Homestead Picks

PT - 20 (0) 9 (points this week)
Joe - 26 (-10) 3 finished 6 points back
Inskeep - 11 (-15) 13 finished 19 points back
TBA - 17 (-15) 25
Jon - 16 (-28) 18
Curtis - 31 (-41) 40
Ken - 9 (-41) 6

(points back)

I can't believe only one Hamlin pick despite 3 people being eligible. Fast in 3 practices and on the pole? Also, the sportsman in me kept me from taking the 26 - I couldn't do that to Joe - I gotta make it a contest. I will regret being a good sport, but the guilt of using my advantage hurts more than the joy of winning.

Yes, I am an idiot. After the race started I realized Hamlin was NOT on the pole. Sorry.

I pulled it out. Now we all have sundays free for home improvement projects.

Phoenix Picks and Results

1. PT[07,99,48,29,31,24,16,18,11] 50 + 11/5 = 55
2. Joe[2,99,8,48,31,24,18,17,16] 54 + 16/11 = 65
3. Inskeep[29,99,16,88,31,24,17,48,18] 62 + 18/8 = 70
4. TBA[99,16,48,88,29,24,31,07,11] 65 + 11/5 = 70
5. Jon[07,17,48,24,20,31,99,18,29] 76 = 29/7 = 83
6. Curtis[11,16,07,24,20,48,88,18,8] 82 + 8/14 = 96
7. Ken[11,88,17,99,16,48,24,20,2] 94 + 2/2 = 96

Again, no changes in the standings, with the exceptions of the ties at 3 and 6

Texas Picks and Results

1. PT[07,99,48,29,31,24,16,18] 44 + 18/6 = 50
2. Joe[2,99,8,48,31,24,18,17] 45 + 17/9 = 54
3. Inskeep[29,99,16,88,31,24,17,48] 47 + 48/15 = 62
4. TBA[99,16,48,88,29,24,31,07] 61 + 07/4 = 65
5. Jon[07,17,48,24,20,31,99,18] 70 + 18/6 = 76
6. Curtis[11,16,07,24,20,48,88,18] 76 + 18/6 = 82
7. Ken[11,88,17,99,16,48,24,20] 78 + 20/16 = 94

No change in standings after this race

Atlanta Picks and Results

1. PT[07,99,48,29,31,24,16] 34 + 16/10 = 44
2. Joe[2,99,8,48,31,24,18] 40 + 18/5 = 45
3. TBA[99,16,48,88,29,24,31] 43 + 31/18 = 61
4. Inskeep[29,99,16,88,31,24,17]48 + 17/-1 = 47
5. Curtis[11,16,07,24,20,48,88] 65 + 88/11 = 76
6. Ken[11,88,17,99,16,48,24] 69 + 24/9 = 78
7. Jon[07,17,48,24,20,31,99] 70 + 99/0 = 70

Resulting standings:

1. PT[07,99,48,29,31,24,16] 34 + 16/10 = 44
2. Joe[2,99,8,48,31,24,18] 40 + 18/5 = 45
3. Inskeep[29,99,16,88,31,24,17]48 + 17/-1 = 47
4. TBA[99,16,48,88,29,24,31] 43 + 31/18 = 61
5. Jon[07,17,48,24,20,31,99] 70 + 99/0 = 70
6. Curtis[11,16,07,24,20,48,88] 65 + 88/11 = 76
7. Ken[11,88,17,99,16,48,24] 69 + 24/9 = 78

Martinsville Picks and Results

1. PT[07,99,48,29,31,24] 30 + 24/4 = 34
2. Joe[2,99,8,48,31,24] 36 + 24/4 = 40
3. TBA[99,16,48,88,29,24] 39 + 24/4 = 43
4. Inskeep[29,99,16,88,31,24] 44 + 24/4 = 48
5. Jon[07,17,48,24,20,31] 53 + 31/17 = 70
6. Curtis[11,16,07,24,20,48] 70 + 48/-5 = 65
7. Ken[11,88,17,99,16,48] 74 + 48/-5 = 69

Resulting Standings:

1. PT[07,99,48,29,31,24] 30 + 24/4 = 34
2. Joe[2,99,8,48,31,24] 36 + 24/4 = 40
3. TBA[99,16,48,88,29,24] 39 + 24/4 = 43
4. Inskeep[29,99,16,88,31,24] 44 + 24/4 = 48
5. Curtis[11,16,07,24,20,48] 70 + 48/-5 = 65
6. Ken[11,88,17,99,16,48] 74 + 48/-5 = 69
7. Jon[07,17,48,24,20,31] 53 + 31/17 = 70

Charlotte picks and results

1. TBA [99, 16,48,88,29] 99/3 + 16/0 + 48/-5 + 88/28 +29/13= 39
2. PT [07, 99,48,29,31] 07/12 + 99/3 + 48/-5 + 29/20 + 31/0= 30
3. Joe [2,99,8,48,31] 2/6 + 99/3 + 8/18 + 48/9 + 31/0= 36
4. Jon [07,17,48,24,20] 07/12 + 17/-3 + 48/-5 + 24/38 + 20/11= 53
5. Inskeep [29, 99,16,88,31] 29/10 + 99/3 + 16/3 + 88/28 + 31/0 = 44
6. Curtis [11, 16,07,24,20] 11/9 + 16/0 + 07/12 + 24/38 +20/11 = 70
7. Ken [11,88,17,99,16] 11/9 + 88/24 + 17/5 + 99/29 +16/7= 74

Resulting standings:

1. PT [07, 99,48,29,31] 07/12 + 99/3 + 48/-5 + 29/20 + 31/0= 30
2. Joe [2,99,8,48,31] 2/6 + 99/3 + 8/18 + 48/9 + 31/0= 36
3. TBA [99, 16,48,88,29] 99/3 + 16/0 + 48/-5 + 88/28 +29/13= 39
4. Inskeep [29, 99,16,88,31] 29/10 + 99/3 + 16/3 + 88/28 + 31/0 = 44
5. Jon [07,17,48,24,20] 07/12 + 17/-3 + 48/-5 + 24/38 + 20/11= 53
6. Curtis [11, 16,07,24,20] 11/9 + 16/0 + 07/12 + 24/38 +20/11 = 70
7. Ken [11,88,17,99,16] 11/9 + 88/24 + 17/5 + 99/29 +16/7= 74

Dega Picks and results

1. TBA [99, 16,48,88] 99/3 + 16/0 + 48/-5 + 88/28 = 26
2. Jon [07,17,48,24] 07/12 + 17/-3 + 48/-5 + 24/38 = 42
3. PT [07, 99,48,29] 07/12 + 99/3 + 48/-5 + 29/20 = 30
4. Inskeep [29, 99,16,88] 29/10 + 99/3 + 16/3 + 88/28 = 44
5. Curtis [11, 16,07,24] 11/9 + 16/0 + 07/12 + 24/38 = 59
6. Joe [2,99,8,48] 2/6 + 99/3 + 8/18 + 48/9 = 36
7. Ken [11,88,17,99] 11/9 + 88/24 + 17/5 + 99/29= 67

Optimal Team [48,17,99,20] 48/-5 + 17/-3 + 99/2 + 20/-5= -10

revised standings:

1. TBA [99, 16,48,88] 99/3 + 16/0 + 48/-5 + 88/28 = 26
2. PT [07, 99,48,29] 07/12 + 99/3 + 48/-5 + 29/20 = 30
3. Joe [2,99,8,48] 2/6 + 99/3 + 8/18 + 48/9 = 36
4. Jon [07,17,48,24] 07/12 + 17/-3 + 48/-5 + 24/38 = 42
5. Inskeep [29, 99,16,88] 29/10 + 99/3 + 16/3 + 88/28 = 44
6. Curtis [11, 16,07,24] 11/9 + 16/0 + 07/12 + 24/38 = 59
7. Ken [11,88,17,99] 11/9 + 88/24 + 17/5 + 99/29= 67

Phantom debris put 48 back on the lead lap again. They had to do it twice because Robby Gordon snuck in there the first time. Bullshit.

Kansas Picks and Results

1. TBA [99, 16,48] 99/3 + 16/0 + 48/-5 = -2
t2. Joe [2,99,8] 2/6 + 99/3 + 8/18= 27
t2. Curtis [11, 16,07] 11/9 + 16/0 + 07/12= 21
t2. Jon [07,17,48] 07/12 + 17/-3 + 48/-5= 4
5. Inskeep [29, 99,16] 29/10 + 99/3 + 16/3= 16
6. PT [07, 99,48] 07/12 + 99/3 + 48/-5= 10
7. Ken [11,88,17] 11/9 + 88/24 + 17/5= 38

Optimal Team [48,17,99] 48/-5 + 17/-3 + 99/2 = -5

Revised Standings:

1. TBA [99, 16,48] 99/3 + 16/0 + 48/-5 = -2
2. Jon [07,17,48] 07/12 + 17/-3 + 48/-5= 4
3. PT [07, 99,48] 07/12 + 99/3 + 48/-5= 10
4. Inskeep [29, 99,16] 29/10 + 99/3 + 16/3= 16
5. Curtis [11, 16,07] 11/9 + 16/0 + 07/12= 21
6. Joe [2,99,8] 2/6 + 99/3 + 8/18= 27
7. Ken [11,88,17] 11/9 + 88/24 + 17/5= 38

