Even In Defeat, A Historic Day For Ganassi

There was nothing new about seeing cars owned by Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske dueling at the front of the pack on Memorial Day weekend. This time around, however, the venue was a bit of a surprise. As the laps wound down Sunday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ganassi driver Jamie McMurray tried valiantly to run down Kurt Busch’s dominant Penske Racing Dodge, trying to make his car owner the first man in history to win both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in the same day.

Just hours before, Dario Franchitti delivered the first leg of the elusive double, avoiding a wild, last-lap crash that left Indianapolis Motor Speedway littered with debris to claim Ganassi’s fourth career Borg Warner trophy. But Sunday night belonged to Busch and Penske, who led 252 of the 400 laps to claim their second victory of the season and deny Ganassi a spot in the record books.

"I thought about that Ganassi car behind me,” said Busch in Victory Lane. “He wasn't getting by us. Roger (Penske), this one is for you."

Ganassi shortened his Victory Lane celebration at Indy to hop a flight to North Carolina, arriving at CMS about halfway through NASCAR's longest day. With Juan Pablo Montoya already out of contention after an early crash, Ganassi went straight to McMurray's war wagon and made himself at home. "The pit box started shaking and I didn't know what was going on," said crewchief Kevin “Bono” Manion afterward. "Chip had arrived."

Ganassi immediately keyed the microphone and remarked, "I heard you've got a pretty good car." McMurray, not realizing that Ganassi was in town, barked something about keeping quiet and allowing him to concentrate on his driving, realizing only later that he had dressed-down the boss. “I didn't know who was trying to talk to me, so I yelled,” smiled McMurray afterward. “They told me under caution that it was Chip who had cued the mic. That was a good moment to have with him, kind of funny."

McMurray did his best to atone for the miscue, chasing down Busch’s Miller Light Dodge and leading until a final caution for Marcos Ambrose’s backstretch crash with just 24 laps to go. Busch had been strongest on short runs throughout the event, with McMurray’s Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet gradually gaining strength as the laps rolled on. McMurray led the leaders down pit road, but returned to the track sixth behind Busch, Matt Kenseth and three cars that elected not to pit. He and Busch surged immediately to the front, but McMurray fell .737 seconds short in the end.

"I think we didn't have a great stop," said McMurray afterward. "It just wasn't perfect. I knew whoever came out (first) on that last pit stop between Kurt and I… would be the race winner."

The race belonged to Busch and Penske, but Ganassi claimed a historic consolation prize, becoming the only man to win the Daytona 500 (McMurray) and Indianapolis 500 in the same season.

Ganassi has won on both circuits in the same day once before, with Sterling Marlin and Bruno Junqueira sweeping at Michigan and Road America on August 19, 2001. He called Sunday’s near-miss, "close, but no cigar," admitting that the Indy/Charlotte sweep “would have been nice. It would have been icing on the cake to win here, too, but it was a great race. Jamie did a great job, but my old buddy Penske beat me tonight.

“It was an awesome day, anyway.”

In Victory Lane, Busch spoke respectfully about both Ganassi and his driver, revealing that he and McMurray planned to spend Memorial Day Monday boating together on Lake Norman. "The two individuals and the two individuals owning the cars have a lot of respect for each other," he said.

And while pleased with a day that left him just three spots out of the 2010 Chase For The Sprint Cup, McMurray could not help thinking of what might have been. "It would have been unbelievable,” he said of a potential Indy/Charlotte twinbill. “We've talked about how we're going to do some photos with the Borg-Warner Trophy and the Daytona 500 Trophy, with Dario and I able to win both in the same year.”

"If we would have been able to win both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 for Chip on the same day, it would have been huge, unbelievable. But I'm really happy with our finish. It's disappointing not to win, but we have had winning cars every week and that's really all you can ask for."

COMMENTARY: Strike Three For Mayfield

U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen dismissed all claims in Jeremy Mayfield’s lawsuit against NASCAR last week, in the aftermath of a May drug test that NASCAR said was positive for methamphetamines. NASCAR filed a motion for dismissal in November, and Mullen ruled that Mayfield “agreed to release Defendants from all claims arising under a negligence theory or otherwise; Plaintiffs thereby waived their right to pursue their claims for defamation, unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract, and negligence.” He also ruled that Mayfield and his legal team “failed to allege facts to support each of their claims.”

Mayfield has claimed that his positive test result was due to a combination of the prescription drug Adderall – which he took to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – and the over-the-counter allergy medication Claritin-D.

Lower courts had sided with NASCAR twice previously, only to have their verdicts appealed to the U.S. District Court. A trial was scheduled to begin in September of this year, but Mullen ruled that Mayfield signed documents outlining NASCAR’s substance abuse policy while applying for a 2009 competitor’s license. Those documents acknowledged the sanctioning body’s right to test him and members of his team for substance abuse at any time, and stipulated only that those tests were to be done “at a facility or facilities… that have been certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and/or by the College of American Pathologists Forensic Urine Drug Testing Program.” Further, Mullen ruled that Mayfield was aware and informed that a positive test for a prohibited substance would result in the indefinite suspension of his NASCAR license.

The court agreed with NASCAR that while its testing laboratory needed to be government-accredited, the sanctioning body was under no obligation to follow all governmental procedures concerning the administration of the test and the handling of samples. It also pointed to a provision in Mayfield’s signed release stating that “the Competitor or Official shall have no claim or cause of action of any kind against NASCAR or any director, officer, employee, or agent of NASCAR” with respect to the publication of substance abuse test results. Mullen specifically noted a clause in the document signed by Mayfield that states, “I recognize that the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy promotes the integrity of NASCAR-sanctioned racing and the safety of NASCAR Competitors, Officials, and spectators. Accordingly, I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS NASCAR, its officers, employees, directors, agents, and such testing facilities and Medical Review Officers as NASCAR retains or selects in connection with implementation of the Policy…”

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston called the ruling, "a powerful acknowledgement and affirmation of NASCAR's rulebook and its ability to police the sport.”

Mayfield has not commented officially on the decision, though his wife, Shana, said attorney Mark Geragos would respond on their behalf. Mayfield did post a statement on his personal Facebook page, saying, “Although yesterday's ruling was not expected and not what we wanted to hear, it is just a minor setback. I did not come this far to quit or back down. When it was our turn to depose the other side, they obviously did not want that to happen.”

