Rusty Reckons: Junior Thumbs his Nose at the Year 2011

I don't mean to only post on Junior, but I saw this today and it just stuck in my craw. Apparently, Junior sees it as too much work to connect with his fans.


Jeff Gordon does it (@JeffGordonWeb), Jimmie Johnson does it (@JimmieJohnson), Kevin Harvick does it (@KevinHarvick), and if you're on Twitter, I highly recommend following Kevin. He and his wife's antics are quite humorous and well documented. Kevin's also known around the garage for being a bit of a prankster, and many of this tom-foolery is also well documented via Twitter. It's a hoot.

Look, Rusty understands the pressures of being the most popular at anything. I regularly have to beat back a hoard of attention starved fans (Hi, mom!), myself. However, seems to me there are costs associated with being voted the Most Popular Driver in NASCAR year after year after year. Get on Twitter buddy. It ain't that hard. Give us a peak into what goes on in that head.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: Is Junior Back?

I know we're only three races into the 2011 season, and it's too early to really get a sense of who's going to be in contention come November. However, you have to be mildly impressed and hopeful with the results from the 88 stable. Hendrick made some big swings this off season trying to fix the issues for NASCAR's most popular driver. He put Steve Letarte on top of the pit box, and moved the 88 team into the same garage as the 48. Improvement by osmosis was the hope. Now, Junior's still marred in a long nearly 100 race winless streak. However, he is currently sitting 10th in points and has piled up two top 10 finishes in the last two races. If not for an unfortunate late race wreck, he probably had a top 10 car at Daytona, as well. Possibly a winning car. We'll never know. Also telling is that Junior appears to be having fun again. Make no mistake about it, when he's not running up front, he's a miserable cuss. If he's having fun, though, he can be a force to be reckoned with. The biggest problem with the 88 team and even going back to when he drove the 8 for DEI was an inability to adjust the race car throughout a race and get a good finish. He often could run well at the start or through the middle, but would always fade at the end. Communication from the race car to the pit box was the big issue. This is the biggest change and improvement for the affectionately nicknamed June-bug, this year. He's talking to Letarte and they are able to adjust the car to make it better and get good finishes. I'm not completely sold that he'll be able to sustain the Mo and be in the Chase this fall. However, I remain cautiously optimistic. There appears to be some life in him, yet.

On another somewhat related note . . . apparently, someone is trying to sell the hearse that carried Junior's old man, the late great Dale "The Intimidator" Earnhardt Sr. to his final resting place. Cryptic . . . yet intriguing.

- Brandon "Rusty"
Follow me on Twitter, @bkke.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: Power Rankings Part 3

The summer has certainly heated up and so has NASCAR. Over the last few months, Rusty's been holed up in his cool basement watching the fastest sport in America. During this cave dwelling experience, I've noticed a few things that's made NASCAR exciting. Here's a short list.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 02: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR

1. #3 in Victory Lane

There are a few, and I mean a very few things that have the slightest inklin of bringing a tear to a NASCAR fan's eyes. After the tragedy of the 2001 Daytona 500, an Earnhardt behind the wheel of a #3 Chevrolet in victory lane is one of them. A few short weeks ago, we were treated to just that . . . and at Daytona, no less, the site of one of the greatest tragedies in NASCAR history. In honor of his father, Dale Jr. piloted a Nationwide car with his old man's #3 Wrangler blue and yellow paint scheme. With his usual restrictor plate aplomb, Dale Jr drove a great race and found victory lane for the first time since 2008. Once in victory lane and filled with his usual post-victory emotion Dale Jr declared he did what he wanted to do and that he would probably never again pilot the #3. His swan song, if it remains that, can surely go down as one of the best in sports history. Essentially, he drove it from victory lane, into the history books. That my friends, is certainly the #1 thing on Rusty's power rankings for this part of the season.


2. Chip Ganassi

There is no triple crown in auto-racing, but if there was, Chip Ganassi would get the honor. This year, Chip Ganassi, co-owner of the #1 car with driver Jamie McMurray in NASCAR and owner of the #10 car driven by Dario Franchitti in the Indy Series, won the top 3 races in America. In just 5 short months, Ganassi cars have found victory lane at the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, and the Brickyard 400. Rusty's certainly one to argue that there's a good deal of luck in racing, especially NASCAR, but unless Ganassi's been buying rabbit's feet by the truck-load, I think we can say he's got a few things figured out. Currently sitting at 17th in the points, it's not looking too bright for McMurray's chances to make the Chase, but of any of the tracks to win at, Indy is the most indicative of a driver's championship success. Only a handful of winners at the Brickyard have NOT won a Championship. McMurray added his name to that short list this year . . . for now, but Ganassi might just have another trick up his sleeve, yet.


3. David Reutimann

Who? Exactly! Unfortunately for David, up until this point, he's essentially been considered an also ran. A teammate of the sponsor-lovin Michael Waltrip, Reutimann has had minimal success at best. He's never made the Chase, and honestly has never really been close. He had won before last week, but in a rain shortened event. I know, I know, a win's a win, which is true, but Reutimann arguably wasn't going to win that race without a little help from the man upstairs. This time, it was a different story. Reutimann's win in Chicago was done with the usual moves seen by the sports top contenders. Reuti, as we've learned is his nickname among friends and growing fan-base, led a total of 52 laps and made the right moves toward the end of the race to finally take the checkers in a full NASCAR Sprint Cup event. Time will only tell if this springboards a promising career for the driver of the 00 (pronounced double zero) Toyota, but Rusty doesn't think we've seen the last of him.

