The 31st running of the Budweiser Shootout took place Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. Kevin Harvick, who was almost written off as a having been competitive,won the Shootout. Bobby Labonte had a competitive car until a wreck knocked Labonte's #96 Ask.com Ford out of contention when Labonte's teammate Paul Menard drove his #98 Ford into the #88 Chevy driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr,which got into Labonte's car. Greg Biffle had problems as well with his #16 Ford. Robby Gordon,Scott Speed,and Joey Logano were involved in a wreck that took out all three drivers for the evening. So far Logano is doing about as I expected if not worse,causing wrecks during Shootout practice and making other drivers nervous during the Shootout itself. If Logano drives like this the rest of the season,those media pundits who have overhyped him,will be eating their words by the end of the season.
As the race went on,the excitement intensified. Several drivers fiercely vied for the lead in the closing laps with Jamie McMurray leading the way but suddenly out of the blue, Kevin Harvick came charging through the field and by the final lap,took the lead from McMurray. It was a truly exciting race. Congratulations to Kevin Harvick for his bold move and winning the race.
On Sunday, Martin Truex Jr and Mark Martin were the top two qualifiers for next Sunday's Daytona 500. The rest of the field will be determined in the Twin 150s on Thursday. The 2009 NASCAR Season has begun. Let's go racing.
Showing posts with label Bobby Labonte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Labonte. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Big Week
It has been a big week for sure. On Tuesday,the 44th and first African American president of the United States,Barack Obama,was sworn in. Congratulations to our new president. Regardless of party affiliation or ideology,I wish the new president well and hope that he does great things for our nation. In NASCAR, driver Elliott Sadler married his girlfriend Amanda Prince last Saturday. Congratulations to the newlyweds. In Charlotte,N.C.,it was the NASCAR Media Tour,in which media from around the nation and the world converged on the Charlotte area and were given tours of race shops along with Q&A sessions with drivers and team owners. As a Bobby Labonte fan,I am very excited about his new ride with Hall of Fame Racing,though technically he will be a Robert Yates Racing driver. Labonte will drive the #96 Ask.com Ford for Hall of Fame Racing,which receives engines from Roush Fenway Racing and Robert Yates Racing. Also,Tony Stewart is well underway with getting Stewart/Haas Racing ready for the 2009 season. Stewart annouced a new sponsor for SHR this week-Burger King,in addition to Stewart's main sponsor,Office Depot,and the U.S. Army,which will sponsor teammate Ryan Newman's car for a number of races this season.
In college basketball, the North Carolina Tarheels got their game back this week when they defeated Miami on Sunday 82-65 and delivered an impressive game on Wednesday when the Tarheels defeated Clemson 94-70. Tyler Hansbrough sustained injuries during the Clemson game when he was accidentally hit in the mouth during a scramble under the basket and had a tooth loosened. Hansbrough wore a mouthpiece the rest of the game. I pray that he has a speedy recovery. The Tarheels' next game will be at Florida State next Wednesday.
In college basketball, the North Carolina Tarheels got their game back this week when they defeated Miami on Sunday 82-65 and delivered an impressive game on Wednesday when the Tarheels defeated Clemson 94-70. Tyler Hansbrough sustained injuries during the Clemson game when he was accidentally hit in the mouth during a scramble under the basket and had a tooth loosened. Hansbrough wore a mouthpiece the rest of the game. I pray that he has a speedy recovery. The Tarheels' next game will be at Florida State next Wednesday.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
A Big Event
Something big is taking place next week. No, I'm not talking about the Presidential Inauguration. I'm talking about the NASCAR Media Tour. Sports journalists and motorsports reporters from around the United States and other nations will converge on Charlotte,N.C.,and the surrounding area,as NASCAR teams will offer sneak previews of the upcoming season by having Q and A sessions with drivers,team owners,and others. It gets me excited because I know the Daytona 500 is just around the corner.
