Is Denny Hamlin a fluke?

Is this kid impressive or what? I mean he was leading the first 39 laps, has a tire blow out on him sending him to the back of the field, has damage to the rear end because of the tire blow out and he comes from last place to finish winning the Pocono 500. The guy had a rocket for a car and noone could keep up with him. As Denny stated, he drove his car like it was on rails.

I am truly amazed at how well Denny is performing this year. He has a great tutor in Tony Stewart along with a talented teammate in JJ Yeley. Joe Gibbs really knows how to spot talented drivers. To think this kid was watching the races from the stands just 2 years ago and now he is driving for one of the top teams in the Nextel Cup. Denny's attitude is much like Carl Edwards where these guys really appreciate where they are at and how lucky they are to have a chance such as driving in the Nextel Cup. Too many of the young drivers just don't have that type of appreciation for the sport and exploit it.

Congratulations Denny on your first Nextel Cup win. It was great to see just about every driver after the checkered flag drive by Denny to congraluate him. He definitely is earning the respect from the veteran drivers. Maybe Kyle Busch should take some lessons.

My Charlotte Experience-May 2006

Well I know this is a bit late to post but after getting back from the weekend at Charlotte and missing a few days at work, I have been playing big time catch up and really neglecting my blog so here we go...

First off, if you have never been to Charlotte for a race, you are missing out. I have been there several times both for the 600 in May and the Fall race in October, both of which are under the lights. Night racing, there is no comparison. Those cars under the lights, truly breath taking.

Lowe's Motor Speedway is a track that is one to see in person. This 1.5 mile Quad is truly made for racing and Humpy has done an outstanding job with his track and the upgrades. Seeing and hearing these 43 machines roaring by you at over 190 miles per hour can not be describled in words unless you have experienced it yourself. To feel those cars go by and the gust of wind that follows, all I can say is WOW!!!

The crowds, oh my god. Over 150,000 people in the stands and even more outside of the track. I would guesstimate over 300.000 people in the area during the race but you know what, who the heck cares. You are there experiencing one of the most exciting races and of course the longest race of the season...600 miles of pure speed and adrenaline.

Raceday is not the only thing making the trip worthwhile. I flew down the Friday before the race and I was not off the plane more then 20 minutes and I am on the road in my rental car heading to Dale Jarrett's Ford Dealership for an autograph seesion. Now mind you, I arrived in Charlotte at 11:50am and his signing was set for 12-2pm. Talk about breaking a few laws on the highway to get there in time but I made it there safe and sound in time to get my Green Bay Packers diecast that DJ drove for Brett Favre signed and as a bonus, Elliott Sadler was there also signing things and I just happened to have a Jarrett hat that had been signed by DJ and Robert Yates two years ago and Elliott autographed it so now I have the entire team on this one hat and it makes it even more special due to this is the last year for all of them on the same team with DJ heading over to Toyota.

Once the signing was over, I headed over to my hotel, got checked in and unpacked. All of my friends were getting in either later that night or early Saturday morning. So, I went and did some sight seeing, had dinner over at the Cheesecake Factory and then went downtown to Speed Street to meet up with my friends. We walked around and the crowd was unbelievable, excuse the term but it was assholes to elbows. We saw Elliott Sadler, Carl Edwards, and Jeff Burton that night for a Question and Answer period. Prior to that, Trackside was on and that is when Elliott Sadler decided to dive into the crowd and go splat on the pavement but alas he was okay...thank goodness. All in all, a great night.

Saturday was a day of just cruising around town and then going back downtown to see DJ and Kyle Petty on the main stage for their Q&A. Prior to DJ coming out on stage, Allen Bestwick came out to introduce Ryan Seacrest (American Idol) who came out and said a few words, very well spoken. Then out came DJ and Kyle. What was really great about these two is that after their Q&A, they went off stage and came around to the side and signed autographs and took pictures...not many drivers do that and we were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.

Ahh, then comes raceday. Our posse arrived at the track at 9am and set up camp. Just some advice to everyone...even though the race is not till 5:40pm, it is a very good idea to arrive that early to avoid the parking and traffic headaches...just set up your camp and enjoy the surroundings of the other fans. Now, it is late May in Charlotte, that means HEAT & HUMIDITY. Get yourself one of those pop tents that can cover and area about 20 feet by 20 feet, it is well worth the money in the long run. Have your breakfast and sit around and talk amongst each other, there is usually some good stories to tell or just look around at the other fans sitting around acting crazy and having a good old time, these fans down there really know how to tailgate. If you want to know anything and everything about tailgating, go visit my friends site at www.laidbackracing.com JoAnne really knows how to prepare for a race and her article is now a weekly feature on Nascar.com.

