Pit Stop Report

I have a song running through my head…”I’m BACK…back in the saddle again…” Thought it appropriate as I still try to get over being sick!

For our fifth YIP, we’re going to take a look at Jeremy Mayfield and Sam Hornish, Jr.

Jeremy Mayfield
In 2001, at a race at Pocono International Raceway, a member of Mayfield’s pit crew gave me a lug nut from his car. I was at that race working as a bartender in the “nice seats”, and flirted my best to get that little piece to add to my NASCAR collection. Unfortunately, that’s about the last positive memory I have of Mayfield!

I mean, dude. He wasn’t even in the top 43 last year. He only had SEVENTEEN starts. Come on. My disastrously inaccurate 2007 predictions pinned mad hopes on him then…but I’m smarter now.

I think Mayfield’s troubles started when he lost his ride in the #19 back in ‘06…and they’ve just continued. So I’m going to go out on a real limb here when I say that in the #66 Best Buy Chevrolet in 2008, he will finish in the top…30. That’s as high as I can bring myself to say. Maybe he’ll at least qualify more regularly this year! I have hope.

Sam Hornish, Jr.
I think Mr. Hornish is about to find out that the transition from open wheel racing to NASCAR isn’t exactly…peaches. In his two test starts in ‘07, he was lackluster at best. Now…stick him in an IRL ride, and he can burn up a track. I’m just not convinced that he has what it takes to transition.

In a recent interview with NASCAR.com, Hornish talked about the luck of having Kurt Busch swap points with his team, guaranteeing him a spot in the big show at Daytona. That is pure luck…with slow times during practice sessions in Las Vegas, I doubt he’d qualify on his own.

Best guess? I think that Hornish is a smart enough driver to adapt to NASCAR, but it ain’t gonna be overnight… I predict at least 4 top tens and an overall finish in the top 25.

Hurry back to see the next set of 2008 Year in Preview Predictions! Next up: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Denny Hamlin!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Have you missed me? Sorry to not have a post up since the 8th - I’ve been sick as a dog! I got back from my trip and was down for six - count ‘em - days. High powered antibiotics haven’t even killed this yet…I’m still the walking dead, but at least back in action!

For our fifth YIP, we’re going to take a look at Juan Pablo Montoya and Michael Waltrip - one rising star and one flailing has-been.

Juan Pablo Montoya
I’ll admit it…I was very skeptical of Montoya’s entry onto the NASCAR scene. Here’s this guy I’ve never heard of, races once in ‘06 and then comes to stay in ‘07…and actually gave it a great shot. Alright, I’ll grant you that finishing 20th in the season isn’t exactly fantastic - but for a newcomer, it ain’t awful.

Chip Ganassi saw a lot of potential in this former Formula One driver, and I don’t think that foresight is misguided. With one win, three top fives and six top tens as a freshman…imagine what he’ll do in year two??? I’m going to predict that Juan Pablo Montoya ends the year in the top 10 and shows NASCAR that he means business!

Michael Waltrip
Do you remember my disastrous predictions that I shared (after the fact, of course) about Waltrip in ‘07? Oy. Still haunting me. So, uh, Toyota didn’t exactly outperform the competition last year, did they? How many races did Waltrip actually qualify for? *cringe* FOURTEEN?

Let’s get something straight. I like Mikey. A lot. I think he’s adorable and I think his heart is in the right place. But every since he left DEI, it’s been nothing but downhill and disappointment. It drives me nuts, really, because I don’t see an end in sight. I would love to say that I have faith in Waltrip to come back in ‘08, perhaps with another spectacular Daytona 500 win like we say in 2001, but I’m just not that hopeful. Best guess? I’d like to see him qualify for at least 20 races this year and have an average finish of 15th in those races. Unfortunately, that’s my best hope.

Hurry back to see the next set of 2008 Year in Preview Predictions! Next up: Jeremy Mayfield and Sam Hornish, Jr.!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Are you getting excited yet? It’s only six weeks until DAYTONA BABY!!!

For our fourth YIP, we’re going to take a look at Casey Mears and Mark Martin - young buck and old uh, nevermind.