4. ESPN's coverage

As a general rule, ole Rusty's not a fan of the cable sports giant's coverage of actual sporting events. Rather than having some national know-it-all flown in 10 minutes before the game and handed a single page dossier on the teams, I'd rather have local or regional guy who actually follow the teams call the game. ESPN's NASCAR coverage is the exception, however. Though I'll miss the lovely Lindsay Czarniak, the ESPN team truly does an excellent job. Further adding to ESPN's stellar work is the cut-away car segments. Now, usually I'm not a fan of anything that gets away from the actual action on the field, but racing's a little different. Discussions about the intricacies of the modern NASCAR race car are greatly aided with the ESPN cut-away car. Sure, Fox, and NBC, and TNT all have similar things, and ESPN wasn't even the one to invent the concept, but according to this avid fan, they've perfected it. The level of detail and knowledge base provided by this little aside is what makes ESPN's coverage of NASCAR make the current power rankings.

5. Greg Biffle/Jack Roush

The "bug-eyed-dumby" made it back to victory lane. The #16 3M Ford from the Roush stable ended a long winless drought stretching back to 2008. It was also Jack Roush's first win since last fall at Talladega. The win couldn't have come at a better time for the Cat in the Hat, either. Just before the Pocono race where Biff found victory lane, Jack was involved in a rather serious airplane crash. The wily old man was piloting his own private plane when it got a little hairy on landing. Roush was able to walk-away, but has been through several surgeries since. Having one of his teams find victory lane the Sunday he had to watch from a hospital bed, I'm sure helped in the recovery. Biffle's currently sitting at the 11th position in points, not a shoe-in for making the Chase, but this victory certainly helped, and if he does make NASCAR's version of the playoffs, those 10 bonus points will sure come in handy, too.


The Rusty Old Jalopy award: Carl Edwards

It's time to park, Mr. Ed. I've always been a fan of letting race drivers settle their business on the track. Let'em race, and let'em race hard. In recent years, NASCAR's been quick to punish overly aggressive driving in order to polish their image. This year, they let the gloves come off a bit, but maybe a little too much. Carl makes this week's jalopy award for his kindergarten behavior at a recent Nationwide race (oh, and let's not forget earlier this year at Atlanta). Brad Keselowski and Edwards have never been fast friends, but regardless of any rivalry, Keselowski didn't deserve to be outright wrecked on his way to the checkers like Edwards did a few weeks back. This isn't the first time Edwards has gone a little berserk either. After a wild race in Martinsville a few years back, Edwards came up and physically threatened teammate Matt Kenseth during a post-race interview, a teammate! Even more notable was his Cole Trickle-esque bumping of Dale Earnhardt Jr. at a Michigan Nationwide event. Junior got into Edwards towards the end of the race. Mr. Ed expressed his displeasure at Junior's move by ramming his car during the victory lap at the conclusion of the race. Junior escaped losing his hand by mere inches. Rusty's always been a fan of the bump-n-run and letting guys get aggressive. I'm an Earnhardt fan, for crying out loud. But there's a line. Using your car as a weapon and means of exacting revenge is over that line. Carl continues to cross it, and should be parked. Period.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: Breakfast Advice; "Eat Your Wheaties, Jr!"

As we head into NASCAR's All Star weekend, Wheaties has announced that Dale Earnhardt will be featured once again on the front of its famous box of bran cereal goodness. This will be the second time the Intimidator's face will great cereal lovers the country over. It's been scheduled to coincide with with Sr.'s induction into the first class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It's also notable coming during the middle of his son's long winless drought. Maybe Jr. could be more like his dad on the track if he ate his Wheaties. Rusty's not sure, but it's sure worth a shot.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

adidas Now Making Mayonnaise Hats

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: Dale Junior Wins at Daytona

NASCAR's fan favorite, Dale Jr. coasted to victory at Daytona, too bad for Junior nation it was in a computer game, and not a real track event. Nevertheless, victory weary fans will take what they can get, including yours truly. So, even if Junior cannot best his fellow Sprint Cup competitors, at least he knows he can operate a plastic steering wheel better than a bunch of 30 yr old's still living at home with their momma. That's trophy case material!

Earnhardt Jr. Wins First iRacing.com Event

In other news, it's rumored that Peyton Manning is challenging Brees to a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV, Techmo style.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: New Year's Resolutions 2010

With a little over a week till the green flag drops on the 2010 NASCAR season, Rusty has emerged from his winter slumber to pontificate on the goings on and what's in store for the coming year. I've also emerged to shovel the nearly 2 feet of snow on the back deck! Tonight we'll get our first taste of racing this year with the preseason Bud Shootout. Even though the rumblings of NASCAR don't make national headlines, there are big changes already in store for stock car enthusiasts this year. So, without further adieu, let's begin to fill your heads with the ramblings of a true wanna-be redneck.


One of the biggest changes for this coming year is the addition of a pretty face. After having a bit of a mediocre career in IRL (let's be honest, she's only had 1 win in 5 seasons), racing's #1 sex symbol is coming to stock car. Danica's now going to really show what she's got behind the wheel of JR Motorsports #7 Chevrolet, owned by none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. In her first year in NASCAR, Danica's only going to be running 13 races in the Nationwide series, but she'll be sure to turn the heads of a few beered up infield hooligans . . . including yours truly.

