Bleacher Report - Articles by al asifyouknow

Jimmie Johnson: The Sharks Can Smell the Blood in the Water!

al asifyouknow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:04:26 -0500

No I don’t mean other drivers; I’m talking about you, the fans.

I could swear I felt the floor under me shake when Jimmie Johnson crashed. It probably was all those well-wishers jumping up and down in joy about the No. 48 misfortune.

It felt like an 8.0 on the Richter scale.

I’m sure it was right after they knew he was all right, not hurt after all—my God, fans do have a heart.

Don’t they?

Sure they do!

The shame of it all is, well, let's just say “all in vain, folks,” as the Chase has been over for a while now.

Oh, I know you're getting all pumped up again and you're thinking about getting all your flags and hats and T-shirt out from the boxes your stored them in a few weeks ago.

But before you do, remember how hard it was for you to pack all that stuff. You know your JR championship shirt that said “2009 SPRINT CUP CHAMP”? Yeah, I know, he wasn’t in the Chase, but I bet you still had one.

How about that Mark Martin vintage hat you had from 20 year ago? Hey, just keep that in storage, it may be worth some money in a few years.

And we can’t forget that No. 24 zillion champion Jeff Gordon. You know, the one who made the suggestion not to race in the turns at Talladega.

You know, the move that made that race the most exciting or the quickest fan exit acceleration event race of the season. Don’t know what that means, but take your pick.

There is no wrong answer, so feel free to take one.

Anyway, you probably want top take out that famous No. 24 jacket.

Look, dear friend, if you're in the east or Midwest—please, just get ready for winter, make sure all your doors and windows are weather-sealed, clean your furnace...well, you know the drill.

Don’t drink the Kool-Aid, folks; don’t buy the spin. It’s over; it’s been over from “Gentleman, start your engines” at the beginning of the Chase.

What happened today is not going to happen again.

Jimmie Johnson got his DNF for the Chase.

So forget about it! In Tony Soprano style.

And, please, if you have an outside dog who lives in an unheated garage, take him inside or get a heater for that garage—it is going to be a cold winter.

Especially for the JJ haters.

God loves you, and so do I.

Congratulations, JJ, on your fourth championship. I’m not a huge fan of yours, but you are the man in this sport. I’m dumb, but not too dumb to recognize that.

Again: You the man and there ain’t nobody else in the last four years!

Jimmie Johnson: Was He Driving a Scared Throttle at Martinsville?

al asifyouknow — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:36:43 -0400

Was Jimmie Johnson checking out his rear-view mirror for most of the Martinsville race?

He may have been; he looked like he wanted no part of certain drivers.

The most obvious was Denny Hamlin. He wanted no part of that guy; I’m sure JJ and his crew chief heard Hamlin’s interviews.

Hamlin said he was going to do what he needed to win the race, and that included payback.

In other words, moving No. 48 out of the way.

The payback was in reference to the spring Martinsville race where No. 48 put a rubbing on the No. 11 that cost Hamlin the win.

Johnson did not look like the dominant driver he was during the first five Chase races, giving up the spots too easily.

It was like they were shooting a scared stick; maybe they were afraid of getting punted.

I understand the crew warned JJ about Juan Pablo Montoya beating up on the No. 24 and told him to be careful.

Did you notice how Johnson was not aggressive about protecting his lead but just let No. 42 pass him?

It all makes me wonder.

Is Jimmie Johnson vulnerable?

Will this team be playing, in football terms, a "prevent defense" in the last four races?

If they are playing it safe, could that open the door for someone to challenge them?

Will this team be looking at its rear-view mirror the rest of the chase?

Is this team fearful that someone will wreck them in the next few races and ruin their fourth championship?

One thing was obvious at Martinsville: If you can keep No. 48 close, they won’t challenge you, they will not get into a rubbing match, and they will get out of the way if you play bumper car with them.

In previous races, they were able to get up front and have no one challenge them.

If other teams can challenge him early and get in his head, get him worried, he could be vulnerable.

It’s unfortunate, but for this chase to get interesting, the No. 48 team needs a DNF.

I don’t know one fan who is wishing for that.

I just hope for a safe Talladega race.

NASCAR "Tolerates" Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin After Kansas

al asifyouknow — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:49:56 -0400

The cars apparently meet the "extremely close on some tolerances" expectations, according to NASCAR’s specifications.

If reading that paragraph was a little confusing to you, well, get over it, this whole tolerance thing has been confusing to many, so it's only fitting that the "extremely close on some tolerances" thing will never be (and maybe should never be) understood.

Stay with me on this, please.

I still don’t understand why NASCAR made this public. Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin's cars did pass inspection, did they not?

So it should have been "end of story," and no one other than the drivers in question needed to know; we can all agree on that.

After all, I don’t recall a weekly news flash about the "extremely close on some tolerances" of the tested race cars. They either made it or they didn’t.

These things should be black or white, sweet or sour, hot or cold.

Let me just say it one more time: There is no such thing as being "almost pregnant." You either are or you're not. Agree?

So what’s this kabuki theater all about?

Are they going to keep testing these two teams every week?

What good will this do?

If these teams were cheating, would they be dumb enough to do it again?

If somebody is going to rob a bank and the police tells them that they’re watching, will that someone still do it?

Of course not; well, maybe on, like, MARS!

All I’m saying is leave those folks alone, test them when they win, and they will win often. If they don’t pass, nail them to the wall. And if they are on the edge, so what? Sooner or later, the bear will get them.

There should have never been a public warning; it just opens too many questions about favoritism, and that is just the wrong box to open, dear friends.

NASCAR should have known better.

Now you've got hundreds of folks like me, sitting in front of the computer in their underwear criticizing a multibillion-dollar business, only in America.

There is no place in the world where we can do this, and there is nothing more fun than talking about the best soap opera in the world!

NASCAR—just got to love it!

Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson Almost Illegal: Is That Like Being Almost Pregnant?

al asifyouknow — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:08:38 -0400

NASCAR informed the No. 48 and the No. 5 team Friday that they were pushing the envelope—on the edge, if you will—of having an illegal car at Dover International Speedway.

OK, so what’s the point? Champions are always testing boundaries; sometimes they win, and other times they get egg on their face.

There is no shame in pushing the rules to the limit; it's a common occurrence in sports. It’s something as old as the oldest profession, if you know what I’m saying.

Plus! What’s "extremely close on some tolerances"? What does that mean?

Could it be like being "almost pregnant"?

