Bleacher Report - Articles by Brian Kennedy

Johnny Benson Loses Ride

Brian Kennedy — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:01:49 -0400

PRESS RELEASE FROM RED HORSE RACING:

MOORESVILLE, N.C.(June 8, 2009) - Red Horse Racing regretfully announces the closure of the No. 1 Toyota Tundra driven by Johnny Benson. The decision is effective immediately.

Red Horse Racing worked to secure sponsorship for the No. 1 team since last December but has been unsuccessful in doing so.

"It hasn't been for a lack of effort," says Team Owner, Tom DeLoach. "We had several people working on finding a sponsor for the No. 1 and Johnny Benson. I've been working on it myself. We gave it our best shot, and we tried as long as we could, but nothing materialized. I am saddened that we were unsuccessful in accomplishing our goal but this is a tough economic climate and the cost of fielding a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team with essentially no support other than our manufacturer is too much for Red Horse Racing to bear alone."

Sponsorship for Benson was thought to be secure before the season began, but the economic downturn kept that sponsor from being able to participate with Red Horse Racing.

Benson has competed in eight events behind the wheel of the No. 1. He and the team have earned four top-10 finishes including a fourth place finish at Texas Motor Speedway this past weekend.

Red Horse Racing will continue to field the No. 11 Toyota Tundra, driven by TJ Bell, as that truck does have some support.

Race Team Progress Report

Brian Kennedy — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:57:37 -0400

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is already a third of the way done and the trend of successful and struggling race teams is becoming more evident. Some teams are ahead of their expectations, while others are lackluster, try to find the right formula for success. Unfamiliar faces are emerging as chase candidates, while fan favorites are falling off the map. Changes are starting to be made in organizations, and the always entertaining silly season has begun. Now, this headmaster of NASCAR school of hardknocks will hand out his early season grades.

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Tony Stewart Puts This Critic's Foot in His Mouth

Brian Kennedy — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:34:01 -0400

Ten months ago, I along with millions of other NASCAR fans scratched our heads when the announcement was made that Tony Stewart was becoming an owner. It wasn't so much he was going to own a team, it was the team he had purchased.

Haas Racing? Surely this is a mistake. If Tony Stewart was looking to commit career suicide, this was the perfect team to do it with. HAAS Racing was known for having mediocre equipment with mediocre drivers that produced mediocre finishes.

I was so miffed, so baffled that I wrote a column here on Bleacher Report stating that Tony Stewart would have a rough time as a NASCAR owner.

I was sure that Tony Stewart would be at the bottom of the barrel in the points standings, along with teammate Ryan Newman, second guessing his decision. Note to self: Never underestimate Tony Stewart. Stewart has turned a downtrodden, mediocre team into a powerhouse organization all in a 10-month time span.

In his 11th race as an owner, Tony Stewart did the improbable; he won a race with his new team. Sure it was the All-Star race where no points were awarded, but Smoke's success is no fluke. So far this year Stewart has finished fifth or better in five of the 11 races. He is second in points, 29 behind points leader Jeff Gordon.

Add in the mix that teammate Ryan Newman is eighth in the points standings and is finding his stride. Newman has not looked this productive in a racecar since he joined Roger Penske Racing as a rookie back in 2003. Tony Stewart is just the kind of owner/teammate Newman needs to resurrect his career.

Tony Stewart has shown over the years that whatever he touches turns to gold. After purchasing Eldora Speedway in 2004, Stewart brought in numerous Cup drivers to race in the Prelude to the Dream.

The event has become an instant success and fans and drivers alike anticipate the event each year. Stewart's World of Outlaws and USAC teams have won many won races and championships in their respective series since Stewart started Tony Stewart Racing in 2000.

Stewart can now add successful Sprint Cup Owner to his already impressive resume'. For someone to turn a down and out organization into a contender in 10 months is amazing. If Stewart-Haas Racing is this productive in its first 10 months, there is not telling what is going to happen in the coming months and years.

Tony Stewart has silenced many critics including myself in a short time. There is no telling where this venture is going to take Tony Stewart. But one thing I do know is that I have a foot that is waiting to be put in my mouth for doubting Tony Stewart.

Note to Self: Never Doubt Tony Stewart.

Has Dale Earnhardt Jr. Peaked?

