On the way home...

Wow...what an amazing 6 days in Texas. Now I've been to Texas a few hundred times over the years...but never this Texas. I've heard the slogan "Texas...A Whole Other Country", but it's kinda true. There are so many different parts of Texas, and now I've found a part that I love. Not that I didn't love the other parts of Texas I've been to, but Central Texas, Brownwood, Santa Anna, Brady...that's remote...coyotes running past you in the dark remote, no cell or internet service remote, staring a 12 point buck in the eyes remote...I stopped counting at one million stars remote. It was so beautiful and quiet. The twins and I stayed at a "ranch"...it was really a farm. Brought back a lot of memories from my youth. We got out some 4 wheelers and had a blast for 4 days. I even got the girls up at 6:30am today to ride until we had to leave for the airport. Eight of us went to a deer blind on Saturday to hunt deer. Andy was so ready to kill a deer...unfortunately, deer don't travel much at noon, so the shooting was relegated to a dead tree about 250 yards out. Both twins, Isaac, and 4 girls took turns firing the 30/30. It was loud and fun! The girls took turns taking pictures of each other holding the gun...always a photo op for them.
The services went great...I emceed and had a blast. The kids were wonderful! The nights were freezing. The crowd loved it. Pastor Danny was great on Friday night and Rachael Lampa was fabulous on Saturday night. She is cuter than the dickens...and we all know how cute the dickens are. She stayed until the last person who wanted an autograph got one. It was neat to watch.
The service went well yesterday in Brownwood at Heartland Church. The only bad thing that happened was that Sandy hurt her foot real bad. Then danced one more dance...what is wrong with that girl? We're going for X-rays tomorrow. She may have torn some tendons in the arch of her foot...she's on crutches now as we're at the airport in Houston.
The folks in Brownwood really want us to move there...I don't see that happening soon, but maybe someday.

The stars at night...

shine so bright...deep in the heart of Texas...where I currently am. Sandy, the twins and I are in Brownwood, TX for a Christmas concert/dance that Sandy is producing. I get to emcee! Sandy's dance team from Oasis is flying in tonight. We also have our pastor, Danny Chambers, as the guest singer/speaker on Friday night. Saturday night Dove Award winner Rachael Lampa is coming in to be the guest singer. Sandy will do some solo dances and her crew has several dances, too. It should be fun. It is an event to open a satellite church for Heartland Church in Brownwood. The second church is in Santa Anna, TX. It is a very small, but incredibly loving community. We are staying at a ranch house that is also a drug rehab facility. It is so far out in the country. I have seen tons wildlife, including deer, skunks, foxes, coyotes, oh, and a bobcat! It is really cool! I was outside last night and I have never seen so many stars...makes me want to live a simpler life.

Vs.

Tonight I am working for Vs. doing a hockey game here in Nashville with the Predators taking on the St. Louis Blues. I am stealing money. There are some shows that I am on that I earn every dollar and am still owed some, but on a show like tonight...I have very low responsibility, only 2 cameras to keep track of, and have time to enjoy the game...
But my focus will be torn because I will be thinking about the mighty Ball State Cardinals going for an undefeated season on ESPN.
But even greater than that, Zach has his first wresting meet of the season...yes, I do hear "Cat's in the Cradle" playing softly in the background.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ice and Hardwood

Sandy and I flew home from Key Largo yesterday...I was home about 2 hours then had to get to a hockey game. Today I took Zach to school, then drove to Memphis to do a Grizzlies game tonight. I am kinda tired. This is what I'll be doing until the roar of the engines start again in February. I got confirmed for next NASCAR season today, so that is nice knowing that is solid.
The hockey and basketball is pretty easy. I don't do much but replays, so that is easy.
I've got Zach booked on 3 games coming up as a utility. He asked me over the summer if he could do that. The money is great for a kid...he's excited! He'll be doing it on his off weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Chip off the old block!

The Last Raceday of 2008!

Well, it has finally arrived...the finish line! It has been a fun year, but I am kinda glad it has wound down. This last trip has been fun since Sandy came with me and I got to dive last night.
On to the racing...I believe that Jimmie Johnson is unstoppable to win the Sprint Cup this season and tie the legend, Cale Yarborough, with 3 consecutive titles. Having said that, I believe Carl Edwards will push Jimmie pretty hard. Carl won lasts nights Nationwide race and is starting up front today. Jimmie starts mid-pack. I predict Carl Edwards will win this race today and take home a nice trophy, but not the one he really wants...Jimmie will get that one.
3). Denny Hamlin
2). Greg Biffle
1). Carl Edwards

Although this blog started as a log of my last year freelancing on the road every week, things have changed, the economy has changed and my plans have changed, therefore, it will continue...I don't know from where for the next two months, but in February, we'll be back in Daytona for another season on the road with SPEED and NASCAR.

Have a great last Raceday of 2008!

Key Largo

Pop Quiz, Hotshot! Who sang the song "Key Largo"?
Was it:
A) Christopher Cross
B) Jimmy Buffett
C) Bertie Higgins
D) Kenny Chesney
Although all 4 singer/songwriters listed above are associated with songs about the beach, sailing, the ocean, etc...the answer is:

C. Bertie Higgins...did you get that right? "Here's lookin' at you, kid.." Will that song be running through your head all day now?

Well, the hotel is nice...not crazy nice, but nice. The beach is about 50 yards long, but it is pretty. The water is pretty, but not the ocean...it is an inlet. I hope to have some time off tomorrow to snorkel. I went out and walked some last night in the water. Full moon...it was pretty. Sandy was sleeping...maybe tonight we'll have that 50 yard romantic walk...but I heard earlier today that someone caught a 4 foot hammerhead shark off the dock, which is about 25 yards out from the beach. If Sandy finds that out, I doubt she'll get in the water.

Breaking news from NASCAR: Testing in Daytona in January is cancelled. It is a cost cutting measure. What sucks is that it is a cost cutting measure to me...my cost for working testing has now been cut. I was booked for 21 days in Daytona in January. Now I'll have to find other work for the month. Oh, well...I haven't spent the check yet, so that's good.
It is the last race of the year and the championship for all three series is still up for grabs. In trucks, it's a tight battle between Ron Hornaday and Johnny Benson. In Nationwide, Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards are battling it out. In Sprint Cup, the 2 time defending champion, Jimmie Johnson, can win the championship over Carl Edwards by just finishing 36th or better.
It's been a great season. I'm glad it's nearly over.

Red Carpet...

Why is the red carpet always red in award shows? The earliest known reference to walking a red carpet in literature is in the play Agamemnon by Aeschylus, written in 458 BC. When the title character returns from Troy, he is greeted by his vengeful wife Clytemnestra who offers him a red path to walk upon:
"Now my beloved, step down from your chariot, and let not your foot, my lord, touch the Earth. Servants, let there be spread before the house he never expected to see, where Justice leads him in, a crimson path."
Agamemnon, knowing that only Gods walk on such luxury, responds with trepidation:
"I am a mortal, a man; I cannot trample upon these tinted splendors without fear thrown in my path."
In 1902, The New York Central Railroad used plush crimson carpets to direct people as they boarded their 20th Century Limited passenger train. This is believed to be the earliest modern use of the "red carpet treatment" as part of ceremony.
Anywho...I am at the Red Carpet of the CMA Music Awards tonight. I will be in the truck, of course, so I will have no access to the celebs....but if I did I think a probation violation might come into play...I love me some Faith!
In case you do watch the Red Carpet Live Show before the CMA Awards show on ABC tonight, I will be the guy who makes all the little montage packages of the "stars" in and out of breaks....unless it looks really bad, then the other guy did it.
This time tomorrow I will be in sunny Florida, at least I hope it's sunny. The last race of the season!!!
oh, and the hotel, as you recall, is on the beach in Key Largo...snorkel city!!!!!

Raceday in Phoenix...

It is a very pretty morning here in Phoenix...there were some incredible cloud formations this morning as the wind is really picking up. This type of cloud formation is known as a mammatus cloud. The name "mammatus" is derived from the Latin mamma (breast), due to the resemblance between the shape of these clouds and human female breasts...sorry, the blog just went PG.
On the racing front, no one is hotter than Cousin Carl...he's won the last 3 races he's driven in, last night's Nationwide race and the Cup races in Atlanta and Texas. He is primed to win again today and is the only realistic threat to Jimmie Johnson's trek to a 3rd straight Sprint Cup title.
Jimmie fought back by winning the pole position, but Carl was faster than Jimmie in the last two practice sessions, so it could be very exciting. One big X-factor in Phoenix is the sun. Coming out of turn four and down the front stretch, the drivers are looking directing into the setting sun. You know how annoying it is to drive straight into the sun...well, imagine it without a sun visor, oh, and at 180 miles per hour with 42 other guys right next to you. Geeezzz...I couldn't do it.
By the way...If I was a gamblin' man, I would've cleaned up with last week's picks!!!
Here are my predictions...
3). Kevin Harvick
2). Jimmie Johnson
1). Carl Edwards
Have a great raceday!