Casey Mears
Top 15 finish in 2007…heading into his sixth season in NASCAR Sprint Cup…only one win but 36 top tens…what does all of this say about how Casey Mears will perform in 2008?

I think it says good things! Mears is about to jump into the #5 ride previously driven by Kyle Busch…and part of the Hendrick stable of drivers. Come on now…we all know the Hendrick Motorsports theory of racing - they won’t invest in a driver who isn’t worth his weight in scrap metal! Jimmie Johnson…Jeff Gordon…Dale Earnhardt, Jr…and now Casey Mears.

I think this will be an exciting year for the young driver from Bakersfield, CA…I’m going to predict a top-12 finish, good enough to get him into the Chase!

Mark Martin
It must be the Viagra, man. I don’t know how else Mark Martin keeps going and going and going in the world of NASCAR. His next challenge isn’t going to be to keep it up, however…his driving, that is. His next challenge is going to be “the driver who stepped into the number 8 after Dale Earnhardt, Jr. left DEI.”

Now…there’s no comparison. Martin was winning races when Jr. was still in diapers. And they couldn’t be more different in their approaches to life and racing. But hopping in the number 8 that had become so ubiquitous with Jr. is going to be hard! It was announced yesterday that Martin would participate in 25 races in the 2008 season…and this season will include his SEVEN HUNDREDTH CAREER START. Can you even imagine? I’m in awe of Martin…and I hope that he has the stamina to squeak out a few more victories in the 2008 season. (Yes, I like Viagra jokes…they just fit so well with racing!)

Hurry back to see the next set of 2008 Year in Preview Predictions! Next up: Juan Montoya and Michael Waltrip!

Note: I’ll be on a trip tomorrow so won’t be back to posting for a day or so!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Rolling, rolling, rolling…

For our third YIP, we’re going to take a look at Robby Gordon and Kasey Kahne…bet you don’t see those two paired that often!

Robby Gordon
Ah, yes. NASCAR’s bad boy. Mr. Doesn’t Play So Nice. One heck of a road racer but hmm…those ovals are killers, aren’t they? Robby Gordon had another lousy showing in 2007, finishing 30th in the pack. As the owner/manager of his own team, R.G. can no longer complain about his team’s lack of care and feeding…because he’s the only one keeping himself afloat! He somehow managed three top tens in 35 starts last year…but geez…30th?

I see much of the same for Robby in 2008…although Jim Beam has shown their faith in him as a driver by continuing as his sponsor (perhaps they are, ah, sipping their own wares?) there is little cause for hope. Best bet? Status quo. I predict he finishes 30th or worse in 2008.

Kasey Kahne
From freshman favorite to sophomore slump to ah, hmm, marginal increase in average finish in 2007, Kasey has proved to be somewhat of a disappointment as a driver. Although a fan favorite (who doesn’t know his commercials?) he hasn’t really proven himself behind the wheel yet.

Let’s go with optimism in 2008 - Evernham and assorted sponsors continue to have faith in this young driver, and so shall I. Although he ended the 2008 season on a sour note with a scuffle in Miami, I think he’ll be all smiles in 2008. I’m predicting not only a top ten finish for Kahne in the season overall, but I think he’ll show well at Daytona besides. Wouldn’t a win at the big house cement his season? You bet - let’s see what happens!

Hurry back to see the next set of 2008 Year in Preview Predictions! Next up: Casey Mears and Mark Martin!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Rolling right along in 2008…

For our second YIP, we’re going to take a look at Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle.

Ryan Newman
Let’s see…the number 12 Penske Dodge of Ryan Newman finished the 2007 season without a single win, but with 9 top ten finishes. Not great…but not totally awful, either. He even managed to squeak out two top fives. But what does that say about this driver, who has 12 career wins and 98 (count ‘em!) top tens?

Well…I don’t have a lot of faith in Newman this year either. In 2003, his average finish was 6.7. In 2007, it was 13.8. Ouch. Talk about slippage! Unfortunately, I think that trend is set to continue. I’m not as optimistic for Newman as I was about Sadler and McMurry yesterday - for Ryan, I foresee a finish no higher than 17th in the 2008 season. I just don’t see that his team has made any super positive changes to put him in a better position for 2008. Sorry, Ryan!

