2008- There is a five-car race simulator in the Fanzone at Dover. I proudly ‘strap’ into my car. The most famous words in NASCAR are said and the green flag waves! I quickly pass a bunch of cars to find myself in the lead pulling away from the rest of the pack. As the MC was calling the race he mentions how I am so far ahead from everyone else. I see nothing but an empty track in front of me and scream out, “So this is what it feels like to be Kyle Busch!” The MC laughs - and all the fans waiting in line boo.
Kyle went on to win a personal season high of eight races on various tracks in the 2008 season (and that’s just the cup series!). Kyle’s trophy and checkered flag collection quickly grew. Although he had trouble once the chase started, Kyle officially became a threat at each and every track and solidified himself as ‘the one to beat’. Not to mention that it was his first year with a new team and organization.
Now with nine races to go in the 2009 season, the only thing that the broadcasters are saying about Kyle is ‘he missed the chase by 8 points’, ‘don’t forget you have Kyle Busch sitting 13th in points…’, ‘Kyle can win all 10 races and the highest he’ll finish is 13th!’. Kyle Busch…
People might call this a disappointing season, however I truly believe that this might be one of Kyle’s best seasons. It was important for him to have a powerful breakout season with Joe Gibbs. It helped solidify Kyle’s place on the track and show that he did not need to be a part of Hendrick Motorsports to win races. But this season is the season of learning and personal growth. No one can question Kyle’s ability to become a champion, but is the person behind that immense amount of talent ready?
It is easy to take things for granted when they come to you so easily. Kyle cherished every single trophy and win last year, but it is not about how you celebrate but how you bounce back from your struggles. I recall from an interview in 2008 with Kyle, where Kyle jokingly said, “we haven’t won in 4 weeks, and you’re calling it a slump”. Despite the issues the 18 team had in the Chase, the true slump came the following year.
After the first few races Kyle was looking strong, but troubles started after his Bristol win. Caught up in other accidents, tires, ill handling cars, frustration soon swept over Kyle. Being a long time fan of Kyle I started to see some sort of change. It did not have to do with him ignoring reporters or declining to interview, but the way he relayed information over the scanner. Kyle seemed to just shut down and let Steve Addington take guesses off of what vague info he could get out of his driver.
This was something new that Kyle was experiencing – how could we be so dominant last year and struggle so much this year? Instead of using his knowledge to try to work with Addington to salvage a decent finish, Kyle let his emotions take over. Chicagoland was the turning point where Kyle really started to spiral out of control. But between Chicago and Indy, Kyle was noticeably different. He started working with his crew instead of against them. Whatever or whoever got to Kyle after that dreadful weekend at Chicagoland taught Kyle the lesson on how to be a winner, a future champion. It showed in the many weeks following.
Lets not forget that this year Kyle won for the first time at his hometown track, on his birthday and twice at Bristol. Those wins are wins that he will carry with him forever – how many times have you seen Kyle get down and kiss the track, or become virtually speechless in victory lane. Does Kyle realize that wins like these are intense for the fans too? We know how important certain tracks are to our drivers and we celebrate a little more when our drivers win there. And lets not forget about Kyle being the current forerunner for the Nationwide Championship. (Trying to choose my words carefully.. I am superstitious with sports)
So 2009 is shaping out to be a not so bad year for Kyle, with four emotional wins (with a chance of more to come) and a possible championship, and most importantly the tools and knowledge to become a true champion in NASCAR’s highest division. There is a plan for Kyle somewhere, and perhaps 2009 was the year of tough love… a little bitter sweet. You cannot learn to be better by simply being the best, because eventually your competition will catch up to you. You need the hard times to test yourself, mentally and physically, to push yourself harder and to the next level.
2009 was the year to test Kyle, to push him to that next level. So everyone beware, because Kyle will show up more prepared, and even more determined in 2010.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
It's a Win-WIn Lose-Lose Situation: Can Kyle Busch find the middle ground?
*originally posted on Racerbook on 7/17/09
Your adrenaline is pumping. Your eyes widen with your arms stretched out. Everything you have done up until now is for this exact moment. This moment of glory and immense satisfaction is right at your fingertips; it is so close you can taste it. Your heart beats faster and louder, and you have to remind yourself to breathe. And in an instant, something happens. You hesitate for a split second and you can’t make the final step to the end. It was right there in reach, you had no choice but to watch someone else take the glory.
Oh well.
Oh well??? Psh! Whether what happened was a mistake that I made, or someone else that cost me the opportunity – I am going to be mad as heck. Now, who I am mad at depends on the situation. Ever been so mad at a person that you just walk away? I guess some Nascar fans would call it the Kyle Busch way of doing things. One aspect of the sport that helps separate Nascar from others is pure emotion. The fact that when a guy wrecks he has reporters waiting outside the infield care center waiting to interview him while he is still hot headed. Yes, some drivers can compose themselves a lot better than others, but those are usually veterans like Jeff Burton or Mark Martin. Even media friendly Carl Edwards has been known to loose his cool (remember his friendly conversation with Matt Kenseth in 2007?).
So what is it about Kyle Busch? The problem is this - Kyle does not have a censor. He will not change to appease others. When he opens his mouth you can be sure that you will know exactly what emotions are running through his mind at that instant. He could be at the highest of highs, on the brink of tears, as he was during his Las Vegas win in 2009, or you could get a nice dose of the brash Kyle Busch which is the side that everyone remembers most.