What makes it even more special for me this year is that my sentimental favorite,Bobby Labonte,has a ride that I know he will do well in,unlike the past three seasons in the subpar ride he had at Petty Enterprises. Labonte has joined Hall of Fame Racing,which will partner up with Robert Yates Racing and Roush Fenway Racing as those teams race Fords as HOF will also when Labonte races in the #96 Ford. I have a feeling that with the support Labonte receives from teammates (HOF has essentially merged with Yates),the engine-building program that Yates and Roush Fenway Racing are in involved in,among other factors,that Labonte will do well in the 2009 season. NASCAR media pundits agree that Labonte made the right move by joining HOF.
Another favorite of mine,Tony Stewart,has started his own team at Stewart/Haas Racing. Stewart's teammate is fellow Indiana native Ryan Newman. Stewart has already been testing along with Newman for the upcoming season. Even though SHR is a new team,it should do well in its first year. Stewart,a two-time NASCAR Cup champion,has the experience,know-how,and has already shown himself to be a hands-on team owner. Stewart has been praised by more seasoned team owners for his keen business sense. Look for SHR to be a factor this season. Do not be surprised if Stewart or Newman,or both drivers make the Chase.
Don't expect miracles from Joey Logano. Logano was given the #20 Home Depot Toyota at Joe Gibbs Racing after ten-year Cup veteran and two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart left to start his own team. Here's why I think Logano won't win a ton of races if any at all in his first full Sprint Cup season. While Logano was a phenomenal standout in ARCA and in the Nationwide series during the 2008 season,I think he needs more time in Nationwide before even being considered for the Cup series. A stint in the Camping World Truck series would not be a bad idea either. Also, a heaping helping of humble pie would be in order. The statements Logano made after finishing some races last season indicated a little smugness on his part. Logano is 18,and that in my opinion is too early to start a driver in the Cup series.
There are those who argue that Ricky Rudd started in the Cup series when he was 18 and he turned out being a great driver. That is true but Rudd's immense talent came into full manifestation when he was a little older and more experienced. It's a different,more corporate driven NASCAR today than it was in the 1970s and 1980s. Sponsors want drivers to win almost as soon as they strap themselves into their cars for the first time. Remember Casey Atwood? He was touted as the next Jeff Gordon and he might have been but he was moved to Cup too soon like Logano and as a result,Atwood never got to show his full potential. Atwood was hyped much the same way Logano has been. As a result, Atwood's performance disappointed many fans who expected too much. Now, Atwood has faded away. My concern is that Logano could be headed the same way. I sincerely hope not. I hope Logano proves me wrong and is a tremendous success in the Cup series but his finishes in some races last season seem to indicate otherwise.
Another overrated driver is A.J. Allmendinger. While he got lucky in the #10 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge in the last five races of the 2008 season, he will probably go back to having mediocre finishes as a part-time driver in the #10 GEM Dodge like he had when he raced for Red Bull Racing, which released Allmendinger because of his lackluster finishes. Also,Allmendinger has a habit of causing wrecks on the track. He showed this trait during the last five races of the 2008 season when he was touted as the greatest driver since "Sliced Bread" Logano. I know this is a likely bone of contention with some who read this blog, but in my opinion Elliott Sadler was right in threatening legal action against Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Sadler signed a new contract in good faith with GEM. In December, GEM kicked Sadler out of his ride and was in the process of giving it to Allmendinger. GEM cried uncle and gave Sadler back his ride. I am glad they did. Sadler has three NASCAR Cup wins. I have a feeling there will be more. Some people might ask why Sadler would want to drive for somebody who wanted him fired? I have no idea. Things probably happen behind the scenes that we'll never know about. Perhaps it was a matter of principle with Sadler or maybe George Gillett did not have the money to buy out Sadler's contract as Gillett reportedly has financial troubles. Whatever the reason,I'm just glad Sadler has his ride back.
Another overrated driver without a doubt is Scott Speed. Speed has one win in the Formula One series and suddenly he's NASCAR material. Like Logano and Allmendinger, Scott Speed is overhyped and overrated. Speed's arrogance rubs many NASCAR fans the wrong way. Only time will tell if Speed is as good as his media boosters say he is. Speed's showings in the races he ran last season indicate that he likely won't measure up to expectations.