We Nascar fans are notorious for drinking beer but remember to bring plenty of water with you to stay dehydrated, you don't want to get heat stroke before the race and miss out on the excitement.

The 600 is truly a unique race, the longest of the season. Trust me, you will not regret going to this track and race and once you do, you will be hooked. I know I am.

Well that is enough for now, if I think of anything else, I will make sure to fill you all in. I do have pictures posted to share the experience with you.

DJ & Toyota Teaming Up in 2007

First I want to wish all the wonderful Mother's out there a Happy Mother's Day.

Now, onto business:

Well as everyone probably knows by now, DJ will be joining Toyota and Michael Waltrip in 2007 for his last two years in racing. Was this a smart move for DJ? There are so many opinions out there but the one that really matters is DJ's. Remember, this is his career and the path he is choosing for the remainder of his career.

DJ is not having the success that all of us want to see as a member of RYR. Let us look at the big picture, the Yates teams are just not performing. This is not to say it is the drivers, it is far from it. They have the engines, just look at the Roush cars and how well they are performing. It is the dynamics of the cars that Yates are developing. DJ said at the end of last year that they have alot of work to do with the new Fusion and the downforce issues. You would think they would of listened to Dale but obiviously they didn't.

I will be a DJ fan no matter what kind of car he drives. Just because it is not a Ford, doesn't make him a bad driver, he is doing what is best for his family and his career. Toyota will gain a lot from his experience and background. DJ is not doing it for the money, unlike what alot of people think. DJ does not need the money and he does the sport because of the love he has for racing. Perhaps other drivers and athletes should take lessons from DJ.

DJ...I am behind you 110% and you will always be my driver! Guess next year I have to redesign my site due to all the new Toyota stuff coming down line...LOL

Well everyone, have a wonderful day!!!

Tom

RYR -vs- Toyota...Who Will Be Victorious?

Is Toyota in Dale Jarrett's Future?

This topic that has been running amuck in the headlines has really gotten me torn. In a way, I want to see DJ stay with RYR but another part of me wants him to join Toyota. You have probably read the headlines and all the pro's and con's to this issue.

DJ's stock went up big time once Kevin Harvick, who was rumored to be looking at Toyota, signed his extension with RCR. DJ is on the top of the list. if DJ leaves RYR, UPS will follow suit. Too much has been built between UPS and Dale that I don't see them staying with Yates. Who will Yates pick up as another driver? I am not sure of the answer to that question due to the lack of available drivers and I would like to see Elliott Sadler get a great teammate that he has in DJ.

I think DJ will go to Toyota. He has expressed concerned with the down force issues with the Fusion but here we are coming into the 10th race of the season, and the Yates cars just are not cutting it. The engines are not the problem due to the lack of mechanical problems but lets see, we look over at Roush Racing and their Fusions do not seem to have those issues, their drivers are getting results. This is not to say it is that DJ and Elliott are not driving their cars hard, it is something wrong with the cars themselves, maybe Yates should team up with Roush and these issues, heck they are partners in the engines and look how they are performing.

Toyota needs a driver like to DJ to bring them into the sport. His experience alone will greatly enhance their program. It will only be 2 years for DJ till he retires but just think how much can be gained in those 2 years. I don't expect Toyota to do great things right off the bat but look at how they are doing in the Truck Series, it is just a matter of time before the Camry will be upfront if not upfront right out of the gate.

It will be sad to see DJ leave Yates, but I believe DJ will do what is best for his family and the remainder of his career and will retire gracefully.

Well that is my opinion on this subject and I do wish DJ all the luck in his decision. As a avid fan of DJ, I will follow him no matter what he is driving, even if it is a Toyota Tundra...LOL

Take care everyone.

Back In Black

Wow, talk about scary. I am not saying that in a bad way. It has just been too long since you seen the Black car even though it will not have the number 3 on it, it is a fitting tribute to the Great Dale Earnhardt.

I am really not sure how this all came about because I know the rumors of junior driving the #3 soon was being talked about...maybe this is Teresa's way of covering her tail even though she is happy all the sponsors of the 3 DEI cars in both Busch and Cup are all sporting this paint scheme since it is going to be Dale Earnhardt day this upcoming Saturday. It would of been Dale's 55th birthday and I bet you my bottom dollar that he would still be driving today. Let the legend live forever!!!

Good Luck to all the DEI cars at Talladega and thank you DEI for doing such a great tribute.