NASCAR's Biggest Fan – Girl of the Week | Ron Ripple

Well it’s finally here… the start of the “Chase for the Sprint Cup.”  From here on out it’s anyone’s game, they all have a fresh start, and the only thing that seperates the 1st place guy from the 12 place guy is 80 points. Who’s going to go home with the Championship title and who’s going to be lost in history?

Well the favorites this year are quite obvious going into the chase… you’ve got Kyle Busch who has been called the new “NASCAR God” (Whiner – is what i call him) , you’ve got Jimmie Johnson who is looking to make it a 3-peat,  and you’ve got Carl Edwards who has been unstoppable late in the season.  If you were to ask me who I think is going to take the Championship home at the end of the season I’d have to say I’m going with one of the “Dark Horses.”

I have a gut feeling there’s going to be an upset this year.  Typically when I have this gut feeling it means I either ate too much Beano last night or I’m going to make a really important statement.  I’m not quite sure which one it is but I’m gonna have to call it right now…. “I Ron Ripple, think the driver who will take home the Sprint Cup Championship is…. (Drum roll please)… Greg Biffle. 

Hopefully my predictions are right and we see
this the rest of the season!

I’m the kind of guy who votes for the under dog and one who hopes that David whoops the crap out of Goliath.  So I’m going on record here and now and saying I think Greg Biffle is going to run these last few races strong.  You don’t hear much about him this year, but he’s always there, he’s always in the top, and he’s always workin hard to finish strong. 

Biffle’s starting the “Chase” 80 points behind the leader.  If he’s going to win the Championship this year he’s gonna have to start strong.  He hasn’t had a win all year but he’s been the second best or even third best at a number of races.  Going to New Hampshire he’s gonna have to put his “1st place panties” on because earlier this year he only finished 21st at the LENOX Industrial race hosted at the New Hampshire Speedway. 

I know I’m picking a long shot but like I said earlier… I’ve got that gut feeling and I’m just praying it’s not the Beano!

I know I know I know…. I’m a big Tony Stewart fan, and to tell you the truth, I feel pretty guilty for not picking him to win this season, but the boy has changed.  Tony Stewart is not the same guy from last year, and I just feel he doesn’t have that drive that so many of these other drivers have.  He probably has a lot on his mind especially with the new Team he’s joining/owning next year.  I just haven’t seen the Tony Stewart I’ve known and loved.  (Loved in a straight way)

The Championship Chase is underway and I can’t wait to see what happens.  For all of you readers let me know who you think is going to win this season.  I’m going to host a giveaway starting next week and give away some Gas Cards so you all can fill up those tanks.

So make sure you check back. 

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Ever heard the saying… Save the drama for yo momma? It’s safe to say that Nascar racers save the drama for Bristol, and it just so happens that this weekend is short track racing in the ever drama filled Bristol. Get ready for head spinning, fingering flicking, helmet throwing, thrills and drama spills as we get ready for the newly resurfaced, half mile race on Saturday Night.

Rumors around the pits are that drivers are excited to race on the Bristol track again with the option to not only race on the top line but also get low and actually have equal speed!!! what? I’ll make this short and sweet, I already purchased a case of my favorite beer I’ve picked up my race snacks and called up the boys to meet. I’m feeling Kenseth this weekend, Carl Edwards of course will be strong and we can’t ever count out Kyle Buschy boy. Who do I pick to be the most dramatic? I’m going with Tony Stewart.. we haven’t heard from my boy in a while and I am sensing some aggressiveness coming as he’ll be bumping and grinding. We will see!

Who are your picks and why? I didnt give you a reason why I’m picking Kenseth but I’m expecting you to have a reason of why you’re picking who you’re picking. I reckon I can let you know after I hear some of your guys’ thoughts. Who will be in the center of the drama?

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Just when you think Kyle Busch is in a so called “Slump,” the kid comes out and dominates another road course.  Watkins Glen was an incredible race and one you did not want to miss. 

So we all know Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon were saying they saw weakness in the no. 18 car over the past couple races, well let me just say… THEY WERE WRONG.  Just because Kyle Busch didn’t dominate the field in the last couple races doesn’t mean the driver is in a slump.   He came out this weekend and showed the field exactly what they didn’t want to see… “the back of Kyle Busch’s no. 18 car!”

