New Egypt is Racing on Thursday, Don't Forget!

  New Egypt Speedway fans get two chances this week to see some great racing action at their favorite track. The speedway will host the USAC Wingless Sprints on Thursday along with the Big-Block Modifieds, and then return to race on their regular Saturday night.
  The field for the USAC race is expected to include some former Nascar drivers and maybe one New Jersey driving legend. For more details including a chance to see it all from the pits check out my blog post on NJ.com by clicking the link below.
New Egypt USAC Race

NHRA "Summer Nationals" This Weekend at Raceway Park

  NHRA drag racing fans in New Jersey finally get the weekend they wait for all year beginning this Thursday. What used to be known as the "Summer Nationals", until it was moved up on the schedule, ironically because of the hot summers here in the Garden State, will take place this weekend at Raceway Park.
  The track is a first class run facility that not only the other tracks in Jersey could learn from, but tracks all over the U.S. The staff is made up of true professionals and the events are always well run. The facility itself is also among the cleanest racetracks anywhere, especially considering there seems to be something going on there every day of the week.
  For a complete run down on the weekend at Englishtown, including a New Jersey driver who comes in leading the points, check out my blog at NJ.com by clicking the link below.
NHRA Summer Nationals

National Guard Cars Cursed On Memorial Day Weekend

  This Sunday had to be some of the best racing seen in years, that is, for everyone except the drivers of the National Guard sponsored cars. Rookie JR Hildebrand was leading the Indy 500 coming through turn four on the last lap when he moved up the track to pass a slower car and ended up crashing into the wall. The National Guard car managed to slide across the finish line as disappointing a second place finish could ever be at Indy.
  If the National Guard didn't have enough disappointment at Indy, then came the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Much like Hildebrand at Indy, Dale Earnhardt Jr. also came through turn four on the final lap at Charlotte with the lead. However, rather than crashing the number 88 Chevrolet ran out of fuel, and coasted across the finish line in 7th.
  There may have never been a better day for a car carrying the National Guard colors to win, and they had two chances fall just short. Let's hope those are the worst losses the National Guard faces for a long time. Especially on Memorial Day weekend.
  Thank you to all who currently or have served in our Armed Forces. You all do something everyday that I could never do, and I am truly grateful.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Almost Made Me Look Like A Genius

  As the National Guard Chevrolet number 88 came off of turn four at Charlotte with the lead of the Coca-Cola 600, I was looking like a genius. I had researched Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve LeTarte's past performances at all the upcoming tracks on the Sprint Cup schedule several weeks ago and came to one conclusion. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s best chance for a win would come at Charlotte. If you don't believe I actually predicted it, click the link and read it for yourself.
  Now thanks to the lack of just a few more drops of fuel I will have to go along with the popular opinion of Dale Jr.'s next win coming at Daytona on July 4th weekend. In fact if Wrangler or Goodwrench is on the car I will guarantee the win.
  I'm not sure who needed that win worse, me or Dale Jr. Oh wait, he's going home to his mansion, nightclub, and car collection. It was definitely me! 

New Egypt Memorial Day Weekend Results

  The results for New Egypt Speedway's Memorial Day weekend race program have been posted on NJ.com's New Jersey Auto Racing. Use the link to check them out if you weren't lucky enough to be there.
  Enjoy a great day of racing today. Almost seems like a bad thing to stay inside all day today, but when you have Formula 1 at Monaco, the Indy 500, and the Coke 600 at Charlotte, who wants to leave the television?
  Maybe you can bring the flat screen outside, either way enjoy!

Stafford Whelan Nascar Modified Tour Results

  I know many of my fellow New Jersey race fans are big fans of the Whelan Nascar Modified Tour, so I have porovided the results from the race at Stafford Motor Speedway.
  Ron Silk started on the pole for the 125 lap TSI Harley Davidson sponsored event, and was never challenged. The driver of the beautiful number 6 machine had a huge lead the entire event and his only problem seemed to be getting by lapped traffic all day.
  Rowan Pennink got to second by lap 110 but was never able to get close enough to Silk to challenge. Bobby Santos, Ted Christopher, and Eric Rudolph rounded out the top 5.

