
Original Artwork: Joyotee Banerjee
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
This week's photo of the week isn't even a photo--it's a low-res screengrab from Saturday's race at Bristol Motor Speedway. So, why is it the photo of the week? Because the subject in the photo caused my inbox to explode with the FAQ of the week.

#8 Budweiser Pit Box @ Bristol Motor Speedway
Q. Who was the girl on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s pit box at Bristol?
A. She has not yet been positively identified.
Q. Is she the same girl who was spotted in Sonoma?
A. She certainly fits the "bleach blonde, size 0" description of a girl rumored to be seen with Junior at the Infineon race, but I cannot confirm.
Q. Could she be a DEI employee?
A. She could be anybody. TGOM did attempt but was unsuccessful in confirming that she was there in a business capacity, which should have been a cinch if that were the case.
TGOM has been able to confirm with one source that Junior does indeed have a romantic interest in a woman named Tara. TGOM also observed that fans are anxious to get the scoop and ready to pounce if it is established she is "a person of interest." Maybe this is her, maybe it's not. Maybe she's a winner, maybe she's not. Maybe she deserves a chance.
Update: The girl pictured on the pitbox is not Tara, but rather seems to be a lucky fan. Standby while the Tara story continues to develop ...
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MORE WHO'S THAT GIRL AND WHY IS SHE--OR WASN'T SHE--THERE FAQs
Speaking of Tara ...
Q. Was that Tara spotted with Tony in Kentucky? Are they back together?
A. Tara was indeed with Tony at the NASCAR Night 2 race at Paducah International Raceway last week, but TGOM has confirmed that there has been no reconciliation. The former couple remain friends.
Q. Was that Kasey's ex-girlfriend pictured with him in victory lane on Friday?
A. Yes. Miss Food City 2007 Britney Hagy was on hand to represent the Busch Series race sponsor.
Q. Are they back together?
A. No.
Q. Is Britney the reason Ashley wasn't in victory lane with him?
A. I do not believe Ashley Miller's absence in victory lane is related to Britney's presence. Multiple sources tell TGOM that Kasey Kahne's current relationship is on life support and that the plug could be pulled at any moment. TGOM's sources do not concur on which half of this couple will unplug first.
Q. Are Jon and Adrienne back together?
A. I believe so, but have not yet been able to confirm.
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FAMILY MATTERS
Brooding At The End of the Hornish LineCongratulations to Sam and Crystal Hornish, who are expecting their first child in February.
Quoting this...
Sam: [Crystal] wants to know [the sex of the baby] and she usually gets what she wants. It would be easier if it were a boy because I'm the last on my grandfather's side, but if we have to have five to keep the line going ..."
Petty Family ExtensionCongratulations to Kyle and Pattie Petty, who are welcoming a son-in-law to the family. The Petty's daughter, Montgomery Lee, is engaged to long-time boyfriend Randy Montana of Cleveland, Tenn. Randy is a musician, currently the frontman for the unsigned, country/southern rock band Homestead,* based in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Lead Feet Is An Earnhardt Family Tradition
The late Dale Earnhardt's daughter and grandson are both due in court next month on traffic violations. Taylor Earnhardt, 18, has been cited with Failure to Yield. Kerry's son, Bobby Key, who'll turn 20 on Saturday, was cited for Speeding.
35 Years Strong
Happy Birthday to Kelley Earnhardt Elledge.
Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR (Paperback)
by Neal Thompson - Three Rivers Press, Aug. 28, 2007
A fascinating look at the well-hidden historical connection between whiskey running and stock-car racing.
If you're the romantic type, you might want to take a peek at the upcoming NASCAR book releases for romance novels from Pamela Britton, Liz Allison and others.
* I've been listening to Homestead pretty much since I made the discovery. Best unsigned band I've heard in awhile. "Gypsy Lady" is my favorite of the moment.