Just in case you don’t know, there no such thing as “almost pregnant.” You either are or you're not! Agree?

I don’t understand the warning. The car passed inspection. Period. End of story. So why was there an official statement from NASCAR?

Speaking of warnings, I didn’t hear a speeding warning at The Brickyard this year; did you?

If NASCAR would've radioed in to the No. 42 car “Hey! Forty-two, you're extremely close to the tolerances of the speed limit,” I’m sure that team would've won Indy.

So my thinking is to let those Hendrick teams do their thing, and if they go over the edge, too bad; sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you.

Isn’t that fair?

In this case, NASCAR has become a babysitter for the No. 48 and No. 5; it is making sure they stay right on the edge by pushing them back when they are about ready to fall.

Nos. 48 and 5 have to feel pretty good about this warning. This wakeup call helps them define where the edge is the sharpest, and how far they can push NASCAR’s patience.

Let's be honest, folks; let's talk straight with no spin, and let me ask you two questions:

1. Would NASCAR put a black eye on a four-peat potential winner who could become a star equivalent to Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Michael Schumacher?

2. Would NASCAR let Grandpa Martin, who is arguably the best feel-good story this year of any sport, take a penalty hit?

Come on, my dear friends, be honest with me; tell me, would they?

I think not! In my honest opinion, that’s what’s behind this warning.

Please understand what I’m saying: NASCAR did not give them a pass on this one; those teams did pass the inspection.

What they did get was a shout out from the lookout guy: "Hey you! You're about to commit a crime, so don’t! I’m watching you!"

Now, if we could get every police department in the country to warn every potential rule breaker that they’re “extremely close on some of the tolerances,” well, there would be no crimes and there would be no need to know the rules.

Just another thing in NASCAR that makes me love it more; I just love a telenovela (soap opera).

Juan Pablo Montoya Makes The Chase, Now What?

al asifyouknow — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:15:03 -0400

Fair question?

What now? What will this team do different?

Can they squeeze a few more spots from their race cars?

The No. 42 car had an average finish of thirteenth in the races before the chase, but to win a championship this team would have to see an improvement of at least eight spots during the chase.

He has to run top five week in and out to give himself a chance to win the championship.

Can this be done?

Sure anything is possible, but running top five’s during the chase is probably not realistic, these are not Hendrick cars or engines.

So how can this team win this chase? They need to win two races and run top ten in the rest , with maybe one bad day, assuming the top drivers also have one bad race.

That is probably the only shot they got.

The Hendrick teams and the satellite teams of Stewart and Newman are just too strong. Look for the champion to be from those camps.

I hope I’m wrong, would be nice see an outside team win it, maybe Montoya or Vickers. It may be good for NASCAR not to have a quad-peat or whatever it would be called.

I understand Montoya will have new cars for the chase, I would assume faster than the old ones.

One thing that may be helpful, No. 42 is the only car with a Childress engine to make the chase, maybe the Earnhardt-Childress Racing will concentrate on the Earnhardt-Ganassi team.

Lets hope that is the case , it sure would give Montoya a good chance to do well in the chase.

The Earnhardt-Childress Racing shop was founded in 2007 to build engines for cup and Nationwide series—Just in case you don’t know.

I will be front and center hoping for Juan Pablo Montoya to do something that would surprised all NASCAR fans.

Well not all, I won’t be surprised, old Montoya fans know what this guy is capable of doing, the record speaks for itself.

Two Mistakes By The 42 Team May Prove To Be Costly For Their Chase Dreams

al asifyouknow — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:02:37 -0400

If Juan Pablo Montoya doesn’t make the Chase, the No. 42 team could be looking at Bristol as the fatal blow to their post-season hopes.

Two huge mistakes by the crew chief and driver cost the team two spots and about 50 points Saturday night in the Sharpie 500.

Trying to make a top-five car out of a top-ten race ca, never brings good results. The No. 42 finished 25th

With 44 laps to go, while battling for the second position, Juan Pablo Montoya had a loose race car. He lost about six spots.

A caution due to a wreck by Sam Hornish Jr. gave the team a chance to look into the problem.

The o. 42 team made a call not to pit. Apparently they thought it was just a loose car and not a problem.

"Good! What has changed on this thing?" Montoya asked. "We're going to wreck."

"You're going to be fine," crew chief Brian Patty said. "You're still P8, Just get a top 10 like we talked about."

Wrong cal!

The car was driving on a flat tire, and during the restart it just about finished Montoya’s day.

In my opinion, two huge mistakes were made here:

One, they did not need to battle for the front spot, they had been racing in the top ten all night long, avoiding confrontations by giving up spots rather than racing hard.

It’s points racing!

That battle for the second spot wore out that tire, or maybe they just got a bad one. I don’t think that was the case. Juan Pablo did not take care of his tires.

I actually got out of my seat as they started to battle for the top-three spots. After a few censored words, I said to some friends, “he is going to wreck!”

He didn’t wreck, but he did drive that car hard and maybe caused tire damage.

Two, they should of pitted and taken four new tires. Even the broadcast crew couldn’t figure that call out.

That was a top-ten car and their race decisions made it a mid-twenties race car.

The no. 42 team just doesn’t look like a they have the experience to get this Chase done.

Just too many mistakes. They seemed to shoot themselves in the foot when they were just about ready to close the deal.

Two missed opportunities to solidify this Chase were wiped out by mistakes.

If they don’t make the Chase, they should remember Indy and Bristol as their Waterloo.

I personally don’t think they will make it as inexperience is beginning to show on this team.

And remember this is coming from a big Montoya fan.

I hope I’m wrong!

How Much Junk In the Trunk Do You Need To Get a Caution In Nascar?

al asifyouknow — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:56:21 -0400

A baseball umpire is always hearing, “are you blind” when he makes a bad call.

In NASCAR, it is a little harder to figure out if it was a missed call or if it was just the turn of a blind eye. After all, they are judgment calls.

So, a fan can only try to understand the rules by remembering how the past races' calls were made. Agree?

Let's talk about debris on the track. I’ve seen cautions just to pick up the tail of a squirrel, a little piece of metal, or maybe even a gum wrapper if Dale Earnhardt Jr. needs one.

Sunday at Michigan, Kasey Kahne hit Juan Pablo Montoya’s wheels with his splitter and flattened his tire.

Luckily, he got out of traffic with no problem, but after Montoya cleared the cars, you could clearly see chunks of rubber. Big chunks coming off the tire! Furthermore, he broke a brake line.