Feenicks...

2nd to last race in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season and we're in Phoenix, AZ. Not much has changed here in Avondale, where the track is located, except that the crop this time of year, I believe, is sorghum. Who knew? Oh, also a cotton field is in full splendor. And plenty of new Walgreens and CVS's, or is it CVSi?
I like coming to Phoenix...the weather is almost always sunny and during the fall race, it's not too hot! High 70's during the day and mid 40's at night...I may not camp out in the desert like I did...well, I've never camped out in the desert, but if I did, it would be pretty cold doing it tonight.
Carl Edwards is at least making this chase race interesting. He is only 108 points behind Jimmie Johnson after a really gutsy call to stay out and not pit for fuel and win the race in Ft. Worth, TX. If Jimmie has another bad day on Sunday and Carl wins another or places really high, this could be a great finish in Homestead next week.
Hope you all have a great end of the week wherever you're at! Phoenix is nice.

Bigger than any Raceday....

It is election day here in the United States...some of my Canadian friends have been asking me if the US is going to vote for change...I think, as a nation, in every election, we vote for change of some kind...even if we vote to re-elect the same candidate. I write to my Congressman on a monthly basis. She usually sends me back some form letter, but it does deal with my concern, question or suggestion. We have yet to sit down for dinner, but I'm hoping someday!
The following is something I read on Holly Anderson's blog, but I absolutely loved it and felt guilty for my whining and grateful to God once again for the amazing country we live in....

No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....

"As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.

F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day?

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations.

They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."


Hopefully, you say a prayer of thanks today to the Lord for this great country...and pray that it will draw closer to Him no matter who is elected today.

Raceday in Texas

I hope everyone landed safely when you fell back in the wee hours of this morning. Health studies show that heart attacks decrease on this day every year...so sleep is very important.
The race today in Texas will be exciting...it always seems to be a fairly close finish. The track favors the top three drivers in the Chase, Carl Edwards (who won in the spring), Greg Biffle (multiple winner in Texas) and points leader, Jimmie Johnson (who could nearly wrap up the Chase today.)
Many people are pulling for pole sitter, Jeff Gordon, to win his first race of the season. I'm not one of them. I think I've made it clear that I'm no fan of Jimmie Johnson's, but I'm also not real high on Jeff Gordon. Maybe it's the robotic clean boy image that Hendrick makes them lead. They don't seem to have much personality. I think that's why I do like Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart. You may not like their personalities, but they do have some.
Predictions for today:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Jeff Gordon
1). Carl Edwards
Have a great Raceday...only two more!!!!
Go Titans!

Everything's bigger...

We're back in the great lone star state of Texas. It's a triple header weekend with Trucks racing Friday night, Nationwide racing Saturday afternoon and Cup racing Sunday afternoon. With baseball FINALLY finished, feel free to fill up your sports television viewing hours with lots of vehicles turning left on SPEED and the other fine family of networks...except if you don't have cable, sorry, Mom....maybe Santa will bring you a Dish for Christmas.
Have a great weekend!

TJ...never in a racecar, as far as I know.

I have been studying Thomas Jefferson lately...he was a pretty smart dude. We could use some of his wisdom today. I have compiled a few of his quotes and may post a few more after I digest these...


A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.
Thomas Jefferson

A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor and bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.
Thomas Jefferson

Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper.
Thomas Jefferson

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
Thomas Jefferson

All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.
Thomas Jefferson

Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.
Thomas Jefferson

An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.
Thomas Jefferson

An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes.
Thomas Jefferson

An injured friend is the bitterest of foes.
Thomas Jefferson

As our enemies have found we can reason like men, so now let us show them we can fight like men also.
Thomas Jefferson

Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.
Thomas Jefferson

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.
Thomas Jefferson

Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind.
Thomas Jefferson

Books constitute capital. A library book lasts as long as a house, for hundreds of years. It is not, then, an article of mere consumption but fairly of capital, and often in the case of professional men, setting out in life, it is their only capital.
Thomas Jefferson

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.
Thomas Jefferson

Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto.
Thomas Jefferson

Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.
Thomas Jefferson

Delay is preferable to error.
Thomas Jefferson

Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.
Thomas Jefferson

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.
Thomas Jefferson

Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.
Thomas Jefferson

Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it.
Thomas Jefferson

Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.
Thomas Jefferson

Don't talk about what you have done or what you are going to do.
Thomas Jefferson

Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.
Thomas Jefferson

Chew on those for awhile.

The Chase...on many fronts...

Here we are in a much drier Atlanta today for Raceday...
Today's discussion in our tape room got quite lively when it drifted to politics...I am really ready for this race and that race to be over. No matter what your political leanings, please vote and especially pray for our country. It will be an unprecedented outcome no matter who wins.
Back to the much more insignificant racing world...once again, Cup qualifying was rained out, so Jimmie Johnson was awarded the pole position and the pit stall of his choice. With the points lead he has, the position he gets when qualifying is washed out and his incredible ability to take this battle and crush the competition, I feel like Jimmie Johnson, under the guidance of his genius crew chief, Chad Knaus, will take his third consecutive Sprint Cup Championship. It really is his to lose. Barring a 43rd finish the next two weeks, the competition is really over. Don't tell NASCAR, SPEED or ESPN I said that...they want you to keep tuning in...but, it's over. I hope I am wrong.
Predictions for today's race:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Carl Edwards
1). Jimmie Johnson

Have a great raceday...Go Titans! Heading to 7-0!!!! GO BSU CARDINALS...8-0!!!!!

Soggy ATL...

How 'bout a little update...It's been a busy week for me. I got home from Martinsville on Monday morning, did a little laundry, then headed up to Indiana. I spent Monday night, Tuesday and Wednesday in Indiana having some fun. On Tuesday and Wednesday I went to my alma mater, Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana and was the guest lecturer at a telecommunications class. There were 12 young men who were interested in getting into sports television. I had a blast just talking with them and working with them on some projects. Tuesday night I had a meeting with some high school classmates to plan our 25th reunion for this coming summer. It was great seeing some folks I haven't seen since graduation! We are going to have a great time on July 18th, 2008!

I drove back to Nashville on Wednesday night, did a little laundry and Thursday did a hockey game for the Calgary Flames playing our very own Nashville Predators. What, you say! Aren't you supposed to travel to your racing venue on Thursday. Yes, I am. I actually begged off and got to "double dip", as it's called in the business. I got credit for travel and set in Atlanta even though I didn't get here until 3:00am, plus put in 12 hours at the hockey game. Christmas is coming...and the boys all want Macs!
It is raining here in the ATL...and it probably will all day. There are lights here at this track and there is supposed to be qualifying for the Cup boys tonight. Since there have been so many qualifying sessions rained out this season, NASCAR has been taking some flack about not at least attempting to qualify. I say all that to say....we will be here late tonight.
Have a great day! Go BSU Cardinals!!!!!

Rubbin's racin...

How 'bout a little history lesson about this great city of Martinsville, VA....Martinsville was founded by American Revolutionary War General Joseph Martin, whose plantation "Scuffle Hill" was located on the banks of the Smith River near the present-day southern city limits. General Martin and revolutionary patriot Patrick Henry, who lived briefly in Henry County and for whom the county is named, were good friends.
The city's chief industry for many early years was the manufacture of plug chewing tobacco. The Henry County area became known as the 'plug tobacco capitol of the world.' In the wake of the collapse of the plantation economy following the Civil War, the local economy had been left reeling. Stepping into the breach were several thriving plug firms which sold their merchandise across the nation beginning in the nineteenth century.
Martinsville is an independent city surrounded by and the county seat of Henry County, Virginia, United States. The population was 15,416 at the 2000 census. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Martinsville with Henry county for statistical purposes. Martinsville is home to the paper clip-shaped Martinsville Speedway, the shortest track in NASCAR stock car racing [0.526 miles (0.847 km)] and also one of the first paved "speedways", being built in 1947.
Good stuff...so now you know where to go when you run out of plug tobacco. There are still lots of tobacco fields I pass on the way to the track from the hotel we stay at in Greensboro, NC. I can pick you some fresh leaves, but I need to hear from you today.
Today's race grid was set according to points since qualifying was rained out for a record 9th time this season. I like the beating and banging you get here at Martinsville, but it lacks the speed since it is a mere half mile track as earlier noted. As Harry Hogge said in the legendary movie "Days of Thunder", "No, no, he didn't slam you, he didn't bump you, he didn't nudge you... he *rubbed* you. And rubbin, son, is racin'. "
Predictions for today's race:
3). Denny Hamlin
2). Jimmie Johnson
1). Jeff Gordon
Have a great raceday!