Martin Truex Jr. To Aid Missouri Tornado Victims

  Martin Truex Jr. and his Napa team will be making an appearance next week looking to help the tornado victims in the Joplin Missouri area. The New Jersey driver will be at the Bass Pro Shops in Olathe Kansas on Thursday from 6PM to 8pm. He will be joined by team owner, Michael Waltrip, from 7:15PM to 8PM.
  Fans will be able to meet the drivers, take pictures, and get autographs in exchange for a donation of canned foods, blankets, and toiletries. The first 200 fans bringing donations will receive a diecast number 56 Napa Toyota.
  David Reutimann and Bobby Labonte will be doing the same at another location, an Aarons store. All donations will then be transported to the Joplin area by Michael Waltrip Racing.
  Fans outside of the Kansas area will be able to bid on the hoods from the cars that both Truex Jr. and Reutimann race at Kansas, in addition to the gloves and shoes they wear during the race. The auction will be held online at www.NASCAR.com/unites the week following the Kansas race.
  This online auction is a great opportunity for Martin Truex Jr. fans to get a very unique collectible and help out a great cause as well. 

Special Thanks to AARN's Ernie Saxton

  I have to give a big THANK YOU to Ernie Saxton, probably best known for his weekly column in Area Auto Racing News, for making mention of me. I have to admit I was totally surprised to not only see my name, but also this blog and the one I write for NJ.com New Jersey Auto Racing, mentioned by Mr. Saxton in his column.
  I am a long-time subscriber to the racing paper and the first column I read every week is that of Mr. Saxton. He does a masterful job of combining news and commentaries on everything from Sprint Cup right on to the local wekend warrior. I truly believe if his was the only column I could read every week I would still be incredibly informed and entertained.
  His career also includes track announcer and sponsorship expert, something I am very interested in myself. Guess you could say Ernie Saxton is somewhat of a hero of mine. I am absolutely honored and again Thank You.

Martin Truex Jr. Qualifying Results and Preview Charlotte Coca-Cola 600

  Qualifying for this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 was held this Thursday. New Jersey Sprint Cup driver Martin Truex Jr., actually managed to hold the pole position for a short time, but definitely is not discouraged by his overall starting position.
  This race offers challenges not seen in most Sprint Cup races. Find out where Truex Jr. will start on Sunday, his past history at Charlotte, and more in my blog post on NJ.com by clicking the link below.
Martin Truex Jr. Coke 600

Do you Really Know Danica Patrick? Can She Win the Indy 500?

  We all know the Danica Patrick featured in the GoDaddy.com commercials. We all know the Danica Patrick race car driver in the Indy Series racing for Michael Andretti, and in Nascar for Dale Earnhardt Jr. But how many of you know where she came from, her personal history, her racing history. If you are interested in where she drove before Indy then check out my story on Yahoo by clicking the link below.
  While we are talking about Danica, does anyone feel she actually has a chance at winning the Indy 500?
This, afterall, may be her last chance.
The Danica Patrick No One Knows

Martin Truex Jr. Charlotte Coca Cola 600 Preview Video

  New Jersey's own Martin Truex Jr. and his Michael Waltrip Racing Napa team have seemed to turned the corner in the last two weeks. A change to the crewmembers who go over the wall has seemed to be what the number 56 Toyota team needed to finally get the finishes they deserved. Truex Jr. and his team will need to continue, if not improve, on those finishes this weekend in Charlotte if they are to have any hope of qualifying for the season ending Chase.
  Check out this video of Martin Truex Jr. for his view on his chances in the Coca Cola 600

Wall Stadium, Cruise Night, Twin 35's, Skydiver, Yes Skydiver!

  Wall Stadium has big plans for this Memorial Day weekend. The track wil hold one of it's very popular "Cruise Nights" on Friday, and then "Twin-35's" for the Wall Modifieds on Saturday. With this being Memorial Day weekend the track also has a number of salutes to the Armed Forces planned, including free admission and even a skydiver.
  Check out my blog post at NJ.com for more details.  