Brian Kennedy — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:38:52 -0400

*DISCLAIMER: Before beginning, if you are a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, take a step back from your computer, take a deep breath and brace yourselves for this article. You are not going to like it at all.

It has been nearly a decade since the young bleached blond haired son of legend Dale Earnhardt made his NASCAR debut at Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was touted as being good if not better than the elder Earnhardt. Junior showed promise in the then Busch series by winning two straight titles.

Many thought Junior was the white knight that would slay the unstopable force known as Jeff Gordon. Ten years later this fairytale has not come to be. Junior is a fan favorite and sponsors dream. But on the track, he has turned into a mediocre driver. Don't believe me, just look at the facts.

In the 10 years that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, he has won 18 races. Jeff Gordon had 18 career wins three years into his career and Kyle "Wonderkid" Busch is closing in on 18. (Busch has 14 wins) Junior is tied in wins with fellow 2000 rookie Matt Kenseth, but Kenseth has a 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup title to his name.

Undoubtedly, Junior's best years have come while at DEI; where he won 17 of his 18 career wins. He was a dominant restrictor plate racer, and vied for wins each weekend. He had good parts, a good teammate (MIKEY!), and a good owner. Junior was started to become the driver everyone thought he would be.

Junior is now at the best race team, Hendrick Motor-sports, and cannot seem find the magic so many thought he would have. In the year and a half that Junior has been with Hendrick, he has only recorded 10 top 5's (None in 2009) and 18 top 10's. He only has one win, but the win came on a huge gamble. While these misfortunes are happening, many are asking, "Will Dale Jr. ever win a championship?"

With the way things are going, Dale Jr. could very well be the next Mark Martin.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s career is slowly running in reverse. Will changed be made if progress is not shown? If you're not performing at Hendrick, you will be released or replaced (See: Casey Mears) in a heartbeat. Mark Martin proved Saturday night that someone other than Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon can win at Hendrick. Many are wondering when Junior will win again.

Junior does have his fans, the one shining light on these past few years. But how much more can the fans take. Many from Junior nation were once fans of the Intimidator. When you're used to winning so much with a driver, it is a hard pill to swallow when the new driver is not doing the same.

Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. win anymore races? Yes, in time. Will he win championships? Hard to say. Has Dale Earnardt Jr.'s career peaked? With the recent results and outcomes, it would be hard not to say yes.

Scott Riggs' Time in NASCAR Is Running Out

Brian Kennedy — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:13:36 -0400

Scott Riggs' first five races of the 2009 NASCAR season can be defined with two simple words: topsy turvy.

After qualifying for the season opening Daytona 500 and Auto Club 500, it appeared as though Riggs and the underfunded Tommy Baldwin Racing would be a feel-good story for the season. Unfortunately after California, the feel-good story turned into a nightmare.

Since the beginning of March, Riggs has failed to qualify for a Sprint Cup Race. Slow speeds at Las Vegas, a faulty engine at Atlanta, and a very loose race car at Bristol have hindered Tommy Baldwin Racing gaining on their early season success.

This, in turn, has put the No. 36 Toyota out of the top 35 in owner points, a crippling blow.

As Riggs and his underdog team head to the paper clip known as Martinsville this weekend, one can't help but wonder: "Is Scott Riggs time running out?"

If Riggs fails to qualify this weekend at Martinsville, then he will not have raced in the month of March.

Missing one race alone turns away potential sponsors, but four in a row? That is the making for a new race team's demise. Who would want to sponsor a team that can't even make it to the race on Sunday? Sure Tommy Baldwin has the "we're still a new team" motto to use as a crutch, but the new-car smell is quickly wearing off.

Changes are going to be made if instant wins are not obtained.

The first step is to qualify for this weekend's race, then gun for a top-20 finish. If Riggs cannot get the job done this weekend, expect the rumor mill to start rumbling.

JJ Yeley has been on the sideline since October, and he would be eager to get back in a ride. Mike Skinner was brought in last year to rejuvenate Red Bull Racing and did just that. Would Tommy Baldwin bring in Skinner to try and do the same for his team?

Simply put, Scott Riggs' time is getting short. It is time for the 38-year-old to prove to the media and his fans why he is in NASCAR.

Sure, Riggs is one of the good ol' boys from a small town, but that persona only gets you so far. Tommy Baldwin is going to do everything humanly possible to keep his dream alive, even if it means replacing Riggs.