Every time Kyle wrecks or comes in second, he has a choice – to walk away and calm himself down on his own terms, or to spew things into a microphone that people will misconstrue to their liking and hold it against him for however long they feel like it. Fans chastise him when he speaks, and chastise him when he walks away. It is a lose–lose situation for Kyle. Whichever road he takes, the fans will tell him it was the wrong one.
At the end of the night, Kyle‘s favorite number is 1, and his favorite letter is W. So he declined a few interviews, snuck away from the media, he has even thrown his HANS device (albeit several years ago)... if you think about the reason behind all of that is because he's emotionally invested and cares about the win - which is what racing is all about right?
Yes.
However lately it appears as if Kyle is channeling his frustrations the wrong way. He is a little more on edge and is focusing more on the negatives opposed to the positives. He will fly off his handle a little quicker than normal when his car is not handling the way he would like it to. Kyle Busch himself is like having a second crew chief to bounce ideas back and forth with Steve Addington. Not all drivers are as concerned with the tiny details under the hood (or the entire car set up) as Kyle. His mind and knowledge is a great asset to the 18 team, as well as his driving talent. But when he lets his anger and frustration get in the way, you can only hope that Steve Addington can work miracles.
Look back at Chicagoland 2008. Kyle was not happy starting behind Jimmie Johnson, but
1. He did not give up
2. He calmed himself down and listened to his crew chief
3. Took the frustration and said “oh yeah?? Wanna play that way? Let’s go!” Instead of “#%*$!@!!!!!!!!”
Kyle needs to understand that us fans want to see the real Kyle – the good and the bad. We want to hear his side of the story. At the end of each race, Kyle just needs to pause for a second, take a deep breath. It may not make much of a difference, and it certainly will not turn Kyle Busch a nice happy go lucky 2nd place interview. But that split second might help Kyle collect his thoughts or put his emotions in check to actually give an interview.
Is giving the media interview really THAT important? No, unless you have an obligation to give an interview based on your on track performance. What is important is that walking away from these interviews is some sort of byproduct of Kyle’s current attitude. Do not get me wrong, the reason so many dislike the guy is one of the reasons I root for him week in and week out. But this season Kyle has taken it to a new level that I truly believe is affecting his performance on track.
Whatever it is, it is something personal and kept behind closed doors (as it should). And despite being a part of a great crew, and having a great car owner such as Joe Gibbs, ultimately it is up to Kyle himself to figure out what is going on in his head. This (semi) off weekend might be one of the best things for Kyle right now.
Your adrenaline is pumping. Your eyes widen with your arms stretched out. Everything you have done up until now is for this exact moment. This moment of glory and immense satisfaction is right at your fingertips; it is so close you can taste it. Your heart beats faster and louder, and you have to remind yourself to breathe. And in an instant, something happens. You hesitate for a split second and you can’t make the final step to the end. It was right there in reach, you had no choice but to watch someone else take the glory.
Oh well.
Oh well??? Psh! Whether what happened was a mistake that I made, or someone else that cost me the opportunity – I am going to be mad as heck. Now, who I am mad at depends on the situation. Ever been so mad at a person that you just walk away? I guess some Nascar fans would call it the Kyle Busch way of doing things. One aspect of the sport that helps separate Nascar from others is pure emotion. The fact that when a guy wrecks he has reporters waiting outside the infield care center waiting to interview him while he is still hot headed. Yes, some drivers can compose themselves a lot better than others, but those are usually veterans like Jeff Burton or Mark Martin. Even media friendly Carl Edwards has been known to loose his cool (remember his friendly conversation with Matt Kenseth in 2007?).
So what is it about Kyle Busch? The problem is this - Kyle does not have a censor. He will not change to appease others. When he opens his mouth you can be sure that you will know exactly what emotions are running through his mind at that instant. He could be at the highest of highs, on the brink of tears, as he was during his Las Vegas win in 2009, or you could get a nice dose of the brash Kyle Busch which is the side that everyone remembers most.
Every time Kyle wrecks or comes in second, he has a choice – to walk away and calm himself down on his own terms, or to spew things into a microphone that people will misconstrue to their liking and hold it against him for however long they feel like it. Fans chastise him when he speaks, and chastise him when he walks away. It is a lose–lose situation for Kyle. Whichever road he takes, the fans will tell him it was the wrong one.
At the end of the night, Kyle‘s favorite number is 1, and his favorite letter is W. So he declined a few interviews, snuck away from the media, he has even thrown his HANS device (albeit several years ago)... if you think about the reason behind all of that is because he's emotionally invested and cares about the win - which is what racing is all about right?
Yes.
However lately it appears as if Kyle is channeling his frustrations the wrong way. He is a little more on edge and is focusing more on the negatives opposed to the positives. He will fly off his handle a little quicker than normal when his car is not handling the way he would like it to. Kyle Busch himself is like having a second crew chief to bounce ideas back and forth with Steve Addington. Not all drivers are as concerned with the tiny details under the hood (or the entire car set up) as Kyle. His mind and knowledge is a great asset to the 18 team, as well as his driving talent. But when he lets his anger and frustration get in the way, you can only hope that Steve Addington can work miracles.
