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

Kyle Busch who ended his day at the Daytona 500 mixed up in a crash, that would take his chances of winning away, dominated the race by leading 76 out of 124 laps.  It was an unfortunate day for Kyle Busch but a very fortunate day for Mr. Matthew Kenseth, who went on to win the race after officials called the race due to rain.

Kyle Busch who was last years wonder boy at the beginning of the season looked like he was going to do it once again.  He was driving around these guys as if they were glued to the cement.  His pit crew changed tires quicker than I can shotgun a beer.  (I’m South Carolina’s #1 Beer Shotgunner)  Kyle Busch was running a phenomenal race until Dale Earnhardt Jr. decided he wasn’t very happy being a lap down.

Here’s the story, if you didn’t get a chance to watch the race.  Brian Vickers and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were racing for the “lucky dog” position at the front of the pack.  Brian Vickers was in front of Earnhardt Jr who went down on the low side to try and pass him.  Brian Vickers went down to the yellow line to block him which pushed Earnhardt Jr. out, and then Earnhardt intentionally came up and tapped Vickers on the left rear corner which caused him to spin out and take out half the pack.

Click on the video below if you want to see.

If you watched the post race interviews you’ll wonder what was wrong with Kyle Busch, and I think I have the answer. Kyle Busch for some odd reason was extremely nice and didn’t have that negative whiny tone he usually portrays when he gets wrecked or doesn’t win.

My speculation is that he either got “neutered” (my dog relaxed after I get him neutered) or he had a hot date after the race. Hopefully it was the hot date because if I continue to see Kyle Busch be that respectful and nice after a race I may stop writing about him.

Overall I thought the Daytona 500 was a fun race to watch given the circumstances we were dealt. The whole race everyone was worried about the rain so it made the drivers drive a little bit more aggressively. Unfortunately none of the big names finished in the top 10 due to the wreck but we’ve got plenty more races for these guys to show us what they’ve got.

40 Comments »

This weekend in Atlanta there was more than one winner… Carl Edwards took home the checkered flag… but Jimmie Johnson took home an even greater lead in the race for the Championship.

 Yesterday’s race was very intense.  I thought there for a second that one of the bridesmaids I mentioned in my previous post was going to win the race.  Matt Kenseth was up there leading a number of laps and Jeff Gordon was in the top three as well, trying to set himself up for the win.  But unfortunately the win went to a typical Bride… Carl Edwards.

As usual the attention went to the typical Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, and Kyle Busch because they were up front when it really counted.  Carl Edwards won the race with Jimmie Johnson right behind him.  And as I mentioned in the previous post Jimmie Johnson was the biggest media whore of the day.  If we weren’t watching the leaders of the race, our attention was on Jimmie Johnson watching him pick off drivers as if he was at the shooting range. 

I hate to admit it but if you were to ask me who the real winner of the weekend was?  Obviously I would have to say the title goes to Jimmie Johnon.  Jimmie Johnson took his unfortunate mishap in the pits… (On Lap 89, Johnson smoked his tires entering pit road and was nailed with a speeding penalty) and turned it around to earn him a second place finish at the end of the day.

If I told you at the beginning of the season that a driver went from 30th place to 2nd place in Atlanta, you probably would have guessed Kyle Busch.  Well the tables have turned and the new wonder boy in the NASCAR world is Jimmie Johnson.  The guy pisses excellence and there really isn’t anyone who can touch him right now. 

Another driver who drove his @ss off was Juan Pablo Montoya.  This guy was shocking the NASCAR world by hanging in the top five for most of the day until he got involved in an accident that took away his chances.  Because Juan Pablo Montoya did such a great job this weekend I think I’m going to do a Hot Wive’s Club post about his wife.  Good job Montoya… it looks like you’re becoming a true NASCAR racer.

Other than that it was an exciting race and shows that the real racing during the season doesn’t start until the last 10 races of the season.  Basically when it counts.

5 Comments »

2008 has been a wild season to say the least when it comes to winners and those who came up short.  There are a number of driver’s this year we never in our lifetime would have imagined went winless.  I know this article is pre-mature, but I’m feeling the need to write it anyway.

Jeff Gordon… WOWWWW!!!  Who would have thought the young wine drinker wouldn’t even have a chance to pop a bottle of champaign this year.  I mean… this guy hasn’t gone winless since August 4, 1971, the day he was born.  I think when he came out of his mother’s womb, he jumped on his big wheel and raced the 13 year old neighbor around the block. 

To many drivers Jeff Gordon’s year would be a dream come true.  He’s had 11 top five finishes, 16 top ten finishes, and is currently sitting in 7th place in the overall points for the season.  But because it’s Jeff “the wine drinker” Gordon, he’s got to be a little dissapointed.  As much as I make fun of the guy, I really do respect him… He only has four races left for the season and I would never count the guy out.

