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)...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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!!!!!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
2008 The Year of Questions & Answers
2008 is currently underway! And after 2 races, what a year it's already been. Before I go into my analysis, I would like to update certain information that is the main reason for this blog - wes walks.
For the most part, the only team that has had a makeover was moms. But I will refresh everyones memory.
Me:
Kyle Busch
Kurt Busch
Kasey Kahne
Dad:
Jimmie Johnson
Tony Stewart
Matt Kenseth
Zack:
Jeff Gordon
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Kevin Harvick (*change from 2007*)
Mom:
Denny Hamlin
Clint Bowyer
Carl Edwards
*Mom has replaced every person from her original team.
Now, ONLY for the Daytona 500 we changed the rules around a little bit... (this was due to Zack wanting to share his love for Tony Stewart)
We each picked one driver and one alternate. The alternate would only be eligible for wes walk gainage if the main driver complete wrecked out and could not finish all 250 laps.
AND THE WINNER OF DAYTONA....
noone.. Newman won.. and noone picked Newman.. and quite frankly..why would we? Its newman...
so that's that...
Kyle Should have won it... but that's ok... I'd rather have Kyle win the championship this year instead.
Which leads us into the rest how 2008 is the year of Mystery!!
A big question was "Is Toyota going to get their first victory this year?!?!?!?!!"
May I comment to anyone who actually asked this question.... You have got to be kidding me if you don't think that Tony Stewart Kyle Busch or Denny Hamlin are not going to win any races.... Three strong, talented, hungry drivers, you can put them in a soapbox and they will still be able to challenge for wins. And if you have any doubts after Daytona and California... they you need to see a therapist ASAP.
The COT has appeared to equal out the competition... So far, neither chevy nor toyota has won any races...I mean... chevy???? The powerhouse of NASCAR????? Yep, dodge and ford. But that won't last long.... I garantee a C or T win at Las Vegas this weekend. In fact, if given strong cars that don't have any mechanical errors.. or rookie driving errors... I see Jeff Burton and Kyle Busch battling it out for the lead this weekend.
Yes.. I'm talking a lot about KB... but for good reason... 1. he's amazing.... 2. He's leading both the truck and Cup series while only second in the nationwide series 3. everyone else can't stop talking about him - especially DW.....
so there I said it.. Kyle Busch will be a force to be reckoned with this year, and years to come.. He is bringing over the things he has learned Hendrick to the Joe Gibbs organization, where he can finally let down his guard and be himself. Him and Tony work phenomenal together, and Kyle and Denny are best friends off the track. In the laid back atmosphere at JGR, Kyle will only strive, and can only elevate the level of Tony and Denny by making Joe Gibbs, JGR, not 3 totally separate teams, but one powerhouse working together.
For the most part, the only team that has had a makeover was moms. But I will refresh everyones memory.
Me:
Kyle Busch
Kurt Busch
Kasey Kahne
Dad:
Jimmie Johnson
Tony Stewart
Matt Kenseth
Zack:
Jeff Gordon
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Kevin Harvick (*change from 2007*)
Mom:
Denny Hamlin
Clint Bowyer
Carl Edwards
*Mom has replaced every person from her original team.
Now, ONLY for the Daytona 500 we changed the rules around a little bit... (this was due to Zack wanting to share his love for Tony Stewart)
We each picked one driver and one alternate. The alternate would only be eligible for wes walk gainage if the main driver complete wrecked out and could not finish all 250 laps.
AND THE WINNER OF DAYTONA....
noone.. Newman won.. and noone picked Newman.. and quite frankly..why would we? Its newman...
so that's that...
Kyle Should have won it... but that's ok... I'd rather have Kyle win the championship this year instead.
Which leads us into the rest how 2008 is the year of Mystery!!
A big question was "Is Toyota going to get their first victory this year?!?!?!?!!"