Martin Truex Jr. Autograph Session

  Martin Truex Jr. fans who have made their way down to the Charlotte area for this weekend's Coca Cola 600, will want to head to Michael Waltrip Racing on Wednesday May 25th. The team will host it's annual Fan Fest, featuring an autograph session for it's drivers.
  Martin Truex Jr., David Reutimann, Nationwide driver Ryan Truex, and K&N driver Brett Moffit, will also be joined by JTG-Daugherty driver Bobby Labonte. Also Modified driver, Tim Brown, one of the stars of the History Channel's show "Madhouse", and an employee of MWR will be on hand.
  Travis Pastrana will be unable to attend due to previous committments. Team owner Michael Waltrip will be signing copies of his book,"In the Blink of an Eye" from 1PM to 3PM, and then join the other autograph session from 5:30PM to 7:30PM
  There will be displays, pit stop practice, and other forms of entertainment, as well as food.
  Also, if you are in the Charlotte area, don't forget to visit the shop of former New Jersey racer Shannon Conner. His Race City Raceway is the premier slot car racing facility in the Northeast, and often frequented by some of Nascar's biggest stars on their off days. 

Ryan Truex Loses Number 99 Toyota Ride

  Young, New Jersey racer, Ryan Truex, has been replaced this week in the Pastrana/Waltrip number 99 Toyota. The team is claiming the move was made, soley, for sponsorship reasons.
  Truex will get at least one more chance in the number 99 Toyota this year, but the rest of his season is much in doubt. Check out my blog post on NJ.com for all the details by clicking the link below.
Ryan Truex Future

Rain Gets Wall, Buffalino Takes New Egypt

  While rain denied Wall Stadium it's chance at making history, a very popular young driver was winning at New Egypt.
  Wall Stadium had planned to run the Dirt Sportsman on the high-banked asphalt track for the first time ever. Those plans were put on hold as rain showers forced the track to cancel the night of racing.
  Meanwhile, over at New Egypt it was the very popular Dominick Buffalino taking the Big-Block win. A complete story of all the New Egypt action is available in my NJ.com post at the link below.
New Egypt Results

Martin Truex Jr. Starting Toward Front of Sprint Showdown

  Martin Truex Jr. will start in the 7th position for the Sprint Showdown. He will need to be one of the two cars that transfer to the All-Star event if he wants any chance at the $1 million prize.
  Should he not qualify, he could also earn a spot with the fan vote. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. hasn't qualified yet either. If Dale Jr. does not race his way in, then he will certainly be the fans choice.
  While there are 27 cars scheduled to take the green, Truex Jr.'s competition should come from front row starters David Ragan and AL Allmendinger, along with Dale Jr. and Jeff Burton.
  Let's hope our Jersey representative can get a transfer spot. He was the winner of this event last year, and then finished a close second to Kurt Busch. Can he improve by one position this year? If so it will mean a cool million.

Great Weekend for Racing in New Jersey

  There may not be a better weekend for racing in New Jersey than this one One track is making history, another has Banner Night and a chance to qualify for a huge event the very next day, still another will be honoring Little Leaguers, and a major touring series will also be visiting.
  Wall Stadium will be adding to this track's 50 year history, by hosting a division that has never raced on the high-banked asphalt oval. The Dirt Sportsman, which normally compete at New Egypt Speedway, will be making their debut at Wall. This is a night you don't want to miss if you are either a Wall or Dirt Sportsman fan.
  Bridgeport Speedway will be honoring both Little League players and their coaches, this Saturday. Any coach accompanied by at least 7 players in uniform, gets in free.
  New Egypt Speedway will see it's Big-Block drivers not only competing for a winner's purse and trophy, but also a spot in Sunday's "Road-Mod" race at New Jersey Motorsports Park. With nearly 40 cars showing up every week, this track already presents some of the most fierce competition in the Northeast. This Saturday will also be banner night, where fans are encouraged to bring banners and signs to promote their favorite drivers.
  Finally, the weekend of racing wraps up in Millville, where the ARCA cars will be competing on the South Jersey road course. Also, many of the same teams that competed the previous night at New Egypt will be on hand to compete in the "Road-Mod" race.
  This weekend is the one you definitely want to spend at a Jersey track. After a week filled with rainy days, both Saturday and Sunday are supposed to be nice. There is also no official Sprint Cup race tonight as Nascar will be presenting it's All-Star event on Speed, something you can record and watch later. Afterall, nothing beats actually being at the racetrack.
  For more information on any of the events mentioned, click on the highlighted links.

