Motorsports FanHouse

Ryan Newman Blasts NASCAR After Flip

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Ryan Newman, Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

Ryan Newman left Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday obviously sore and presumably irritated after flipping violently in a late-race crash near the end of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' AMP Energy 500.

Newman, who was uninjured, was trapped in the car for almost 15 minutes as safety crews cut him out from exactly the type of wreck he had warned NASCAR against after an amazing crash involving him and Carl Edwards at the same track in April. And after being checked out of the infield hospital, Newman didn't hesitate to get on NASCAR again.

"Drivers used to be about to race each other and respect each other," said Newman. "Guys like Richard Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison -- all those guys have always done that. I guess they [NASCAR] just don't think much of us [drivers] anymore."

More Coverage: Amp Energy 500 Results | Sprint Cup Standings
Jimmie Johnson's Fourth Title in Full View

With five laps to go in the race, Newman got spun sideways on the backstretch before his No. 39 lifted off the ground, flipped on its roof, slid up the track's banking into the retaining wall and slid back down before tumbling multiple times. The car landed on its roof and safety officials were quickly on the scene.

Because they could determine Newman was not seriously injured, workers methodically attached Newman's car to a tow truck to turn it right side up. After gently setting it back on all four wheels, the workers cut away the roof of Newman's car to get him out.

All of this occurred as NASCAR put the rest of the field under the red flag, effectively putting a temporary stop to the race.

As Newman spoke -- he said he was sore -- he looked visibly shaken from the incident.

"I'm just really disappointed," said Newman. "We had the race back here in the spring and I complained about the cars getting airborne. Ironically, I'm the guy who gets airborne. I wish NASCAR would do something. That's not something anyone wants to see.

"It's probably the closest thing to being stuck in a tomb and not being able to get out -- all my body weight was pressed up against my head. ... I respect NASCAR. I just wish they respected me."

Just minutes later after the red flag was withdrawn for Newman's crash -- it included his teammate Tony Stewart, Marcos Ambrose, Kevin Harvick and others -- the race got underway again for a two lap, green-white-checkered finale but made it less than a lap under green before a bigger wreck, and yet another flipping car, ended the race.

Jamie McMurray, driving in his final season for Roush-Fenway Racing, scored the win after being in front at the point of caution after Kurt Busch was turned sideways by April's winner Brad Keselowski off of turn four. Busch's sliding car caught several others in the pack including Mark Martin.

Martin's car was hit in the right-rear, turned sideways, and tumbled across the front-stretch before coming to a stop on its wheels. As Newman did, Martin emerged without injury.

After the race -- one that ultimately left Martin with hardly a shot at catching teammate Jimmie Johnson for the championship thanks to his 28th-place finish (unofficially) -- Martin was quite contrite about the result.

"I just hope everybody enjoyed the show," said Martin.

To make the easy bet, I'd say more than a few -- especially those behind the wheel of crashing cars -- didn't.

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NASCAR Crash Photos

Ryan Newman (33) slides upside down on the track after crashing with Kevin Harvick (29) during the AMP Energy 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Mark Young)

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LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches as Mo Williams #2 takes a shoe to the face by Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a steal in the closing seconds of the first half at The Quicken Loans Arena on February 8, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (David Liam Kyle, NBAE/Getty Images)

David Liam Kyle, NBAE/Getty Images

Brazil's Diogo (L) vies for the ball with Paraguay's Hernan Perez during their U-20 South American Championship football match in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela on February 8, 2009.(Juan Barreto, AFP/Getty Images )

Juan Barreto, AFP/Getty Images

A Dalmatian looks at its handler as a judge goes to touch the dog during the first day of the 2009 Westminster Dog Show in New York February 9, 2009.(Lucas Jackson, Reuters)

Lucas Jackson, Reuters

Denver Nuggets forward Chris Anderson touches his head during a time out in the first half of their NBA basketball game with the New Jersey Nets in East Rutherford, New Jersey February 7, 2009. (Ray Stubblebine, Reuters)

Ray Stubblebine, Reuters

Margarita Marbler, of Austria, skis to a bronze medal finish the ladies moguls freestyle FIS World Cupskiing qualification at Cypress mountain in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. (Jonathan Hayward, The Canadian Press/AP)

Jonathan Hayward, The Canadian Press/AP

West Virginia guard Darryl Bryant (25) is fouled by Providence guard Jeff Xavier (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Morgantown, W.Va. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. West Virginia won 86-59. (Don Wright, AP)

Don Wright, AP

Missouri's DeMarre Carroll, top, celebrates the Tigers' 62-60 win over Kansas in Columbia, Missouri, Monday, February 9, 2009. (Rich Sugg, Kansas City Star/MCT)

Rich Sugg, Kansas City Star/MCT

David Clarkson #23 of the New Jersey Devils fights Erik Reitz #4 of the New York Rangers during their game on February 9, 2009 at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey (Al Bello, Getty Images)

Al Bello, Getty Images

Driver Patrick Sheltra (60) begins to spin coming out of the fourth turn during the ARCA 200 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.

Darryl Graham, AP

Spain's Nuria Llagostera Vives serves the ball, in this multiple exposure, to Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic during their Fed Cup tennis match in Brno February 7, 2009.