May I comment to anyone who actually asked this question.... You have got to be kidding me if you don't think that Tony Stewart Kyle Busch or Denny Hamlin are not going to win any races.... Three strong, talented, hungry drivers, you can put them in a soapbox and they will still be able to challenge for wins. And if you have any doubts after Daytona and California... they you need to see a therapist ASAP.
The COT has appeared to equal out the competition... So far, neither chevy nor toyota has won any races...I mean... chevy???? The powerhouse of NASCAR????? Yep, dodge and ford. But that won't last long.... I garantee a C or T win at Las Vegas this weekend. In fact, if given strong cars that don't have any mechanical errors.. or rookie driving errors... I see Jeff Burton and Kyle Busch battling it out for the lead this weekend.
Yes.. I'm talking a lot about KB... but for good reason... 1. he's amazing.... 2. He's leading both the truck and Cup series while only second in the nationwide series 3. everyone else can't stop talking about him - especially DW.....
so there I said it.. Kyle Busch will be a force to be reckoned with this year, and years to come.. He is bringing over the things he has learned Hendrick to the Joe Gibbs organization, where he can finally let down his guard and be himself. Him and Tony work phenomenal together, and Kyle and Denny are best friends off the track. In the laid back atmosphere at JGR, Kyle will only strive, and can only elevate the level of Tony and Denny by making Joe Gibbs, JGR, not 3 totally separate teams, but one powerhouse working together.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
NASCAR's Championship Week
Ok! So lets start from the beginning! Crew call for work (filming a commercial for coke) was at 3:30am this morning, I knew that the cars were going to be unloaded at 12am. So I figured that if I get there at 3am, it'll be early enough. I ended up getting there around 2:45am. Jeff's car was uncovered as well as Burton's and Bowyer's cars. All the others were covered. I watched them unload Carl Edwards car and they're revving the engine up 3 feet away from me. It was super intense They were having major issues unloading matt kenseth's car for some reason. I don't know what was going on, but it didn't sound the way the other cars sounded. (at the end Kenseth's bumper was all dented and tore up. Didn't know how that happened until i just saw the article
Anyways... the 3 am pics will have to wait temporarily
So we were filming right around the corner and the same street as the hard rock café - where they ended their victory lap. I got to see some of the cars drive around from an aerial view (I was totally feeling like the Goodyear blimp for the time I watched them)
I missed kyle's car/ I saw burton's and back drive by. 2 min later that's when I get called on my walkie "Jocelyn what's your 20???" the AD said in an urgent voice. So I respond that I'm by the elevators on set. Then him and james - the production mananger start yelling at me to hurry up and get down to the street as fast as I can.... Meanwhile.. the elevators are taking forever and stopped 5 times on the way down. I FINALLY make it to the ground level, and James tells me that the drivers just pulled up in their cars in front of the Hardrock Café.
So now I'm like I MISSED IT?!?!?!?!!?!?! NOOOOOOOOOO and I'm all frustrated.... Until I see Clint Bowyer walking across the street from me!!! So I immediately scream out CLINT!!!!!! And he turns and see me tripping over myself waving my arms crossing the road and screaming congrats!!!! You had a great season!!! So he just starts cracking up laughing at me waves hello and said thanks. Whenever I see that guy there's always laughter involved...
PS.. it might be because we were filming on that street and had all of our trucks there, but it was pretty empty with virtually no fans gathered.. But there were two barricades set up so that you would stay like 4 feet from the driver...
NOW... soon after Clint passed by, Tony, Harvick and Kenseth walk as if they're all pissed off staring straight ahead completely ignoring everyone. I got an uber fuzzy pic of tony and harvick because I thought my camera wasn't working. Carl Edwards tagged along a couple feet back, I got his attention and he flashed me that famous Carl Edwards smile and said hi - he was really nice. After this I start running somewhere I think.. and the camera flies out of my hand and smack center under one of the SUV's they had. So knowing that there were plenty more drivers to come out I lay flat on the NYC street and crawl under the car.
