Nascar and Racing Red Sox

Funny Car driver Mike Ashley recorded the fastest pass in drag racing history Friday night when he reached 334.32 mph in his Dodge Charger to lead qualifying for the eighth annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals. A mortgage banker by weekday, Ashley admits to a struggle of juggling two careers and this weekend decided to switch off:

"This weekend I decided to shut off the phone, not log on to the computer and only focus on racing. I made the decision that I'd take whatever comes my way and just be happy to be here and enjoy the moment. Being No. 1 and setting speed record, I'll take it."

High finance, high speed ... Yada yada yada. It's not NASCAR ... Even though 334 mph is hella fast, I've already lost interest.

But how about that smokin' paint job depicting Ashley's owner, Evan Knoll, as the "fuel doctor?"

There's a few stock cars I'd like to see make a joyride through Illusions Custom Paint and Body Shop next time they're Bristol, Tenn., starting with those belonging to Petty Enterprises.

Wouldn't The King's mug make a killer hood shot?

I'd also love to see The Intimidator in his shades on the #8 car, but I doubt Budweiser would go for it.

And speaking of owners on cars, how long will it be before we see the Red Sox all over the Roush Fenway cars? Playoff season?

Matt Kenseth found his way to the Auto Club 500 victory lane for the second year in a row--and the second day in a row following his Stater Bros. 300 win to sweep the weekend at California Speedway.

The Busch and Cup wins are the first for the newly created Roush Fenway Racing team.

Jack Roush recently sold half of Roush Racing to the Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox, for support in marketing and sales activities. The intention is to "use FSG's experience, network of relationships, and powerful demographic base to add value to Roush Fenway Racing sponsors and help Roush Fenway Racing maintain an unsurpassed position among NASCAR teams on and off the track."

Yada yada yada ... marketing speak. But it's good marketing speak.

Hiring good drivers helps them on the track ... they definitely have that one down (see also: Kenseth, Greg Biffle).

Hiring the ones with personality and who articulate themselves well in the media is a plus (see also: Jamie McMurray, Carl Edwards).

And it won't hurt if they're young and total cuteness, either (see also: David Ragan).

The growing female fan base will not be denied. Many of them certainly pick their favorites based on other factors, too, but admit it, girls, more than likely your fav is easy on the eyes.

Speaking of the easy-on-the-eyes--and articulate--Ragan, also an RFR driver, my rookie pick placed highest again ... this week in the 17th spot.

I feel a sudden desire to become a AAA member.

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