Watkins Glen was a pretty tame race overall until lap 86 when there was a huge pile up sending Bobby Labonte to the hosipital and a 45 minute race delay.  Bobby Labonte was complaining of sore ribs and was later released. 

The wreck started when contact was made by Michael McDowell which sent David Gilliland’s Ford spinning out of control into the guardrail. Sam Hornish Jr. slid sideways into the barrier of sand barrels dividing the racetrack from pit road… from there it was a huge pile up including Michael Waltrip, Dave Blaney, Joe Nemechek, Max Papis and Reed Sorenson.

All were released from the infield medical center but it delayed the race 45 minutes.  The race then re-started on lap 86 with Kyle Busch racing to the finish and getting the win on the 90th and final lap.  About 3 seconds behind Kyle Busch was his team mate Tony Stewart who has a solid finish but still continues his 36 race winless streak.

You all know Tony Stewart is one of my favorite drivers of all time… even though he hasn’t won a race in 36 races.  I do have to admit though… he seems to be losing his attitude and his “I’ll say what’s on my mind” reputation.  I think he’s setting himself up to be a leader for his new team Stewart Haas Racing.

It seems as though Stewart is not only losing his attitude but it’s almost as though he’s giving it to Kyle Busch.  Kyle Busch comes off the track and says “Tony was faster than me only at the “bus stop” chicane, but nowhere else on the track.”  and Tony Stewart comes off the track saying “I’m real happy with this second place finish, I didn’t have anything for my team mate Kyle Busch, he ran a great race.”

I dont’ know who’s telling my boy Tony Stewart to be nice and respectful, but whoever it is needs to let him be who he is.  Overall it was a good race to watch…. Kyle Busch obviously made the chase… Tony Stewart also bettered himself in the points… so overall I’m a happy fan.

By the way… Craig… i’m sure you’re happy with Montoya’s finish this weekend.  He finally finished better than 41st place. haha!!!

Who’s your team and who are you rooting for to make the chase?

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We’re getting down to the wire in the Chase and it seems as though there are some “great” drivers who have not yet secured their spot.  You’ve got Kevin Harvick, Clint Boyer, Matt Kenseth, and David Ragen all within 54 points of each other.  Kevin Harvick is sitting in the 11th position but still needs to race well these last races in order to secure his spot.  It’s anyone’s game…

One driver I was 100% sure was going to secure himself a spot was Matt Kenseth.  In the beginning of the season he didn’t do so well… if you asked me after 10 races if he was going to make it in the chase I would have said “Fat Chance.”  In his first 10 races he averaged about 23.5th position which in my opinion is just straight up NASTY!  Now these past 10 races he’s done a complete 180 and has done nothing but impress me.   The second half of this season he’s turned that average finish of 23.5th into 10.1. 

Matt Kenseth looked like he was securing his position in the chase but these last two races (Brickyard and Pocono) looked worse than his first 10 races.  He went from being in 8th position overall in points to 13th position.  If he plans on racing for the money, he better figure out what he’s going to do.

It seems to me as though Matt Kenseth is either Hot or Cold and nothing in between.  He either has a top 5 car or he has a car that won’t get any camera time when it comes to race day.

 These last 5 races are going to be tough for Mr. Kenseth.  I’ve got a strategy I think he needs to hear in order to make it into the chase, so if he wants to e-mail me or call me to find out what it will take, then please do.

 (I’ll give you all a hit…. My strategy consists of him finishing top 10 within the next 5 races and pray that Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Clint Boyer, and Kevin Harvick have a horrible day.)  If he’s not close with God… maybe now’s the time. 

Haha… (sorry gotta cut this article short… I’ve got a keg party I need to make an appearance at)

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Since Tony Stewart will be leaving the Joe Gibbs Team at the end of the season, Joe Gibbs now has an available seat that is in need of a fresh driver.  Is Logano the Man or shall I say “boy” for the job?  He has proven his ability in the Nationwide Series, but does he have the experience to play with the big dogs?