Now, maybe NASCAR cars are different, but I do know that if you rupture a brake line, something called brake fluid spills all over the ground. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Yet there was no caution.

Let me say it again: There were chunks of rubber on the track and possibly brake fluid on the track, the cars are coming off the corners into about 200 mph stretch, and no caution!

I don’t get it, do you?

Oh well! there is no reason to try to figure out why NASCAR is not consistent on their calls. After all, they’re probably retired baseball umpires doing it as a side job.

Or maybe not. Maybe they're just blind period! Or Earnhardt Jr. did not need a caution.

Oh, pipe down, I’m just kidding!

Is Kasey Kahne Bumper Car Racing With Juan Pablo Montoya?

al asifyouknow — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:23:19 -0400

Another week of racing came with another bump on Juan Pablo Montoya’s car by Kasey Kahne .

At Pocono Kahne gave Montoya a huge bump and almost got him into the wall, but Juan was able to take control of the car and save his top ten.

This week it cost Juan Pablo about 43 points...again! Kahne when up the track and bumped Juan, giving him a nice present—a flat tire—and almost bumped him from the Chase.

Once okay, it could happen. But twice? I’ll have to think about that one .

If they are supposed to be friends, I say, who needs friends like that.

If I was Juan, Kahne would be off my Christmas list right now!

Juan Pablo needs to do one of two things: Have a nice long walk with Kahne, along with a nice long talk, preferably somewhere in an empty garage, just the two of them! You know what I’m saying?

The other thing would be to punt his rear in the first race of the Chase.

That sounds fair to me.

I’m not saying Kasey is head hunting, but he has played bumper cars with the same partner, the No. 42 car, the last few weeks. Agree?

Is he at least a reasonable suspect to be bumper racing? Just asking!

Do you know what I call bumper racing?

Well, I’ll tell you, it is to gain spots in the Chase but bumping off your nearest competitor.

I don't think he is doing that, but I'd be lying if I did not tell you that at least I thought about it.

The fact baby blue eyes is such a good driver makes me think wonder what's going on here. Kahne's got great car control.

Do the moves on Juan the last few weeks make you a bit suspicious?

Please let me make this clear. I'm not making accusations. I'm just speculating, just doing the NASCAR thing by guessing!

Now before you ladies who are enchanted by Kasey's blue eyes and go off on me, just remember, just because he looks like a price and a saint doesn’t mean he is one. Agree?

As always folks, this is just my opinion.

Luckily Montoya got a lucky dog with about 30 laps to go and gained about 15 spots .

He remains seventh in the chase, but lost about 43 points to the 13th spot.

Wish I was the No. 42 crew chief. These would be my instructions for Bristol: If the No. 9 is near you, get away from him. If you can’t do that, punt his ass! End of story!

Another great week in the best soap opera in the world, NASCAR.

It’s great entertainment, although sometimes you've got to dig for it.

Media In and Out Of Love With Drivers: You Could Say Like a Hog In Heat

al asifyouknow — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:50:25 -0400

Have you noticed that?

It seems like every month, they fall in love with a new driver, they talk him up to death, then drop him.

Fickle folks, the media.

Please understand I’m not bad mouthing the driver. This is not their doing.

Remember when Patrick Carpentier came into NASCAR? They loved the guy, they talked him up: “Oh he is great in qualifying trim."

Has qualifying well and running in the back on race day ever won a championship?

Just asking!

Well then! The Carpentier guy could not make it, and if he did run some races, they ignored him and moved on to their next love.

“Sliced Bread,” promoted by the television broadcasters, mainly FOX, has been named the next big thing in NASCAR.

They put tons of expectations on this kid.

I’ll be honest—I was expecting the next Tiger Woods.

Lets be honest though. Tiger won the Masters in day one, and for those of you who don’t know golf, that’s like winning Indy 500, Daytona and Monaco, all at once!

As it turns out, so far Logano is just an average driver in a top-five car. Sorry, but this kid was given too much car. He is driving the Ferrari of stock car racing like a station wagon.

He is just too young. Joe Gibbs really might have moved too fast on this kid.

After the failed attempt to promote the new No. 20 as the Lebron James of stock car racing, the media once again moved on to their next love, "The Dinger." They've always got those cute names for them.

Remember A.J. Allmendinger? They loved him, and I thought this was true love.

All you could hear from them was the dinger this, and the dinger that, and the dinger is such a cool guy. Well you know, I’m writing this for race fans, so I assume you watch the races, so you know what I’m talking about.

Today, Allmendinger is sitting in position 24 in points, about 600 points from the 12th spot in the Chase.

Yes, you guessed it! They moved on to their current love, the Aussie, the man from down under, the guy with the big smile.

Marcos Ambrose doesn't want to ruffle feathers in NASCAR, but he sure as hell loves to punt others, and he does it with a big smile—just ask Robbie Gordon and Boris Said, among others.

Who will be the next love of the broadcasting NASCAR world?

Danica Patrick? Take that to the bank! Or not.

The Chase: It Is What It Is, So Why Reinvent the Wheel?

al asifyouknow — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:59:47 -0400

There is so much chatter about the merits of making the Chase without a win, and many questions have come forth as the Chase gets near.

Should a driver with no wins, but with the points needed to be in the top 12 deserve to compete for a championship?

Should a driver with the most wins be in the Chase, even though he is out of the top 12 in points?

Should past champions, let's say five years back, get an automatic spot in the Chase?

Those are just a few of the questions being asked.

What do you think?

My personal opinion: Don’t reinvent the wheel!

The Chase has rules and teams follow them, it is just that simple.

There is a points system. The 12 teams with the most points make the Chase. The rest don’t.

If you win six races but live in the back for the rest of the pre-chase season, you don’t make it.

It sounds simple to me.

In racing, consistency is always the measure of a good team, not wins.

After all, making the Chase is what it's all about. There is no shame in points racing. It is what it is. So you take what the race gives you that particular day and get some points.

If they change the rules to give larger points reward for winning, NASCAR could save lots of money by just giving the trophy to one of the Hendrick or Gibbs teams after ten races.

They would probably have the most wins year in and out.

The point is, this format keeps things interesting all season long, and that sells tickets and gets ratings.

Sometimes fans forget stock car racing is a business.

Will David Reutimann Forget and Forgive the Pocono Incident?

al asifyouknow — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:03:18 -0400

Will David Reutimann forget and forgive Denny Hamlin?

It’s got to be hard for him to let all that anger go after all Hamlin did put a nail on David’s Chase hopes.