Dover Picks and results

1. TBA [(used) 99, 16] (picked)99/(scored)3 + 16/0=(total)3
2. Joe [2,99] 2/6 + 99/3 = 9
t3. Curtis [11, 16] 11/9 + 16/0 = 9
t3. Ken [11,88] 11/9 + 88/24 = 33
5. Inskeep [29, 99] 29/10 + 99/3= 13
t6. PT [07, 99] 07/12 + 99/3= 15
t6. Jon [07,17] 07/12 + 17/-3= 9

Optimal Team [48,17] 48/-4 + 17/-3= -7

Resulting Standings:

1. TBA [99, 16] 99/3 + 16/0 = 3
t2. Joe [2,99] 2/6 + 99/3 = 9
t2. Curtis [11, 16] 11/9 + 16/0 = 9
t2. Jon [07,17] 07/12 + 17/-3= 9
5. Inskeep [29, 99] 29/10 + 99/3= 13
6. PT [07, 99] 07/12 + 99/3= 15
7. Ken [11,88] 11/9 + 88/24 = 33

NHIS Results - Race 1 of 10

1. TBA [(used) 99] (picked)99/(scored)3=(total)3
2. Joe [2] 2/6 = 6
t3. Curtis [11] 11/9 = 9
t3. Ken [11] 11/9 = 9
5. Inskeep [29] 29/10 = 10
t6. PT [07] 07/12 = 12
t6. Jon [07] 07/12 = 12

Optimal Team [48] 48/-4 = -4

Picks for NHIS - Race 1 of chase

PT - 07

Jon - 07

Curtis - 11

TBA - 99

joe - 2

ken - 11

Richmond Picks

1. Joe (had)127 - (picked)11 - (scored)3 = (total) 130
2. Scott 132 - 16 - 14 = 146
3. Inskeep 134 - 6 - 32 = 166
4. Curtis 141 - 7 - 42 = 183
5. Hau-Ling 156 - 07 - 12 = 168
6. Tod 163 - 8 - 5 = 168

Joe wins session 2 - Congrats!

Don't forget. New session starting next week. 10 weeks to close out the season.

Don't forget to get your picks in and spread the word. Same rules as session 2

Richmond Picks

Here are the drivers that you have to choose from (based on tuesday's entry list for Richmond)

Joe - 00,1,01,02,5,7,07,09,10,11,15,19,21,22,26,28,29,34,38,41,42,43,44,45,55,66,70,77,78,83,84,96
scott - 00,1,01,02,5,7,07,09,10,11,12,15,16,19,21,22,26,28,34,38,41,42,43,44,45,55,66,70,77,78,83,84,96
inskeep - 00,1,01,02,5,6,7,07,09,10,12,15,19,21,22,26,28,31,34,38,41,43,44,45,55,66,70,77,78,83,84,96
curtis - 00,1,01,2,02,5,6,7,8,09,10,12,15,19,21,22,26,28,34,38,41,43,44,45,55,66,70,77,78,83,84,96
hau-ling - 00,1,01,02,5,6,7,07,09,11,15,17,19,21,22,26,28,34,38,41,43,44,45,55,66,70,77,78,83,84,96
tod - 00,1,01,02,5,6,7,07,8,09,10,15,19,21,22,26,28,29,34,38,41,42,43,44,45,55,66,70,77,78,83,84,96

California Results

Sorry for the delay.....

1. joe (had)114 - (took)6 - (scored)13 = (total) 127
2. scott 119 - 6 - 13 = 132
3. curtis 124 - 31 - 17 = 141
4. inskep 127 - 18 - 7 = 134
5. wayne 134 - xx - 44 = 178
6. hau-ling 150 - 99 - 6 = 156
7. tod 160 - 11 - 3 = 163
8. jon 163 - 83 - 12 = 175
9. carol 171 - 22 - 29 = 200
10. TBA 178 - 6 - 13 = 191
11. kenny 197 - xx - 44 = 243

Standings going into final week (note, teams more than 49 points out of first are mathematically eliminated, leaving just seven teams):

1. Joe 127 (points back)0
2. Scott 132 -5
3. Inskeep 134 -7
4. Curtis 141 -14
5. Hau-Ling 156 -29
6. Tod 163 -36
7. Jon 175 -48 (except for being disqualified for picking the same drivers on 3 occasions, sorry Jon)

Here is who has picked who, so we are clear going into the final race:

joe - 17,31,9,18,24,99,20,88,8,48,2,16,12,6
scott - 9,18,8,99,21,31,2,17,24,48,20,88,29,6
inskeep - 16,24,11,48,42,29,88,17,8,2,20,99,9,18
curtis - 18,99,20,88,42,48,24,17,11,9,29,83,16,31
hau-ling - 8,24,9,18,42,31,20,16,29,48,2,88,12,99
tod - 17,24,2,16,45,88,20,9,48,12,18,99,31,11
jon (DQ) - 48,17,11,83,42,31,88,xx,8,11,21,17,29,83

be sure to get your picks in. Wayne was in the running until forgetting to submit this week.....

Cali Picks

get yer pics in. I will be at Pigfest all night, so I will not update until Monday.

Why are these guys on TV???

I have to mention, I've watched the last 2 Browns pre-season games. In both, Bernie Kosar was teamed up with Jim Donovan on the Channel 3 coverage. Is it just me or does Ole' Number 19 sound like a freaking stroke victim?

Then I turn on ESPN for the race and have to be subjected to the torture of Rusty Wallace. This guy is a fucking asshole. Why ESPN thought putting this lying, cheating, fuckhead on thier covereage I will never understand. Even worse, the senseless, knowledgeless, douchebags on the ESPN team make it worse. Thank god for Brad Daugherty. Who would have thought a black man from a stick and ball sport would be the best representative of ESPNs motorsports coverage.

Bristol Picks

1. Inskeep - (had)87 - (picked)9 - (scored)40 = (total)127
2. Wayne - 99 - 1 - 35 = 134
3. Joe - 108 - 12 - 6 = 114
4. Curtis - 113 - 16 - 11 = 124
5. Scott - 115 - 29 - 4 = 119
6. Tod - 118 - 31 - 42 = 160
7. Hau-Ling - 144 - 12 - 6 = 150
8. TBA - 157 - 96 - 21 = 178
9. Jon -159 - 29 - 4 = 163
10. Carol - 164 - 07 - 7 = 171
11. Kenny - 193 - 29 - 4 = 197
12. Shaw (mathematically eliminated)
13. PT (mathematically eliminated)

after Bristol, any entry 98 points out of first will be mathematically eliminated

new standings:

1. joe - 114
2. scott - 119
3. curtis - 124
4. inskeep - 127
5. wayne - 134
6. hau-ling - 150
7. tod - 160
8. jon - 163
9. carol - 171
10. tba - 178
11. kenny - 197

Michigan Picks

T1. Inskeep - (had)92 - (took)99 - (scored)-5 = (total)87
T1. Scott - 92 - 88 - 23 = 115
T3. Wayne - 104 - 99 - -5 = 99
T3. Joe - 104 - 16 - 4 = 108
5. Curtis - 106 - 83 - 7 = 113
6. Hau-Ling - 121 - 88 - 23 = 144
7. Tod - 123 - 99 - -5 = 118
8. TBA - 148 - 19 - 9 = 157
9. Jon - 154 - 17 - 5 = 159
10. Carol - 158 - 8 - 6 = 164
11. Kenny - 189 -16 - 4 = 193
12. Shaw - 199 - none - 44 = 243
13. PT - 248 - 6- 3 = 251

Revised Standings

1. Inskeep - 87
2. Wayne - 99
3. Joe - 108
4. Curtis - 113
5. Scott - 115
6. Tod - 118
7. Hau-Ling - 144
8. TBA - 157
9. Jon -159
10. Carol - 164
11. Kenny - 193
12. Shaw - 243 (mathematically eliminated)
13. PT - 251 (mathematically eliminated)

Tonka #111 Nationwide Ford

The # 111 Ford, Tonka/Hasbro for Nationwide series.

I needed a NNS skin to get a few more gamer points. I gotta keep up with Curtis, who gets his by actually racing. I probably wont race this too much, as it will be a while until I am out of the truck series and I didn't want to spoil any of my better concepts on a NNS car, but its not too bad for a 2 hour job.

Paint Schemes - the first of many

I have finally gotten around to starting paint schemes for my NASCAR 09 rides. I am taking a much different approach this time around, mostly due to the nature of the game. Yes, this is the first console module that allows totally custom paint as opposed to the cookie cutter schemes of past efforts. Apparently, the modders from NR2003 and such have finally gotten to the game makers.


I noticed that none of EA's models or schemes are based on any manufacuter. In fact, there is no mention of Ford, Chevy, Dodge, or Toyota in the game at all. Now, the traditionalists would say your paint scheme should be one of those four. The true traditionalists would even say you shouldn't have ANY custom schemes and you should race using real team and sponsor paints. Well, I'm no traditionalist...

Introducing my first creation. The base (unpainted) template for a Mazda RX-8 scheme...

Note the headlights, tail lights, and manufacturer badges, as you would expect from a typical paint scheme. Now, also notice the grille shape, fog lamps, rotary hood shading, and brake vents - all unique to the RX-8. We have to wait and see how the paint schemes work out, but the base scheme looks good in the game.

Since I am still only in the Truck series in my career mode, I started with a truck scheme. Presenting the Jack Links Beef Jerky Messin' with Sasquatch / Mack Trucks Chevrolet Silverado #111:

Of course, I can make any scheme available with any number if anyone wants one for their catalog or to run or whatever.

OK, I'm off to work. Can't race until I finish a few side projects.