Joey Logano is an incredibly talented driver who has proved himself to the world that he can compete with the Nationwide Series drivers at the young age of 18.  When he turned 18 years old he raced his first race with the Nationwide series and ended up with a 6th place.  Nobody expected him to do as well as he did and he’s been proving himself ever since with 2 poles and 1 win having only competed in a total of 5 races.  Joey Logano is the real deal… but does he have enough experience to compete with the big dogs in the Sprint Cup?

I think Joey Logano is a great driver but personally don’t think he has enough experience to compete with the Sprint Cup racers.  On Sunday the top racers in the WORLD drive out on the track and every one of them has the ability and talent that Logano has.  The difference between Joey Logano and Tony Stewart is experience and the only way to gain experience is to continue to race with the Nationwide guys.

If I were Joe Gibbs I would weigh out my options and make sure I’m making the right decision.  Joey Logano is an incredible racer and will one day be on top in Sprint Cup Series but now is not the time.  There are so many great drivers out there jockeying for position and trying to secure a spot for next year.

Ryan Newman for example is one of those great drivers looking to make a decision on where he’s going to be racing next year.  We all know rumors are stating he’s looking to join Tony Stewart in his venture but why would you, as an experienced and top driver, pick a team who will be going through growing pains for the next year or so?  Newman should join a team that knows how to win and who has the formula to win, that team being Joe Gibbs in the #20 car.

The Man, the myth, the legend, GREGGGG ZIPADELLLLIIIII

Whoever drive’s for the #20 car next year is going to be sitting in a proven car.  The #20 car is a winning car that has not only won races but has also won Championships.  It’s a car that comes with an experienced crew led by crew chief Greg Zipadelli… so the future of this car is in good hands and will have the ability to win.

It has to be tough as a crew cheif not knowing who your driver will be next year.  I’m sure he’s focused on this year but with all the hype and rumors going around about the #20 car, I’ll bet he’s anxious to find out.  Who knows… maybe he already knows who will be racing with him.  I guess the only thing we can do is wait and see. 

I feel like the only thing we hear these days are rumors… the only FACTS out there is Tony Stewart changing teams and Jeff Gordon popping more wine bottles.  One of these days I’m going to get Gordon to do a keg stand… So if you’re out there reading this Jeff, you better start practicing.

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Since Tony Stewart has officially signed up as Driver and Team Owner with Haas CNC, the new team is now looking for other drivers.   I mentioned before I heard rumors Ryan Newman was going to be realeased from Penske and was going to join his good friend Stewart on the new team.  Well it looks as if these rumors are becoming a reality.

We all know Ryan Newman has been released from the Penske team earlier last week, but he still has yet to say who he plans to race for next year.  In my opinion we all KNOW he’s going to be racing with Stewart-Haas Racing, but the only question is when he is going to make the announcement?

I personally think he’s going to make the announcement later on in the year… maybe Britsol or Dover.   I think he wants to stay focused on Penske and trying to finish the year by getting into the chase.  He currently sits in 16th place and has a lot of points to make up if he thinks he’s going to make it into the top 12. 

Ryan Newman is a great racer and has a lot of potential to be a superstar… he just needs to focus on finishing this year and doing the best he can.  A lot of drivers this year are worried about what’s going to happen next year and who’s going to be racing where, I just think they need to stay focused on this year and making sure their sponsors are happy.

Racers need sponsors in order to race, so they need to make sure their sponsors are happy so they can race another race. 

Will the new Stewart-Haas Racing have a third car? 

The rumor mill never stops churning… there are more rumors going around in the pits there may be another driver who will be racing for the new Stewart-Haas team.  Who is this new driver?  Are they going to make it a three car team?  Is Tony Stewart the new Joe Gibbs?

The rumors aren’t yet confirmed but it seems as though there are serious talks Martin Truex Jr will be leaving DEI to join the Stewart Haas Team. 

I think it would be great if Martin Truex Jr joined my boy Tony Stewart in his new venture.  We all know DEI is having a tough time trying to survive in today’s economy and the word on the street is Teresa is looking for investors to help back the team.  Well it looks like they’re starting to lose their drivers now and Martin Truex Jr is going to be making a decision on where he wants to race.

