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<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#111111" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <A HREF="spin_out_zone_home.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mike Harpers Spin Out Zone, NASCAR News "><U><B><IMG SRC="14ca9430.png" border=0 width="169" height="67" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <I><B>Read the SOZ at:</B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.racindeals.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.racindeals.com"><U><B><IMG SRC="13e7d470.gif" border=0 width="125" height="71" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.speedworldmagazine.com/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.speedworldmagazine.com/"><U><IMG SRC="69bb4610.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="97" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div>  <A NAME="the_spin_out_zone"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="791f4c80.gif" border=0 width="500" height="200" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spin Out Zone Inside the ARCA RE/MAX Se"><U><B>SOZ Main Pag</B></U></A><B>e      </B><A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Spin Out Zone Quick Bumps"><U><B>Quick Bumps Main Page</B></U></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="561" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FF0000 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="555"><div> Past Quick Bumps</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Click on the Topic to read the Quick Bump</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Topics</B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="#jeff_gordon_singing_solo_" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Jeff Gordon Singing Solo?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#nascar_nation___update" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>NASCAR Nation - Update</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_nascar_odd_couples" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>The NASCAR Odd Couples</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#nascar_nation_turns_sexy__" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>NASCAR Nation Turns Sexy?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#i_m_being_petty" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>I'm Being Petty!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#speed_bumps_and_pot_holes" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Speed Bumps & Pot Holes</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#it_s_a_pressure_cooker_" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>It's a Pressure Cooker!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#harvick_should_burn_the_busch_" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Harvick should Burn the Busch!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#nascar_goes_nfl_" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>NASCAR goes NFL?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#mexico_heart_burn" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Mexico Heart Burn</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tough_mountain_to_climb" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Tough Mountain to Climb</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#2005_nascar_nextel_cup_series" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Preseason Watch - Retirement, New Faces & Cars, I'll Finish 27th</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div>  <A NAME="jeff_gordon_singing_solo_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <I><B>Jeff Gordon Singing Solo?</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, Exclusive to SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Monday June 13, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="833af840.jpg" border=0 width="175" height="132" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Chicago Cubs media and bloggers are still talking about Jeff Gordon's version of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" as it was performed on May 24th at Wrigley Field or as Gordon called it "Wrigley Stadium."</div> <bR> <div> As the NASCAR world found humor in what Gordon did, the Chicagoland critics despised Gordon's performance and slammed him for the attempt. Its been called by some in the Chicago media as a "disastrous rendition" and bloggers have been down right abusive towards Jeff Gordon. To be blunt, Gordon didn't win over any fans in the windy city, but as I see it, the Cubs management should be the ones feeling the wrath of the media and fans, not Gordon! </div> <bR> <div> I'll admit, my heart is with the Houston Astros and not with the Cubs, but I do respect the seventh inning stretch tradition even at Wrigley Field. With that said, I'm flabbergasted on how Gordon is being blamed for what happened at Wrigley.</div> <bR> <div> First, Chicago has never recovered from the death of Wrigley Field icon Harry Caray. He started singing during the seventh inning stretch back in 1981 and Caray died in February 1998. Since his death, the Cubs management came up with the idea of having celebrities sing the song. These celebrities include Mike Ditka, Jack Black, Ozzie Osborne, and Will Ferrel just to name a few. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="83278b90.jpg" border=0 width="120" height="185" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">To be honest, you don't have to be Simon Cowell to know that many of these celebrities shouldn't sing, period - even at a karaoke bar. In Jeff Gordon's case, he warned the Cubs that he couldn't sing. All he wanted to do was to throw out the first pitch. However, celebrities add "star value" to the event and when things go bad like they have many times at Wrigley Field during the seventh inning stretch with the "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" song, its easy to blame the celebrity instead of looking at the greater problem. </div> <bR> <div> Lets face it, horrible singers are nothing new to Wrigley Field. Harry Caray was a great man, but he couldn't sing. With Caray, he loved the game and he loved the Cubs and in return the fans loved him, even though he couldn't sing.