He also posted an angry retort aimed at NASCAR CEO Brian France, asking, “If his name was not France, what would he be doing?” Later, he wrote, “I think we should get 100,000 people and make a statement. Anyone out there agree?”

The past 12 months of Mayfield’s life have been like an outtake from “The Jerry Springer Show.” Shortly after his suspension, his former stepmother, Lisa Mayfield, testified that she saw her stepson using methamphetamine at least 30 times since 1998. She also accused him of "cooking" his own meth until it became too difficult to obtain the ingredients. Mayfield responded by calling her “basically a whore” and accusing her of playing a role in the death of his father, Terry, who died in 2007 from what medical examiners ruled to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. Jeremy Mayfield eventually filed a wrongful death lawsuit against his former stepmother.

In mid-August, Lisa Mayfield was arrested and charged with public intoxication, four counts of simple assault and second-degree trespassing after allegedly assaulting caretakers at Mayfield’s home. At various points, Mayfield and/or his attorneys accused NASCAR’s testing agent, Aegis Sciences Corp., of improperly handling test samples, and alleged that NASCAR had intentionally “spiked” Mayfield’s urine sample to produce a positive result. No evidence was ever produced to support those claims.

Mayfield is being sued by former attorney Bill Diehl, who says his Charlotte-based law firm is owed more than $371,000, plus attorney fees, interest and late charges. Mayfield put most of his belongings up for auction in November, including 475 acres of land, a half-renovated home, jewelry, guns and cars from his personal collection.

Short of a fat cash settlement, one wonders what Mayfield hopes to accomplish by pushing forward with additional appeals. His NASCAR career is unquestionably over, since even if a higher court were to reverse Judge Mullen’s verdict on appeal – and the records show that Mullen is very rarely overturned – no sponsor will be anxious to associate itself with a driver/owner tainted by allegations of drug abuse.

As of now, Mayfield has not been judged guilty of substance abuse in a court of law. NASCAR’s allegations – well-documented as they may be – remain just that, allegations. Perhaps that’s the best outcome Mayfield should realistically hope for.

I know Jeremy Mayfield, and I like Jeremy Mayfield. But I also realize that if he chooses to pursue his case against NASCAR any further, his battered public image and personal finances will likely be destroyed for good. Mayfield is a young man, and has plenty of years left to do whatever comes next; whether in or out of organized motorsports. Here’s hoping he circles his wagons, conquers whatever demons may be at work and cleans up the steaming mess that both his personal and professional lives appear to be.

That is not a process that can -- or should -- be undertaken in the public eye.

Vickers Out For Remainder of 2010 Season

Brian Vickers met with the media at Charlotte Motor Speedway last hour and confirmed that the blood clots he suffered in his legs and lung last week will preclude him from competing for the remainder of the 2010 season.

In a press conference heard live here on Sirius NASCAR Radio, Vickers said his doctors have been unable to pinpoint the specific cause of his Deep Vein Thrombosis, which is most common in people over the age of 40. The 26-year old driver said he will continue on a daily regimen of blood thinning medication for at least the next three months, and joked, "I can race on blood thinners, I just can't crash."

Vicker’s physician, Dr. Steven Limentani, called his condition “not a rarity, but not common,” saying clots like Vickers suffered usually have a clear cause, such as a surgical procedure.”

Casey Mears replaced Vickers last week at Dover, and will remain in the car for the remainder of the season, with possible exception of the two road course events at Watkins Glen and Infineon Raceway.

Notes From All-Star Friday

Richard Childress Racing will hold a press conference tomorrow here at Charlotte Motor Speedway to announce the signing of Sprint Cup Series point leader Kevin Harvick to a new, multi-year contract. Both Harvick and the team have said recently that they are close to agreement on a new deal, but sources say no announcement will made concerning 2011 sponsorship for the #29 Chevrolet team.

Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will race with the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, June 5, the day before the Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. Johnson will drive for GAINSCO Bob Stallings Racing as a third driver, along with two-time championship winning teammates Alex Gurney and John Fogarty.

Max Papis will qualify for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Showdown tonight, despite a badly bruised foot suffered in a Camping World Truck Series crash at Dover International Speedway last weekend. Papis was injured when his truck suffered a right-front tire failure and impacted the SAFER barrier hard enough to bend Papis’ steering wheel, seat and leg restraints. Papis said that immediately after the crash, he was certain his foot was broken. X-rays revealed only a severe bruise, however, and Papis has been on crutches all week to speed the healing process. He is walking unassisted today, but with a limp.

Tony Raines will drive the #36 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet this weekend, in place of Johnny Sauter. Sauter was on the early entry list, but Raines, the 1999 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been in the car for today’s practice sessions.

Wheaties introduced a special-edition Dale Earnhardt commemorative box today, honoring the career of the seven-time Sprint Cup Series champion on the eve of his induction into the NASCAR Hall Of Fame. Earnhardt becomes the first driver to be featured twice on the iconic orange Wheaties box, after being featured there in 1997 in conjunction with a special Wheaties paint scheme he ran during that year’s All-Star Race. Earnhardt’s children Taylor and Kerry were part of a special unveiling ceremony today here at Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with his former car owner, Richard Childress and RCR driver Clint Bowyer, who will drive a special Wheaties Fuel-sponsored car later this season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

BREAKING NEWS: Mayfield Suit Dismissed

U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen has dismissed all claims in Jeremy Mayfield’s lawsuit against NASCAR in the aftermath of a May drug test that NASCAR says was positive for methamphetamines. NASCAR had filed a motion for dismissal in November, and Mullen ruled today that Mayfield “agreed to release Defendants from all claims arising under a negligence theory or otherwise; Plaintiffs thereby waived their right to pursue their claims for defamation, unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract, and negligence.”

A trial had been scheduled to begin in September of this year, but the court agreed with NASCAR that while its testing laboratory needed to be government-accredited, the sanctioning body was under no obligation to follow all governmental procedures concerning the administration of the test and the handling of samples.

Mayfield has claimed that his positive test result was due to a combination of the prescription drug Adderall -– which he took to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -– and the over-the-counter allergy medication Claritin-D. At various points, Mayfield and/or his attorneys have accused NASCAR’s testing agent, Aegis Sciences Corp., of improperly handling test samples and alleged that NASCAR intentionally “spiked” Mayfield’s urine sample to produce a positive result. Mullen ruled that Mayfield and his legal team “failed to allege facts to support each of their claims.”