When DEI got busted for their hood not being legal, Martin Truex Jr threw a fit and was furious with the results.  It put a $100,000 damper on the teams wallet as well as hurt Truex in the points.  Martin Truex Jr is focused on winning and it seems as though every team wants him.

Martin Truex Jr has a tough decision to make especially if he decides to go with Tony Stewart.  I think Stewart Haas is eventually going to be a great team but I think it’s going to take a little time for them to gel.  It’s basically going to be a brand new team because Stewart plans on going in there and cutting jobs and piecing together crews.

I’m excited to see what happens with the team and I can only imagine it’s going to be first class.  Stewart is setting himself up to be a legend and it’s always good to start now before it gets to late.  He’s on top of the world and with his new venture it will only better his image and life in the NASCAR world.

Who do you think would be a dream team of drivers?  If you had the deepest pockets in the world and were to design your own dream team of racers who would you pick? 

I would pick Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, and Kevin Harvick.  I think these guys would be an incredible dream team.

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The unstoppable Kyle Busch sweeps in Chicagoland. He not only wins the Nationwide Cup race but also surprisingly wins the Sprint Cup race on Saturday night on the last lap. I don’t know about my readers, but I’m sick of hearing and talking about Kyle Busch. I love watching him on the track, don’t get me wrong… but with all the wins Kyle Busch has it seems as if this website is geared towards him. And it’s not. How can I stop talking about him? The kid continues to amaze the world with his relentless victories.

Saturday Night’s Sprint Cup race was one helluva race.  Leaders included Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle, Vickers, Johnson, Kenseth, Kurt Busch and well… I had my heart set on my boy Tony Stewart who ran hard and in the top 5 all race but unfortunately lead for a VERY short time. I was hoping and praying that he would have a chance to take this race home but it never came to fruition. I was on the edge of my seat the entire race and may have quite possibly drank 10 to many beers, but what happens during a NASCAR race happens. I reckon I can’t be accountable for something that I just can not control and when my boy is in the top 5 is when I really start to pound the beers.

The last 25 laps came down to three of the strongest cars all night: Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick. It looked like once again Kyle Busch was going to win this race unchallenged, and that’s when Jimmie Johnson charged to the front passing Kyle Busch on the inside. The man exploded past Kyle and never turned back it was lap 16 and there was no stopping him. Busch was heard radio’ing to his crew “race over”. It was evident Jimmie had the strongest car at that point and there wasn’t much that could be done until Gililand caused a yellow flag giving Busch another opportunity. Jimmie Johnson wasn’t concerned, “Before that last caution came out, we were gone. … And you know, we had such a great car I really felt like the restart would come and we would march off and be fine,”

Take a look at the last 16 laps and the incredible restart Kyle Busch had… with two laps left Busch was able to squeeze by Johnson on the outside where it was all over but the crime.

Side Notes: Carl Edwards has had a strong season thus far and lead a few laps here in Chicagoland, he unfortunately broke his splitter brace which would put him out of contention. Earnhardt struggled all race finishing in 16th along with Kasey Kahne in 15th. The Newman joining Stewart talk is still running rapid in the pits and it sounds to ME that Newman will in fact be racing for Stewart-Haas. The two are friends on and off the track, they’re both from Indiana and it just so happens Newman’s contract is up after this season with Penske.

For those of you who heard the rumors of Obama sponsoring a Sprint Cup team. “The Obama campaign will not be sponsoring a car in the Sprint Cup Series, though we will continue to look for ways to reach out to voters and convey Senator Obama’s message of change.” said Bill Burton, an Obama campaign spokesman. I also read a news article written by USNEWS.com where they interviewed Jimmie Johnson and Chandra Johnson and spoke about NASCAR fans being McCain supporters. I also wanted to thank USNEWS.com for referencing my website in their article!

Thanks for the traffic. Alright Ron Ripplers… What were your thoughts for the race?

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Rumor: Tony Stewart is joining Haas/CNC next year!

