Author: Missed Gear

OK – We thought about it.

The toss-up…  Ignore the morons or poke’em with a stick…

Well, it appears we chose the stick.

In response to some announced picketing at Kansas Speedway by some nuts from Westboro who are apparently upset over some comments by Brad Keselowski we think the Speedway could change their race imaging ever so slightly.

Back at Phoenix, Keselowski apparently said something about NASCAR and the acceptance of an openly gay driver or some such. Essentially, if they can drive and compete, who cares?

“I can’t speak for the fans, I can only speak for myself, but in this garage, if you can win, people will want to be a part of what you can do…”

These morons at Westboro, allegedly, stated some plan to picket at Kansas with comments about God and Keselowski…

Two things, race fans. These Westboro people do these things and picket and shout and whatever and try to get a physical response in which they use as evidence in lawsuits to fund their silly operation. Do NOT give them a response. They roll audio and video and use any physical confrontation as an excuse to claim injury in a lawsuit. So Do Not approach them.

However, it would be fun if Kansas Speedway altered the STP 400 imaging just a little bit. Of course, there is no time to print up a bunch of fan flags or banners or something. But wouldn’t it be fun to watch thousands of fans walking by these nuts waving the Rainbow STP 400 logo…

Brad Keselowski, the defending Sprint Cup champion, had a scheduled visit to the White House on Tuesday, April 16th.

It became a case of going forward with “business as usual” as the entire country was focused on, and rebounding from, a cowardly act of violence in Boston the day before. Some might question the follow through with the visit as the President could certainly have other things to do on such a day than talk about NASCAR and stand with some race car driver next to the car boldly displaying a beer logo.

However, as President Obama said;

“We are here today to celebrate a great American sport. Obviously we’ve had this scheduled for some time, and events have a way of intervening. Obviously, our minds right now are with our fellow Americans and the fans that came from all over the world that went yesterday to run and cheer on another great American sporting event, the Boston Marathon.” (more…)

Texas and the NRA 500…

A late race caution allowed Kyle Busch to make a run for the win following a quick pit. Martin Truex, Jr. was on the lead before that caution and ran to the 2nd spot. NASCAR inspections may cause a later issue for Truex as it was determined the nose of the #56 was a tad low.

That wasn’t the only inspection issue. NASCAR officials had issues with the #2 and #22 of Keselowski and Logano. The rear-end housings of the two Fords were pulled for inspection and Logano was put at the back of the field as the #22 wasn’t ready ready for the grid quick enough. Keselowski was outspoken and upset about all sorts of “issues” in the garage but his team was able to re-assemble the #2 and have it out in time.

Logano was still able to cross the finish in 5th despite the issues and the rear of the field start. Keselowski was in 9th.

Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle filled out the top 5 in thr 3rd and 4th slots. Jimmie Johnson held his points lead with a 6th place finish. Aric Almirola was 7th. Brian Vickers, driving Denny Hamlin’s #11 Toyota, put in at 8th and Ryan Newman rounded out the top 10. (more…)

You see a lot of things at Martinsville Speedway. Neon pink hot dogs, TV, film and music stars, racing legends, sports icons…

The hot dogs are a given. Yummy bits of boiled goodness with chili and slaw. We’re surprised it is not some kind ordinance to make it mandatory to have at least one when attending a race…

Stars of entertainment are usually around either for official duties with the National Anthem or sponsorships or whatever. Country music stars such as Danielle Peck and Trace Adkins have performed in the past. Mario Lopez was around this past weekend to start the race. Emmy award winner Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, (producers, “The Bible” mini series) were there to start engines.

Richard Petty, racing icon and the face of STP, has been seen around Martinsville compared with Elvis sightings…

VA Tech football coach Frank Beamer was in the pace car for the STP Gas Booster 500… (more…)

Which story would you like…?

The one on Dale Earnhardt, Jr. coming to Martinsville on top of the points, finishing mid-pack and dropping back to number 3…?

The one on Tony Stewart and Joey Logano where an angry Stewart went after Logano post race at Fontana but the temper fizzed by Martinsville…?

How about the one on Danica Patrick…? She qualified at 32, spun early, and still drove to 12th… You want that one…?

Maybe Denny Hamlin out of the #11 with back injuries and Mark Martin, filling in the seat, drives to a top ten finish…?

Or the one on Jimmie Johnson starting on the pole and winning his eighth grandfather clock…?

Did we mention VA Tech football coach Frank Beamer…? (more…)

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Qualifying is usually uneventful.

Sometimes there is a spin or a wall scrape. Sometimes things go really off and a car and driver go for an unintentional ride.

At Martinsville it was uneventful.

Except the first time appearance of Danica Patrick… And Mark Martin in Denny Hamlin’s car… And the snow…

First, the snow. It was actually the day and night before. Rain was forecast but the temperatures dropped and 2 to 4 inches of snow fell. It was mostly to the west of Martinsville but flakes fell and it was wet and cold and people were so buzzed up over snow in April. However, the weather changed rapidly with blue skies and temps in the mid 60’s as qualifying began. The practice sessions went on with only a nod to the snow the day before. (more…)