The basis of Mullen's ruling are documents signed by Mayfield while applying for a 2009 competitor’s license that outlined NASCAR’s substance abuse policy, acknowledged the sanctioning body’s right to test him and/or members of his team for substance abuse at any time and accepted that those tests were to be done “at a facility or facilities… that have been certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and/or by the College of American Pathologists Forensic Urine Drug Testing Program.” Mullen ruled that Mayfield was aware and informed that a positive test for a prohibited substance would result in the indefinite suspension of his NASCAR license.

The court also pointed to a provision in the signed release stating that “the Competitor or Official shall have no claim or cause of action of any kind against NASCAR or any director, officer, employee, or agent of NASCAR” with respect to the publication of substance abuse test results.

Mullen specifically noted a clause in the document signed by Mayfield that states, “I recognize that the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy promotes the integrity of NASCAR-sanctioned racing and the safety of NASCAR Competitors, Officials, and spectators. Accordingly, I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS NASCAR, its officers, employees, directors, agents, and such testing facilities and Medical Review Officers as NASCAR retains or selects in connection with implementation of the Policy…”

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston commented on the ruling today, saying, "The U.S. District Court's ruling is a powerful acknowledgement and affirmation of NASCAR's rulebook and its ability to police the sport. NASCAR has been very clear with its competitors as to its policies and what is expected of them. NASCAR's comprehensive substance abuse policy, which is among the best and toughest in all of sports, serves the safety of our competitors and fans."

Mayfield has not commented on the decision, though his wife, Shana, said attorney Mark Geragos would respond on their behalf. Today’s ruling can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Vickers Not Out Yet: Sirius Speedway has learned that Brian Vickers could return to the seat of the #83 Red Bull Racing Toyota in time for this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity say Vickers has responded well to treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis, and will undergo testing later this week to determine whether blood thinning drugs have dissolved the blood clots in his legs and lung. If so, and if his doctors are satisfied with the level of blood-thinners in his system, Vickers could be cleared to compete on Saturday night. Casey Mears remains on standby in the event that Vickers is not cleared to compete, and a decision on his status could come as late as race day.

Kahne Still Not Placed: Stewart Haas Racing Competition Director Bobby Hutchens told The Charlotte Observer Sunday that he has had no formal conversation with Hendrick Motorsports about adding a third team for driver Kasey Kahne next season. Hutchens said, "We have not had what I call permanent discussions with Mr. Hendrick or anybody at Hendrick Motorsports. Kasey Kahne was a possibility back when we started looking at (a third team) for ourselves in the middle of last year, so we're going to just see how all this shakes out." Hutchens added that in the current sponsor marketplace In addition, he said he would prefer to have a driver and sponsor locked-in by June 1 if a third team is going to be attempted, in an effort to "not be in a panic" building cars and adding new equipment and personnel for the 2011 season. Kahne will replace Mark Martin in the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2011, and team owner Rick Hendrick has promised to find him a top-notch Sprint Cup ride for 2010 to fill the void.

Vickers Hospitalized, Mears To Drive For Red Bull at Dover

Brian Vickers will not compete this weekend at Dover International Speedway due to an as-yet undiagnosed illness.

Red Bull Racing announced today that Vickers was hospitalized last night with what sources tell Sirius Speedway is a non-life threatening illness, with additional tests set to be performed today and tomorrow. He will be replaced in the #82 Red Bull Toyota this weekend by Casey Mears.

Vickers is currently 20th in Sprint Cup Series points, coming off a 10th place finish Saturday night at Darlington Raceway. He had been scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., for a tour of the United States Capitol and Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Military Advanced Training Center as the guest of Washington State Republican Congressman Doc Hastings. That trip has now been cancelled.

Red Bull General Manager and Vice President Jay Frye said, “Our main concern right now is with Brian and his health and recovery. All things are looking good at the moment; this is just a minor setback. We appreciate Casey filling in this weekend and know he will represent the team well.”

COMMENTARY: It's Only A Number

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will pay tribute to his late father this July by driving a replica of Dale, Sr.’s legendary #3 Wrangler Chevrolet in NASCAR Nationwide Series competition at Daytona International Speedway.

And some people are pretty darned PO’ed about it.

Junior’s Daytona ride was unveiled recently on what would have been his father’s 59th birthday; the result of an unprecedented collaboration between JR Motorsports – which will supply the car -- Richard Childress Racing – which holds a copyright on the familiar #3 – and Teresa Earnhardt, who has the final say on all things Earnhardt Senior. Teresa, Junior and Kelley Earnhardt stood side-by-side at the unveiling; the first time the three have appeared together publically since the day NASCAR’s most popular driver announced that he would bolt Dale Earnhardt Inc., for Hendrick Motorsports in 2007. All three hailed the move for what it is; a tribute to the memory of the late, seven-time Sprint Cup champion.

Despite their unified stand, however, the internet message boards and satellite radio switchboards were almost instantly inundated with irate fans who someone viewed the move as an insult to the memory of their fallen hero.

“Nobody should EVER drive the #3 again,” said many, conveniently ignoring the fact that Earnhardt, Jr. drove the #3 in a pair of NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2002, while Childress’ grandson, Austin Dillon, has been campaigning an almost identical, black #3 Chevrolet on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series all season.

“It’s an insult to his memory,” wailed others, amid widespread calls for NASCAR to forbid the tribute, or establish a new precedent by retiring Earnhardt’s #3 for all time.

"This was an idea that came up as a way to pay tribute to my dad," said an incredulous Earnhardt, Jr. in response to the criticism. "The Wrangler car is definitely in the Top 10 coolest cars that have ever been on the race track. A lot of people identify with it, and I can't think of a better way to honor my dad and celebrate his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame than to bring the Wrangler colors back with the No. 3 on the side. I think everybody knows I'm pretty careful about (my father’s legacy). It just seems like a reasonable opportunity and if there is ever a time to do it, this is one of those times."

Earnhardt said he opposes the idea of retiring numbers, calling the notion “ridiculous. The #3 meant a lot to Daddy and… to a lot of race fans, but there's some kid growing up that was never a Dale Earnhardt fan that drives the #3 and might want to be #3 all his life. To not give him that opportunity just ain't fair."

He also commented on the symbolism of him, his sister and their stepmother appearing publically for the first time in years, saying, "this day is all about my dad. He'd be happy about this.”