Martin Truex Jr. Before They Were Stars Video

This video not only shows Truex Jr. at the family business, SeaWatch, but also Wall Stadium. Check it out, you might even be in it,

Best Weekend to be a Dirt Modified Fan in New Jersey

  This weekend just may be the best weekend of the year to be a dirt modified fan in New Jersey. The Big-Block Modifieds will not only be in action at New Egypt Speedway this Saturday night, but many of the top teams will then head to New Jersey Motorsports Park to compete on the road course.
  The "Road-Mods" will be the companion division when the ARCA cars return to New Jersey this weekend. The rules have been tightened this year, meaning no cars special built for the road course will be allowed. While many teams will not run the same car at both New Egypt and on the road course, some will.
  So you not only get the chance to see the Big-Blocks battle for a spot in the road course race on Saturday. You then get to see those same drivers, plus some of the biggest names in Dirt Modified racing attempt to turn left and right on asphalt on Sunday.
  Does it really get any better than that?

Can Martin Truex Jr. Repeat Sprint Showdown Win?

  Nascar Sprint Cup driver and New Jersey native, Martin Truex Jr., find himself in a very familiar position this weekend. Having to win his way into the All-Star race at Charlotte. The Napa Toyota driver will have to win the Sprint Showdown to get a starting spot in the big race, something he managed to do last year.
  Truex Jr. is among a very select group in one aspect regarding this weekend, to find out more check out my blog post o NJ.com by clicking the link below.

Martin Truex Jr. All-Star Rarity

  Also, if you are among those lucky enough to travel to Charlotte, either this or next weekend, you should definitely check out the shop of a former NJ driver. Race City Raceway is a must visit for many reasons, not the least being the possibility of running into one of several Nascar stars who frequent the place.

Going to Charlotte, Visit Former NJ Racer's Shop

  Nascar has pretty much set up camp in Charlotte, NC for the next two weeks. With the exception of the Nationwide race at Iowa, all the action will be in the capital of stock car racing. The All-Star event, Coca-Cola 600, Camping World Truck Series, and Nationwide are just the events getting all the attention.
  There are many other great things to do while visiting the area. Tours of both tracks and race team facilities, to name a few.
  However, chances are if you are reading this blog, you are a resident of New Jersey. If you are planning a trip to the Charlotte area I have a place for you to visit that has a definite Jersey racing tie.
  Race City Raceway is a slot car racing facility, not only frequented by some of Nascar's biggest talents, but also owned by a former NJ racing great. Shannon Conner, the owner, is a former Race of Champions Street Stock champion, Flemington Speedway Street Stock champion, and winner in the D/A modifieds. He was among the most popular young drivers in NJ at one time.
  He has since been a member of several Nascar teams that won championships, and last worked for Dale Earnhardt Inc. Now he is the owner of this very nice facility.
  So if you are among the Jerseyans heading South, add one more place to your plans. Stop in and talk racing with a former Jersey driver, and maybe even get to race against an actual Nascar driver.
  For more info check out Race City Raceway

Ryan Truex Can Win This Weekend in Iowa

  As both a big auto racing fan from New Jersey, and an auto racing blogger on NJ.com, I have been following the career of Ryan Truex since the beginning. The Mayetta, New Jersey driver has already accomplished a great deal in a short time.
  At the ripe old age of 19 he already has won two Nascar championships in the K &N Pro Series East. He has also shown his ability to wheel a Nationwide car in recent weeks, with an 8th at Darlington, and a top 5 in the bag until a fuel problem ruined his day at Dover.
  I, honestly feel this week, when the Nationwide Series pulls into Iowa, Ryan has a great shot at getting his first career win. Check out my blog entry at NJ.com to see why I feel this way by clicking the link below.
Ryan Truex Wins Iowa 