This writer can only hope that Scott turns heads this weekend and proves why Tommy Baldwin picked him as his driver. If something isn't shown though, expect the door of opportunity to slam in Riggs' face.

To Rock Or Not To Rock?

Brian Kennedy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:47:12 -0500

This past Sunday, Matt Kenseth went two for two on the season after winning the Auto Club 500 at California. The race was decent compared to years past, but the question in some fans' minds still looms - "Was California worthy of receiving Rockingham's race date?" Since 2004, NASCAR has gone out west for the second race of the year. But making changes to a good thing does not always have good results.

The Auto Club Speedway has struggled to put butts in the seats since the dawn of the new millennium. This past Sunday's race was no exception as the track offered two for one tickets to attract more fans. Even with the promotion, rumors were swirling that only 35,000 fans were going to be in attendance.

If true, less than half the seats were sold, which is a slap in the face of NASCAR. Factor in that the California Speedway is an hour from L.A. and still has problems attracting fans. The Rock would sell out a race with 35,000 fans. (Note: 30,000 seats from Rockingham Speedway were taken to be placed at the new Charlotte Drag Strip last year.)

It has been four years since the Rockingham Speedway last hosted a NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Many reasons linked to the closing of the track was the lack of tourist attractions and a city that was small and unaccommodating. But one thing that always brought the fans back was the great racing and close finishes.

What could be even more appealing is that the new owner is former driver Andy Hillenburg. If anyone cares the most about good racing, it's a former driver. The speedway has brought the ARCA Series in for an annual race and is looking to host a Camping Truck Series or Nationwide Series race in the near future.

Since Rockingham's demise, many teams from the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series have come to the Rock to test their cars. With NASCAR's ban on season testing earlier this year, The Rock has turned into a premier track for testing. Hillenburg and his crew improved the facilities when they finished building a half-mile oval behind the track that resembles Martinsville. With the new track, teams can now prepare for short track and mile and a half races without ever leaving Rockingham.

Now I know that bringing a race back to Rockingham is a strech and might sound crazy, but why take a good thing away from the fans? Instead of having stretched out fields with little to no excitement, bring racing back to where it belongs. Instead of a "Sunday Drive" why not have a white knuckled, knock down drag out fight? The proof is in the pudding; bring NASCAR back to where it belongs.

To Rock or not to Rock?

I think you already know the answer.

Dale Earnhardt: Eight Years Later

Brian Kennedy — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:41:24 -0500

Eight years; has it really been that long? It seemed like yesterday that NASCAR was reeling after losing its seven-time champion, Dale Earnhardt, after the Daytona 500.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was still a kid in NASCAR's eyes trying to get out from his father's shadow. Michael Waltrip was trying to jump-start his career with a new team owned by the Intimidating Earnhardt.

FOX Sports was also starting its coverage with a fresh face of commentators, including Earnhardt's good buddy, Darrell Waltrip. No one would've expected the first broadcast to be the most memorable.

Everyone in NASCAR was saying 2001 was Dale's year. The year before, Earnhardt fell 265 points short of winning his eighth, and record breaking, NASCAR Winston Cup Title to Bobby Labonte.

Even though he lost the title, Earnhardt showed that he still had a lot left in his tank. During the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt sliced and diced his way through the field and looked poised to contest for another win. Then tragedy struck.

Near the closing laps of the 500, fans saw a Dale Earnhardt they had never seen before. Instead of contesting for a win, Earnhardt blocked the field from getting to the first and second place cars in front of him: the two cars in front of him he owned.

In that moment, Dale Earnhardt went from Intimidator, to father and owner looking out for his boys.

As the field rounded the final turn, it looked as though Earnhardt would be celebrating in victory lane. Then in a moment's notice, Earnhardt's car was nudged and the seven- time champion went head first into the fourth turn wall.

The wreck seemed irrelevant because Earnhardt had been in far worse crashes and walked away with ease in years past. But after fans saw Ken Schrader walk up to the car and motion frantically for help, everyone knew something was wrong.

Darrell Waltrip's emotions were running crazy in the broadcast booth. His brother had just won the Daytona 500, yet his good friend had just been in an accident.

Almost immediately after his brother took the checkered flag, Waltrip looked back with uncertainty in his voice and simply said, "How bout Dale? Is he OK?"

Those words sent shock waves through televisions. The words were short, but many people around the world echoed the words, "Was Dale OK?"