But, speaking of Junior . . . mark my words, Dale Jr will go winless again in 2010. Until NASCAR shortens the race or goes back to the old system, NASCAR's most popular driver is going to continue to struggle 'closing the deal'. Coffee and trophies go to closers, sorry June bug. Junior's got the talent and equipment, but for whatever reason, he's not found his groove or been able to keep up with the changes to the sport. A few years back in a different points system with the older car, I think he could have really been a perennial championship contender. Regardless, the stands will still be filled with more 88 fans at Daytona and Talladega this year than anything.


Chad Knaus gets jealous of Jimmie's new found fame and the 48 team finally shows they are human.

Over the last four years, Chad, Jimmie, and the 48 team have been heads above the rest of the competition. Watching the other 42 drivers try to compete against the 48 was like watching an arthritic one legged dog try to win a butt kicking contest. You rooted for that old mutt, but you just knew it wasn't going to happen. Well, this year the one legged dog's going to win. It took four years, but I think Jimmie's hit his peak. Even people outside of NASCAR are recognizing the soften spoken clean cut guy from California.

JJ wins AP's Man of the Year. This means he's only got one way to go, down. He won't slip far and he'll finish in the Top 5 in points, but no 5-peat for Jimmie.

That ugly wing stuck on the back of an otherwise sweet looking race car is going the way of the dodo.

Since going to the COT, fans and drivers alike have fussed about the tricked out looking rear wing on the back of the new race car. It's made the cars more squirrelly and thus, according to some people, made for less passing. So, the big boys up in the tower listened. NASCAR is working with a few teams next month to test a spoiler similar to the one used on the old car. The goal is to get a little more downforce on the cars and hopefully make for better racing. Rusty thinks this is a great idea, but we'll have to wait and see how it transpires.

Unlike previous years, I'm not going to be making any wild predictions on who's going to win the title. I think there are several strong contenders, including Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart. Carl's been close several times, and if it wasn't for the 48 team would have at least 1 title already if not two. Since I'm thinking the 48 isn't going to win it this year, I could easily see the 99 taking the crown. Don't count out Tony though. Stewart had an amazing year last year with his upstart race team. Many people thought he would struggle including yours truly, but he proved us all wrong. If he can avoid a sophomore slump of sorts, he should be at the front and challenging for his third career championship come November.

Last year was a good year, but this year's going to be great (as long as you aren't a Junior fan). So, stock the fridge, get some bean dip, and let's get ready for another season of the world's best stock car racing series.

Hammer down!!!!!

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

2009's Most Forgettable Sports Moments

While many choose to look back at 2009 by highlighting championship performances, scandalous transgressions and overall warm, fuzzy nostalgia, when the history books are written, there will be several happenings this past year that will be forgotten - be it by accident or by selective memory. For perseverance's sake, here's a look at some of the HHR crew's least memorable moments, stories and figures of 2009.

Dale Jr.'s "Breakout" Season

Dale Jr.'s second year at Hendrick Motorsports was supposed to be his breakout year. In 2008, he made the Chase, and this past year he was supposed to contend. Instead, Junior found himself with his worst season in NASCAR, and had to watch from the sidelines as his Hendrick teammates finished 1, 2, 3 in the points standings. A mid-year crew chief change couldn't even ease June Bug's woes.

ACC Football

This year was supposed to be the year for several teams in the ACC. NC State had the ACC's most prolific passer returning, Wake Forest was led by senior signal caller Riley Skinner, VT was Virginia Tech, and Bowden was promising great things as he fought for his job down in Tallahassee. Instead, the ACC struggled all year, losing early games to the likes of William & Mary and never coming close to being in the talk for a National Title contender. Now, the traditionalists' cries for the heads of the guys behind the expansion are growing ever more louder. It was supposed to elevate football in the nation's preeminent basketball conference, right?

Fat College Football Coaches

Apparently, this wasn't the year to be big and on the sidelines with a headset in college. The portly Mark Mangino and the rotund Charlie Weiss both found themselves without a job at the end of the season. While Mangino's dismissal had more to do with his treatment of players than his team's record, Weiss just couldn't eat enough donuts to help the Irish win enough games to keep his job. Surely, Ralph Friedgen's off season diet kept him on the sidelines in College Park, because Maryland's 2-10 record certainly didn't help.

Urban Meyer Resigning at Florida

Quite simply: Proof that the "do-over" rule is alive and well in college athletics.

WNBA's Shock Relocates to Tulsa

You know your league is in trouble when a team wins three championships in the decade and then decides a move from a major sports metro to Tulsa, OK is an upgrade.

Allen Iverson, Memphis Grizzly

"God chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career. I feel that they are committed to developing a winner." Two months God must've told the Answer to get the hell out of Dodge. Sometimes even God makes mistakes. Either that or he has a helluva sense of humor.

Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bill

While making an initial splash upon signing, TO has since taken backseat to the prospect of the Bills moonlighting in Canada. When all is said and done, it says something when a guy will forever be remembered more for doing sit-ups in his driveway than actually playing for the Buffalo Bills.

The Billy Gillispie Era at UK

Add a new coach (John Calipari), the best player in America (John Wall) and a shiny undefeated record, and it’s hard to believe that the Cats were bounced by Notre Dame in the NIT last year.