I mentioned earlier in the year we heard some rumors Tony Stewart was entertaining an offer Haas/CNC made him in regards to joining the team.  Well the rumors may be facts… Tony Stewart has been granted a release from his 2009 contract with Joe Gibbs Racing and will be moving on over to Haas/CNC as part owner.  Rumor has it Tony is changing the team name to Stewart Haas Racing and plans on having a two car team. 

Rumor: Ryan Newman is going to drive for Stewart Haas Racing! 

 Who would be the possible two car team with Tony Stewart?  Ryan Newman… rumor has it Ryan Newman is also joining Tony Stewart in his venture and plans on leaving Penske for good.  Tony Stewart would be sponsored by Olde Spice and Office depot, Ryan Newman is looking to get sponsored by Jack Daniels.  The two would make an incredible team and eventually become a power player.

Rumor: Newman leaving the #12, Stremme will be replacement!

If the rumors are true and Ryan Newman plans on joining forces with Tony Stewart in the 2009 year, who will take the #12 spot with Penske?  The rumor on the street is Stremme is a good possibility for jumping behind the wheel.  Stremme is a strong racer and deserves to be running up front with a strong team.  Chip Ganassi made the mistake of replacing Stremme with Dario Franchitti which we now know was a HUGE mistake.  I’m not so sure how true this rumor will be, especially since he’s been testing with three different teams. 

 Rumor: Martin Truex Jr. received stiff penalties!

Martin Truex Jr. and the DEI car was rumored to have an illegal roof after they failed the Daytona inspections at the Coke Zero 400.  Well the Rumors are true!  Truex received an extremely stiff penalty yesterday for their car failing to fit the roof template.  Truex was docked 150 points which dropped him from 14th place to 18th place in the Sprint Cup standings and hurting his chances of making the chase.  He is now 238 points from Tony Stewart and only 4 races away from getting to into the chase.  I hate to admit it but the kids chances are gone!  Unless he trades bodies with Kyle Busch and puts a Nitrous bottle in the car… I don’t see him winning the next 4 races.

Rumor: Is Teresa Earnhardt stepping down from DEI?

Rumor on the street is Teresa Earnhardt has enlisted Bear Stearns and Co to help find a wealthy investor or buyer to step in and help with the financials.  If you want my opinion Teresa Earnhardt has destroyed DEI from ever becoming a big player in the sport.  The reason why DEI was created was so that when Dale Earnhardt retired or kicked the can, his kids would have a strong team to race for.  Well obviously that didn’t happen and Teresa lost the heart of the team, that being Dale Earnhardt Jr.

 The Rumors are spreading… Man I love NASCAR!

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There was only 17 laps remaining in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 race with Kurt Busch in the lead when race officials made a quick decision to call it a day and put the toys away due to weather.  Kurt Busch had luck on his side yesterday allowing him to end his 29 race winless streak.  At the end of the race during a caution, Kurt Busch’s team decided to keep him out on the race course which allowed him to crawl up into first place and ended up earning him the win. 

Tony Stewart who also has a ridiculous winless streak (31 races) was dominating the race by leading 132 of the 284 laps.  Tony’s crew made the decision to pit on the caution which ended up putting him in 13th position when the race was finally called.  Tony Stewart was extremely pissed after Sunday’s race and didn’t comment on his results. 

 I can guaranttee he was throwing some F-bombs on the radio after the race officials stopped the race.  It’s got to be tough knowing this was your race to dominate and you make a poor decision to pit hoping the rain would stay away.  I can only imagine what song his crew was chanting as he pulled back out with the rain on it’s way…. “rain rain go away, come back some other day…. rain rain go away, come back some other day.”

The rain CAMEEE… son of a B!%@*

So Kurt Busch ended up with the win… what did Kyle Busch end up with?  A SPIN!!!! Juan Pablo Montoya made his point this weekend that he was out here to race and he’s not going to let anyone push him around, even if it is the points leader. 

There are two sides to every story!

Kyle Busch’s side!

Kyle Busch explained in his post race interview he was racing Juan and beat him to the caution flag after the Clint Boyer/Sam Hornish Jr wreck when out of the blue he began spinning.  Busch claims he rubbed Montoya a couple times in the previous lap trying to race him to the caution but claims he only touched his corner panel.  He says Montoya must have thought he beat him to the caution and got frustrated and spun him out.