Winning a race was something that eluded Michael Waltrip for over 500 races. On the day where he finally got over the hump, tragedy hung over the speedway.

Waltrip did not know about Earnhardt's fate, and kept looking over his shoulder waiting for his friend and owner to congratulate him. He never showed. What was supposed to be Michael Waltrip's happiest day turned into his saddest.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was hit the hardest. As a driver, Junior lost his fellow competitor and owner. As a son, he had lost the one person who truly understood him; his father.

Dale Jr. was starting to be known not as Dale's son, but one of Dale's drivers. Every decision Dale Jr. made hinged on what his father had to say about it.

After the wreck, Dale Jr. was alone and had no one to turn to for advice. He was a boy lost in a man's world.

Eight years later, fans and drivers sometimes wonder, what could have been? Dale Earnhardt Sr. very well could have won his eighth title and won many more races.

By now, the elder Earnhardt would be near the end of his career at the age of 57. But knowing how Dale was, he would have driven until he couldn't drive anymore.

The sport itself has changed drastically. New safety pre-cautions have been implemented to keep all the drivers safe. Safety devices such as the HANS device, have been mandatory since Earnhardt's death.

The new Car of Tomorrow has turned a once vulnerable stock car with flaws, into an almost impenetrable tank with logos.

A new softer wall, the SAFER barrier, has been put it in at nearly every track to absorb a crash. All these have all stemmed from Dale Sr.'s crash.

As we look back today at the life of Dale Earnhardt, we shouldn't mourn, but think on the memories Dale left us. The Pass in the Grass in '87, the Bristol Bump in '99 and the Atlanta drag race in 2000 should all stand out in our minds.

Yes, the Intimidator is gone, but his legacy lives on. Feb. 18, 2001, will forever be a day that stands out in NASCAR fans' minds. On that day, Dale Earnhardt took his final checkered flag, finishing with greatness.

Daytona 500 Recap

Brian Kennedy — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:49:22 -0500

It's Monday and that can only mean one thing; a Daytona 500 champion has been crowned. After four hours of drafting, bumping and missing wrecks by inches, Matt Kenseth emerged on top after rain ended the race early. For Kenseth, it was an emotional and long overdue win, after going winless in the 2008 season. Many drivers left upset, some uncertain about the future, and others happy to get to the next race. As the haulers and teams get ready for the trek to California this week, it's time to take a look back at some of the outcomes from the Great American Race.

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The Top 10 Sprint Cup Questions for 2009

Brian Kennedy — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:01:22 -0500

As Nascar gears up for the 2009 Sprint Cup season, we dive in and ask the most important questions in Nascar heading into Daytona. Many drivers have relocated to new teams, while others have revamped and tweaked their program. The rookies have dawned their yellow stripes, and are hoping to fight and claw their way to the top. Hold on to your hats, strap in and take a look at the top 10 questions for the 2009 Nascar Sprint Cup Season.

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2009: A Defining Year For Nascar

Brian Kennedy — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:37:09 -0500

February is upon us and that only means one thing: the 51st running of the Daytona 500 is upon us.

The Bud Shootout, Coors Pole Day, and the Gatorade 150's all help appetize the fans hunger for 43 roaring cars going 200 laps at the Daytona Speedway. In the past, excitement has filled the air as drivers, crews and fans gear up for the biggest race week of the season.

As a new season is upon us, excitement has been replaced with uncertainty as the US economy has taken a big bite into the sport. Mergers between teams have been made and jobs have been cut, leaving some drivers looking for another ride. Sponsors have dropped out of sponsoring teams, and getting a race sold out is like pulling teeth. It's the reality that we as Americans face: a rough economy mixed in with less jobs and even less money.

If there is any light at the end of this long tunnel, it's the simple fact that sports help take us away from our daily worries. Nascar is no different; 2009 will be a defining year for Nascar because if the sport can brave this tough weather, then there will be green pastures on the other side.

With that it's now time to look at the 2009 season and the changes we as fans are going to have to get used to.

