RACING HIGHLIGHTS
Hendrick Motorsports Co-Car Owner Jeff Gordon congratulates Jimmie Johnson
in victory lane at Martinsville Speedway - Oct. 22, 2006
CUP - It was another emotional win for Hendrick Motorsports with Jimmie Johnson taking the checkers and driving the team to victory lane in the Martinsville fall race for the fourth consecutive year. HMS has had 6 victories there in the last 8 races.
Was that car owner Rick Hendrick who made a call to Johnson in victory lane?
JJ: "It was. He sounded a little emotional. I can't talk to him much because we can't hear but it's going to be a very special victory celebration."
Unofficial Results | Unofficial Standings
AMS Preview: Any of the top nine drivers in the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup can take over the points lead in the Bass Pro Shops 500 next Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In three years, this is the closest the top five have ever been after six events in the Chase for the Cup. Just 48 points separate the top five. The margin in 2004 was 224 and the margin in 2005 was 149.
BUSCH - Bye week. Series Champion: Kevin Harvick. Diversity favorite Juan Pablo Montoya will make his series debut next week in Memphis.
NCTS - Three-time series champion Jack Sprague scored his second win of the season, his first ever at Martinsville.
Quoting Jack Sprague on this...
On the win: "This is huge for me because I don't run good here. I've always struggled."
On the stuffed monkey that his crew purchased earlier in the week in an effort to end a recent streak of ill-starred races: "I guess we'll keep it for awhile."
Todd Bodine continues to lead the standings.
OTHER SERIES
Formula 1 - Fernando Alonso finished 2nd in Sunday's Brazilian Gran Prix to take home his second consecutive series championship. Standings
Champ - Sebastien Bourdais clinched his third straight series title. Standings
NASCAR REGIONAL RACING
Grand National - Division winner: Matt Kobyluck
Autozone Elite - Division winner: Tim Schendel
+ + +
IN REMEMBERANCE
This week marks the second anniversary of the plane crash that claimed the lives of all 10 on board Hendrick Motorsports flight en route to Martinsville on Oct. 24, 2004. HMS owner Rick Hendrick abstained from attending the race this weekend to be home with his family instead.
On behalf of herself and Answer this... readers, the tallglassofmilk extends her thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Hendrick Motorports, Ricky Hendrick, John Hendrick, Jennifer Hendrick, Kimberly Hendrick, Randy Dorton, Joe Jackson, Scott Lathram, Elizabeth Morrison, Richard Tracy and Jeff Turner; with extra hugs and kisses to Emily Maynard and Ricki Hendrick, daughter of the late Ricky Hendrick.
If you'd like to pay your respects to this...
Ricky Hendrick Guestbook @ Charlotte.com
+ + +
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
Jeff Burton shares a moment with wife Kim at NHIS - Sept. 17, 2006 (Photo: Bambi Mattila)
If you want profuse emotion from the Burton family, look at the earnest angst on the face of [Jeff's] wife, Kim, in the pits in the final laps of that overdue win [in Dover], and her joyful weeping at the end. Back in the multiple-win seasons before the dismal streak set in, she was noted for the emotion she put into all of his wins.
And now with Burton holding fast in the lead, halfway through the Chase, maybe Kim will be a magnet for the live TV cameras again, distracting them from the super-model girlfriends and super-cool wives of young guns in the recent seasons.
Then in Victory Lane, when the first two people to greet him were his kids, Kimberle, 11, and Harrison, 6, there was nothing phony about it, if you know Burton and how much they really mean to him. He has never won the Nextel Cup, and is closer now than ever before.
Quoting this...
Jeff Burton: "I'm just old enough to appreciate how hard it is, and appreciate the opportunity we have in front of us. I'm also just old enough to understand that the sun's coming up tomorrow, regardless of what happens on any given Sunday…. There are things in life that are bigger and more important. [LA Times, Oct. 17, 2006]
+ + +
THE BEAUTY QUOTIENT
This... is Miss Food City 2007
Britney Hagy of Abindgon, Va. is crowned Miss Food City 2007
Each year, the Miss Food City 500 Pageant is a highly popular event. The 2007 edition showcased 20 young women from across the region. Each girl entered the beautiful Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown Bristol, TN with hopes of winning the title of Miss Food City 2007.
When the moment arrived, it was Britney Summer Hagy of Abingdon, VA, former girlfriend of Kasey Kahne, who was crowned.
Quoting this...
"I am honored and excited to be crowned the new Miss Food City for 2007. As a hometown girl, it makes me proud to represent an organization that is so vital to our local community.
Britney will represent Food City during the Food City 500 and the Food City 250 NASCAR events at Bristol Motor Speedway during 2007. In addition to those responsibilities, Britney will represent Food City at various other company events.
Britney replaces Mally Gent from Honaker, Virginia who held the title of Miss Food City 2006. She is the second NW&GF (that TGOM is aware of) to hold the title. Lisa Tollett, former girlfriend of Elliott Sadler, was Miss Food City 1997.