Look back at Chicagoland 2008. Kyle was not happy starting behind Jimmie Johnson, but
1. He did not give up
2. He calmed himself down and listened to his crew chief
3. Took the frustration and said “oh yeah?? Wanna play that way? Let’s go!” Instead of “#%*$!@!!!!!!!!”
Kyle needs to understand that us fans want to see the real Kyle – the good and the bad. We want to hear his side of the story. At the end of each race, Kyle just needs to pause for a second, take a deep breath. It may not make much of a difference, and it certainly will not turn Kyle Busch a nice happy go lucky 2nd place interview. But that split second might help Kyle collect his thoughts or put his emotions in check to actually give an interview.
Is giving the media interview really THAT important? No, unless you have an obligation to give an interview based on your on track performance. What is important is that walking away from these interviews is some sort of byproduct of Kyle’s current attitude. Do not get me wrong, the reason so many dislike the guy is one of the reasons I root for him week in and week out. But this season Kyle has taken it to a new level that I truly believe is affecting his performance on track.
Whatever it is, it is something personal and kept behind closed doors (as it should). And despite being a part of a great crew, and having a great car owner such as Joe Gibbs, ultimately it is up to Kyle himself to figure out what is going on in his head. This (semi) off weekend might be one of the best things for Kyle right now.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
IMPROVING NASCAR
6/3/09
Jocelyn Schwartz
NASCAR is constantly changing and evolving. These changes are intended to keep competition at its best. Whether it is trying to equal out the competition with the cars of tomorrow, or single file restarts with 20 to go, NASCAR looks to improve for the future.
I would like to propose a change that I hope that NASCAR will take into consideration. Only two things matter within the first 26 races:
1. You accumulate wins
2. You are in the top 12
Drivers just want to be in the top 12 when it comes down to it. They do not care if they are #1 or #12 or anywhere in between at race 26. Being number 1 in points for the season means nothing – and that is something that deserves more than just a pat on the back. Where is the drive and motivation to strive to be number 1 throughout the season? If the chase started tomorrow, how is it fair for Tony Stewart, currently sitting first in points to drop down several positiona, while Kyle Busch becomes the new leader with 3 wins despite being 6th in points in the regular season.
This is why I propose the following in addition to the current rules:
During the season cars receive five bonus points for leading a lap. I say, give five chase bonus points to the driver who leads each week in the point standings. It will reward consistent performance, motivate drivers to lead in the point standings, or try to stay on top accumulating as many points as they can week after week. It adds a new element of competition. Drivers will now fight for the win, and fight to be in first week in and week out.
Strong performance should be rewarded, and by doing so you stimulate more – and better competition. Drivers should not settle for just being in the top 12, they should want to win, and be first in their point standings.
Jocelyn Schwartz
NASCAR is constantly changing and evolving. These changes are intended to keep competition at its best. Whether it is trying to equal out the competition with the cars of tomorrow, or single file restarts with 20 to go, NASCAR looks to improve for the future.
I would like to propose a change that I hope that NASCAR will take into consideration. Only two things matter within the first 26 races:
1. You accumulate wins
2. You are in the top 12
Drivers just want to be in the top 12 when it comes down to it. They do not care if they are #1 or #12 or anywhere in between at race 26. Being number 1 in points for the season means nothing – and that is something that deserves more than just a pat on the back. Where is the drive and motivation to strive to be number 1 throughout the season? If the chase started tomorrow, how is it fair for Tony Stewart, currently sitting first in points to drop down several positiona, while Kyle Busch becomes the new leader with 3 wins despite being 6th in points in the regular season.
This is why I propose the following in addition to the current rules:
During the season cars receive five bonus points for leading a lap. I say, give five chase bonus points to the driver who leads each week in the point standings. It will reward consistent performance, motivate drivers to lead in the point standings, or try to stay on top accumulating as many points as they can week after week. It adds a new element of competition. Drivers will now fight for the win, and fight to be in first week in and week out.
Strong performance should be rewarded, and by doing so you stimulate more – and better competition. Drivers should not settle for just being in the top 12, they should want to win, and be first in their point standings.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
In The City Of NASCAR
Since becoming a NASCAR fan I have noticed some changes in my city lifestyle. They are not bad changes by any means, it is just the natural progression of introducing something new and important to your daily routine. When I think of some of these changes brand awareness is the first to come to mind. The irony is that I film commercials, inherently working closely with ad agencies, which is all about brand awareness. Yet I still find myself getting sucked into this just as much as the next person. It is inevitable.
Example 1
My car is running low on gas, there is a Shell gas station on one side and a SONOCO on the other. Embarrassingly enough, I have actually taken a split second to think – Harvick or the Official Fuel of NASCAR?
I think it is safe to say that all NASCAR fans makes the correlation between driver and products. Can you imagine doing word association with Nascar fans?
Therapist: Okay, now I am going to say a word and I want you to tell me the first thing that comes to mind… Mountain Dew
Fan: Dale Earnhardt Jr
Therapist: Dupont
Fan: Jeff Gordon
Therapist: Home Depot
Fan: Ton-.. sorry… Joey Logano
Ever wonder if drivers get that too? I understand that money help drivers become brand aware with their own personal sponsors, but do you think that Carl Edwards ever says ‘ha, Mark Martin!’ while passing a box of Kelloggs in the supermarket? Or does Tony Stewart think of Kyle Busch when buying bags of M&M’s.
