The Catfish Show NASCAR Blog

Tie A String Around Your Finger

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 02:24:20 GMT

Everyone currently reading this "fine" blog, I need a favor. Update your bookmarks to www.thecatfishshow.blogspot.com as I will be posting from there for now on. I'll keep this place up for the archives, but no new posts shall emerge from this location.

The Juan Pablo Montoya Show

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 07:24:08 GMT

This afternoon, Juan Pablo Montoya earned a new fan.

I didn't expect much from the TelCel 200 today. ESPN sure gave it the star treatment with the full circle coverage, but I admit I was skeptical. I quickly changed my mind watching the domination, then determination of Montoya. Lap 52 would have crushed the chances for most drivers. Restarting in 19th on a road course with 28 to go is a tall, tall order even with 4 new tires. But he would not be denied.

Watching Montoya drive through the field was something special and it made for a great storyline. Montoya, the international rock star that has won in CART, IRL, and F1, and has been so impressive in NASCAR driving through the field in the race in Mexico City. NASCAR has to be enjoying this right now. Juan Pablo winning in Mexico City is huge.

The controversy with Scott Pruett has been blown way, way out of proportion. I wish everyone would watch the replays and see as clearly as I do that Scott Pruett came down on Montoya and Montoya did not spin Pruett out. It was a bold move for sure, but it wasn't intentional. This was Racing 101: guy with the faster car makes a move, person in front doesn't back off, the cars make contact. It didn't work out for Pruett but he needed to see what really happened before he made his comments that will be replayed for the next month.

After the running of this race, I'm now confident enough to say it needs to stay on the schedule. Keeping Nextel Cup in the states for now works, and having the Busch Series go international to see the market is going well. The race today was the best thus far because of the quality of the drivers. The names that finished in the top 10 are really an eclectic mix: Montoya, Said, Edwards, Pruett, Goeters, Ambrose, Fernandez. If you want international, Australian-born Marcos Ambrose impressed me with a solid run for Wood Brothers/JTG and Adrian Fernandez finally finished where he ran most of the day. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the race. Juan Pablo has a new fan (that being myself) and I cannot wait to see him the rest of the year in both Nextel Cup and Busch.

Full results, point standings, and another link to the new location I'm slowly migrating to. See yall later in the week.

Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Busch Series, Mexico City, TelCel 200, Juan Pablo Montoya

Goodbye For Now, & A Goodbye For Later

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:02:56 GMT

First, Wednesday morning yours truly will be headed off to Washington, D.C. - our nation's capital - to take in the best of the conservative movement. March 1-3 I'll be at CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference. I've been looking forward to going for a while and it should be great. I'll be driving up so if you hear about a case of road rage somewhere in Virginia... it just might be me, heh heh.

Secondly, I'm taking advantage of the off weekend to finally leave AOL's network and setting up shop on Blogger. You can find the page here, but it is pretty much bare for right now. Still, for Vegas and the foreseeable feature that will be my new home.

The Busch Series is in Mexico City this weekend for some road course action. I've yet to see an entry list but I believe JPM is on it. He will more than likely be treated as a rock star along with Adrian Fernandez. Hopefully it won't be as boring as last year's.

I'll see everyone sometime next week.

Matt Kenseth Sweeps The Weekend In California

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 02:29:57 GMT

The Busch race Saturday:

and the Auto Club 500 Sunday:

Hell yeah.

Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Nextel Cup, Busch Series, California Speedway, Matt Kenseth

Quick California Preview

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 03:28:48 GMT

So as most of you can tell, I haven't exactly been around. I've been sick with the flu all week and haven't started to feel better until today. That said, there is still racing to discuss.

California - big, fast, and what is called "the real start of the season." If you want something to look for tomorrow, look for the drivers that either are with new teams or have new crew members. I'm singling Greg Biffle, Casey Mears, and Mark Martin out. These three were previously strong here and how they run tomorrow will say a lot about their chances for the rest of the season.