Petr Josek, Reuters

Ryan Newman Blasts NASCAR After Flip originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joey Logano OK After Wild Dover Crash

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup, Joe Gibbs Racing , Joey Logano

NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Joey Logano walked away unscathed from a nasty, tumbling crash on Lap 31 of Sunday's AAA 300 at Dover International Speedway.

More Coverage: Johnson Serves Notice at Dover | Results | Standings

Logano, 19, was startled and later called it the "wildest ride" that he's ever been on.

Logano, a rookie in the series, got turned sideways entering turn 3 at the 1-mile oval, slid up the track, collected three other cars and suddenly started barrel-rolling down the corner. The No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing machine rolled over violently seven times before coming to a stop at the apron of the corner.

"It just startled me," said Logano. "That was the wildest ride I've ever been on. You can't go on a roller coaster any wilder than that."

The incident started in the middle of the pack on the first lap after a restart on Lap 30. Logano was running on the inside line on the backstretch when Bobby Labonte in the No. 96 tried to fill a hole between Logano and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The No. 96 clipped Logano's nose.

As Logano backed off, Tony Stewart bumped the No. 20 from behind and spun Logano sideways to the inside of the track. Logano's momentum shot the No. 20 back up on to the track in turn three where he collected Reed Sorenson, Martin Truex Jr. and Robby Gordon. Logano's car was hit broadside by Sorenson, forcing it on to its side and then into seven door-over-door flips.

"It started rolling and I was like, 'Please make this stop,'" Logano said. "It just shows how safe these cars are."

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Latest NASCAR Photos

DOVER, DE - SEPTEMBER 27: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates with the trophy in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 27, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson

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DOVER, DE - SEPTEMBER 27: A detail of the signature of Jimmie Johnson is seen on the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet in victory lane as Johnson celebrated his win in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 27, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson

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DOVER, DE - SEPTEMBER 27: Jimmie Johnson (L of trophy), driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates with his crew including crew chief Chad Knaus (R of trophy) in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 27, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson;Chad Knaus

Getty Images for NASCAR

DOVER, DE - SEPTEMBER 27: Jimmie Johnson (L) driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates with a crew member in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 27, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson

Getty Images for NASCAR

DOVER, DE - SEPTEMBER 27: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 27, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson

Getty Images for NASCAR

NASCAR drivers race during the AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Logano's car came to a rest on its side before falling back onto its wheels at the bottom of Dover's banked corners between turns 3 and 4. Safety crews immediately arrived at his mangled race car as NASCAR put the red flag out to halt all on-track action.

"I'm glad Joey is OK," Robby Gordon said after the incident. "I remember being stopped there and looking and watching it flipping and flipping and flipping."

Stewart, who raced Logano's No. 20 just last season, seemed to feel pretty sick about the incident when he was interviewed over his in-car radio by the ESPN booth.

"I wish I would have saw that coming," said Stewart. "I don't know how to say sorry enough to Joey."

Fortunately, Logano's wreck is exactly the type of crash that a NASCAR Sprint Cup race car is designed to handle. The car has a solid roll cage built under the body and is designed to tear away parts during an impact -- decreasing the amount for force felt by the driver.

Logano's car never came to a complete halt -- the worst type of wreck in NASCAR -- and instead dissipated energy with every roll. The restraint system inside the car also aided Logano by holding his body and head in place and not allowing them to flop around as the car turned over.

Logano earned his first-career Sprint Cup win earlier this season in a rain-shortened race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway to become the youngest winner in Sprint Cup history.

Joey Logano OK After Wild Dover Crash originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Juan Pablo Montoya Skips Interview, Draws Ire of Sacramento Sportscaster

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:47:00 EST

Filed under: Juan Pablo Montoya, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

If you believe a certain Sacramento sportscaster, Juan Pablo Montoya might be hearing some harsh words in a few weeks from California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger when the Sprint Cup Series visits California.

KTXL-TV's Jim Crandell -- the "Scoopmeister," if you ask the Sacramento Bee -- was scheduled to interview Montoya prior to last weekend's race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway via satellite. Montoya, however, ducked out on the interview just prior to recording the segment with Crandell.

Crandell, obviously peeved at Montoya, later took the footage of Montoya walking out to craft a segment slamming NASCAR for declining popularity and drivers that Crandell thinks are a little too full of themselves. Catch the video below.

In the video at 0:27, Crandell shows what happened during his satellite linkup with Montoya. The Colombian driver wraps up an interview with a local Los Angeles station, says "thank you," looks at his watch and announces that its "5:01." Montoya then smiles, looks off-camera and starts to remove his microphone and ear piece while someone in the background pleads for Montoya to stay on for the final interview.

Montoya had likely already completed about 10 interviews with other television stations via the linkup.

"You know what, I'm not going to make a federal case out of this thing, but the fact is NASCAR's popularity is dropping," Crandell said while standing next to a monitor depicting NASCAR's logo above the word 'popularity' on top of a red arrow pointing down, "Their money coming in is dropping and I think this might be one of the reasons.

"Honestly, it makes no difference if he talks to me or not. But [Montoya] is really dissing every fan in northern California who wants to hear what he has to say."

He later described how several drivers are now nearly impossible to get access to and tried to make a connection between Sacramento being the capitol city of California and that somehow having an effect on how Gov. Schwarzenegger would greet Montoya.

A stretch, to say the least.

On one hand, you can certainly understand Crandell's frustration in watching a guy blatantly skip out on an interview. Instead of having material for a segment later that evening, Crandell was left with nothing.