Pocono was a disaster for this Michael Waltrip Racing team.

The hope for a Chase spot is history for the No. 00. It’s over.

Will Reutimann take the high road, or will he wait until Loudon to get his payback?

Here is a quote from David Reutimann:

“We can talk about it and I can get his take on it," Reutimann said. "If he tells me he made a mistake and he's sorry, then that's the way it is. It doesn't make you less aggravated or anything like that."

So, I guess David is saying, I don’t care if he apologizes or not!

Lets be honest folks: An apology means nothing at this point.

After working so hard all year as all drivers and teams do, and having one careless act erase the opportunity at a championship, we all most agree, not one of us would be in a forgiving mood .

Hamlin did punt Reutimann. There is no discussion needed on that subject—one just needs to look at the replay.

I hope David can forget and forgive, but I would not blame him if he evens the score.

I do understand Hamlin was racing with lots of emotion because of his loss, and we all can understand that.

I would personally give him a pass because of it, but then again, I don’t have the responsibility to produce good results from Michael Waltrip Racing's multi-million-dollar investment.

It would be nice for David Reutimann to bounce back, but he is just not a good road course driver. The Glen will painfully drive the last nail on his season.

An Asifyouknow "Oldie But Goodie" Article From the 2008 NASCAR Chase

al asifyouknow — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:24:03 -0400

There is a God. Hallelujah, this thing is over and we can all celebrate the three-peat of Jimmie Johnson. Get the moonshine and pate out, and lets begin the victory dance.

I haven't had this much fun since I had my ant farm back in middle school, or maybe when I had my bleeding ulcer.

Something needs to be done to make this more exciting. Maybe only five races are needed in the chase

This is like playing 10 World Series baseball games. You only need four to win the series, but you just keep playing all 10 just for fun or the millions of dollars in ticket sales.

I'm sure some of you will drink the Kool-Aid and think there is a chance for Edwards or Biffle or Bugs Bunny to win this chase.

"Anything can happen, you know."

Well dear friends, just tell Matilda and friends to pack their tents. It's over, go home, feed your dog, and get ready for Christmas. There is nothing to see. The show is over.

It's a shame that the only way for this Chase to get exciting is by wishing a DNF upon Johnson. I'm not a JJ fan, but I'm not going to wish him bad luck just to make this Chase better.

Throughout cyberspace there is one word you read over and over to describe the Chase, and the word is "boring."

Google "NASCAR Chase boring" and you will get a whole afternoon of reading. Also, you will be very surprised to see some of the names you see commenting on how lackluster this 2008 chase has been.

This may sound like a harsh and unfair criticism of NASCAR—after all, I offer no solution on how to make the chase better.

I would think they've got people making a six or seven-figure yearly income who know how to plan a good playoff, this one is not working.

I can assure you if I had a good idea, I would give it up for tickets to Talladega, Bristol, a hot dog or two, and a large glass of ice tea.

Love you NASCAR, but it's got to be better than this.

Espn's Vince Welch Fails to Find a Pit Story After Pocono

al asifyouknow — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:19:50 -0400

Vince Welch tries to find a pit story after the Pocono race, instead he got a tongue lashing from an angry Juan Pablo Montoya.

After Kasey Kahne came over to talk to Juan, ESPN's pit reporter Vince Welch asked Juan why Kasey Kahne had angry words with him after the race.

Well, wrong guess there ESPN crack reporter! Kasey Kahne actually was there to apologize to Juan for the little incident they had.

No angry words there! Was this just a pit reporter attempting to manufacture a story? Or was this an honest mistake by Mr. Vince?

You decide.

I'm going to give that reporter the benefit of doubt. Maybe after a race the drivers tend to talk loud because off all the noise. Maybe that was mistaken as a heated conversation, especially if Mr. Vince was not at a hearing distance.

Here is a good reporting tip, maybe you should make sure you hear the conversation or ask about it off camera. It may keep you from looking like a fool on TV.

Just a little fun fact about the race that maybe you were not aware of.

NASCAR is just full of great side stories, just like that. Maybe that should be my gig, a NASCAR side story soap opera, tabloid type stuff.

This soap opera is so much fun.

Frank Williams Gives Juan Pablo Montoya a Midnight Call.. Just a Hallo?

al asifyouknow — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:24:33 -0400

Apparently Juan Pablo Montoya's performance in NASCAR prompted his old boss to give him a congratulatory call.

That was very nice, or is there another reason for that call?

Michael Schumacher is coming back to the diminished sport and just maybe, they want to add the other spice that made Formula 1 fun .

How much money will it take to get Montoya back to Formula one?

Hard to say, but I’m sure there is a price.

I’m a big NASCAR fan and would keep watching it, but it would be fun to see Juan Pablo trading jabs in the podium interviews , specially with Michael.

The other reason for the call, and probably the one that makes more sense, again, this is just an asifyouknow rumor, after all you know I'm a B/R analyst. Stop laughing!

BMW is getting out of Formula 1, there are rumors they may get into stock car racing.

Humm!! How about a BMW /Williams team in NASCAR, now your talking a budget to match the best teams in stock car racing.

How about a driver they like and know? one that may not have a team in a few years …hummm makes you think, don’t it?

I smell a Williams team, in NASCAR, in a BMW and a driver named Juan Pablo Montoya driving it.

Am I nuts?

Well, maybe , but it’s sure fun to dream, and who is to say it won’t happen?

If it does, boy it would be fun , that’s for sure.

But maybe Mr. Williams was just calling to say hallo or maybe not.

An Archived al asifyouknow classic article from the 2008 season. Enjoy.

al asifyouknow — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:29:19 -0400

Let me just tell you ahead of time; this is my lame attempt at a sarcastic and humorous look at NASCAR. Not one of you might find this funny but, well, I'm laughing.

If you're a new NASCAR fan and have been watching the races and learning the rules as you go, you may get certain ideas on the rules of passing. Based on half of the races this year, you may come to the conclusion that passing a race car—either over, under, left side, or right side—is actually against the rules, except when there is a wreck or a pit stop.

A new fan may also get the idea that the tires used on these race cars are discount retreads, much like the ones I buy for 40 bucks for my old junker. After all, they have one thing in common, they explode . That new fan must be wondering, why would they put a discount tire on a six-figure race car? Curious, isn't it?