Racing Secrets Your Competitors Don't Want You to Know

  I have been around racing most of my life. First as a kid sitting in the grandstands cheering on my favorite driver, and later as a member of several local race teams. When I was a kid I always just thought that the winner of the race was just the best driver. Amazing how simple life is when you are a child.
  When I began spending my weekends in the pits of tracks throughout the Northeast, I found a new reality. While you had to be a good driver, with some luck, to win a race, perhaps the biggest factor was actually having an edge on your competitors.
  That edge could be a better shock package, or more horsepower, even just how you prepare. Either way, I have stumbled upon a racing website that has an unbelievable amount of resources that could give you that edge. The site has books and videos on just about every topic a racer would want to learn more about.
  This could be the place the guys beating you every week are getting their edge. Check this site out, it really is amazing how much imformation is there.

Twitter Follower Lets Me Know Nascar is Watching

  I didn't start this blog to become famous, or even make any money. I started it because I love auto racing, particularly the type done at the three local ovals in New Jersey. I hope in my small way, somehow I can help promote not only the tracks and their events, but also the drivers, crews, and sponsors.
  I also am a contributor to Yahoo, where I have had many articles published about everything from Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Danica Patrick. I even wrote of how the possibility of Danica becoming Pregnant, could have a negative impact on her career.
  This blog led me to becoming the local auto racing blogger on NJ.com, the website of the Star Ledger. I was even contacted recently by someone from Nascar, who had seen my articles on the Truex brothers. Nascar will now be providing me with various materials to use in my blogs.
  All this , from one little blog. However, the one thing that really made it all worthwhile was a Tweet I received from Richard Childress Racing. As a Dale Earnhardt fan, I can't think of any other name having the effect of Childress.
  Who knows how far this could all go. What I do know is my love for NJ auto racing will never die, and I will always try to do my part when it comes to making sure the three tracks we have remaining are around for a long time to come. 

Wall Stadium Replaces Wall Modifieds With New Egypt Sportsman

  Wall Stadium has given their beloved Modified division the night off this Saturday. However, promoter Cliff Krause, managed to "steal" the Dirt Sportsman from New Egypt this Saturday, to give the fans a first in Wall Stadium's history. Check out my article at NJ.com for more details, by clicking the link below.
Wall Stadium Makes History

ARCA and Dirt Mods on the Road Course in NJ This Weekend

  The state of New Jersey is the place to be this weekend if you love auto racing. Not only will tracks like Wall, Bridgeport, and New Egypt be in action, the ARCA Series will also be visiting. The road course of the New Jersey Motorsports Park will host not only ARCA, but the Road Mods.
  I have put together an article all about this event for my blog on NJ.com. A complete schedule, along with ticket prices are included. So if you just want to know a little bit more about the weekend, or are considering attending, check it out by clicking the link below.
ARCA and Road Mods Schedule

Dale Earnhardt Jr. To End His Losing Streak at Charlotte?

  I know this is a blog about local auto raing in New Jersey, but I also know there are quite a few Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans among us Jerseyans. Therefore I am going to share with you a link to an article I recently wrote for Yahoo.
  I took the time to do a little research on Dale Jr.'s history at the upcoming tracks on the Nascar Sprint Cup schedule, and determined which gives him his best shot at a win. The article was written well in advance of the running of Dover, however, due to Yahoo's schedule it wasn't published until after. As a result, you can see if my pedictions for Dale Jr. at the "Monster Mile" actually came true. Even I was surprised.
  Check it out at the link below.
Where Will Dale Jr. Win?