Another title and crown for this...?
Next weekend, Kyle Busch's girlfriend, Erica Dewey, will be one of 84 contestants vying for the title of Miss North Carolina USA 2007. This year's winner will receive a fabulous prize package including cash, a wardrobe and agency interviews. Of course the next titleholder will also become the state's Miss USA 2007 delegate and will receive a two-week expense-paid trip to represent North Carolina in the Miss USA Pageant in April.
Erica's previously held pageant titles include Miss Greater Juniata Valley 2004 (PA) and 2003 Miss Keystone (PA).
The Miss North Carolina USA and Miss North Carolina Teen USA pageants will be held next weekend at Oct. 27- 28 at the High Point Theatre and Exhibition Center in High Point, N.C. Tickets are still available.
+ + +
100 PLACES TO VISIT IN IOWA BEFORE YOU DIE
TGOM, a native Iowan, also recommends #s 4 - the Amana Colonies, 24 - the Surf Ballroom, 45 - Iowa State Fair, 46 - Fenelon Place Elevator, 49 - Field of Dreams baseball field, 63 - Covered Bridges, 67 Charles MacNider Art Museum, 69 - Rock Glen / Rock Crest neighborhood, 82 - Cedar Rock and 98 - Grotto of the Redemption; plus, a couple of things not on this list: Spook Cave (McGregor), the Meredith Willson Footbridge (Mason City) and the North Iowa Band Festival.
Quoting this...
Joe Gibbs, on his return to NFL coaching: "I have a real passion for it. When I came back, I said this is where I feel like I should be. I prayed about it. [Wife] Pat and I kind of feel like this is where we should be. I want to be where I think I'm supposed to be, not sitting around somewhere 10 years later and say, 'You know, if I had enough guts I should have (done something else).'" [The Indianapolis Star - Oct. , 2006]
+ + +
FOR THE LADIES
Martinsville Qualifying - Oct. 20, 2006 (Photo: Chris McGrath)
Posted due to a high volume of requests for a "scruffy" pic.
+ + +
PRESIDENTIAL HONORS
President Bush paid a very special visit to the Victory Junction Gang Camp on Wednesday. His visit was prompted by his interest in the great humanitarian work that takes place at Victory Junction.
Upon the President's arrival he was greeted by Victory Junction co-founders, Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie, as well as Richard "The King" Petty.
The Presidential visit consisted of a tour of Victory Junction and participated in some of the camps program areas. Fishing took place at the Bass Pro Shop, Catch Kiss & Release Marina where the President was met by Victory Junction campers Maddie Lee, and Hank Grissom.
The second stop was Adams Race Shop, a 9,000 square foot building that looks like a race car. Inside Adams Race Shop President Bush was greeted by Victory Junction campers Paul Rader, Will "Cheese" Kwapil, Morgan Sagerman as well as NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip, and Jimmie Johnson. The campers challenged the President to test his skills on one of the NASCAR simulators. The final stop was at the Fuel Stop (dining hall) where the President greeted and took a photo with the entire staff and also took a photo with the staff.
Quoting this...
Pattie Petty: "This visit enabled the President to see how the camp provides a life changing experience to the children and their families free of charge. I can't thank the President enough for taking the time to come visit Victory Junction. I hope this makes every child and parent that has visited the camp very proud."
Kyle Petty: "Pattie and I are honored to have President Bush come visit the camp. This is exciting for all of us and we are truly humbled. So many NASCAR drivers, officials and fans have poured their hearts and souls into helping the camp grow. President Bush visiting the camp is a great reward for everyone's dedication and an incredible opportunity for him to bring awareness to the plight of a chronically ill child."
CHARITABLE CHOPPERS AND CAUSES
The #21 State Fair Corn Dogs/Edy's Grand Ford F-150, driven by Bobby East in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will be teaming up with The Greg Biffle Foundation during this weekend's Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway, and it's all for a great cause. As a company, the Wood Brothers/JTG race team, like the GBF, hold the efforts of animal rescue close to their hearts. WBJTG Co-Team Owners, Tad & Jodi Geschickter, have been heavily involved with animal rescue and welfare for many years.
On Saturday, the #21 truck will carry sponsorship on the hood and TV panel promoting their support for a Greg Biffle Foundation charity raffle, "Win Biffle's Bike." The charity raffle will benefit the GBF, which sponsors many pet-related causes such as the Animal Adoption League (AAL), local humane societies, no-kill animal shelters and spay/neuter clinics.
The grand prize is a custom motorcycle designed by Chris Olson, of Chris Olson Customs out of Spokane, Washington. The "National Guard" Bike is a red, white and blue chopper with stunning looks. No doubt it would be any collectors dream; the bike is a tribute to the outstanding efforts and service of the men and women of the National Guard, which is Biffle's primary Nextel Cup Sponsor at Roush Racing.
The raffle officially kicked off in June, 2006 at Dover International Speedway. The winning ticket will entitle the lucky participant to not only the custom bike, but the opportunity to be a special guest of Biffle at a race next year.