Picks and Results from Watkins Glen

1. Wayne - (had)77 - (picked)#7 - (scored)27 = (total)104
2. Inskeep - 90 - #20 - 2 = 92
3. Scott - 90 - #20 - 2 = 92
4. Joe - 93 - #2 - 11 = 104
5. Curtis - 100 - #29 - 6 = 106
6. TBA - 104 - # xx - 44 = 148
7. Hau-Ling - 110 - #2 - 11 = 121
8. Tod - 128 - #18 - -5 = 123
9. Carol - 136 - #88 - 22 = 158
10. Jon - 151 - #21 - 3 = 154
11. Kenny - 165 - #45 - 24 = 189
12. PT - 203 - #45 - #45 = 248
13. Shaw - 204 - #18 - -5 = 199

Revised Standings:

T1. Inskeep - 92
T1. Scott - 92
T3. Wayne - 104
T3. Joe - 104
5. Curtis - 106
6. Hau-Ling - 121
7. Tod - 123
8. TBA - 148
9. Jon - 154
10. Carol - 158
11. Kenny - 189
12. Shaw - 199
13. PT - 248

Pocono Picks and Results

1. Wayne - (had)43 - (picked)18 - (scored)34 = (total)77
2. Inskeep - 52 - 2 - 38 = 90
3. Scott - 87 - 48 - 3 = 90
4. Joe - 90 - 48 - 3 = 93
5. Curtis - 94 - 9 - 6 = 100
6. TBA - 101 - 8 - 3 = 104
7. Hau-Ling - 107 - 48 - 3 = 110
8. Carol - 111 - 11 - 25 = 136
9. Tod - 113 - 12 - 15 = 128
10. Jon - 126 - 11 - 25 = 151
11. Kenny - 150 - 12 - 15 = 165
12. Shaw - 160 - (its on my desk at work)
13. PT - 163 - 42 - 40 = 203

Indy picks and results

1. Wayne - (had)34 - (picked)31 - (scored)9 = (total) 43
2. Inskeep - 41 - 8 - 11 = 52
3. Hau-Ling - 70 - 29 - 37 = 107
4. Joe - 79 - 8 - 11 = 90
5. Scott - 82 - 24 - 5 = 87
6. Curtis - 91 - 11 - 3 = 94
7. Carol - 104 - 9 - 7 = 111
8. TBA - 106 - 48 - -5 = 101
9. Jon - 115 - 8 - 11 = 126
10. Tod - 118 - 48 - -5 = 113
11. Shaw - 123 - 29 - 37 = 160
12. Kenny - 145 - 24 - 5 = 150
13. PT - 152 - 8 - 11 = 163

Therefore, the standings after Indy are...

1. Wayne - 43
2. Inskeep - 52
3. Scott - 87
4. Joe - 90
5. Curtis - 94
6. TBA - 101
7. Hau-Ling - 107
8. Carol - 111
9. Tod - 113
10. Jon - 126
11. Kenny - 150
12. Shaw - 160
13. PT - 163

Windy City picks and results

Picks and Results for Chicago:

1. Wayne - (picked) (20) - (scored) 5 = (total) 34
2. Inskeep - (17) - 7 = 41
3. Hau-Ling - (16) - 4 = 70
4. Joe - (88) - 16 = 79
5. Scott - (17) - 7 = 82
6. Curtis - (17) - 7 = 91
7. Carol - (31) - 19 = 104
8. TBA - (24) - 11 = 106
9. Jon - (no pick) - 44 = 115
10. Tod - (9) - 15 = 118
11. Shaw - (11) - 40 = 123
12. Kenny - (17) - 7 = 145
13. PT - (17) - 7 = 152

Windy City picks and results

I will not see the race or get a chance to post right away this week so be patient. I am headed to a bar-b-que for a few hours. I will update as quickly as I can. Be sure to get me your picks on time, though.

Coke Zero 400 - Results

Here are today's picks:

Wayne -88 - tonite - 3 - total = 29
Mike - 88 - 3 = 34
Joe - 20 - 20 = 63
Hau-Ling - 20 - 20 = 66
Curtis - 24 - 30 = 84
Shaw - 20 - 20 = 83
Carol - 20 - 20 = 85
Jon -88 - 3 = 71
Scott - 2 - 4 = 75
Tod - 20 - 20 = 103
TBA - 88 - 3 = 95
Kenny - 20 - 20 = 138
PT - 31 - 37 = 155

Revised Standings:

1. Wayne - 29
2. Inskeep - 34
3. Joe - 63
4. Hau-Ling - 66
5. Jon - 71
6. Scott - 75
7. Shaw - 83
8. Curtis - 84
9. Carol - 85
10. TBA - 95
11. Tod - 103
12. Kenny - 138
13. PT - 155

This, of course is based on the immediate results release. I should probably check tomorrow or Monday to see how they wind up scoring the whole deal

New Hampshire Results and a cloaked explanation of the delay in posting the results

OK. I finally remembered to post the results. I apologize for the delay. Due to a super-=duper top secret side project that has been taking up every spare minute of my time, I was not able to watch the race or take a lot of time this week to calculate the score and post them. More details on that later. Here are the scores:

1. Wayne (29 at New Hampshire) for 14 points - total 26
2. Mike (29) for 14 - total 31
3. Joe (99) for 17 - total 43
4. Haul-Ling (31) for 12 - total 46
5. Curtis (48) for 9 - total 54
6. Shaw (88) for 24 - total 63
7. Carol (29) for 14 - total 65
8. Jon (31) for 12 - total 68
9. Scott (31) for 12 - total 71
10. Tod (88) for 24 - total 83
11. TBA (20) for 8 (most laps led) - total 92
T12. Kenny (19) for 5 - total 118
T12. PT (88) for 24 - total 118

Here is who each person has used so far (keep in mind these are just the car numbers - some car numbers represent more than one driver - not that it makes a difference so far):

Wayne - 8,16,9,48,24,29
Mike - 16,24,11,48,42,29
Scott - 9,18,8,99,21,31
Joe - 17,31,9,18,24,99
Hau-Ling - 8,24,9,18,42,31
Shaw - 16,17,48,24,99,88
Tod - 17,24,2,16,45,88
Curtis - 18,99,20,88,42,48
TBA - 99,1,29,16,7,20
Carol - 48,16,99,17,24,29
Jon - 48,17,11,83,42,31
Kenny - 48,88,9,99,7,19
PT - 16,11,99,17,7,88

Get your Daytona picks in before the race on SATURDAY this week. In the mean time, I will continue with my double-top-secret project and hopefully get to see some racing this weekend. If I have time, I may even fire up the XBox and play some Nascar 09.

Infineon picks

1. Wayne - #24 - 3+9 = 12
2. Inskeep - #42 - 6+11 = 17
3. Scott - #21 - 42+17 = 59
4. Joe -#24 - 3+23 = 26
5. Hau-Ling - #42 - 6+28 = 34
6. Shaw - #99 - 9+30 = 39
T7. Tod - #45 - 19+40 = 59
T7. Curtis - #42 - 6+40 = 46
9. TBA - #7 - 37+47 = 84
10. Carol - #24 - 3+49 = 51
11. Jon - #42 - 6+50 = 56
12. PT - #7 - 37+57 = 94
13. Kenny - #7 - 37+76 = 113

so the new standings are as follows:

1. Wayne - 12
2. Inskeep - 17
3. Joe - 26
4. Hau-Ling - 34
5. Shaw - 39
6. Curtis - 46
7. Carol - 51
8. Jon - 56
T9. Scott - 59
T9. Tod - 59
11. TBA - 84
12. PT - 94
13. Kenny - 113

TNT blows. They had to have played more ad minutes than race.

MIS Results

Wayne - #48 : 1 points, total:9
Scott - #99: 7 points, total:17
Inskeep - #48: -1 points, total:11
Joe - #18: 13 points, total:23
Dave Shaw - #24: 18 points, total:30
Haul-Ling - #18: 13 points, total:28
Tod - #16: 20 points, total:40
TBA - #16: 20 points, total:47
Curtis - #88: 0 points, total:40
Carol - #17: 3 points, total:49
Jon - #83: 4 points, total:50
PT - #17: 3 points, total:57
Kenny - #99: 7 points, total:76

so our new order is:

1. Wayne - 9
2. Inskeep - 11
3. Scott - 17
4. Joe -23
5. Hau-Ling - 28
6. Shaw - 30
T7. Tod - 40
T7. Curtis - 40
9. TBA - 47
10. Carol - 49
11. Jon - 50
12. PT - 57
13. Kenny - 76

apparently I was deducting 10 for the laps led, oops. I corrected it and it did not alter the overall standings order. At any rate, I think we are all set.

Pocono Results

I only saw about half the race as I was called away for a couple hours to a nice little picnic thingy in memory of my old buddy Bernie, but they can't keep the results from me, so here is where we stand:

1. Wayne - 8
T2. Scott - 10
T2. Inskeep - 10
T2. Joe - 10
5. Shaw - 12
6. Hau-Ling - 15
7. Tod - 20
8. TBA - 27
9. Curtis - 40 (he took Stewart this week)
T10. Carol - 46
T10. Jon - 46
12. PT - 54
13. Kenny - 69

I fixed my guffaw. Sorry. I had a couple beers in me after the picnic. I must have seen the #8 for Scott and had a Budweiser flashback and given him a 6 month ago #8 Jr. when he really had the current #8 Martin.

