FULL THROTTLE - sprenzler's Blog

FULL THROTTLE - sprenzler's Blog - Victoria Advocate http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler In the past year, I've become fascinated with NASCAR. I've watched every race, read every story and spent countless hours on NASCAR.COM. And now, I'm hooked. NASCAR is larger than life. Could it be bigger than the Beatles? I don't claim to be an expert by any means, just one 40something NASCAR fan, so lets talk NASCAR. Can you handle it? In the past year, I've become fascinated with NASCAR. I've watched every race, read every story and spent countless hours on NASCAR.COM. And now, I'm hooked. NASCAR is larger than life. Could it be bigger than the Beatles? I don't claim to be an expert by any means, just one 40something NASCAR fan, so lets talk NASCAR. Can you handle it? en-us Is Tony right about Goodyear's tires? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6859 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6859 <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Anyone who knows even a little about NASCAR knows that the driver of the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota, Tony Stewart, has no problem speaking his mind. That’s one of the reasons he’s my favorite driver. He tells it like it is, even when it’s not pretty.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">He recently spoke out against Goodyear, who for more than 50 years, has been providing tires to NASCAR. Here is Tony’s statement directly from nascar.com:</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 3.75pt 0in"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span lang="EN" style="COLOR: black; mso-ansi-language: EN"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">“We’ve got such a bad right-side tire, compared to what we tested here [in October],” Stewart said. “There isn’t anybody, I don’t think, who is happy with the tires we’ve got. After 10 years in the Cup Series, you learn to be highly disappointed with everything that Goodyear does ...<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></em></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 3.75pt 0in"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span lang="EN" style="COLOR: black; mso-ansi-language: EN"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">“I hate to say it, but the best thing that Goodyear does is to make that gold trophy at the end of the year (a special award for the Cup champion, which Stewart received in 2002 and 2005). That is the one thing that they always do right. Everything from that moment on until the end of the year – it’s a crapshoot.”<o:p></o:p></font></font></span></em></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">I just got through discussing this same issue with a co-worker Friday. I asked him if he noticed the same thing I did – as the 2008 season gets underway, its seems an usually high number of right side tires were blowing out, sending drivers into the wall. He agreed it did seem to be happening more than what’s considered normal.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Tony’s been called a sore loser, a cry baby and more, but hey, if you’re winning race and right side tire failure takes you out and appears to be an ongoing problem, then yeah, something isn’t right.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">There’s been three races so far this season and right side tire failure keeps coming up. NASCAR golden boy Dale Earnhardt Jr. had this to say on Goodyear’s tires: “<span lang="EN" style="COLOR: black; mso-ansi-language: EN">It’s just that they slide so much I don’t think you'll wear them out, they’re so dang hard.”<o:p></o:p></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">A spokesman for Goodyear said the company was completely satisfied with the tire and the process they use.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><span lang="EN" style="COLOR: black; mso-ansi-language: EN">If that’s the case, why did ri</span>ght front tire failure take out Stewart, Robby Gordon and Kurt Busch last week’s during the cup race in Vegas. And others in the previous two races?</font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">For today’s race in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>, it’s much colder than normal which is good for engines, but not so good for tire grip. It will be interesting to see how the tires hold up and how many right side tires blow, but more importantly, who finishes the race, who doesn’t and what Stewart has to say when it’s over. </font></p> TOYOTA BRINGING IT HOME http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6627 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6627 <p>Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch rock in their Toyota's!</p> <p>I don't want to get too ahead of myself. After all, its just been a couple of races, but the Joe Gibbs boys in their Toyota's are showing they will be a force to be reckoned with. </p> <p>Denny Hamlin won the 2nd Gatorade Dual Friday and Smoke took first with Kyle Busch right behind him this afternoon in the Nationwide (formerly Busch) series race at Daytona. </p> <p>I know, I know, tomorrow will show - and tell - a whole lot more. But at the end of 2007 season, I did predict  that Gibbs and Toyota would dominate.