Quoting this...
Nicole Lunders, GBF Executive Director: "We're very thankful that we have some wonderful partners in the Wood Brothers/JTG Race Team joining in combined efforts to build awareness for animal welfare. We hope that this exposure at Martinsville will continue to encourage people to register to win the bike while supporting a great cause along the way."
Raffle tickets can be purchased at www.winbifflesbike.com for $25 each; a block of five tickets for $100. All purchasers of one of the $25 tickets will receive and autographed picture of Greg and Gracie; one of Biffle's personal dogs.
Carl Crawford's is the winner of the JR Motorsport/TCX Chopper for Charity auction. The keys to his new ride will be presented to him by Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Tuesday night at the Dale Jr. Celebrity Sports Auction. Tickets to the event, which will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, are sold out. 100% of the $67,350 winning bid will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina.
Martin Truex Jr. and girlfriend Sherry Pollex are working to establish a charitable foundation to benefit kids in need. Proceeds from the recent Martin Truex Jr. Fan Club Auction will go towards getting is started.
STRIPERS FOR SHERRY
Speaking of Martin and Sherry, there's something fishy going on with Martin's new Nitro bass boat from Bass Pro Shops, his primary sponsor in the #1 DEI Chevrolet Cup car. Martin's been out catching striped bass late at night and bringing them home to cook for Sherry.
+ + +
NW&GF UPDATES
M'Ville Most FAQs
Q. Who was the blonde on Kasey Kahne's hauler during qualifying?
A.
Early reader speculation identifies her as Kale's girfriend, Michelle
Lynn Murgoitio. TGOM is unable to confirm at this time.
Q. Is Kasey Kahne still dating Britney Hagy?
A. I do not believe so. If indeed they are still in a relationship, it is not an exclusive one.
Updated Charlotte II FAQ
Q. Does Auggie Vidovich have a girlfriend?
A. Indeed he does. Her name is Lacie.
Random Periodic FAQs
Q. Does Dale Earnhardt Jr. have a new girlfriend?
A. There might
be one who's getting a lil' more play than others. I'll be back to
update with any further developments on this...
Roush Racing Development
Sources tell TGOM that Roush Racing development driver Erik Darnell is dating Amber Moody, PR for the #16 National Guard Ford.
Word 'round the track is that David Ragan has a girlfriend named Jacquelyn (sp?).
Foyts in Splitsville
Raygan Swan called off her wedding to Anthony Foyt IV last week. AJIV's cousin, Larry, and his fiancée, Aniesa Scott, have also gone their separate ways prior to walking down the aisle.
As always, for the lastest updates check Female fans want to know this...
+ + +
In case you missed this...
-
Quoting this...
Benny Parson's Doc: "Ninety-nine percent of the cancer is gone!"
Benny Parsons: "To everyone who wrote or had me in their prayers or thoughts, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You truly did make me better. And for those of you who may not be feeling well, please see a doctor. It may be nothing, but just in case, the earlier you catch a problem the better." [NBC Sports] American Racing Equipment Inc. has partnered with JR Motorsports to introduce a line of Dale Earnhardt Jr. aftermarket performance wheels. Scheduled for release early next year, the wheels will be jointly designed and developed by American Racing and JR Motorsports and will be available for trucks, SUVs, late-model muscle cars and performance passenger cars.
Quoting this...
Dale Jr.: "The DEJ wheel line will be cool and later we'll release some 3-piece designs along with some billet, hot rod stuff. I've been running American Racing Wheels for years on my own cars, and with this program I enjoyed having a chance to exchange ideas with AR's design team."- Fashion show raises money for Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital
A few of the models had famous monikers to include with their fashion sense, including Carol Bickford, hospital patron Jeff Gordon's mother, and Anne Schrader, wife of NASCAR racer Kenny Schrader. - Grown-up Gordon reunites with Ford
(AP) — Robby Gordon readily admits his first stint with the Ford Motor Co. didn't end well, when he embarrassed the manufacturer by kicking at its blue oval logo on national television after one of its engines failed in his car. But that incident was ages ago, when a younger Gordon did whatever he wanted and didn't seem to care about the consequences. Nearly 10 years later, Ford has forgiven the cocky (or is it confident?) driver, persuading him to leave the crowded but competitive Chevrolet camp to pilot a Fusion next season in NASCAR's top series. MORE
+ + +
MORE
* Please note: Additional photos tagged 'exclusive' are available to Answer this... Flickr friends only.
FOR THE CALENDAR
The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) is proud to announce stop number eight on the 2007 Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler (BFTS). The Dale Jr. PBR Clash will rock Charlotte, N.C. on Jan. 26-28 when Charlotte's Bobcats Arena hosts the stars of the PBR. Lending his name to the event is North Carolina native and NASCAR great, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. The PBR is proud to unite the most popular name in racing with the toughest sport on the planet for an unforgettable weekend of bull riding.
|
+ + + |