Kind of like all those drivers and crews who apparently live in the same neighborhood or are somehow all related. The announcers on most NASCAR broadcasts are always talking about how they know a driver's dad, and how his uncle was a good friend, and how he did some dirt track racing back in 1958 with their grandmother. I wonder if the fan feels like they're intruding on a family event.

That rookie fan must also get very confused by the judgments on rules by NASCAR. The rulings usually have more loop holes than credit cards' APR formulas or my mortgage papers.

Last but not least, they must be thinking Dale Jr. is at least 50% owner of NASCAR, since just about 50% or more of the paying fans at the track wear green and go nuts whenever number 88 leads a lap or two.

I'm glad this is my 30th month as a NASCAR fan. It was very confusing at first, but now I get it. It is what it isn't. confused ? Yea,so am I.

NASCAR: Only 43 Cars Will Unload at Pocono and They Expect Less Soon

al asifyouknow — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:08:40 -0400

I know that this may not be a feel good story, after all there is no cat rescue from a tree, nor I'm going to tell how to get rich.

It is a story about the economy and NASCAR.

It’s been reported only 43 teams will unload at Pocono, no go-or-go-homers for the first time this year (please correct me if I’m wrong).

Remember, there is still a few days before the race, so that may change.

They also expect less than 43 cars later on this season, could it get below 40 or 35?

If it does, what would be the impact on an already dwindling attendance?

It’s getting harder to find companies to fork out money, even for a few races.

Here is a stat that just blows my mind: in Formula one there are budgets in the half billion dollar range, but I really had no idea on the cost of racing in NASCAR.

Each race costs a top team about $600,000 dollars per car, so for a four car team, if my math is correct, it costs about $2.5 million just to bring those four cars to the track.

Now, that is just to race, personal, etc...nothing to do with the everyday shop activity.

The yearly budget is about $30 million dollars per car, again, so if you have a four car team, that’s a $120 million dollars per year.

I would assume this budget is being paid by sponsors; the team's profits must come from merchandising and winning.

You don’t have to be a Yale graduate to know that if you invest half a million of your own money to race and win $300,000 dollars, well I’ll guess I’m in the hole $200,000 dollars.

That's not fuzzy math.

This is why it's just about impossible for NASCAR to get back to it’s roots; this is not a good time for core fans.

The days of racing from the back of granny’s truck are over, the days of family racing will also be moving on, just the names and the memories will remain.

More and more of those core fans will drift into the local tracks, looking for the old NASCAR.

That's unfortunate.

Is that the future of NASCAR?

To move forward NASCAR has to get non-traditional automobile manufacturers involved.

Will there be multiple foreign manufactures following Toyota to NASCAR?

I would bet, the first one may be Mazda Zoom. Zoom is involved in just about every kind of racing around the world, NASCAR would be a natural fit for them.

What can be done to help NASCAR through this bad time? For now, just go to the races if you can, the ticket prices are reasonable.

NASCAR, Pocono and Honeymooners, what else can you ask for?

CONFIRMED: Michael Schumacher Will Drive Massa's Ferrari

al asifyouknow — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:06:31 -0400

Yippee!!! that's my reaction! I got a good reason to watch F1 again, good for the sport.

It is unfortunate IT had to be in such a sad circumstance, but it is racing and it is very dangerous.

By the way God bless Felipe Massa.

Not much information yet, but you can go to MS web site and get the latest

Again breaking news :

It is confirmed Michael Schumacher is back in an F1 race car.

Again....Yippee!

Now if just could get Montoya to SPEED his way there I be all set.

You all got that joke ..."SPEED" sure you did..

Here is part of the release:

"Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro intends to put Michael Schumacher in Felipe Massa's car until the Brazilian driver will be able to race again," Ferrari confirmed in a statement.

"Michael Schumacher said he is ready and, over the next few days, will undertake a specific training programme at the end of which confirmation will be given of his participation in the championship with effect from the European Grand Prix on the 23rd of August."

Look at the picture on my article, God I love the good old days. lol

Nascar: Can They Do No Wrong?

al asifyouknow — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:22:46 -0400

To stop all the conspiracy theory on their tracks, NASCAR should release not only Juan Pablo Montoya’s pit road data, but also speed information on all the participants.

That would proof there was no bias in the speeding penalty, and it shouldn't be that hard to do—just make the data available on their web site for all to see.

Questions about the process that needs to be known:

1) Once the red comes up on their monitor (or however they do it) is the penalty decision automatic, or is it a judgment call?

2) What are the steps that lead to a penalty?

3) Who makes the final decision on whether or not to hand out a penalty?

Answers to this questions would clarify things, and this would be a simple way to stop all the blog chatter, right?

Allegedly, Felix Sabates was going to ask for the data , but I have not heard of NASCAR given him any information on the subject.

The data on Juan would be useless on its own...they need to have all the info, on all the drivers. With all that information they can see if there were other drivers who hit the red marks.

In the middle of all that traffic and all that anxiety, I find it hard to believe that out of 43 drivers only one of the front-running teams was speeding. The law of averages tells us different.

There were actually about five penalties, all of them to non-contending teams.

These are just simple question—no accusations, just questions.

I know there are many hardcore fans in the B/R site that feel an opinion is not valid unless it agrees with theirs. Well, I'm very sorry if some folks feel that way .

The great thing about opinions is that everybody has one, that everybody is allowed to express them, that no one person owns the righteous one, and that asifyouknow chooses to respect everyone who has one.

And I thank God for all that.

Danica Patrick: No Wine or Cheese for Her Outside The USA—Ouch, F1!

al asifyouknow — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:51:34 -0400

"I've explored Europe before," Patrick said in Los Angeles. "I particularly like to be here and I like my family and I like my friends and I like my creature comforts of my home country."

That should about say it all—a rejection. If you're a male, I'm sure you know the feeling!

You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Remember asking that good looking girl out on a date only to get the dreaded answer no?

OK, maybe that never happened to you, but I know the feeling and I'm sure F1 has to feel the same way today.

In a time when F1 needs something exciting to look forward to, it will miss one good opportunity to wake up some of their fans.

You know, the ones that take a nap during some races.

Another quote:

"I've had opportunities to take it a step further with Formula One, and I don't want to lead anyone down a path. It's not in my heart to go there," Patrick said."

Ouch! Another familiar rejection quote.

Remember this one? Oh, I just want to friends, don't want to lead you on.

Here is the kicker: Formula one has never asked her, but yet she felt a need to let them know she is not interested.

Well I'm sure they have been rejected by better drivers, but not one with an instant worldwide marketing power.