The New York Metropolitans

While the team opened a brand new stadium, the cross-city Yankees win the Series over the defending champion/division rival Phillies and fans protest the franchise by forfeiting astronomically-priced season ticket plans, the team looks to rebound in 2010 by signing the likes of Alex Cora, Kelvim Escobar, Henry Blanco, R.A. Dickey and Chris Coste. To add insult to fans' injury, Coste punctuates his signing by reminding NY faithful, "I will always be a Phillie."

Shawne Merriman Performs Lights Out Dance on Tila Tequila

In an incident that was as ridiculous as the bi-sexual reality star's "career," Tila claims "Shawne grabbed her, shook her like a rag doll, threw her down and choked her during an argument last September. Tila says the San Diego Chargers linebacker had a bad temper combined with a drug problem, and that he humiliated her because of her bi-sexuality." Yet, authorities and the public somewhat seem to buy the Charger's claim of acting in the name of being a responsible party host. Charlie Sheen: take note.

We miss anything?

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Separated at Birth: Redneck Yankee

HHR's resident card-carrying member of the Dale Jr. fan club pointed out that his driver bares a striking resemblance to last night's Yankee starter, AJ Burnett.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: No Duh (Y'all)

Here's the 'no duh' moment of the season. Earnhardt advised Keselowksi to go to Penske, instead of having him added to the Hendrick team. Why's that the 'no duh' moment you ask? Let Rusty lay it out for you.

1. NASCAR imposes a limit of 4 cars per team. Hendrick is at that limit with the 24, 48, 5, and 88.
2. The 24 and 48 are duking it out at the top of the point standings, just behind the owner-driver-dynamo, Tony Stewart. Meanwhile, Mark Martin (5) must still have a stash of free Viagra somewhere because he's driving harder than anyone, and has a series high 4 wins.
3. Keselowski's been able to do something Earnhardt (88) ain't this year, win a race.

Add that up, and you see why Earnhardt might be encouraging the up and comer to find another team, lest he find himself booted to the curb to make room.

Lucky for Junior and the 88 team, though, Rusty's got a feelin he's going to see that checkered flag before this year's out. Richmond, Talladega, maybe even Atlanta . . . I'm not sure, but I got an inclin.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: Earnhardt Offers Solutions to His Problems

It's no secret that the 88 team has struggled this year. Mired at 25th in points, and not having had a top 10 finish since his 2nd place finish at Talladega in April, Junior offers his thoughts on the sport.

His issue? The new car. His solution? Fix it so he can run better. Seems reasonable. According to NASCAR president, Mike Helton, it worked for his father.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: The Full Range of Southern Experience

The first weekend in May has become an interesting day in the South. From the blue bloods and FFV's to the good ole boys and rednecks, nearly everyone circles this date on the calendar. The first Saturday of May is of course when the pinnacle of horse racing takes place, the Kentucky Derby. No doubt Rusty's co-horts here at HHR will be waxing poetic about the ponies in the bluegrass. Equally important at the other end of the spectrum for NASCAR fans is the race at Richmond. Located in the capital of the old Confederacy, RIR is one of the best and most popular tracks on the circuit.

RIR is a three quarter mile relatively flat tri-oval that makes for some amazing racing. Last week, fans saw cars screaming through over 30 degrees of banking topping 200 mph. This week, RIR presents barely 14 degrees of banking with speeds hitting around 150, but the racing will be no less exciting. The short track at RIR requires an ability to brake into the corner and then get good grip out. Turn 2 is where a lot of the action is, as the groove narrows getting out of the corner and onto the back stretch. It's also not the best place to sit, cause the cars hit the gas there, making the noise in the first few rows deafening (ask Mrs. Rusty if you don't believe me ).



There are three current drivers with 3 wins at Richmond, Stewart, Junior, and Jimmie. I expect to see them continue their success and they should be running near the front, Stewart especially. The driver of the #14 car has been on the cusp of getting his first win for his new team. Richmond might offer him his best shot. Tony typically warms up with the weather. Other drivers to watch include the shrub, hometown favorite Denny Hamlin (shout out to my fellow Chesterfield fella!), and defending race winner Clint Bowyer. While Kyle has yet to win at Richmond, he does have the best average finishing position at just under 7. Hamlin and Bowyer are 2nd and 3rd among active drivers respectively.



So, whether you are watching 20 some horses in Kentucky or over 37,000 in Virginia, it's going to be a fast and exciting weekend for race fans from all walks of life.

JR Prediction

He didn't win at 'Dega, but he sure as shoot came close. Now, he comes to his best track. Junior excells at the three quarter mile short track in Richmond. Last year, if it wasn't for the idiocy of the shrub, he'd would be leading all active drivers with four wins, but rubbin's racing. This week, I expect Junior to be back towards the front. He will lead some laps, a lot of them. Barring anymore unforeseen idiocy, he'll be in the hunt at the end. Last week was the start of something beautiful for the 88 team, and this week it continues.

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

Rusty Reckons: The Easter Bunny 250

Rusty's just funning yah! There's no such thing as the Easter Bunny 250. In fact, the Cup isn't even running this weekend. Though the Nationwide boys will be down in Nashville...good music town. Nationwide is starting a new thing this year called Dash 4 Cash. It's an effort to try and focus on the non-Cup guys.