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="83445680.jpg" border=0 width="69" height="104" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Today, as they try to fill a void missing since 1998, many innocent Wrigley Field guests like Jeff Gordon show up and give it a shot only to get abused by the Cubs faithful. Instead of using some common sense and begin playing back recorded versions of Harry Caray in an effort to carry on a great tradition, the Chicago media and bloggers would rather write unfair commentaries about those singing instead of calling out the Cubs management for change. But, then again, what else do the Cubs media and bloggers have to write about, uh?</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="nascar_nation___update"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>NASCAR Nation - Update</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, Exclusive to SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Saturday June 4, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> In SOZ's Quick Bump from Saturday May 7th, I wrote about a rumor of Speed Channel removing Krista Voda and replacing her with Leeann Tweeden. In an email to me from Speed Channel, I was told,<I> "SPEED did not "remove" Krista -- she came to us and asked out so that she could move to another part of the country and pursue another on-air job ... SPEED thinks very highly of Krista and certainly asked her to reconsider her decision to no avail ..." </I></div> <bR> <div> Since many Speed Channel viewers are fans of Krista Voda, this news is very important as it is now clear, Speed did not remove her, Krista is leaving to pursue another opportunity. </div> <bR> <div> I wish Krista the very best!</div> <div> Mike </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="the_nascar_odd_couples"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>The NASCAR Odd Couples</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, Exclusive to SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Saturday May 21, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> To be successful in today's NASCAR, a driver must be able to communicate with his or her team, the equipment must be top notch and a sponsor must be found to support the team financially. In my mind the most important component of the three is the sponsor. Because without the sponsor - teams don't race.</div> <bR> <div> Once a sponsor is found the driver becomes the "face" of that sponsor. In most cases, the driver does a good job representing their sponsor. The combination of Stewart and Home Deport, Earnhardt Jr., and Budweiser, and Gordon and DuPont are perfect marketing partnerships. Waltrip and Aaron's and Jarrett and UPS are two more that just seem to fit perfectly. But, when a sponsor goes wild and partners with a driver that doesn't fit their image, we officially find NASCAR's Odd Couples! </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Bliss & NetZero </B></I></div> <div> First, does Mike Bliss know how to use the Internet? We just don't know - and why don't we know? Because he is never on TV talking about his sponsor. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Wimmer & Caterpillar</B></I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="79e82820.jpg" border=0 width="130" height="130" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">When you think about Caterpillar, you think about heavy equipment and big time construction work. Scott Wimmer and myself look to be about the same size and folks, I'm not a construction worker and based on last year's NASCAR Drivers 360 show, either is Wimmer. To be blunt, one of those Caterpillar 345B L Series II UHD Hydraulic Excavators would kick both of our rear-ends!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Vickers & Garnier Fructis</B></I></div> <div> I'm too sexy for my car! Brian Vickers has become NASCAR's new super model. Its not that its a bad thing, but the NASCAR image of a tough driver is basically thrown out the door on this one! The Hendrick "stud" stable includes Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson. Kyle Busch and they can now add the shampoo king - Mr. Vickers. By the way, his favorite Garnier Fructis product is the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for normal hair. </div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Hamilton Jr. & Tide</B></I></div> <div> This one really has me scratching my head! Tide Laundry Detergent is used to wash our clothes. They portray a squeaky clean image. Unfortunately, this is not Bobby Hamilton Jr.'s image. From specific heated altercations to obscene language, not even Tide can clean up Hamilton Jr. </div> <bR> <div>  </div> <div> <I><B>Green & Vassarette</B></I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="7a180800.jpg" border=0 width="128" height="128" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Busch Series driver Mark Green is a man's man. Its true! Just because his sponsor happens to be "Sexy Fun Lingerie," doesn't mean he can't kick some NASCAR rear! Lingerie you ask? No, its not a type of booze - its women's underclothes. The team manager said of Green joining the team, “Mark has the knowledge and experience of having done it before and we couldn't get that from a rookie.” Was he saying this about racing or wearing lingerie? I'll leave that one up to you folks!</div> <bR> <div> Results of Site Poll: What driver and sponsor is NASCAR's #1 Odd Couple?</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 63% - Green & Vassarette</div> <div> 26% - Hamilton Jr. & Tide</div> <div> 6% - Bliss & NetZero</div> <div> 5% - Vickers & Garnier Fructis</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="nascar_nation_turns_sexy__"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>NASCAR Nation turns sexy? </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, Exclusive to SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Saturday May 7, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> As we begin to hear rumors of upcoming changes with media personalities, its become evident that the NASCAR "Silly Season" isn't limited to just drivers and crew chiefs anymore. </div> <bR> <div> NBC announced at the end of the 2004 season that Bill Weber will replace veteran play-by-play anchor Allen Bestwick in the booth, joining Benny Parsons and Wally Dallenbach. Bestwick will handle the pre-race show responsibilities. Though the Bestwick / Weber move was a simple swap in positions, networks are doing all they can to keep the fans entertained. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="76264780.jpg" border=0 width="100" height="120" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Speed Channel debuted "NASCAR Nation," a special Monday-Thursday entertainment and news show on February 21st. When the show began it was hosted by NASCAR regular Ralph Sheheen and a NASCAR newcomer Courtney George. After a few shows, George was replaced with another NASCAR regular Krista Voda <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >(pictured)</FONT>. Voda is a very seasoned NASCAR host who was the face of last year's FOX Sports' show "Totally NASCAR." She brings value and experience to NASCAR Nation and in my opinion, it was a smart move by Speed Channel.</div> <bR> <div> In early May, the Winston Salem Journal reported that Speed Channel's NASCAR Nation show will soon be dramatically revamped, in light of generally poor ratings. The show is likely to be cut from an hour to 30 minutes, and its focus is to change from hard racing reports to more soft entertainment features.</div> <bR> <div> Just tonight (on 5-7) a rumor broke that Leeann Tweeden, a one-time spokesman/lingerie model for Frederick's of Hollywood, a layout model in Playboy, and cover girl for men's magazine FHM, could be replacing Krista Voda on Speed Channel's NASCAR shows. </div> <bR> <div> I'm not an expert in broadcast media, but I can tell you that Krista Voda is not Speed Channel's problem. In my eyes, people who watch NASCAR programming want personalities who are experienced in NASCAR. Not just some pretty face and certainly not someone who has <U>no clue</U> about NASCAR as we have found with some of the NASCAR Nation personalities.</div> <bR> <div> If poor ratings is the issue, then add more drivers to the show and remove those that have no NASCAR thought process. Those personalities know who they are and in my opinion, if you work on the NASCAR Nation show because it's a stepping stone to another job in broadcasting - then get the heck out. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="76450750.jpg" border=0 width="80" height="117" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Lastly, removing Voda and replacing her with Tweeden <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >(pictured)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>will be the death of NASCAR Nation. I'll tune into smart and cute any day over some busty knockout who knows nothing about NASCAR. NASCAR men and women are smart and savvy. We turn on Speed Channel for NASCAR programming and not for some cheap thrill. I get that from Soul Train!  </div> <bR> <div> Results of Site Poll: Who do you want to see on NASCAR Nation?</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 95% - Krista Voda</div> <div> 5% - LeeAnn Tweeden</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="i_m_being_petty"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>I'm being Petty!</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, Exclusive to SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Friday April 29, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> I've written about Petty Enterprises in the past and I've voiced my opinion on where I feel they have gone wrong moving with their team. I was also among the many who felt it <I>may</I> have been time for Kyle Petty to retire from driving. </div> <bR> <div> I'll admit, I came down pretty hard on Petty. </div> <bR> <div> One thing I don't do is voice my opinion without voicing a solution. My solution to the past Petty problems was to change engines and partner with another major Dodge team. Yes, I wrote that  back in July 2004. </div> <bR> <div> In November 2004, Kyle Petty began to make major changes to his teams including changing engine builders and partnering with another Dodge team. In 2004, Petty's two teams were last in the point standings and since the change, the No. 45 team is 22nd in points and the No. 43 team is 29th in points. A huge turn-around!</div> <bR> <div> In fact, Petty is out driving other big names with larger bank accounts including two teams from Joe Gibbs Racing, two teams from Hendrick Motorsports, and names like Kenseth, Nemechek, Mears and Rudd. </div> <bR> <div> I'm one happy guy for this team. It's a team with an important history in NASCAR. </div> <bR> <div> I'm not certain if they will win a race this year, but one can't count them out now. I do know for sure - if you are a NASCAR fan, you have to be pleased seeing them being competitive again!</div> <bR> <div> Results of Site Poll: Describe your feelings about Petty Enterprises in 2005?</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 45% - Surprised</div> <div> 28% - Excited</div> <div> 27% - Reserved</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="speed_bumps_and_pot_holes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Speed Bumps and Pot Holes!</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, Exclusive to SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Monday April 18, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> I can't imagine life without the Speed Channel. </div> <bR> <div> Two years ago, Speed Channel wasn't a bleep on my radar screen, but today the channel has an important place in the hearts and minds of NASCAR fans. With wall to wall NASCAR coverage on race weekends, the network has established itself as a major player in sports television.</div> <bR> <div> Going into the 2005 season, Speed Channel implemented a program lineup that would cover all aspects of NASCAR. From qualifying and practice sessions to weekly and daily specialty shows, Speed Channel's vision of drawing the hard-core and casual fan to their creative style of programming has proven to be successful. </div> <bR> <div> In my opinion, three shows stand out above the rest. <I>NASCAR Nation</I> is aired Monday - Thursday and it's Speed's version of ESPN's Sports Center. <I>Inside Nextel Cup</I> with drivers Johnny Benson, Ken Schrader and Michael Waltrip entertains fans while giving viewers a look inside the heads of actual drivers, and <I>NBS 24/7</I>, airs on Monday nights following <I>Inside Nextel Cup</I> and fans are able to go behind the scenes of two Busch Series teams. All three shows are a must see for NASCAR fans. </div> <bR> <div> Speed Channel did make some programming changes from the 2004 season and I believe in doing so, they hit a speed bump. Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain was one of the top shows in 2004, however Speed moved the show from airing one hour on Monday - Thursday nights to two hours on Sunday night. Big mistake! Not that two hours is bad or airing one night per week is also bad, but putting a show on after three to fours hours of NASCAR racing on Sunday nights, in my opinion, is a bad idea. </div> <bR> <div> The pot hole show on the schedule is Infield Hot Pass. What in the heck were they thinking with this nightmare. It's a show that covers the race track infield and it's party scene. Maybe it's just me, but this show could be good if they added a sense of maturity to it. The idea is a grand one, but the hosts are flat out bizarre. </div> <bR> <div> Add the pre and post race coverage to covering the entire 2005 season of Craftsman Truck Series races and Speed Channel is well on it's way to being a must have for every American home. </div> <bR> <div> Results of Site Poll: What's the best (and worst) Speed Channel Show:</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> With the choices of Inside Nextel Cup, NBS 24/7,</div> <div> NASCAR Nation, Wind Tunnel and NASCAR This Morning:</div> <div> 44% voted NASCAR Nation as the Best!</div> <bR> <div> The worst show on Speed Channel was voted to be:</div> <div> 56% - Infield Hot Pass </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="it_s_a_pressure_cooker_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>It's a pressure cooker! </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, Exclusive to SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Monday April 11, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> What on earth has happened to the rookie class of 2005? </div> <bR> <div> Sure, only two full-time Nextel Cup rookie drivers are running for rookie of the year honors, but it seems that life as a rookie isn't as easy as it once was for previous contenders. </div> <bR> <div> Kyle Busch, the Hendrick Motorsports newest young gun was the seasons early choice to win the ROTY award, however after six races he sits 29th in Cup Series points. Busch's competition for the award is Travis Kvapil and he drives a car from the Penske Racing stable. Kvapil currently is holding in 27th position in Cup Series points. It's a Hendrick versus Penske match-up.</div> <bR> <div> The last time we found only two drivers competing against each other for ROTY, it was during the 2002 season. The situation was strangely similar. Jimmie Johnson a Hendrick driver was going against Ryan Newman a Penske driver. At the end of the season Penske's Newman won the award, however both drivers had an incredible season finishing inside the top 10 in Cup Series points.</div> <bR> <div> Today, we find two young drivers basically running in the same if not better equipment that Johnson and Newman had in 2002, but both are experiencing different results and I must question why. Could it be that both drivers are not as talented as their teammates or could it be that the pressure of succeeding at the Cup Series level is too much for them to handle? </div> <bR> <div> Let's look at Carl Edwards. Edwards, a new young gun, won the Atlanta race and the two races since that time he has struggled terribly. The Atlanta win has brought a heighten level of attention from the media to Edwards and he can't escape the cameras and ongoing questions about his early success.</div> <bR> <div> It's just my opinion, but it seems the Hollywood mentality has worked it's way into NASCAR. The drivers have enough to worry about from sponsorship obligations and meeting contract expectations, to building team chemistry and performing on the track. Today's drivers must also deal with the media. It may be a bit too much for a rookie driver to grasp in the new era of NASCAR. </div> <bR> <div> Results of Site Poll: The drivers feel the most pressure from:</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 57% - The media</div> <div> 36% - The sponsor</div> <div> 7% - The fans</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="harvick_should_burn_the_busch_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Harvick should burn the Busch! </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Monday April 4, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Kevin Harvick is back to his 2001 racing form.   </div> <bR> <div> In 2001 he won the Busch Series Championship and by pulling double duty in the Cup Series he finished 9th in Cup Series points and took home the 2001 Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors.</div> <bR> <div> Since that time, Harvick's most successful year in the Cup Series came in 2003 where he finished 5th in Cup Series points. Also in 2003, he ran in only 19 Busch Series Races and he finished a very respectful 16th, ahead of drivers like Michael Waltrip, Todd Bodine, Jamie McMurray, Kevin Grubb and Kerry Earnhardt who all ran the same and/or more Busch Series races than him.</div> <bR> <div> As we saw this past weekend, Harvick won both Nextel Cup and Busch races at Bristol and his point standings in both racing series is simply outstanding. He currently sits 6th in Nextel Cup Series points and while 22 other Busch Series drivers have participated in all seven races this season, Harvick has ran in only five races and sits 4th in the Busch Series point standings.   </div> <bR> <div> Is it just me or does it seems that the more time Harvick spends running in both Cup and Busch, the better he does?</div> <bR> <div> Brandon Miller a Busch Series newcomer, currently shares the seat of Richard Childress' No. 21 Reese's Chevrolet with Harvick, but his two race starts have been less than stellar. Rumors are circling the garage of Miller's soon departure from RCR and this could open the door for another young driver looking for a future in NASCAR or RCR and Harvick may want to make a run for the Busch Series championship. Another option would be to put Jeff Burton in the car.</div> <bR> <div> If I'm RCR, I put Harvick in the car full-time and make a go of it. With other Cup Series drivers like Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Jeremy Mayfield and Carl Edwards making things interesting in the Busch Series this year, Harvick could easily steal the show. Based on what we've seen so far this year from Harvick, I'd table the driver development program for the No. 21 car and make a run for the championship. </div> <bR> <div> Results of Site Poll: What should RCR and Kevin Harvick do in the Busch Series?</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 42% - Harvick should do it full-time!</div> <div> 33% - Sorry Miller, Burton is now in the car!</div> <div> 17% - Cup drivers should stay out of Busch!</div> <div> 8% - Stay with the Harvick/Miller plan.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="nascar_goes_nfl_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>NASCAR Goes NFL?