Fall in Martinsville...

It is so pretty in Martinsville, VA this time around. The leaves are in full color, but the temperature is still high. It should cool off a lot this weekend. I like the Martinsville track because you can see all the cars the whole time. That is much better for the spectators, in my opinion. Even in these tough economic times, the tracks still have plenty of fans...the numbers are down, but the fans are happy...usually after their 14th Bud, but happy nonetheless.
The Chase is winding down on Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead are left. I am looking forward to Homestead. We are staying at Key Largo Resort...http://www.keylargoresort.com
Nice digs...sweet little Sandra Faye will finally be joining me on a trip...apparently she only will come when we stay on a tropical beach...bet she never makes it to the track!
Back to Martinsville...Jeff Burton has moved up to 2nd place behind Jimmie Johnson with his victory in Charlotte last week. I am now pulling for Jeff. He is such a nice guy. I am getting a little tired of Carl Edwards' antics...you know what Carl needs...he needs a wife. Someone who gets in his face and says, "Don't be an idiot, honey." I know Sandy does that for me. And it helps.
Enough Dr. Phil for today...
Have a great fall weekend!

Chicken of the Sea...is it tuna or chicken?

Gosh, it feels like I've been here in Charlotte for a month! But Raceday is finally here!
Speaking of Raceday, our prerace show, we had a pretty good show and actually covered Jessica Simpson singing a song. She was on our Trackside show yesterday...I used to really like her. She didn't bring much to the table, like she didn't want to be there. And she sang "Come On Over" on Raceday...the only not flat was....nevermind.

On to the race...night racing in Charlotte is so pretty...have you notice I really like night racing? Since qualifying was rained out, they line up by points, meaning Jimmie Johnson starts from the pole...and may never look back. He owns this track...his main sponsor, Lowes, has the naming rights on the track. Here are my predictions:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Jeff Gordon
1). Jimmie Johnson

And don't forget, it's Fire Prevention Day in Farmland, IN...be safe out there...stop, drop and roll!

The Queen City...

I have arrived early to my work this week. We have a Saturday night race in Charlotte, NC, but needed to come in today for a program on Thursday. Interesting thing...Charlotte is known as the Queen City. Oddly enough, there are 16 cities in the US currently or formerly nicknamed "The Queen City". For your reading pleasure, here they are....
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Bangor, Maine
Buffalo, New York
Burlington, Vermont
Charlotte, North Carolina, from being named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg
Cincinnati, Ohio
Clarksville, Tennessee
Cumberland, Maryland
Denver, Colorado
Helena, Montana
Manchester, New Hampshire
Plainfield, New Jersey
Seattle, Washington, used Queen City as its official nickname from 1869 until 1982
Springfield, Missouri
Staunton, Virginia
Virginia, Minnesota

I have been to a handful of those cities and have never seen a queen in any one of them...I have been to San Fransisco and seen several queens...maybe San Fransisco should be nicknamed "The Queen City"...just a thought.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today would have been my dad's 68th birthday...he passed away two weeks ago today. I miss him.
Happy Birthday, Dad!

Sweet Home Alabama...

Raceday in Talladega...
For many NASCAR fans, Talladega is the pinnacle of racing...for the others, they don't know what pinnacle means. Just kidding.
This two mile superspeeday is a great place to race...they get 3 or 4 or 5 wide...and "the big one" will happen. The Chase contenders main desire is to finish...to avoid the big one by being in front of it, or so far behind it they can avoid it.
I am pulling for my friend, Kenny Wallace, who qualified in the 00 car. He is subbing for Michael McDowell of Michael Waltrip Racing. Go Kenny!
My predictions are:
3) Carl Edwards
2) Jeff Gordon
1) Jimmie Johnson
But it's Talladega, anything can happen. If you can only tune in to the last 25 laps, do it...it is the best racing of the year!

Shake-n-bake...back in 'Dega

We're back in the deep south at one of the premiere tracks on the circuit...Talladega. This two mile track makes for great pack racing, with usually at least one "big one" and the potential to go from 1st to 30th in a matter of seconds.
I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel now with only 6 races to go after this weekend.
Hope you're having a great day!

We're not in Kansas anymore...oh, wait...yes, we are.

Sorry...I know I didn't get this done before the race started...hopefully all your bookies will let you still use this and place your bets. Remember, gamble responsibly.
I took the first couple of days of the race week off to go to my dad's funeral, so I just flew in here yesterday.
Here's what I think will happen today....
A Roush car will win....just can't decide which one.
Greg Biffle is on a tear! He has great potential today, but I think that maybe Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards may finish better. They both have great pit stops...but so does Biffle...I just don't know. Then there's the Hendrick bunch. Jimmie Johnson, the two time defending Cup champion is looking strong and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has been so consistent. The only one is question out of that bunch today is Jeff Gordon. He's been sick this weekend and they had Nationwide driver, Brad Keslowski, standing by in case Jeff couldn't keep from hurling. So far, no hurl
Sad to say, but Kyle Busch won't be the champ (ok, I'm not all that sad). After all his wins this season, he's smelling up the place in the Chase.
Here's my predictions:
3). Carl Edwards
2). Jimmie Johnson
1). Matt Kenseth

Have a great race day!

Memorial service for my dad....

We had an incredible memorial service for my dad in Muncie, Indiana last evening. Our pastor from years ago in Indiana, Mark Beeson, their current pastor, Gregg Parris, and my brother, Shane Bennett, all gave great messages. I saw friends I hadn't seen in more than 30 years! My family put together a great slide show with pictures from my dad's life...I hadn't seen some of those pictures for years...and my boys hadn't seen my incredi-mullet in all it's glory from the late 80's.
I got to hang out with two of my best friends, my old college roomates, Chad May and Brad Vaught. It was if time hadn't passed since we were all together last. What fun! Thanks for all your prayers!
We drove all night to get back to Nashville. Alex had to catch a bus to go to Women of Faith to dance with Nicole C. Mullen...not much sleep was had. We are negotiating with the other two boys about going to school for a half day. I think I'll win.
I am flying to Kansas City tomorrow to finish the race weekend. I'll update from there!

My dad, my hero...

My dad passed away last night. He heroically battled cancer for over a year.
Now my dad is a Christian so I have full confidence that I'll see him again in heaven.
And if you'll indulge me, I want to share a few memories...this is for me...feel free to read or not.