Danica Patrick is an instant ticket seller. A wonderful road show. Agree?

It's too bad she doesn't want to date F1.

I know this so called article will upset traditional F1 fans, but what else is new.

Asifyouknow still loves those F1 cars, so why does he criticize the series so much?

He just wants them to race better.

Every Time Fans Bury Him,He Arises from the Dead..Kyle Busch Is Amazing!

al asifyouknow — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:52:01 -0400

I'm still trying to figure out the dynamic behind all the hate by many NASCAR fans toward Kyle Busch.

Is NASCAR not an entertainment venue? Is Kyle entertaining?

I think so, but maybe you see it different.

I made an effort to read all I could about the most popular driver in NASCAR's history, Dale Earnhardt.

In comparing both drivers, I can only come up with one conclution.

Kyle Busch is Mother Teresa (the nun), prince charming, and the good boy next door, all in one.

For God's sake folks, Earnhardt was called the Intimidator!

Let me give the Webster definition of intimidator, just in case some folks are not clear of the definition.

Intimidator:intimidate, cow, bulldoze, bully, browbeat mean to frighten into submission. intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another <intimidated by so many other bright freshmen>. cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost <not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business>. bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats <bulldozed the city council into approving the plan>. bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior <bullied into giving up their lunch money>. browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment <browbeat the witness into a contradiction

Clear enough?

So I just don't understand all the hate towards Kyle Busch. Does this definition describe Kyle Busch?

That answer is simple: No.

Where has all the love gone? Kyle is a great kid, a great driver, and certainly not an intiminator.

Kyle Busch is a star and the fans should just enjoy him. You can still boo him for fun, but do enjoy his racing. He will be around for a long time.

Danica Patrick Courted By Tony Stewart: Why Else Was She Visiting His Shop?

al asifyouknow — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:57:11 -0400

Well, lets just get something going here. Why was Danica Patrick taking in a tour of the Stewart-Hass Racing facility?

Why is there pink and lavender paint in the shop? And a smell of potpourri? OK, I’m just making those last two up, but she was visiting the shop on Monday.

Patrick was introduced to Ryan Newman and many other notables in the garage, but I understand Tony was testing so he could not be there.

This is all very interesting.

The IndyCar Series' season will be over in October, which leaves some time for her to run a few Nationwide Series or Cup Series races in 2009.

Cup races? That would be a stretch,as the boys won’t put up with that in the middle of the Chase. Remember them crying about all the open-wheel guys in 2007?

I’m telling you my dear folks, get your pink hats ready! I said a few months ago that there is a lot of chatter in the weeds—think of the web warning signal.

The storm is a coming folks. It is just a matter of where it’s going to hit.

Remember, al asfyouknow told you.

I can’t wait to see the outfit she wears to the track—before the race, of course.

I just love that girl, and I can't wait for her NASCAR days.

Juan Pablo Montoya: A World Class Driver Working at NASCAR

al asifyouknow — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:20:33 -0400

I said "working at," because he has been working at this hard, NASCAR is the longest season of any racing series, it’s got to be brutal on this drivers.

Most drivers, if they have the opportunity may opt for a better situation like F1 or INDY where the seasons are shorter and drivers can spend more time with their families.

Juan Pablo chose NASCAR.

Juan Pablo Montoya has been on Chip Ganassi’s ears from day one, I guarantee he has been pestering Chip about improving equipment and crew everyday.

There are not many drivers who have ability to do that with their boss, but these two have a long history together.

Sometimes I think Montoya is one of Chip’s son.

There is no doubt in my mind the reason this team has improved ten fold has everything to do with Juan’s persistence.

He reminds me of that kid from next door who’s visiting and just won’t go home

From day one, the wed has been full of negative comments from folks who had no idea, who Montoya was, what he had done in racing or if he ever won anything.

Many of them bordering in racism , like, well you know , go back from where you came from etc. etc., you know the sentiments, no need to repeat them.

But let me give you part a dribble of this nonsense, this was posted by a bloger in NASCAR.com:

“Then you have Ghip Ganassi, the man responsible for bringing Montoya and other open wheel drivers over here. Since the DEI merger, the new EGR team has not set the world on fire, and hopefully will be out of Nascar soon.

"Ganassi may be a standout in the scripted world of IRL, but in the real world of racing, he just can’t cut it. And, am I the only person who is still upset that the late Dale Earnhardts team name is now associated with this guy? Seriously.”

"This guy?" I guess is like saying “them people,” just got to love it.

This is typical of the…well, I’ll take the high road and just say the opinions of the intellectually challenged.

What many NASCAR fans don’t know and probably don’t care, and that’s fair enough , Montoya is one of the premier drivers in the world.

If you Google Juan Pablo Montoya and hit news and click back about the ninth or 10th page , that’s where the foreign news articles usually appear.

You will noticed NASCAR’s name in just about every European, Asian, and all around the world, the reports are about that week's race.

I don’t think that was not happening three years ago, NASCAR has been exposed to more folks around the world because of the name recognition in the racing world of Juan Pablo Montoya.

Is that important? Not really, most fans could care less, but to the money and marketing people, this exposure may spark some interest from overseas sponsors, or maybe not, but it doesn‘t hurt.

I’ve seen the slow but determined progression of this great driver navigating through the idiosyncrasies of the NASCAR world.

All this done in what has been considered at best, marginal equipment .

Even though this year he has a new chassis and Childress horsepower, is probably safe to say he is still not in one of the best cars NASCAR has to offer.

Here is a curious fact, of all the Childress powered cars in NASCAR only No. 42 is in the top 12.

That is something that makes you go Hummm.

The main factor in this teams success is of course the crew, Brain Pattie has been a god send to the No. 42 team, he has put together a winning crew.

If they can keep off the wall, they will make the chase, they have not had one DNF this year, that worries me.

There is always one around the corner.

That could throw a monkey wrench in the whole mission of making the chase.

Speaking of the chase, if the 42 team makes it, you will probably see a different type of driver, aggressive and going to the front, and god bless him who gets in the way.

Just ask M. Schumacker or Raikkonen.

That’s the Montoya I remember and is the one I hope to see in the last 10 races of the year.

The Middle of July and Five Hendrick Cars In the Chase: Just Amazing!

al asifyouknow — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:21:39 -0400

In football there is the New England Patriots.

In baseball there is the New York Yankees.

In soccer there is Brazil.

There is no question about who is the king and godfather of NASCAR: Can you say Rick Hendrick?