*this is where my PA brothers come in to share this story - one of the guys was telling people in the street that I was changing the oil.. but I digress...
SO I get my camera and out comes Jeff Gordon. Now I'm racing around and somehow break into the barrier with any press people that's there, so there really wasn't anything holding me back. I said congrats to him and shook his hand.. OK.. in all honestly.. I had some super quick convo with him.. but I was sooo hyped up I can't remember anything anyone said to me! Then came out more guys, I can't remember who led the pack but Kyle was walking second looking "focused" and staring straight ahead.. and I screamed out KYLE!!! KYLEE!!!! And on the second time he turns around and I quickly say *like a dumbass might I add "You're my favorite!". At this point he had just passed me.. so he stops short causing Jeff Burton to crash into him and he takes a step back towards me and Burton is all confused and Kurt was like ????? and Kyle goes from his "focused" look to a big smile. _ I think he was happy to have a fan- so now kyle's in front of me smiling and looking right at me and he holds his out hand to me. * melts * So I reach out and he doesn't give me a high five or a hand shake, no, he just hold my hand.... And I'm like... all warm and fuzzy inside. So eventually we let go and I'm in a dream like state, and then I realize.. oh ****!!!! Kurt!!! ... so I scream back KURTTT!!! And he kinda does a look back and wave, but he was still like WTF???
Then lastly Jimmie Johnson walks out and I give him a high five at the end and congratulate him on his championship too.
I will insert pics when I get the chance... but that will take a few days due to work =P
Anyways... the 3 am pics will have to wait temporarily
So we were filming right around the corner and the same street as the hard rock café - where they ended their victory lap. I got to see some of the cars drive around from an aerial view (I was totally feeling like the Goodyear blimp for the time I watched them)
I missed kyle's car/ I saw burton's and back drive by. 2 min later that's when I get called on my walkie "Jocelyn what's your 20???" the AD said in an urgent voice. So I respond that I'm by the elevators on set. Then him and james - the production mananger start yelling at me to hurry up and get down to the street as fast as I can.... Meanwhile.. the elevators are taking forever and stopped 5 times on the way down. I FINALLY make it to the ground level, and James tells me that the drivers just pulled up in their cars in front of the Hardrock Café.
So now I'm like I MISSED IT?!?!?!?!!?!?! NOOOOOOOOOO and I'm all frustrated.... Until I see Clint Bowyer walking across the street from me!!! So I immediately scream out CLINT!!!!!! And he turns and see me tripping over myself waving my arms crossing the road and screaming congrats!!!! You had a great season!!! So he just starts cracking up laughing at me waves hello and said thanks. Whenever I see that guy there's always laughter involved...
PS.. it might be because we were filming on that street and had all of our trucks there, but it was pretty empty with virtually no fans gathered.. But there were two barricades set up so that you would stay like 4 feet from the driver...
NOW... soon after Clint passed by, Tony, Harvick and Kenseth walk as if they're all pissed off staring straight ahead completely ignoring everyone. I got an uber fuzzy pic of tony and harvick because I thought my camera wasn't working. Carl Edwards tagged along a couple feet back, I got his attention and he flashed me that famous Carl Edwards smile and said hi - he was really nice. After this I start running somewhere I think.. and the camera flies out of my hand and smack center under one of the SUV's they had. So knowing that there were plenty more drivers to come out I lay flat on the NYC street and crawl under the car.
*this is where my PA brothers come in to share this story - one of the guys was telling people in the street that I was changing the oil.. but I digress...