What makes it even more special for me this year is that my sentimental favorite,Bobby Labonte,has a ride that I know he will do well in,unlike the past three seasons in the subpar ride he had at Petty Enterprises. Labonte has joined Hall of Fame Racing,which will partner up with Robert Yates Racing and Roush Fenway Racing as those teams race Fords as HOF will also when Labonte races in the #96 Ford. I have a feeling that with the support Labonte receives from teammates (HOF has essentially merged with Yates),the engine-building program that Yates and Roush Fenway Racing are in involved in,among other factors,that Labonte will do well in the 2009 season. NASCAR media pundits agree that Labonte made the right move by joining HOF.
Another favorite of mine,Tony Stewart,has started his own team at Stewart/Haas Racing. Stewart's teammate is fellow Indiana native Ryan Newman. Stewart has already been testing along with Newman for the upcoming season. Even though SHR is a new team,it should do well in its first year. Stewart,a two-time NASCAR Cup champion,has the experience,know-how,and has already shown himself to be a hands-on team owner. Stewart has been praised by more seasoned team owners for his keen business sense. Look for SHR to be a factor this season. Do not be surprised if Stewart or Newman,or both drivers make the Chase.
Don't expect miracles from Joey Logano. Logano was given the #20 Home Depot Toyota at Joe Gibbs Racing after ten-year Cup veteran and two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart left to start his own team. Here's why I think Logano won't win a ton of races if any at all in his first full Sprint Cup season. While Logano was a phenomenal standout in ARCA and in the Nationwide series during the 2008 season,I think he needs more time in Nationwide before even being considered for the Cup series. A stint in the Camping World Truck series would not be a bad idea either. Also, a heaping helping of humble pie would be in order. The statements Logano made after finishing some races last season indicated a little smugness on his part. Logano is 18,and that in my opinion is too early to start a driver in the Cup series.
There are those who argue that Ricky Rudd started in the Cup series when he was 18 and he turned out being a great driver. That is true but Rudd's immense talent came into full manifestation when he was a little older and more experienced. It's a different,more corporate driven NASCAR today than it was in the 1970s and 1980s. Sponsors want drivers to win almost as soon as they strap themselves into their cars for the first time. Remember Casey Atwood? He was touted as the next Jeff Gordon and he might have been but he was moved to Cup too soon like Logano and as a result,Atwood never got to show his full potential. Atwood was hyped much the same way Logano has been. As a result, Atwood's performance disappointed many fans who expected too much. Now, Atwood has faded away. My concern is that Logano could be headed the same way. I sincerely hope not. I hope Logano proves me wrong and is a tremendous success in the Cup series but his finishes in some races last season seem to indicate otherwise.
Another overrated driver is A.J. Allmendinger. While he got lucky in the #10 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge in the last five races of the 2008 season, he will probably go back to having mediocre finishes as a part-time driver in the #10 GEM Dodge like he had when he raced for Red Bull Racing, which released Allmendinger because of his lackluster finishes. Also,Allmendinger has a habit of causing wrecks on the track. He showed this trait during the last five races of the 2008 season when he was touted as the greatest driver since "Sliced Bread" Logano. I know this is a likely bone of contention with some who read this blog, but in my opinion Elliott Sadler was right in threatening legal action against Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Sadler signed a new contract in good faith with GEM. In December, GEM kicked Sadler out of his ride and was in the process of giving it to Allmendinger. GEM cried uncle and gave Sadler back his ride. I am glad they did. Sadler has three NASCAR Cup wins. I have a feeling there will be more. Some people might ask why Sadler would want to drive for somebody who wanted him fired? I have no idea. Things probably happen behind the scenes that we'll never know about. Perhaps it was a matter of principle with Sadler or maybe George Gillett did not have the money to buy out Sadler's contract as Gillett reportedly has financial troubles. Whatever the reason,I'm just glad Sadler has his ride back.