Greg Biffle
I’m much more optimistic for Greg Biffle for 2008. After a lackluster showing in 2007 that still managed to a nice win and six top tens, I think Biffle’s star is on the rise in 2008. Also a Roush Fenway driver, the #16 Dodge is driven by a man with a lot of heart - and that heart will propel him to the top in 2008.

But why? Well, other than just being the opinion of your favorite NASCAR blogger, Biffle has been a part of his team for more than ten years now, and although he has been super victorious in Busch and Truck, has experienced some major growing pains and inconsistent output in Cup. I think 2008 is the year that will end - with the right combination of a fabulous team, a good driver, and just a little bit of luck, I predict a top ten finish for Greg Biffle in 2008.

Hurry back to see the next set of 2008 Year in Preview Predictions! Next up: Robby Gordon and Kasey Kahne!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Howdy, folks!

Happy New Years! Welcome to the first post of 2008 at the PitStopReport, where we’ll spend the month of January looking at what the upcoming year might hold for NASCAR Sprint Cup Teams.

For our first YIP, we’re going to take a look at Elliott Sadler and Jamie McMurry.

Elliott Sadler
Anyone else disappointed in what Elliott Sadler’s been doing these past few years? I know I am! Ever since he departed from the #38 and got into his new #19 ride, it seems like nothing much has emerged from this Evernham team.

In 2008, Sadler’s luck may change, as his new slew of sponsors may spend the money that’s needed to get him to the top of the pile. With deals signed with Stanley Tools, McDonald’s, and Best Buy, Sadler will be in the spotlight – but can he take that heat?

My prediction is that Sadler will finish somewhat better than his 25th place season in 2007 – I’m going to bet that he’s in the top 15 this year – and with a little bit of luck, he may even make the chase!

Jamie McMurry
After finishing 17th in last year’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase, Jamie should have a good amount of momentum propelling him into 2008. The #26 Roush Fenway driver is still fairly early in his career, but has had several career wins and more than 60 top tens.

Although McMurry did worse in terms of average finish in 2007 than in 2006 or prior, he still captured one win and nine top tens – and is sure to improve in 2008. My prediction is that he, too, will be in the top 15.

Hurry back to see the next set of 2008 Year in Preview Predictions! Next up: Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to my last post of 2007 – just a couple hours short of ringing in the New Year here where your beloved Pit Stop Report blogger resides in north central Texas.

I wanted to thank all of you for your readership during 2007, first with the previous blogger, Scott, and now with me. When you continue to come back to see the latest we have to offer, it encourages us to keep writing and keep bringing you the latest from the world of NASCAR, as well as other racing leagues. In other words – we write for you, the readers.

Going into 2008, I’d like to give you a preview of what you can expect here at the Pit Stop Report! We’ll start the year by looking at previews for a variety of racing teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as well as previews for selected Craftsman Truck Series teams and Nationwide Series teams. We’re also going to take a look at what’s going on in the Indy Car League, and take a look at a few of the other leagues to see what’s going on in 2008…leagues including ARCA, IHRA, and F1.

For now, I want to leave you with on a very happy note for the end of 2007/start of 2008: watch the video below to see Dale Earnhardt, Jr. win the 2004 Daytona 500. Here’s hoping for a repeat in the #88 for 2008!

Happy New Year!

Until we meet again in 2008, drive fast and turn left!

Howdy, dear readers!

I’m so very sorry - I did not mean to be away for so very long - what started as a few days away to accommodate travel for my full-time job, became two weeks away to take care of a VERY large project that desperately needed my attention. And oh yeah, the holidays!

Happy Holidays! For those of you who celebrate, MERRY CHRISTMAS! My Christmas wish for all of us here at the Pit Stop Report is that we’ll have an exciting year of racing to look forward to next year in 2008! With team switches, the Car of Tomorrow, the 50th running of the Daytona 500 and so much more to look forward to, I have no doubt that 2008 will keep us busy in the world of racing.