My dad always provided for our needs...not always our wants, and, for that, I am glad. When we kids started putting our extra pennies in a huge poodle shaped bubble bath bottle to save for a horse, he smiled, at least I think it was a smile. He knew that was a want, not a need. He was wise. We didn't get that horse, and that was probably for the best. We always had more than enough food, shelter, stuff. When we were very little he had a friend with a backhoe dig in the swamp on the property to make it a swimming hole. It was a rainy Labor Day...I would take breaks from the Jerry Lewis Telethon to go watch. He stocked it with some fish that he and our neighbor, Carl, got at a fish hatchery. I got to go on that trip, too. Maybe he was making a fishing pond that we could swim in and not a swimming hole that he could fish in...either way it was great for a kid.
As we got older and the fish didn't survive in the murky swamp water, he bought and constructed a swimming pool in the back yard. We helped him build this incredible deck that surrounded half the pool. What a delight summer after summer.
We always had many animals. My first memory of pets was our german shepherd named Joker. Joker chased and ate bumblebees. I don't know why. He was big enough for us to lie down on, and amazingly let us do so. As we got older, and Joker went to doggie heaven, we got other dogs. One was Lobo, a black lab mix. On the ride home after the purchase of Lobo, he decided car riding wasn't good on his tummy. He abruptly ralphed on my leg. I still liked him. Many dogs came and went. Bananas was the longest tenured dog. She listened to me rant and rave on many occasions. We also had a working farm...not that we farmed, but we had farm animals. Dad and Mom always bought baby calves and we raised them for meat. My vegan friends wouldn't approve of that, but, come to think of it, I may not have any vegan friends. We also had goats...one time as many as 21. Springs were incredible when the mama goats would have the babies. Baby goats are so much fun! A friend of ours even did an article in the newspaper about Dad, the farm, the goats and Dad's earth conscious behavior. Dad read a magazine called "Mother Earth News". While the magazine itself was full of weird new age propaganda, he was able to glean the good stuff out of it to help provide for the family. He made a solar powered shower out of a barrel, put it up on the roof of a building he built, and we had warm showers without using any electricity. He was way ahead of his time.
I really enjoyed growing up where I did and how I did. We worked hard cutting wood, taking care of the animals, taking care of the land and playing on a great property in the quiet of the country.
Probably the best thing he ever did for us was to take us to church. I was in church at two weeks old. His faith, as far as I knew, never faltered. He taught Sunday School for as long as I can remember. When he began watching TBN and learned about the Holy Spirit, he studied voraciously. He taught us, too. When the knowledge and experience he had with the Holy Spirit grew, he moved the family to another church that embraced the Holy Spirit. The skill and leadership he had was used well at Union Chapel. He has many friends to attest to that.
My dad always had a hobby...some out of necessity, some out of pleasure. Again, sorry to my PETA friends, if I have any, but I remember Dad would trap. The animals he caught would be sold to provide for the family. His pleasure hobbies were always changing. He was very musically inclined. I remember as kid we would all sit in the den, or "gun room" as we would call it, and sing along with him as he played. He mostly played folk music on his autoharp. He was very good. He loved Peter, Paul and Mary, Flatts and Scruggs, and '50's music. In his job at the Central Indiana Gas Company, he would work a swing shift. This was hard on me, but way harder on him. One week he would work days, then two days off, then afternoons, then two days off, then midnights. Then the cycle would repeat. I don't know how his body always handled that. It was just like him. It had to be done, so he did it. He had to perpetually be in jet lag mode. Anyway, his job provided him some down time, especially in the wee hours of the morning, so he would learn a new skill. He picked up a harmonica and taught himself how to play. He was very skilled at that, too. He got into CB radios. He used them to talk to the family when he was out of the house or driving way before cell phones were the norm. He also set up an elaborate cb at home that he would try to talk to the world with. He had a map on the wall with pushpins on the countries he'd talk to. I remember Japan as one of them along with all fifty states. When computers came along, he slowly made the trek into that world. He became very skilled at surfing the net for information, Photoshop, and great emails. In the past few years, he realized his dream...retirement and a pond. This time around, he designed the pond, had it dug professionally, stocked it with great bass and bluegill and cared for it meticulously. I think that may have been his proudest accomplishment on his property. It is still a great gathering place for all the family.
He traveled this country in the National Guard...took us on great vacations including Washington, DC, Charleston, SC and Panama City, FL. He loved deep sea fishing. He traveled the world spreading the Gospel. He went to India on several occasions and made some lifelong friends with some believers there.
He helped shape me into who I am today. He took care of the earth. He took care of others. He took care of us. He led people to the Lord. He took the talents God gave him and multiplied them.
And he made God smile. I know it.

Be-a-utiful Day in Dover!

Wow! First Raceday in awhile that is so pretty outside. Looks the same inside the truck.
It is a nice crisp fall day, but quickly warming up to 80 degrees!
Kyle Busch won his 8th Nationwide race last night and looks to take his 9th Cup race today. He won here earlier in the season and looks for the sweep. Greg Biffle is coming off his first win of the season in the first race in the Chase. Jimmmie Johnson still has the momentum after finishing 1st two weeks ago and 2nd last week.
This one mile concrete track is banked nearly all the way around, so you almost are always in a banked corner. Look for trouble at the entrance on pit road today. It comes up quick and is tight to get into. There are always some fenders getting bent up with drivers jostling for position to get off pit road.
My predictions today is:
3. Kyle Busch
2. Jimmie Johnson
1. Jeff Gordon

Congratulations to my Ball State Cardinals who are 4-0 after handing the IU Hoosiers their athletic supporters last evening!

Have a great raceday!

Dover. Ben Dover.

Dover, Delaware...Race 2 in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. It should be a nice crisp clear fall weekend here. We are covering the practices and qualifying out of our truck. It makes about twice the work, but live tv is so much fun!
They call this place the Monster Mile. They have a cool Monster out front.

Have a great fall weekend!

It's Rain Day instead of Race Day...

It's raining in New Hampshire this morning...looks like it may rain off and on all day. Therefore, we may not get this race in today. There are no lights here on the track, so they can't keep pushing it off. Also, this track is flat, so the rain doesn't dry off as easily as a banked track...gravity or something. If they do race, I think they'll get as many laps in as possible, but then finish it tomorrow. It is supposed to be clear tomorrow and I don't think they want a shortened race since we are now in the Chase.
Enough speculating...all I know is that it's raining. If it quits, we may or may not race. Definitely. Maybe.
Predictions:
3) Kyle Busch
2) Carl Edwards
1) Clint Bowyer

New Hampshire...same old hampshire.

It was 2 and a half months ago that we were here, but it doesn't seem that long ago. The chase is on...the top 12 has been decided...nobody jumped into the top 12 that wasn't there last week and no one fell out. Here are the standings with the adjusted points after the reset. Everyone is reset to 5000, and for each victory a driver has had this season, they get 10 bonus points. The +/- is how each driver moved after the reset:

RANK +/- DRIVER POINTS BEHIND
1 -- Kyle Busch 5080 Leader
2 -- Carl Edwards 5050 -30
3 -- Jimmie Johnson 5040 -40
4 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5010 -70
5 +7 Clint Bowyer 5010 -70
6 +5 Denny Hamlin 5010 -70
7 -2 Jeff Burton 5010 -70
8 -- Tony Stewart 5000 -80
9 -3 Greg Biffle 5000 -80
10 -- Jeff Gordon 5000 -80
11 -4 Kevin Harvick 5000 -80
12 -3 Matt Kenseth 5000 -80

I am pulling for 3 guys...Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart. Who are you pulling for?

Please remember to pray those families who lost someone in the 9/11 attacks on the 7th anniversary of that fateful day.

CAUTION: The next item is PG14!
And on another note that shows we MUST be in the end times...I just read a story about a 22 year old girl who is putting her virginity up for bids on the internet...seriously? She graduated from college and wants to get her masters degree in...get this, Family Therapy! She is trying to get money to pay for her education, and this is what she came up with?!?! She plans to "deliver the purchase" at a brothel in Nevada at the famed Moonlite Bunny Ranch. The Bunny Ranch has a reality type show on HBO, and I am neither confirming or denying that I've ever seen it...but I am sure there will be money made by a bunch of people at this girl's expense. Now I believe that you should "judge not, lest ye be judged" (when I am speaking King James), but where are we as a society that this is an option? I mean, I know there's not as many paper routes as there used to be with this new fangled "internets" and all, but surely there must be a better option. Any suggestions that I could send along to this girl to make some money for education that not so, uh,...whacked? (is "whacked" judgemental?) Feel free to respond.

Raceday in Richmond...

What was supposed to be a race night in Richmond is now a race day in Richmond thanks the Tropical Storm Hanna. After a relaxing day off (I did walk for a couple of hours around Richmond), we got up at dawn's crack, well before the sun, and are prepared for a great day of racing.
I believe I left off in the points standings with 7th place driver Kevin Harvick. If Kevin just starts the race, he, too, is locked into the Chase. The 8th through 12th positions are as follows...8th place, Tony Stewart...9th, Matt Kenseth...10th, Jeff Gordon...11th, Denny Hamlin...and 12th, Clint Bowyer. There are only 2 other drivers who are also in the hunt for the top 12 spots. They are David Ragan, who is currently 17 points out of 12th and Kasey Kahne who is 48 points out of 12th. Since there usually is no more movement than a couple of places in either direction each week, Stewart, Kenseth, and Gordon are pretty certain to make the Chase...basically, they just need to finish to lock in. 11th and 12th are up for grabs. In my own humble opinion, I would love to see Bowyer and Ragan in with Hamlin falling out. Clint Bowyer and David Ragan are two genuine guys who only have good things to say about their teams, their owners and other drivers (except for Bowyer's comment on his radio in Bristol when he said "Michael Waltrip is the worst driver in NASCAR! I don't know why NAPA signed on with him again!" OUCH!). David Ragan has improved so much over the last two seasons. Tony Stewart once described him as a dart with no feathers. That has changed and he has 12 top ten finishes this year including 5 top fives. I am not a Denny Hamlin fan. When something goes wrong with his race, he blasts his crew, his engine builders, his crew chief...everyone but himself. He's not a real team guy. If he wins, or finishes high, he says that "we" had a good day. If not, it is everyone else's fault. A couple of weeks ago, he said that his team is so bad they don't deserve to be in the Chase. That's not the kind of attitude you want your driver, the face of the team, to have, especially as you are in the stretch run trying to make the Chase. I hope he drops out and Bowyer and Ragan jump up to finish out the top 12. It would be great if Kasey made it in, too, but I think it is just too far out of his reach to make the cut.
Predictions for today:
3). Carl Edwards
2). Kyle Busch
1). Jimmie Johnson
Have a great Football day...I mean Raceday!