It is also pretty amazing how loyal we become to such brands - and equally how much we go out of the way to avoid the brands of drivers we dislike. How far will you drive just go shop at Lowe’s – or how far would you drive just to NOT shop at Lowes, despite its close proximity. But that is not the only change NASCAR has had on a city girl like me.
My permanent residence right now is in New York City, so my beloved car (whose bumper is now adorned by my favorite driver’s number and nascaresque bumper stickers) sits patiently at my parent’s house in Long Island. I find myself going months without driving simply do to the fact that having a car in the city is more of a hassle than not having one.. Several NASCAR races later, and a visit to my parents, I found that my driving habits have changed as well. See example 2.
Example 2
I am driving with my brother in the passanger seat laughing at me.
Brother: Look at you, stop pretending you’re a NASCAR driver.
Me: What are you talking about? I’m not speeding….
Brother: Everytime you make a turn you hold the steering wheel like you’re
going into the corner.
I tried to argue with him that I was he was lying, as I made my next turn…. And I watched my right hand glide over the top of the steering wheel and meet my left hand as I went through the center and then my right hand shift back into place on exit….. All of a sudden green lights are green flags, you start judging “restarts” of the drivers in front of you. You are happy when you make a ‘pass on the outside’ and you hate ‘lap traffic’.
My worse scenario happened the other day. I was the first car approaching a red light at an intersection. There were 2 lanes and just past the light, the right lane merges into the left. I have driven this road numerous times and was privy to this merge. Yet I still chose the right lane. Why? Because lapped cars line up on the inside lane, and as long as I have a good restart, I should be fine.
Well I did have a good restart and found myself with clean air once the green flag.. err.. the light changed green.
I have also come to the conclusion that once a NASCAR fan meets another NASCAR fan, the idea of a ‘short conversation’ is almost impossible. There is just so much to talk about. Correction… the only time you will have a short conversation would be like such:
Fan #1: Hey you’re a nascar fan?
Fan #2: Heck yeah I am!
Fan #1: YEAAHHHHH GO 88!! Jr, NATION!
Fan #2: Oh… I’m a Kyle Busch fan…
There are three scenarios on how that one can play out.
1: That is the end of the conversation
2: Fan # 1 starts screaming at Fan #2
3: Fan #1 punches Fan #2, in which Fan #2 retaliates and starts a
full on brawl.
I am well aware that this is not new to many of you who are reading this. But you have to keep in mind that I am a girl who lives a double life, one as a NASCAR fan, and one as a big city girl. Bouncing between the fast pace that is forced upon you in the city to the fast pace on a high-banked super speedway are as different as night and day. I find that my other side often perplexes people.
In NASCAR world : “Oh, you’re from NY? Upstate? NEW YORK CITY??? Hey Bob, she’s from New York City! Give this girl a beer!”
New York world: You’re a wha? You’re really a NASCAR fan? Where are you from? Really, your from NY and you’re a NASCAR fan? Don’t you get bored watching them drive in circles?
My friends’ ideal vacations require exotic locations with sandy white beaches, with crystal clear water and mojitos. While my ideal vacation may require clear skies, you can just ship me off to Dover with a hot pass, a beer and good company and I will come back grinning ear to ear with exiting stories, pictures and heck – even a great tan!
I feel like all the changes made to my lifestyle due to NASCAR have been for the better, even if I am the only one on the LIE who understands bump drafting…. Just kidding!
Example 1
My car is running low on gas, there is a Shell gas station on one side and a SONOCO on the other. Embarrassingly enough, I have actually taken a split second to think – Harvick or the Official Fuel of NASCAR?
I think it is safe to say that all NASCAR fans makes the correlation between driver and products. Can you imagine doing word association with Nascar fans?
Therapist: Okay, now I am going to say a word and I want you to tell me the first thing that comes to mind… Mountain Dew
Fan: Dale Earnhardt Jr
Therapist: Dupont
Fan: Jeff Gordon
Therapist: Home Depot
Fan: Ton-.. sorry… Joey Logano
Ever wonder if drivers get that too? I understand that money help drivers become brand aware with their own personal sponsors, but do you think that Carl Edwards ever says ‘ha, Mark Martin!’ while passing a box of Kelloggs in the supermarket? Or does Tony Stewart think of Kyle Busch when buying bags of M&M’s.
It is also pretty amazing how loyal we become to such brands - and equally how much we go out of the way to avoid the brands of drivers we dislike. How far will you drive just go shop at Lowe’s – or how far would you drive just to NOT shop at Lowes, despite its close proximity. But that is not the only change NASCAR has had on a city girl like me.
My permanent residence right now is in New York City, so my beloved car (whose bumper is now adorned by my favorite driver’s number and nascaresque bumper stickers) sits patiently at my parent’s house in Long Island. I find myself going months without driving simply do to the fact that having a car in the city is more of a hassle than not having one.. Several NASCAR races later, and a visit to my parents, I found that my driving habits have changed as well. See example 2.
Example 2
I am driving with my brother in the passanger seat laughing at me.
Brother: Look at you, stop pretending you’re a NASCAR driver.