You see, a lot of the guys running in Cup like to moonlight in a Nationwide car. It's kind of synonymous with A Rod going to play with the Triple A club. So, needless to say, the Cup guys (*cough* Kyle Busch *cough*) often dominate the series. Used to be, the Nationwide (formerly Busch), was where the up and comers could make their hay. Guys like Dale Jr. and Matt Kenseth cut their teeth competing in the second tier series.

Before the COT, the cars were different, but the differences were mostly in the engine (around 550 hp for the Nationwide, but pushing 850 for cup). Nationwide didn't adopt the new COT platform, though, meaning it still runs the more aero-dynamic cars, but with the engines still only getting around 550 hp. Now, the differences are huge. There are also some rules differences like limits on the number of tires per team. The idea being to keep the competition open to more of the teams without deep pockets. Problem is, a lot of what we used to call Busch-wackers (guys with full time Cup rides) are coming down to the Nationwide series to spoil the fun. The Dash for the Cash aims to quell that little issue.

First of four Dash 4 Cash races Saturday at Nashville

The Dash for Cash is a great idea, as far as Rusty is concerned. It's a series of four races with an extra little payout to non-Cup regular drivers if they win one of the four events. The driver (again, not a Cup regular) who accumulates the most points during those four races also gets a nice little cash bonus.

The idea is to generate attention (the events are at non-Cup tracks) and interest for the real Nationwide guys. If the Nationwide series is going to continue to function as the feeder series for the Cup, then stuff like this is crucial. The Shrub, Mr. Ed., and others who seem to be going down there week after week, need to knock it off, and let it be a place for the new guys to show their stuff. Rusty tries to steer clear of offering his opinion on how NASCAR runs things, but this is where he's going to tip his hat to the men in the tower.

This is a good one. In fact, it's almost as good as the cheddar-Bo biscuit...almost.



JR Prediction

No prediction this week, since he ain't running. Rather, Rusty's going to take the time to bask in the glory of his previous week prediction. I rarely (if ever) go out on a limb to make a prediction on who's going to victory lane. Last week, I broke with tradition and said the 24 team would break it's winless streak AND get it's first win at Texas. Well, I was right!!!!! Ole Rusty was spot on the money! Don't get used to it, though, cause a blind squirrel does find an acorn every now and then, but I'm sure going to bask in my glory while i can.

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

Rusty Reckons: Hammond's Coming Home (to Texas)

Well, get out the dough (or Cowboy hat), cause it's back to a cookie cutter track this coming weekend (Texas Motor Speedway). After two weeks of short track awesomeness, we are back to talking about down force and horsepower. Don't get me wrong, we should still have some good racing, but we won't get to see nuttin like Jimmie's pass for the win at Martinsville. What we will see is speed, and lots of it. The smooth pavement at Texas makes it one of the fastest tracks on the circuit, and with lots of grip that means two things in terms of the racing; long runs and cut tires. Long green flag runs translate into a lot of sweaty palms for the engine guys. Add good grip to long runs and you can do a number on the tires, especially at high speeds.

Now, the track may be cookie cutter, and the racing may not be as exciting as the last two weeks, but Rusty's going to be bold. Like a nice tall bottle of Heinz 57, it's time to be bold and spicy. Jeff Gordon is going to win this coming weekend. Jeff's hot (kinda like Heinz 57).

He's leading the points and has been running up front every week. He's also mired in a 47 race winless streak, so this fellar's looking for victory lane. Gordon's also won on every track in the circuit except Homestead and you guessed it, Texas. It's not that Jeff doesn't run well in Texas. In 15 starts, he's got 7 top 10's while averaging a respectable 16.6 finish. He just hasn't found victory lane . . . yet!

To win, though, the 24 team's gotta beat some stiff (snicker snicker) competition. Mr. Ed swept Texas last year, but it's his fellow Roush-ka-teer, Matt "the robot" Kenseth who stands as the only driver to average a top 10 finish over the last 5 years; Kenseth's averaging a 7.6. And don't ever count out those boys from Vegas. The Cup series has been the Busch show lately. Kurt and the shrub have combined for 4 wins in 9 races (counting the shootout and duels), and had 3 consecutive victories before this past weekend. Both of them average better than a top 20 finish at Texas, but neither have earned the cowboy hat and six shooters. So, they could be up there in the hunt as well.

JR Prediction


It's amazing what a top 10 finish will do to silence your critics. Driving a car held together by bungee cords and some bubble gum (I'm only kidding on the latter), Junior was able to get as high as 3rd place and come home a very respectable 8th at Martinsville, last Sunday. While he couldn't find the dominance of Jimmie, he did continue his upward climb in the points. He's now in 16th only 44 points behind 12th place. Now, it's on to Texas, the site of Junior's first win in Cup. Unfortunately, he's not been able to repeat the success of 2000. Since 2006, Junior's not posted a top 10 finish, and in the last two years has only finished on the lead lap once. So, Rusty ain't too excited about Junior's chances this coming weekend. He could really use another top 10 finish, but I sure as shoot ain't holding my breath.

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

Rusty Reckons: The Other March Madness

Rusty's cousin, Skeeter's car

Old DW says Bristol is like flying a bunch of fighter jets inside a packed gymnasium, and I don't believe I've heard a more apt description. Sheer madness! Bristol is the highest banked track in NASCAR, but also one of the shortest. The high banks make the cars go fast. The short tracks means they don't have that much room to go fast. The result means awesome freaking racing.


