The 51^st running of the Daytona 500 goes green in about an hour. Just a few observations:

1. This is the first 500 ever without someone named Petty in the race. Sad, but as the King himself said yesterday, “All things come to an end.”
2. 30 years ago today, was the first live flag-to-flag telecast of the 500, remembered for the Allison-Yarborough slugfest, on the track and in the infield post-race.
3. I hope the rain holds off, so they can run the whole magilla today.
4. With the hours of pre-race talk and hype, the Super Bowl of Stocks is an apt moniker.
5. With all the off-season team mergers, sponsor changes, and such, I’m no longer a redneck¹.
6. I’m for Harvick, as always. Still, I’d wipe a few tears if Mark Martin or Bill Elliott were to find the way to victory lane today.
7. I hope Goodyear has conquered the tire problems. I also hope to win the lottery. The latter is more probable.
8. HotPass back on DirecTV for free. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I’d like that much better if Harvick or Tony Stewart were one of the featured drivers.
9. Saw some advance pictures of the Chevy Camaro Pace Car. I couldn’t afford a Camaro back in the day, and for sure couldn’t afford the ’10 model. I’ve lived in cheaper houses. Still, the lines on that car give me the chills.
10. Why is Keith Urban the featured performer?
11. Why is Chris Meyers still on the FOX crew?
12. And finally, it’s OK to drive below the yellow double line. It’s not OK to advance your position by so doing.

Boogity-boogity-boogity!

-k-