Juan Pablo Montoya’s side!

Juan Pablo Montoya says he was racing Kyle Busch who was not giving him the respect he deserved.  He says Kyle Busch came up on the high side where he was racing and pretended like he wasn’t there expecting him to back down.  Juan said it looked like Kyle was trying to wreck him because he was banging on Juan’s corner panel… Juan says OK! Here we go!  Next thing you know they were both spinning which resulted in the end of their day!  Juan does admit he spun him out intentionally!

My side!

I think both drivers were having a very boring day racing in the back of the pack.  They were bored with the way the race was going and decided to make the race more interesting for us (the fans) by playing bumper cars.  Kyle Busch was thinking… “I’m not used to racing back here in the back of the pack, is this what these losers feel like at every race?”  Juan Pablo Montoya was thinking… “Wow, I’m not used to racing next to “THE MAN” Kyle Busch, I better not let him push me around back here.”

Next thing you know, one thing led to another, they let their thoughts take over and Kyle Busch decided he better get some more face time on the camera.  Kyle Busch starts bumping Juan Pablo Montoya because he was the closest one… Montoya kept thinking I can’t let this mean driver bully me around.  Juan throws him into a spin which ends up taking himself out as well.

 Not the smartest racing I’ve ever seen but you can’t blame either of them.  Not every driver is perfect and who knows what they’re thinking when they’re in a situation they’re not used to.  haha.  I love racing!

What do you guys think?  Who’s side do you take on this situation?  Kyle’s, Juan’s, or mine?

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This weekend we’re heading down to Sonoma for an incredible road course with turn after turn after turn and I cannot wait.  This is going to be an awesome race to watch, and as much as I love to see these guys turn left, it’s going to be incredibly fascinating to see them turn right.  I mean… do these cars even turn right?  We’ll just have to wait and see. 

Wow… Did they seriously just take a right turn?

Sonoma is a track where road course racers are supposed to stand out and show the world what they’re all about.  Many times a team owner hires a road racer to come out here and show the world what they’ve got and in the end make a fool of themselves by getting owned by the true NASCAR racers themselves.  The statistics show (Nascar.com) only 1.5% of hired guns actually finish top 5 at the end of the day and usually get shown up by the true NASCAR (left turn only) racers. 

I love watching road courses and i’m glad NASCAR has a few on the schedule.  This course has a lot of history behind it and a lot of drivers really enjoy it.  Jeff Gordon is one of the guys to beat this weekend with having won 5 out of the last 10 starts here.  He hasn’t been dominating much this year but he’s been in the shadows and this could be the race that lights the fire underneath his panties. 

Another racer who has done well here is Juan Montoya.  This is his kind of course and he’ll be going out there trying to defend his title.  Juan won this race last year by basically driving by ever single car in the field.  He started in the 32nd position last year and is the first driver to win the race having started further back than 13th position.  I’m not a big Montoya fan but I think he’s going to be a driver to watch out for.  He obviously knows this course and knows how to pass… (Craig you better call your boy and tell him to step up his game because he’s going to make me look bad if he doesn’t)

Of course there is going to be a lot of hype behind other racers such as Tony Stewart, Boris Said, Terry Labonte, and many more due to the fact that they are great road racers.  But I think the guys that will need to shine and make a solid finish are those focused on making the top 12 for the chase at the end of the year…  Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman, Brian Vickers, Clint Boyer, Martin Truex Jr.

Of course an article on Ron Ripple wouldn’t be an article without mentioning Kyle Busch.  For once I have to say Kyle Busch is making a great decision and has decided not to race the Nationwide Series race this weekend in Milwaukee.  Sonoma is a tough course and takes a toll on these racers especially if they’re not in their prime come race day.  There are a couple racers who have decided to race both and those are David Reutimann, Clint Boyer, and Carl Edwards.  All are great racers and have a chance at Sonoma but I think racing both races is going to be a mistake. 

Who do you think will take home the trophy this weekend?  Is it me or are you excited about the road course as well?  Boy do I love NASCAR….

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