Another overrated driver without a doubt is Scott Speed. Speed has one win in the Formula One series and suddenly he's NASCAR material. Like Logano and Allmendinger, Scott Speed is overhyped and overrated. Speed's arrogance rubs many NASCAR fans the wrong way. Only time will tell if Speed is as good as his media boosters say he is. Speed's showings in the races he ran last season indicate that he likely won't measure up to expectations.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Finally,A New Team For Labonte
After leaving Petty Enterprises in December, fans of driver Bobby Labonte had been wondering where the 2000 NASCAR Cup champion would drive next. The most prominent rumor was that Labonte would be driving the #41 at Earnhardt/Ganassi Racing,then as recently as Monday, rumors had Labonte driving the #8 EGR ride. Then late Tuesday in a sudden and surprising turn of events,came the annoucement that Labonte will drive the #96 Ford for Hall Of Fame Racing. HOF recently merged with Robert Yates Racing. HOF will have the benefit of the engine-building program shared by RYR and Roush Fenway Racing. Ask.com has reportedly been named the sponsor of the #96 car.
With the 51st running of the Daytona 500 on February 15th approaching, fans were becoming concerned about whether Labonte would have a Cup ride this season. Fortunately,the waiting is over. Bobby Labonte is not the first person in his family to drive the #96. Bobby's brother Terry Labonte,the 1984 and 1996 Cup champion, drove the car (though it was then a Chevrolet) for a few races in the 2006 or 2007 season if memory serves.
I am so happy not only as a Bobby Labonte fan but also for Bobby Labonte himself. I wish Bobby well in the #96. Bring on the 2009 season. Go Bobby!!!!
With the 51st running of the Daytona 500 on February 15th approaching, fans were becoming concerned about whether Labonte would have a Cup ride this season. Fortunately,the waiting is over. Bobby Labonte is not the first person in his family to drive the #96. Bobby's brother Terry Labonte,the 1984 and 1996 Cup champion, drove the car (though it was then a Chevrolet) for a few races in the 2006 or 2007 season if memory serves.
I am so happy not only as a Bobby Labonte fan but also for Bobby Labonte himself. I wish Bobby well in the #96. Bring on the 2009 season. Go Bobby!!!!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Another weekend
Just some things I want to make note of.
Another classic TV anniversary: On October 4, 1957, "Leave it to Beaver" debuted on CBS. This was a classic family sitcom about the trials and adventures faced by Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver (played by Jerry Mathers) and his older brother Wally (played by Tony Dow). Their understanding,but stern parents were mother June (Barbara Billingsley)and father Ward (Hugh Beaumont). I first watched this show in reruns as a kid in the '70s and enjoyed the '80s revival("Still The Beaver"/"The New Leave it to Beaver")as well. I still watch the reruns when I can. The writing,the acting,and the child actors just being kids on and off the set added to its appeal. Many of the adventures Wally and the Beaver had,my younger brother and I could relate to. Of course,for every hero,there is a villain,and in the case of "Leave it to Beaver",it was Eddie Haskell,who was Wally's pal and Beaver's nemesis,and whose phony charm June and Ward could see right through. This charming and warm series is still so wonderful to watch,as the acting,writing,and stories of childhood,even more than half a century after the show's debut, remain timeless. Viewers learned and still learn valuable lessons about life without too many lectures. A little bit of history tied in with "Leave it to Beaver": The show debuted on the day Russia launched Sputnik,the first artificial satellite. The last network broadcast of "Leave it to Beaver"(0n ABC,where the series moved in 1958)was just over two months before JFK's assassination. Also,the source of the title was believed to have been based on an early '50s sitcom "Leave it to Larry",starring Eddie Albert(later of "Green Acres" fame).
OK,Vols,Kick Some Tail This Week
This week my beloved Tennessee Volunteers play at home in a non-conference game against Northern Illinois. After losing three of the season's first four football games,the Vols need a win and need it now. A 1-3 record in football? This is not the Vol team I know. I hope Coach Fulmer and the team get their act together the rest of the season. Go Vols!!!!
