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

Yes Clint Bowyer is officially in the 12th position and back in the chase… but what I’m really talking about is Bowyer chasing down drivers in New Hampshire and handing out tickets.  What was Clint Bowyer doing chasing people and pulling them over?  Has he quit racing and become a police officer?

Nope… but he did help the New Hampshire State Police yesterday pull over law abiding citizens and handed out not citations, but tickets to attend the Sylvania 300 on September 14th. 

Clint Bowyer did a ride along with New Hampshire State Police and handed out tickets for those drivers abiding the new “Move Over” law New Hampshire set in place just this year.  He pulled over a number of motorists that moved over and slowed down when they saw official emergency vehicles in the breakdown lane. 

Clint Bowyer knows a little bit about slowing down when there’s an emergency… this past weekend he got caught up in a multi-car crash late in the race but ended up working his way back to the front and securing a top 10 finish. 

I believe the New Hampshire State police would have issued him a citation for following too closely and not leaving enough “braking” room to prevent an accident… but luckily for him, nobody called the cops. haha

Clint’s got his work cut out for him this coming weekend in California.  In his career, he’s only had one top 5 finish at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana California, so it looks like he’s got a lot of work to do.  Bowyer hasn’t been a big threat at the big tracks but they’re looking to at least secure a solid position and set themselves up for a win at the Sylvania 300 where he’s the defending champion.

Bowyer looks like he’s making his way back into the points… do you think he has a chance or is he going to get beat out by Kahne, Newman, or Ragan?

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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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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?

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Do you love NASCAR as much as me?  Well chat it up with me on my website daily and tell me your opinions.  Have comments or questions about what’s going on in the NASCAR world? 

 I just added a new feature to the website that allows you to chat with me throughout the day. (If I’m online)  This past weekend I was on my website during the Dover race and realized some of you guys were on here as well.  I figured, how cool would it be if I was on here chatting with my fellow Ron Ripplers at the same time?

 So I just added the new feature… it’s located to the right hand side of the website.  All you need to do is click on the text box and chat away.  I look forward to chatting it up with my fellow NASCAR fans.

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I’m starting to think IndyCar racing is officially the next “stepping stone” to NASCAR.  The latest rumors on the streets are Danica Patrick and now Helio Castroneves are thinking about making the move to NASCAR.  It’s Obvious that NASCAR is the most popular, most televised, and most watched car racing series of all times, and it looks like the big names of IndyCar are starting to realize this.

 If you haven’t noticed, a number of IndyCar racers have already made the move to NASCAR…  Sam Hornish Jr. and Dario Franchitti are two IndyCar champions who have joined the NASCAR world, and it seems as though they aren’t going anywhere.  

Wow… Danica Patrick Danica Patrick, one of IndyCar’s most famous drivers, just attended the Sprint Cup race in Phoenix this year and there were rumors going around she was thinking about making the move.  It seems as though her contract isn’t going to be coming up until 2009, which means there is a good possibility she could be the next “FACE” of NASCAR.  In my opinion I would welcome her with open arms…  NASCAR is going to be a forever growing sport, and as long as there are a number of different personalities and characters for fans to grab hold of, the sport will continue to grow. 
Helio CastronevesHelio Castroneves is another IndyCar star that may also make the move over to NASCAR.  If you think about it… it wouldn’t be a hard move for him since he already races for Team Penske which is owned by Roger Penske who already has a three car NASCAR team.   Helio Castroneves is another personality that would come into the NASCAR world and bring more attention to the sport.  If it were up to me, I would welcome all these drivers in with open arms.  I can’t say I would be a big fan of Helio, but I think it’s only going to continue to build our sport and make it a domination.

NASCAR is a sport that will be around forever and is only going to continue to grow.  Big names like Helio Castroneves and Danica Patrick will only help the sport and continue to make it “THE” auto racing sport of the world.  I personally won’t be a supportive fan of these two if they decide to start racing NASCAR but I do think it will bring in different crowds.  Danica will bring in the females and Helio will bring in the South American support which will make it a more world wide sport. 

The good thing is… if these two decide to start racing NASCAR, I am guaranteed not to see any of them out at the bars.  Danica would probably be at a fancy club drinking Martinis or Cosmopolitans, and Helio would probably be at a Ballroom dancing with Jeff Gordon.

What are your thoughts?  Are you for or against IndyCar racers trying to join the group? 