Kelley Earnhardt went a step further, saying, "If he was here, I'm pretty sure we'd all still be together ... Dale Jr. would have never left DEI."

"Me and Teresa always had a lot of respect for each other," said Dale, Jr. "Dad had a way of bringing everybody together. Everybody worked together for the good of my father."

Just like they’re doing now.

The tumult over Junior’s Daytona tribute is ill-conceived and distasteful, a knee-jerk reaction if there ever was one. The #3 did not make Dale Earnhardt who he was. In fact, just the opposite is true. Earnhardt made the #3.

NASCAR pioneers Joe Littlejohn, Herschel McGriff, Dick Rathmann, Paul Goldsmith, Tim Flock, Cotton Owens, Fireball Roberts, David Pearson, Lee Roy Yarbrough, Charlie Glotzback and Buck and Buddy Baker (among others) all spent considerable time behind the wheel of #3 entries in what is now the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Junior Johnson authored a Hall Of Fame driving career with #3 on his door, and Childress himself used it throughout his 12-year driving career. Ricky Rudd steered Childress’ #3 Chevrolet between Earnhardt’s two driving stints with RCR, proving beyond all doubt that the #3 had its own claim to fame, long before “The Intimidator” came along.

And for the record, Earnhardt did most of his racing in the minor leagues in a series of cars with his father’s traditional #8 on the doors, before winning the first of his seven Cup championships in – gasp – a #2 Wrangler-backed Chevrolet owned by Rod Osterlund.

The facts don’t lie. Dale Earnhardt was a champion with or without the #3 on his door. The #3 won championships with and without Earnhardt at the wheel. Numbers are nothing more than symbols; a splotch of paint (or these days, a hunk of vinyl) on the door of a race car. They have no more to do with success or failure than the color of the car, and nobody’s lobbying NASCAR to retire Goodwrench black or Petty blue.

Numbers are not heroes, the men who drive them are.

If this tribute is good enough for Richard Childress, Dale, Jr., Kelley and Teresa Earnhardt, it’s good enough for me. And it ought to be good enough for you, too.

JGR Wise To Nix Kyle's Nationwide Defense

Just as Kyle Busch’s plan to focus more completely on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was beginning to pay off, his resolve began to waver.

The idea of Busch defending his 2009 Nationwide Series championship was supposed to be off the table before the 2010 season even began. Joe Gibbs Racing quashed the idea before the first race was run, announcing a less-ambitious schedule of 25-28 Nationwide races for Busch that would allow NASCAR’s resident Energizer Bunny to focus his abundant energy on the Sprint Cup garage and avoid the kind of late-season meltdown that eliminated him from last year’s Chase.

Everything went according to plan until last month’s Nationwide Series “O'Reilly 300” at Texas Motor Speedway. Busch won the race – his record fifth-consecutive victory on the Lone Star oval – claiming a 20-point lead over Brad Keselowski in the championship standings. Before he and Gibbs had settled into their seats at the post-race press conference, the speculation began.

“Can you still run for the championship, Kyle? You’re off to such a great start. Could the schedule be rearranged?”

"That's his question," said Busch, gesturing to his team owner. "I'd like to, but we know how difficult it is to run both and what it takes away from the premium spot, which is the Sprint Cup Series title. I don't want to take anything away from those guys."

Gibbs admitted feeling pressure to approve a Nationwide title defense, saying, “I had no more gotten to the Winner's Circle (before) three of the crew guys were going, 'Hey, can we run for a championship?' They were jerking on me. I think we've laid out a plan there and we'll talk it over with Kyle, but ..."

For the record, here’s a brief review of some pertinent facts:

Kyle Busch won the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship by a whopping 210 points over Carl Edwards. He failed to make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup by eight points. He visited Victory Lane in three of the season’s first 10 Cup races, then stumbled badly down the stretch with Top-10 finishes in only three of his final nine starts. If we wasn’t tired by the end of last season, he sure did look it.

He’s off to a solid start again in 2010, with Top-10 finishes in five of his last six races and an impressive win last Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway. That victory left him fifth in championship points, and he seems to be jelling nicely with crewchief Dave Rogers and the M&Ms Toyota team. Everything’s hunky-dory right now, but the tough times are coming in the form of three “split weekends” in the month of June that will require Busch to shuttle back and forth across the country to multiple Cup and Nationwide Series venues in the same weekend.

"The summer months get tough,” admitted Busch recently. “When you go from Sonoma to Elkhart Lake, you have to skip all of Saturday in Sonoma to be there for the (Nationwide) event. You really hinder your chances to have a good car set up for the race on Sunday.”

Why would a smart cookie like Joe Gibbs jettison a game plan that seems to be working, in favor of a failed strategy from a year ago? Why would the former Washington Redskins coach mess with success by allowing anymore talk of a revised Nationwide championship defense? Sure, that JGR’s 2009 Nationwide championship trophy looks nice on the mantel, but it’s the Sprint Cup Series that keeps the fireplace lit, the mortgage paid and the lights turned on.

That’s why Joe Gibbs Racing announced last week that Brad Coleman will drive their #18 NASCAR Nationwide Series Toyota at Nashville Superspeedway on June 5, allowing Kyle to concentrate exclusively on his Cup duties at Pocono Raceway. JGR Vice President of Nationwide Series Operations Steve DeSouza confirmed that Coleman will drive the team’s #18 Camry in all remaining stand-alone events this season, clearing the way for Busch to focus on Job One; the Sprint Cup championship.

Good call, coach.

BREAKING NEWS: Roush To Park Braun For Two Races, Kenseth To Fill-In

Roush Fenway Racing will bench rookie Colin Braun for two races in the aftermath of a crash with teammate Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., in Monday's NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a high-level source within the team told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that RFR initially considered removing Braun from the ride permanently, but relented after sponsor ConWay Freight advocated a more lenient sanction. Braun will be in the ConWay-backed car this weekend at Talledega Superspeedway, before being replaced by former Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth in an unsponsored #16 Ford at both Richmond and Darlington.

Braun has struggled in his rookie season of Nationwide Series competition, with a quartet of crash-related DNFs at Daytona, Las Vegas, Bristol and Phoenix. He has posted an average finish of 29.3 in his seven starts this season, with a best finish of 13th at Texas last week. He currently ranks 25th in Nationwide Series championship points.

