From Homestead-Miami, a race fan’s dream weekend. The last race in the Craftsman Truck Series,the Busch Nationwide Series,and the Winston Nextel Sprint Cup Series for this season.

As a race fan, I think tonight’s running of the Craftsman Truck Series finale has the most promise for sheer excitement. Johnny Benson leads the points by 3 over Ron Hornaday, and in a series not known for caution-free racing, anything could, and probably will, happen. I really can’t root for either Benson or Hornaday over the other. I like and respect both, and I’m just looking for tough, hard-nosed racin’ ‘citement.

I see that Craftsman won’t be the major sponsor of the truck series next year. In ’09, it will be known as the Camping World Truck Series. Since 1994, Craftsman has been the series’ title sponsor, and they will be missed. Thanks for the memories, in what is arguably the closest, most exciting NASCAR touring division, the truck series. And welcome Camping World!

-k-

NASCAR, Craftsman Series, Camping World

I love three day weekends; Labor Day has always been one of my favorites. Even after NASCAR, in its quest for ever-more-ringing of cash registers, moved the Labor Day Cup event from Darlington SC to Fontana CA. I see the race is called the Pepsi 500 this year. The event was formerly known as the Southern 500, and still lives on by that name in old-timer’s hearts.

Darlington, the Lady in Black, the track Too Tough to Tame, that has been the scene of many a door handle to door handle finish, has been relegated to one event, on Mother’s Day weekend. Darlington, the egg-shaped, narrow track that has challenged man and machine, now lies idle on this holiday weekend.

I know I’m an older guy, and prone to You kids stay off my lawn sentiments, but I’d prefer the rickety yet sturdy seats of Darlington to the glitz and glamor of Fontana anytime.

Still, I have a feeling that I know what channel will be on our teevee tomorrow night.

-k-

As I watch the Busch Nationwide cars attempt to race in Montreal in the rain, I wonder: Why?

NASCAR is its own brand, its own breed. Wise up, we don’t race in the freaking rain. Period.

I guess that with the dollar being what it is, NASCAR wants to ring up cash registers elsewhere. Ok, then, count me out. I won’t even mention the windshield wipers. Oops, I just did.

Not ready to cite the shortest verse in the Bible yet, but getting close.

-k-

As the NASCAR Brickyard race rolls on with the constant talk of tires, I firmly support the return of competition in the NASCAR tire wars.

Hoosier. Firestone. Goodrich. Whomever.

Give us a choice. For fans. For team owners. For the sport.

-k-