WINNER - Greg Biffle

The race coverage starts at 3 tomorrow on FOX. I promise to try and post more until my big trip Wednesday. Big trip, you ask? Yes... but I'm gonna make you wait on the details.

Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Nextel Cup, California Speedway, Greg Biffle

The Most Ridiculous Item Today

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:14:43 GMT

Story here:

Harvick's helmet fuels backlash
Jim Utter

It appears there was something that failed NASCAR's post-race inspection after Sunday's Daytona 500 -- the uniform and helmet worn by race winner Kevin Harvick.

Responding to complaints from Sunoco, the official fuel supplier of NASCAR, the sanctioning body has been in discussions with Harvick's Richard Childress Racing team the past several days to address Sunoco's concerns over the branding of Shell-Pennzoil's sponsorship on Harvick's uniform and helmet.

In response to those complaints, Harvick can no longer wear the driver's helmet used in Sunday's race -- which featured a prominent Shell logo -- and his uniform had to be redone to include less prominent Shell logos, multiple sources confirmed.

Before Sunday's Daytona 500, team officials confirmed Harvick was asked by NASCAR if he would wear a jacket over his uniform during Daytona 500 introductions, which he agreed to do.

During Speedweeks, officials with Sunoco logged several complaints with NASCAR regarding the Shell logos on Harvick's helmet and uniform. They peaked when Harvick's victories in Saturday's Busch race and Sunday's Daytona 500 produced several newspaper headlines utilizing the Shell name and many photographs of the Shell logos.

Sunoco signed a 10-year deal in 2003 to become the official fuel supplier for all three of NASCAR's national series -- Nextel Cup, Busch and Trucks.

As part of the deal, no new fuel suppliers are allowed to sponsor NASCAR teams, NASCAR officials said. Shell-Pennzoil was allowed to join RCR and Harvick's No. 29 Chevrolet this season because the sponsorship was of its automotive lubricants.

Sunoco's complaints are based on the extent Shell-Pennzoil's branding is seen as promoting its gas product over its automobile lubricants.

"In exchange for providing a quality product for all three series, Sunoco was granted exclusivity in the fuel category at the track," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said.

"We're always trying to work with our sponsors and teams to navigate through any challenges, especially the automotive lubricant category which is closely aligned with fuel."

A message seeking comment from Sunoco's media contact, Jerry Davis, remained unreturned late Wednesday.

Until a new helmet can be designed, Harvick is expected to wear the helmet he uses in Busch Series races, sponsored by another company. Harvick's new uniform should be ready for this weekend's race at California, team officials said.

My thoughts:

ARE YOU SERIOUS?!? Sometimes, I think NASCAR hates money. This is nothing except Sunoco having a hissy fit about a more successful company sponsoring an elite team. My opinion on sponsorships is well-known by now - the more, the better, no matter if it is "competition" or not. This is why I hate what Nextel is trying to do to AT&T with the Cingular name. Seriously, it's the same money coming in with a different name. Why not let what the company wishes to put on the car be allowed? With as much money as these companies are spending to have their names on these cars they need some more free reign instead of NASCAR playing dictator with what is allowed and what isn't.

Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Nextel Cup, Sunoco, Shell

Kevin Harvick Edges Mark Martin To Win 49th Daytona 500

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:50:24 GMT

Daytona folklore will have a new chapter to add following the 2007 Daytona 500 as Kevin Harvick drives to the outside of everyone and breaks Mark Martin's heart once again as he drove to the win at Daytona.

The two drivers that should have been battling for the win - Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch - crashed out in the second half of the race. That left the battle for win open for anyone, perhaps Kyle Busch, perhaps Mark Martin, or someone else waiting to show what they had.

Mark Martin took the lead following the final pit stop of the day and appeared to have enough help and enough car to hold on for the win. A steady stream of accidents would bring out cautions, taking out defending winner Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Martin Truex Jr.

