Track Trash - Poke da Nose

Wake me up, grandma.

Half of the race was over, then the action started.

Marcos: Yeah, it’s about time he jumped ship to a better organization. There are plenty of ‘em that can out gun JTG Racing, so it’s a matter of making the best choice available.

Blobonte: So he stepped into Marcos’ JTG Daugherty ride, but this is still a 3rd or 4th tier team (if that). They have the backing of MWR, but that assures them of nothing. And I would eat camel dung if he gets into the Playoffs next year. Thus, it’s all about riding around in circles, and getting a decent paycheck every week.

The Cat: The Cat in the Hat just might want to review his options. Quit flying or start wearing an Iron Man outfit to protect his fragile framework. Ya know, Someone Up There just may be trying to send him a message….. Nonetheless, hurry back, Jack.

New Marshall: Yes, there’s a new Marshall at HMS. He just took over the title of President and COO. His background is outstanding, and he will no doubt do an excellent job. But would he have gotten the position had he not been Rick’s son-in-law? A very deep question to ponder……

Dar Race: If you missed the first half of the race, you didn’t miss anything. Comp Yellow at 15, followed by three Green pit stops. The race finally began about Lap 130, just after a restart. This was the first action of the race, and almost woke me up. WOW. They were actually racing for positions. WOW. Another Yellow for debris, then they were back racing. Actually racing.

Jr.: This combination just ain’t workin’ out. Here’s a new angle: instead of trying a new crew chief, why don’t we try a new driver?? Let’s face it. This driver is the most popular one on the track, yet he has a dismal record of late. Has the fire in his belly gone out? Are there one too many Whiskey River’s?? Maybe he just genuinely misses his dad. Whatever the reason, he’s now just a shell of his former self, and won’t even come close to the aspirations that his fans have. A likeable guy? Yes. A tremendous pitch man? Yes. An inspiring driver? Not unless he ignites from within.

The Biggie: With about 36 to go, JJ did a boner move. He tried to bump draft the Blue Deuce, which eventually sent the 2 car into the wall, and into the infield retaining wall. Back in the pack, someone ran into the 19 car, and Saddleburns took a wild ride….head on into the infield retaining wall. The impact was monumental. The retaining wall was steel, backed up by earth, and the impact was one you say ‘ouch’ about. The car rebounded from the impact, the engine completely separated from the car, and the car ended up back on the track (probably about 40 or 50 yards away). Make no mistake, Saddleburns is thankful for all of the safety features now built into the cars, cuz after he caught his breath, he walked away from the carnage.

Red: ‘The Biggie’ was followed with a Red flag due to rain. Then the last pit stop. Some took 2 tires, some took 4, and some didn’t take any. With a mishmash of agendas, and Hornish out front via not stopping, it was fair game for anyone to take the race.

Racing: With about 20 to go, it was nail biting time. Hornish had the lead (for actually a long time considering his old tires), but da Biff finally got around him. From that point on, da Biff was on a mission. Win one for da Biff. Win one for da Jack. Win one for da Blue Oval. His lead was eventually insurmountable, and everyone else was racing for the leftover points.

JJ & Gordo: The weather played a big part in their overall finishes. When it was overcast, Gordo was the man to beat. When it was sunny, JJ was on a rail. But as with football, it’s one thing to get a touchdown, but you’ve also gotta convert the extra point. Neither of them did.

Kudos: To da Biff for finally putting it together. To Smoke, for a strong second. To da Flipster, Happy and DennyHambone for hangin’ in there. And to Hornish, who had visions of sugar plums dancing in his head.

Heaps of 3’s all over yer 3M products,

Racing Maniac #3