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

Last week I had this incredible gut feeling that Greg Biffle was going to do some “surprising” this weekend,  and boy was my gut right.  Greg Biffle raced his ass off and won his first race of the season at this weekend’s race in Louden, New Hampshire. (it took him long enough)

Greg Biffle has had a great year setting himself up for the Chase but hasn’t won a race all year.  If Greg Biffle was going to win a race, this was the race to win.

The race in Louden, New Hampshire was an exciting one at that.  Early in the race it looked like it was going to be all about the two drivers Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards… but on lap 65 Jimmie Johnson took over and Greg Biffle started charging through the pack.

Just when you think Jimmie Johnson is going to hold off Biffle, Biffle shows up knockin on his bumper screaming at the top of his lungs… “Excuse me Mr. Johnson, but I wore my “1st place panties” today and I just really need to get by you.”  Jimmie Johnson tried to answer by driving with his mirrors but it’s an extremely tough thing to do when Biffle had not only the fast car and driving skills, but his green “1st place panties” on.

After the race Biffle goes on to explain he was holding off till the end and knew he had a winning car which made me a bit nervouse.  It’s not every day that I go on the long shot 12th place in points solid top 5 but no win finisher so I was excited as can be for the guy.

Some racers who couldn’t find the spotlight this past weekend was Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr.  Kyle Busch had one of the worst days of the year… and ended up finishing in 34th.  He started strong but lost a part early in the race that created havoc for him throughout the day.  After spinning out and a 1 lap penalty for coming in the pits when the pits were closed, the 1st place in points Kyle Busch is now sitting in 8th place 70 points behind the leaders.

Dale Earnhardt Jr had a decent day but was extremely upset with the results.  After leading midway through the race, the team put on a fresh set of tires that as Dale would say were [Bleepin bullbleep]“  He lost 10 positions after putting those tires on and he was fuming.  Here’s what he had to say over the radio during the race…. “We need a security guard over there watching those [bleeping tires], I can’t figure out why we keep [bleeping] up in the middle of all these races. Every [bleeping] time.”

I can’t blame the guy for getting upset especially after running that well.  I would have thrown a few [Bleep] Bombs over the radio as well.  I can’t [bleeping] stand a set of [bleeped] up tires.  When I put on a pair of [bleeped] up tires on my truck that make me lose a few postions at the stop light, I get [bleeping] fired up.

Overall I’m impressed with how my pick Greg Biffle did this weekend and I’ve got an incredible feeling he’s going to continue it.  It’s almost like all of NASCAR read’s my predictions prior to each race because I’m like a “picking Machine”, I’m just shocked I haven’t been hired over at hatepicks or another sports picking websites. I think it’s going to come down to Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle over the next 9 races… and so far Greg Biffle has Johnson’s [bleeping] number.

Make sure you keep checking back this week because we’re going to have a “Gas Card” giveaway and other special offers!

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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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Hey everyone… Ron Ripple here.  I wanted to introduce everyone to our new sponsor, JustMensRings.com.  These guys are serious NASCAR fans and have taken it to a whole new level by designing racing inspired rings.  Just Mens Rings contacted me about a week ago telling me they’ve created a ring designed for only the “Biggest NASCAR fans.”  At first I was skeptical because of course… I’m NASCAR’s Biggest Fan and the only way a ring could be considered good enough for NASCAR fans is if they got my approval.

Yep that’s me – RON RIPPLE – Representing my new kick ass ring!

So JustMensRings.com sent me a ring and I was honestly shocked when I received it.  They sent me the #18 Kyle Busch ring and it was not what I expected.  The ring is a stainless steel ring that is made of stock car grade stainless steel.  The outer band spins around the inner track which is a lot of fun because I find myself messing around with it when I’m bored or in deep thought. The ring is definitely Ron Ripple Approved… I highly recommend you go to their site and pick one up yourself.

So far since I’ve been wearing it I’ve received nothing but compliments and other fans asking where I got it.  I also ran into my boy Tony Stewart the other day and he surprisingly noticed it… so he wasn’t happy to see I wasn’t representing him. 

Make sure you go check out JustMensRings.com and let me know what you guys think.  They’re only $24.00 a pop and well worth it.  Make sure you tell them Ron Ripple sent you.

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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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Ron Ripple himself (that’s me) is being recognized by Forbes Magazine this month in their Celebrity Issue.  Forbes Magazine is one of the top magazines in the world known to feature the richest and most famous people ever.  Ok… so they’re obviously not recognizing me for being one of the richest people in the world… but I still made FORBES for being NASCAR’s Biggest Fan. 

Forbes Magazine contacted me about 2 1/2 months ago saying and I quote “I’d like to tell you how badass you are… and I would also like to feature you in Forbes Magazine, as NASCAR’s #1 Fan.”

At first I thought this is really a sick joke that one of my beer drinking friends were playing on me.  I really wasn’t excited or anything but then I noticed the e-mail address came from Forbes and there was also a phone number.  So I picked up the phone and called this young lady who proceeded to tell me how excited she was to be talking to NASCAR’s Biggest fan.  Boy let me tell you what… I think she could tell that I was blushing from the other side of the phone.

Forbes Magazine was trying to get in touch with me… this beer drinking NASCAR fan who has no fortune or celebrity status except for this website on the so called World Wide Web.  At first I was curious as to how they got a hold of me.  Had they talked to my boys down at the track such as Tony Stewart or Dale Earnhardt Jr?  Did they call Kyle Busch and ask him who annoys him the most or who is a fly he can’t get rid of when he’s down in the pits?  Of course I knew they would say me, but when she finally admitted how she found me I was shocked…  she simply said Google.

After our brief conversation we set up dates on when she was going to interview me and shoot the photos for the magazine.  When the interview date came she called me up and I gave her an incredible interview filled with exciting quotes and tons of information.  At least I think I did… I guess we’ll find out on the 22nd!

One of the things Forbes requested from me was a place to shoot when they sent their photographers down.  I didn’t even hesitate when they asked me this so I immediately called my boy Craig Waters down in Bradenton.  Craig is a great friend of mine and is known for his incredibly decorated garage.  The guy has created a NASCAR heaven that’s jam packed with 3 flat screen TVs, 100′s of posters, 20+ DieCast cars, old race tires, a pool table, work bench, tool chest, couch, and the list could go on.   Click on the photos below to check it out!

About a month later Forbes sent down photographers to take pictures of me… well in reality they couldn’t take pictures of me, so they took pictures of my creators Blake and Brock Gratton.  I won’t get into who Blake and Brock Gratton are but let’s just say they’re kind of a big deal around here.  Ron Ripple wouldn’t be here without them.

But the rest is history and the magazine comes out on July 22nd which is right around the corner.  I’ve put up a count down on the right side of the page so make sure you Ron Ripplers pick up a copy.  I’m so excited and honored to be featured in the magazine and I couldn’t have done this without my readers. 

Thank you all and make sure you continue to read.

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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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