Rock you like a Hurricane...

With all due respect to the Scorpions, this is no hurricane...yet FEMA, who incidentally are staying at our hotel, has shut us down for tomorrow. We will finish up shows tonight then shut 'er down and lock the doors. Therefore, I get paid a full days wages to lay in my hotel bed in my underoos and watch college football on Saturday.
I understand being cautious, but last year we worked through a tornado in Texas! Anyway, the race tonight has been rescheduled for Sunday night at 7:00pm after the Cup race that has been rescheduled for 1:00pm Eastern.
Have a great weekend!

Convertible...again?

We have arrived in Richmond, Va for the second race here of the season and the last race to make it into the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The Chase for the Sprint Cup, originally known as "The Chase for the Championship" during its creation, and then "The Chase for the Nextel Cup" (from 2004 to 2007) is the championship system used in NASCAR's top division, the Sprint Cup Series. The Chase was announced on January 21, 2004, and first used during the 2004 Nextel Cup Series. The format used from 2004 to 2006 was modified slightly for the 2007 season. The 10 race Chase pits the 12 drivers with the highest "regular season" points against each other, while racing in the standard field of 43 cars. Beginning with the 2008 Sprint Cup Series, the Chase will be known by its new name as a result of the merger of Nextel Communications with Sprint Corporation. The driver with the most points after the final 10 races is declared the champion. Currently 5 drivers have already been locked into the Chase. They are Kyle Busch (8 wins this season), Carl Edwards (6 wins), Jimmie Johnson (3 wins), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (1 win), and Jeff Burton (1 win). Greg Biffle stands in 6th and will lock into the Chase just by starting his engine when the race starts.
I'll get into the bubble guys in my next post. I have some personal favorites and some personal not-so-favorites.
The next question is when will the "Rock and Roll 400" take place. We are closely monitoring Hannah and Ike...Hannah will probably dump a lot of rain on us on Friday and Saturday, so, with the race scheduled to be held on Saturday night, I think we will be here at least one extra day this week.
Sanford got us hooked up with another Sebring Convertible this week. We flew into Norfolk (since that is the closest Southwest gets to Richmond) and drove the 2 hours to the track.
I could get used to convertibles.

Raceday in California....

Sunday afternoon...temperature is high...ready to race. This race starts in daylight and finishes at night. The race is 500 miles long. If it is anything like last night's race, boredom will reign. Sorry...I'm no shill for NASCAR. This track is too wide...you can go 5 wide. In last night's race, Kyle Busch started on the pole, led 144 or 150 laps...boring.
On today's "Raceday" show, we had Drew Carey...he was really funny.
The hotel this week was nice...24 hour gym with 3 racquetball courts...I played racquetball for an hour or so Friday night...it was great.
With 2 drivers, Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards, already in the chase, there are only 10 spots remaining open. Probably 4 more will get locked in today. I'd like to see David Ragan make it in the chase. He's a great young kid.
Predictions:
3). Kyle Busch
2). Carl Edwards
1). Jimmie Johnson

Happy Labor Day!

Goin' Back to Cali...

Thanks, L.L. Cool J. Back in California...and it is toasty-warm here. I scored on the rental car this week with a Sebring convertible! So I've got that going for me. Not much new news...just setting up today...maybe In-N-Out Burger for dinner....mmmmmmm.
The twins are loving going to school. They have school at the co-op three times a week. They like going, so I think they'll learn while they're there. They are 2/5 of the 8th grade class, so neither will finish out of the top five in anything....nice.
Zach has started conditioning for wrestling. He could hardly walk yesterday, so I guess it is going ok.
Sandy is still working on a new "Worship Jams" commercial that will shoot Sept. 9th. None of the boys are in it this time...the end of an era. She is also starting to teach Tae Bo classes next week.
Signing off from the left coast.

It's Bristol at night, baby!

My favorite race of the year...Bristol under the lights! This is one I try to go out of the truck and watch...there isn't a bad seat in the house...but there isn't an empty seat in the house, either. I like to walk around the track with the cars coming toward me...you can get very close to the track. Pretty scary and loud!
We didn't have a call time until noon today, so I got to sleep in...Yippee! The flip side of that is we will be here until 3am.
It's so hard to make any predictions here since there isn't a fuel strategy battle, or better engines or whatever. It's just being able to get to the end without so much damage you can't finish. Some of the best short track guys are Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch and of course, Mark Martin...but it really is anybody's race. One bad wiggle can cost you a win...just ask Clint Bowyer who was so strong last night, then wiggled and Brad Keslowski slipped by him for the win.
No winner predictions this week...I just hope, again, that Kyle Busch doesn't win. 3 races until the Chase starts!

Under the Lights

You know something...you really don't have to worry about identity theft if you don't have an identity anybody else wants.

We made the long drive to Bristol, TN today...about 5.5 hours from NashVegas. The Nationwide boys run tomorrow night and the Cup boys run Saturday night under the lights. It is probably my favorite race...it is really pretty.

I have a fantasy football draft tonight...I pick first...should I go with LaDanian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson or even Tom Brady?
I think I'll go LT first.

The twins got braces on today! I am poorer because of it.

I have a root canal on Monday!!! What a pain. I am poorer because of it.

I have a great life, wonderful family and a great future! I am richer because of it.

(I should write for Hallmark!)

Raceday in Michigan

It's raceday...ok, it's already race time...I'm late posting and the race is already nearly halfway. Pretty boring race. I'm thinking that Carl Edwards, who won the Nationwide race yesterday, will win. And, of course, Kyle Busch will be right up there, too.
Not much new to report here. Still turning left.

Michigan again...

We're back in Michigan for the 2nd time this season. There was a big announcement today that wasn't a very well kept secret. Tony Stewart has hired fellow Hoosier, Ryan Newman, to be his teammate next season at Stewart Haas Racing. Tony will drive the #14 car, paying homage to his hero A.J. Foyt. Ryan will be driving the #4 car. That is the number that Tony first drove as a go cart driver a million years ago. I guess when you're the boss, you can pick what you want...out of what is left.
It should be a very pretty weekend up here...of course, saying that may change it. I have expected rain the last two weekends and they've gotten the race in. Our hotel is in Plymouth, which is an hour and 20 minutes from the track. That drive sucks. They have provided a bus for us tonight since we'll be here late and then have an early call tomorrow. PARTY BUS! I will probably sleep.
Michael Phelps is amazing. I still love women's beach volleyball. I watched some kayaking in a man-made circular, raging river...odd, but captivating. I enjoyed some handball and men's and women's gymnastics. I am really enjoying these Olympics.

Who Gives a.....

It's Raceday in Watkins Glen, but with preseason football and, more importantly, the Olympics...who gives a hoot about NASCAR today. I must admit....I don't. It's a rainy day here in Watkins Glen, so getting a race in may be tough. If they do get it in, my predictions are:
3) Jeff Gordon
2) Jimmie Johnson
1) Kyle Busch

Enjoy the Olympics!

At the Glen....

It's another road course weekend here at Watkins Glen, NY. I flew in yesterday to Albany, NY...little did I know it was nearly a 3 hour drive to Ithaca where our hotel is. The closest Southwest flies to the Glen is Albany, so that was my choice.
It has been raining on and off here and the forecast is for rain on Sunday, so we may get a bonus day of racing on Monday.

Not much new on the homefront. Sandy has been asked to cast the newest version of Worship Jams, this time called Radio Jams.
She will be holding the casting call next Saturday. Alex will be out with Nicole in Tampa, Fl so I'm not sure if he'll be able to audition.