COMMENTARY: Eddie Gossage's "Start And Park" Fix Is A Clunker

Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage accused start-and-park teams in the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series of "stealing money" last week, and said NASCAR needs to take action to eliminate them from the sport.

"(They) are simply stealing," said Gossage Saturday. "I don't blame them for finding the loophole, but they are going to steal a half a million dollars of our money here tomorrow. They add nothing to the show, not one darn thing. They're stealing. I want real racers, but they're not racing."

Gossage called on NASCAR to either reduce the number of cars in each Sprint Cup race from 43 to 36 -– eliminating more than $500,000 from the purse -– or change the distribution of prize money to make back-of-the-pack finishes less rewarding.

“Last place here is going to pay about $85,000," he said. "That should be $10,000 and the rest of the money should go to the top finishers. NASCAR has an obligation to the fans to not allow this. People are stealing in broad daylight in front of 150,000 fans in the grandstands and millions of people watching at home."

While interesting at face value, Gossage’s quick fixes actually accomplish nothing.

A smaller, 36-car starting field would require NASCAR to reduce the number of guaranteed starters in each race. The remaining positions would remain up for grabs among the so-called “Go Or Go Home” teams, many of whom would continue to qualify on Friday, only to start and park on Sunday.

Cutting the field does not eliminate "start and park." It only cuts the field.

Slashing the payout for the final few positions would save Gossage a cool half-million dollars, but it will do nothing to eliminate "start and park." Low-dollar teams aren't dropping out early because they want to, they're doing it because they have to. They cannot afford the tire and engine bills associated with running the full distance every week, and also cannot risk destroying a racecar.

Neither NASCAR nor Eddie Gossage can force a man to spend money that he does not have, and Gossage's back-of-the-pack purse cut will accomplish nothing but forcing struggling teams like Prism Motorsports, NEMCO and Tommy Baldwin Racing out of business.

Gossage said he is not concerned with the layoffs and firings that his proposed changes would almost certainly produce, saying, “Those teams only have about five employees. They’re not real, race-ready teams.”

Hendrick Stacks The Deck

Hendrick Motorsports sent a clear message that it intends to set the pace in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing for years to come last week, announcing that Kasey Kahne will leave Richard Petty Motorsports at the conclusion of this season to drive for HMS, beginning in 2012.

Kahne has been with RPM since his rookie season of Cup competition back in 2004, and he called the opportunity to drive for NASCAR’s premier team “an awesome opportunity. It’s the best opportunity I could have, and I’m going to make the most of it. I feel like I had to make a decision for my future. This was something I really wanted to do, and it makes sense to do it.”

With Mark Martin already slated to wheel the #5 Chevrolet next season, Kahne is technically left without a ride for the 2011 campaign; a situation Hendrick will make his personal responsibility to remedy. “We haven’t locked in on what we’re going to do in 2011,” admitted Hendrick, “but there are a lot of options. It’s not something we’ve got any deadline on, but we should have something done in the next 90 days, for sure.”

Widespread speculation has Stewart Haas Racing the leading candidate to host Kahne next season, fielding a much-anticipated third Chevrolet with considerable support and logistical help from Hendrick. Tony Stewart admitted that he and Hendrick spoke about the possibility early last week, but insisted that it was far too early even to speculate about a Kahne-Stewart- Ryan Newman triumvirate for 2012.

Kahne said he is not worried about the situation. “We’re going to figure out 2011 shortly, and I know it will be a great situation,” he said. “I have a comfort level with Mr. Hendrick, my future teammates and the culture of the organization. For me, it's the right fit on every level, and I think it gives me a great chance to win races and compete for championships.”

Hendrick echoed those thoughts, saying, “Knowing that Mark was wanting to retire after the 2011 season, we saw it as golden opportuntity to pick up great talent and a guy that all our drivers had solicited me to go after. We saw an opportunity to cement a big piece of our future. He possesses incredible talent and a tremendous dedication to his craft, and we know he'll be a great fit within our company. Kasey has earned the respect of his future teammates by the way he's handled himself on and off the racetrack, and we know he'll be a contributor to the success of Hendrick Motorsports for many years to come.”

While Kahne’s signing cemented Hendrick Motorsports’ status as NASCAR’s top team for at least the foreseeable future, it delivered a body blow to Kahne’s current employer, Richard Petty Motorsports. Just days before, reports surfaced that majority owner George Gillett had defaulted on an approximately $90 million loan associated with the team. Gillett insisted that the default was technical in nature and that no payments had been missed, but published reports quoted anonymous sources familiar with the situation saying that payments had been missed dating back as far as November of 2009.

"Kasey is a very talented driver and I have enjoyed watching him race,” said Richard Petty in the aftermath of the move. We all wish him nothing but the best and hope he succeeds in anything he chooses to do.

Both Kahne and Gillett pledged to finish their association as strongly as possible. “I'm excited and relieved to have the decision made and announced,” said Kahne last week. “Now it's my responsibility to put all of my energy into winning races and having a successful 2010 with my current team and our sponsors." Unfortunately, succeeding as a lame-duck team – especially over a span of five months and 29 point-counting races – is much easier said than done. If things go badly for the #9 Ford in coming weeks (and the team’s last few outings give cause to believe that they might) the second-guessing and finger-pointing will almost certainly follow in short order.

Perhaps more important, the loss of their marquee performer does nothing to help RPM shed the image of instability spawned by multiple mergers, realignments and management changes in recent seasons. It’s remaining three drivers; AJ Allmendinger, Elliott Sadler and Paul Menard are all in the final year of their respective contracts, as well, and RPM Managing Partner Foster Gillett – son of the owner -- admitted recently that his 2011 driver lineup is, “a work in progress. We are working to have the best drivers we can. Richard (Petty) preaches to us to focus on building the best race cars we can and we'll have sponsors and drivers."

Acknowledging the doubts harbored my some about the team’s ability to overcome the loss of Kahne, the younger Gillett said, "Many people were saying the same thing last year, (but) we're still here. We survived and thrived and we'll do it again. When change like this happens, it opens up opportunities for others. We are focusing on the opportunities we have more than what we lose."

Gillett also said he hopes to retain Budweiser as a major sponsor after Kahne departs. “My family has a wonderful relationship with Anheuser Busch, (and) we will put out a maximum effort to keep them,” he said. “If they ask me to run through this wall, I'll do it."