Pocono Selections

Here are this weeks picks for Pocono:

1. Scott - #8
2. Curtis -
3. Shaw - #48
4. Inskeep - #11
5. Tod - #2
6. Wayne - #9
7. TBA - #29
8. Joe - #9
9. Hau Ling - #9
10. Carol - #99
11. Jon - #11
12. PT - #99
13. Kenny - #9

My favorite email of the week:

Scott: joe and Hau Ling have both picked the #9 car. Just saw Kyle Busch's girlfriend on tnt....she needs to be spanked! she's hot, but must really lack in the hygiene department...she has to have a douchebag with her where ever she goes. TEE HEE

Still waiting on a couple picks

Dover Results

Scott is 2 for 2, but not taking much of a lead at this point. Ken is first to worst at this point this session. Two people benefitted from the new laps led rule, Carol and Wayne, and got a bonus -5 on top of Biffle's 3rd place finish.

Thanks to Elliot Sadler taking out the likely competition from the rear, Kyle busch got he win and only 6 cars finished onthe lead lap. Hamlin and Jr were both coming from the rear with lap times killing the leaders when the big wreck happened.

Here are the standings.

1. Scott - 0
2. Curtis - 5
3. Shaw - 6
4. Inskeep - 7
5. Tod - 12
6. Wayne - 13
7. TBA - 14
8. Joe - 15
9. Hau-Ling - 20
10. Carol - 37
11. Jon - 43
12. PT - 45
13. Ken - 74

Bye Bye Fos, and hello TNT. Jon will be happy (he hates DW) but every other viewer in the country will be miserable watching TNT massacre the standard for broadcasting set by Fox and ESPN.

Dover Picks

Will your driver's car be here in 6 hours?

The picks for today's race, in order of the current standings:

1. Scott - #18
2. Inskeep - #24
3. Shaw - #17
4. PT - #11
5. Curtis - #99
6. Joe - #31
7. Tod - #24
8. TBA - #1
9. Wayne - #16
10. Hau-ling - #24
11. Carol - #16
12. Jon - #17
13. Ken - #88

Coca-Cola 600 Results

OK, Kahne took the win tonight. Busch didn't win, Hamlin got wrecked. It was a decent night.

Here is where we stand:

1. Scott - 0
2. Inskeep - 2
2. Shaw - 2
2. PT - 2
5. Curtis - 3
6. Joe - 7
6. Todd - 7
8. TBA - 9
9. Wayne - 15
9. Hau-Ling - 15
11. Carol - 39
11. Jon - 39
11. Ken - 39

Scott picked the winner for the zero point night. Dale Jr (whom no one picked) led the most laps, so no one got the -5 bonus. I am thinking of letting more people in if they get me picks for next week and take a 44 for the first race. I doubt too many more people will want in, but if you know of anyone...

Jon and Kenny texted their picks in way early (both with Jimmy Johnson), I simply forgot to enter their picks prior to the race. I guess I was too busy bitching about stuff.

Picks for the Coca-Cola 600

Here are the picks for the race this week:


Mike Inskeep - #16 - Biffle
Dave Shaw - #16 - Biffle
PT - #16 - Biffle
Curtis - #18 - Busch, Kyle
Wayne Smith - #8 - Martin
Carol - #48 - Johnson
Es Scott - #9 - Kahne
TBA - #99 - Edwards
Todd Mann - #17 - Kenseth
Joe Yu - #17 - Kenseth
Hau-Ling - #8 - Martin


I must say this before I forget. After last night's Nationwide race, Kyle Busch was surpassed as biggest douchebag in racing by Denny Hamlin.


Also, ABC's coverage of Indy is horrible. The personalities don't appear to know anything about the sport (Musburger needs to stick with the ball and stick sports), the camera views were crappy novelties that showed absolutely nothing, and if I see one more shot of Danica Patrick bitching about something I will puke. I admit they tried to get better non-stop coverage with "side-by-side" but they cluttered the screen with graphics and 2 tiny pictures that were tough to see even on my 50" plasma.

It doesn't help that IndyCar is less than exciting to start with. They can't pass, they can't run side-by-side, they can't withstand the slightest contact - so basically you have 33 cars running single file with 4 or 5 passes on the track over the whole race, positions changing mostly just on pit road, and when a hot dog wrapper winds up on the track and a car hits it you get a catastrophic car explosion. If not for the tradition at Indy, I would have watched Seinfeld repeats.


Finally, I saw him again! Does Ryan Newman have a "lucky charm" on his race team? I SAW THE MIDGET AGAIN IN THE #12 PIT! I know its just a legend. I swore I saw him after Newman won at Daytona, but I wrote it off as a hallucination, but today I saw him again! This time he wore a full leprechaun beard. Is there a pot 'o gold in Ryan's future? I should take Newman. Its like seeing a dog crap right before a race at the dog track - its a sign.

Session 2 Rules

Ok, Here is the skinny on how session 2 will work:

15 races starting with the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25th through the race in Richmond on September 6th. Its a long session, so make your pick carefully.

Just as in the last session, you must pick one driver each week prior to the drop of the green flag for that weeks race (be careful, some are on Saturdays). You can send me your pick in any way you see fit, as long as I get it. The more creative method, the better. For instance....

One of Scott's Picks From Session 1

You can email me at pethornton@hotmail.com, call or text me on my cell, call me at home, email me at work, UPS a cardboard cutout of your driver, send a message via carrier pigeon...... Whatever it takes. I will post them during the race (most races, anyway) and will post results after the end of the race (same day most of the time).

Anyway, you can only use a driver once during the session. This means you will select a total of 15 different drivers over the 15 race session. Make sense? Well, it gets more complicated. OK, not really. That's it. 1 driver a week for 15 weeks.

Scoring is based on finishing position. For example, if your pick finishes 15th, you will get 15 points. The only exception is that if you pick a winner, you will get zero (0) points (a 1 point advantage). If you do not report a pick, you will automatically receive 44 points. There are no default picks this time around. We will award a bonus for leading the most laps this session - -5 points for a pick that leads the most laps. This means the best you can score is -5 and the worst is 44. This is designed to allow more significant points swings throughout the session so no one can easily run away with it and everyone will still be in the running for the full 15 races. Trying to keep it interesting.

Low score wins the pot. $5 per entry - winner takes all.

Spread the word like country crock. The more the merrier.

Final Results for Session 1 - kRo trips over his beard doing backflip

" I also have your mother's maiden name tatooed on my arm"

OK, I finally calculated the final standings. Thank you for your patience. I appreciate that you never compared my delay in posting results to Karl - at least not to my face.

I needed an abacus and my fingers and toes to figure out who had who and who needed the default, but I did it. This race resulted in exactly what I am trying to do with the next session - a no-pick = a bad pick. Biffle started on the pole and finished last. Most of the default picks were Biffle (which actually SHOULD have been a great sleeper for the last race.

Anyway, here is how everyone finished:

1. Kenny Ross (57)

2. Jon Lommerin (91)

3. Joe Yu (126)

4. Wingman (144)

5. Shaffer (158)

6. Dave Shaw (163)

7. Tony (172)

8. Inskeep (180)

9. Es Scott (186)

10. Wayne (192)

11. TBA (197)

12. PT (202)

13. Susie (224)

14. Shane (238)

15. Hau-Ling (293)

The next session starts this weekend with the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday. I need your picks by the drop of the green flag. If I don't get a pick from you, I won't consider you in the league. Please spread the word - since I have simplified the scoring, I can handle a lot more people. I will post the new rules following this post.

Good luck!

By the way.....

Kenny did win session 1. I haven't had time to update the scores yet because I spend all my time honing my Wii driving skills. I promise I will quit the procrastination and post the final results for session 1 after work today.

Don't forget - session 2 will start in 2 weeks at the Coco Cola 600. Picks by the drop of the green flag, still $5.

Rules changes this time will include zero points for a win, 44 points for not selecting a driver for the week. I will not go through the default deal this time - it is way too complicated when I am calculating scores each week (part of the reason I don't look forward to it at this point). Also - you will get a 5 point bonus if your driver leads the most laps (no bonus just for leading 1 lap). This means you could potentially score a negative 5 in a week, and the best possible 15 week score is therefore a -75. Good luck getting that. The worst possible is 659 (based on the fact that you will have to make a pick the first week to be included in the league).

Spread the word. Lets get some more entries this pass.

MarioKart Wii

So, I've been spending a lot of time in front of the Plasma for the last 2 weeks, glued to the Wii playing the new Mario Kart. Now, I've never been a great or dedicated video game player (with the exception of the NASCAR racing sims I've been toying with for the last couple years on my PC) but I'm here to tell you that this whole Wii sensation is real and amazing. I love this thing. I'm enjoying these extremely fun yet simplistic video games and I don't feel like I'm turning into Ben Stiller's character from Globogym at the end of Dodgeball. I'm up, moving, interacting, and sometimes sweating.

Here's Mario. I race using The King from the BK ads, giant head and all.

For those of you with Wii systems, and especially a copy of Mario Kart, join me for an online game anytime. At the time of this post, we have 6 or 7 people hooked up and ready to compete online some evenings with more on the way. There is nothing like blowing up Tershack's cart, or bumping Janet off a cliff and knowing they are at home cursing my name while I sit at home witha beer on the left and the dog asleep on the right (while sitting in the gaming chair Ken, TBA, Jon, and the guys got me for my birthday last year).

I even have Vicki playing some games. She doesn't care too much for the super active sports games, but she is all about SmartyPants (trivia) and the Wii Sports games like Boxing (I think she really wants to punch me in the mouth and doing it on the Wii is close enough to satisfy that urge). We ordered for her the Wii Fit package, which is an interactive game and balance board designed for working out and tracking fitness performance and progression. A genius marketing campaign to bring more women into the video game fold while losing a few folds, hopefully.