And on the side of Montoya, it certainly makes the Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing driver look snobbish by skipping out on a 5- to 10-minute interview. It seems easy as pie -- and generally is -- to answer a few questions from a local television station.

The exact story about Montoya's departure, though, may include details that make the ditch a little more understandable. Maybe Montoya had another commitment to get to and he had to leave the interview studio by 5:00 pm? Or maybe Montoya was just trying to make a point to NASCAR's public relations folks about running over an allotted interview time?

Regardless, neither character -- Montoya or Crandell -- seemed to come out a winner here. Montoya shows a side of arrogance while Crandell launches into what feels like an extremely emotional, personal and biased attack on NASCAR based on a solitary incident.

Perhaps Crandell was trying to make a point to NASCAR drivers that he's fed up with their actions and elusiveness with interviews, but he truly just comes off as being cranky over a missed interview.

Juan Pablo Montoya Skips Interview, Draws Ire of Sacramento Sportscaster originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Johnny Benson Crash Video: Truck Series Champion Survives Close Call

Tom Herrera — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:35:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Videos, Camping World Truck Series

Johnny Benson has been upgraded to fair condition following a fiery crash during a SuperModified race. The wreck looked very scary on video, but the reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion is reportedly awake and alert, according to a hospital spokesperson.

The 45-year-old driver crashed on the opening lap of Saturday night's 50-lap event at Berlin Raceway in Michigan. He reportedly suffered minor burns and at least one broken rib. Track personnel quickly extinguished the blaze and pulled Benson from the vehicle.

"The safety crew just did an excellent job. They worked with Johnny, Johnny worked with them, he talked with them, so I was very proud," said raceway representative Michael Blackmer.

It's been an awful couple of weeks for Benson, whose No. 1 car for Red Horse Racing was suspended on June 8 due to lack of sponsorship. The team had been unsuccessful since December in its attempts to secure funding.

Information from the Associated Press and WOOD TV 8 was used in this report.

Johnny Benson Crash Video: Truck Series Champion Survives Close Call originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Matt Kenseth Takes Wild Tumble

Tom Herrera — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:30:00 EST

Filed under: Matt Kenseth, Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Videos, Nationwide Series

David Ragan's first NASCAR victory in 196 starts was the major story of Saturday's Nationwide race, but it definitely wasn't the biggest highlight. As Holly mentioned in her recap, a wild wreck by Matt Kenseth had every spectator in awe at Talladega.

After Kenseth lost control with 12 laps left, the car skidded on its roof, flipped three times and caught fire along the grass. Thankfully he was able to make a quick escape from the car as his pregnant wife, Katie, watched with bated breath.

Video: Matt Kenseth Takes Wild Tumble originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Onion' Reveals Best NASCAR Strategy

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

The Onion -- "America's Finest News Source" -- may have finally discovered Kyle Busch's secret to all-out NASCAR domination: [click to play]

Who would've thought that something as simple as "Drive Fast" was the key?

Now before you get too riled up about the video because of a perceived diss on NASCAR racing as a whole, realize that The Onion is a long-time parody news network known for injecting plenty of humor into its work. If you've never read before, I'd suggest taking a look -- it's a guaranteed laugh.

As for the video's work, it really offers some nice tips to up-and-coming drivers by way of "Legendary NASCAR driver coach" Dan Amon. He talks about pre-race training regimens ("a lot of work with pedals"), NASCAR tracks being an oval not a circle ("a common misconception") and how to handle other cars on the track ("look out the windshield and if you see a race car over there, don't drive into that place").

And his number one tip? "Drive fast."

Hard to argue with that -- parody or not.

'Onion' Reveals Best NASCAR Strategy originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Waltrip's 'Earl' Cameo Couldn't Be Better

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:33:00 EST

Filed under: Michael Waltrip, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

NASCAR drivers aren't exactly strangers to making television cameos, but they've yet to be the perfect match Michael Waltrip landed this week.

Waltrip, ever a character in the NASCAR garage, enjoyed his first off week on the NASCAR schedule by flying out to Hollywood for the taping of an episode of NBC's My Name is Earl. The cameras started rolling this week for the comedy sitcom that's scheduled to air on Thursday, April 30.

And from the looks of things, Waltrip's role won't be too much of a stretch for the Kentucky native.

From the Michael Waltrip Racing site:

"This experience is going to be a lot of fun for me," Waltrip said. "I play myself and I help Earl and his brother Randy get out of a big jam."
[...]
"In my opinion, My Name is Earl is an instant classic. I am proud to be a part of this show as it always tells a great story about Earl's need to do good things for people. How he gets to the resolution is absolutely hilarious."

Waltrip isn't the only one who thinks 'Earl' is a good show, either, as the program has picked up a few Television Choice and Emmy Awards during its run.

Of course, if you've seen most of Waltrip's commercial spots -- the current ones with NAPA teammate and drag racer Ron Capps might be the best he's done in terms of comedy -- they rarely border on bland and dull. Knowing that, I'll certainly look forward to Waltrip's spot in 'Earl'.

Need a reason why? Well, here you go:

"Four! ... Uhhhh!"