More power than ever is now concentrated within the walls of Hendrick Motorsports. In many ways, Rick Hendrick has become the George Steinbrenner of NASCAR. He enjoys status as the ultimate “go-to destination” for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, along with the resources to hire anyone he wants and sufficient sponsorship to finance it all at an extremely high level. What’s good for Hendrick Motorsports, however, is not necessarily what’s best for NASCAR, especially in an era when many fans have already grown weary of four consecutive Jimmie Johnson championship coronations.

That’s someone’s problem, but it’s not Rick Hendrick’s. His job is to win races and championships; as many as possible. He’s proven to be pretty good at it.

Some Timely Larceny For Ryan Newman

Someone should have slapped a set of handcuffs on Ryan Newman at Phoenix International Raceway Saturday night. Instead of mugging for the cameras in Victory Lane, the Stewart Haas Racing driver should have been standing for mug shots at the local precinct house, after brazenly stealing the Subway Fresh Fit 600.

With five laps to go in the race, Kyle Busch was a stone-cold lock for his first NASCAR Sprint Cup win of the season, and his first since Bristol Motor Speedway last August. He led Jimmie Johnson by two full seconds with just three laps to go, and was literally on cruise control. Over and done, money in the bank, drive safely on your way home.

Then Scott Riggs blew a right-front tire and slapped the wall, bringing out the caution and setting the stage for a green-white-checkered flag finish.

Cue the theme from “Cops.”

Solidly in the top five but no threat to win, Newman talked crewchief Tony Gibson into taking just two tires as the leaders headed for pit road, gambling that he would gain sufficient track position to make himself a contender. Busch took four tires, dropping from first to eighth for the ensuing restart. Jeff Gordon won the race off pit road with Newman second, and when the DuPont Chevrolet driver uncharacteristically spun his tires at the drop of the green, Newman was long gone, the beneficiary of the greatest act of vehicular larceny since the Brinks Job.

"I couldn't believe it," said Newman after celebrating in Victory Lane for the first time since the 2008 Daytona 500; a span of 77 races. "It's been a long time coming.”

The win could not have come at a better time for Newman or Stewart-Haas Racing. After exceeding even their own expectations a year ago by putting two cars into the Chase for the Sprint Cup, it’s been a hot-and-cold start for SHR this season. While Stewart came to Phoenix a solid eighth in points, Newman languished back in 22nd place.

The #39 team needed a lift, and they got it at Phoenix, becoming the first squad in NASCAR history to win a Sprint Cup race with that particular number on the door of their race car.

"It was tough," said Newman of a winless 2009 campaign and his 77-race absence from the winner’s circle. "I'm not going to kid you about it. Tony won (six) races. We were close, but we gave some away when we had a chance to win. Tony told me he loved me (in Victory Lane). I told him I loved him, too. This was the most emotional victory of my career because it's been so long."

Saturday night’s race also provided a nice change of pace for those inhabitants of NASCAR Nation who have grown weary of the ongoing Jimmie Johnson Benefit. The four-time and defending Sprint Cup champion had a dominant car for most of the night at Phoenix, leading more than 100 laps and positioning himself solidly for the win come crunch time. But this time, he and Knaus played their cards imperfectly at the end, and were left to scramble their way to a hard-fought third place finish behind Newman and Gordon.

The Lowe’s Chevrolet has now failed to visit Victory Lane in TWO CONSECUTIVE RACES as the series heads to Texas Motor Speedway, though Team 48 does lead the Sprint Cup points by 36 over Matt Kenseth’s Crown Royal Ford bunch.

And finally, there was Kyle Busch, who stomped away in a huff after race. Who can blame him, really? While crewchief Dave Rogers wasn’t alone in opting for the security of new rubber all around – boy genius Chad Knaus made the same call for Johnson – Busch was literally seconds away from sweeping the Phoenix weekend.

In time, he may appreciate the irony of losing Saturday’s Sprint Cup race due to a late caution flag, just 24 hours after winning the Nationwide event under almost identical circumstances. But right now, that wound’s a little too raw.

"Kyle stole one last night, so now he's even," said Newman afterward. "That's racing. You never know what will happen. That's why people love this stuff. There's a lot of drama."

Clarifying The "Fin Rule"

A number of listeners and readers have asked about the apparent disparity in the so-called "shark fins" used by Sprint Cup teams last weekend at Martinsville Speedway.


As illustrated in the above photo, some teams (like Kyle Busch's) elected to use the full-length fin, running from the top of the rear window to the rear spoiler. Others (like Jeff Gordon's Dupont Chevrolet team) ran smaller fins, or no fin at all on the trunk lid.

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston provided a clarification of the new rule today, saying that the rear deck fin will not become mandatory until the series races at Texas Motor Speedway on April 18. Fins will be mandated to be 3.5 inches tall, and must be at least 17 inches in length. Teams may run any length fin from the 17-inch minimum to the full 25-inch version, tailoring the length to help fine tune the handling characteristics of their cars.

Full (25 inch) fins will be mandatory at both Talladega and Daytona.

Commentary: Leave Martinsville Alone!

It’s Monday morning in Martinsville, Virginia. The 7:15 AM coal train just rolled through, rousing a few thousand fiercely determined, never-say-die race fans from a fitful, thunderstorm plagued sleep. Most of their buddies packed their bags and headed for home 12 hours ago, not long after NASCAR ran up the white flag of defeat and postponed the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 from Sunday afternoon to high noon Monday, due to rain.

It’s a familiar story to longtime Martinsville fans. Late March in the Commonwealth of Virginia is always a crap shoot weather-wise. One day it’s sunny and 75 degrees; Chamber of Commerce weather. The next day is rainy, cold and bleak with temperatures in the low 50’s. See you Monday, everyone.

With every Martinsville rainout, the chorus in some corners of NASCAR nation begins anew. “They don’t deserve two races,” they say. “Take that spring race and move it somewhere warm. Realign the schedule and give their date to a fancy new track like Kansas.”

“Sheep dip,” says I.

Martinsville Speedway deserves two spots on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Martinsville doesn’t have a catchy advertising slogan, because it doesn’t need one. Fans know that when they plunk down part of their hard-earned paycheck at Clay Campbell’s ticket window, they’re going to get one heck of a race in return. And maybe a couple of those one-of-a-kind hotdogs.

There’s no Hollywood back lot pre-race extravaganza at Martinsville. Nobody stages a mock invasion of Afghanistan, nothing explodes, and nobody jumps a school bus over a troop of Cub Scouts for your viewing pleasure. They just introduce the drivers, do a little singin’ and prayin’, then get on with the race.