In my absence, NASCAR has been fairly slow – a few sponsors have been announced and a few teams have added people and a few crews have changed things up – but we really haven’t missed a lot.

Looking outside of NASCAR for a bit, let’s take a walk over to the Indy Racing League. Did you know that several IRL drivers will be making a jump to stock cars in 2008? We’ll talk about those drivers and others in both NASCAR and IRL as the New Year starts.

For now, I must take my leave of you again to head out of town with my family for another few days - I’ll be back just before New Year’s and will post for you one last time in 2007 before we start the New Year out with a bang!\

I leave you with images from the 49th Daytona 500, won at the very last possible second by KEVIN HARVICK!

All the best,

Tiffany

On the twelfth day of NASCAR, the rhyming has to end
as we laud the team of Denny Hamlin.

Happy now? NO MORE RHYMES!

Like Martin Truex, Jr., Denny is a driver so very early in his career - but boy has he done well for the short time he’s been in Cup! From spectacular victories at Pocono to consistent performance throughout his first two seasons in the big time, I’m excited to see where Denny takes his career next.

Let’s cut to the Chase…

DENNY HAMLIN
Rank: 12th
Poles: 1
Wins: 1
Top Fives: 12
Top Tens: 18
Winnings: $4,943,810

If only FedEx delivered as quickly as Denny Hamlin…

What I like about Denny’s career so far: Joe Gibbs is definitely capable of making good calls outside of football - his confidence in the abilities of Denny Hamlin clearly show what foresight he had in adding this young’un to his team during the 2005 season. Although Denny is a relative newcomer to Cup, he’s no newcomer to racing, which is something he’s done virtually all of his life. Although youthful in appearance, Denny drives like an old pro, and he’s just fun to watch.

Where I think Denny’s future lies: I can’t even guess. He finished lower in the points this year than last, but consistency was still the major theme of his season. I’m going to guess that it’s only going to be a matter of time until Martin gets his first Daytona and his first Championship. I love his enthusiasm, and I believe that’ll carry him up to great places as his career continues!

Thanks for following along with me through the Twelve Days of NASCAR!

I’m going to be off the next day or so, but I’ll be back soon with some exciting posts to take us through the end of the year - stay tuned for a look at who is moving where, what teams are busily making ‘08 plans in the off-season, and where I think certain drivers and their careers will be next year!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Denny Hamlin, NASCAR, Joe Gibbs Racing, Awards Ceremony

On the eleventh day of NASCAR, this driver had some fun
in the Bass Pro Shops number 1.

Just one day left…

I’m proud of Martin Truex, Jr…in just a few short years in the big time, he’s come a long, long way as a driver. Like his former teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Truex had a few challenges this season, but overcame them gracefully to begin down the road to the champion I believe he one day will become.

Let’s cut to the Chase…

MARTIN TRUEX
Rank: 11th
Poles: 1
Wins: 1
Top Fives: 7
Top Tens: 14
Winnings: $5,003,880

Since Martin wasn’t in the top ten, we’ll take him on today a little bit differently…

What I like about Martin’s career so far: First, he’s been part of a phenomenal team. Spats between Dale, Jr. and Theresa notwithstanding, DEI is an outstanding organization and they have allowed Martin to really flourish as a driver. I really like that after Martin mastered the Busch series, he went ahead and moved onto Cup with nary a look back. I’ve always felt that too many drivers keep a foot in both series - when one is supposed to be a stepping stone to another - but Martin only raced in 3 Busch races in 2007, devoting his efforts instead to Cup. And what great efforts they were!

Where I think Martin’s future lies: Honestly, I don’t see Martin Truex, Jr. sticking around at DEI for his entire career. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him stay for another year or so and then make a move to more of a powerhouse team. I really wish DEI had it in them to become a powerhouse in their own right, but with Theresa at the helm, I’m having my doubts. Her refusal to allow Dale, Jr. have more of a role in the company his own father created is just beyond my belief. But I think Martin will go far and beyond that pettiness and at some point end up at a team like Hendrick or Childress or Penske, and then his career will really take off! Good luck, #1!