Oh...even bigger news! Zach got his braces off yesterday!!! He has to wear a retainer and absolutely hates it, but understands why he has to wear it. We plan on getting braces on the twins by the end of the month. So, if you want to see Andy's gap before it's gone, you'd better call him up soon!

Raceday in Pocono#2

Great day for racing in Pocono...
But first, yesterday was fun..The hotel we stay in provided us with free access to all their amenities. I took the opportunity to go ATV riding. It was a blast! We got to go out with Robby Gordon and his crew, so they were pretty funny and pretty reckless.
It was an hour and a half of fun!
Raceday today...we've had a lot of rain, so very little practice...
My predictions:
3). Jimmie Johnson
2). Denny Hamlin
1). Kasey Kahne with the repeat win!

Pocono again...

We came back to Pocono again this weekend for another race. It is very pretty here this time of year. This is the view out my window. This is a big snow skiing area.


There is just a Cup race here this weekend, so that makes the workload a little lighter. We are staying at the "haunted" hotel again, but I was so tired last night, I went to sleep pretty easily...even without TBN left on the TV to chase away the boogieman.

Christmas in July

Last night I finished up working with Larry, the Cable Guy on his "Star Studded Christmas Extravaganza. It was a ton of fun. Monday was kinda boring...I actually only worked about 5 minutes during the 10 hours I was there. Tuesday exploded into 7 minutes of work during the 10. Yesterday was much better. We did a full dress rehearsal and then the show, live to tape last night. Trivia: Larry, the Cable Guy's real name is Dan Whitney.
You may wonder why do a Christmas taping in July...well, that gives them time to edit it for its late November airing. The highlight for me was seeing Charlie Callas.
He is very old now and couldn't walk very well, but he was the same funny guy I remember watching as a kid. His signature exaggerated facial expressions and sound effects were hilarious.
By the way...the DVD of the special comes a few days after the special airs, so buy a copy and see my name fly by.

"Certiforcator"

I just received a text from Alex. It says, "Dad mom is a certiforcator she passed" I pondered it for a moment, then my phone rang. It was Alex. He said, "Did you get my text?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Mom just found out she passed the test." To clarify, Sandy is now a certified TaeBo trainer....the good news is she is not actually a certiforcator...because we all know how detrimental that can be to a family and society in general. Hopefully now she can start to teach some classes, grow some clientele, and make some great money doing something she loves.

Raceday in Indy

It's a lovely day in Speedway, Indiana. The Allstate 400 is just a few hours away.
Last night's Nationwide race was once again won by Kyle Busch. With last night's win, Kyle set a modern day record for wins in a season by a driver in the NASCAR circuit. He has 15 wins this season in trucks, Nationwide and Sprint Cup combined. Whether you like him or not, he will probably win several more races this season and establish himself as one of the best drivers racing today. He actually has been more humble as the season goes along, so he may work out ok in my book.
I actually didn't see his win last night...I was enjoying "The Dark Knight", the new Batman movie. I really enjoyed it...though, I advise getting the small Coke...it is a looooong movie. I liked Heath Ledger's Joker, but I don't know if it was an Oscar winning performance...maybe as supporting actor.
Back to racing...the race starts at 2pm consisting of 160 laps around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway finishing 400 miles of wheel to wheel racing. Hopefully, it will be a great race, but this is the first time they've raced the "Car of Tomorrow" here. There has been an issue with tire wear, so we'll have to see how that plays out. The tires seem to be wearing out after 10-15 laps, and they have scheduled a competition caution at lap 10 to check the tire wear. They will have additional cautions if needed. They have backup tires that they use for Pocono races standing by if these tires fall apart.
My predictions...I think that former Pittsboro, IN resident, Jeff Gordon, will win his first race of the season and his record 5th Brickyard race. Jimmie Johnson will be a close 2nd and Kevin Harvick 3rd.
Have a great Raceday!

Change of Pace...

I went to the Indianapolis Indians game last night for a little change of pace. I walked from my hotel and someone was handing out some kind of ticket coupon, so I took one. Took it to the gate, asked for a box seat and for $4, I was in the 7th row behind the Indians dugout. It was a fun game to watch with the Indians scoring 6 runs in the 6th, and in some odd ways....squeeze bunt, wild pitch and some great hit and run. The only downfall was that right behind me were two redneck NASCAR fans from Charlotte who just couldn't stop talking about racing..."Every time I think I'm out, they keep pulling me back in."

Back in the groove...

I arrived at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway today to get back in the groove of working the races. I have spent the last three days here in Indiana visiting my parents and some of my siblings. I stayed at my brother Shane's house. Good times were had by all...especially as we Wii Bowled into the wee hours of the morning. It was great also to see my parents. I don't get to see them enough since I am the only child of their four living outside of Indiana. I spent Tuesday and part of Wednesday working at their house cutting some tree limbs, yard work, etc. It was good, hard, fun work. My dad is battling cancer, so he appreciated the help. I need to lose some weight, so the sweating was good for me.
I like coming to Indy because it feels like home...even though the first time I ever came to IMS was 2 years ago for a NASCAR race. I have never been here for any Indy car stuff, but if you listen really closely, you can hear echoing around the grandstands Tom Carnegie's voice ringing out "It's a new track rrrrrrrrrrecord!". Little known fact about Mr. Carnegie...Tom Carnegie, born in 1919 in Norwalk, Connecticut as Carl Kenagy (which is still his legal name) was the public address announcer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1946 to 2006.
A little too early to make any predictions for this week...we'll see after practice tomorrow who is looking good.
My vote...anybody, but Kyle Busch.

Walkin' in Memphis...

I'm in lovely Memphis, TN for a college football preseason special tomorrow. I came over here with a friend of mine from Nashville who will be with me in the tape room tomorrow. I'm staying at the lovely and historic Peabody...
http://www.peabodymemphis.com/

We went out to eat at Rendezvous. Really good!
http://www.hogsfly.com/

Then stopped by some "owl" establishment to watch the UFC fights.
http://www.hooters.com/

Then headed down to Beale Street to hear some music. Saw an incredible guy who played guitar and drums at the same time. His name is Richard Johnston.
http://www.richardjohnston.com


I also stopped to listen to a blues band called Saturn Delta Blues Band...kind of a take off of South Saturn Delta, a posthumous Jimi Hendrix album made that consists of leftover material such as demo tapes, unfinished takes, alternative takes or rejected material.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Saturn_Delta
(don't you just love Wikipedia?)

Anyway, no website for Delta Saturn Blues Band, but they were really good!

I also saw "Dancin' Felix" mingling in the crowd...couldn't find a website for him...only found a pole dancer from Australia named Felix...you're on your own with that /




I texted my nephew Jake to see if he wanted to come and visit me, but he was too busy playing croquet with Aubrey, Wellington, and Beasley in Germantown. He may come visit tomorrow if the fox hunt ends early.
Heading to Indiana on Monday...Whoo-hoo!

PS. Sandy has talked to Billy Blanks a bunch...really likes him...he was sharing some scriptures with her today to help her through the test and drills.
The boys are in Ft. Worth with Mimi and loving it.
To see their 1st place winning dance video, go to my final web site of the day...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwPErQa2aR0

Are You Lonesome Tonight...

It's another race weekend...oh, wait! No, it isn't! And I am enjoying not being at a race track today. But the house is lonely. The boys are all at "Youth America" and apparently loving it. Andy, Alex and 6 other kids from our youth group performed a dance (that Sandy taught them) for the talent show. They tried out on Tuesday and we're a huge hit. They performed it at the talent show on Wednesday night and won! The crowd went wild! They are performing it in front of the whole camp on tomorrow morning before the last service. Pretty cool.
Sandy has successfully arrived in Los Angeles for the Billy Blanks TaeBo Training Certification. In case I didn't mention it, she is going to LA to get certified at the Billy Blanks Training Center by Billy Blanks so she will be a Billy Blanks Certified TaeBo teacher. ( I get a nickel each time I type Billy Blanks on my blog). She will start teaching here in Franklin probably at our rec center and also at the church. She is excited, but nervous. Plus she has done so much dancing in the past few days (she also taught the same dance to another youth group and performed it last night in West Nashville) that she hurt her right knee a little bit. It was swollen this morning and pretty painful when she landed. She was going to ice it tonight as she studied her manual for TaeBo.
I am sitting at home watching TV. Pretty quiet day. I am traveling to Memphis Saturday night for a show at the Peabody on Sunday for a Conference USA Preseason Football show...then off to Indiana on Monday!