Waltrip's 'Earl' Cameo Couldn't Be Better originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tire-Chasing Gas Man Regrets Decision

Geoffrey Miller — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:18:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota, NASCAR Videos, Pit Crews, Sprint Cup

Perhaps Jimmy Watts was just doing what he had always done as a firefighter for the Charlotte (N.C.) Fire Department on Sunday when he dashed across the unprotected frontstretch Atlanta Motor Speedway grass to retrieve an errant tire from his team's recently completed pit stop -- preventing a potentially harmful situation.

Regardless, the NASCAR gas man who helped bring out a caution that changed the complexion of the Kobalt Tools 500 and was suspended by NASCAR for the remainder of the event felt obligated Sunday evening to apologize for his actions.

Watts -- he handles fueling for JTG Daughtery Racing's Aussie driver Marcos Ambrose -- told the NASCAR Scene's Bob Pockrass after the race that he picked the "wrong" action.

"I saw the tire going away and it was a reaction - the wrong one," Watts said.

Watts said he "certainly did not" think that the tire would roll that far across the grass and by the time he was in the middle of it, he realized he was in a bad position.

It did make for interesting television.

"It's not the kind I want to be part of," Watts said.

Certainly, by the tone of the article and Watts' words, he's one of those folks on the receiving end of a dose of 15 minutes of fame he'd rather not have.

Watts' move started innocently when Ambrose's No. 47 Toyota left the pit box to return to the track and the tire changers failed to secure the tire against the pit wall. The tire then rolled across pit lane and into a section of pavement in the AMS infield connecting the pit road and the front stretch used for various quarter-mile races held at the track.

By the time Watts tracked down the tire, he was well within striking distance of a sliding race car had it wrecked off turn four while racing at speeds of over 160 miles per hour. NASCAR wasn't pleased with the move and immediately put out a caution flag to keep both Watts and the tire from being hit.

The caution occured during a round of green flag pit stops that cause jumbles in the running order because teams pit on different laps. When the yellow came out, just 10 of the 43 cars hadn't pitted and were left on the lead lap.

Undoubtedly, the cause of the caution ticked off countless fans after the driver got caught up in the events and went a lap down of the leaders, but it's tough for me to feel their pain. Had Watts not chased the tire, it very easily could have (and should have, in my book) brought out a yellow flag either because it could have entered the racing surface or because another car could have wrecked and hit it while it lay in the infield grass.

Flying wheels and tires have long been one of the biggest dangers to spectators because of how far they can bounce and fly when hit by a speeding race car. Multiple spectators in all forms of racing have been killed and severely injured when an errant tire (weighing upwards of 80 pounds) entered the grandstand seating areas.

Knowing that, I'm pretty sure that NASCAR would have opted to throw a yellow flag to retrieve the loose tire regardless of Watts' actions, however, they might have waited for green flag pit stops to cycle through -- keeping 3/4 of the field from falling a lap back of the leaders.

Did Watts suffer from a lapse in his best judgment when he dashed out to retrieve the tire? I'd say that's a given.

But when a guy has made a living by putting himself in harm's way, it's hard to blame the instinct of fellow who's intentions were in the right place. Put yourself in his shoes -- here's a guy whose full-time job is a civic duty and on the weekends he gets to be at the race track, doing something he's got to love. Now, after trying to help out a little bit, he's been reprimanded by NASCAR and been humiliated by some negative attention.

Can you imagine the pit in his stomach when he got home Sunday night?

Apology accepted, Mr. Watts. Let's hope we see you when NASCAR returns in two weeks at Bristol.

Tire-Chasing Gas Man Regrets Decision originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jamie McMurray: Las Vegas Drifting Star

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Jamie McMurray, Roush Fenway Racing, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

Roush Fenway Racing's Jamie McMurray has been under the weather since last Wednesday thanks to a nasty bout with the flu.

Throughout the Las Vegas race weekend, he made several trips to the infield care center for drugs and IV's after previous medications didn't quite work and before the race, he wondered aloud if he could stay focused and on top of his game during throughout the day.

Well, on lap 66 of the 285-lap Shelby 427, McMurray got a major wake-up call.

Driving through turns 1 and 2 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, McMurray's No. 26 Ford got clipped in the rear end by rookie Joey Logano. From there, I'll let the video do the talking:

The contact sent McMurray's rear-end heading towards the wall but thanks to some great moves, he kept the car off the wall and finished the rest of the race with a 9th-place finish.

"I didn't hold it wide open the whole time, but I just modulated the gas pedal and the steering wheel," said McMurray after the race. "I was really worried because I was a little groggy from having a cold and I didn't feel like I was as alert as what I needed to be and when that was over I thought, 'Pretty alert.'"

"Pretty alert" is definitely right.

This isn't the first time McMurray has made a nice save during Sprint Cup competition. Going back a few years to his time with Chip Ganassi Racing, McMurray kept his car from spinning after having it all-but sideways coming off of turn four at Lowe's Motor Speedway during the All-Star event at the track (I believe it was the qualifier race).

For now, though, our only video evidence is his fine piece of driving from Sunday's race at Las Vegas. And for that, I'll say I'm impressed.

Jamie McMurray: Las Vegas Drifting Star originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 from '08: Edwards Tries to Video Game JJ

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Carl Edwards, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

With NASCAR's awards banquet on Friday, Dec. 5 (stop by for the live blog!), here's a look at 10 from '08 -- 10 of the NASCAR season's best moments.

As it turned out after the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, two critical problems -- one a driving mistake at Talladega and the other an electrical problem at Lowe's -- kept a momentum-filled Carl Edwards and his No. 99 from stealing the championship from Jimmie Johnson.

