I don’t often watch the truck series races and that was the case this past Friday night. I only heard about the dust-up after the face. I’ve seen the replays multiple times. I’ve heard Kyle’s post race words and read his open letter of apology.  I’ve listened to Mike Helton’s explanation of the penatly. I’ve listen to Coach Gibbs. I’ve read parts of the letter from sponsor Mars. I’ve listened to commentators and drivers and fans.

I do realize that Ron Hornaday Jr is/was running for a championship. So was Matt Kenseth at Martinsville when Vickers repeatedly wrecked him last weekend. NASCAR took no action there- after all isnt it “boys have at it?” Is the idea not that the drivers are to police themselves? I also realize that Kyle did wreck Hornaday intentionally under a caution. A caution that had just come out and there were no safety vehicles in their vacinity.

I am not saying that Kyle didn’t take it too far. He did, afterall, wreck a championship contender intentionally under a caution.  NASCAR should not look the other way and I am not suggesting that they do.  Parking the truck for the remainder of the race was a good start. Points and monteary fines for Kyle Busch and Kyle Busch Motorsports should probably follow.  My big issue is parking Busch for the Sprint Cup race.  At the time of the incident Kyle was not driving for Joe Gibbs racing during the truck race.  It’s no different then when Tony stewart or Kasey Kahne go racing for their own dirt teams on friday nights.  Their actions at those tracks should not effect their current sprint cup rides much in the same way that Kyle’s incident in the truck series should not effect his Sprint Cup ride. Sure penalize and fine the everloving hell out of Kyle Busch and KBM but not JGR. This is the same stand that I took when Kyle got in trouble for his excessive speeding in North Carolina earlier this year. That had nothing to do with Joe Gibbs Racing either.

I admit I am surprised that according to the ESPN pre-race pole that 55 percent of those polled think that Kyle Busch should be let go by Joe Gibbs racing. I wholeheartedly disagree with that, which should not be a surprise.  I have a feeling that many of the NASCAR fans voting for the pro-firing must be the Kyle Busch haters. You know the ones. The booers. The same fans who write things like Kyle Busch Crash HERE X on the Safer Barrier by the start-finish lines at the tracks. The same fans who boo his crew as they push their car onto the qualifying grid. The same fans who harassed his wife on twitter- which is so beyond not cool to me.  It’s one thing to use social networking to call out a driver for their actions – it’s a completely other thing to call out or harass their spouse, girlfriend, or other family member or loved one.  That is not cool at alll.

Taking Kyle out of the race effectively ruined any remote chance at a decent chase finish. He is now mathematically eliminated from the chase. It also pretty much ruined the race at Texas Motor Speedway for both Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano- his teammates. They spend the weekend sharing notes on their cars and handling. Kyle is very obviously a BIG part of that looking at the finishes by both Hamlin and Logano.  Joe Gibbs Racing has already suffered enough for Kyle Busch’s actions while racing for Kyle Busch Motorsports. I don’t think any further action is necessitated by NASCAR or any of the JGR sponsors.  I keep hearing the voice of Kyle Busch singing in the newest Toyota commercial “Everybody wants a second chance.”

I was recently made aware of the B.R.A.K.E.S. raffle that is going on. For the price of a $10.00 raffle ticket, you are entered in a drawing for one of eight prizes (including an autographed Office Depot Pit Crew Shirt signed not just by Tony Stewart but the entire #14 pit crew and the same goes for an Army Pit Crew Shirt signed by Ryan Newman and the entire #39 pit crew). Not only are you getting the chance at several really great prizes (a pair of Oakley race shoes autographed by Tony Stewart, race gloves autographed by Ryan Newman, a $50.00 Visa and more) but more importantly know that through the proceeds you are helping train and educate teens to be  safe responsible drivers.  Be sure to check out www.brakesraffle.com today to find out more about the raffle and get your ticket to win some great prizes now.