Oh yeah

Please note that I did NOT admit to the mistake of not realizing Richmond and Darlington were switched this year and I thought Saturday nights race was the last race. Even though I was wrong in a prior post, I am not admitting to it.

1 race to go, then 2 weeks off to spread the work and start a new session with more entries.

Richmond Results - 1 race to go

OK, let me just start by saying, I may very well have these standings way wrong. I received verbal picks from TBA, Ken, and Jon while boozing it up at Ken's brothers house. I am pretty sure TBA and Jon wanted the #11 and Kenny wanted the #20, but I could be wrong. If so, please let me know. I can adjust the standings accordingly.

The bottom line? Ken is 39 points ahead of Jon, and Joe is officially out of reach of a sole victory. Here are the scenarios (based of course on my beer memory being correct)

Ken needs just a 39th or better to seal the deal.

Jon needs a 1st place and Ken to score worse than 39th, or a 2nd/>40, 3rd/>41, 4th/>42, or finally 5th/43rd.

Joe needs a miracle just to tie. Joe needs a 43rd from Kenny, and a First place pick to tie and split the money.

Here are the standings with 1 race remaining:

1. Kenny - 47 total (used - 20,11,48,99,24,9,16,18,17,88) - 4 today
2. Jon - 86 total (used - 11,20,48,31,24,29,88,99,18,41) - 24 today
3. Joe - 89 Total (used - 8,11,31,99,20,19,88,18,9,55) - 3 today
4.Wingman - 101 total (used - 8,78,12,31,11,07,24,18,48,20) - 3 today
5. Shaffer - 115 total (used - 99,8,78,12,88,99,07,24,18,48,20) - 7 today
6. Shaw - 126 total (used - 24,20,29,2,17,11,9,48,88) - 12 today
7. Tony - 129 total (used - 8,78,12,17,20,99,24,18,48,88) - 3 today
8. TBA - 154 total (used - 11,7,12,99,41,29,17,18,24,88) - 24 today
9. PT - 163 total (used - 88,20,12,16,48,31,24,18,99,41) - 15 today
10. Inskeep - 159 total (used - 8,78,12,99,48,16,18,24,11,88) - 3 today
11. Susie - 181 total (used - 11,78,12,99,8,9,1,18,24,88) - 24 today
12. Scott - 165 total (used - 8,2,12,16,11,29,48,18,17,88) - 3 today
13. Wayne - 171 total (used - 1,31,12,99,11,18,24,48,5,88) - 5 today
14. Shane - 195 total (used - 1,78,12,99,8,48,24,18,11,88) - 5 today
15. Hau-Ling - 271 total (used - 8,20,17,88,7,5,11,2,24,6) - 3 today

As far as the race goes, I have just one comment. Yes, it's the subject everyone is talking about. Kyle Busch/Dale Jr. Here is my take: The spotters and commentators and everyone is saying the 18 car got underneath and got loose and its a racing thing.

Lets clarify. He and every driver on the track KNOWS IT. You can see it in every corner on every track. He is sideways more than he is straight (sort of like McMurrray or Waltrip, but in a non-super-gay way). Its at the point that I'd just give him room and let him go wreck himself, or be satisfied with 2nd place points if he doesn't just to stay in the points race. We need to see some tape to confirm, but I'd be willing to bet that he has either wrecked himself or someone else in 75% of the races this year while hanging it out beyond the edge. Bottom line: (Picture the voice of Ricky Bobby's little redhead girlfriend) "Kyle Busch does not get loose, Kyle Busch DRIVES loose"

What the hell is wrong with the people in sports

OK, I just noticed this on ESPN.com. 5 out or 10 headlines on their website involve the criminal activities or moral indiscretion of athletes. Isn't there anything GOOD to report on? It's like channel 19 all the time with sports these days. What our country needs right now is a steroid free home run race, or a Tiger Woods streak, or some other giant feel good story to snuff out all this bad news all the time.

Snapshot at 12:30 today

For those of you looking for NASCAR standings, I am a little behind. I was slightly hung over yesterday, and spent a good portion of the day looking for my car, so I didn't get a chance to update the scores. I will try to get to it tonight after volleyball, but first I have to get into some sort of legal or ethical dilemma in order to really feel like an amateur athlete.

Richmond Picks - last race of the session

Hello, I am not availble to accept your pics at the moment. I am either out of the office or on another call or at ShawnRoss' house drinking beer. Please leave your name and number, and the name an number of your selection at the tone. Thanks!

I won't be in a position to post pics pre-race today. Call me if you want to know who Jon and Kenny take and who wins outright.

I am going with Jr. personally, but it really doesn't matter a whole lot now does it.

Thursday's Weekend Warmup

Here is a great article about the creation of the toughest son-of-a-bitch in racing.

Picks need to be in early as we have a Satruday race this weekend in Richmond. This is the last race of this session and you can jockey for position behind Ken and Jon. Its an impound race, which is made even cooler now that the guys outside the top 35 have to race in on time. This means a lot of desperate qualifying setups that turn into crappy race setups. Guys will again be giong from the front to ht eback in a hurry come race time saturday, which will translate into bent sheet metal for everyone in between.

Talladega Results

So it was a loooong drive home today. After a good home cooked breakfast from Grandma May (90 years old this week!) we loaded Mack in the car and departed at about 11:00 from my folks. Thanks to the Sirius radio in Vicki's car I was able to catch the Cavs Game AND most of the race.

We listened to the Cavs victory via the "Wizards Radio Network." I have got to tell you, you do not get the full effect of Washington's distaste for anything "Cleveland" until you listen to their home radio douchebags. They were crying about every freaking call and every play. Their big beef this game was that a foul that was originally called on Lebron got switched to someone else. They claimed this changed the whole game and that they would have won if the refs had not charged the foul to someone else. Then they went on about the conspiracy theory that the NBA wants Lebron to make it to the finals again. Idiots. What about the Wizards, huh? Maybe they should score and rebound. Ever think that might help them win against the Cavs. My other favorite moment was after a dunk by Lebron, the one guys says in a monotone " That guy is...... a pretty good player" as if he was trying sooo hard not to say what a spectacular play he just saw.

At any rate, it was tough to listen to, but it was my only option. Once that was over Vicki allowed me (yes, she allowed me as in she hates NASCAR on the radio and in an effort to make all passengers comfortable I offered NOT to listen on the drive, but I did anyway) to listen to the Race. I tuned into Tony Stewart's in-car broadcast which was pretty cool. Its the MRN broadcast, just like normal, except when anyone on the 20 team keys the radio the broadcast cuts out and you hear the radio chatter. It was interesting, except not too much happened to Tony while I was in the car. Of course, 30 seconds after I get home was another story.

So i caught the end of the race. Pretty good action today. Of course, I abhor seeing the 18 in victory circle, ESPECIALLY after he dropped below the yellow line to pass for the lead. I ran the tape back. OK, MAYBE the 48 came down a little to block and the 18 had to drop down a little, but the move he made that forced the block WAS BELOW THE LINE! Of course, NASCAR isn't going to take away the win. They will just say he was forced down, but c'mon guys. If I can see that using my DVR, certainly you can with all of your technology that my ticket prices pay for.

JP Montoya kept the sheet metal guys for about 15 teams in solid job security this week. So did Junior. That cat reallllly wants to get back into winning form. I almost took him this week, but took the 20 instead. My bad. Anyway, at least I still have the 88 available for next week at Richmond, where he has had some past success.

OK, Without further ado, here are the standings, pending further review by NASCAR:

1. Kenny - 43 total (used - 11,48,99,24,9,16,18,17,88) - 3 today
2. Jon - 62 total (used - 20,48,31,24,29,88,99,18,41) - 38 today
3. Joe - 88 Total (used - 11,31,99,20,19,88,18,9,55) - 3 today
4.Wingman - 98 total (used - 78,12,31,11,07,24,18,48,20) - 18 today
5. Shaffer - 112 total (used - 78,12,88,99,07,24,18,48,20) - 18 today
6. Shaw - 119 total (used - 24,20,29,2,17,11,9,48,88) - 12 today
7. Tony - 126 total (used - 78,12,17,20,99,24,18,48,88) - 18 today
8. TBA - 130 total (used - 7,12,99,41,29,17,18,24,88) - 20 today
9. PT - 147 total (used - 20,12,16,48,31,24,18,99,41) - 38 today
10. Inskeep - 156 total (used - 78,12,99,48,16,18,24,11,88) - 18 today
11. Susie - 157 total (used - 78,12,99,8,9,1,18,24,88) - 18 today
12. Scott - 162 total (used - 2,12,16,11,29,48,18,17,88) - 39 today
13. Wayne - 166 total (used - 31,12,99,11,18,24,48,5,88) - 17 today
14. Shane - 190 total (used - 78,12,99,8,48,24,18,11,88) - 18 today
15. Hau-Ling - 268 total (used - 20,17,88,7,5,11,2,24,6) - 38 today

So as you can see I did not rearrange anything yet as far as the order of the standings. 2 reasons, 1: I accidentally erased TBA's text message and don't know who he wanted, so I am giving him a chance to let me know; and 2: I want to verify these scores based on NASCAR's final results, which should come out on Tuesday. With the mess at the end of this race, there is no telling how it will end up shaking out. OK, just got TBA's text so that part is fixed. I will go ahead and set the preliminary results for you cause I'm nice.