1. Who is Driving for Who?

If you are new to the sport, you have nothing to worry about, welcome. Unfortunately for those who have been longtime fans of their favorite drivers, chances are you could be buying new merchandise. The silly season is a tradition in Nascar, but this off-season has without a doubt been the silliest. Here is a list of the drivers who have new teams and sponsors:

No. 07: Casey Mears (Jack Daniels)

No. 8: Aric Almorola (Sponsor TBA)

No. 12: David Stremme (Alltel)

No. 13: Max Papis (Geico)

No. 14: Tony Stewart (Old Spice/Office Depot)

No. 15: Marc Davis (BobCat/Howard University)

No. 20: Joey Lagano (Home Depot/Farm Bureau)

No. 33: Clint Bowyer (General Mills)

No. 36: Scott Riggs (Sponsor TBA)

No. 39: Ryan Newman (US Army)

No. 43: Reed Sorenson (Multiple Sponsors)

No. 44: AJ Allendinger (Multiple Sponsors)

No. 47: Marcos Ambrose(Little Debbie/Clorox/Kingsford)

No. 78: Regan Smith (Furniture Row)

No. 82: Scott Speed (Red Bull)

No. 96: Bobby Labonte (Ask.com)

No. 98: Paul Menard(Menards)

2. Purge the Urge to Merge.

Never before in the sport of Nascar have so many teams decided to join forces to help cut costs and improve their organizations. Petty Enterprises joined forces with Gillette-Evernham, DEI teamed up with Ganassi Motorsports, and Robert Yates Racing recently agreed to team with Hall of Fame Racing. What does this all mean? It means that the practice of owning a single car team is close to being dead.

Tommy Baldwin Motorsports is trying to field a one car team this year, but chances are if sponsorship is not found fast, the dream could soon become a nightmare. Wood Brothers Racing, a one car stable in Nascar for over 50 years, is having to cut back on its racing schedule to help save money. Furniture Row Motorsports, the team many thought could break the trend of having multiple race teams, has finally fallen to the financial bug and is cutting back on its schedule as well.

What does all this mean? It means that Nascar could lift its rule of teams only fielding four teams during a season. With the way things are going, Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress could each own 21 cars and field their own race. May the best owner win!

3. To Go or Not to Go?

One of the main struggles Nascar has had to deal with the past few years is the sagging attendance numbers. While a handful of tracks (Bristol, Richmond, New Hampshire and Pocono) have great attendance numbers each race, many others lack the attendance numbers. The bad economy has been the main reason for fans staying home. Why pay $75 for a seat at a race when that money could go towards gas or food for the family.

Track Owners and Managers have now gone back to the drawing board finding ways to lure fans back to the races. LowesMotor Speedway is offering Ride along programs to fans who buy certain tickets before a certain date. Martinsville and Talladega Speedways are offering ticket discounts to college students, military personnel and families. While it is a start, it is only the beginning for tracks to try and get back the fans who helped build the behemoth structures. Have more giveaways to the fans, something to lure the patrons back to the seats.

4. Favorites to win the 2009 Sprint Cup

1. Jimmie Johnson

2. Kyle Busch

3. Carl Edwards

4. Tony Stewart

5. Jeff Gordon

Dark Horse: Brian Vickers

NASCAR: Tony Stewart in For a Rough Ride as Owner

Brian Kennedy — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:33:40 -0400

News broke last night that Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs Racing have agreed to part ways at the end of the 2008 season. Stewart will head to Haas/CNC racing, where he will own half of the team.

Stewart has always wanted to own a Nascar Sprint Cup team. He currently owns a World of Outlaws team, and the Eldora Speedway in Ohio.

It is likely that both Scott Riggs and the myriad of drivers that race in the 70 car will also be released after this year.

Office Depot has agreed to sponsor one of Stewart's cars, while other sponsors are currently in negotiations with him. Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Newman are currently the front runners to join Stewart at his new team.

While this is Stewart's dream come true, it could also be more of a nightmare for Stewart in his first year as an owner. Why is this? Just take a look at the history of the dismal racing organization known as Haas CNC Racing.

In the five years that Haas/CNC Racing has been in existence in the Sprint Cup Series, the team has used more than 10 drivers to pilot their cars (If you can name the drivers, you know your NASCAR).

The team looked to former truck champions, the nephew of an Indy car legend, road racing veterans, and a Daytona 500 winner to jump start the team and still nothing good came out of it.

The organization has 11 top-five finishes since starting their first race. The best finish the organization has gotten is a fifth by Johnny Sauter last year at Richmond.