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot Chevrolet, sits in his car during practice for TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. (Photo credit: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)

But then David Gilliland spun his #34 car and saved Tony from eventually succumbing to Denny Hamlin and going a lap down he was able to come in and get some major work done on his car that helped the handling.  Some pit strategy soon had Stewart battling Kevin Harvick for the lead, battling a little too hard because on the next caution Tony soon had to come in unscheduled because Stewart thought he felt a tire going down. This put Stewart back in the field again.

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, celebrates with his crew members after winning the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway . (Photo Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America)

However, with four fresh tires and a fire in his belly (and some well timed cautions) Tony worked his way back up the field. Racing with Jeff Gordon, Tony discovered there was more grip on the outside then he though which gave him the confidence to pass Jimmie Johnson on the outside after the last caution.  Tony moved up to second in the points and is only 8 points behind the points leader Carl Edwards.  He is 13 points ahead of third place Kevin Harvick.

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. (Photo Credit: by John Harrelson/Getty Images North America)

Notes on Martinsville:

1. While I absolutely LOVE Tony’s “We’re not giving up” radio battle cry while battling Denny Hamlin, I was also pretty fond of some chatter I found out about on twitter.  After Jr. turned Joey Logano and Logano said “He just turned me.” His crew chief Greg Zipadelli reportedly replied back with “I’m sick of this shit. You better grow some balls and take care of it.” LOVE it.
2. I am still of the mind that speeding at any point of pit road should not be tolerated.   Pit road at Martinsville is tight enough to begin with with the drivers speeding between the “speed traps” it is only putting the crew members at greater risk. I think NASCAR really needs to add more of the “traps” to each pit road and randomize which ones will be used during any point during a particular round of pit stops.
3. Speaking of tight pit quarters, Sean Irvan, the jackman from the #38 car was treated and released from a Martinsville area hospital for injuries suffered when struck on pit road by Mark Martin during pit stops. He suffered a concussion (and loss of consciousness) neck and knee injuries.
4. I loved Marty Smith’s pre-race interview with Brad Keselowski. Marty really does some of the best interviews around in my opinion both on camera and written.
5. I love the Toyota commercial with Kyle Busch where he pulls into the puts and the crew changes his car from his NASCAR to a street car. It’s a cool commercial all-around, but my favorite part is at the end when Kyle’s singing along to Loverboy’s Working For The Weekend and he gets out of synch with the lyrics and while the lyric he should be singing is “everybody wants a little romance” he actually sings the lyric from a little further in the song so he actually sings “everybody needs a second chance.”  I LOVE that on so many levels. I mean honestly who doesn’t get the lyrics wrong some time. And there is just something apropos about needing a second chance. LOVE IT.
6. Speaking of loving it…I love this picture of Tony signing autographs in the garage:

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/El Monterey Chevrolet, signs autographs in the garage prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images North America)

Next weekend is TEXAS.  #KeepDiggingTony and Stewart Haas Racing!

Tony started the race 9th because rain washed out qualifying about a third of the way into the qualifying session. On track during the race Tony could be seen anywhere from 26th to 2nd but seemed to spend a majority of the racing hanging out about 14th spot (funny since that is his number).  I seemed to notice that he seemed to do best towards the latter part of the runs and that is typically when he would work his way up further into the field.

Tony Stewart drives the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet during testing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Kentucky Speedway on July 7, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images North America)

I will say this…I loved the Office Depot Foundation Back-To-School paint scheme. I loved the rulers lining the bottom and the pencils around the windows on the greenhouse.  Tony’s 12th place finish did move him up to 11th in the points standings and is now only 3 points out of the 10th position but is still winless (COME ON WIN NUMBER 40) this season.

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, stands in the garage during a rain delay prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway on July 8, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)

Race winner was Kyle Busch- who actually deserved to win- as he had a pretty awesome run.

