by richard teague tinynascars@yahoo.com
Is it over or what? I mean really, everyone has gotten their checks and trophies. The checks are in the bank and some debts are paid back, some have a little walking around money they kept out. New things have been bought for family members such as wives, girlfriends and of course Moms & Dads have been given a gratuity for all the years they raised their youngins and stuck with them. The trophies are all locked up nice and safe in the display cases at the offices and shops of the owners. That big rascal Jimmie got his real shiny making everyone at Hendrick Motorsport smile, not to mention those guys at Lowe’s grinning from one ear to the other. I bet JJ hasn’t stopped smiling since he won it a couple of weeks back and Jeff is probably just as happy for him, well maybe not that happy, since he didn’t win it.
I know we all saw, heard and read about the amount of money handed out by NASCAR alone and with the other companies passing bucks around like it grew on trees was astounding. They said that this was the biggest pay day NASCAR ever paid out since Big Bill France slipped Lee Petty a C Note for racing back in their day. Yeah, back in the day when cars didn’t have all the fancy sponsors and a guy would pull his car behind the family sedan or even drive it to the race, money and racing sure has changed. Now I see why Baby Brian is so hard set to make NASCAR the most expensive sport ever. You would think he felt that all that money came out of his pocket but we know just exactly where it is was pulled from, people like you and me, the fans.
Now they sit there and say that the sponsors and owners put up most of the money for racing but who do they think they are fooling, we are the ones that have to buy the products from the sponsors, that’s where it comes from. When you go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and any other sponsor’s business, you put that check in that driver’s hand. We all know this and I guess it’s just that extra feeling of supporting your driver that makes you do it. If Mr. France thinks that he put the big bucks up this year he’s wrong. Even with the big TV deals and all the new ways for NASCAR to make money it’s still us Brian--not you. I tell you one thing I like about Kevin Harvick’s new sponsor and that is because it’s an OIL COMPANY and the funny thing is I don’t use Shell gas so I’m watching one of my guys for free.
Speaking of Kevin and Shell, this will be the first time that the words Goodwrench won’t be on a RCR car in many years. Yea sure, there’ll be a little bitty sticker some where on the car but not a whole hood or quarter parts covered with it. Kind of a sad feeling just thinking about it, but then I wonder what with Dale Junior’s contact up in 2007, will we see a black #3 Bud car and maybe a bigger G M on it? When I ask, is it over or what? I mean that with General Motors and others that have been around for so long leaving the sport, it’s got to be over. Look ahead at the changes that will take place over the next few years and how NASCAR’s new way of thinking as to the money side and not the loyalty it owes to you and the drivers and teams. Can this really be the beginning of the end as some people think, myself included?
Well I know racing ain’t over with just yet, but the season is, and with the few months ahead until the Bud Shootout, I’ll just have to do like y’all, find other things to do with my time. Guess I could go Christmas shopping and get my wife something nice but for the life of me I can’t figure out what to get her, I mean she’s got me hasn’t she? No I’m not going to start naming my list yet but maybe next week I’ll share what I and a few others just might want Santa to bring our way. Then after Christmas there are those New Year’s resolutions I’m going to make. Perhaps I’ll talk about a few my drivers might or should make for January First. Don’t be shy with me, if there’s that little something special you want for a gift, email me and I’ll share it here, maybe someone will know it is you and you’ll get it. Why write Santa, he’s busy as a well digger, write me and I’ll see what I can do. LOL
I haven’t given y’all much news or notes this time but I’m still having fun with the column and it’s more like sharing my thoughts and opening myself so you can see how I feel when there’s no racing. I am bored to death when the cars aren’t going around a track and Mr. France isn’t doing something dumb or this driver ain’t mad at that driver because he did a no-no in a race. Yeah sure, I could watch college or NFL games and yeah the bowl series is fixing to be upon us but that’s rat’s butt stuff compared to NASCAR. You think I end my article each week just because I want a catchy little saying at the end, well your wrong as wrong can be about that, if’n it ain’t then by golly it ain’t!! Racing is about the only joy I have in life, well not really but its number two or three, behind my family and my new job.
You know, I guess I could watch reruns and old races on ESPN or some channel but heck, it just ain’t the same when you know who’s going to win, ain’t no drama. Yeah, drama for a whole season and not just for the last ten races Brian, every race is chock full of it, just like I am sometimes, but I pass it once and awhile. Sundays are in a different light when there isn’t a race, I get to catch up with those things I need to do like go to a movie or take a nap. I bet y’all been doing those honey dos for the past few weekends and making things look good around the house for the holidays. Don’t work too hard because if you do someone may expect it all the time and we know who that is, she’ll have ya raking the yard or cleaning the pool, relax and get ready for the new season.
Well I guess it’s get back to the other things I do well, like polishing my little cars or surfing the web, I got an idea, think I’ll go bid on some diecast on eBay, got to be some deals there. I’m really trying to save my small allowance for February so I can reap a harvest of things at good prices, down in Daytona and if I can get my boss too sign me up for another season, I’ll give y’all a report about the shopping there. Now for those Christmas lists and/or New Year’s Resolutions, send them to me at tinynascars@yahoo.com and remember, IF IT AIN’T NASCAR, IT AIN’T SH*T!!!
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