Regardless, it looks like a 2 person race. Kenny should take over the lead with a 19 point advantage over Jon. No one else is in striking distance (the most points you could make up in a week is 42, so anyone with 85 points or more is just playing for position)

I gotta tell you, I like Kenny's chances. Based solely on who he has left available to use that Jon does not tells me its going to be tough to catch him. Kenny has taken the lead getting good finishes out of sleepers like Biffle and Kahne. This weeks pick for Jon really hurt him. Jon is going to have to make one hell of a pick and hope Kenny falters. Ken still has guys like Stewart, Burton and Harvick to fall back on and all he needs is a 19 place finish or better from whoever he chooses to seal the deal. JON - DON'T TELL KENNY WHO YOU ARE PICKING BEFORE THE RACE!!!!!

Next week - Richmond on Saturday night. I will be with Ken and Jon at a party where I am sure the race will be on and the center of attention. Side bets anyone?

Next session will start in 3 weeks. I plan to improve things a bit. Look for a clearer standings report, and some scoring adjustments to give a bigger advantage to race winners and a bigger disadvantage to non-reporters. Also may toy with some other ideas, but I will run them past you before implementing. Also, I am more than happy to expand. Spread the word to anyone who may be interested in joining up.

Later

PT

Tally picks

Sorry folks, I am up at my folks this weekend. I will update the picks / standings as soon as I get home this afternoon. I'm torn between the 88 and the 20. I have both guys remaining. I think the 88 is due and this is his sort of racetrack, but Smoke has a tendency to push aside contraversy and perform. On the other hand, it is Talladega where losers like Brian Vickers has a victory based on drafting. It could be anyone. Jeez, Stremme is in - he could win this race.

I will be listening over the 6 hour drive home on Sirius thanks to Vicki's new car, but it won't be the same.

Brienne Davis

So, Scott re-discovered this photo that he took last year at MIS while we were there for the race in June:



It turns out this woman, Brienne Davis, was killed earlier this month in an auto accident (read about it here). Its a great photo, and maybe one her family hasn't seen, so Scott is diligently working to try to make contact with someone who might like to have it. Although the reach of this blog is obviously not long enough to connect with the family of this woman, if anyone knows anyone who knows anyone who may know someone, let me know.



It may just be a random photo from a race to you or I, but it may mean alot more to this woman's family and friends.

Phoenix Results

We has some serios shakeups this week thanks to what was apparently a power steering line on the #12. The rocketman was among the fastest in all 3 practices and took the pole, but couldn't keep the Alltel Dodge in the running. With a 43rd finish and a lot of default picks this week, those folks who aren't making picks are finally getting their just due.

I didn't see much of the race, unfortunately, due to my first experience with Guitar Hero III, so I have little to say today. Here you go!

1. Jon - 24 total (48 car at phoenix)
2. Kenny - 40 total (48 car at phoenix)
3.Wingman - 74 total (12 car at phoenix)
4. Joe - 85 total (31 car at phoenix)
5. Shaffer - 88 total (12 car at phoenix)
6. Tony - 102 total (12 car at phoenix)
7. Shaw - 107 total (20 car at phoenix)
8. PT - 109 total (12 car at phoenix)
9. TBA - 110 total (12 car at phoenix)
10. Scott - 123 total (12 car at phoenix)
11. inskeep - 138 total (12 car at phoenix)
12. Susie - 139 total (12 car at phoenix)
13. Wayne - 149 total (12 car at phoenix)
14. Shane - 172 total (12 car at phoenix)
15. Hau-Ling - 230 total (17 car at phoenix)

Joe has made a big leap in the last 2 weeks, and Kenny is eyeing Jon's #1 position. At this point, only Ken and Jon have avoided disaster, and we only have 3 races to go. It may very well come down to who doesn't pick a wrecked driver in the next 3 weeks.

Don't forget - it's 2 weeks before the next race - this time its DEGA!

pohenicks picks

Got company over so this wil be a quick post - Here are the picks so far:

Jon - 48
ken - 48
Wayne - 12
Mike - 12
Dave Shaw - 20
Joe - 31
hau-Ling - 17
Scott - 12
TBA - 12
PT - 12

Clutch and Kamchatka at Peabody's

Please, Gizoogle Me...

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Results after Texas

Yeah Carl, we know. You can do a back flip. Thanks.

This week it seemed qualifying was more interesting than the race. Fox showed the Mcdowell wreck more than any singe race incident. With minimal cautions and a 200 mph mile and a half track, we wound up with competitive cars strung out over about 4 laps. Zzzzzzzzzzz. Edwards was clearly the class of the field, which paid off for 8 of our 15 entries this week. Especially lucky were those who did not report selections. Since he started 2nd and virtually everyone in the league already using the 88 (only two remain after this week - myself and Wingman) , many defaulted to the 99 car for this week.

Scott and I both selected the #16 on hunches. He started 16th and made it up to 4th for a long run, but engine failure ruined his day and ours. Lucky for me I was able to watch the #31 climb the leader board and wind up with a 6th on a Bowyer/Hamlin run-in. There he goes again, destroying things.

Edwards stunk up the show again, did his back flip, yada, yada, yada. No one will ever remember this race. It will never be on "Back in the Day with Dale Jr." It won't come up in the season summary shows. It was an uneventful, un-notable win for the #99. What will be remembered is Texas in 08 was the first true test of the new car platform's safety equipment, the safer barrier, and the HANS device. Oh, and the 'plump' chick who gave the command to start engines. I had a "I relate to you" moment watching Jimmy Johnson laughing at her. You could see his "I picked on fat chicks like you in grade school" smirk through his helmet on the in-car as he fired his engine.

Thank you Jimmy Johnson. Thank you for giving me something to remember about this race.

Here are this weeks results / standings:

1 - Jon - 23 total ([41]5/[18]4/[99]1/[88]3/[29]2/[24]2/[31]6)

2 - Wingman - 31 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[07]3/[11]1/[31]6)

3 - Kenny - 39 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[16]4/[9]7/[24]2/[99]1)

4 - Shaffer - 45 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[07]3/[99]9/[88]12)

5 - Tony - 59 total ([88]9/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[99]18/[20]5/[17]9)

6 - PT - 66 total ([41]5/[99]1/[18]11/[24]5/[31]1/[48]4/[16]39)

7 - TBA - 67 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[17]8/[29]2/[41]/36/[99]1)

8 - Shaw - 86 total ([88]9/[48]2/[9]6/[11]15/[17]10/[2]33/[29]11)

9 - Joe - 79 total ([55]29/[9]9/[18]11/[88]3/[19]21/[20]5/[99]1)

10 - Scott - 80 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[48]13[29]2/[11]1/[16]39)

11- Inskeep - 95 total ([88]9/[11]41/[24]35/[18]1/[16]4/[48]4/[99]1)

12 - Susie - 96 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[1]21/[9]7/[8]42/[99]1)

13 - Wayne - 106 total ([88]9/[5]42/[48]29/[24]5/[18]19/[11]1/[99]1)

14 - Shane - 129 total ([88]9/[11]41/[18]11/[24]5/[48]20/[8]42/[99]1)

15 - Hau Ling - 192 total ([6]42/[24]3/[2]38/[11]15/[5]42/[7]40/[88]12)

Today's 6th from Burton is Jon's worst finish of the year. Every league we have, he dominates. Everyone from 6th down has had at least one bad finish, much like my 39th from Biffle this week. Right now it looks like a 2 man race, unless they have bad days too.

See you next week!

"Five. Five Dollar, Five Dollar Foot Loooonggg"

I can't get this song out of my head!



I also want Toyota to explain this 6-speed tranny they have in their full size truck. I'm not sure this is a phrase that will sell trucks to manly men. OK, maybe some men that aren't so manly.

Picks For Texas

here is who has who. I still haven't decided, but I will prior to the race and get it posted. I am seriously leaning toward the #16 right now, but I am still tempted by the #88. One 3 times at this track has the winner come from farther back than 10th (Biffle starts 16th), but at the same time, only once has the winner started on the pole. I am torn.

UPDATE - final picks are as follows......

Here you go:

Jon - #31 Jeff Burton
Wingman - #31 Jeff Burton (I guess we won't be seeing Wingman taking over the lead today)
PT - #16 Greg Biffle
Shaffer - #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Kenny - #99 Carl Edwards
Es Scott - #16 The Biff
Tony - #17 Matt Kenseth
TBA - #99 Carl Edwards
Dave Shaw - #29 Kevin Harvick
Joe Yu - #99
Inskeep - #99
Susie - #99 (default)
Wayne - #99
Shane - #99 (default)
Hau-Ling - #88

Lots of Carl Edwards fans today, but mostly from the bottom of the pool. This is either a chance to play some catch up, or proof as to who is really better at this game. We shall see.

30 minutes to race time!

Don't pick McDowell, but pick someone before the drop of the Green

Michael Mcdowell (of ASR'08 fame) took a tumble on Friday. This wreck is freaking unbelievable. Easily the worst I've seen in years, and maybe the worst I can remember. On the bright side, he walked away. On the other hand, he is definitely not proving that working out on ASR'08 makes a Cup driver out of you.

If you watch the replay carefully, you see the car get just a snitch loose, the back gets away and then... he commits the cardinal sin of wrecking. The car was past saving and he turned the wheel to the right, which in turn sent him into the wall almost perpendicular for a massive hit. It looks to me like he is still a little behind the car. By "behind" I speak in loose aviation terms for being essentially one step behind the movement with the reaction. Before McDowell realized the car was lost, he was still thinking "I can save this." If he is to survive the mile-and-a-half tracks, he needs to catch up to the control.