Notes on Kentucky:

1. The big news from Kentucky, aside from their flippant attitude about driver safety, is that there were fans who had paid tickets that were turned away because of lack of parking at the facility.  This would PISS me off.  Horrendous to hear about the horrid traffic…but you sit me in traffic for 3-5 hours and when I finally get there turn me away because there is no room to park? I would be freaking LIVID.  I really think Kentucky is not ready for a cup race…this date should go back to a track that can handle this kind of traffic. (you can read some fan comments about Kentucky in THIS sbnation article). Misty thinks a second date at Las Vegas- maybe for a night race would be better. I say that sounds good to me.  Or bring back an Auto club date or an Atlanta date…but I am all for night racing in Vegas.
2. I actually watched Tony Stewart’s  DirecTV Hot Pass channel for parts of the race- because I could and I forgot how sleepy Bob Jeffery’s, his spotter, voice makes me.  I guess that is a good thing that he is calm and collected. Because I could never be a spotter- even if I weren’t afraid of heights….I am way too excite-able during a race. You should have heard the string of profanities I let go when Tony ended up in the tires at Infineon.  Heck during this race, I may have proclaimed SHIT!  NOW WE ARE A LAP DOWN…while sitting across the room from my 16 month old nephew. Oh well- at least the older one was in the other room because he is a little sponge right now and if he hears it? He says it.  But at least Aunty knows she didn’t teach him his first curse word.
3. One thing I LOVED about the race coverage for Kentucky?  The incar shot from behind Tony so that you could see him sitting in the car, and his dashboard- kind of from his perspective but up a bit higher? I assume the camera was mounted on the roll bar somewhere? Well where ever it was mounted- that is an AWESOME shot.  LOVE IT. Thank you for that view.
4. I wish I could find a better picture of Tony’s helmet that he wore for the Office Depot foundation paint scheme. It looks awesome. This was the best picture I could find:

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, sits in his car during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway on July 8, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images North America)

Next week: Sunday at Louden New Hampshire.

Bonus Tony Picture:

I think his expression is priceless.

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway on July 8, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America)

I only mention this because when I sat down to watch the Kansas race that is EXACTLY how I felt about his chances. First off- Tony seemed to have a strong car in first practice. Second practice didn’t go so hot, but as my wise friend told me- who knows what they were doing- possibly running in a different trim than the rest of the field or experimenting with alternate setups. Qualifying went alright- I would much rather see Tony qualify 13th than 28th or whatever. Plus did I mention that I really enjoyed THE GLADES/OFFICE DEPOT paint scheme with that big bleeding ORANGE on the hood (emphasis on orange because for some reason unbeknownst to me- many fans thought it was a peach)? Because I have to say this paint scheme rocked:

The Glades/Office Depot Chevy (Photo by: Stewart-Haas Racing)

Hmm where was I? I got distracted by the cool paint scheme.  Oh yeah, cautiously optimistic- that was me.  I continued with my cautious optimism throughout 90% of the race. Tony obviously had a great car because while he started in 13th he moved through the field quickly breaking into the top ten and hung in the top ten nearly the entire race including a stint leading while attempting to prep for a few mileage ending.  I say attempting because in the subsequent pit stop there was apparently an issue with the gas can (again) and the car didn’t get a full tank.  This forced the crew to call Tony into the pits with 10 laps to go.

Tony Stewart pits the #14 The Glades/Office Depot Chevrolet during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series STP 400 at Kansas Speedway on June 5, 2011 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images North America)

(Side note about picture above- I just thought I would share that it bothers me when the pit crew uniforms don’t match the paint scheme.  I realize it’s a money issue but it still bothers my delicate sensibilities.)

All was not lost however.  Tony did end up finishing 8th in the race- which is better than his 13th starting position. And while yes I know that one has nothing to do with the other- I have this weird thing where I always feel better if Tony finishes better than where he started.   Tony Stewart moved up one position in the Sprint Cup standings and is now 8th.

Race winner was a very happy Brad Keselowski!