SO I get my camera and out comes Jeff Gordon. Now I'm racing around and somehow break into the barrier with any press people that's there, so there really wasn't anything holding me back. I said congrats to him and shook his hand.. OK.. in all honestly.. I had some super quick convo with him.. but I was sooo hyped up I can't remember anything anyone said to me! Then came out more guys, I can't remember who led the pack but Kyle was walking second looking "focused" and staring straight ahead.. and I screamed out KYLE!!! KYLEE!!!! And on the second time he turns around and I quickly say *like a dumbass might I add "You're my favorite!". At this point he had just passed me.. so he stops short causing Jeff Burton to crash into him and he takes a step back towards me and Burton is all confused and Kurt was like ????? and Kyle goes from his "focused" look to a big smile. _ I think he was happy to have a fan- so now kyle's in front of me smiling and looking right at me and he holds his out hand to me. * melts * So I reach out and he doesn't give me a high five or a hand shake, no, he just hold my hand.... And I'm like... all warm and fuzzy inside. So eventually we let go and I'm in a dream like state, and then I realize.. oh ****!!!! Kurt!!! ... so I scream back KURTTT!!! And he kinda does a look back and wave, but he was still like WTF???
Then lastly Jimmie Johnson walks out and I give him a high five at the end and congratulate him on his championship too.
I will insert pics when I get the chance... but that will take a few days due to work =P
Friday, June 1, 2007
Wes Walk : Special Update - Kyle Busch
5.7219 in reply to 5.7218
h t t p://motorsports-soapbox.blogspot.com/2007/05/quit-cutting-on-shrub.html
Recently, some of the so-called “experts” have begun to wonder aloud whether Hendrick should dump the Shrub, opening a spot on his Nextel Cup superteam for the eminently available Earnhardt, Jr.
That, racefans, is nothing short of hogwash.
...
I tremble to think what my life would be like if the national media had chronicled my comings and goings at age 22. I was immature, hedonistic, self-centered and rude, just like 99% of the 22-year olds in the world. I made my youthful mistakes under the merciful fog of anonymity, stumbling through one misadventure after another without having to worry about someone taking notes and reporting my misdeeds on ESPN. I said and did some incredibly stupid things, paid the price for that stupidity, and (usually) learned from my mistakes. In time, I emerged a mature, thoughtful adult, or as close to one as I have been able to come.
Kyle Busch will do the same.
...
Make no mistake about it, once Busch discovers the maturity to match his immense talent, he will win races. And Rick Hendrick will have a third Nextel Cup champion in his stable. A champion named Busch, not Earnhardt.
here is my response (in agreeance) to this article:
As a competative 22 year old myself, I can understand all of the actions Kyle has made. There are moments in my life that I would not captured on camera, and there are times where I come across very well.
I'm extremely competative in my line of work, and if things aren't going right then I get mad and walk away from situations to prevent my intense motions from getting in the way. When I cool down, I'm more than willing to move on and/or discuss the situation.
Kyle is no different other than the fact that he has cameras pointing at him X amount of hours a week and people poking microphones in his face. Yes Kyle can be a bit of a hot head, but so can I and when put in certain situations so can everyone else. And one of the reasons Kyle has that reputation is the same exact reason that is going to land him a championship. He is driven (no pun intended) and he is passionate about what he does, and to me, that only spells success.
So he declined a few interviews, snuck away from the media, he's thrown his headset... 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?
People tend to focus on that instead of the charitable, funny side that Kyle has shown us - not to mention the newly founded Kyle Busch Foundation that seems to have been overlooked. People also forget that he's being compared to people who are in their 30's 40's and 50's who are married, some with children and have been racing in the Nextel Cup series long before Kyle got started. Jeff Burton is a remarkable guy, but he is years beyond Kyle you can't TRULY compare the two with eachother on a maturity and life experience level. Kyle is exactly where he should be at age 22, and if anything he's more mature than most of the guys I deal with day in and day out.
People also mistake his drive for arrogance, and that also bugs me. Hey, Tony Stewart is a phenomenal driver who has added a lot of spice to the sport, but I garantee you that you won't be hearing Kyle rattle off the word 'retirement' even in the heat of the moment, because that word doesn't exist in the land of Kyle Busch yet. The kid wants to win, and he'll do what it takes to get there. Let him grow and let him learn, give him the respect and the support he deserves and he'll become one of the best race car drivers of his time.
h t t p://motorsports-soapbox.blogspot.com/2007/05/quit-cutting-on-shrub.html
Recently, some of the so-called “experts” have begun to wonder aloud whether Hendrick should dump the Shrub, opening a spot on his Nextel Cup superteam for the eminently available Earnhardt, Jr.