Lenny or Lennette?

Well, that makes 3 males neutered, 3 not neutered in our family. Little Lenny met his fate yesterday and now sports a kicky cone that really brings out his eyes.
My three sons hope none of them are next at Valu-Vet.

Race Day in Chi-town

Saturday night racing under the lights...for the first time, the race in Chicago will be a night race. It was pretty last night, but, of course, Kyle Busch won. Man, I'm getting tired of that kid winning. But he can race anything on wheels. I guess he'll be the favorite tonight. The Cup guys got to practice, but not under the lights. Qualifying got rained out, so these guys don't know how the cars will react to the track once the sun goes down. Since they race different cars than Nationwide, the Cup guys who raced last night don't have that big of an advantage over those who didn't.
Any one else tired of hearing about Brett Favre?
Picks time:
3). Tony Stewart
2). Brian Vickers
1). Kyle Busch

Scary Storms

YIKES! In case I don't make it thru this storm, you'll see the last clouds that went over...really pretty, though!

Second City...

Actually, according to the front page of USA Today today, Chicago is the third city in population. Just for a reference:
1. New York: 8.2 million people
2. Los Angeles: 3.8 million
3. Chicago: 2.8 million
4. Houston: 2.2 million
5. Phoenix: 1.5 million....
and coming in way down the list is Farmland, IN with 1456 according to the 2000 census.
And another note for you single males out there...For every 100 females there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males...incentive to make the move to Farmland.
Well, I'm here in the Chicago area...the track is actually in Joliet, IL...long hike from the hotel, but a nice facility. Multi-groove, so the racing should be good. No real favorites yet this week.
The big news is that Tony Stewart is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to buy into Hass racing and form Stewart Hass Racing. It is a great move for Tony. He is thinking beyond his years of racing. He will be the primary driver with Office Depot as the sponsor. Some say that he will lure Ryan Newman away from Penske Racing and the two Hoosiers will unite as teammates at SHR. Did you know that Ryan graduated from Purdue with an engineering degree? Did you know why they have a grass football field at Purdue? So their cheerleaders can graze at halftime...old, old joke...and still not too funny.
We came in early this week...Wednesday...for a Saturday night race...storms are in the forecast for Chicago on Saturday, so we'll see. Have a great day!

Out of the truck?

Yes, I took the time to actually go inside the track...and it was loud on the backstretch at Daytona International Speedway!

Sun on the beach...

Looks like good weather today! That means the race will get raced and I will get home tomorrow. I stayed last evening to cut highlights from the Nationwide race...as I drove back to the hotel, there were fireworks being shot off the pier by the hotel. Had I not gotten to my 6th floor beach side room 2 minutes after it was over, I am sure it would have been gorgeous watching the fireworks reflecting in the ocean...but I missed them. Oh, well.
I went to the gym for about 45 minutes, then to bed. I set my alarm to get up and run on the beach this morning. It went off. I did not. I went back to sleep...maybe I'll run on the beach another day.
There's racin' under the lights tonight at the Coke Zero 400...formerly known as the Pepsi 400...formerly known as the Firecracker 400. I have been pretty bad at my predictions for the past, well, the past 18 races or so...but today, I feel like I might have an inside lane. Ok, not really, but I know who I'd like to see win...I really want Tony Stewart to win. I like him...totally platonically, though. So, no predictions today. With Paul Menard taking the pole, anything can happen. It would be cool also to see Mark Martin pull off a win. I just know that I don't want to see Kyle Busch win again...it's like Jimmie Johnson from last year. You just get tired of the same guy winning over and over.
Hope everyone had a great 4th of July and thanks to all the troops all over the world and here at home and their families who sacrifice to keep our nation free.

Beach Blanket Bingo

Frankie and Annette, lookout...NASCAR has once again invaded your beach! We have arrived in Daytona Beach! This week's race is the annual 4th of July race...Saturday night race under the lights.
Quite humid here in Daytona...and probably where you are, too, huh? These short weekends are hard to keep up with...since we do the same amount of shows in one less day, it really throws me off my schedule and I forget what day it is. There seems to be quite a bit of rain in the forecast, so we may be sticking here thru Sunday....we'll see. A storm is brewing off the coast of Africa, but I don't think it will get here before we are long gone.
Zach is babysitting today...he is babysitting the same 2nd grader that he tutors on Tuesdays. He tutors Clyde in math. Clyde has a pretty short attention span, and that pushes Zach to the edge, but he gets paid $10/hour to tutor him...so that makes him happy. Zach's driving is getting really good. No real close calls yet and he pays attention well, drives under the limit, signals always...I am very proud.
Yesterday we all went to the gym. Since the twins turned 13, they are allowed to work out on the treadmills/ellipses/bikes and also on the weight machines. No one under 17 can work out in the free weight room, but we have free weights at home that they lift each night. After we left the gym, we went to Dony and Reba's pool for an afternoon of fun in the sun. It is good to spend time splashing with the boys and Sandy. Last evening, Zach went to wrestling practice and I took the twins to church. Fun day.
We still haven't kayaked, but hopefully this coming week. It is supposed to rain in Nashville on Friday, so maybe Monday the day on the river will come. For those of you with too much rain and flooding, I'm sorry...we haven't had much.
Well, Nationwide cars are on the track, so I need to cut some highlights. Have a great day!

Raceday New Hampshire

It's an overcast day here in New Hampshire...it may rain, but we'll be here until it's over. We had a rough day on "RaceDay" today. Our satellite went down in the middle of the show...then we had to switch a lot of features and interviews up to get back on course once we got back on the satellite.
They are in pre-race introductions, so I better get to the picks so you don't think I'm cheating...
3). Greg Biffle
2). Kyle Busch
1). Tony Stewart

I think my new favorite driver is French Canandian Patrick Carpentier...he is genuinely a nice guy and seems to be really enjoying himself in NASCAR. He is a former open wheel champion giving NASCAR a try and is sitting on the pole today.

Hope you all with cable enjoy the race! Hope you all without cable enjoy themselves!

Manchester, NH

This week's festivities are in Loudon, NH, just outside Manchester, NH. I may be wrong, but I think there is a city named Manchester in every state in the Union. I haven't done the research, so don't quote me or swear to Alex Trebek that "Joel said it's true"...just my contention.
New Hampshire is pretty this time of year and again when we come in the fall, but I don't think I'd like to winter here. Did I just use a noun as a verb? I'm going to sandwich now, and bed a little later...
Good maple syrup here. I know how syrup is made, thanks to my dad. Though I didn't get the 1st place trophy at the science fair. Shane did. That "Mother Earth News" paid off, huh, Dad? You can find Mother Earth News online at motherearthnews.com.
They still publish great articles on being resourceful with the earth, farming, green living...just steer away from the new age stuff.
It is raining here today. They say there's a good chance of showers this Sunday, so we are prepared to stay the extra day if need be. I don't mind getting paid an extra day...I had to pay for the boys' church camp this week...YIKES! The cost has gone up significantly since I went to Camp Adventure a few years back.
Maybe I need to make a solar shower out in the back yard to save some money on water heating bills...and put in a garden or two...raise some goats and cows...basically, relive my childhood. That would be cool.

"Please Do Not Disturb"

My day off and I'm in a hotel again....but it is ok...Sandy got us a hotel room at Gaylord Opryland Hotel for my birthday...Our live-in Australian works at Opryland Hotel and got us a great discount...so here we are. The only question remaining is why am I spending time on this blog!?!??
Bow chicka bow bow!

Hike...hike!

Here's a couple of pictures from my hike up the hill today...you can see at least 5 miles in each direction and I was higher than the TNT helicopter shooting the aerial coverage of the race.

Left turn, right turn...

It's Raceday in Sonoma, CA. It's been a pretty weekend...very hot, high 90's. I didn't get out of the track in time to do anything yesterday, but I did get to the gym and put in an hour on the treadmill.
Pretty smoky here today...There are some fires in the area that are pretty contained, so no danger, but the smell is strong.
I plan on hiking today during the race. The track sits in a pretty big valley, so there are hills all around. The one hill I climbed last year is still there, so I guess I better climb it again. It is about a 30 minute hike, so it is fun. And the view from up there is really nice.
Predictions for today: My hope is that one of the road course ringers ie, Max Papis, Scott Pruitt, Ron Fellows or Marcus Ambrose, would win...Marcus races in the Nationwide series, but this is his first Cup race. He qualified the Wood Brothers' #21 car. If he does real well, he may land the ride for the rest of the year. He is from Tasmania, just off the Australian coast, and seems to be a great guy who always has a smile on his face. This race always seems to turn into a fuel mileage battle on this 1.99 mile road course. Juan Pablo Montoya is the defending champion of this race and Jeff Gordon has one here 4 times.
Here are my predictions:
3) Marcus Ambrose
2) Kasey Kahne
1) Jeff Gordon

Have a great day!