</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Saturday March 24, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Next time you see NASCAR's chairman and CEO Brian France answering questions about NFL ownership, check to see if his fingers are crossed. </div> <bR> <div> For some time, NASCAR insiders have sensed Mr. France was looking at other ventures outside of NASCAR, however the more the media pushed him on the topic of ownership in the NFL, the more he denied the claim. During Speedweeks back in February, France was asked about the rumors of him jumping into NFL ownership and he said, <I>"I don't know where the rumors are coming from, I just don't have a handle on that."</I></div> <bR> <div> France told the USA Today in a February 2005 interview, <I>"You're not going to wake up in a month, or a year, or whatever and see that I'm owning, or my family's owning, any NFL team."</I></div> <bR> <div> Just this week, former LA Laker superstar Magic Johnson told the USA Today, that he had talked with France three or four times about co-owning a LA football team and he planned to meet with France in two weeks about the opportunity. Magic said, <I>"It would be wonderful that Brian France would be interested in being a part-owner or owner in the Los Angeles franchise."</I></div> <bR> <div> Some involved in NASCAR have a cool way of denying the truth and once the truth has been announced, they act shocked, like it just happened over night. Come on people, NASCAR fans and the NASCAR media aren't stupid. All the signs point in the direction of France co-owning an LA NFL franchise. First, France has a home in LA and he is good friends with Magic Johnson. Magic even said to the USA Today about France, <I>"He has the money, he has the marketing tools and he lives in L.A."  </I>Second, France has a working relationship with Johnson. Johnson is a co-chairman of NASCAR's committee on diversity and is becoming more and more active in NASCAR. </div> <bR> <div> I hope Mr. France is being honest with the NASCAR fans and media. I would like to think if he really has plans to venture into NFL ownership he would just say so instead of denying what seems to be an interesting turn of events. One must ask, why would Magic say what he said? If they've met and plan to meet again on this subject, why does France want it quiet? </div> <bR> <div> To be honest, I don't really give a flip if Mr. France buys into the NFL. What disturbs me is the bigger picture of telling us one thing, but something else is happening. In a sport where the outcome can be determined by a few people in the NASCAR booth, trust and honesty is pretty important. And, when the top dog is looking at you and saying <I>"You're not going to wake up in a month, or a year, or whatever and see that I'm owning, or my family's owning, any NFL team," </I>however the next thing you know it happens, the trust is gone and the sport becomes solely entertainment, written out like a soap opera. </div> <bR> <div> National trust! It reminds me of a guy who pointed his finger in the face of the Nation and said, I did not have relations with that woman!</div> <bR> <div> Results of Site Poll: Is Mr. France jumping ship to the NFL?</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 47% - Who cares!</div> <div> 40% - Yes and he's not being honest with us!</div> <div> 13% - No. They're playing with the media!</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="mexico_heart_burn"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Mexico Heart Burn</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Friday March 18, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> If you read <A HREF="http://www.racindeals.com/record.asp?ArticleID=959" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.racindeals.com/record.asp?Art"><U>The Spin Out Zone - Mexico Gets Bumped</U></A>, you know that I was critical of the Busch Series race in Mexico City. I had a mixed bag of emails, however many fans who disagreed with me claimed that I was alone in my thoughts. </div> <bR> <div> I would like to point out that in my March 8th column about the Mexico race I wrote, "<I>where NASCAR went wrong was by forcing the teams to attend and they did this by making this a points race. If NASCAR would have elected to make this event a non-points race, I'm sure the team turnout would have been disappointing."</I></div> <bR> <div> During the Las Vegas weekend after the Mexico race, James Finch the owner of the No. 1 Yellow Transportation Busch Series car said in an interview, <I>"The smartest thing to do would be for us to sit the race out. But NASCAR made it a points race to force teams to go. If it wasn't a points race, I am not sure there would be five teams going." But driver Johnny Sauter is running for a championship and needs to race."</I></div> <bR> <div> I also wrote in my column,<I> "Each truck also had a personal security guard in the cab and Mexican police for the 700 miles guided them throughout their journey from Laredo to Mexico City. In my opinion, this is not worth the risk. A team's season should not have been determined on attending a race outside of the country, in a country that has major security issues."</I></div> <bR> <div> Bruton Smith a NASCAR insider and popular track promoter for Lowe's Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway said to a journalist this week, "<I>Some of the politicians I talked to said, 'Be careful, they might steal your airplane.' So I didn't want to fly in. </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Helvetica" ><I>You have to assemble in Laredo, Texas, and then get armed guards to do the next 700 miles. It's do-able ... but do we have to live that way? I don't think so."</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> From a driver's perspective, Ryan Newman driver of the No. 12 ALLTEL, Mobil 1 Dodge told The Associated Press, <I>"We need to take care of the United States before we take care of anything else. Maybe that's selfish. Canada is more my style than Mexico. But I still think taking care of the United States is number one. We don't need to be a traveling international series."</I></div> <bR> <div> So, am I really alone in my thoughts? I don't think so!