With the old car, the way to get around was the bump-n-run. Put a bumper on a guy, get him loose, sending him up the track, and dive underneath. Ole Dale Sr. was the expert at it, though some others have gotten pretty good at it too. The catch is competitors aren't too happy when they get bumped, which led to some heated tempers and a few fights. Translation, exciting time for the fans.

The fun starts about 13 seconds in.

The new COT has put a damper on that somewhat. With the new car, there's really 2 grooves of racing at Bristol (high and low), and the configuration of the cars is not nearly as conducive to the bump-n-run, cause of how the bumpers front to back align themselves. Some smarty pants at NASCAR did that for a reason that I'm sure, but enough about the track, what about the racing. Well, if you can take a break from your brackets for a few hours, here's what ole Rusty expects to see.

Busch boys, Gordon, and a side of Happy. Jeff and Kurt are tied among active drivers with the most career wins at Bristol, only catch is that of those 10 wins, 8 of them came over 5 years ago. So, they've not been winning a lot lately, though they've still managed good finishes. Jeff averages a 10.8 finish with 3 top 5's, and Kurt's got a 15.4 average finishing position with a win, and 2 top 5's. Jeff's been looking solid this year, and Kurt ain't doing half-bad either. I think they may continue their roll this coming weekend.

The younger Kyle won the first ever COT race at Bristol, and has run well there ever since. He's averaging a 12.5 finish with 3 top 5's. But Happy Harvick might be the real happy guy at the end of the day Sunday. While he's only won once at Bristol, the driver of the #29 has racked up 6 top 5's over the last 5 years to lead all active drivers. Not too shabby.

With all the drama that's sure to play out on the track in Bristol and the insanity of March Madness, ole Rusty's gonna be lucky to make it through the weekend. Mark my words, though, if I do, I'll be a stronger man.

JR Prediction

Well, June never really challenged for the win in Atlanta two weeks ago, and I am really starting to sweat the season. No driver this far down in the points standings at this point in the season has ever made the chase. The 88 team needs to figure out something, and they need to do it fast. June needs to calm down in the car and tell his team what he needs. Now, lucky for him, this coming week is one of his best tracks. Over the last 5 years, Junior leads all active drivers in points gained at Bristol. In fact, he's got 50 more points than the next guy on the list, the aforementioned Happy Harvick. Well, he's gotta continue that streak this coming weekend.

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: They're Thirsty in Atlanta . . .

East bound and down, loaded it up and truckin . . . the series comes back East this week to the fastest track on the circuit . . . HOTLANTA!!! The 24 degrees of banking make Atlanta fast, and one of Rusty's favorite tracks. There are multiple grooves of racing at Atlanta and the smooth racing surface should make for some exciting racing.

The big question for this coming Sunday is whether or not the engines will hold up. There's been a slew of engine troubles already this year, and from some of the big boys like Hendrick and Toyota. Atlanta's speed and constant high RPM's are tougher on engines than a one eyed alley cat. With a shaky start for guys like Mark Martin (2 DNF's, who would have thunk it), better cross your fingers the raceway doesn't get covered over with blue smoke.

Last week, I talked about Jimmie and Mr. Ed, and this week's not going to be any different. The 48 and the 99 are two of the best teams at Atlanta. With 3 wins and an average finish of 9.1, Johnson is the best active driver at Atlanta. Edwards is not far behind though, tying Jimmie with 3 wins and posting an average finish of 11.6. Of the serious contenders, only Jeff Gordon has more wins than either of those two. Jeff has had 4 wins in his considerably longer career.

When you look outside the big names, there are a few interesting plot lines as well. Bobby Labonte is the active career wins leader at Atlanta with 6. Only catch is that he's not won a race in almost 6 years. He's coming off a great finish at Vegas 5th placing showing, and hasn't been doing too shabby this year considering he's piloting the also-ran 96 for Hall of Fame racing.

A.J. Allmendinger's another interesting name to watch. Of active driver's, A.J.'s got the 2nd best average finish in his 3 starts. Catch being he's only started 3 races there. If he can recapture whatever he had at Daytona, where he recorded a career high 3rd place finish, he just might be up near the front on Sunday.

Given that the finishes at Atlanta always come down to the wire, Rusty's not going to venture a guess as to who might make it to victory lane, but I sure as shoot am going to be on the edge of my seat come Sunday.

JR Prediction

Last week, I said Junior needed a top 20 finish. He must have been listening cause he came home in 10th. He struggled again by speeding on pit lane and having to go 1 lap down, but this time he and the 88 team rallied for a solid finish. Atlanta's one of Junior's better tracks. He's got 1 win, 8 top 5's, and 10 top 10's with an average finish of 11.68. Not too shabby. Junior also LOVES to run that high line, and at Atlanta, that can be the fastest way around the track. I got a feeling Junior's going to be up near the front, and if he can avoid the little mistakes, he should be challenging for the win. He's moved up to 29th in the points, so he's out of the danger zone, but still needs good finishes this week and next at Bristol. Ole Rusty's pretty sure that's going to be the case.

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: Viva Las Vegas

The fastest fellas in America return to one of the fastest cities, at least in terms of the people there. In terms of revenue, Vegas has been a boon to NASCAR. The race has been a sell-out recently, and with the big bucks on the strip, it's a good time for everyone involved. Then when they installed the progressive banking a few years ago, the racing started to get on par with the dollar signs.