2008′s Bridesmaids in full gear!

Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, David Ragan, Brian Vickers, Martin Truex Jr, Jamie McMurray, and the list could go on for miles with the number of bridesmaids this season has created.  All these names are so HUGE in the NASCAR world and not a single one of them has a win for the season.  It’s almost as if this season was dominated by a few drivers and these guys just didn’t have that extra “umphhhh” (a new expression I made up) to get that WIN. 

 For those of you not able to make the race this coming week, make sure you call my boys over at DirectTV.  These guys have the best NASCAR viewing you could ask for on TV.  If you’re not at the race, at least pretend like you are… call 1-866-938-8469 and let them know Ron Ripple Sent you.  If you want to check out what they’ve got visit their website at DirectTV.  I just got off the phone with my boys over there and they told me that if you add NASCAR HotPass™ to your DIRECTV base package order, they’ll give you the rest of the season for just $29.99.  You can’t beat that… so hurry up and call 866-938-8469 because the Sale ends November 16th!

So who’s going to be the biggest Bridesmaid of the year?  Unfortunately I think the biggest Whiner I mean winner, might be the biggest Loser of them all, that being Kyle Busch.

Before the Chase, not a single driver could touch what Kyle Busch was breathing… He’d come from the back of the pack and drive around everyone as if he was the professor making his way up to the front of the class.  If he got a second place finish, he’d pout as if he didn’t deserve second.  The guy was on fire and nobody could touch him… but unfortunately the momentum changed and Kyle Busch’s wins soon became losses.

If you had to pick anyone to be the Bridesmaid of the Season so far, who would you pick and why?  Craig… we already know who you’re going to pick and I have a feeling it rhymes with Shontoya.  But I’d love to hear who came up short and why.

14 Comments »

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)

3 Comments »

The Coke Zero 400 was a race that goes down in the history books for it’s photo finish that couldn’t be called till the tapes were reviewed.  Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards were literally nose and nose, racing for the finish as a huge wreck took place behind them making the race a difficult race to call.  Kyle Busch just barely took the win with Carl Edwards less than a foot away from being crowned the Coke Zero 400 champion.

The photo finish!

Kyle Busch says he was on the edge of his seat doing everything he could to prevent a repeat of last years race with him taking second place to Jamie McMurray after a  similar situation with a photo finish.

In my opinion the real talk of the day should be about Dale Earnhardt Jr and his domination of this race that resulted in earning his 8th place finish.  The kid was driving around the course as if he owned it and nobody deserved to be on it but himself.  He was driving so aggressive and passionately that I was afraid he was going to wreck Jimmie Johnson when he dared to get in front of him.  He led more laps than anyone but when they counted he got left hung to dry and drifted back to the 10th place position.  In his post race interview he said there were a lot of ignorant drivers in the final laps and he claims he deserved a top 5 finish.

I guess if winning a race means Dale Jr needs to be ignorant than I guess he better start learning how.  Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth and of course Kyle Busch were making runs for the front.  They didn’t hesitate when it came down to racing hard and doing what it takes to get out in front.

Two guys I need to give a lot of credit to even though they didn’t make it to the front is Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch.  Both started in the back of the pack and both made it to the top 10.  Kasey Kahne started in 41st position and picked off every driver as he made is way towards the front giving him a 7th place finish.  Kurt Busch also started in 36th position and also made is way to the front giving him a 4th place finish.  I guess when you’ve got a strong car and know how to drive it you can do anything.

This was one of my favorite races to watch.  It was action packed and reminded me of what true racing is. What did everyone think of my boy Tony Stewart and the good ol switcharoo allowing Yeley to step up and drive it like he stole it? Stewart had an extremely strong car racing in the top 3. Was I the only one to notice that Vickers was the cause of at least two of the wrecks?

8 Comments »

This year has been an interesting year to say the least when it comes to the Sprint Cup Championship. Many drivers are focusing on making top 10 finishes in turn setting themselves up for the championship. I always talk about the respect I have for those who “go big or go home” and do anything for the win. That’s a rare breed that only a select have. A lot of fans are frustrated and feel that their favorite drivers are only going for the points and not the big W. I agree with some and disagree with others.

At times I personally get frustrated because one of my favorite driver is comfortable with a top 10 finish… when all I want them to do is get the victory and do a kick ass victory dance. God only knows what’s going on in their heads, I guess we’re not in the shoes of these racers and don’t know the game as well as they do. One thing is for sure! All drivers are looking to get in the top 12 so they can become the CHAMPION of the year… not just a champion for the night. I can’t blame them because they want to be known for the years to come as the “2008 Champion” and not the “second place finisher.” People can say what they want but the bottom line is, we don’t know WHAT goes on in their head when out on the track. My theory is that (some drivers) go for the win to a certain point and after knowing they don’t have a chance… they simply try to stay in the top 5 or 10. Take a look at the standings below..