Me: What are you talking about? I’m not speeding….
Brother: Everytime you make a turn you hold the steering wheel like you’re
going into the corner.
I tried to argue with him that I was he was lying, as I made my next turn…. And I watched my right hand glide over the top of the steering wheel and meet my left hand as I went through the center and then my right hand shift back into place on exit….. All of a sudden green lights are green flags, you start judging “restarts” of the drivers in front of you. You are happy when you make a ‘pass on the outside’ and you hate ‘lap traffic’.
My worse scenario happened the other day. I was the first car approaching a red light at an intersection. There were 2 lanes and just past the light, the right lane merges into the left. I have driven this road numerous times and was privy to this merge. Yet I still chose the right lane. Why? Because lapped cars line up on the inside lane, and as long as I have a good restart, I should be fine.
Well I did have a good restart and found myself with clean air once the green flag.. err.. the light changed green.
I have also come to the conclusion that once a NASCAR fan meets another NASCAR fan, the idea of a ‘short conversation’ is almost impossible. There is just so much to talk about. Correction… the only time you will have a short conversation would be like such:
Fan #1: Hey you’re a nascar fan?
Fan #2: Heck yeah I am!
Fan #1: YEAAHHHHH GO 88!! Jr, NATION!
Fan #2: Oh… I’m a Kyle Busch fan…
There are three scenarios on how that one can play out.
1: That is the end of the conversation
2: Fan # 1 starts screaming at Fan #2
3: Fan #1 punches Fan #2, in which Fan #2 retaliates and starts a
full on brawl.
I am well aware that this is not new to many of you who are reading this. But you have to keep in mind that I am a girl who lives a double life, one as a NASCAR fan, and one as a big city girl. Bouncing between the fast pace that is forced upon you in the city to the fast pace on a high-banked super speedway are as different as night and day. I find that my other side often perplexes people.
In NASCAR world : “Oh, you’re from NY? Upstate? NEW YORK CITY??? Hey Bob, she’s from New York City! Give this girl a beer!”
New York world: You’re a wha? You’re really a NASCAR fan? Where are you from? Really, your from NY and you’re a NASCAR fan? Don’t you get bored watching them drive in circles?
My friends’ ideal vacations require exotic locations with sandy white beaches, with crystal clear water and mojitos. While my ideal vacation may require clear skies, you can just ship me off to Dover with a hot pass, a beer and good company and I will come back grinning ear to ear with exiting stories, pictures and heck – even a great tan!
I feel like all the changes made to my lifestyle due to NASCAR have been for the better, even if I am the only one on the LIE who understands bump drafting…. Just kidding!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
NASCAR - 2009 Season
My apologies for disappearing for the 2008 season and the start of 2009. I think that I've been celebrating - and gloating about all the Kyle Busch wins, that I haven't had much time to write on here. I like that excuse... I'll stick with that one.
A lot has happened so far in the 2009 season that certainly deserves a lot of attention, from the controversy of the ending of the Daytona 500, to Kyle Busch's big wins at Las Vegas and on his birthday this past week in Richmond(along with is track streak ending win at Bristol). Brad Keselowski's move at Talladega which sent Carl Edwards airborne, and ultimately into the catch fence. The team mergers between DEI/Ganassi, Petty/GEM... Joey Logano!... Somebody stop me!
As you can see, I have a little bit to say about everything - but catching up would just take too long and probably rehash all the stories that have been over talked about. I am even forgoing my personal experience in the pits for the 2009 Daytona 500, while filming a commercial for ESPN. Talk about an experience of a lifetime!
We're in the present now - so lets talk about the ladies! Or perhaps one lady in particular. DARLINGTON HERE WE COME! Defending race leader Kyle Busch is heading to the track with momentum, but is all that birthday cake going to slow him down?
The teams are well on their way to the Lady in Black, and we'll see tomorrow what teams are looking strong at practice.
As far as REAL NEWS goes, apart from my own personal fluff of my triumphant return - latest word has it that Mark Marin has signed on with Hendrick Motorsports for a full season in 2010. I believe that Brad has been waiting patiently... and I think he needs to get to a point where he really needs to think about himself. Sure it would be great to be in Hendrick equipment, but is it worth stalling your career for the Hendrick name brand? I understand that they helped Brad start his career. (In actuality it was Jr - pre HMS). Maybe that's all that they were good for. Point is, that they are not helping Brad advance further - HMS is doing the opposite. Plus with a line up of Jr, Jeff and Jimmie, a veteran like Mark Martin can hold his own in that stable. Put a rookie like Brad Keselowski in there and it has to be tough on the kid at some level, whether it is expectations, or the lack of star power compared to your fellow teammates. The funny thing is Brad might not realize how hard it would be to join that stable until he is in there. And it has nothing to do with him, his talent or who he is teammates with - it has to do with what the media will make of it.
But hey... I could be wrong.
Before I conclude this portion of my blog,
I would like to take a moment to recognize the passing of one of NASCAR's greats, David Poole. You will be sincerely missed.
I would also like to take a moment for another passing in the NASCAR community, Kevin Grubb.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
If this is your first visit to this blog, I recommend checking out the very first post to understand what a "Wes Walk" truly is, as you will see that term come up frequently.