As of July 13, five Hendrick cars are in the Chase and four of them are essential locks to make it.

Please understand the key word is “cars." As you may well know, the Stewart-Hass entries are Hendrick cars.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the only non-satellite car not in the top 12.

This cars not only have the best drivers in the series, but also the best data sharing in NASCAR, which is so important in auto racing.

Well, let me correct that statement. I’m assuming the Stewart-Hass team data shares with Hendrick..

Just a part of being an internet writer. You just have to make an educated guess guided by all the articles you read.

For those of you who read my articles, you must be thinking: Asif and educated? Hmm, that just don’t look right. Just a little humor.

I don’t really see anyone beating a Hendrick car in this year's championship. Let me just make my prediction now: A Hendrick car will win the Chase, period.

Please post your pick if you like. Only pick a team, not a driver.

It has been rumored that Red Bull is thinking about being a Hendrick satellite team.

If that happens, now you're looking at another two cars plus Tony adding another team next year.

Now we’re talking nine Hendrick cars with a potential of having 12 cars.

A quarter of the field on race day could be Hendrick cars.

Can you imagine that? And it could happen, folks.

Hendrick is one of my favorite personalities in NASCAR, not because of his championship teams but because of all the charitable things he does.

Congratulation on another NASCAR championship, Mr. Hendrick. I know is a little early, but come on sir, you know you've got it.

Mark Martin Out of the Chase With Four Wins? Rule Change Needed

al asifyouknow — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:57:07 -0400

It would be a shame if Mark Martin does not make the Chase, specially with four wins this season.

This just emphasizes as to how important it is to race consistently week in and week out.

Should a driver be in the Chase if he wins three or more races, regardless of where he is in the points?

They probably should. After all, racing is about winning, is it not?

If Mark Martin does not run consistently in the next month, he will not make the Chase even though he has the most wins on the Cup circuit.

That would be a shame.

A simple rule by NASCAR would prevent situations like this from happening.

Simply put, if you win the most races before the Chase and are not in the top 12, you’re the 13th participant. If there are ties, go to the best in the standings.

Let me clarify this a little:

Even if you have less wins than someone in the Chase, but you have more wins than anyone outside the Chase, that driver would be the 13th spot.

Good idea? Maybe not.

After winning Chicago, Martin sits 11th in the points. One bad race and he will drop like a rock as he did a few weeks ago. That would be a shame.

I hope he makes it. Martin is one of the best stories in a season that has been, to say the least, uneventful.

Enough said and thanks to my dear friends.

Kyle Busch: I Have No Feelings So It Really Did Not Mean A Lot

al asifyouknow — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:41:17 -0400

God bless Kyle Busch. In a time where truth and honesty are harder to find than Noah’s Arc, it is a pleasure to see someone say what they feel.

In other words,Tony Stewart, thanks but no thanks. You did dump Busch.

Wow! Honesty. What a concept.

Along with speaking your mind, I would want my family to have those two traits. Wouldn’t everybody?

Well, let me restate that: If you're part of the Kyle Busch hating nation, you may find the truth complicated and honesty may be OK, but with discrepancies somewhere in the middle.

Tony Stewart was just as aggressive as Kyle Busch—can we agree on that? Yet he is portrayed as the no fault guy—god perhaps— and I thought Rome named him Pope Tony the second.

All the media is saying Tony was just racing. I would bet you my old Camry that if the roles where reversed, Kyle would still be the jerk at fault. Agree?

The Kyle haters would make sure he was portrayed in the blogs as “the guilty one”.

Most of us have never been in a stock car race so it may be hard for us to judge, but as fans we are still entitle to an opinion, are we not?

In my expert challenged opinion, I agree with Kyle that there was a dumping at Daytona last Saturday night.

The worst part of all this is that Kyle Busch could have really been hurt.

The wreck scared the hell out of me while other folks found it as a good time to stand up and cheer. I would assume they were part of the Kyle hater nation.

I’m sorry folks that I just don’t understand. Do you?

Kyle Busch is a great driver. Aggressive? Yes! So what's the beef with him?

In a sport where the most popular driver ever was called “The Intimidator," why is Kyle Busch hated so much? I thought most fans wanted the old days.

I was not a fan then, but from all I’ve been reading and all the film I've seen, the drivers from the old days, where no Mother Teresa, were they?

Lets let Kyle be Kyle—NASCAR needs it.

Where Is The Measuring Stick In The Bleacher Report? I'm Confused

al asifyouknow — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:14:18 -0400

There have been many articles written in the last few months about the inner workings of the Bleacher Report.

I must put in my two cents.

In most endeavors, there are rules and guide lines set with the purpose that if followed, there will be progress. Agree?

It looks to me that the progress in the Bleacher report—at times—is solely relied on friendship and agreeing with the top writers on the site.

I may be wrong, but please stay with me on this. I’ll explain.

These are things I don’t do in the Bleacher Report:

1) I don’t go from article to article making comments that looked to be right out of the quotable quotes book. I would say some folks don’t even read the article, they don’t go beyond the title, they may just want to add to their comment count.

2) I don’t request anyone to read my articles. The exception is when I want an edit. I have asked our good friend Ben many times to do so.

3) I don’t write everyday. I would love to, but my job takes a lot of my time, and it takes me a long time to write a short article. As Mark Martin would say: “I run out of talent.“ In my case, there is very little of that available. lol

4) My articles are very opinionated and may be better suited for blogs. But then again, the name of the site is Bleacher Report. Let's see, reports from the cheap seats. (Oh come on Mr. founders, did you expect award winning stuff from the $5 seats? Lol. Are you kidding me? [Just a little humor!])

5) If I don’t agree with your point of view I will tell you, even if you’re my favorite person on this site. And as always, I would still love you or not. (Smiling here, just so you know.)

6) If you tell me I’m flat out wrong and my article is the worst you have ever seen, well, I may take issue with that or I may just agree with you. One thing is for sure, I’ll get over it and be your Bleacher Friend In a day or two, tops.

The point is, this is my persona in the Bleacher Report. I look at the stuff I wrote in the beginning and the ones I write now, and I see a huge improvement.

I understand that’s my opinion, I may be bias.

My articles were doing very well while they were going into the Google News cycle. But since they were taken out of the loop, the last eight Asif articles put together got about one-quarter of the hits that one article got when my content was being putout on the web.

Now, if this was a points race, there was a stretch where my published article hits were top five or six in the top 10 NASCAR list, I did the FUZZY math. lol

So my confusion is, where is the measuring stick, what is being measured? Is it by the numbers of hits?

