December 28, 2008
By Kim Roberson
Kim Roberson
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You know it is a slow time of year when you comment to your sister that there really is nothing to write about, and she smiles and says “You can write a column on ‘Days of Thunder’”.
She saw it for the first time this week because her roommate forced her to watch it.
Yes, it is just that slow in the racing industry. Normally, I spend this week talking about the Dakar Rally….except the Rally is no longer a new year’s week staple. I could talk about the upcoming testing at Daytona….except there isn’t any testing at Daytona…or anyplace else sanctioned by NASCAR…beginning Thursday.
One small thing to look forward to this week is the Polar Bear 150 at Rockingham Speedway. Sprint Cup Series crew chief Jimmy Elledge, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car chief, David Bryan, and Martin Truex Jr.’s spotter Joey Meier will be just three of the 51 drivers entered for the race.
It sounds like it is going to be a great way to spend the first day of 2009.
Yesterday was race practice, which was free to fans who brought a donation of a can of food for the United Way of Richmond County’s “Race to Overcome Hunger.” They also opened up the garage area so fans could go take a look at the cars and meet the drivers.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the Polar Bear 150,” said track president Andy Hillenburg. “We know this race is going to be big in the racing community.”
The two-day event begins Wednesday with practice during the day and a New Year’s Eve celebration in the track garage area at 7:30 p.m. Fans can join in the party with the drivers for $10.
The race begins at 1 p.m. Thursday, with general admission tickets costing $20. Children 12 and under are admitted for free with a paying adult.
I know a dozen folks who are taking the time out to go to the race…many of them are camping (infield camping is free with the purchase of a $40 pit pass). The idea of spending New Year’s eve and day amongst friends at a track filled with NASCAR history was more than many of them could pass up. It might not fill the empty space left by no NASCAR racing, but it is a chance for friends and family to spend some time at the track together over the holidays…and to help support a track filled with NASCAR history in the process. For more information, you can call (910) 205-8800.
Finally, I’ll close out 2008 with a few predictions for 2009.
Winner of the Great American Race: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Top 12: That is a bit of a challenge…so many good teams, so few positions. Here they are, in no particular order: Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Mark Martin, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, David Ragan, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, and Jeff Burton.
Sprint Cup Champion: It would be easy to pick Jimmie Johnson again, however I think his hot streak has to end at some point. So I will select Mark Martin. I think it is his to lose now that he is in a Hendrick car.
Rookie of the year: It seems like Joey Logano should be a lock for this, however Scott Speed could give him a run for his money.
Best Cup win of 2009: My guess is that Tony Stewart will take home a trophy for the newly formed Stewart-Hass racing team. Wouldn’t it be nice if it happened at Indy?
Most missed track in 2009: Yeah, still Rockingham. Unless you go to the Polar Bear 150……
Most tiring issue: Let’s see if Goodyear can actually get their act together this year…..
Most importantly, let’s hope we have another safe season.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy 2009. We’ll see you next year!
The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.
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