But that didn't mean the driver from Columbia, Mo., didn't put up an incredible fight to secure his first title.

Sure, there were two late-season wins at Texas Motor Speedway and Homestead that took an incredible strategy of stretching fuel mileage to find victory lane, but one his near-wins made what was one of the NASCAR season's best moments.

Edwards was trailing that pesky Jimmie Johnson in the final laps of the Chase for the Sprint Cup's third race at Kansas Speedway in what looked like it was going to be another easy win for the No. 48. Edwards would close marginally for some laps, but the distance he trailed appeared to be too large for an upset victory.

That assumption, though, was thrown out the window in the final turn of the final lap.

Edwards, some three car lengths back, had made a run at Johnson the lap before in the same corner to close heavily on the No. 48. On that move coming to the white flag, he just barely scraped the wall, but kept closing.

Carl took the high line through turns one and two to narrow the gap to the three lengths and as Johnson entered turn 3 for the final time, Edwards shot by on the inside in a move he would later describe as one has "worked on a video game."

Edwards briefly took the lead but his momentum was too great for the corner and the No. 99 slid into the outside wall just in front of Johnson, who re-took the lead. Ultimately, Johnson won by a few car lengths, but the tone for the Chase was set:

Carl Edwards was not just going to ride this one out.

We pick up the action below with one and a half laps to go:

10 from '08: Edwards Tries to Video Game JJ originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 from '08: 'Monster Mile' Starts Carnage Early at Dover

Geoffrey Miller — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Elliott Sadler, NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

With NASCAR's awards banquet on Friday, Dec. 5 (stop by for the live blog!), here's a look at 10 from '08 -- 10 of the NASCAR season's best moments.

With 43 cars on track, it's not too often that TV cameras catch a wreck live for the audience at home, but June's Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway was a little different.

FOX Sports was riding along with Elliott Sadler in his No. 19 Dodge on the in-car camera when the car suddenly broke loose and slapped the outside Turn 2 wall. What we saw next was also atypical of crashes at Dover.

Instead of following the general rule that Dover is a "self-cleaning" race track that forces crashed cars to the bottom of the race track because of the banked corners and straightaways, Sadler's car opted to slide precariously into the middle of the track and into what is best described as a blind spot for race cars traveling at speed.

And so, as the video below shows, Tony Stewart slammed into Sadler, followed by Denny Hamlin, Scott Riggs, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Bobby Labonte to leave the track virtually blocked and multiple pre-race favorites done for the day after just 19 laps of the 400-lap race.

FOX's Darrell Waltrip said "The 15 done a whale of a job," of getting through the wreck, and he surely did. The No. 15 is Paul Menard in the bright yellow car and as you can watch below, he comes out of Turn 2, sees the track blocked, cuts left around a slowing Earnhardt Jr. to slightly brush the wall with the rear of his car and keeps going around the wreck.

From my point of view, this whole crash started thanks to Sadler coming down across the nose of David Gilliland's No. 38 -- a common mistake at that point on track at DIS because the view of the spotters is somewhat limited.

NASCAR's summer king Kyle Busch wound up winning the 400-miler after just four more cautions, none even remotely close to the melee that took place off turn 2. Now, enjoy the clip:

10 from '08: 'Monster Mile' Starts Carnage Early at Dover originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 from '08: Tony Stewart's Talladega Gift

Geoffrey Miller — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Regan Smith, Tony Stewart, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

With NASCAR's awards banquet on Friday, Dec. 5 (stop by for the live blog!), here's a look at 10 from '08 -- 10 of the NASCAR season's best moments.

It's a rare feat in NASCAR racing to actually cross the finish line first with the checkered flag waving and not be awarded the race winner's trophy.

A rare feat, of course, until you toss in a set of rules that don't even get the judgment-call benefit of the doubt like a foul in basketball or a strike in baseball.

But that's exactly what happened to Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s rookie driver Regan Smith in October at Talladega Superspeedway. Smith, driving the No. 01, passed Tony Stewart while driving under the painted yellow line 300 yards from the finish, but was declared to have finished 17th while Stewart celebrated his lone win of 2008.

Whaaaaa?

NASCAR has somewhat enforced a rule for many years to curb dangerous passes out of the groove at its two restrictor plate tracks -- Daytona and Talladega -- by saying a car must yield a gained position or it will be forced to make a pit stop if a driver advances position while below the "out of bounds," or yellow, line.

There's no argument that Smith didn't go under the line (you can watch the video for yourself in a moment) but there is a solid argument that NASCAR's discretion in making the call is entirely too flawed.

Exceptions to the rule have often been made in the past for a car getting forced by the car that is getting passed after starting to make a legitimate move (see: Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2003) and drivers have often received a warning for an infraction before a penalty is given. And, prior to Talladega in October, most drivers knew the unwritten rule that anything goes with the checkered flag waving the air.

That all went out the window for Regan Smith.

Was it because it was Regan Smith, a nobody who wouldn't be a noticeable name in newspapers the next day? Or was it because Tony Stewart had been so stymied at Talladega and in 2008 -- winless to that point in both -- was looking to leave his storied run at Joe Gibbs Racing with a 'W' in his pocket?

Whatever it was, it still doesn't seem fair to me, but it was definitely one of NASCAR season's most memorable moments.