</p> <p>Let's hope I'm right. I would  hate to run around town with egg on my face.</p> <p>Speaking of running around town, I have a new column in the Advocate called FULL THROTTLE, which runs the first and third Tuesday of each month. </p> <p>Our goal is to bring lots of  info on local motor sports to our readers - dirt, asphalt, mud, whatever. I'd like to hear from riders, drivers, pit crew members, fans and anyone who wants to talk racing. E-mail me at <a href="mailto:sprenzler@vicad.com">sprenzler@vicad.com</a> or call me at 361-580-6518. </p> <p>  </p> <p> </p> Valentine's Day Heartbreak http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6618 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6618 <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2"></font></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">Have you ever had your heart broken on Valentine’s Day? I have. This year, in fact. But it had nothing to with Cupid, or me choosing the wrong guy or anything like that. My heart was actually breaking for someone else – NASCAR’s independent driver, Stanton Barrett.</font></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">Barrett is both the owner and driver of the No. 50 Chevrolet, and is best known for being the Hollywood stuntman that operates on a bare-bones budget and who is always in the pool of go-or-go-home drivers.</font></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">Although he has no corporate giants behind him, SKI Motorsports and NOS Energy Drink have decided to bet on Barrett to qualify for four of the biggest races of the season, the first being this Sunday’s Daytona 500.</font></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">During a recent interview on NASCAR.com, Barrett was very optimistic as he spoke of his 18 years of drafting experience, getting set ups together and coming up with combinations. “We fully intend to race our way in,” he said.</font></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">Six previous attempts to make the 500 have eluded Barrett, but as his lap times continued to improve during time trials, it seemed that maybe, this would be the year he would make it. </font></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">Now for the heartbreak part. </font></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">During the second Gatorade Duel 150 qualifying race (on Valentine’s Day), Jacques Villeneuve lost control of his Toyota in turn 4 on lap 15. Sadly, for Barrett, he was in the line of fire with nowhere to go in a wreck that also thrashed the cars of Dario Franchitti and Jamie McMurray. </font></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">Why can’t Stanton Barrett seem to catch a break? Just once. With NASCAR’s money, money, money, attitude, what will become of the small team guys like Barrett and Robbie Gordon? And where will Barrett be tomorrow? </font></div> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: red"><font color="#000000" size="2">Unfortunately, not running in the Daytona 500.</font> </span> The wait is over - live racing is back http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6550 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6550 <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">It’s been nearly three months – almost 90 long and agonizing days – since we saw the last NASCAR race. Sure, there have been highlights from past seasons on Speed and ESPN, and there are endless NASCAR DVDs available. I’ve even attempted to play a few racing games on my PlayStation 2 out of sheer desperation. But it’s just not the same. </font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2"></font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">The wait is finally over. The Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway starts Saturday at 7 p.m. and you can check it out live on the Fox network. </font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2"></font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">I had to laugh when I saw Michael Waltrip had the no. 3 starting position (since he normally can’t even finish a race), but then I remembered that the 23 drivers participating had attended a draw party where they selected a Budweiser bottle that contained a numbered flag. That’s how starting positions were determined.</font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2"></font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">Here’s how eligibility was determined (from NASCAR.com):</font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><em><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma">The 23-driver field for the Shootout will be the record for the largest field in the history of the event. (The previous high was 22 in 2002.) There were 18 drivers who gained eligibility by winning a pole in 2007, while five others are eligible because they are past winners of the Shootout (and finished in the top 50 in final series point standings). Four drivers will be competing in the event for the first time.</font></font></em></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><em><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><o:p></o:p></font></font></em></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">Here’s the top 10 line up (a complete list can be seen at NASCAR.com):</font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">1. Kurt Busch (2); 2. Mark Martin (8); 3. Michael Waltrip (55); 4. Jamie McMurray (26); 5. David Gilliland (38); 6. Reed Sorenson (41); 7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88); 8. Kasey Kahne (9); 9. Martin Truex Jr. (1); 10. Tony Stewart (20).