For those newer fans, progressive banking is where the track is banked at different degrees vertically up the track. This creates multiple grooves of racing, which translates into more passing, running 2 wide etc. The COT has diffused some of the insanity that might have occurred with the older car, but we've still had some good racing of late.

Mr. Ed's the defending race winner, but Kyle Busch has been one of the highest rated drivers at Vegas in recent memory. The shrub also has the added advantage of starting the race from the pole, with his elder brother starting just to his outside. The Busch boys have done well at Vegas, possibly because it's their home track, but looking at the most recent speed charts they might have some serious competition. Jeff and Jimmie topped the speed charts on Saturday. Historically, Vegas has been one of Jimmie's worst tracks, but he might be feeling some pressure coming off a rather tepid start to the season. Might not see too many new faces up front this week, but Vegas should still give us some pretty exciting racing.

JR Prediction

Pure and simple, Junior needs a top 20 finish. After having engine issues at Fontana, and a weak Daytona, the 88 team is hanging precipitously onto the 35th position in points. After Bristol, NASCAR will revert to this year's points to determine who's locked in each week, meaning Junior will need to improve his position to avoid having to qualify on time. Can you imagine Junior not making a race? The stands might be empty. Lucky for Junior nation, though, all the prognosticators including yours truly is certain Junior will rebound. Vegas might not be a strong track for him, but Atlanta and Bristol certainly are. I said at the outset, Junior was going to be better on tracks he hadn't quite mastered in the past. With a little bit of pressure to perform, he might start to emerge in sin city this coming weekend.

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Rusty Reckons: Why I Turned the Race Off

Last night, I turned off the television and didn't watch the last 50 laps or so of the race. As far as I'm concerned, NASCAR didn't deserve being rewarded with my loyalty after Junior went to the garage. My loyalty last night stopped at my driver. It's unfortunate, but I just think NASCAR needs to get real about when they scheduled that race.

It was Oscar night, and NASCAR in it's infinite wisdom decides to start the race at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. What toothbrush dancing chimpanzee came up with that brilliant idea? NASCAR actually is trying to compete against the Academy Awards? I realize there might not be a lot of demographic similarities in these two events, but c'mon!!! If you want to become a major player in the American sports world, you've gotta make smart decisions about when you start/finish races.

Lucky for me, doesn't look like I missed too much. Matt "Snooze" Kenseth won again, making him one of only a handful of drivers to win the 500 and the next race. Las Vegas this coming weekend should be a little better, though. I'll tell ya later in the week how the progressive banking makes for better racing. Before I saunter off to sulk about Junior's position of 35 in the points, I'll comment on what I'm sure you've been waiting for me to write about...the Junior-Vickers incident at Daytona.

Junior did not wreck Vickers intentionally, just like NASCAR said. June bug's the first one to apologize when he's done wrong. He's not afraid to admit he's wrong and apologize. Heck, he's even apologized when it won't his fault. In all his racing career he's been known to be a respectful driver that doesn't go around wrecking people. So, the haters can holler all they want. Junior's reputation speaks for itself. He ain't to blame for Vickers wrecking; Vickers is. Be sure your sins will find you out, Mr. Vickers.

(forward to about the 1:50 mark)

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

NASCAR Preview: Rusty's JR Prediction

Make no mistake about it, Rusty's a faithful and loyal member of Junior nation, the most dominant fan base in all of sports. So, this year, Rusty's going to add a new feature to his rants-n-ravings about the fastest sport in America, the JR prediction. There's a whole slew of folks trying their darndest to read the tea leaves and figure out how June-bug might do from week to week. Well, look no further, because here on HHR, the premier slightly-off-center sports blog on the inter-web, Rusty's going to tell you what to expect out of the 88. So, let's start with a season prediction.

2009's going to be an improvement for Junior, but it's also going to be a real put-up or shut-up year for his crew chief, Tony Eury Jr. Anyone who's anyone will tell you there's not a smarter guy than Eury Jr. in the garage. Junior's cousin knows how to set up a car and get into victory lane. The question is does he posses the skill to keep his driver motivated and battle through the 36 race marathon that is the Sprint Cup season. Junior's made no bones about the fact that he thinks the season might be too long. His finishing skills also lend fans to question his stamina in any race not involving restrictor plates. The question in 2009 is whether or not Junior and Junior can figure out a way to stay motivated and communicate to improve the 88's finishes. In 2008, Junior had the 4th highest driver rating, only bested by Edwards, Kyle Busch, and the eventual champion. The problem was that Junior had an issue finishing races and getting into victory lane. He only did so once at Michigan with a Eury fuel gamble at the end.


Courtesy of NASCAR.com

So, what does Rusty think for 2009? Rusty thinks they will figure out a way to improve the finishes. Last year was a transition for the 88 team. There was an intense amount of pressure. Even after winning the Budweiser Shootout and his Gatorade Duel, Junior faced immense pressure last year. This year, the pressure isn't going away, but I think it's really going to be reduced as compared to last year. Jimmie won an amazing 3rd straight title. In 2009, there's going to be so many other sub-plots, I think Junior can finally take a back seat to some other big names. Will Jimmie win a record setting 4th straight title? Will Jeff win a race? How will Tony Stewart do as an owner/driver? With the recession in full bloom, will anyone even show up to the races? Will NASCAR have 43 car fields at every race (Rusty doesn't think so after this week). All of this, to Junior's delight, I think, will take the attention away from the driver of the 88.