Whitney Houston doesn’t sing the national anthem at Martinsville. That spot is reserved for the local High School band, which annually delivers one of the best and most respectful renditions of the season.

I understand that it’s important to grow the sport. I understand that fans with Rolex watches and personal assistants spend more money on race day than the guy who spent the night sleeping in a tent in the mud. I get that the fancy new speedway with the casino in Turn Two is going to impact the parent company’s bottom line more positively than an antiquated half mile with railroad tracks just off the backstretch. But I also understand that image is not as important as substance, and that a glittering facility and a fancy press box do not make up for a crappy race.

You don’t have to wait for the post-race media availability to find out how your favorite driver’s day went at Martinsville. Just watch for the inevitable post-race shoving match.

You don’t hang out after the race to catch the free Peter Frampton concert at Martinsville. You head for the car and watch some guy in a homemade off-road pickup truck pull people out of ankle-deep mud for $50 a pop.

That’s quality entertainment. That’s Martinsville Speedway.

Give me a racetrack where the best restaurant in town isn’t a soulless chain with 57 big-screen TVs on the wall, but a joint with vinyl booth seating that just happens to sponsor the five-time National Late Model champion. Give me a track where half the field finishes with its front fenders no longer attached, and where marketing still plays second fiddle to racing. Give me a track where the man in charge is the grandson of the man who built the place with his own hands.

Our sport is sadly overstocked with perfectly polished, stainless steel, 1.5-mile tri-ovals that have more corporate suites than cheap seats. We’re up to here with cookie-cutter, single-file, aero-push speedways that have all the charisma of a Ben Stein economic dissertation. We have too many International Motor Speedways, and too few racetracks.

Martinsville is a racetrack; a motorized Fenway Park in a Safeco Field world. And it must be preserved.

Lesa France Kennedy -- if you’re listening -– please leave Martinsville’s race dates alone. We don’t mind the rain, the mud, or the 7:15 AM coal train alarm clock. We cherish the tradition that permeates every inch of those rolling Virginia hills, and think it’s important to be reminded where we came from, if only twice a year.

The Godfather Is Getting Older (But Then Again, Aren't We All?)

The MRN Gang invades the Barney Hall studio for a surprise birthday celebration.

Ms. Stephanie presents the goodies to the Birthday Boy.

For once, Dave isn't quite sure what to say!

The infamous MadCan "Boobie Cake." It tasted good, too!

Hate Him Or Not, Johnson Is One Of The All-Time Greats

Jimmie Johnson did it again Sunday, lurking in the shadows for much of the day while others dominated the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, then slicing his way through the field when the chips were down to claim his third checkered flag in five starts this season.

Sunday’s win was the first of Johnson’s career at Thunder Valley; a track where his best finish in 16 prior starts had been third. He and crewchief Chad Knaus circled the race in red before the 2010 campaign began, and crossing another track off his personal hit list clearly had Johnson pumped-up in Victory Lane.

"It's about time," he said. "We’ve been off here over the years, but we focused on what we had to do and overcame it."

While Johnson, Knaus and company high-fived in Victory Lane, portions of the NASCAR garage and much of the grandstands were left fuming. "I'd rather lose to any of the other 41 cars out there than the 48 car," said Kurt Busch, who led 278 of 500 laps Sunday before Johnson once again motored away to victory when it mattered most. "I thought we had him beat. I gave it my heart today, but we came up short."

“We’ve been able to get in some guys’ heads, and that’s been helpful,” admitted a grinning Johnson when told of Busch’s comments. He then added a warning to the rest of the competition, saying, “When we're winning at tracks that we're not supposed to (win at), boys better look out. Even that #2 car (Busch) that doesn't want the 48 to win."

Johnson has now won at all but five NASCAR Sprint Cup venues; Michigan, Chicago, Homestead, Watkins Glen & Infineon. He also became only the 12th driver in NASCAR history to win 50 career races. Three of the previous 11 drivers are headed to the NASCAR Hall Of Fame as members of its inaugural class. Six others were Class of 2009 HOF nominees and the other two – Jeff Gordon and Rusty Wallace – are sure bets for the Hall at some point in the not-too-distant future. Only three men have ever reached the illustrious 50-win plateau faster; Darrell Waltrip, David Pearson and Gordon.

Some people clearly don’t want to hear it, but the facts speak for themselves. Jimmie Johnson can hang up his helmet tomorrow and beat most of those all-time greats to the Hall Of Fame

If his career ends now -- without a single additional win -- the Lowe’s Chevrolet driver should be a first ballot Hall Of Famer. His 50 career Cup wins tie him for tenth place on the all-time list with NASCAR legends Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson. His four championships trail only Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty, who earned seven. Gordon also has four, but Johnson won his four titles consecutively; something that had never, ever been done.

By any yardstick you care to use, Jimmie Johnson is the best in the world at what he does, and maybe the best ever. Unfortunately, it gets him nothing but a ration of flak from the fans and snappish, green-eyed envy from his colleagues in the garage.

Sadly, excellence is no longer something to be applauded, envied or emulated. We no longer encourage our children to win, having abandoned that archaic practice decades ago. Instead, we award trophies for participation and pretend not to keep score. And when someone like Jimmie Johnson bucks the trend by aspiring to something more than mediocrity, we shout him down for winning more than his share and upsetting our cozy little “nobody wins, nobody loses” view of the world.

"Look at the stats, look at the talent and look at the dedication,” said team owner Rick Hendrick of his lead driver at Bristol. “Just look at his record. I don't understand why it's not written (that) he's one of the best that's ever done this. I've been around for a long time, (and) I've watched a lot of guys from Richard Petty on up to current day.

"When you look at the level of competition since he's been in the sport, what he's done (and) what he's accomplished, I mean… I don't know what he's got to do."

While Hendrick fumed about the lack of respect afforded his four-time champion, Johnson seemed to revel in it. Asked about the “'Anyone But Jimmie” mentality that threatens to take NASCAR Nation by storm these days, the Lowe’s Chevrolet driver said, "It's awesome. People used to say `Anybody but the #3, anybody but the #24.’ I'm proud to be in that category"

Up next for Johnson? Sunday’s Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway, where he's won five of the last seven races.

Get used to it, folks. Jimmie’s not going anywhere.

