[beuke23]

I came back from the kitchen from making myself iced coffee, and there's JPM and Ganassi talking to the press.

Holy cow. I remembered when Jacques couldn't find a ride and considered NASCAR.

Just stunned me.

[Rob Hood]

[quote]Tony Stewart started in IRL, and early on made it clear he thought open wheel was for him and was more for a "driver's driver". He switched for the almighty dollar. [/quote]

Stewart was in ovals long before NASCAR - so what's the difference? I smell bias...elitist... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/bs.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[quote] Boris Said is another example...as much as I love the guy...he has "changed himself" to try and get in on the NASCAR gravy train. Listening to him now in interviews, he has gone super politically correct, and become almost worshipful of the drivers and the sport....if you followed him you know that is not REALLY him....he used to basically call Paul Gentillozi a worthless hack and a goon in pre race interviews in Trans-AM, and then go bang the shit out of him on the track for an hour or so ....he is changing his style to fit in the NASCAR mold...and THAT is sad...only redemption is to go out and WIN! He has made good strides in only a few races with NO BIG help....[/quote]

So, Boris calls Gentillozi names, and then goes out and "bangs the s**t" out of him...thought that type of driving was for the "talentless" drivers in NASCAR... and what's wrong with being a nice guy? Bobby Labonte and Mark Martin (both accomplished road racers within the NASCAR venue) have been quite successful without using the "chrome horn." Beating and banging have gone on in nearly all forms of motorsports. NASCAR does not have the corner of the market on that. I've even seen PT do it in CART/Champ Car/whatever they call their series this week.

[/quote]Of course, if NASCAR offered me 10% of what most of those guys make I would be putting on a drivers suit 24/7 like the biggest goof there and "talkin' the talk" real quick...... [quote]

There have been plenty of "other" drivers in NASCAR ("other" meaning those who "ain't from 'round here"). Lorentzen, McGriff, to name a few. However, nobody "talks the talk" because it sounds so funny to hear "other" people try to sound (dare I say it) NORMAL. I don't hear "Southernese" out of Robby or Jeff Gordon, Ron Hornaday, Jimmie Johnson, or Kevin Harvick (all Californians I might add). (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (sorry, I had to "bow up" on that one (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) )

Dang Randy, I'm surprised you can see out your rear view mirror in the morning when you're backing up, because the CHIP on your shoulder is soooo big!! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

NASCAR continues to prove PT Barnum right, every day (there's a sucker born every minute). NASCAR has been incredibly effective in marketing its product, which is entertainment first, racing second.

If you want to be upset at somebody for essentially handing NASCAR billions and billions of fan dollars, try Tony George. IMO, he destroyed open-wheel racing (oval and road) for EVERYONE. Something about wanting an American car (started with Olds 4.0 Aurora engine, now it's a HONDA...) because open-wheel racing beginning to look/sound/feel like F1 (too many road races/street races on the schedule...) http://www.netaxs.com/people/gg1/race/cartirl.htm

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a NASCAR cheerleader - in fact, I view them (NASCAR the sanctioning body) as the "enemy" since they are the ones who write the rules and the racers must attempt to "interpret" them when building the cars. I also really wish the cars were still "stock," or at least to a much greater extent than now (not at all...) That's why I like the Speedvision WC cars so much, even if they allow foreign makes. At least you can recognize the car without having to read the bumper (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rant.gif)

I'm not picking on you Randy, just trying to get you to see the light a little differently. I wished NASCAR had more road races without adding to the schedule, but they are a tough sell ticket-wise to watch from the stands on a frequent basis compared to the ovals (that's why Bruton Smith eliminated the Carousel from SP for the Cup races). Maybe one day they'll get a couple more on the schedule! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (Elkhart Lake and Road Atlanta come to mind..)