Before we officially start this section back up, let's have a blast from the past:
Here are what our teams looked like in 2007:
Me:
Kyle Busch
Kurt Busch
Kasey Kahne
Zack:
Jeff Gordon
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Mark Martin
Dad:
Jimmie Johnson
Tony Stewart
Matt Kennseth
Mom:
Elliot Sadler
Jeff Burton
Bobby Labonte
Needless to say - things have shifted... a lot... Here are the current teams (# of wes wins are noted next to each driver):
Me:
Kyle Busch - 3
Kurt Busch - 1
Kasey Kahne
ROOKIE: Brad Keselowski - 1
Zack:
Jeff Gordon - 1
Jimmie Johnson - 1
Matt Kenseth*
ROOKIE: ??? unknown
Dad:
Tony Stewart
Mark Martin - 1
Clint Bowyer
ROOKIE: Joey Logano
Mom:
Denny Hamlin
Carl Edwards
Jeff Burton
ROOKIE: Colin Braun
Big change 'eh? Note that I am the only one who has remained true to their team since the very beginning.
Note the * next to Kenseth's name, along with the fact that there are no Wes Walk wins. At Daytona before the 500, my dad and I had the following conversation:
Dad: I think I'm going to drop Kenseth
Me: I wouldn't do that...
Dad: Why not.. he sucked last year
me: I think you'll regret it... he's usually a very consistent driver and I think he's good to have.
Dad: He's too vanilla his personality doesn't mesh with mine...
Me: Maybe... but I still think it would be a mistake, he's a great driver to have for you top 5's and for the 123 finishes... I think you should keep him.
Dad: No... I'm dropping him... there.. he's dropped...
Me: Ok, fine... You're going to regret it...
annnndddddddddd Matt Kenseth wins the Daytona 500... andddd at Fontana - Autoclub Speedway... way to go dad... AFTER the two wins, Zack decided to pick up Kenseth.
Also note that we have included rookies... they only count if they win.
Another note is that this is all about betting and acquiring wes walks, thus one wants the best chance at winning by picking the strongest drivers. Notice that one of the 'big names' have been completely dropped from all teams (he was shuffled around in the '08 season)...
A lot has happened so far in the 2009 season that certainly deserves a lot of attention, from the controversy of the ending of the Daytona 500, to Kyle Busch's big wins at Las Vegas and on his birthday this past week in Richmond(along with is track streak ending win at Bristol). Brad Keselowski's move at Talladega which sent Carl Edwards airborne, and ultimately into the catch fence. The team mergers between DEI/Ganassi, Petty/GEM... Joey Logano!... Somebody stop me!
As you can see, I have a little bit to say about everything - but catching up would just take too long and probably rehash all the stories that have been over talked about. I am even forgoing my personal experience in the pits for the 2009 Daytona 500, while filming a commercial for ESPN. Talk about an experience of a lifetime!
We're in the present now - so lets talk about the ladies! Or perhaps one lady in particular. DARLINGTON HERE WE COME! Defending race leader Kyle Busch is heading to the track with momentum, but is all that birthday cake going to slow him down?
The teams are well on their way to the Lady in Black, and we'll see tomorrow what teams are looking strong at practice.
As far as REAL NEWS goes, apart from my own personal fluff of my triumphant return - latest word has it that Mark Marin has signed on with Hendrick Motorsports for a full season in 2010. I believe that Brad has been waiting patiently... and I think he needs to get to a point where he really needs to think about himself. Sure it would be great to be in Hendrick equipment, but is it worth stalling your career for the Hendrick name brand? I understand that they helped Brad start his career. (In actuality it was Jr - pre HMS). Maybe that's all that they were good for. Point is, that they are not helping Brad advance further - HMS is doing the opposite. Plus with a line up of Jr, Jeff and Jimmie, a veteran like Mark Martin can hold his own in that stable. Put a rookie like Brad Keselowski in there and it has to be tough on the kid at some level, whether it is expectations, or the lack of star power compared to your fellow teammates. The funny thing is Brad might not realize how hard it would be to join that stable until he is in there. And it has nothing to do with him, his talent or who he is teammates with - it has to do with what the media will make of it.
But hey... I could be wrong.
Before I conclude this portion of my blog,
I would like to take a moment to recognize the passing of one of NASCAR's greats, David Poole. You will be sincerely missed.
I would also like to take a moment for another passing in the NASCAR community, Kevin Grubb.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
If this is your first visit to this blog, I recommend checking out the very first post to understand what a "Wes Walk" truly is, as you will see that term come up frequently.
Before we officially start this section back up, let's have a blast from the past:
Here are what our teams looked like in 2007:
Me:
Kyle Busch
Kurt Busch
Kasey Kahne
Zack:
Jeff Gordon
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Mark Martin
Dad:
Jimmie Johnson
Tony Stewart
Matt Kennseth
Mom:
Elliot Sadler
Jeff Burton
Bobby Labonte
Needless to say - things have shifted... a lot... Here are the current teams (# of wes wins are noted next to each driver):
Me:
Kyle Busch - 3
Kurt Busch - 1
Kasey Kahne
ROOKIE: Brad Keselowski - 1
Zack:
Jeff Gordon - 1
Jimmie Johnson - 1
Matt Kenseth*
ROOKIE: ??? unknown
Dad:
Tony Stewart
Mark Martin - 1
Clint Bowyer
ROOKIE: Joey Logano
Mom:
Denny Hamlin
Carl Edwards
Jeff Burton
ROOKIE: Colin Braun
Big change 'eh? Note that I am the only one who has remained true to their team since the very beginning.