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Tony Stewart who you all know is one of my favorite drivers, is the topic of discussion throughout the NASCAR community.  The rumor on the street is that he’s been getting multiple offers from a number of different race teams even though his contract doesn’t come up with Joe Gibbs Racing until the end of the 2009 season.  Tony Stewart said that he is going to be completely honest and up front with Joe Gibbs and has already admitted to keeping his ears open.  The biggest story that has been going around the pits is he’s decided already to sign with Haas CNC racing which is a second class racing team. 

J.D. Gibbs says they aren’t worried about the possible offers and has denied the claims.  They think Tony Stewart will make the right decision and stay with a team he will win with, and they’re confident they are THAT team.  One thing they have mentioned is if Tony decides he doesn’t plan on staying with the Gibbs team, he better at least fulfill his contract and stay till the end of the 2009 year.

Tony Stewart on the other hand has other interests… his goal is to not only be a driver but also a team owner.  He wants to guarantee a life long career in the racing world, and the next peice to the puzzle is to own a team.  So rumors on the street are he’s already signed with Haas CRC racing, but not only as a driver but also part owner in the team. 

To me it sounds like Tony Stewart has made his decision… I think he’s going to fulfill his contract because he’s a stand up guy and Joe Gibbs has been an incredible team owner for him.  I personally think he should keep racing for Joe Gibbs… but I understand why he wants to secure his life long career in the NASCAR world.  If it aint broke than don’t fix it… he will be racing for a second class team.  And second class teams are second class teams with second class equipment.  He’s not going to find a more professional, more prepared team than Joe Gibbs and right now Joe Gibbs is THE TEAM to beat. 

Another reason why I think Tony made the swith is because I think he’s a Chevy guy.   Tony switched to the Toyota this year when the Gibbs team decided it was going to be the car they all ran this year.  His Nationwide Series team is currently still running the Chevy and I think he’s always been a Chevy guy and feels comfortable in a Chevy.  Tony Stewart and Toyota go together like beer and popsicles.  They just dont! 

It’s going to be a sad day when he makes the switch… but who knows… maybe he’ll turn a second class team into a first class team.  I hope this isn’t the last we see of Tony and I hope he doesn’t become a has been who lost his aggressive, opinionated, drama filled always a contender to be reckoned with attitude.  10 years and racing for the same owner with over 34 wins is a great accomplishment, let’s just hope he keeps us all on the edge of our seats.

 What do you think… is he going to continue racing for Joe Gibbs?  Is he going to fulfill his contract or will he pull out early?

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Alright… I made a little mistake on my last post and named off all these great names that “I said” were going to be racing down in Mexico City.  The truth is… hardly anybody will be racing down there in Mexico City and I’m curious as to why.  The big name road racers such as Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon both snubbed the Mexico City race this weekend.  The only big names that will be down there racing are Kyle Busch, David Reutimann, Carl Edwards, Clint Boyer and then Scott Pruett who is one of the best road racers that have ever existed. 

 There are g0ing to be a lot of local favorites from Mexico that will be racing, one of them being Adrian Fernandez who has had three top 10 finishes in the last three Nationwide races he’s raced in down there in Mexico City.  Adrian Fernandez is a local racer and very popular with the local Mexicans who will be hoping for a home town favorite to win the big race.  He not only has a competitive advantage by knowing the race course but he also has an advantage because it’s his birthday on Sunday and I know there are a lot of generous racers out there.  Haha… I highly doubt anyone’s going to help him out though!

 Another great racer who is making a guest appearance is Sam Hornish Jr. who was the winner of the 2006 Indy 500.  Sam doesn’t have much experience if any at all in a stock car but he defintiely knows road courses and is hands down a great driver.  I don’t think he has a chance at winning this race but I have a feeling he’ll end up somewhere in the top 15. 

 I personally think it’s going to be an exciting race to watch.  Road races are a lot of fun especially when you have someone to route for.   I’m going to be pulling for Kyle Busch or Carl Edwards because they’re regulars and I highly doubt any of these randoms are going to do anything extraordinary.  I wish everyone luck and will be drinking a beer on turn 3 of the race course. 

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We’re headed to Mexico City for another big track race.  My predictions this race are going to have to go with Kyle Busch and of course Tony Stewart.  Tony Stewart always does well on road courses and well… you can never count Kyle Busch out of anything. 