10 from '08: Tony Stewart's Talladega Gift originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 from '08: K-Harv's Infineon Dive Bomb

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

With NASCAR's awards banquet on Friday, Dec. 5 (stop by for the live blog!), here's a look at 10 from '08 -- 10 of the NASCAR season's best moments.

Looking back at the race stats of June's Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma County, Calif. tells you that Kyle Busch walked away with a race victory after a dominating performance that saw the No. 18 out front for 78 of 112 laps.

What the stats don't show was how Yates Racing's David Gilliland finished second or how Hendrick Motorsports' Jeff Gordon -- the longtime road course king -- didn't lead a lap but finished third. They also don't show how both drivers moved up some four spots in the final six laps without actually making a green flag pass.

The reason for that? Mr. Kevin Harvick.

Harvick, running fifth at the time, entered Turn No. 7 at Infineon (a 90-degree right hand turn) just a little too hot while looking under Gilliland for a pass. Harvick's No. 29 spun sideways (video below) to collect third-place Jamie McMurray, who, in turn, collected second-place Tony Stewart.

The result was a synchronized spin that many synchronized swimmers would have been proud of, and one that drastically changed the race's Top-5 finishing order.

Ron Fellows, driving the No. 01 DEI Chevrolet in a one-race deal, also got caught up in smoky, sandy mess after trying to avoid the melee by driving through the sand run-off area.

The best part, though, was the TNT broadcast booth going absolutely bonkers during the wreck. Wally Dallenbach led off the reaction with a "O-aahhhhh! Harvick goes in and oh no! Doh oh!" that culminated with Kyle Petty and Bill Weber joining in on the not-so-lovely caroling.

Amazingly enough, Tony Stewart wasn't ticked after the incident despite it being the second race of the season that Kevin Harvick ruined for him (see: Bristol in March).

When the dust settled, Stewart ended up 10th, McMurray 18th, Fellows 29th and Kevin Harvick 30th.

10 from '08: K-Harv's Infineon Dive Bomb originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 from '08: California's Day-Night-Day Event

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Casey Mears, Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

With NASCAR's awards banquet on Friday, Dec. 5 (stop by for the live blog!), here's a look at 10 from '08 -- ten of the NASCAR season's best moments.

Thanks to rain, it took the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series well over 24 hours to finish the Auto Club 500 at the newly-named Auto Club Speedway (enough Auto Club for one sitting? I think so) back in February.

And of course, like only NASCAR could, the way it handled the rain situation got some fans more than fired up.

NASCAR attempted to get the race going for its Sunday start as planned, but only 21 laps went by before a wreck that somehow saw Casey Mears get flipped over thanks to the nose of a slowing Sam Hornish Jr. It was an interesting wreck (see the photo to the right and the video later in the post) after flames shot from Hornish's No. 77 while Mears was basically trapped in his No. 5.

Mears and Hornish were able to get out without injury.

The wreck included Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Reed Sorenson, and a previous wreck saw Denny Hamlin smack the wall. After the lap 21 incident, the red flag came out for water seeping from the track and later more rain, leaving Dale Earnhardt Jr. slightly ticked at NASCAR's attempt to get the race underway.

Earnhardt Jr. simply felt that NASCAR had messed up and started the race too early.

"The track ain't ready. We rushed into this [...]," said a visibly upset Earnhardt Jr.

Hamlin echoed the same sentiment, saying his car took off towards the wall after hitting a wet spot on the track.

More controversy followed as NASCAR kept trying to get the track dry before eventually calling it a night and determining the race would restart the next afternoon -- a Monday -- after waiting until after 1 a.m./EDT time to make the decision.

Me? I was kind of hoping to be watching live NASCAR racing as the sun was coming up in Indiana, but NASCAR opted not to do after cooler temperatures allowed dew to accumlate on the racing surface while the "weepers", or cracks in the pavement that allowed water to seep up, were attempting to be dried.

Fans across the country felt used and abused by NASCAR's decision to wait so long for racing, but if nothing else, NASCAR deserved some credit for trying to get a race in for the paying fans at ACS who stuck out the cold weather and damp conditions in an effort to see the NASCAR race they payed to see.

It didn't work out so well, but the race was eventually completed Monday afternoon with Carl Edwards taking the first of 9 victories in 2008.

As promised, the video:

10 from '08: California's Day-Night-Day Event originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 from '08: Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Play Bumper Cars Twice at Richmond

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:58:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, NASCAR Videos

With NASCAR's awards banquet on Friday, Dec. 5 (stop by for the live blog!), here's a look at 10 from '08 -- ten of the NASCAR season's best moments.

"Oooohhh he turned 'em! Oooohh he turned 'em! No! No! No! No!" was the call Darrell Waltrip made in the FOX Sports booth as he watched young Kyle Busch -- who already wasn't the most well-liked driver in NASCAR fan circles -- spin fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. back in May at Richmond International Raceway.

The wreck, with three laps to go in 400-lap race, sent Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 Chevrolet spinning sideways and into the turn 3 wall after Kyle Busch bumped the left side of the No. 88. Unfortunately for Busch, he wasn't able to keep the lead he temporarily gained with the incident after Clint Bowyer snuck past on the low side.

The memories of that incident wouldn't be forgotten, however, by Mr. Earnhardt Jr.

It was, without a doubt, the heaviest dose of drama that the young NASCAR season had seen up to that point as its newest star (Busch) wrecked the most popular star (Earnhardt Jr.) while going for the win at one of NASCAR's most exciting tracks.

