Nascar 2009

[Cincy'sMom]

Some of the cars are really decorated nicely. I do have one major beef with NASCAR, and that is the sponsorship by alcohol companies. I think that sends a horrid mixed message. Even though I am a nonsmoker, I found the tobacco sponsorships much less objectionable.

/soapbox.

I can understand that, but at the same time alcohol is as much a part of the history of the sport as the cars are. Many of the original drivers were Moonshiners and them racing their cars when they weren't running alcohol really has a lot to do with the start of the sport. The two are tied together.

For years and years the Petty's had refused to run alcohol sponsors on the cars, not would they particpate in the Bud Shoot-out because of its ties to beer. But now, through their merger with GEM, a Richard Petty Car sports Budweiser as its primary sponsor. It is a shame that these economic times have forced them to allow this, but I would rather see that, then the Petty name not be part of NASCAR. This years 500 will be the first 500 since 1965 that a Petty has not participated in as a driver.

[Moesha]

I am so happy for Tommy Baldwin, Scott Riggs and Jeremy Mayfield. I'm happy that AJ got in as well. They all had worked with Evernham over the years. I'm happy that Tommy and Jeremy's teams made it in. That's a huge accomplishment. I'll have to pull out my FREE TOMMY tshirt for the 500. A group of us from a Kasey Kahne message board had them made several years back. Remember when Kasey was leading at Chicago and Tony plowed right over him on a restart and Tommy, who was Kasey's crew chief at the time, got down from the pitbox and went to the 20 pitbox and a fight broke out? Tommy was suspended. That's how we showed our support. Later that season I wore my shirt to the Nashville speedway when the IRL was there. They have an autograph session with all the drivers. Tomas Scheckter was very concerned about what had happened to Tommy. LOL

[kokopup]

Beer has sponsored Nascar teams as far back as I can remember. The hard stuff was outlawed up until a few years ago.

[Cincy'sMom]

I wasn't able to watch the Duels...I was on the road for the first one and heard it on the radio, and waiting for a standby flight for the second, so I missed it completely, except watching the leaderboard on me cellphone for the last 2 laps. I am ready to watch some racing!!! The trucks are on track tonight and I can't wait!

With so many cars there to qual, it is hard. I am happy for Scott Riggs and AJ. I have nothing against Jeremy, but I find his wife annoying (from the TV interviews and shows I have seen with her). And I'm glad Clint Bowyer, Travis Kvapil, and Regan Smith got in. I hate to see Boris Said and Mike Wallace and Mike Skinner, Joe Nemeck and so many others go home...