but that's just different. ;) Either way, the driver's happy and since he's the one driving the car, I say we listen to him. Plus, look at the situation he's in right now, compared to years past. We've all got it good. Just let it go.

Anyway.

Texas was a good race... if you just watched the last 30 laps. I'm not a big caution fan, but when green flag runs go on long enough that almost the whole field gets lapped, I become the president of a caution flag's fan club. The racing was okay though. I'm looking forward to the night race next week.

A little house-cleaning news. The new layout will be up within the next week or so. I'm surprised the designer even wants to work with me anymore but she's still hanging in there. I'm hoping to possibly, maybe ask for one more small change and then we'll be all set.

Also I need to apologize for not posting or being around as much as I have in the past. I'm taking steps to get my life in order enough to be back here like I should. Thanks to everyone for hanging in with me.

-RC

Labels: nascar 2008

Posted by RC at Sunday, April 06, 2008

| Permalink | 4 Awesome Comments

Crash a huge positive for NASCAR...

Friday, April 04, 2008

Not so much for Michael McDowell. I mean, obviously getting out was good but the ride had something to be desired.

My one (okay, maybe I have more) complaint about the COT has been that we really don't know how the car will react in big crashes. Now we know, and I have to say it's a huge, huge positive for NASCAR. They said it would be safer and it obviously is. That would have been... well, let's not go into what it could have been. We saw the safer barrier do it's job and the car disintegrate (as it should) but the core of the car keep it's shape. No one can ask anymore from NASCAR than that. Not to mention how great of a job his team did putting that seat and everything together.

I don't wish that anyone would go through a wreck like that, but now that McDowell has climbed out of a car, we (I mean NASCAR, although I'd love to) can look at that car and see how the COT passed and/or failed in that wreck. It will be nice to see how it held up and I hope NASCAR let's everyone know how it went.

All in all, a good day for everyone. Even if it was a rocky road to get there.

Oh and that guy that won that pole is pretty okay too.

P.S. No idea why part of my font is black. Blogger's not letting me change it. Go figure.

-RC

Labels: NASCAR

Posted by RC at Friday, April 04, 2008

| Permalink | 0 Awesome Comments

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