As always in racing, there's a back story for the rivalry that reared its head at Richmond. Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 was in his first season with Hendrick Motorsports after filling the ride made vacant by Busch just a year before thanks to his parting of ways with team owner Rick Hendrick. The move was made by Hendrick to alleviate some team chemistry issues brought by Busch and to make room for Earnhardt Jr. in the HMS stable.

Needless to say, Busch had a slight chip on his shoulder from the move.

The next saga in the chapter between Earnhardt Jr. and Busch took place at a point in the season when it didn't really matter for Busch, but the message was sent loud and clear by Earnhardt Jr: It may take months for payback, but it will certainly happen.

The scene again was Richmond but this time in September, just prior to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

The wreck didn't effect Busch's standing as he entered the Chase, but looking back on it now one can't help but realize it was essentially the beginning of the end for Busch's championship hopes as he would finish poorly in the next three races to completely eliminate any title shot.

Perhaps that message of payback and redemption was sent a little more loud and clear than anyone in the NASCAR world could have imagined, or perhaps not.

Regardless, both incidents brought some good ol' fashioned drama into the NASCAR world -- something no fan can ever get too much of.

10 from '08: Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Play Bumper Cars Twice at Richmond originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 from '08: Stewart's Goodyear Love Affair

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:17:00 EST

Filed under: Tony Stewart, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

With NASCAR's awards banquet on Friday, Dec. 5 (stop by for the live blog!), here's a look at 10 from '08 -- ten of the NASCAR season's best moments.

Tony Stewart may have lost the 2008 Daytona 500 on the last lap, got wrecked by Kevin Harvick in the waning laps at Bristol and lost his barber's number nearly all spring but none of that -- not even that pesky Kurt Busch character -- could rile up the two-time champion like NASCAR's tire supplier.

The setting was Atlanta Motor Speedway in March during the Sprint Cup's first visit to the 1.5-mile track and what we got was a lackluster performance by nearly every race team thanks to the lack of grip drivers suffered through because of Goodyear's hard tire compound.

Passing was hardly an option, the final lead change happened because of a blown engine and racing anywhere near another car was a perilous move for even the most talented drivers. And when it was all said and done, Tony Stewart let his voice be heard.

To make a matters worse, Stewart's rant was captured on network TV (you can watch the video later in the post) and he made the Holy Grail of NASCAR slams by declaring he was removing every single Goodyear product from any vehicle he owns when he got home.

NASCAR fans are known for their impressive brand loyalty when it comes to NASCAR sponsors and suppliers, and for Stewart to make such a claim sent Goodyear reeling. Luckily, they're still in business today with Stewart later recognizing that the tire company made significant amends by the time NASCAR reached its second stop at AMS in October.

Regardless, Stewart's rant was one for the ages:

Lesson learned from Smoke's rant? Don't cross ol' Tony, he'll sit your product back years, man.

10 from '08: Stewart's Goodyear Love Affair originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spencer to Johnson: How Do You Get It Up?

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

Jimmie Johnson won his third-straight NASCAR Sprint Cup championship Sunday night at Florida's Homestead-Miami Speedway, but nothing could have prepared him for a certain question he faced in a post-race interview.

After celebrating his title with a nice burnout and confetti shower in front of the track's main grandstand at the start/finish line, Johnson headed over to SPEED's NASCAR Victory Lane to talk with the program's host John Roberts and two analysts and drivers Jimmy Spencer and Kenny Wallace.

Johnson answered a question or two using his typical politically correct rhetoric with plenty of sponsor plugs and good things to say about his car, team and his main rival Carl Edwards. Then, Johnson faced a question from Spencer that went like this:

Spencer: "Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but what's going to motivate you and, you know, your race team into 2009? I mean, you know, four in-a-row, but you know, how do you get it up? Explain to me how you do it."

Johnson: "Did you just ask me how I'm gonna get it up?"

Literally, I hit the ground in laughter.

Luckily for you, I was able to get the clip uploaded to YouTube below, but please, forgive me for the shaky hands at the beginning. Go on, watch it!

I still can't over how quickly and smartly Johnson shot back at Spencer with the straight-faced "Did you just ask me how to get it up?"

Mostly, though, it was so incredibly funny because of Johnson's typical overly politically correct persona when dealing with the media, and because Spencer obviously tried to cover up what he said. No such luck, though.

I was a fan of Spencer's quick response of "that's the real Jimmie" and the mischievous grin Johnson had after he landed the one-liner so effectively.

He could have easily -- and a few years ago he might have -- just ignored Spencer's line and answered the question, but instead, it was obviously a gut reaction and an indication about how sarcastic and funny Johnson can be.

Oh, the enjoyment of nearly-live TV.

Spencer to Johnson: How Do You Get It Up? originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Takes Will Brinson, Blogger, and FanHouse for a Ride in His Stock Car

Will Brinson — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Fans, NASCAR Media Watch, NASCAR Videos, Hendrick Motorsports

When the guy at the Richard Petty School of Racing said that "this will change your life" while referring to hopping in a stock car and making a bunch of left turns, I snickered. I'm sorry, I did. How on Earth can you possibly justify moving at a rapid speed in an automobile as something that would alter the course of your existence? Exactly. You can't.

