Once again it's time to purge the shores of my vast seas of useless info and expansive oceans of wasted time. A trip across the sometimes calm currents of dripping drivel and the oft turbulent waves of gushing grumbles. Yes fans, it's time once more for another installment of "Mind Flotsam".
Once more for the kickoff of the 2001 season the NASCAR higher ups have decided to shoot themselves in the foot. Like last years "contract to control and own all words spoken and written" they are once again trying hard to destroy any relationship they might have with the media. Declining to issue passes for ESPN and TNN is almost as stupid as last years no brain fiasco. The rest of the media should back ESPN and TNN and return all press credentials. You could be next year's victim. When NASCAR gets hit in the pocket book by the loss of coverage and free advertising they will fire the idiot that makes these decisions (Brian). I for one will be happy to lose some coverage if it hurts NASCAR where it helps. Freedom of the press? Only until money steps in the door.
Ever wonder what became of Jack the Bear? Or who Jack really was? Or was he the one that left all the bear grease on the track?
For those of you who feel Fox might not give us a dedicated NASCAR network, witness today's half time at the Vikings/Giants game with an appearance of Fox's latest star announcer, "Ol" DW. I still am playing a wait and see attitude as I mentioned (and was lambasted in a couple emails for) in the Glowing Cars article. I feel Mike Joy, DW, Larry McReynolds, et al. will give us just what we want. They have been there, are there, and will be there. I trust them.
My highlight of the 2000 season? Bobby and Judy! Two people who have been through too much to go on without each other. God bless!
People are always asking me "Whatever Happened to....?" Hey Greg, if you're reading, perhaps your next book???
For those few of you who wrote to say you were impressed that Mike Joy reads my page... don't be. I'm sure it was a one time thing made possible by a mistaken click from Jayski's page. The likelihood of a return... think Ned Jarrett making a return to driving.
On the return of Dodge, although you all know me as spouting the ever present claim they are all the same car, just different body styles, I still have some brand favoritism and the name alone is enough to get my backing. Been a Mopar owner and driver since I learned to drive in a '62 Valiant. I NEVER rooted for the "King" when he was driving though. I always rooted for the underdogs. Like Buddy Arrington. But the King will always be Mopar. Sure glad Ganassi joined the Dodge team. Go Sterling, Go Mopar!!!
Don't forget to enter the "Name That Champ" contest. See the links to the left.
For those questioning the replacement of Scott Pruett with Ricky Craven... watch the dramatic improvement in this team. Craven still has it. He reminds me a lot of Alan Kulwicki. He's got the "wannas" as I used to tell my kids. If you wanna be a winner you gotta wanna. Capable of taking a team to New York with the right backing. Probably not the winner's table but don't be surprised when he gets that #32 there to sit at one of the top 10 tables. If not this year, next. You read it here! Remember.
And just where is Blackie Wangerin?
And last but not least, go get 'em Dave. I think the partial season will be a great move to put you in a position to run with the big dogs one last time. I'll be sporting the RealTree colors on the front page this whole season in a salute to a man that races for the enjoyment. Money has always had to be there in order to keep running but I know you do it for the love of the sport. If this is your final season there will be one NASCAR fan to shed a tear and grin from ear to ear at the same time as you go out. You the man!