Even though both teams started showing improvements last year, it was announced the drivers, Jeff Green and Johnny Sauter, would be released for replacements Scott Riggs and Jeremy Mayfield. Mayfield lasted seven races this year, and Riggs has starting displaying a "Will Drive for Food" sign after last night's reports.

Needless to say, Tony Stewart better put on a janitors outfit and start cleaning house.

Stewart is one the best drivers on the circuit today, but he is going to have his hands full his first year. If Stewart thinks Haas/CNC will be a contender next year, he needs wake up from his sleep.

This isn't like Eldora Speedway, where you bring in some good dirt, paint some walls, have the Prelude to a Dream and say Voila! This is a racing organization.

Haas CNC has started going down a slippery slope, missing races and having terrible finishes. Drivers do make a big difference, especially when they find the right team (See: Kyle Busch/Dale Jr. in 2008).

But these days, drivers are only a piece of the proverbial NASCAR puzzle. What makes a team successful? You have to have talented personnel, good parts, and good sponsors to be successful.

If Greg Zippadeli decides to follow his longtime friend, then there is a possibility Smoke has a chance of making the Chase. Otherwise, Tony Stewart had better strap in, hold on tight and get ready for the tumultuous ride that is NASCAR ownership.

It's Time to Face the Facts

Brian Kennedy — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 07:00:06 -0400

Kyle Busch can officially take Jeff Gordon's nickname away from him; the Wonderboy of Nascar. After winning his 6th race of the season at Daytona, Busch took it all in as the fans showered him with boos. This should come as no surprise for the hottest driver in Nascar. In 1998, 27 year-old Jeff Gordon was basking in the same shower of boos during his ridiculous 13 win season. But even while Busch receives boos, he also surprisingly receives cheers. Why does Kyle Busch, the most hated driver in Nascar get cheered? Because fans are finally realizing that this kid is something special. From Craftsman Trucks, to ARCA, to the Car of Tomorrow, Busch has proven that he can drive anything that has wheels on it. If tank racing became a sport, rest assured Kyle Busch would contest for a win. If Nascar drivers entered into the Tour De France, Busch would be drinking Champagne after the 22nd day of cycling. (He is old enough to drink right?) The guy cannot be stopped, and at 23, he is trying to become the youngest Sprint Cup Champion ever. If you are new to the sport, realize this, Kyle Busch has been good since he began racing.

Since joining Nascar in 2003, Busch has put himself in another league from others. In 2005, Busch became the youngest driver to win a Craftsman Truck Series race at age 20. One year later, Busch took on the persona of "Rowdy" Busch, paying homage to Bobby Hamilton who was the stunt driver for the movie and battling cancer. Busch made sure he fit the role, wearing a fuchsia and black firesuits, and having his truck painted black with the #51 on the side. (Where's Robert Duvall when you need him?) Since the debut of "Rowdy", Busch has been on a tear, winning truck series races almost weekly.

After proving himself in the tailgate series Busch moved up to Minor Leagues of Nascar, the Nationwide Series. Busch took Rookie of the Year honors with little contention from anyone else. He won 5 races, and finished second to eventual champion Martin Truex Jr. It didn't take long for Busch to make the jump into the Sprint Cup Series. After Terry Labonte announced a limited schedule for the 2005 season, Busch was tabbed as Labonte's replacement. Near the end of the 2005 season, Busch raced a limited schedule and won his first Sprint cup race at California Speedway at age 20. Not only was he the youngest winner in the truck series, he was now the youngest winner in the Sprint Cup series. (Seeing a pattern here?) Busch continued his success in 2006 winning at New Hampshire and qualifying for his first ever Nextel Cup Chase. When Nascar changed to the Car of Tomorrow in 2007, it was Busch who saw Victory Lane for the first time in one of the cars. In 2008, Busch became the first driver to give Toyota its first win in the Sprint Cup.

Even while Busch has the babyface to go with his age, he has a Jimmy Spencer like mentality. He has had controversial moments that have fans crying foul. His most recent came in Richmond. Everyone knows the story. It's two laps to go, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is on the verge of breaking his losing streak when Kyle Busch gets loose and take out Junior. It was driver error, and Junior nation will not soon forget that memory. In 2005 during the Nationwide Series Mexico race, Busch took out native Adrian Fernandez, which infuriated the crowd. Busch seemed as if he didn't care about the incident. Last year at Texas, Busch left the track after a wreck took him out. This was a memorable moment in Nascar because Dale Earnhardt Jr. was asked to drive the car for the rest of the race. Months later, Busch left Hendrick Racing for Joe Gibbs. The rest as you might have guessed it, is history. Busch loves the attention and loves to be the villain. The boos he receives each week only fuels his fire to do better.