Is it the number of comments?

If it goes only by the ability to write an award winning article, well I understand I would have no chance.

I know that’s not it. If that were the case, most folks here would be working for a newspaper or a Web site and making money. Agree?

So it only leaves me with two options:

A) I really suck at this.

B) I got someone upset.

It would take a 10-page article to explain it fully, so you just have to take my word for it. I got somebody upset, of course that does not mean I don’t suck at this.

I’m just saying, my stuff is better than average, and deserves an opportunity to have someone click on it or not. Their choice.

Right now the choice is not being made by the reader.

Now I feel better, enough said!

Side note: Hey Ben do me favor, edit please, especially the spelling. Thanks pal….lol

Martin Truex Jr. Should Go Immediately: Hello Brad Keselowski

al asifyouknow — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:05:46 -0400

It would be a great move for Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing to get a young, promising, and very likable Brad Keselowski.

Bass Pro Shops would be happy with this all-American kid; squeaky clean, well spoken, sort of reminds you of the neighbor kid—you know the good one.

He is only 24 years old, hungry for a ride, and a Cup winner. What else could Chip Ganassi ask for?

You may be asking, what about Aric Almirola? Well, let me tell you, it has been reported EGR still wants him in the No. 8 car with a sponsor.

Apparently they've got that in the works.

Juan Pablo Montoya, Brad Keselowski, and Aric Almirola would make a very good team.

The improvements that have been made week after week by EGR on this new chassis and Childress engines are just amazing.

Montoya will even make the chase.

Let's be honest here: EGR has really become a one-car team. I don't expect much help from a lame duck driver.

If you had a choice to help an old team or the new one who gave you a multi-year contract, what would you do? I'll be honest: I'm going with the one who butters my bread. Agree?

EGR needs to work something out with Martin Truex Jr. and Bass Pro to facilitate his exit as soon as possible.

EGR has a car in the Chase and they need to get him some help.

Brad Keselowski? well that is just wishful thinking on my part. I'm sure he has too many commitments in 2009 to come to EGR.

Great record in cup, six starts with one win, and three top tens. It don't get much better than that, does it?

I'm sure most fans wish Truex great successes. Good luck to him, he seemed like a great guy. Goodbye and good luck.

Now, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing can move on to the business of getting Juan Pablo Montoya in the Chase.

Kyle Busch's Front End Was Dancing and Stewart Might Have Been his Leading Man

al asifyouknow — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:54:30 -0400

Are we all wagging the tail in this story? Could the real story be just seconds before “ the block” ? I think it is , stay with me on this.

Look at the replay when they’re coming off the turn, focus on Kyle’s front end , also look at Tony Stewart’s car , he is on Kyle’s bumper.

Unfortunately the only video angle I’ve been able to find only shows the front, I would venture to say ,again I’m only guessing. that if I could see a rear angle when they ‘re coming off the turn, Tony was probably lifting Kyle.

It looked, at least from the front view, that Tony was jacking up Kyle. Just saying!

If that happened, Kyle was probably very angered to say the least, and that might of prompted that careless blocking move.

There is more to this story , isn’t strange that is Monday afternoon and not one word has come from Kyle Busch? The guy is no wall flower, he can talk. Agree?

Maybe NASCAR NOW will have him on an interview tonight.

Another thing I don’t understand is Tony’s apologetic remarks, I think he realized after the accident how serious this was, it was scary , I was not one of the fans who jumped and clapped and celebrated .

Tony is a great driver, he really does not need to say anything unless he feels he could of avoided the incident.

These are drivers with families in a dangerous sport , I’m sure they know is dangerous, and the sport affords them a living that we can only dream of, I don’t celebrate wrecks , do you? Just wonder.

As always, this is just an opinion from a fan , and from what I understand everybody has one, and I thank God for that.

Martin Truex Jr: Done Deal, Will Drive The Number 55 or was it 56. oh well

al asifyouknow — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:25:50 -0400

Good for him, glad to see it, don't let the garage door hit you in the.....oh loosen up! I'm just kidding.

I feel he's making a good choice, not the best choice, but he most be getting a heck of a monetary deal along with a multiple year contract .

Remember where you heard this, he will not have better equipment than the Childress engine he has in the Bass-Pro car.

Time will tell the story, but I’m afraid the problem with the number 55 car is more then just the driver, it could also be the car,

I just don’t think Mr. Truex jr. will make that much of a difference in the seat of that car.

I still feel Truex jr should of just concentrated on this year and work with this team, they may end up with Joe Gibbs in 2010 with a Hendrick, Steward-Hass type of deal.

He may regret this move later on. Maybe not.

I understand the “official announcement” will be this Tuesday.

I hope it will be effective immediately, so they can put Aric in that car, I know that is not going to happen due to sponsorship commitments with Bass- Pro, but I can hope.

Juan Pablo Montoya in the chase! How about that!

F1: No Racing and a Place Where Stupidity, at Times, Reigns King

al asifyouknow — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:33:28 -0400

"Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has described Adolf Hitler as a leader able to"get things done" in a discussion about dictators during an interview with The Times newspaper."

"In a lot of ways, terrible to say this I suppose, but apart from the fact that Hitler got taken away and persuaded to do things that I have no idea whether he wanted to do or not, he was in the way that he could command a lot of people, able to get things done," Ecclestone was quoted as saying."

End of quotes.

In what universe does this old irrelevant person live? do you know? in what venue is this acceptable language in 2009?

Can someone answer that?, please I fail to understand.

I thought all those folks with that justification for murder were all dead or too old to talk.

One apparently still lives in Formula 1.

Just maybe! that may be one of the problems F1 has, stupidity, plain and simple, having leadership that thinks Hitler was a great organizer but he just got side tracked.

Hitler was a great organizer of murdering millions of folks, just in case that gentleman does not know that.

There is no excuse for those comments, there is no justification that is acceptable, at least not in this modern world.

I guess if your a zillionaire like Mr. Ecclestone you can say anything, no matter who it hurts.

I truly think this man is living in the past, it is time for him to move on, F1 needs to move on.

I'm not the brightest man around, I have a hard time putting two sentences together but I do know those old tired sentiments belong in the past.

Mr. Ecclestone apparently does not understand that.

Bernie Ecclestone has to go, period, he should resign immediately.

The future of F1 may depend on that, or Formula1 can continue on this same path of continuous idiotic comments and Sunday drives with no racing.

Agree?