 I do have a feeling some of the Formula 1 guys are going to shine this race and actually be in the hunt for some big time points.  You’ve got Franchitti, Montoya, Nemecheck, and Andretti who will all be trying to show off their skills.  Montoya currently has the track record so he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.  They also have a better chance of speaking the native language which may give them an up when it comes to set up.

As usual I’m sticking with my good ol american boys who will hopefully show these europeans what real stock car racing is.  Mexico City is going to be one hell of a place to throw back some cervezas.  I’m not going to give into the tempting commercials which show Corona’s on a deserted beach… I’m going to stick to my drink of choice which is an ice cold budweiser.   So if you’re going to be at that race make sure you look for me on the in-feild. 

Weather conditions right now are partly sunny, 77 degrees, with a chance of championship victories.  Let me know what you think!!!!

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KYLE BUSCH.  All I have to say is holy shitzu… this kid is good.  I have a feeling that while I was playing with G.I. Joe’s at the age of 3, Kyle Busch was driving the lawn mower learning how to put the pedal to the metal.  This kid was dominating yesterday’s race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway basically the whole time.  If I had to put my money on someone to win the season I would have to say Kyle Busch.  I know I know… kinda obvious since he’s ahead in the points, but I don’t see anyone else putting on a show like this kid.

 Other shoutouts I have to give after watching the race is Dale Earnhardt Jr, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards.  All three ran an incredible race leading quite a few laps.  It was unfortunate Carl Edwards blew an engine after leading for so long but I guess that’s racing.  Dale Earnhardt was in the hunt the whole time and was always a threat.  I’d love to see him win a race and get the taste of victory back in his blood.   Tony Stewart was in the top 10 most of the race but obviously crept up to the front towards the end.

 It was soooo cold this past weekend up there, I was worried that they were going to have to post pone the race again.  I almost wanted to put my bathing suit on and see if the track was a slip in slide because after watching Sunday’s race and seeing those guys slide through the turns I figured it had to be fun.  I talked to Tony Stewart in his hauler after the race on Sunday and he was not too happy about the tires Goodyear brought to this race.  He said it was the worst tires he’s ever used and that Goodyear better step up their “A” game if they want to get off his “Shit List.”

Overall I have to admit I really enjoyed watching this race.  It was definitely a driver’s course with the rough conditions of the track and the poor tires Goodyear brought.  Three of my favorite drivers, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, and Dale Earnhardt Jr finished in the top three and I’m already excited for next weekend.  It feels like these weeks are flying by…  we’re almost a month into the season. 

 I’m glad to be back… now let’s get cooking on those comments.  I want to hear your opinions.

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I was kinda bored today and was browsing around trying to find something interesting about the NASCAR world and finally came across something other than “Hendrick, the NASCAR team to beat.”  Obviously gambling is illegal unless you’re in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or in an Indian Gaming Casino etc. (Had to say that)… but the Palms Resort Casino in Las Vegas has something new for you to bet on.  Miller Lite vs Bud!  Yeah that’s right!  They’re letting their customers bet on either Kurt Busch who is in the #2 Miller Lite car or Kasey Kahne who is in the #9 Budweiser car.  You’ll not only be able to bet on each race, but you’ll also be able to bet on the final standings at the end of the 2008 year.  Kurt Busch’s Miller Lite car has been given an 8.5 position favorite over Kasey Kahne’s Budweiser car this year.

There are a lot of factors though to look at especially this year.  Kurt Busch finished 9 positions better than the old Budweiser car previously driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr and 12 positions better than the new Budweiser driver Kasey Kahne.  Also Kasey Kahne has a whole new team and a whole new sponsor that could either be a benefit or a hinder.  I think it’s tough to call but they’re still giving Kurt Busch an 8.5 favorite which I think is plenty.  In my opinion I would put my money on the overall to go to Kurt Busch.  But if I were betting on each individual race I’d have to see how they qualified and who’s been better on that track in their previous years.Let’s do something fun!  I’m going to come up with a contest similar to this and give you guys a chance to win maybe a case of energy drinks or something cool.  Check back with me over the week and I’ll have something posted.

But to any of you who plan on betting on the new line in Vegas let me know how you do.  Who would you bet on for the Daytona 500?  I’d have to go with Kasey Kahne only because he was incredible in Testing leading up to the 500.

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