The UNC Tarheels seem to be having a good football season so far. Go out there and win on Saturday!!!!
In the NFL,I hope the Panthers and the Titans win their games on Sunday. Go Panthers!!!! Go Titans!!!!
NASCAR
Talladega is the place this week as the Chase for the Sprint Cup heads to NASCAR's biggest track. Jimmie Johnson is the points leader right now,though I hope he's overtaken by Carl Edwards. My advice to Bobby Labonte, Matt Kenseth,Greg Biffle,Jeff Burton,Elliott Sadler,Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Clint Bowyer,Denny Hamlin,and all my other favorite drivers,stay as far away from the big wrecks as you can. Godspeed,gentlemen!!!!
Another classic TV anniversary: On October 4, 1957, "Leave it to Beaver" debuted on CBS. This was a classic family sitcom about the trials and adventures faced by Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver (played by Jerry Mathers) and his older brother Wally (played by Tony Dow). Their understanding,but stern parents were mother June (Barbara Billingsley)and father Ward (Hugh Beaumont). I first watched this show in reruns as a kid in the '70s and enjoyed the '80s revival("Still The Beaver"/"The New Leave it to Beaver")as well. I still watch the reruns when I can. The writing,the acting,and the child actors just being kids on and off the set added to its appeal. Many of the adventures Wally and the Beaver had,my younger brother and I could relate to. Of course,for every hero,there is a villain,and in the case of "Leave it to Beaver",it was Eddie Haskell,who was Wally's pal and Beaver's nemesis,and whose phony charm June and Ward could see right through. This charming and warm series is still so wonderful to watch,as the acting,writing,and stories of childhood,even more than half a century after the show's debut, remain timeless. Viewers learned and still learn valuable lessons about life without too many lectures. A little bit of history tied in with "Leave it to Beaver": The show debuted on the day Russia launched Sputnik,the first artificial satellite. The last network broadcast of "Leave it to Beaver"(0n ABC,where the series moved in 1958)was just over two months before JFK's assassination. Also,the source of the title was believed to have been based on an early '50s sitcom "Leave it to Larry",starring Eddie Albert(later of "Green Acres" fame).
OK,Vols,Kick Some Tail This Week
This week my beloved Tennessee Volunteers play at home in a non-conference game against Northern Illinois. After losing three of the season's first four football games,the Vols need a win and need it now. A 1-3 record in football? This is not the Vol team I know. I hope Coach Fulmer and the team get their act together the rest of the season. Go Vols!!!!
The UNC Tarheels seem to be having a good football season so far. Go out there and win on Saturday!!!!
In the NFL,I hope the Panthers and the Titans win their games on Sunday. Go Panthers!!!! Go Titans!!!!
NASCAR
Talladega is the place this week as the Chase for the Sprint Cup heads to NASCAR's biggest track. Jimmie Johnson is the points leader right now,though I hope he's overtaken by Carl Edwards. My advice to Bobby Labonte, Matt Kenseth,Greg Biffle,Jeff Burton,Elliott Sadler,Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Clint Bowyer,Denny Hamlin,and all my other favorite drivers,stay as far away from the big wrecks as you can. Godspeed,gentlemen!!!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
WOW!!!!
What a race. I was so certain that Matt Kenseth at long last would finally win a race this year but in the last few laps in Sunday's race at Dover,Delaware, Kenseth was overtaken by his teammate Greg Biffle for the win. Matt is my second favorite driver,after my sentimental favorite Bobby Labonte. Much as I wanted Matt to win,I am happy for Greg,as he is my next favorite driver after Matt. The post-race comments made by both drivers indicate how much Greg and Matt respect and admire each other and that they are teammates in every sense and truly believe in teamwork. Carl Edwards deserves kudos as well as he helped keep his Roush Fenway Racing teammates in the lead and could have easily won himself. Carl now has the points lead. Unlike many recent races,the Dover race kept me glued to the TV,and cheering for my driver to win. Congratulations to Greg Biffle and the number 16 team for a whale of a race and a well-deserved win,making it Biffle's second consecutive win in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
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