</font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2"></font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">Although the season opener is still another week away, I think it will speak volumes about what we can expect in the upcoming months. Who do you think will be in the winner’s circle tomorrow night? </font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2"></font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">Jimmie Johnson (who could have been called “Dominator” Johnson last season)? </font><font face="Tahoma" size="2">What about Earnhardt Jr.? He’s certainly got a lot to prove and all eyes will be on NASCAR’s favorite driver. </font><font face="Tahoma" size="2">Maybe Carl Edwards, who, I’m sure, will be a force to reckoned with this season. </font><font face="Tahoma" size="2">Or my personal favorite, NASCAR bad boy Tony Stewart, the 2001, 2002 and 2007 Shootout champion, who seemed to have something other than racing on his mind as the 2007 season wound down.</font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Tahoma" size="2">Email me at sprenzler@vicad.com with your predictions by 1 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday). I’ll post them in tomorrow’s blog and we’ll see who knows their stuff.</font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"> <o:p></o:p></font></font></p> </div> FULL THROTTLE: MISSING NASCAR http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6027 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/6027 <p><font face="Verdana">How many NASCAR fans are counting the days until the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17? What a Valentine's Day gift. Forget the flowers and candy, give me NASCAR. I don't know about you guys but I'm having NASCAR withdrawl pains. It's just not right to turn on the TV Sunday and see nothing but football and basketball games.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">OK - hold up. Before I ruffle the feathers of all you Cowboys fans, I like football just as much as the next woman. OK, maybe not that much. But I enjoy a good game, like the recent Cowboys/Lions game and I love my SPURS. I've spent countless hours watching them on the tube as well (yes, there was some yelling involved). </font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">But SPURS come second to NASCAR, my first true love. My recent trip to Texas Motor Speedway to attend the Dickies 500 was unbelievable and I had more fun than any trip I've taken to the Bahamas, Cozumel, Disneyland or Niagara Falls.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">I'm just a die hard NASCAR fan and can't wait for the season to begin again. I'm anxious to see how Dale Junior does with his new team and most important in my NASCAR world, how the Joe Gibbs boys do with their new Toyotas. So stay tuned ....</font></p> FULL THROTTLE: Green-white-checkered? Give me a break http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5472 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5472 <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The last few laps of today’s Pep Boys Auto 500 in Atlanta were mind-boggling. And the green-white checkered flag win for Jimmie Johnson? Give me a break. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Early on, I had high hopes for #20, my favorite driver Tony Stewart. He started in 30<sup>th</sup> position and in just 33 laps, had moved up to 12<sup>th</sup>. By lap 56, he’d passed Jeff Gordon and was in 6<sup>th</sup> place. He pitted shortly thereafter and was doing great until laps got into the triple digits. Car problems plagued Stewart for the remainder of the race and he finished right where he started – a disappointing 30<sup>th. </sup> With just three races left in the chase for the Nextel Cup, I guess Smoke can forget about adding the 2007 cup to his collection.</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">With just a few laps to go after another caution, Denny Hamlin was leading the restart. Hamlin then runs out of fuel, causing a traffic jam and Martin Truex Jr. who didn’t have anywhere to go but forward, slammed into the rear of the #11 FedEx Chevy, knocking both out of the race.</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Another caution, another restart and Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are in first, second and third, respectively. Junior has not won a race the entire season. But today, that was all about to change and I was sure that I was about to watch one of the best shoot outs ever.  </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Instead, I watched in disbelief as a rear tire just flew off the No. 8 Budweiser Chevy, causing Junior to spin out and take Jamie McMurray with him.</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Although I was glad to see Junior walk away from the wreck, it was almost heartbreaking watching him climb out of his car. I watched NASCAR’s favorite driver succumb, once again, to what I’ve come to call the “DEI curse.”