Tony in the cockpit of THE GLADES/OFFICE DEPOT Chevy. (Borrowed from the Official Tony Stewart Facebook page- Copyright, CIA Stock Photography, Inc)

NOTES:

1. One of the main reasons this recap didn’t get published right away is because I wanted to see how my fantasy league did this race.  Oh I haven’t mentioned it lately? Well it’s because I have been kinda hanging out in the lower middle of our standings.  Well considering that all six of my drivers finished in the top 16 and 4 of them finished in the top 8 – I knew I would jump up…but I wasn’t sure how high. Well I can proudly say I am now 39th (hey…I jumped 21 spots- whoo go me).
2. As I was writing this it was announced that Stewart-Haas Racing has released Director of Competition Bobby Hutchens.  Matt Borland was promoted internally to Vice President of Competition and will also serve as the Interim Director of Competition until that position is filled.  There was no mention as to a reason for Hutchen’s release from the team.
3. SB Nation reported yesterday that Stewart’s teammate Ryan Newman may have received a secretive fine from NASCAR for his possible physical altercation with Juan Pablo Montoya in the NASCAR Hauler earlier in the season.  Of course no one will comment officially beyond the usual “what happens in the hauler stays in the hauler” rhetoric.  Of course if NASCAR did confirm the fine (which they didn’t) they would also be confirming that the “alleged” altercation was actually actual and not alleged after all. Plus how can a secret fine be secret if it’s confirmed.  Doesn’t this all sound like something straight from The Onion?
4. I feel I can’t go without mentioning that car owner Richard Childress was fined for the physical altercation he initiated in the garage area after the Camping World Truck race on Saturday.  Kyle Busch was not fined or punished in any way.
5. If you were moved by the piece on Jamie McMurray visiting tornado ravaged Joplin during the pre-race…you really should check out this article on it by Marty Smith over on ESPN.  It’s an awesome piece of writing about a heart-wrenching tragedy. Be sure to have tissue near by and don’t read it at work unless you want officemates to see you all teary.
6. There was a reason for Tony to be running THE GLADES beyond the fact that Sunday was the first episode of the new season. I have mentioned this before but Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards and Joey Logano will be in a NASCAR themed episode that airs June 26th. Thank goodness for DVRS because I will probably sitting in traffic somewhere in the bay area when it shows.
7. And just moments before I was about to hit PUBLISH on this post I found this great interview with Tony Stewart on NASCAR.COM by Joe Menzer. Check it out.

Next Week: Pocono- that evil triangle!

The Mobil 1/Office Depot Car on track at Dover. (Photo Courtesy of Glen Bure, for BadGroove)

Right off the bat Tony found out his “cautiously optimistic” hopes about his car would be dashed when he found the car to be so ill-handling that at one point during the race he described it like trying to drive a skateboard. Couple that with a major fueling malfunction on a pit stop just past the 100 lap mark (as in the car didn’t get ANY fuel because the new gas can failed to connect to the car’s fuel hookup).  Stewart soon found himself flailing around at four laps down while still battling handling on a car that didn’t seem to to like the rubber on the track.  It was enough to put anyone in a bad mood!  While spending most of his time in 33rd and 34th position he was able to bring it home in 29th place- yet still a miserable six laps down from race winner Matt Kenseth (who won his second race of the season).  Tony dropped three positions in the Chase points standings down to 10th.

Tony and Crew in the pits. (Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images North America)

NOTES ABOUT DOVER:

• You can be pretty sure that Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch  aren’t going anywhere near each other anytime soon considering they are both on PROBATION.  Both drivers are in the top five in the championship points and neither driver is going to risk further action by the sanctioning body that might cost them points.  So all that pre-race “feud” hype was just that- HYPE.
• I am still not clear why Kevin Harvick was fined and put on probation in the first place. Those of you who have read me a long time know I love Kyle – but it was his actions that put people at risk- not Kevin’s.
• Is it a coincidence that while I was scrawling out this entry in my notebook (yeah I do it old school) that the shuffle mix on my iPod decided to play Adam Sandler’s “Piece Of Shit Car?” Okay it probably was coincidence but I think even Tony Stewart would admit that it was pretty apropos.
• Also in the apropos category- did you happen to notice the one commercial during the national broadcast for the race? It was for the fall race at Dover (I think) and had a bunch of drivers talking about Dover and at the end Tony says “Ouch!”  Ouch indeed my man, ouch indeed!
• The Tony Stewart fan in me has a little rant she needs to get out now: Ok, seriously what we have to do to get Tony and the crew some freaking GOOD luck this season?  Do NOT make me dig out the $2.00 bill that I’ve had since I was a kid and hunt Tony down to give it to him.  Sigh.