I think this will serve Junior well, and he'll have a much better season in 2009. I expect Junior to win at least 2 races, probably closer to 3 or 4. He'll compete at some of his normal tracks; Daytona, Talladega, Richmond. But he'll also begin to compete at some new places, too. I really think Junior is going to begin to improve on his road racing skills. I don't think he's going to win at Sonoma or Watkins Glen, but watch out, Rusty's pretty darn sure that he's going to be in the hunt. Look for him to get some top 10's and top 5's at some new tracks this year.

This coming season is not going to be a championship year for the driver of the National Guard/Amp Chevrolet, but it's going to be a building block towards one. Junior will win a championship on the Cup level before he retires. Mark my words, 2009 is going to be a huge building block towards that future title. Just remember where you heard it first.

Tomorrow: Daytona 500! BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY!!!

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

2009 NASCAR Season Preview

Rusty Made it to Daytona!

Well, I did it. I can't tell you how, but I was able to sneak into Speedweeks. Rusty's dream since I was a kid has been to be down here for all the hoopla leading up to the 500. This year, not only did I make it, but I'm going to be able to report on the interweb about everything I'm seeing and hearing. And as observation number one, let me say I'm already sick and tired of hearing about that stupid gopher or groundhog or whatever the devil he is.


Anyway, as all of you NASCAR fans get ready for your big 500 parties, Rusty's gonna try and get the real scoop from Daytona, and tell it like it is.

First, though, thought I could take a minute to give you a few predictions about the season. Namely, who's hot, who's not, and who might just barely scrape by this coming year.

So, without further adieu, and back by popular demand, here's Rusty's predictions for 2009.

Green Green Green

Hendrick Motor Sports - Rick Hendrick has put together NASCAR's version of the dream team for 2009. With four-time champion Jeff Gordon leading the way, Hendrick now has Gordon, reigning champ and three-peat phenom Jimmie Johnson, fan favorite Dale Jr., and the newest old addition, the sports elder statesmen and perpetual bridesmaid, Mark Martin. Even with Gordon unable to find victory lane, and Jr only finding it once on a fuel gamble, HMS had a strong 2008. With the addition of Martin, and Jimmie showing no signs of letting up, Hendrick is going to be the team to beat week in and week out, this year. They've already begun to prove it. All 4 have posted in the top 12 on the speed charts with the old fart even qualifying for the front row. In years past, after a strong showing in Daytona, HMS can tend to get off to a slow start, but don't let that fool you. When it comes crunch time, and in the biggest races, the #5, #24, #48, and the #88 will be in the hunt. And they may for the first time qualify every driver for the Chase.

Jamie McMurray - This might come as a surprise to a lot of folks, but Jamie Mac got HOT at the end of the season, and I ain't talking about looks. In the last six races of the season, the driver of the #26 only finished outside the top 10 once (38 at Martinsville). At the very end of the season, he rattled off three consecutive third place finishes. Roush is no slouch, and while Kenseth or Edwards might get all the glory, don't forget the #26 is the last Roush team to win a championship, as the #97 driven by Kurt Busch in 2004. Whether or not last year's momentum can be carried into this year is the real test, but look for Jamie Mac to continue to surprise people in 2009. DARKHORSE BABY!!!!

Yellow's Out

Tony Stewart - Predictions about Tony Stewart are going to run the gamut, this year. In 2008, Tony parted ways with the team, sponsor, and crew chief that got him two NASCAR championships (Gibbs, Home Depot, and Tony Zipadelli). He teamed up with Hass to form Stewart Hass Racing, and then lured Ryan Newman over to join his new two car team. He'll drive the #14 sponsored by Old Spice and Office Depot, while Rocket Newman's slated to drive the Go Army #39. Some people think Smoke's going to blossom since he'll be in complete control, while others think he's gonna struggle like most first time owners. Ole Rusty's not so sure, either way, but is pretty sure it'll be a roller coaster ride. He won't go winless, but Newman will. He will have some rough times, and he'll have a streak once or twice where he will look unstoppable. Ultimately, the move will be a good one, but it's going to take a season or two to iron out the kinks. Look for the #14 to struggle to make the Chase. He'll be a bubble team come August/September, but might be able to squeeze into it with a strong finish at Richmond. Barring that, Tony's going to be on the outside looking in.

Red Flag

Michael Waltrip - 2008 was not pretty for the two-time Daytona 500 champion, and Rusty's pretty sure 2009 might be even worse. The driver of the #55 Napa Toyota only saw two top 10 finishes last season; a runner up finish at Dover, and a 10th place finish at New Hampshire. Waltrip has struggled mightily since coming over to Toyota and forming his own team two years ago. He's even failed to qualify a few times. Ever since he crawled from his roof hatch during his last victory burnout in Alabama, a host of things has kept Waltrip from victory lane. Though lately, a vast majority of those "things" could be blamed on sub-par equipment. With tougher economic times now a reality, a owner driver situation like Waltrip's for a team already struggling might just prove untenable. Rusty would hate to see the affable and always marketable Waltrip not behind the wheel, but I can see the writing on the wall. I think this might be the end of the Waltrip legacy.


Tomorrow: Rusty Razzes the Rookies

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.