The race starts at like 1:30 9or at least to coverage does. Get me your picks before the start.

Personally, I am torn between 2 drivers this week. Junior has been coming on strong and having good top 10 finishes and is likely due for a win, but my gut says Biffle. He is tough at this track and has been very consistent over the first 6 races. I dunno. This will be a late call for me.

Look for the selections during the race and the standings after.

Later

PT

Martinsville Results

Good race to watch this week. With the threatening weather around the half-way mark, I felt like I watched two finishes. I spent quite a bit of time flipping between hoops and the race this afternoon. As a matter of fact, Stephan Curry is on pace for another 30 point game. Gotta love the Cinderella story.

Between Michael Waltrip, Robby Gordon, and Matt Kenseth it was like a freaking demo derby today. I loved the wrecked 55 turning laps all afternoon with the hood pushed in. Nothing is quite like short track racing.

I am, however, tired of Denny Hamlin. He has 4 wins in 3 years. That's great. He drives real hard all the time. That's also great. What he is missing is a soul. I believe if you can get a glimpse of Satan's business records, you will find a line item reading something like "Hamlin, Denny - 1 soul, 2004, in exchange for making him the slow cousin of NASCAR." Goofball.

Also, I know everyone was critical of Michael McDowell after he raced the leaders at the end and possible kept the 31 from challenging for a win. I agree, but go easy on the guy. He's the spokeman for ASR'08, so he can't be all that bad.

Here are your weekly standings:

1 - Jon - 17 total ([41]5/[18]4/[99]1/[88]3/[29]2/[24]2)
2 - Wingman - 25 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[07]3/[11]1)
3 - PT - 27 total ([41]5/[99]1/[18]11/[24]5/[31]1/[48]4)
4 - Shaffer - 33 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[07]3/[99]9)
5 - Kenny - 38 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[16]4/[9]7/[24]2)
6 - Scott - 41 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[48]13[29]2/[11]1)
7 - Tony - 50 total ([88]9/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[99]18/[20]5)
8 - TBA - 66 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[17]8/[29]2/[41]/36)
9 - Shaw - 75 total ([88]9/[48]2/[9]6/[11]15/[17]10/[2]33)
10 - Joe - 78 total ([55]29/[9]9/[18]11/[88]3/[19]21/[20]5)
11- Inskeep - 94 total ([88]9/[11]41/[24]35/[18]1/[16]4/[48]4)
12 - Susie - 95 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[1]21/[9]7/[8]42)
13 - Wayne - 105 total ([88]9/[5]42/[48]29/[24]5/[18]19/[11]1)
14 - Shane - 128 total ([88]9/[11]41/[18]11/[24]5/[48]20/[8]42)
15 - Hau Ling - 180 total ([6]42/[24]3/[2]38/[11]15/[5]42/[7]40)

Next week we finally get back to a mile-and-a-half track. Texas. Home of our fearless leader, Dubya. Don't forget to get your picks in. Look what happened to Shane and Susie - they got stuck with a stinker based on qualifying position.

Who has Who - Martinsville

Here are the picks as I have recorded them so far:

Jon - #24 Jeff Gordon
PT - #48 Jimmy Johnson
Shaffer - #99 Carl Edwards
Wingman - #11 Denny Hamlin
TBA - #41 Reed Sorensen
Susie - #8 Eric Almirola
Kenny - #24 Jeff Gordon (begrudgingly)
Es Scott - #11 Denny Hamlin
Shaw - #2 Kurt Busch
Tony - #20 Tony Stewart
Joe - #20 Tony Stewart
Shane - #8 Eric Almirola
Inskeep - #48 Jimmy Johnson
Wayne - #11 Denny Hamlin
Hau Ling - #7 Robby Gordon

Wedding Pictures - FINALLY!

I have finally posted some pictures from our wedding on snapfish. You can check them out HERE. I will try to follow up later with a synopsis of our trip, if I can remember it all.

Too Much Meat

"hey, those guys are sitting at my regular table!"

Last night 6 of us from the office went on down to Brasa for a little good ole fashioned Brazilian all you can eat meat festival. Six went in, and 2 hours later about 12 came out. We actually had to intervene into Tershack's dining. He refused to quit. I sat for at least 45 minutes digesting and watching him cram 16 cuts of meat down his throat. By the end of the night, I couldn't even stand to look at the skewer guys carrying lamb, or ribs, or steak. Eeeaugh. Just thinking about it is making me sick.

Of course, we got dessert.

Martinsville this weekend

NASCAR is back form a 2 week hiatus. Don't forget to get me your picks for the week. We still have 6 races to go after this. No one is out of the game at this point.

FYI - the #24 of Jeff Gordon is on the pole, which prior to his marraige to that hot brunette and the birth of his child would have been considered a double-entendre.

Results after Round 3 - 2008 pick-em

Well, since my brackets were busted long ago, and my Spartans lost last night, and the only other team I liked was WVU, and they blew it on a Joe Alexander free throw, I guess all I have left to enjoy about the tourney is the pick-em challenge between Myself, Mike, Mark, and Jon.

Following round 2, Mike lost Hibbert when Georgetown lost (one of my final 4 teams, of course) so he is in a lot of trouble. The rest of us survived round 2, but it set the stage for a critical round 3. Thursday and Friday of this week proved that picking players from 1 seeds was the way to go.

Here are the current standings:

ME - 175 (all 3 players remaining)
Jon - 160 (all 3 players remaining)
Mark - 144 (all 3 players remaining)
Mike - 90 (2 players remaining)

It has come down to a 3 horse race. The three of us all have 2 players in common, so after all the trouble we put into picking 5 players 3 weeks ago, its all about 1 on each team. I have Rose from Memphis, Jon has Rush from Kansas, and Mark has Collison from UCLA.

Collison has been underachieving in the tourney, averaging just 10 ppg (about 5 below his season average). With a little help from losses by Memphis and Kansas, Mark may still have a shot.

Rush has been averaging about 3 points higher than his season average in the tourney, but being 15 points behind, he's going to have to pick up the pace to overtake my squad.

Rose has been playing out of his mind - almost 7 points above his season average. Keep it up, pal.

These players present some interesting upcoming matchups for us. A potential final 4 matchup between Memphis and UCLA (Rose and Collison) could make a difference, except if Memphis makes it that far I think Collison's performance will be in vain. However, should Memphis and Kansas make the final, we should have a 1v1, guard-guard matchup to remember.

In summary, I am now on the Memphis bandwagon, but only for selfish reasons. But then again, isn't selfishness what the bandwagon is all about?

Round 1 results - Hoops Pick-em

Ok, well the response to my NCAA tourney draft style pool wasn't exactly astounding, but we did get 4 enthusiastic entries. At $5 each, we are looking at a whopping $20 payout, almost enough for one of us to re-coupe our losses in another pool.

Here are the standings after round 1:

Jon - 57, PT - 56, Mark - 44, Mike - 24

I have a much more sophisticated scoring spreadsheet, and as soon as I figure out how to post it here, I will.

I thought the first round was pretty good. Yesterday was a little hard on my office brackets with all the upsets, but its cool to see teams I hate like UCONN and USC lose to a lower seed despite their affect on my brackets. At this point I am in second place in my Yahoo bracket, but only to a guy who took Clemson the distance. I should re-establish my position at the top in the middle of the second round. I'm not usually this good in the pools, I guess I am getting lucky so far this year with some lucky upset picks.

Now, as far as the selection committee goes, I think they are idiots. They routinely place great small schools in super low seeds, resulting in the 15-2 games being better than the 8-9 games. if they would give some respect to the teams that win the smaller conferences to secure their invite to the tourney and penalize the mediocre teams from the big conferences a little, we may actually see some benefit to being a 2 or 3 seed. Otherwise, these 2 and 3 and 4 seeds are running up against what amounts to a 4 or 5 seed in the first round.

OK, I've said enough.

Bristol Results - The #31 wins!

I love Sundays. I sit on the couch with the dog snoring next to me. I watch 43 cars run in a circle, maybe napping for a portion of that time, and then after 500 (or so) laps I get to see the #31 in victory lane. Even better, I picked my favorite driver this week. Nothing is more difficult for a fantasy leaguer than to agonize over whether to pick your favorite player or not for fear you are acting on emotion rather than intelligence. In this case, it worked in my favor.

They couldn't have done it without me

As I stated earlier in this blog, I watched the #18 car spinning. Nothing makes me happier each week than watching that car wreck. I'm not sure what it is. Even when Sadler was behind the wheel of the Ford version, and then Gilliland - watching that yellow M&M's car out of control was enjoyable. Having Kyle Busch behind the wheel just makes it that much more satisfying. You have to give Busch credit, though. Every week he looks like the car to beat. He just seems to hang it out there a little too far some times and then I spill my root beer jumping off the couch in glee. When he does manage to keep the car under him, he wins though. I guess I have to respect that.

Well, here are the standings after today's race. Please note that I originally had Inskeep's pick incorrect. As soon as he saw it he let me know (he had texted the #16 to me earlier this week, and I forgot about it). I knew someone had Biffle, i just couldn't figure out who. Please follow his example if you see any mistakes. I'm not perfect, but I try.

Jon is pulling away slightly by making some great picks. 5th is his worst finish so far. I have 2nd place right now with 2 victories, but an 11th place from the #18 is holding me back. Go figure.