</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">So Jimmie Johnson won the race under a green-white-checkered, which I think is insane. The final lap should be an all-out, petal-to-the-metal battle. I’m not saying Johnson wouldn’t have won, but my money would have been on Edwards.</div> FULL THROTTLE: Toyota and the Car of Tomorrow http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5443 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5443 <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="News706 BT">With just four races left, who is going to take home the Nextel Cup? Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, maybe even Tony Stewart? I know, I know, it would take a miracle for Smoke to bring it home, but hey, stranger things have happened. </font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="News706 BT">While watching the Talladega race a few weeks back, I really thought Stewart had it during the final laps. But then I watched him block Jimmie Johnson while at the same time, giving up the lead in move that had me screaming at my television set (did I mention my upstairs neighbors are moving this weekend?). </font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="News706 BT">I watched Tony give it his all, but his car just didn’t seem fast enough. I couldn’t figure it out. Smoke is undoubtedly one of NASCAR’s best. The boy has unbelievable skills and a fiery temper, which I just love, but did his faithful Home Depot Chevrolet fail him? That would be strange however, because racer winner Jeff Gordon drives a Chevy (and how nice Gordon was to thank Tony for the “push” that helped him win the race).</font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="News706 BT">Which brings me to Toyota and the COT. Toyota hasn’t done so great this year, but I think it’s because of the drivers. I’m not sure about the cars yet since I’ve only seen <em>average</em> drivers behind the wheel.</font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="News706 BT">Sorry to the fans of Michael Waltrip, A.J. Allmendinger, Dave Blaney, Dale Jarrett and so on, but none of these guys (in their Toyotas) have won a race this year. </font></p> <p class="b" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="News706 BT">In a very brave move, Joe Gibbs Racing, home of Stewart, Denny Hamlin and newcomer Kyle Busch, switched from Chevys to Toyotas for the 2008 season. Doesn’t sound very American to me, but hey, I’ll give it a chance. I look at it this way. If the Toyotas are any good, then the drivers at JGR will be the ones to prove it. Toyota seems to have an endless supply of money they want to share with NASCAR, so I say bring it on. My prediction: Stewart and his Toyota COT will dominate in 2008.</font></p> FULL THROTTLE: No. 8 should belong to Dale Junior http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5343 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5343 <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I was recently reminded of the “hero” status of Dale Earnhardt Jr.  The name sake of one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers has always been a crowd favorite. The fact that he hasn’t won a race in forever doesn’t seem to matter to his legion of loyal fans. But if you’re a true fan of the kid and a NASCAR lover, that’s the way it should be.</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I told myself I wasn’t going to comment on Teresa Earnhardt and the battle over the No. 8, but since I’m also a Dale Jr. fan, I have to speak up.  </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Junior wanted to take the No. 8, his number, with him when he joins Hendrick Motosports for the 2008 season. He should have NEVER had to leave DEI, but we won’t go there. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I guess legally, the number 8 is owned by DEI and Junior’s step mom, Teresa, just happens to be the head honcho of the company. She wanted to retain some type of control/ownership over the number and in the end, a deal to benefit both parties could not be reached. I understand she is a business woman and probably makes decisions she feels are best for the company. Or is she just being vindictive? </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">My problem with the whole thing is that the No. 8 originated with Junior’s granddad, race car driver Ralph Earnhardt, long before Teresa was in the picture. Although she has her legal right to be called an Earnhardt, she married into the family. Junior has Earnhardt blood running through his veins. Regardless of her feelings - or lack there of - for Junior, she should have done the right thing out of respect for the legacy of Dale Sr. and let the kid have his number. She’s obviously done well at the helm of DEI but at the same time, I’m sure friends, fans and even business associates have lost some respect for her. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But what's done, is done. So do you think the new sponsors could have done a little better with Junior’s new car? It’s ugly and ugly is just not cool for NASCAR’s most popular driver. Starting a new season in an ugly car just doesn’t seem right. I don’t know what I expected the car to look like, but it sure wasn’t supposed to look like that. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Come on Mountain Dew and National Guard. He’s DALE EARNHARDT JR. Show the kid some love and pimp his ride.