Or can you? Check the vid below to see what happens when Dale Earnhardt, Jr., allows a blogger (yours truly) in his 88 car for a few turns around Lowe's Motor Speedway. (Oh, and make sure to read the interview with Dale too, where he talks about Amp, the Chase, Jimmie Johnson and his new bar in Charlotte.)

Okay, so "life changing" is kind of a stretch ... but, as you can tell from my Brah-ed out reaction to the whole thing -- "IN-TENSE", etc. -- it was a pretty ridiculous experience.

Should you ever have the opportunity, I would highly recommend it.

(Also, read Will Brinson's interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. where they talk about whether the Cup needs to be fixed, the legend of Jimmie Johnson, and what Amp mixes best with for big post-race celebrations.)

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 02: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 2, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 02: Dave Blaney, driver of the #22 Caterpillar Toyota, leads Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 2, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 01: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, prepares for practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 1, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 01: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, drive in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 1, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 31: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, stands on pit road during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on October 31, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 31: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on October 31, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Takes Will Brinson, Blogger, and FanHouse for a Ride in His Stock Car originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Earnhardt Jr., Stewart in Practice Crash

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., David Reutimann, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

A number of drivers -- including Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, David Ragan and a host of others -- decided they had had enough practice on Friday afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway after just one session in preparation for the Amp Energy Drink 500.

That appears to have been a smart move because just about nine minutes into the weekend's final practice session Friday, a Goodyear tire off of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car decided to hit the fan:

As you can see, Earnhardt Jr. was leading a pack of about 10 cars into turn three of the 2.5-mile high-banked circuit when his right-rear tire decided to imitate a hot dog kept in the microwave a little too long.

The explosion was incredible -- notice the sheet metal and rear wing flying off the car -- and caused the No. 88 to lose control, spinning down the track in front of several cars.

Among those included were David Gilliland, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer, and David Reutimann. Stewart opted to not go to the backup car thanks to a decision by crew chief Greg Zippidelli, but Kasey Kahne and Earnhardt Jr. definitely opted to pull out the new rides.

The practice in which this happened was slated to run for 45-minutes, but a 30+ minute delay thanks to this crash left teams with only about 20 minutes of on-track time. However, thanks to Talladega being an impound race, the teams that crashed and went to backup cars won't be starting out back because qualifying is scheduled for 12:05pm/ET on Saturday, with SPEED TV coverage airing a tape-delayed version at 1:00pm/ET.

Earnhardt Jr., though, may still have to start out back because he changed an engine in the day's first practice. NASCAR rules state that a team has to start last if they change the engine at any point in the weekend, but if a team has to roll out a backup car, that only leaves the team starting last if it happens after qualifying. We'll have to see what NASCAR decides.

Video: Earnhardt Jr., Stewart in Practice Crash originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chasers Give "Top 12 Perks" on Letterman

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Chase for the Sprint Cup, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

For at least the second year in a row, the top 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup appeared on "Late Show with David Letterman" to deliver the nightly Top-10 list.

Letterman, though, had to change up things a little bit to accommodate all 12 drivers and came up with the "Top12 Perks of Being a NASCAR Driver":

To me, the funniest moment wasn't necessarily any of the 12 mediocre lines (disclaimer: I'm not normally rolling on the ground laughing after one of Letterman's normal Top-10 lists.) but instead, the jacket that Dale Earnhardt Jr. was wearing.

I'm no fashion expert, but that jacket Earnhardt Jr. is wearing just looks like it fell out of a closet that was last opened in the 1980s. In a way, it looks like something Steve Martin wore in "Planes, Trains & Automobiles".

Jimmie Johnson -- not wearing a jacket or collared shirt, actually -- looks a little funny as well, but mainly so because of that mop on top of his head.

All in all, I'm sure the Chase boys had a good time in New York City Tuesday and Wednesday, but you can be sure they're looking forward to getting to the track for Sunday's race at New Hampshire as much as we're ready to get it going as fans, too.

In case you didn't watch the video, here's the Top-12 lines, courtesy of ESPN:

Their task: to read off the "Top 12 Perks of Being a NASCAR Driver" on the CBS telecast. In order, here's what the Chasers had to say:

No. 12 -- Matt Kenseth: "Crazy gas prices? I don't care; I'm not payin'."
No. 11 -- Kevin Harvick: "Bring your helmet to Taco Bell and they'll fill it up with guacamole, free."
No. 10 -- Jeff Gordon: "Don't have to shave your body like Olympic swimmers ... although, why not?"
No. 9 -- Greg Biffle: "Hasselhoff promised me one of those talking cars."
No. 8 -- Tony Stewart: "I use old checkered flags to make fabulous throw pillows."
No. 7 -- Jeff Burton: "There's nothing like going through a car wash at 190 miles per hour."
No. 6 -- Denny Hamlin: "GPS underpants."
No. 5 -- Clint Bowyer: "Sorry, I forgot my joke -- I was thinking about Jessica Alba -- man, she's hot."
No. 4 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "Run out of olive oil? A little Quaker State will spruce up any salad."
No. 3 -- Jimmie Johnson: "Traveling to exotic locations like Martinsville, Virginia, and Dover, Delaware."
No. 2 -- Carl Edwards: "At high school reunions, it's fun to ask, 'So what do you do for a living?' "
And the No. 1 perk of being a NASCAR driver -- Kyle Busch: "After a race, your ass vibrates for days."

Well done, guys.

Chasers Give "Top 12 Perks" on Letterman originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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