Yes, Wall Stadium Raced Saturday Night, Results Here

  Despite the weather forecast and the often dreary day, Wall Stadium, managed to get in their complete program Saturday night. I have detailed the results, including a controversy, a driver remaining dominant, a battle among brothers and more in my blog on NJ.com. Check it out by clicking the link below.
Wall Stadium Results on New Jersey Auto Racing

Martin Truex Jr. Unhappy After Dover Top Ten

  While most Sprint Cup drivers would be incredibly pleased with a top ten finish at Dover International Speedway, especially considering the conditions, Martin Truex Jr. isn't one of them. The Jersey Shore driver expressed his frustration after the race.
  Check out what he had to say and a full accounting of his day at the "Monster Mile" by clicking the link below for my blog post on New Jersey Auto Racing on NJ.com.
Martin Truex Jr. Unhappy

Ryan Truex Spider Fear Revealed by ESPN

  While Ryan Truex and his Pastrana/Waltrip team didn't get the finish they deserved on Saturday at Dover, they did get plenty of air time. Ryan was not only the In Race Reporter for ESPN, but he was also interviewed later, and had a piece aired on him by the cable network.
  The biggest revelation on the young Jersey driver? A fear of spiders.
  For a more complete look at Ryan Truex's overall day at Dover, check out my blog post on NJ.com by clicking the link below.
Ryan Truex, Dover, and Spiders

Ryan Truex Looks to Continue Family's Winning Ways at Dover

Ryan Truex will be running his first ever Nascar Nationwide  race this Saturday at Dover. While it is his first start in Nationwide, he has raced at the "Monster Mile" before. His older brother, Martin Jr., has done the Truex family proud in past races there. Can Ryan add to that history? For a complete article on Ryan and Dover click the link below.
   Ryan Truex Looks to Conquer the Monster Mile

Mopar Lovers Come Together This Weekend at Raceway Park

  Raceway Park in Old Bridge New Jersey is the place to be this weekend if you are a Mopar lovers. Challengers, Chargers, Superbirds, and everything in between will be on hand. There will be car shows, racing, and much more. For details check out my NJ.com post by clicking the link below.
  Mopar Weekend Raceway Park

Dover Coming At Perfect Time For Martin Truex Jr.

  The Nascar Sprint Cup stop at Dover this weekend couldn't come at a better time for Martin Truex Jr. The driver has many reasons to look forward to competing at his "home" track. I have posted an article to NJ.com on my New Jersey Auto Racing blog giving what I feel are the factors that will contribute to the New Jersey driver having a great weekend at the "Monster Mile". Check it out by clicking the link below.
  Martin Truex Jr. Comes Home To Dover

Who Is The Best Racecar Driver In New Jersey?

  I have been around New Jersey auto racing most of my life. As a child I was a regular at Wall Stadium, sitting in the first turn grandstands with my father on most Saturday nights. I took it upon myself as a teenager to go to East Windsor Speedway, and New Egypt, when it was paved. Later, when the Modifieds left Wall and moved to Flemington, I not only became a regular in the grandstands, but also the pits.
  The drivers that stood out the most to me in my early years were John Blewett Jr. and Gil Hearne. I was also a fan of Tom Mauser and Street Stock driver Bob Howard.
  When I started to go to East Windsor, drivers like Jimmy Horton and Frank Cozze caught my eye. Doug Hoffman and Rocco Infante, both also come to mind as fierce competitors
  However, it wasn't until I started going to Flemington that I got to see great drivers from New Jersey up close. John Blewett III, the late driver from Howell, was dominant in anything he got into. He won frequently in the Nascar Modifieds, and won, maybe even more, in the Late Models. When I was helping out former Street Stock great, Shannon Conner, during his move up into the Modifieds, John III was asked if he would take the number 45 out to see what he thought. He readily did this and promptly turned the fastest laps the car had ever seen. He gladly helped a team that, who knows, could have been a threat to him one day.
  Maybe the greatest driving performance I ever saw came during the running of the Race of Champions event at Flemington. Billy Pauch starting last, in his first time in a Nascar Modified, beat the best Modified drivers in the Northeast at their own game. I really wish Pauch had gotten an honest shot at the big time.
  All this brings me to my question. Who is the best driver, currently competing, from New Jersey? Is it one of the Truex brothers? Is it Billy Pauch, or Jimmy Horton? How about Brett Hearn? What about a young gun like Anthony Sesely, or Chas Okerson?
  Leave a comment on who you think is the best. I would like to use the results in an upcoming blog post on NJ.com. I want to educate the rest of our state that there are more great drivers in NJ than just the two named Truex. Thank you for your participation.  

