Playing Catch Up

Since we were down with technical issues, a lot has happened in our world of NASCAR, so let's play some catch-up:

Burton Smith, owner of Speedway Motorsports, INC., could be playing a bit of poker with the New Hampshire Raceway in Loudon.  But let's start at the beginning.  Smith is at odds with the city over a $170,000 bill for police and fire protection.  He's responding by threatening to take away one of Loudon's two dates, and give one to Kentucky, where he's wanted a race for a long time.  Now here's the catch:  New Hampshire and Atlanta, are the two lowest-drawing tracks that SMI owns.  The racing at New Hampshire is, well, boring, and Atlanta keeps you on the edge of your seat.  So who wins?  I hate to say it, but I'm betting on Atlanta.  And in my opinion, as far as exciting racing, that would be a stupid, stupid move.  But, hey?  This is a business, right?  Don't forget when Smith threatened Charlotte with the loss of a date.  He got tax credits, and a new drag strip.  The man knows how to play the game.

In a recent poll, Jimmie Johnson, has surpased Dale Earnhardt, Jr., as NASCAR's Most Popular Driver.  HUH?  Speaking of Junior, he's only three points out of the 12th and final spot for the chase.  Unfortunately, the resources that have gone to improve him, have hurt Mark Martin something awful.  I hope they can find a balance there.  Martin deserves better than that.  Oh, in other Junior news, he said that when he drives the 3 car in the Nationwide race at Daytona this weekend, it will be his last time behind the wheel of that car saying, "It's time to put it to rest."

NASCAR has suspended the gasman for AJ Allmendinger’s Sprint Cup team for violating the sport’s substance abuse policy.  Richard Petty Motorsports says it in turn released Chris Moore from the organization.  Moore was suspended indefinitely Tuesday by NASCAR.  Moore failed a random drug test given two weeks ago at Infineon Raceway.  Idiots.

Jamie McMurray is really excited about returning to Daytona for the Coke Zero 400.  But the Daytona 500 Champion has even more to be excited about.  He and wife, Christy, are expecting their first child in December.


Woes continue for Rousch-Fenway racing and the Fords.  The speed and handling, just aren't there.  Only Greg Biffle, of the four Rousch drivers, finished on the lead lap at New Hampshire.  Anybody out there see Rousch going to another brand?  Hmmmmmmm????

With all the threats of retalliation, New Hampshire turned out to be a pretty quiet (read: Boring) race.  Everyone pretty much played nice all day.  That will change this weekend at Daytona, trust me.  My Pick:  I'm gonna go way out on a limb and choose Dale Earnhardt, Jr.  He's hungry, he's due, and this is one of his best tracks.

On a quick Nationwide Note, Danica Patrick returned to the series.  She finished 34th, three laps down.  Naturally, ESPN made her one of the in-race reporters, with all of four races under her belt, only two of which, she's managed to finish.  Yeah, I get that, don't you?  Until she gets some more experience, this is nothing but a marketing ploy, and I'm sick of hearing about it, and it distracting from the race.

We'll see you all after the race, and of course, we'll have another edition of the RJ's.  Enjoy the race and have a happy and safe holiday!!!

Credit Shout Out:  Photos courtesy of NASCAR.com, and Yahoo! Sports.