Stayed tuned as we roll through the Twelve Days of NASCAR!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Martin Truex, NASCAR, DEI, Awards Ceremony

On the tenth day of NASCAR, the one Daytona pick
is number 29, Kevin Harvick.

Ok, not much rhymes with Kevin or Harvick, so I know this is particularly bad today…forgive me.

Kevin surpassed even my wildest imagine this year…between the win at Daytona that I predicted, and an excellent steady season all the way around, he’s starting to fill the big shoes Richard Childress initially tapped him to fill after the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Let’s cut to the Chase…

KEVIN HARVICK
Rank: 10th
Poles: 0
Wins: 1
Top Fives: 4
Top Tens: 15
Winnings: $7,494,590

Watch Kevin’s speech on NASCAR.com.

What I liked in his speech: You know, I usually prize humility, but I actually like that Kevin listed out winning the Daytona and the All Start Challenge. His smile just said it all - how excited he was for this season. Talking about winning the Daytona for Childress was sweet. I really think that Kevin’s the only one who smiled all the way through his speech…and the only one to get an actual smile out of Richard Childress!!

What I didn’t like in his speech: There’s really just one word here I need to write: rogaine. It’s receeding badly, dude. You’re rich. Try it. Ok, but seriously, no real drawbacks to his speech. Kevin rocks…and I ain’t just saying that because my hubby loves him! I love him, too, for beginning his career so gracefully after Earnhardt’s death. He never pretended that he could replace that giant of all giants, but he’s persevered and created his own niche in the sport. Kevin, I salute you!

But oh, Delana…you know, you could actually SMILE when your husband mentions you!

Stayed tuned as we roll through the Twelve Days of NASCAR!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Kevin Harvick, NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing, Awards Ceremony

On the ninth day of NASCAR, it’s now his turn to shine,
is the Office Depot 99.

Three days left…to quote Pat Green, it’s “just three days…”

Ok, this is the girl in me speaking, but I think Carl Edwards is an absolute cutey pie. Of course, he sometimes looks like he’s 12…but he’s a 12 year old who sure can drive, isn’t he? Congrats to Carl on his Busch Championship this season - that’s awesome!

Let’s cut to the Chase…

CARL EDWARDS
Rank: 9th
Poles: 1
Wins: 3
Top Fives: 11
Top Tens: 15
Winnings: $6,015,670

Watch Carl’s speech on NASCAR.com.

What I liked in his speech: “I hired a person that’s now my own boss” - referring to his assistant - that was funny! I also like that he acknowledged his bus driver…I think he’s the only one who did. Liked the joke about Aflac and getting to do a commercial with a duck next year…and the joke about throwing out the opening pitch for a baseball game. Happy holidays to you, too, Carl!

What I didn’t like in his speech: Ok, it’s nice to say “thank you” to your sponsors, but I really would have liked him to thank his crew/team before the big money guys. Could I get a crew chief “thank you”, here? Did I miss it? Maybe I did, but I don’t remember him actually naming pit crew members.

Stayed tuned as we roll through the Twelve Days of NASCAR!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Carl Edwards, NASCAR, Roush Fenway Racing, Awards Ceremony

On the eighth day of NASCAR, the driver in the sun
is Jeff Burton in the 31.

I know, I know…I’m not getting any better - I promise you, dear reader, that I won’t try to rhyme any more after the Twelve Days of NASCAR ends!

Burton is no stranger to victory lane in NASCAR, with dozens of wins between Cup, Busch and Truck. A world-class driver as well as an all-around humble guy, I’m glad to see him in the top twelve this year - it’s about dang time.

Let’s cut to the Chase…

JEFF BURTON
Rank: 8th
Poles: 0
Wins: 1
Top Fives: 9
Top Tens: 18
Winnings: $6,015,670

Watch Jeff’s speech on NASCAR.com.