Reversal of Fortunes for Sesely at Wall Stadium

  Anthony Sesely received his good karma payback from opening night at Wall Stadium. The Matawan driver could have easily bumped his way past Chas Okerson to take the win, but instead drove him clean and settled for second. Okerson returned the favor this week.
  For a complete run down of all of the action from Wall Stadium on Saturday, including an emotional victory lane for one local driver on Mothers Day weekend, check out my NJ.com blog New Jersey Auto Racing by clicking the link below.
 Wall Results

Mothers Day Belongs to the Butler at New Egypt Speedway

  Gary Butler seems to have a little help from above when it comes to racing on Mothers Day weekend. The driver won for the second consecutive year on the weekend we pay tribute to our moms. Very fitting considering he lost his mom only three weeks prior to the race last year.
  I have posted a complete rundown of all the action last night at New Egypt on my NJ.com blog New Jersey Auto Racing. Click the link below for more on last night.
  The Butler Did It

Kyle Busch Tries To Kill Harvick

  What should have been a real feel good story at Darlington was marred by the behavior of Kyle Busch. Regan Smith held off Carl Edwards on a green-white-checker restart for his first Nascar Sprint Cup win. However, what everyone will be talking about for the next week is the altercation between Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick.
  Both drivers were being very aggressive in the closing laps. Kyle got into Harvick, who then bumped Busch from behind. They got side by side with Clint Bowyer to the inside spinning hard into the wall. From there Harvick managed to get ahead of Kyle who then purposely hooked the rear of the Budweiser #29 sending it into the outside wall.
  As Regan Smith began to celebrate his win, Harvick and Busch continued to disagree on the track as Harvick pulled up behind Kyle. Harvick then drove onto pit lane with Busch parking directly behind him. Harvick then exited his car and walked towards Kyle's car. Busch then drove his car into Harvick's pushing it into the pit road wall and nearly clipping Harvick.
  It is nothing short of a miracle that Harvick or someone else was not hurt. Kyle Busch is a very talented racecar driver, however, if Nascar does not punish him severely then they will never punish a driver. Kyle Busch needs to be suspended, it is that simple. If his actions both in the race, and on pit road, aren't enough to warrant a suspension, nothing is. It will be very interesting to see if Nascar actually has a spine.
  Congrats to Regan Smith, just wish he would be the story this week.
  New Jersey note: Martin Truex Jr. brought the Napa Toyota home in tenth.  

Martin Truex Jr. Replaces Most of Crew Heading to Darlington

  Martin Truex Jr. has got his wish. After both showing and expressing his displeasure with his Michael Waltrip Racing pitcrew, during the Richmond race, big changes have been made. Check out my New Jersey Auto Racing blog post on NJ.com by clicking the link below for not only more details, but also a Darlington race preview for both Martin and Ryan.
 The Truex Brothers at Darlington

Kodie Conner Racecar Photo Go 45!

 The 860 Motorsports Facebook page seems to be a little confusing, so I have provided a picture of young Kodie Conner's car #45. This is the picture you want to like to help this young man out. Thanks!

Former Jersey Driver Could Use Our Help

  If you were ever a fan at the now closed Flemington Speedway when it was paved then you are sure to recognize the name Shannon Conner. For several years Shannon was the man to beat in the Street Stock division at the 5/8 mile square.
  He went on to win the Race of Champions in the Street Stock division, a story in itself, and then made the move to the Dirt/Asphalt Modifieds. He was a winner in that division also, and then made the move to the Nascar Modifieds. Although he didn't win in this division, he was headed in that direction when the track decided to close.
  Looking to make it in the big-time he loaded up his trailer and headed for Charlotte, North Carolina. While he never got the break he needed to secure a ride in one on Nascar's top three divisions, he did go on to work for several high profile teams and drivers as a fabricator.
  When Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Gnassi decided to combine operations, he suddenly found himself out of work. He has since gone on to open a slot car track in Mooresville, NC called RaceCity Raceway. He also has a young son now racing himself.
  While I find it hard to believe, being I was there for many of Shannon Conner's wins, he tells me his son is actually more talented than him. Kodie Conner currently competes in the Bandelero Cars using his father's number 45.
  His parents are looking for our support to help this young man continue his racing. They are asking everyone to go to the Facebook page of 860 Motorsports. Once there like the page, then locate Kodie's picture, it is posted by RaceCity Raceway and like his picture. This will give the youngster a chance at winning a set of four tires. For any of you that have ever been involved in racing you know how expensive tires can be and how important new ones are.
  So help out a former Jersey guy, by following the instructions above, and help keep a child's dream of being a star of Nascar in the future. And if you ever find yourself in the Charlotte area, stop by RaceCity Raceway in Mooresville, you never know who you might run into. Many of Nascar's most well known names are among his customers.
  But first get to that Facebook page and help this kid! Next time he wins, your help could be a part of it! Click on the link to go to the photo. 
Tires for Kodie

