Bittersweet Victory

Last night I had tears rolling down my cheeks when Austin Dillon took the checkered flag at Charlotte. The last time we saw the 3 car in Cup Series victory lane, Dale Earnhardt was behind the wheel. I still miss that mustached grin and hard driving style. The Intimidator was my driver, and I was rabidly passionate about NASCAR racing. Now I casually watch, and cheer mostly for Dale Jr., but it's not the same.

I guess I am happy for Richard Childress to finally get another win with that car, but I secretly hoped that would never happen. Life goes on, things change, but to me the 3 car will always belong to Dale Earnhardt. 

Watch Out For Flying Pigs

I have something important to say, something that most of you won't believe. Before I get to it, I will certify that I have not suffered a head injury, nor am I intoxicated, senile or crazy. My husband had me tested.

Well, here goes...I want Jeff Gordon to win the NASCAR Championship this year. Yep, that's right. The 24 car. You might remember that as rabid and passionate Dale Earnhardt fan, I long ago declared Jeffie my mortal enemy. Anyone but 24. I know pigs are flying, and hell is most likely under a freeze warning.

Things have changed, namely NASCAR itself. The nonsense of the Chase, playoffs, or whatever they want to call it has made formerly exciting races just a game. The rule manipulation and circus-like atmosphere of the broadcasts is nearly unwatchable, and way too much like reality TV.

Since Dale Jr. is out, there is no one left in the top eight that I would care to call a champion. Points don't matter, therefore no one really earns the title. So I decided Jeff should take a last big trophy to his retirement party. 

 

Odds, Ends, and Junior

First and foremost, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won yesterday at Pocono! Although I'm not as wildly passionate about him as I was his Dad, he is my favorite active NASCAR driver. Second win of the year gives him a shot at the championship in this new format. Go Junior!

88 - 88 - 88

While we were camping last week, the deer apparently knew we weren't home and planned a raid on the smorgasbord of flowers in our yard. Massive hosta are reduced to stalks; my favorite roses were nibbled down to nubs. Of course they didn't bother the wild ginger or poison ivy. They have the whole woods, why do they need to graze up next to our house? 

Wittle do dey know dat I have my Elmer Fudd hunting hat and shotgun all weddy to twack dem wascally critters down...Wevenge will be mine!

** - ** - **

You never know what you'll see at the campground. People watching is one of our favorite activities. Some sights and sounds are indescribable and cannot be revealed. This trip included rednecks, unruly dogs, and questionable wardrobe choices. I'll leave you with this one. Picture a medium height, slightly chunky man with a beer belly, sporting a straw cowboy hat, wearing a form fitting green tee shirt with bright blue and white Hawaiian print knee length swim trunks, clomping down the path in a pair of cowboy boots, guzzling a beverage from a pink can coozie.  

No, he wasn't my guy, and yes, I was afraid to snap a photo.  

Pure Joy At Daytona

Photo from Dale Jr. Facebook page

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has finally done something in racing that his famous dad didn't accomplish.  Last night, after a six hour rain delay, Junior won the Daytona 500 for a second time.  He led the most laps and held off a charge from a pack of hungry drivers.  There was pure joy radiating from him after he crossed the finish line.  The excitement continued as he celebrated with his crew and hugged everyone in sight. I have never seen him so thrilled and happy after a race.  

Of course, I was dancing around the living room and crying, and doing my own celebration, like I used to when Dale Sr. was alive.  I've missed that passion and excitement while watching races.  I hope Junior will take this motivation on to Phoenix, then continue his winning ways all season.  Maybe he'll even win the Chase trophy.  He deserves that joy!


“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”  ― Marianne Williamson

Bits, Pieces, and Blarney

I routinely jot down funny, random or interesting ideas so I can expand on them later for this blog. As I looked through my notes to begin writing, I realized that some of them don't need expansion or explanation. They are good enough on their own.

So, enjoy!

When a friend needs duct tape, don't ask questions and don't offer advice...just deliver her the roll with a smile. And be sure to wipe off your fingerprints just in case.

Life would be easier if everyone came to the realization that you just can't fix stupid.

If the stands at Bristol are less than half full for a Sunday race, something is very, very wrong with NASCAR. There was once a waiting list for tickets and it was only used if someone died.

You don't always need a reason to give someone a hug, a hand, or a call.

You might be a redneck if you've used Channel Locks or Vise Grips to pull the cork on a wine bottle. (guilty)

Children should be taught to stand on their own two feet and be independent. They are not entitled to indefinitely live with or be supported by their parents.

It's not denial...I'm just very selective about the reality I accept.

Signing off with this belated St. Patrick's Day quote:

NASCAR Truck Series More Exciting Than Cup

I've been a NASCAR fan since the early 1980's. I like the action, the competition and the speed. I used to park myself in front of the television from pre-race hoopla to post race interviews. Lately though, I've become increasingly bored with the Sprint Cup and the Chase. I fast forward a lot on DVR, skipping the long commercial breaks and mind numbing parade of cars riding carefully around the track. At most races, there's no excitement unless one of the drivers throws a tantrum. When the announcer says “Ooohh, they almost touched going down the front stretch!” I wonder what happened to the racing I once loved. 

The Truck Series is another story. Last weekend's truck race at Las Vegas was more like old style racing, even with no Cup drivers infiltrating the field. It was more thrilling than the past three Cup races put together. Here's why I like the trucks.

Quality racing: The drivers actually race each other from green flag to checkers. They aren't afraid to rub fenders or bumpers. They take chances and make a few mistakes. There's more side by side action, passes for position, lap after lap, in the front and back of the field.

Fewer unnecessary cautions: Officials don't regularly throw yellow flags for hot dog wrappers, water bottles, or bits of fake debris. When someone spins or brushes the wall, as long as they get back under control, the race usually stays green. Cautions come out for actual wrecks, not for contrived drama. 

 

Shorter races: Fewer laps to the checkered flag means more intensity on the track. There's no mid race slump where the drivers are content to just ride around—every lap matters.  

Yeah, I know the stands are nearly empty at the truck races. It's like they're the redheaded stepchild of NASCAR. There's no Dale or Danica, no Jimmie or Jeffie. There aren't as many big name sponsors. But I still can't understand why more fans don't go, or watch racing that is so competitive, action-packed and fun.

"No, he didn't slam into you, he didn't bump you, he didn't nudge you. He rubbed you. And rubbin', son, is racin'." – Harry Hogge, Days of Thunder

“Finishing races is important, but racing is more important.” – Dale Earnhardt

Dale Jr. Wins at Michigan!

Did I ever mention that I really like NASCAR?   I am still celebrating Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s win yesterday in the black Batman car. 

The Dark Knight Rises.

I know Tony Stewart was being sarcastic, but I am declaring today my own  holiday.  We'll have the national holiday when Dale wins the Sprint Cup.