With four laps to go, the race was red flagged for the last caution of the day as the competitors got to think about what they wanted to do to try and win. For Mark Martin, it was time to think about what it would mean to win this race in his 23rd try. For Kyle Busch, he had a chance to become of, if not the youngest winners in Daytona 500 history. For everyone on back, it was time to think about what they could possibly do to move through the field for the win.

Kevin Harvick immediately jumped to the outside of the field from 7th place and received huge boosts from Matt Kenseth and Jeff Burton. Still, it appeared the winner would be Mark Martin or Kyle Busch. Busch didn't have the car to make a move, though he sufficiently slowed the front cars down and allowed Harvick's line to advance up the outside. Going into turn 3, Harvick and the momentum. Busch tried to block, but it was no use. Martin got loose and Harvick slid to the front. Coming through the turns, Martin edged back out front... when all hell broke loose.

Busch slid into Matt Kenseth, who both came down and massacred the rest of the field. In front, though, Harvick and Martin battled side-by-side, door-to-door all the way to the finish line.

Harvick wins by a nose.

Behind them, no fewer than 11 cars sustained damage, some more badly than others. An image we'll see for years to come is the sight of Clint Bowyer in his #07 sliding on his roof, on fire, across the start/finish line.

What a race.

My thoughts:

>>> Mark Martin's luck follows him to Ginn Racing and the #01. To ensure the most heartbreak possible, he held the lead for three-fourths of the last lap before losing the lead and his help and falling just short. It just wasn't meant to be for him.

>>> Raise your hand if you knew Kyle Busch was going to be involved in the big crash. He has already learned a lot, but still has a long ways to go before he can really be considered a threat to win - not a threat to tear your car up.

>>> Look at the top 5 finishers in this race: Harvick, Martin, Burton, Wallace?, Ragan? Every year someone you never, never, never expected to finish in the top 5 always does.

>>> I'm going to jump out in front of everyone and say that I agree with the decision not to throw the caution at the end. It would have been a nightmare trying to analyze where everyone finished and it wasn't certain if Harvick or Martin would have been considered the leader. Let them battle it to the line and see who wins. Imagine the controversy if NASCAR would have threw the caution there.

>>> I really thought it was Tony Stewart's destiny to win the Daytona 500. The comparisons to Dale Earnhardt growing between those two.

>>> On the anniversary of the death of Dale Earnhardt, someone with an intimate connection wins it again.

Full results of the 49th Daytona 500.

Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Nextel Cup, Daytona 500, Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin

The Daytona 500 Preview

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:57:11 GMT

This is, as they say, the Super Bowl of NASCAR. The Daytona 500. You win here, you're set for life. Derrike Cope would not be Derrike Cope if not for his Daytona 500 win. It took 20 years for Dale Earnhardt to win this race and it was so special because he knew how important this race is. Jeff Gordon and Dale Jarrett will tell you how much it means to them to have won this race multiple times. The history of this race is unparalleled in NASCAR. Lee Petty. Richard Petty. David Pearson. "The Fight." Last lap passes and so much more. Tomorrow, the season begins with the most prestigious race. It doesn't get any better than that.

To me, this will be last Daytona 500 of its kind. The Car of Tomorow is set to run here starting in 2008. This could be the last restrictor plate race of its kind with a smaller car. On a more somber note, tomorrow will also be the 6th year since Dale Earnhardt died here. It's impossible not to think of him at this place.

The 2007 Daytona 500 just seems to be Tony Stewart's time. His destiny in 2005 was to win the Brickyard 400 and the Championship and he accomplished both. He won the Bud Shootout and a qualifying race so far this week and could add a Busch race before the day is done. I (and many others) just feel like this race will be Tony's to lose. However, I am keeping my eye on the #2 Dodge of Kurt Busch. He looks like he could be a real threat. For sentimental reasons I'd like to see the #01 of Mark Martin find a way to take the checkers. Two more guys I'd keep my eye on are the #42 of Juan Pablo Montoya and the #17 of Matt Kenseth. Montoya impressed the hell out of me by leading the 2nd duel until a suspension piece broke on his car. No rookie has won this race, yet two could - Montoya and David Gilliland. Kenseth will be a factor in the front of the field and his help could put one of these guys in victory lane, if not himself. Sunday at 2. The most-watched race of the year will be this one. Enjoy the race, everyone.

Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Nextel Cup, Daytona 500, Tony Stewart

Orbitz 300 Preview; Broadcast Schedules For The Weekend

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 05:38:27 GMT

The NASAR Busch Series starts 2007 in a familiar place and coverage is back to a familiar network. Tony Stewart would like to go 3 for 3 in the last 3 years in this race, but faces challenges from many sides. Your cheat sheet for the Orbitz 300:

Starting lineup: NASCAR.COM
Broadcast: Starting at 1:00 on ESPN2
Notes:
-The Toyotas qualified surprisingly well, with Jason Leffler, John Andretti, and Dave Blaney all placing in the top 11. Two other teams also dominate the front of the field, those being the Roush Fords and the DEI Chevys. Aric Almirola drove the #18 Gibbs Chevy to the top spot, matching what J.J. Yeley did a year ago.
- Speaking of Yeley, I’m pretty shocked he failed to make the show. Also failing to do so were the #24 of Casey Mears and the #22 of David Stremme.
- Stewart’s old Gibbs teammate Bobby Labonte will reunite with him several races this year, as Labonte will drive the KHI #77 with Stewart in the #33. Also on nostalgia runs are Mark Martin in the #06 for Roush, Robby Gordon once again in the #55, and Bobby Hamilton Jr. is back with Rensi with a special paint scheme honoring his father.
- My predicted winner for the race: Martin Truex Jr. Truex is flying under the radar amongst the others in this race (Stewart, Dale Jr.) but he is a stout plate racer in his own right. He has won the Talladega races each of the last few years and could pull it off in the #11 today. I am very, very tempted to say Juan Pablo Montoya here as well. Definitely keep on eye on him and don’t be surprised if he wins.

Here are the broadcast schedules for the rest of weekend:
(Just a heads up - I won't be doing this amount of detail every week, but I want everyone to enjoy as much Daytona programming as possible.)

Today

NASCAR Live from Daytona – 9:00 AM on SPEED
Nextel Cup: Final Practice – 10:30 am on SPEED
NASCAR Live from Daytona – 12:00 PM on SPEED
Busch Series Countdown – 12:00 PM on ESPN2
Busch Series: Orbitz 300 – 1:00 PM on ESPN2
NASCAR Live from Daytona– 5:00 PM on SPEED

Sunday

NASCAR Live from Daytona – 9:00 AM on SPEED
NASCAR Now – 10:00 AM on ESPN2
NASCAR RaceDay – 11:00 AM on SPEED
Chasing Sunday: The Race to the Cup – 1:00 PM on FOX
Nextel Cup: 49th Annual Daytona 500 – 2:00 PM on FOX
The SPEED Report – 7:00 PM on SPEED
NASCAR Victory Lane – 8:00 PM on SPEED
The SPEED Report – 8:30 PM on SPEED
Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain – 9:00 PM on SPEED
NASCAR Now – 10:00 PM on ESPN2

My last post before The Great American Race will appear later on today.

Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Busch Series, Daytona

Lee Petty, Johnny Beauchamp, & Joe Weatherly Would Be Proud

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 04:24:02 GMT

Then:

Tonight:

Travis Kvapil (my pick) holds on for 2.49 of the 2.5 miles on the last lap and finishes 3rd in the Chevy Silverado HD 250. Jack Sprague and Johnny Benson (my 2 to watch out for) make the pass, with Sprague edging Benson for the win. Daytona CTS races are, in a word, awesome. This has been the best race thus far of speedweeks.

Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Craftsman Truck Series, Jack Sprague, Johnny Benson, Travis Kvapil