What I liked in his speech: Talking about how much heart his team has really illustrates how proud he is of everyone he works with and how happy he is to work with RCR and drive the number 31. You can also hear in his voice how much he genuinely loves NASCAR and loves racing. I love that he truly believes that the best days are ahead for NASCAR - he’s absolutely right, and I look forward to watching him race for years to come. Hey, and his wife is cute - she doesn’t look like a trophy wife like some of the drivers’ wives…and his comment about showing his love for his wife in the video was just sweet. Aww…

What I didn’t like in his speech: To someone who had to watch the video online instead of on TV, the “15 year old boy” joke made no sense to me. I’m sure it was innocent and funny and all, but I totally missed out. Darn. Why the heck does Richard Childress always look so dang bored every time the camera pans over him? Be happy, dude. And lose the hair dye. No man the age of Richard Childress has hair like that. Ok, so this is turning into a piece on what annoyed me about RC, not about Jeff Burton - what can I say - I love Jeff!

Stayed tuned as we roll through the Twelve Days of NASCAR!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Jeff Burton, NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing, Awards Ceremony

On the seventh day of NASCAR, try not to shove and push
when you see the smirking grin of Kurt Busch.

Ok, folks, we’re more than halfway there now…you only have a few more days of rhyming with me to get through!

I revealed during the 5th Day of NASCAR that I’m no fan of either Busch brother…so you can tell that I’m thrilled to be here writing about Kurt today. I think that what I like most about Kurt is his place in the Miller Light Dodge - since I wasn’t a Rusty fan, I can just keep on cheering against that blue #2. (And to my husband…dear, you chose wisely when you moved your allegiance away from that team when Mr. Wallace retired…) Anywho, Kurt deserved his spot in the hunt for the Championship this year, but that sure doesn’t make me like him any more…oh, well!

Let’s cut to the Chase…

KURT BUSCH
Rank: 7th
Poles: 1
Wins: 2
Top Fives: 6
Top Tens: 14
Winnings: $5,287,850

Watch Kurt’s speech on NASCAR.com.

What I liked in his speech: Wow - he really rattled off his sponsors, didn’t he? I was majorly impressed that he was able to zip through that many names with out looking down - not a single time.

What I didn’t like in his speech: Well, sorry that the only nice thing I could say about his speech was his ability to name sponsors…but dang it all, he just always comes off as a whiny little brat. Even looks like one. From the snippy remarks about his win in 2004 to little barbs throughout the rest of his speech, everything just ends up sounding like a pouting child. Kurt, you might be able to drive a race car, but you won’t become a true sportsman until you can gain some genuine humility and be able to get through an entire speech without looking like you’re either going to (a) throw chocolate pudding, (b) cry or (c) start cursing everyone out. Seriously.

Stayed tuned as we roll through the Twelve Days of NASCAR!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Kurt Busch, NASCAR, Penske, Awards Ceremony

On the sixth day of NASCAR, you really ought to see
the orange 20 driven by Tony.

Eh?

I’m an on again, off again proponent of Mr. Stewart. For a long time, he was ok. And then he became even more abrasive that he already was…and I wasn’t such a fan. Then he started tellin’ it like it was when NASCAR was making some poor decisions, and I was back on the Tony bandwagon. And now…eh. I don’t love him…don’t hate him…don’t really root for him either. But at the end of the day, there’s no doubt that he’s an awesome driver.

Let’s cut to the Chase…

TONY STEWART
Rank: 6th
Poles: 0
Wins: 3
Top Fives: 11
Top Tens: 23
Winnings: $6,396,750

Watch Tony’s speech on NASCAR.com.

What I liked in his speech: “Sorry, babe.” Loved the jokes about Greg Zipadelli playing the role as Tony’s wife. Hilarious! Tony was way gracious this year and very complimentary towards the Jimmie Johnson fan. His remarks to Juan Pablo Montoya were equally funny. It was very touching when Tony singled out some of the retiring drivers, like Ricky Rudd and Dale Jarrett - and then joked about how old he, himself, was getting.

What I didn’t like in his speech: Dude, was Tony coached? It’s almost like he was on happy pills. His speech was awesome, what can I say? He said “thank you” to all the right people, cracked all the right jokes, and was actually humble. Pass the bubbly?

Stayed tuned as we roll through the Twelve Days of NASCAR!

Until then, drive fast and turn left!

Tony Stewart, NASCAR, Joe Gibbs Racing, Awards Ceremony