Note the * next to Kenseth's name, along with the fact that there are no Wes Walk wins. At Daytona before the 500, my dad and I had the following conversation:
Dad: I think I'm going to drop Kenseth
Me: I wouldn't do that...
Dad: Why not.. he sucked last year
me: I think you'll regret it... he's usually a very consistent driver and I think he's good to have.
Dad: He's too vanilla his personality doesn't mesh with mine...
Me: Maybe... but I still think it would be a mistake, he's a great driver to have for you top 5's and for the 123 finishes... I think you should keep him.
Dad: No... I'm dropping him... there.. he's dropped...
Me: Ok, fine... You're going to regret it...
annnndddddddddd Matt Kenseth wins the Daytona 500... andddd at Fontana - Autoclub Speedway... way to go dad... AFTER the two wins, Zack decided to pick up Kenseth.
Also note that we have included rookies... they only count if they win.
Another note is that this is all about betting and acquiring wes walks, thus one wants the best chance at winning by picking the strongest drivers. Notice that one of the 'big names' have been completely dropped from all teams (he was shuffled around in the '08 season)...
Monday, May 4, 2009
I AM FOR EQUALITY!
Here is my little rant to M&M World after my visit Sunday, May 3rd 2009....
To Whom It May Concern:
I believe that all M&M World’s should be created equal. M&M World has been my “happy” place in the crazy city of New York for the past few years. As a resident of Manhattan, I frequently go there as a release from any work or personal stress. Walking around three floors of colorful chocolaty goodness melts all that away.
My personal favorite part was the racecar on the second floor, with Diecast cars and M&M/NASCAR merchandise surrounding it. Being a huge NASCAR fan, there was always that thrill and excitement being up close to a car that made some laps around a track or two. Then the unthinkable happened!
My favorite driver, Kyle Busch was forced out of Hendrick Motorsports and was no longer sponsored by Carquest/Kelloggs. The big question for me, as I was watching the Speed channel, munching on my Kyle color coordinated M&M’s was – who will be Kyle’s new sponsor?! Well you know better than anyone else how that deal panned out. I could not have been more ecstatic to have my favorite driver sport my favorite chocolate and race snack.
After the 2007 year, the previous car was removed, for what I was anticipating a replacement of the new M&M’s Toyota Camry, with the new 2008 paint scheme. Well, it’s 2009 and as I write this, 11 trips to Victory Lane in the M&M’s car. Yet there is barely any representation of Kyle in M&M World in NYC. What little merchandise they do have, gets constantly shuffled around the store.
The vast amount of merchandise that M&M World carried with previous drivers vs. Kyle Busch appears absurd considering each of their on track success. The M&M’s car has not visited victory lane in a long time, and Kyle has been able to put it there numerous times.
You are currently sponsoring, what I believe is the best driver this sport has ever seen. I realize that Kyle’s hometown in Las Vegas – but that doesn’t mean that they should be the only one getting all the fun! Therefore I say - Equality for all M&M Worlds!!!
Thank you for your time,
Jocelyn Schwartz
To Whom It May Concern:
I believe that all M&M World’s should be created equal. M&M World has been my “happy” place in the crazy city of New York for the past few years. As a resident of Manhattan, I frequently go there as a release from any work or personal stress. Walking around three floors of colorful chocolaty goodness melts all that away.
My personal favorite part was the racecar on the second floor, with Diecast cars and M&M/NASCAR merchandise surrounding it. Being a huge NASCAR fan, there was always that thrill and excitement being up close to a car that made some laps around a track or two. Then the unthinkable happened!
My favorite driver, Kyle Busch was forced out of Hendrick Motorsports and was no longer sponsored by Carquest/Kelloggs. The big question for me, as I was watching the Speed channel, munching on my Kyle color coordinated M&M’s was – who will be Kyle’s new sponsor?! Well you know better than anyone else how that deal panned out. I could not have been more ecstatic to have my favorite driver sport my favorite chocolate and race snack.
After the 2007 year, the previous car was removed, for what I was anticipating a replacement of the new M&M’s Toyota Camry, with the new 2008 paint scheme. Well, it’s 2009 and as I write this, 11 trips to Victory Lane in the M&M’s car. Yet there is barely any representation of Kyle in M&M World in NYC. What little merchandise they do have, gets constantly shuffled around the store.
The vast amount of merchandise that M&M World carried with previous drivers vs. Kyle Busch appears absurd considering each of their on track success. The M&M’s car has not visited victory lane in a long time, and Kyle has been able to put it there numerous times.
You are currently sponsoring, what I believe is the best driver this sport has ever seen. I realize that Kyle’s hometown in Las Vegas – but that doesn’t mean that they should be the only one getting all the fun! Therefore I say - Equality for all M&M Worlds!!!
Thank you for your time,
Jocelyn Schwartz
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Wes Walk Update: Catching Up During the Easter Break
Five races in and Kyle Busch has already won, and Hendrick is still waiting for their first victory of the season. But before I even dive into that though, there is an important adjustment that has been made.