That, racefans, is nothing short of hogwash.
...
I tremble to think what my life would be like if the national media had chronicled my comings and goings at age 22. I was immature, hedonistic, self-centered and rude, just like 99% of the 22-year olds in the world. I made my youthful mistakes under the merciful fog of anonymity, stumbling through one misadventure after another without having to worry about someone taking notes and reporting my misdeeds on ESPN. I said and did some incredibly stupid things, paid the price for that stupidity, and (usually) learned from my mistakes. In time, I emerged a mature, thoughtful adult, or as close to one as I have been able to come.
Kyle Busch will do the same.
...
Make no mistake about it, once Busch discovers the maturity to match his immense talent, he will win races. And Rick Hendrick will have a third Nextel Cup champion in his stable. A champion named Busch, not Earnhardt.
here is my response (in agreeance) to this article:
As a competative 22 year old myself, I can understand all of the actions Kyle has made. There are moments in my life that I would not captured on camera, and there are times where I come across very well.
I'm extremely competative in my line of work, and if things aren't going right then I get mad and walk away from situations to prevent my intense motions from getting in the way. When I cool down, I'm more than willing to move on and/or discuss the situation.
Kyle is no different other than the fact that he has cameras pointing at him X amount of hours a week and people poking microphones in his face. Yes Kyle can be a bit of a hot head, but so can I and when put in certain situations so can everyone else. And one of the reasons Kyle has that reputation is the same exact reason that is going to land him a championship. He is driven (no pun intended) and he is passionate about what he does, and to me, that only spells success.
So he declined a few interviews, snuck away from the media, he's thrown his headset... 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?
People tend to focus on that instead of the charitable, funny side that Kyle has shown us - not to mention the newly founded Kyle Busch Foundation that seems to have been overlooked. People also forget that he's being compared to people who are in their 30's 40's and 50's who are married, some with children and have been racing in the Nextel Cup series long before Kyle got started. Jeff Burton is a remarkable guy, but he is years beyond Kyle you can't TRULY compare the two with eachother on a maturity and life experience level. Kyle is exactly where he should be at age 22, and if anything he's more mature than most of the guys I deal with day in and day out.
People also mistake his drive for arrogance, and that also bugs me. Hey, Tony Stewart is a phenomenal driver who has added a lot of spice to the sport, but I garantee you that you won't be hearing Kyle rattle off the word 'retirement' even in the heat of the moment, because that word doesn't exist in the land of Kyle Busch yet. The kid wants to win, and he'll do what it takes to get there. Let him grow and let him learn, give him the respect and the support he deserves and he'll become one of the best race car drivers of his time.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Wes Walk Update: It's Been a While
Yes, I realized that I have missed numerous races, and for that I greatly apologize. But let me catch you guys up to speed.
Hendricks.
I think that is pretty much all that there is to say. Hendricks Motor Sports have been dominating this season, as Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson pile on their wins. Infact it's not even a big suprise if 3 of the 4 Hendrick boys place in the top 5 like the 1, 2, 4 finish the other week. A lot of people are annoyed to see Jeff Gordon consistantly place well and win, but let's be honest - they're just jealous. He had no monumental records to break this past week in Darlington, infact it is possible his best track, yet he still found a way to make a spectacular finish.
With his previous two wins he tied Dale's winning record, won from the pole and at a track he had never won at, and then superceeded Dale Sr. the following week with his 77th win on the track that Earnhardt dominated on. So why should his next win be any less spectacular. Darnlington had Gordon's car spewing more steam than your grandmother's iron. Even Gordon had no clue as to how his car was even able to finish the race let alone win it. But one think i can garantee you - if that race had lasted another just another 5 laps - maybe even less, Denny Hamlin would have had waved Gordon goodbye and end the Hendricks COT domination.