Bridgeport Speedway, Watt's Up There

  When Bridgeport Speedway decided to drop the big-block modifieds from their program over the winter, many of the top contenders decided to either compete elsewhere or just retire. Ryan Watt is sure glad he decided to make the South Jersey track his racing destination.
  Not only did Watt win for the second consecutive week, but a third generation driver took the checkered in the TSRS Sprints. For the complete story and a preview for this week's program check out my NJ.com blog post by clicking the link below.
 Watt's Up

Martin Truex Jr. Unhappy With Napa Team

  Another Sprint Cup race, another pitroad miscue, and another poor finish. That pretty much sums up how the 2011 season has gone for Napa Toyota driver Martin Truex Jr. Apparently, enough is enough for the Mayetta New Jersey driver as he was visibly upset at Richmond with his team.
  I went much farther in-depth on the issues this team and driver are facing heading into Darlington in my New Jersey Auto Racing blog on NJ.com. Check it out by clicking the link below.Martin Truex Jr. "Blows Up"

New Egypt Speedway First Time Winner

  New Egypt Speedway presented Twin 20's this Saturday. While there was a first time winner, there is a good chance if you are a NJ race fan you know this driver well. Check out my full post on NJ.com at New Jersey Auto Racing by clicking the link below.
New Egypt First Timer

Stafford Spring Sizzler Results for Nascar Modifieds

Stafford ran it's annual Spring Sizzler this weekend for the Nascar Modifieds. I know there are a lot of Modified Tour fans, here in Jersey, so I decided to post the top ten. Be warned it wasn't a good day for our hometown drivers as both finished outside the top ten.
 Results
1) Bobby Santos III
2)Rowan Pennick
3)Ron Silk
4)Eric Beers
5)Mike Stefanik
6)Erick Rudolph
7)Ted Christopher
8)Matt Hirschman
9)Tom Rogers Jr.
10)Woody Pikat

14)Jamie Tomaino
18)Jimmy Blewett

Two Wall Stadium Winners Disqualified on Opening Night

  Wall Stadium finally got it's Opening Night in the books, and while the weather was ok, the racing was really good. The biggest problems of the night actually came after the feature events were run. Two of the night's winners and a second place finisher were all found to have rule violations.
  Check out the New Jersey Auto Racing blog on NJ.com for the full story by clicking the link below.
Wall Winners Disqualified

Ryan Truex Career Best Finish on NJ.com

 Jersey's own Ryan Truex had his best career finish Friday night in the Nascar Nationwide Series in Richmond. The 19 year old driver and his Pastrana/Waltrip Racing team seem to be getting better every week. Check out my New Jersey Auto Racing blog at NJ.com for my complete post on Ryan by clicking on the link below.
Ryan Truex Richmond Results

What if Danica Patrick Got Pregnant?

  Danica Patrick gets a lot of publicity about being a female race car driver. Many feel the only reasons she has gotten the opportunities she has are because she is a good-looking woman. However, can being a woman also work against her and other female drivers?
  In an article I wrote for Yahoo, originally titled Danica Patrick Pregnant, What If?, but changed by an editor, I present some of the potential problems associated with team owners and sponsors.
  Check it out at the link below and let me know what you think.
Danica Patrick Pregnant?