Random thoughts...

I’ve been traveling quite a bit and since I have nothing in common with those I travel with I have a lot of quiet time to think. I know that’s not necessarily a good thing with this noggin. They say a clear conscience is the best way to get a good night’s rest, maybe that’s why I haven’t really slept well in weeks-something else to ponder. I know I stress WAY too much about things I can’t control, but I’m a control freak.

Maybe I’m not a control ‘freak’, but I definitely like to drive the bus. Insert ‘yeah right’ here.

So here are a few random things I’ve thought about over the last couple days…

Chasing Harry Winston
This has to be the best book I’ve read all summer (that’s not related to the business of motorsports). It has me wondering why I haven’t picked up more books by the same author. I’ll have to do that, and soon. It was the most relatable book I’ve dove into in quite a while and to be honest it really made me think.

My life is a really crappy chick lit novel, I really have to fire my author and find a new one. I’ll be accepting applications through the end of the year or until the position is filled.

Tailgating on the interstate (or in general) makes me nauseas
Following too closely should really be enforced by Kansas troopers. I see that the car being followed has some sort of sticker on their bumper, but that doesn’t mean I want to read it 15 feet from my face. I don’t know how many times in the last three months or so I’ve felt like a damn driver’s education instructor. If you look closely there is a worn hole in the floorboard where my feet have dug in jamming on the imaginary break. This is why I am tense when I get to locations. I tense up just as you would before you careen of a damn cliff.

The Bud Shootout
Anybody that knows me knows I love this race. It’s the no points - balls to the wall shootout the weekend before the 500 in February. Well, because of sponsor conflicts (Coors now sponsors the pole award) Budweiser, Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR decided to change the format. It will still be run in boring segments but to qualify for the race you have to be one of the top six teams from the specific manufacturer stables.

That means Joey Lagano will pilot the 20 car in February and David Stremme will pilot the 12 car because qualifications go on owner/car points, not driver points. Neither one of them will have run more than five sprint cup races this season. That also means the 2008 Daytona winner, Ryan Newman and his new team owner, Tony Stewart will be watching from atop their hauler.

I believe I used the words ‘crock’ and ‘are you kidding me’ when I read this. Then I had to look at the upside. Two less cars a new organization has to build and they can focus on the 500 cars.

Still sucks though.

Speaking of the new team owner
Tony Stewart has a new article on newsstands in Rolling Stone’s September issue. I have to admit although very raw and somewhat disturbing, entertaining; which was exactly what was intended. I know several guys that behave the same way, however none of them are over 35.

It's caused a little stir and possibly more when the magazine circulates more. I look at it this way, if he didn’t care it was printed, he sure as hell isn’t going to care what people think.


-MO-