</div> FULL THROTTLE: Jeff Gordon deserves some respect http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5292 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5292 <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt">Why do so many race fans hate Jeff Gordon? Is it because he has more money than he’ll probably ever spend or could it be his “pretty boy” face? Is he really a whiner and a crybaby?</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt">Love him or hate him, he has an amazing record that speaks for itself and now, after winning his 6<sup>th</sup> race of the season Saturday night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, he has a huge 68-point lead in the Nextel Cup points standings. </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt">His first victory came in 1994, just a year after he started racing for Hendrick Motorsports. Since then, he’s won 81 races and four championships. On April 29 at Talladega Superspeedway, Gordon achieved his 77<sup>th</sup> career win, which allowed him to pass the late Dale Earnhardt for 6th place on the all-time career wins list. But his celebratory lap was met by a booing crowd, throwing debris, including beer cans, onto the track.</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt">Off the track, Gordon is known for being heavily involved with children’s charities. He even donated $1 million to help open a 28-bed children’s hospital in North Carolina. Come on, sick kids? How bad can the guy be?</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt"> By winning just three more races, Gordon will pass Cale Yarborough for the 5<sup>th</sup> most all-time wins and he’ll pass Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip with just four more victories. Is it possible he could even beat the record of David Pearson who has 105 victories? The all-time record holder is Richard Petty with 200 wins but it seems doubtful that record will be challenged by Gordon or anybody else.</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt"></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 3.25pt">Bottom line: the guy can drive a race car and has proved himself time and time again. Let’s show a little respect where it’s obviously deserved.</div> FULLTHROTTLE: Montoya: Rookie or ego-maniac? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5255 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/sprenzler/5255 <h3 style="MARGIN: 12pt 0in 3pt"><span lang="EN" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN">Former Formula One and Indycar champion Juan Pablo Montoya, who drives the No. 42 Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing, got his first NASCAR win in March in the Busch series after he nudged and spun out his No. 41 teammate Scott Pruett in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico City</st1:place></st1:city>. In April, while running at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Martinsville</st1:place></st1:city>, he spun out the No. 96 Chevy driven by Tony Raines after hitting Raines from behind. The following week at <st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state> Motor <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Speedway</st1:place></st1:city>, Montoya collided with the driver of the No. 20 Home Depot Chevy, Tony Stewart. In June, another accident while racing in Michigan and more recently, Montoya got tangled up with Kevin Harvick at Watkins Glen and there was almost a NASCAR-style smack down right on the race track. <o:p></o:p></span></h3> <h3 style="MARGIN: 12pt 0in 3pt"><span lang="EN" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN">Other drivers have accused him of making rookie mistakes, including dirty driving and driving way too aggressive. He’s been in arguments with just about everyone and has even been fined by NASCAR and placed on probation for making an inappropriate gesture.<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <h3 style="MARGIN: 12pt 0in 3pt"><span lang="EN" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN">Now, Ganassi announced there would be no contract renewal for Montoya’s teammate, David Stremme, driver of the No. 40 Dodge. Can you guess who will be taking his place? Dario Franchitti, winner of the 2007 <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> 500. Last week, another former</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> Indy 500 winner and Formula One champ, Jacques Villeneuve, made his rookie debut at <st1:city w:st="on">Talladega</st1:city> Super <st1:city w:st="on">Speedway</st1:city> driving a <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Toyota</st1:place></st1:city> for Bill Davis Racing. <o:p></o:p></span></h3> <h3 style="MARGIN: 12pt 0in 3pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">So what’s with these Indy guys wanting to drive stockcars? And what can we expect from Franchitti and Villeneuve? Skills and behavior like that of Montoya? We’ve all heard the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together,” but do they really? And would it be fair to form an opinion or judge NASCAR’s newest additions based on Montoya’s behavior? Probably not, so we’ll have to wait and see.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>