On that note… who do you think will be in the championship race at the end of the year? There are a few names I notice that aren’t in the top 12 right now but have a good chance of getting in. Brian Vickers, Matt Kenseth, and Martin Truex Jr. are a few that have been moving up in the ranks and are actually racing their asses off so they can make the chase.

Matt Kenseth had a rough start this season and was a name I hardly even mentioned, but over the last 5 races, I’ve talked about him quite a bit. For the last five races he has finished top 7 in all of them and has been aggressively driving to try and secure his spot in the chase. I have a feeling he’s going to go out there and continue his top 10 streak and beat out some of these other drivers that are comfortable with a top 10 finish.

Brian Vickers is another racer who has been steadily creeping his ass up into the hunt to make the championship race. He’s another racer that has had a very sporadic season. If you were to place your bets on this kid this season you better not put too much money on him… it would be like trying to play darts in the dark. The kid is extremely talented but he’s been as consistent as the amount of beer I drink. (You just never know… one day I’ll drink a 12 pack and the next I’ll drink a case) I really do think he’s got a shot though! He’s finished top 5 over the last couple races and if he keeps it up he’ll be sneaking his way up there.

Still some big names out there that I’m shocked aren’t in the hunt for the chase this year. Not to name any names but Kurt Busch has really dropped off the face of the earth this year. Does he still race NASCAR? The only Busch name I ever hear get mentioned from Mr. Boogity Boogity is his brother Kyle.

Like I said before… it’s been an interesting year to say the least but I wanna know who you think will sneak into the chase and who will get knocked out of the chase.

11 Comments »

It’s tough to find a news source that isn’t talking about Kyle Busch and his bad boy attitude.  Well I hate to say it but he’s going to be in a little bit of the discussion today here at Ron Ripple.com.  Kyle Busch has once again, earned his spot as the pole sitter for the longest race of the season, the Coca Cola 600.  NASCAR’s cockiest driver Kyle Busch is starting to earn his respect as he continues to dominate the NASCAR circuit with already three wins, two poles, and eight top 10 finishes.  If I were a betting man…. I wouldn’t count him out.

 Last night was qualifying for the Coca Cola 600 and ya ya ya…  Kyle Busch is sitting on the pole.  Who would have thought?  NASCAR’s most discussed driver is actually winning races and “sitting on poles.”  HAHA!  You have to admit… the kid is taking the NACAR world by storm with his negative press.  And as Michael Jackson would say “There’s no such thing as bad press.”  I hate to admit it, but I actually enjoy watching Kyle Busch on and off the track.  He’s like a combination of Dale Earnhardt Sr’s aggressive driving, and Tony Stewarts cocky “doesn’t give a ****” about what anyone says.  I know I flip flop each week about whether I like the kid or not, but for this week I’m actually enjoying him.

 Kasey Kahne (Spelling is correct this article) on the other hand is a driver this year who is just starting to make the headlines.  It’s more of a “the kid didn’t deserve to win the All-Star race and got lucky” kind of headlines, but at least he’s starting to come on to the scene.  So after his All-Star drama/win last weekend, the kid is starting to get his confidence back and it looks like it’s already starting to kick in.  He’s officially sitting 2nd in qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 which is a huge step considering he has had “0″ top 5 finishes this year.  I have a feeling Kasey is going to earn his wings this race and shut up all those reporters that are saying he’s not an elite racer.  Once this kid gets his confidence back, he’s going to realize he cannot only hang with the big boys, but he’s actually a BIG BOY himself. 

Hopefully the Coca-Cola 600 will be a bit more exciting than the All-Star race.  It doesn’t look like any manufacturer is dominating when it comes to qualifying.  There’s only 2 Toyotas, 3 Dodges, 2 Fords, and 3 Chevrolets… so the feild is pretty spread out when it comes to that.  Below is a list of the top 10 qualifiers for the Coca-Cola 600.

I think my pick for this race is going to be based on history.  Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson looked like they owned this track back in the years of 2004 – 2006 so those might be some good picks.  But I remember Ryan Newman loves this track and always seems to get the pole when qualifying so I’m shocked he qualified 39th this year.  If I go off this season and who did well on the intermediate tracks, I have to go with Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Kyle Busch.  Alright here’s my picks… I’m going to throw everyone for a loop this go round:

Winner – Kasey Kahne!

Sleeper – Matt Kenseth!

DNF – Kyle Busch (Motor Problems – Hopefully he doesn’t read this!)

Alright… I want everyone to make their picks for this race.  Tell me who you think is going to win… and then who you think will come out of no where and make a show.  And just for fun… tell me who you think has no chance or will have motor problems.  Let’s hear your thoughts about some of these racers!

12 Comments »