Wine country...or is it Whine Country...

I am in Napa, California...wine country...it is so beautiful here. I think this may be my favorite trip of the year since it is so pretty out here. The trips to and from the hotel are very enjoyable. Wishing I had a convertible this week. We moved hotels from the Double Tree Resort in Sonoma, to a Marriot in Napa...sounds like up move up, huh? Not so much. This Marriot is a motel. Cars park right outside my glass door. Am I whining in wine country? Sorry.
I don't have any plans for my off afternoon tomorrow...last year I went to Fisherman's Wharf in San Fransisco...it was fun, but kind of a one-timer trip for me. If I was a wine drinker, I'd be living it up...there are a million wineries out here....each with a tour and wine tasting. I did see a brochure on renting segways...that could be fun...I've wanted to try one out for a long time. http://www.answers.com/topic/segway?cat=biz-fin
On to racing...It's a road course here in Sonoma, Ca. That means right turns along with the normal lefts. There are a few Cup drivers that are really good on road courses, such as Robby Gordon and Tony Stewart, but this race also brings out the "road course ringers", the guys who are professional road course drivers who fill in for the regular drivers. We only see these guys a couple of times a year...Ron Fellows, Scott Pruitt, PJ Jones, and a few others. The addition of the open wheel drivers, such as last year's winner, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Sam Hornish brings the competition up. It is a pretty course and lots of fun to watch. I wish everyone had cable so they could see the race.
I had a great birthday on Tuesday...I took the family to Dave and Buster's, http://www.daveandbusters.com/, for an evening of fun and frivolity. We bowled and then played video games. It was a blast!
And now I'm old.

Happy Father's Day!!!!

First of all, Happy Father's Day to you, Dad! I love you!

Now, on to more trivial business...great truck race yesterday! 1st and 2nd decided by .005 seconds.
In the Nationwide race yesterday, Joel Logano, the youngest person ever to win an NASCAR event, won his first race.

Today in the Cup race, we hope they get at least halfway before the rain comes...don't really want to stay another day.
Predictions for today's race: 3) Kyle Busch 2) Jimmy Johnson and 1) Greg Biffle

I went on a hike around the campus of the University of Michigan yesterday...a bit bigger than my alma mater, Ball State University! I walked for 90 minutes...went around "The Big House", Michigan's football stadium. Let me tell you, for being the summer time, there are lots of great scenery around...if you know what I mean...wink, wink...nudge, nudge.
Sandy is dancing at a church in Brownwood, TX today.
The twins fly home this morning and head straight to church to meet up with Zach.
It's a beautiful day in the Irish Hills of Brooklyn, Michigan.

Happy Father's Day!

Wow!

My wife is hot...just needed to share that!

Brooklyn...and not a borough...

Brooklyn, Michigan...home of the Michigan International Speedway. Arrived today...staying through Monday. Well, that about sums up Michigan. This is one of my least favorite races...we stay nearly an hour away from the track, but this time around we are staying at a hotel on the campus of the University of Michigan...so don't be surprised to fine me at a keggar late tonight. No, be very surprised if you find me at a keggar tonight. The hotel we used to stay at was across the street from a mall that had $2 movies...I will miss that.
The twins left today for a Women of Faith meeting at St. Louis with Nicole. This is the first trip they have taken with her this year and they are pretty excited. They will also be going on trips separately this year...Alex has one next week to New Jersey and Andy has one in July to Washington, DC.
Zach will be home alone this weekend and loving it. I see a lot of Wii in his future. He will be staying overnight at our pastor's house and going to some swimming party at the house of one of the members of Audio Adrenaline. Zach has been driving a lot and still doing quite well. He also applied to for a job at Kroger this week. Haven't heard anything back yet. He is also going to an interview on Monday for a dishwasher job at a new restaurant in Franklin. Kroger would be better since he could walk there, but the dishwashing job might pay more. He really wants to work to start saving for a car.
Have a great weekend!

Lynyrd Skynyrd with a Northern accent....

Race day in Pocono...
We got out early yesterday since only Cup is here in Pocono. I got back to the hotel around 4pm. Fell asleep for a couple of hours, then decided to get out and run for awhile. I got about 100 yards from my hotel and the downpour started. Pocono Manor is over 100 years old and used to be a great ski resort. Well, when the rain started, I was halfway down this trail that I think used to be a bunny hill for skiing. I ran back up the hill and ducked into an old building that was a ski lift a million years ago. It had three walls and a roof and still had the old motors and the rails for the ski lift. It was pretty neat and a good shelter to wait out the rain. It did let up after a few minutes and I scooted back to the my room without much of a workout.
Later I went to the main lodge and watched a band in the bar called "Who Knows". If you want to book an 80's cover band for your next bar mitzvah, birthday or just a fun gathering, you can reach them at whoknowsband.com
I sat and enjoyed about 10 songs before I drifted back to my room for a few hours sleep. It was funny to hear a band clearly from the Northeast do a cover of "Sweet Home Alabama" featuring a violin...they may get shot trying that down in my neck of the woods. They actually were very good. It was fun to do something a little different than the normal sit and watch tv in my room.
Thanks to Jackie for keeping me updated on the Nationwide race while I enjoyed the musical interlude.
Nice segue to the racing news...Kyle Busch is completing the first ever triple race weekend in three different top NASCAR series in three different states. Friday night, he raced trucks in Ft. Worth, TX...last night he raced Nationwide cars in Nashville and today he competes in Cup here in Pocono. Some have criticized him saying that he needs to stay focused on Cup, but if you can run them all and have the sponsors etc, who am I to stand in your way of free enterprise. Though he did crash in practice here yesterday morning...again, some said that was due to not being focused and only getting a few hours sleep flying back late Friday night from Texas. I think he just crashed. Anyway, he had to go to a backup car, and will start at the rear of the field today at 2pm eastern.
Now on to the predictions: I predict a boring race...500 miles is too long of a race here, but they didn't ask me. It's not easy to pass here with no banking and cars spreading out so much. I think that Kasey Kahne will be strong again today. In fact, I think he will win followed by Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth.
On the homefront...Sandy and the twins have wrapped up shooting at the Hannah Montana movie. They said the days were long and hot, but they liked it. They are pretty sure they'll be in the scene where "Jan" from "The Office" kisses Billy Ray Cyrus...sorry, for the spoiler...hope you still go see the movie.
Yesterday, Sandy flew to Texas to visit a her friends Ken and Dawn, pastors in Brownsville, TX. She's been wanting to see Dawn for a couple of years, so I used one of my free tickets from Southwest and sent her on a mini vacation.
This Tuesday, I hope to get the boys out kayaking on the Harpeth River...if the weather cooperates.
Signing off from spooky Pocono Mountains.

Zoinks!

Anyone ever see "The Shining"? This is the view down the hallway from my room...if you look close, you can see two little kids down there, right?
I slept fine last night...I left TBN on the tv all night...not sure it that helped or not.
This place looks like it's right out of a Scooby Doo cartoon. There's a crazy caretaker running around with a hoe! And it would have worked, too, if it wasn't for those meddling kids and their dog! ROOBY DOOOBY DOOOOOOOOO!

Poke-Oh-No

I have arrived in Pocono, PA for this weekend's race. It's only a Cup race here with Nationwide taking place in Nashville and Trucks racing in Texas. That makes my job a lot easier this week, so that's nice.
I've checked into the Pocono Manor...www.poconomanor.com...lovely 3000+ acres of wooded bliss....and ghosts!

http://www.ghostsofamerica.com/1/Pennsylvania_Pocono_Manor_ghost_sightings.html

I did bring the twins glow-in-the-dark hockey mask....just for fun.

Zach comes home late tonight...I talked with him last night and he is having a blast...hard work, but worth it.

Sandy and the twins are "back on set" today. They had a good time yesterday...long day...they were there from 6am until 9pm. Sandy was in a scene with the girl who plays Jan on "The Office". They all seem to be having fun at minimum wage.

If I see any ghosts, I'll let you know. REDRUM, REDRUM, REDRUM.