What’s a guy gotta do to get a little luck on his side:

Tony Stewart sits in his car during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series FedEx 400 Benefiting Autism Speaks. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)

Does that face not look like it could use some GOOD luck?

Special thanks to Glen Bure who sent me these Tony Stewart pictures from Dover specifically for BadGroove’s use- ENJOY them- I certainly do!

Tony heading to the Driver's Meeting. (Photo Courtesy of Glen Bure for BadGroove)

Tony at Driver Intros...I wonder what he's saying? (Photo Courtesy of Glen Bure for BadGroove)

Tony standing on PitRoad before the race at Dover. (Photo Courtesy of Glen Bure for BadGroove)

Tony and Darian stand on pit road. (Photo Courtesy of Glen Bure for BadGroove).

Next Race is the non-points All-Star race this Saturday night (and don’t forget The Pit Crew Challenge that I LOVE).  The next points race is the endurance race at Charlotte Motor Speedway – The Coca-Cola 600.

The message behind Kyle Savoie’s letter was how dreams are important and to never give up on your dreams. He even sent us his five dollar-allowance with the letter in an effort to help support our KBM truck team.  He suggested that if other kids followed his lead, they could serve as the sponsor for a race.  In return, he suggested that we would put their names and school pictures on the truck. I obviously don’t want kids to send us their allowances, but I loved the idea of recognizing kids for positive experiences and achievements by putting their name and picture on my truck! ~ Kyle Busch, Team Release

Thus the Riding Shotgun with Kyle Busch Motorsports essay contest was born: To recognize Kyle Savoie for inspiring the contest, a decal with his name and picture adorned the area above the passenger window of the No. 18 Dollar General Toyota Tundra driven by Busch in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18.

Children ages 5-12 living in the United States  can submit an essay of 150 words or less describing an experience and/or achievement that occurred in the last 12 months that has affected their  life in a positive way.  The deadline for the next Riding Shotgun with KBM race (Kansas) is May 21st 2011.

Essay Rules are:

Essay Topic: In 150 words or less, describe an experience and/or achievement that occurred in the last 12 months that has affected your life in a positive way.

Eligibility: Children age five to 12 who reside in the United States are eligible.

Essay Deadline: The winning essay for Kansas Speedway will be selected on May 21, 2011. Sorry, but entries submitted after the deadline (deadline in parentheses) will not be considered due to time constraints.

Prize: One winner in each race market will have their name and a 2.5″ x 3.5″ photo displayed above the passenger side window of the No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota Tundra for the selected race.  Within six weeks of the completion of the race, the winner will receive an autographed 8″ x 10″ photo of the No. 18 KBM Toyota Tundra from the race in which their name appeared on the truck.

Submitting entries: Entries can be submitted via email essay@kylebuschmotorsports.com or mailed in to:

Kyle Busch Motorsports

351 Mazeppa Rd.

Mooresville, N.C.  28115

Attn: “Riding Shotgun” Essay Contest

In addition to your essay and 2.5″ x 3.5″ photo*, please be sure to include the following information:

*Parent or legal guardian must approve submission of the contestant’s photo.  By submitting a photo, parent or legal guardian grants Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) the right to display submitted photo and child’s name on the No. 18 Toyota Tundra and the company website and/or marketing materials.  Photos will become the property of KBM and will not be returned to the contestant. No purchase is necessary to submit an entry.

Name:

Age:

Parent or Guardian Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Contact Phone:

School:

Closest NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Track:

There are eight more races left in the Camping World Truck Series where children can submit an essay in order to get their name and picture on a KBM CWTS truck:  Kansas (June 5),  Kentucky (July 7), Michigan (Aug. 20), Bristol (Aug. 24), Chicagoland (Sep. 16), Talladega (Oct. 22), Texas (Nov. 4) and Homestead-Miami (Nov. 18).