Answer this...: Atlanta II: The most FAQs from this...

Cover photo: Rusty Jarrett

RACING HIGHLIGHTS

CUP - Tony Stewart scored his fourth win of the season and made his signature climb to the flagstand to claim his checkered flag at his primary sponsor and new girlfriend's home track. The load was a bit lighter this climb around--the former series champion has logged a 10 pound weight loss since working with personal trainer, Marc Arnone, who has come up with a diet, fitness and monitoring program that fits Tony's lifestyle.

Quoting this...
Smoke: "It's not like our schedule is sane by any means, where we can work out and get into a five day a week schedule or whatever. We had to be a little resourceful and think about it a little more, and be a little creative with how we were going to do it. We researched it, and came up with a pretty good deal." [The Post and Courier, Oct. 27, 2006]

With just three races remaining in the season, Matt Kenseth returned to the top of the standings, followed by Jimmie Johnson, who is only 26 points behind, Denny Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Burton. Kevin Harvick is sixth, Jeff Gordon seventh, Mark Martin eighth, Kasey Kahne ninth and Kyle Busch 10th.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Dang party-crasher. Like the guy with no invitation who comes in and scarfs down all the food, chugs half the keg, shatters a vase - and then leaves with your girlfriend and your dog."

~ Mark Carter, The Hunstville Times on Tony Stewart's win

Unofficial Results | Unofficial Standings

Post race heat

IROC - Tony Stewart was also crowned royal winner of the 2006 edition of the International Race of Champions (IROC), adding the million dollar title to his championship resume. [NASCAR Nextel Cup (2005), NASCAR Winston Cup (2002), IRL IndyCar Series (1997), USAC Triple Crown (National Midget, Sprint Car and Silver Crown (1995)), USAC National Midget (1994), World Karting Association National Championship (1987) and the International Karting Foundation Grand National Championship (1983).]

Martin Truex Jr. won the final IROC event of the season at AMS. It was his second series win. (Ed. 11.4.06 - Thanks, Mary)

Quoting this...
Stewart: "I'm really happy. This is an important race for us with Home Depot's headquarters here in Atlanta and also Coca-Cola, so this is always a big weekend for us. Last night we had an event at Bob Nardelli's house (CEO of Home Depot) and a cookout for all the team guys. We were able to give him his 2005 Nextel Cup Series trophy that finally came in. So it's just been a big week. Obviously winning the IROC championship yesterday was huge."

On Big Bear
"The first year (Bass Pro Shops owner) Johnny (Morris) sponsored the race I wanted that trophy so bad cause there was a big ole bass on it and I freaked so bad burnt up my tires at the end so now I got this big ol' bear. I got something to put in my new house--it will have a special place there."

BUSCH - Series champion Kevin Harvick scored his eighth win of the season and the 'W' for the #21 car that clinched the 2006 Owner Points Championship for Richard Childress.

Quoting this...
Kevin Harvick: "I was asked this week if I'm superstitious. No, I'm not. But my wife, DeLana, has a lucky gold coin that she's been carrying around the last seven or eight weeks. I'm debating if it works -- the jury is out." [Detroit Free Press, Oct. 27, 2006]

TGOM's two cents on this...
The coin works better on Saturdays.

Juan Pablo Montoya, who qualified 9th, finished 11th after spending most of the race in the top 10 in his series debut.

NCTS - Mike Bliss won his first series race since September 2002. Points leaders Todd Bodine and Johnny Benson had rough days and finished 25th and 29th respectively.

Unofficial Results | Unofficial Standings

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Tony Stewart with girlfriend Tara Roquemore
on pit road for the Subway 500 pre-race ceremonies at
Martinsville Speedway - Oct. 22, 2006 (Photo: troublewithacamera)+ + +

NW&GF PROFILE

This... is Tara Roquemore

Tara Lacy Roquemore is the girlfriend of NASCAR Nextel Cup Driver Tony Stewart. Tara is a marketing representative for Tony's primary sponsor, The Home Depot and presumably, the two met when their paths crossed in the line of duty.

The most FAQ of the 2006 NASCAR season is this...
tony stewart girlfriend

Conveniently answered before the season's end.

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THE TARA FAQTOR

Bob Nardelli took a seat (on Jimmy Spencer's lap) on "Victory Lane" and sang Tony Stewart's praises after the race. Jimmy Spencer sang Tara's.

Quoting this...
Spencer to Nardelli: "You know what's changed this guy? He has... a girl by the name of Tara and I think it's changed this guy for the better.

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IN THE NAVY

#88 NAVY Accelerate Your Life driver Shane Huffman got sailorized.

Quoting this...
"I can't believe how much this submarine family is like a race team. They all have their individual duties and everyone has to rely so heavily on each other. This has been a humbling experience. We take for granted what these men sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom."

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HISTORICAL FAQ

As a teenager, NASCAR's current CEO, Brian France, solved the scoring problem of one of NASCAR's most confusing finishes, the 1978 Dixie 500 at Atlanta International Raceway.

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ON A PERSONAL NOTE

Unexpected Endings

Condolences to the family and friends of long-time Bill Davis Racing employee, Steve Spahr. Spahr, 48, had recently been hospitalized and had undergone surgery to repair a tear of the aorta. He was recovering at home with his family when he passed away suddenly Friday evening.

Quoting this...
Bill Davis: "Obviously our thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family. Steve was an important part of the Bill Davis Racing family for many, many years. He was a quiet mentor to his peers and was both respected and well-liked by everyone on our race team and many others within the NASCAR Nextel Cup garage. He will be missed and remembered fondly by everyone associated with our team.

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SILLY SEASON

Marlboro Team Penske's three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. will attempt to qualify the Penske #39 Mobil 1 Dodge in the Busch series at Phoenix and Homestead and will split driving duties with Penske Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch in 2007.
SILLY CREW CHIEFS
Erin Crocker's crew chief Scott McDougall has been replaced.
Brian Berry replaced Tony Liberati as crew chief for Brendan Gaughan in NCTS.