</div> <bR> <div> NASCAR is all smiles over the success of the event. They were happy with the attendance and being able to get the NASCAR name in front of the Mexican citizens. Not to burst their bubble, but I could take a go-cart series into Mexico City and make it a success. With over 20 million people in Mexico City, you're going to draw a crowd. </div> <bR> <div> The United States of America has a problem with Mexico and it's bigger than NASCAR. There are security concerns with American's going into Mexico and not coming home alive. There are drug trafficking concerns and the Mexican government is not wanting to work with the U.S. to resolve them. We saw at the Major League Baseball meetings with the Congress that the number one source for illegal steroids is Mexico. </div> <bR> <div> NASCAR needs to wake up and stop trying to make a quick buck. Where is the obligation to the homeland? Ryan Newman is correct when he says, <I>"We need to touch people in the United States before we go to Mexico. The Pacific Northwest for sure. The upper Midwest, maybe North Dakota. And there's a lot of people in Montana."</I></div> <bR> <div> Results of Site Poll: Tell us what you think about NASCAR racing in Mexico.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 88% - We should stay home!</div> <div> 6% - Canada first, Mexico second.</div> <div> 6% - Yes, we should race there!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="tough_mountain_to_climb"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Tough Mountain to Climb</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By </B></I><A HREF="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:spinoutzone@aol.com"><U><I><B>Mike Harper</B></I></U></A><I><B>, SpinOutZone.com</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Friday March 11, 2005</B></I></div> <bR> <div> "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" you say Diana Ross? Well, just ask Michael Waltrip, Matt Kenseth, Jason Leffler and Ricky Rudd if their mountain is high enough. </div> <bR> <div> After two Nextel Cup races, this group of full-time drivers are sitting in the bottom of the barrel in Nextel Cup Championship points. For Rudd and Waltrip, this could be the beginning of the end of their Cup career and Kenseth a past Cup champion, should recover soon. Leffler is in his first year with a new team, which is a good excuse for his bad run. For all of these gentlemen, they didn't fall to the bottom on their own, they had a little help from their friends. Thanks to wrecks and mechanical problems, they enjoy the additional level of stress in their lives, while the clock ticks toward race number 26. </div> <bR> <div> What troubles me is the Waltrip situation. I said back in a January column that Michael Waltrip would not return to DEI in 2006 and in my opinion, if he doesn't run well in the early part of this season, he could be out of the No. 15 before we reach race number 26 on the schedule. I also questioned the thinking behind moving the entire "championship contending" pit crew from the No. 8 over to Waltrip's No. 15 team. I didn't like it and it smelled fishy to me. Now after two races, we've seen Waltrip's car blow two engines which adds to the drama and again, to me, something doesn't smell right. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I couldn't make this stuff up even if I wanted to.</div> <bR> <div> It's well documented that Waltrip must perform this year or DEI may not have him back. We also know that Martin Truex Jr., DEI's Busch Series driver and last year's Busch Series champion, is waiting in the wings for a Cup ride with DEI. The No. 15 crew was Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew from last year when they fell just short of winning the championship. So, can you honestly tell me that they think their chances of winning the whole ball of wax with Waltrip this year is better than their chances with Earnhardt Jr.? Sorry folks - not happening, and I like Michael Waltrip.</div> <bR> <div> Let's not forget the NAPA sponsorship is set to expire at the end of 2005. With all that said, one can't help to think that something is happening behind the DEI doors.</div> <bR> <div> Put yourself in the crew's shoes, you know you are a championship crew and if you couldn't win it with Earnhardt Jr., do you think you can win it with Waltrip, who has never been close to a Cup championship? But, sitting on the sidelines is a "young gun" in Truex Jr., who won the Busch championship last year. Who do you want to work for?</div> <bR> <div> In my opinion, sounds like Michael Waltrip, who has the entire team on his shoulders, has the toughest mountain to climb!</div> <bR> <div> Site Poll: Does the No. 15 crew want Waltrip out and Truex Jr. in?</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 36% - Yes, they're against Mikey!</div> <div> 14% - No, they're just having bad luck</div> <div> 50% - Maybe, it does smell fishy</div> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1c42d060.png" border=0 width="557" height="6" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div>  <A NAME="2005_nascar_nextel_cup_series"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series</B></div> <div> <B>Retirement Watch</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="436" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 168 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="51f3c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Rusty Wallace</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>DOB: 8-14-56</B></I></div> <div> Penske Racing</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Rusty's big news for the 2005 season isn't his feud with teammate Ryan Newman, but that he will retire after the 2005 season is complete. Rumored to replace Rusty in the No. 2 Dodge are Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle and Jeremy Mayfield. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 188 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="5203c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Mark Martin</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>DOB: 1-9-59</B></I></div> <div> Roush Racing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 6 Viagra Ford </U></B></div> <bR> <div> Mark Martin like Rusty Wallace is retiring at the end of the 2005 season. He may run some Truck races in 2006. The Viagra sponsorship ends at the end of the 2005 season, so Roush is looking for a sponsor and driver for the No. 6.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 226 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="5213c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Ricky Rudd</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>DOB: 9-12-56</B></I></div> <div> Wood Brothers Racing</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 21 Motorcraft Ford</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Ricky hasn't decided when to bow out of NASCAR yet, but he has said that if he doesn't run up front in 2005, he may not be back next year. But, if the No. 21 team can win a race or two and run in or near the top 10, he may run for a another year. His contract is good through this year and he may just hang it up at the end of the year. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 141 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="5223c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Sterling Marlin</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>DOB: 6-30-57</B></I></div> <div> Chip Ganassi Racing</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 40 Coors Light Dodge</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Sterling and Coors are signed with Ganassi through 2005 and that may be it. No official notice has been given by Sterling, but this year could be it. Watch this situation!</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 141 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="38c3c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Terry Labonte</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>DOB: 11-16-56</B></I></div> <div> Hendrick Motorsports</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 44 Kellogg's Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Terry has started his retirement bid. He has moved from the No. 5 to the No. 44 (Old Petty car number) and Terry will run 10 races in 2005 and 2006 before he retires. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 141 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="5243c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Kyle Petty</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>DOB: 6-2-60</B></I></div> <div> Petty Enterprises</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 45 Georgia Pacific Dodge</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Rumors have Kyle retiring after the 2006 season so he can focus on ownership of the No. 43 and No. 45 teams. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 141 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="5253c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Ken Schrader</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>DOB: 5-29-55</B></I></div> <div> BAM Racing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 49 Schwan's Dodge</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Kenny is signed through the 2005 season with BAM Racing, but I must say that Kenny WILL NEVER retire!</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 141 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="2c93c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Dale Jarrett</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>DOB: 11-26-56</B></I></div> <div> Robert Yates Racing</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 88 UPS Ford</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Dale has said that he would like to run another two or three years, so through the 2007 season. </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <B>Welcome the New Faces & Cars of the </B></div> <div> <B>2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series</B></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="436" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 168 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="4fc3c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Dave Blaney</B></I></div> <div> Richard Childress Racing</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> The No. 30 AOL Chevy leaves RCR as a primary sponsor and is replaced with a NEWLY approved hard liquor sponsorship. Look for Dave to have a good first season in this car - finishes in the top 15 in points.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 207 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="3883c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Mike Bliss</B></I></div> <div> Haas Automation Racing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 0 NetZero Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Bliss replaces Ward Burton in the No. 0 car. Bliss comes from Joe Gibbs Racing's Busch Series team. Don't look for too many good days in the Cup Series for Mr. Bliss. I still see this team struggling and looking for a new sponsor in 2006, if not sooner. Finishes the season outside the top 30.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 149 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="4fe3c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Mike Wallace</B></I></div> <div> Morgan-McClure</div> <div> Racing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 4 Lucas Oil Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> What, no more Yoke TV? Lucas Oil signs on for the 2005 season, but it doesn't matter. Wallace is a good driver, but once again he is held back due to team and equipment. Season ends outside the top 30. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 168 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="38d3c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Kyle Busch</B></I></div> <div> Hendrick Motorsports</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 5 Kelloggs Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Mr. Talent! Don't expect a Daytona win, but look out for this kid in 2006. He'll win Rookie of the Year, however he'll struggle in his first year to keep up with the other "young-guns." Finishes the season in 19th.  </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 264 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="5003c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Robby Gordon</B></I></div> <div> Robby Gordon Motorsports</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 7 Fruit of the Loom / Jim Beam Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Blame it on the sand Robby! He leaves the No. 31 Cingular car to become his own boss. Not sure if a owner-driver can find much success anymore in the Cup Series, but if anyone can do it - it's Robby Gordon! Now he is the boss and if he can keep his sponsor happy, he could do great things. Finishes the season between 20-25 in points.   </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 188 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="502415a0.jpg" border=0 width="65" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Jason Leffler</B></I></div> <div> Joe Gibbs Racing</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 11 FedEx Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Is he the golden package FedEx? Don't think so! Leffler will struggle even with two past champions as teammates and driving Gibbs equipment. Hate to say it - FedEx will follow the "big brown truck" in 2005! Struggles to make the top 25 in points.  </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 188 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="504415a0.jpg" border=0 width="65" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>John Andretti</B></I></div> <div> ppc Racing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 14 APlus / Victory Brand Ford</U></B></div> <bR> <div> We're not sure what to expect from this team. John will not be in the same equipment as he was at DEI. Look for a few good runs, but at the end of the day - he'll struggle and it won't be his fault. Finishes the season 26th in points. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 188 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="505415a0.jpg" border=0 width="65" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Jeff Burton</B></I></div> <div> Richard Childress Racing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet </U></B></div> <bR> <div> Jeff moves from the AOL car to the No. 31 Cingular car in 2005. Jeff has brought new life to the RCR organization and should make a run for the championship. Look for him to finish inside the top 10 in points and be one of the "Cup Chasers."</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 149 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="506415a0.jpg" border=0 width="65" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Hermie Sadler</B></I></div> <div> Score Motorsports</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 66 Peak Fitness Ford</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Great guy, but for reasons unknown to man, his equipment holds him down. Maybe this is the break out year for Hermie and we'll see his talent shine! Finishes 34th in points.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 283 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="5073c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Travis Kvapil</B></I></div> <div> Penske Racing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 77 Kodak Dodge </U></B></div> <bR> <div> Travis replaces Brendon Gaughan in the No. 77. The Penske group must see big time potential in Travis because they removed a pretty good driver in Brendon. Travis has been successful in the past (Truck Champion), but he is now playing with the big boys and with Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman as teammates - he has not excuse for failure. Just ask Brendon. Look for a top 20 finish in season points.    </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 133 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="508415a0.jpg" border=0 width="65" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Randy LaJoie</B></I></div> <div> MACH 1 Motorsports</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 98 "Unsponsored" Ford</U></B></div> <bR> <div> They say they're running the full schedule, but they have no sponsorship yet. That's not a good sign. Don't expect too much from this team - this year.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 168 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="5093c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Boris Said</B></I></div> <div> MB2 Motorsports</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 36 Centrix Financial Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> The road racing expert is going to give NASCAR a try. Boris does seem to have what it takes to get the job done, so look for him to impress many of those who don't see him as "one of us." </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <div> <B>2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series</B></div> <div> <B>I'll Finish the Season in 27th</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="436" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 158 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="3883c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Mike Bliss</B></I></div> <div> Haas Automation Racing</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 0 NetZero Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> There are too many good cars in the 2005 version of the NEXTEL Cup Series and Mike is going to run very well to stay above 27th place. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 142 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="5003c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Robby Gordon</B></I></div> <div> Robby Gordon Motorsports</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 7 Jim Beam / FTL Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> In 2004, Gordon finished in 23rd place with RCR equipment, so unless his own stuff is any better - he could slip several positions to 27th in 2005. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 130 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="3853c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Scott Riggs</B></I></div> <div> MBV Motorsports</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 10 Valvoline Chevrolet</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Scott finished in 29th last year and a 27th finish in 2005 would be an improvement. He needs to step it up or we may find him out of the No. 10 and back in the Busch Series. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 123 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="5393c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Scott Wimmer</B></I></div> <div> Bill Davis Racing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 22 Caterpillar Dodge</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Last year, Wimmer won the 27th place prize - so can he repeat it this year? He may if he's not released before the end of the season.  </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 130 WIDTH="172"><div> <IMG SRC="53a3c500.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Jeff Green </B></I></div> <div> Petty Enterprises</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="245"><div> <B><U>No. 43 Cheerios Dodge</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Green struggled to a 30th place finish in 2004. With new engines in the Petty cars, he should find his way up past the 27th place position.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="spin_out_zone_home.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mike Harpers Spin Out Zone, NASCAR News "><U><B>Back to Main Page</B></U></A><B>      </B><A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Quick Bumps SpinOutZone.com News"><U><B>Top of Page</B></U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>