Help Doug Herbert Keep Kids Safe

NHRA Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert will hold a charity poker tournament to benefit his B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe)program on March 23 at Ray Evernham Enterprises.

Herbert founded the non-profit teen driving school after the deaths of his two sons in a single-car highway crash in Cornelius, NC. B.R.A.K.E.S. offers its Teen Pro-Active Driving School free of charge to every family that wishes to take part.

With support from the National Hot Rod Association, B.R.A.K.E.S. will provide hands-on training to at least 1,200 teenagers this year, expanding its initial reach outside the Carolinas to California. Herbert said he has had request from parents around the country to bring the program to their states.

"Our hope is that, through fundraisers like this, we will be able to take the school to even more areas of the country next year," he said.

The tournament will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the first hand dealt at 7 p.m. Entry is $250 per person, which includes buy-in, dinner and three drinks. The event will also include a raffle and entertainment. Players will receive an additional $250 in chips for bringing a non-playing guest for an additional $40 donation. Players may register by calling (704) 732-8950.

For more information on B.R.A.K.E.S., visit the organization's website at http://www.putonthebrakes.com.

Congratulations Blake Shelton!

Blake Shelton (L) exhibits his massive Man Crush for the Godfather at the 2008 Sadler Barn Party. Shelton's song "Hillbilly Bone" (with Trace Adkins) is #1 on the country charts this week. Way to go Shelton!

Commentary: One Final Word On Carl vs Brad

No matter where you stand on the Carl Edwards/Brad Keselowski feud, the incident spotlighted at least three indisputable facts.

Both drivers got lucky.

Both drivers learned a valuable lesson.

There is no single correct point of view when it comes to NASCAR’s new “Boys, Have At It” approach to on-track conduct.

In terms of luck, Keselowski was fortunate to walk away from a crash that left the A (windshield) pillars of his Penske Dodge badly crushed and brought the roof on his car to a point at mid-windshield. Edwards was fortunate that his intentional takeout caused no injuries, either to Keselowski or anyone in the grandstands. One can only imagine the feeling in the pit of his stomach when he rolled past the shattered remains of the #12 Dodge and saw the aftermath of what was supposed to be a simple spin through the grass.

In the “lessons learned” department, Edwards almost certainly learned the importance of maintaining one’s composure at 180 mph, and the value of saving one’s paybacks for a more suitable venue like Bristol or Martinsville.

He also learned that white driving gloves can come back to haunt you in the aftermath of an ill-timed right turn on national television.

Keselowski, meanwhile, learned that every action produces some kind of response. While aggression is an important quality in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racer, the ability to properly time that aggression is also critical. Keselowski almost certainly grasps that concept better than he did two weeks ago.

He also learned that new kids on the NASCAR block are expected to spend a certain amount of time learning the ropes from their more-experienced peers before jumping lead-first into the deep end of the competitive pool. Nobody’s saying to pull over and wave `em by with 10 laps to go, but a little lift here and there when things get tight in the first half of a race puts a rookie driver in much better favor with his colleagues.

In terms of opinion, there was (and still is) no shortage of it in the aftermath of the Atlanta crash. The commentary ranged from “Edwards is a homicidal maniac who should have been charged with attempted vehicular homicide,” to “Keselowski’s a punk that had it coming” and virtually all points in between.

For better or worse, Keselowski’s profile among NASCAR fans is considerably higher than it was before the incident. And many fans say they see Edwards differently than they did just a few weeks ago, as well. Kevin Harvick summed it up best, saying, "The true colors are starting to show on the 99. The smile and the thumbs-up (aren’t) everything everyone perceives them to be.”

Edwards’ Atlanta sponsor, Scotts Lawn Care Products, even weighed in on the dispute, saying they do not want their driver to be involved in any more situations like the one Sunday in Atlanta. A statement on the company’s website said, “Scotts appreciates the support of NASCAR fans everywhere, and we have an excellent relationship with Carl Edwards, Jack Roush and the No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing team. However, like many fans, we were very concerned about the on-track incident that occurred in Atlanta this past weekend. As a result, we have strongly expressed these concerns to both Carl and Jack and we are confident that they have a clear understanding of the trust we have placed in them as ambassadors of our company, our associates and our brands”
Edwards received three weeks' probation from NASCAR for his part in the incident, and team owner Roush said he is satisfied with the three-race probation assessed by NASCAR. “We are satisfied that NASCAR fairly considered all the circumstances in its decision to discipline Carl,” he said, adding that he looks forward to sitting down with NASCAR, Edwards, Keselowski and fellow team owner Roger Penske this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway in an effort to “put this behind us.”
Indeed, both drivers will join their car owners and crewchiefs in a mandatory “air clearing” session with NASCAR’s top brass prior to this weekend’s opening practice at Bristol. The specifics of that meeting will likely never be revealed publically, but those who have attended similar functions in the past say it is likely to be loud, profane and emotional, capped by a stern “Come To Jesus” statement from NASCAR that should prevent the situation from escalating any further.

In the end, the Great Crash of 2010 provided a much-needed promotional boost for the sport, a chunk of videotape that will be replayed for decades to come, a heaven-sent ticket selling opportunity for Bristol Motor Speedway and a hot new rivalry between two of NASCAR’s most marketable young drivers.

In the end, it could have been worse.

So Long, Angelle...

Angelle Sampey announced today that she will hang up her helmet and leathers and retire from the sport of drag racing.

Longtime Sirius Speedway listeners know Angelle as a three-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle World Champion and a good friend of the show in its early years. She will focus on her new aquarium supply business and starting a family with her fiancé Seth Drago, who she will marry in June of this year.

"I'm ready for a new challenge," she said. "I made the ultimate sacrifice to postpone starting a family when I began racing. Now, I'm going to make the ultimate sacrifice to stop racing to get married and try and start a family.

"I will take away so many great memories from racing," said Sampey. "I'm certainly going to miss being around my fellow racers and, of course, the fans. I really enjoyed meeting the fans at every race. They were always there for me through the good times and the bad times."

In her 13-year NHRA career, Angelle won 41 national events en route to those three World titles, recording an unprecidented 364 round wins in 506 trips; a winning percentage of approximately 72 percent that allows her to retire as the winningest woman in the history of organized motorsports. She also provided us with as many laughs as any guest in the history of Sirius Speedway.

We’re sorry to see her go, but we wish her all the best and look forward to some good news on the baby front, as soon as possible.