THERE HAS BEEN AN OFFICIAL TRADE MADE BETWEEN ZACK AND DAD.
Dad has officially sent the back to back championship winner Jimmie Johnson packing, due to a lack of performance after the first 4 1/2 races. In return, he gains Dale Earnhardt Jr. Zack was extremely frustrated with Jr after Gordan's big wreck in Las Vegas, and the feelings seemed to grow instead of dissipate. So when the opportunity knocked on Zack's door to grab fellow Champion Jimmie Johnson, there was no hesitation in his camp. Below are the revised two teams.
Dad:
Tony Stewart
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Matt Kenseth
Zack:
Jimmie Johnson
Jeff Gordon
Kevin Harvick
In other news, Mom mistakenly called our most recent Daytona 500 winner, Randy Newman. That's going in the books! But Mom has been going back and forth on a bunch of drivers herself... Here is her final team.
Mom:
Denny Hamlin
Carl Edwards
Jeff Burton
So far mom has been doing the best, here are the results as of now-
Daytona - WASH no winner
California - CARL EDWARDS (mom)
Las Vegas - CARL EDWARDS (mom)
Atlanta - KYLE BUSCH (jos)
Bristol - JEFF BURTON (mom)
Mom is kicking ass and currently has 6 walks, while Jos as 2 and Zack and Dad have none so far this season.
Will the Hendrick cars change that at Martinsville??? Will they even be a factor? I think they have become the big "?" of the season. Their best driver this season so far is Jr, if the Chase started today both Jeff and Jimmie would be out, and Casey Mears is in danger of dropping out of the top 35. What is going on?!!?
In the meantime, Joe Gibbs has made their presence, although several blown tires and mechanical failures with power steering and the fuel cell has prevented further success. Roush/Fenway cars have been dominant, at least that 99 car has been with Carl Edwards, as Biffle decided that he wants to be on TV more and has drastically improved his performance in 2008. Hopefully he will fall off the radar quickly though, I think he has plans on breaking the new TV I'm going to get when I move with his face. Yes.. the Biffle hatred level is skyrocketing now.. more and more every time I remember what he said about wrecking Kyle at Daytona.
Speaking of Kyle - what a dominant force!!! Already has his win at Atlanta, where he almost swept all three series, but a blown tire in the Nationwide wrecked his chances. And despite a 17th place finish, you have to admit that was one heck of a performance Kyle made racing 170 laps without power steering - at a track like Bristol no less!
That's it for now, I'm hungry so I think I shall enjoy my food. Racing will come back soon enough as 43 cars battle it out next week on the paper clip that is MARTINSVILLE!!!!!
THERE HAS BEEN AN OFFICIAL TRADE MADE BETWEEN ZACK AND DAD.
Dad has officially sent the back to back championship winner Jimmie Johnson packing, due to a lack of performance after the first 4 1/2 races. In return, he gains Dale Earnhardt Jr. Zack was extremely frustrated with Jr after Gordan's big wreck in Las Vegas, and the feelings seemed to grow instead of dissipate. So when the opportunity knocked on Zack's door to grab fellow Champion Jimmie Johnson, there was no hesitation in his camp. Below are the revised two teams.
Dad:
Tony Stewart
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Matt Kenseth
Zack:
Jimmie Johnson
Jeff Gordon
Kevin Harvick
In other news, Mom mistakenly called our most recent Daytona 500 winner, Randy Newman. That's going in the books! But Mom has been going back and forth on a bunch of drivers herself... Here is her final team.
Mom:
Denny Hamlin
Carl Edwards
Jeff Burton
So far mom has been doing the best, here are the results as of now-
Daytona - WASH no winner
California - CARL EDWARDS (mom)
Las Vegas - CARL EDWARDS (mom)
Atlanta - KYLE BUSCH (jos)
Bristol - JEFF BURTON (mom)
Mom is kicking ass and currently has 6 walks, while Jos as 2 and Zack and Dad have none so far this season.
Will the Hendrick cars change that at Martinsville??? Will they even be a factor? I think they have become the big "?" of the season. Their best driver this season so far is Jr, if the Chase started today both Jeff and Jimmie would be out, and Casey Mears is in danger of dropping out of the top 35. What is going on?!!?
In the meantime, Joe Gibbs has made their presence, although several blown tires and mechanical failures with power steering and the fuel cell has prevented further success. Roush/Fenway cars have been dominant, at least that 99 car has been with Carl Edwards, as Biffle decided that he wants to be on TV more and has drastically improved his performance in 2008. Hopefully he will fall off the radar quickly though, I think he has plans on breaking the new TV I'm going to get when I move with his face. Yes.. the Biffle hatred level is skyrocketing now.. more and more every time I remember what he said about wrecking Kyle at Daytona.
Speaking of Kyle - what a dominant force!!! Already has his win at Atlanta, where he almost swept all three series, but a blown tire in the Nationwide wrecked his chances. And despite a 17th place finish, you have to admit that was one heck of a performance Kyle made racing 170 laps without power steering - at a track like Bristol no less!
That's it for now, I'm hungry so I think I shall enjoy my food. Racing will come back soon enough as 43 cars battle it out next week on the paper clip that is MARTINSVILLE!!!!!
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