Let me tell you though - those Hendrick boys need to start worrying. They got two great teams catching up, Joe Gibbs racing and their chevy's and iw ould even go as far to say that Penske's dodges have Childress' cars beat.
But enough of this Hendrick winning COT talk.... and briefly onto another soon-to-be/already starting to be an over talked about topic -
Junior
Yes, he is leaving DEI and if you didn't know that then your head's been stuck in your ass. The bigger question now is where will he go?? DW made a comment recently about him not necessariily wanting to do what his dad did and go towards Childress. Gibbs doesn't feel comfortable with the whole beer sponsorship shin dig, Ginn is still young - can they truley give Dale what he wants? and Hendricks is a full boat - will someone get the boot? My honest opinion.. I think that Gibbs would reallybe the best fit, with the cars they produce and having Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart as racing partners.
Wellll...... come to think of it... those two have had a lot of car failures... but I think that will turn around in the '08 season.
Hendricks would be a powerhouse for Junior. There has been rumors of Kyle getting the boot. Or atleast one reporter mentioned it - which I think is a load of BS. If they kick anyone out it will be Casey Mears. The only thing Kyle has running against him is inexperience, and he's learning quickly. Kyle is NOT disposable in my opinion.
But will people suddenly like Hendricks if Dale heads over there???
Childress seems the most logical right now... But only time will tell. And I really do hope that Bud sticks with Jr.
There's my two cents for the day.
Hendricks.
I think that is pretty much all that there is to say. Hendricks Motor Sports have been dominating this season, as Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson pile on their wins. Infact it's not even a big suprise if 3 of the 4 Hendrick boys place in the top 5 like the 1, 2, 4 finish the other week. A lot of people are annoyed to see Jeff Gordon consistantly place well and win, but let's be honest - they're just jealous. He had no monumental records to break this past week in Darlington, infact it is possible his best track, yet he still found a way to make a spectacular finish.
With his previous two wins he tied Dale's winning record, won from the pole and at a track he had never won at, and then superceeded Dale Sr. the following week with his 77th win on the track that Earnhardt dominated on. So why should his next win be any less spectacular. Darnlington had Gordon's car spewing more steam than your grandmother's iron. Even Gordon had no clue as to how his car was even able to finish the race let alone win it. But one think i can garantee you - if that race had lasted another just another 5 laps - maybe even less, Denny Hamlin would have had waved Gordon goodbye and end the Hendricks COT domination.
Let me tell you though - those Hendrick boys need to start worrying. They got two great teams catching up, Joe Gibbs racing and their chevy's and iw ould even go as far to say that Penske's dodges have Childress' cars beat.
But enough of this Hendrick winning COT talk.... and briefly onto another soon-to-be/already starting to be an over talked about topic -
Junior
Yes, he is leaving DEI and if you didn't know that then your head's been stuck in your ass. The bigger question now is where will he go?? DW made a comment recently about him not necessariily wanting to do what his dad did and go towards Childress. Gibbs doesn't feel comfortable with the whole beer sponsorship shin dig, Ginn is still young - can they truley give Dale what he wants? and Hendricks is a full boat - will someone get the boot? My honest opinion.. I think that Gibbs would reallybe the best fit, with the cars they produce and having Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart as racing partners.
Wellll...... come to think of it... those two have had a lot of car failures... but I think that will turn around in the '08 season.
Hendricks would be a powerhouse for Junior. There has been rumors of Kyle getting the boot. Or atleast one reporter mentioned it - which I think is a load of BS. If they kick anyone out it will be Casey Mears. The only thing Kyle has running against him is inexperience, and he's learning quickly. Kyle is NOT disposable in my opinion.
But will people suddenly like Hendricks if Dale heads over there???
Childress seems the most logical right now... But only time will tell. And I really do hope that Bud sticks with Jr.
There's my two cents for the day.
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