After these past few months showings, Kyle Busch is going to be, if not already, the new face of Nascar. Jeff Gordon is getting to the point that wins and championships are harder to come by. Jimmie Johnson is still trying to find his step, and Carl Edwards seems to be the new Mark Martin finishing 2nd numerous times. If Busch continues down this successful road, there is no telling how many championships he will win in the coming years. If you hate Kyle Busch, he considers you a fan. Why? Because you are giving him more attention than your own driver. Had a Snickers lately? If you haven't, I suggest you get one and support Kyle Busch, the new Wonderboy of Nascar.

NASCAR: A Forgotten Love Remembered

Brian Kennedy — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:43:23 -0400

Deep in the heart of North Carolina, there stands a hidden jewel that once graced the Nascar schedule. 40,000 fans from all over would sell out both season races so they could catch a glimpse of their favorite driver contesting for a win.

The track was unique in the fact that the front stretch went downhill and the backstretch uphill. When it was not bringing excitement on the track, it was bringing support off of it. The track was the main economic lifeline for the county in which it was in.

Greats like Petty, Pearson, Waltrip, Earnhardt, and Gordon all saw victory lane, with Gordon being the last winner in 1996.

The jewel that I am talking about is the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

North Wilkesboro Speedway was tagged the "Racing Mecca for Northwestern North Carolina" after its first race was run in NASCAR in 1949. The track brought excitement, and as close racing flared, it survived years of change and growth but was finally taken off the schedule in 1997 after 50 years.

The track was bought by racing mogul Bruton Smith and former New Hampshire track owner Bob Bahre. Instead of taking the track and transforming it into another Colosseum like Bristol Motor Speedway, Smith and Bahre took the two race dates and ran.

Those dates eventually went to the newly built Texas Motor Speedway and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Now some 12 years later, North Wilkesboro Speedway has the look of a neglected toy that a child has forgotten about. The stands are rusted, the garages empty and the front stretch and backstretch are overtaken by weeds.

Investment groups, track junkies, and even NASCAR legend Junior Johnson have all tried to bring racing back to this small town short track, but to no avail.

Smith became full owner in 2007 and had accepted one offer from a land developing company. Before the deal was finalized, the bid fell through.

So why does Bruton not want racing back at North Wilkesboro? Smith claims the small market in Wilkes County is terrible and could never attract the sponsors that it would need.

Give me a break. Multiple racing series, driving schools, even NASCAR teams have expressed interest in using the facility if it were ever restored. In 2006, Jack Roush used the track to test candidates contesting for his open truck series ride.

Here is something to ponder: 3,000 miles away, California Speedway (Auto Club Speedway to be socially correct) can't seem to keep its attendance numbers up. The track is a cookie cutter version of Michigan Speedway, and the fan base is non-existent.

The crazy thing is that the track is only 30 or so miles away from LA! Don't just take it from me. Last year Jeff Gordon told reporters after the Auto Club 500 that the competition felt more like a "Sunday Drive" than an actual race.

You know something is wrong with a track when a four-time champion feels like he is driving Miss Daisy to church instead of racing.

Imagine what would happen if NASCAR went back to its roots. You would have another short track on the schedule (everyone loves short tracks), and you could watch the track evolve with the addition of more seating and lights.

Now I know the general feeling about this is "It is easier said than done." But with as many millionaires and popular sports and media figures that this sport brings in as fans, someone could almost certainly step in and help North Wilkesboro

Take a look at the Darlington Speedway. Darlington was on the verge of being taken off of the schedule back in 2006 because of its age and behind-the-times facilities. But after $10 million in renovations and improvements to the track, it is back to being one of the most popular stops on the circuit. Drivers love it, fans love it, and NASCAR loves it.

With the revenue NASCAR is bringing in, they can afford to make some changes. Yes, the sport lives off of sponsors, but people need to realize it is not always about the money, it is about the racing and about the fans.

Close finishes, pissed off drivers, and wall-to-wall action was what made North Wilkesboro Speedway a popular track. Maybe sometime soon, those in NASCAR will take a risk, and bring the sport back to one of its forgotten loves.