1 - Jon - 15 total ([41]5/[18]4/[99]1/[88]3/[29]2)
2 - PT - 23 total ([41]5/[99]1/[18]11/[24]5/[31]1)
T3 - Shaffer - 24 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[07]3)
T3 - Wingman - 24 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[07]3)
5 - TBA - 33 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[17]8/[29]2)
6 - Susie - 53 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[1]21/[9]7) - adjusted 3/30/08
7 - Kenny - 36 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[16]4/[9]7)
8 - Scott - 40 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[48]13[29]2)
9 - Shaw - 42 total ([88]9/[48]2/[9]6/[11]15/[17]10)
10 - Tony - 45 total ([88]9/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[99]18)
11 - Joe - 73 total ([55]29/[9]9/[18]11/[88]3/[19]21)
12 - Shane - 86 total ([88]9/[11]41/[18]11/[24]5/[48]20)
13 - Inskeep - 90 total ([88]9/[11]41/[24]35/[18]1/[16]4)
14 - Wayne - 104 total ([88]9/[5]42/[48]29/[24]5/[18]19)
15 - Hau Ling - 140 total ([6]42/[24]3/[2]38/[11]15/[5]42)

No race next weekend. Easter instead. Don't forget to get me you Martinsville picks before the race in 2 weeks. Another short track. Always exciting racing on the short tracks.

Fu Manchu at Peabody's - 3-14-08

My ears are still ringing 2 days later

NCAA fantasy pool - Tourney Pick-em

OK, here is what I am thinking for the tourney this year. We will make it as simple as the NASCAR league. Prior to the tip of the first game on Thursday (the play-in game won't matter for this, I would hope) send me your best 5 player team. Any 5 guys from any teams - BUT you cannot have more than 2 players from any 1 team. We will tally points scored in the tourney. Highest final tally wins (I'm gambling that we won't have 2 identical teams). $5 per person - 1 entry limit. Winner takes the pot minus second place's entry fee, which is returned.

Get me your picks via email or fax or phone or post-it-note or pony express. Just get it to me prior to the tip of the first game.

I will post standings here after each round.

I will need player name and team.

Good luck.

PT

Oh yeah - as I typed this the #18 wrecked. Outstanding!

Winter football for latex salemen

Winter football ended yesterday. I can't say I'm happy its over, but I can now be productive on Saturday's again for a while. I actually lucked out. With all the bad weather here 2 weeks ago while Vicki and I were in Antigua, the season finale single elim tourney was postponed, so I got to play.

Vandelay went 8-0 in the regular season (a first for Vandelay's 8 years of existence) thanks to a veteran offense with the B.O.B. and Mark Hedegore at the helm, and with what I will argue as the best defense in the league. We hit the first week of playoffs as the #1 seed (another first for us) and cleaned the clocks of the lowly 16 seed. Then the weather worked in my favor and we wound up playing this past weekend to close out the tourney.

With a dominant victory against a 5-3 ODP Mudders team we entered the semis against the only team we played all through the regular season with a winning record - Team Jager.

In a nail biter that came down to a no-time-on-the-clock play on the 2 yard line after a first play of the drive hail mary that resulted in a pass interference call (I pushed off - he pushed back and I got the call with some effective acting) we failed to get it into the end zone and walked away 10-1 on the year.

Our girls played a great season. Our defense was tenacious (yes, we were a tenacious D this season) and our O was as effective as I can remember. We just couldn't pull it off.

Vandelay will be back next fall with what should be the toughest lineup yet. We will get Will's and Loren's speed back, ShawnRoss' monkey arms back in the center of the D, and Mikey hands back. Based on our performance this season without those guys, I'd say we are going to be tough to beat.

Bristol Picks

Here are the picks for today's race (in progress) at Bristol:

Jon - #29 Harvick
Shaffer - #07 Bowyer
Wingman - #07 Bowyer
PT - #31 Burton
Tony - #99 Edwards
Susie - #9 Kahne
Kenny - #9 Kahne
TBA - #29 Harvick
Shaw - #17 Kenseth
Scott - #29 Harvick
Joe - #19 Sadler
Shane - #48 Johnson
Wayne - #18 Busch
Inskeep - #16 Biffle
Hau-Ling - #5 Mears

Results after Atlanta (with Vegas included) - I'M BACK!

OK Folks, I made it back in late last night. Here are the standings:

1 - Jon - 13 total ([41]5/[18]4/[99]1/[88]3)
T2 - Shaffer - 21 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5)
T2 - Wingman - 21 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5)
4 - PT - 22 total ([41]5/[99]1/[18]11/[24]5)
5 - Tony - 27 total ([88]9/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5)
6 - Susie - 28 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[24]5)
7 - Kenny - 29 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[16]4)
8 - TBA - 31 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[17]8)
9 - Shaw - 32 total ([88]9/[48]2/[9]6/[11]15)
10 - Scott - 38 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[48]13)
11 - Joe - 52 total ([55]29/[9]9/[18]11/[88]3)
12 - Shane - 66 total ([88]9/[11]41/[18]11/[24]5)
13 - Wayne - 85 total ([88]9/[5]42/[48]29/[24]5)
14 - Inskeep - 86 total ([88]9/[11]41/[24]35/[18]1)
15 - Hau Ling - 98 total ([6]42/[24]3/[2]38/[11]15)

Sorry I don't have commentary on the races this time. I only caught the last 5 laps of Vegas, and even then Vicki made me leave for dinner with 1/2 lap left (gotta keep the peace in the relationship, especially 2 days before the wedding). I'll be back on track this week.

Don't forget to get your picks in before the drop of hte green this weekend!

Vegas Picks - Preliminary

Not sure if I will get to a computer before the race tomorrow. I don't have many picks so far, except:

Shaw - #9, Inskeep #24 (this is pretty much an exercise in me not forgetting who picked who).

Hopefully I can find a TV with FOX on it in St Martens as we have a 4 hour layover around the time of the race ending. Then, hopefully I will find a complimentary internet access point to get results and post standings.

Get those picks in!!!

California Results

Well, after hours and hours, they finally postponed late last night for rain. That was tough to watch. I really don't care what they call the Gopher Cam gopher. I did, however, enjoy a few things during the delay:

A: Guy in a robe with no visible credentials strolling down pit road sipping a cup of coffee during the delay. Classic.
B: Kyle Busch. Say what you will about this guym but you cannot deny that he was entertaining in the extended pre-race. He was a totally overbearing doucebag, like a David Spade of NASCAR. An asshole, but an asshole you have to laugh at (not with). He was manhandling the mic and demanding to be on camera. Then....
C: Brad Garrett's command to start engines:"Attention! There is a child missing in Kyle Busch's left ear" I was rolling. That's the only funny thing to come out of Ray Romano's TV older brothers mouth in 10 years. Not since he stole Jerry's Saab has he been so funny.

The race was one to remember, when it was running. I love how only the guys who wreck complained about the "seepers", up until they threw the red flag. You know NASCAR is on the radionn with every team before they start the race making sure the drivers are comfortable with the track - then as soon as a guy wrecks he's like "we should not be racing!" Yeah, YOU should not be racing - everyone else has maintained control.

The Mears wreck was scary. I will admit I enjoy carnage as much as the next guy, but fire and a car on its door are not a good combination. I was happy to see the drivers walk away. Of course, then it was all about the water.

I was forced to monitor the lap by lap at the office for the restarted race today. I can't complain too much, though as Carl Edwards pulle doff the win for me. It looks like we have a nice big group of entries near the top who haven't had that one bad finish yet. Those of you at the bottom need to hop those of us at the top get some bad picks in the coming weeks.

Well, here are our standings. Enjoy!

T1) Shaffer - [5] - 3(20)/2(48)
T1) Wingman - [5] - 3(20)/2(48)
3) PT - [6] - 5(41)/1(99)
4) Big Jon - [9] - 5(41)/4(18)
T5) Shaw - [11] - 9(88)/2(48)
T5) Tony - [11] - 9(88)/2(48)
T7) Susie - [12] - 9(88)/3(24)
T7) TBA - [12] - 9(88)/3(24)
T9) KRo - [14] - 9(88)/5(17)
T9) Es Scott - [14] - 9(88)/5(17)
11) Joe - [38] - 29(55)/9(9)
12) Hau-Ling - [45] - 42(6)/3(24)
T13) Inskeep - [50] - 9(88)/41(11)
T13) Shane - [50] - 9(88)/41(11)
15) Wayne - [51] - 9(88)/42(5)

By the way, I will be relatively unavailable over the next 2 weeks while Vicki and I fly to Antigua to tie the knot. be sure to send me your picks each week nonetheless. I will catch up on the standings as soon as I can. We travel both of the next 2 Sunday's, so don't count on too many updates. Also, you can always use the comment feature in this blocg to send your pick - if you don't mind everyone else seeing it.

later folks!

California Selections

Well, as long as we are in this extended delay, I thought I'd post the selections for this week:


Shaffer:#48, Jimmy Johnson*
Wingman: #48, Jimmy Johnson
Big Jon: #18, Kyle Busch
PT: #99, Carl Edwards
KRo: #17, Matt Kenseth
Es Scott: #17, Matt Kenseth
Wayne: #5, Casey Mears
Inskeep: #11, Denny Hamlin
Shaw: #48, Jimmy Johnson*
Susie: #24, Jeff Gordon
Shane: #11, Denny Hamlin
TBA: #24, Jeff Gordon
Tony: #48, Jimmy Johnson*
Joe: #9, Kasey Kahne
Hau-Ling: #24, Jeff Gordon


*The asterisks indicate automatic picks. I will be going with the driver starting closest ot he front in the current race that has not yet been used by that entry. This week, all 3 auto picks are Jimmy Johnson.


Now, Lets get this race started already!