Liz Allison's Blog

It is hard to believe three months have passed since I started sharing my thoughts, views and opinions with you. The good news is I have had a great time dishing it out. The bad news is that the Girl’s Guide to NASCAR feature was only scheduled for a three-month run. So, in my last blog entry, I feel it is only fitting to address “the state of the nation” — the NASCAR nation, that is.
 
As I gaze into my crystal ball, I see that …

 

In closing, I give the State of the Nation a “B-” — if NASCAR can get the COT sorted out so the NASCAR fans can get the racing they deserve. Be more consistent with the rules and the penalties. And for goodness’ sake, let the drivers show their true colors — then I will give the State of the NASCAR Nation an “A” for effort.

NASCAR racing has been filled with countless names and personalities since its inception in 1948. Even though almost 60 years have passed since the first NASCAR race, there are five names that have withstood the test of time by remaining the top five names in NASCAR.

 

There is no denying that the France family is the first family of NASCAR. Bill France Sr.’s dream became a reality when stock-car racing evolved to more than just a weekend hobby for racers back in 1948.

 

France is the powerhouse family name in the sport. Almost all the members of the France family, from Bill Sr. on down, have played a role in making NASCAR what it is today.

 

With Bill France Jr.’s recent death, the third-generation family members — Brian France and Lesa France Kennedy — are steering the way for NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation.

 

There should be no argument that the second family of NASCAR is the Petty family.

Richard Petty has won more races than any other driver ever to race in NASCAR’s elite series.

 

The Petty name in NASCAR dates back to the 1940s when Richard’s father, Lee, was running the NASCAR circuit. Kyle, the third-generation driver and Richard’s son, is a current cup series regular and TNT race analyst.

 

Richard’s wife of over 50 years, Lynda, played a key role in changing the role drivers’ wives played on race weekends. Lynda has been an active member of the Racing Wives Auxiliary (now WAM, Inc.) since the inception in 1965.

 

Kyle and Pattie Petty founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp soon after the death of their oldest son, Adam, who was killed in a racing accident on May 12, 2000 at New Hampshire International Speedway. The Victory Junction Gang Camp is a favorite charity for many NASCAR drivers.

 

Who can think of NASCAR and not think Earnhardt? The name Earnhardt means racer. Dale Earnhardt Sr. will go down in the history books as one of the most popular drivers of all time.

 

“The Intimidator” got his name from intimidating his fellow competitors on and off the track. Ironically, Dale was also the “go-to guy” for his fellow competitors and NASCAR alike. He proudly served as a bridge between the two.

 

Ralph Earnhardt started the Earnhardt racing legacy over 50 years ago. Dale Earnhardt Jr. carries on the tradition by being one of the most popular drivers (if not the most popular) on the current circuit.

 

The name Allison stands the test of time. Bobby Allison was the leader of the famed Alabama Gang, a group of racers that included Bobby’s brother Donnie Allison, Red Farmer and Neil Bonnett. The racers from Alabama stole short track wins all over the South, and local racers would alert competitors when the “Alabama Gang” was coming to town.

 

Bobby Allison enjoyed an illustrious career until it was cut short by an accident at Pocono in June 1988. Bobby’s wife, Judy, has been an active member of the Wives Auxiliary since 1965, and their sons, Clifford and Davey, both followed in Dad’s footsteps.

 

Clifford was tragically killed in a Busch series practice session at Michigan International Raceway (August 1992) before he ever had the chance to race on the cup level. Davey, however, was the sport’s rising star in 1987. As the new leader of the Alabama Gang, he enjoyed success on the cup circuit, winning 19 cup series events before his life was cut short in July 1993 after the helicopter he was piloting crashed at Talladega.

 

What can you say about the Waltrips that has not been said? Darrell Waltrip, pinned as “Jaws” many years ago by his fellow competitors, has been a driving force in NASCAR for over 30 years as both a NASCAR cup champion and currently a star FOX TV race-day analyst.

 

Darrell’s younger brother, Michael, has enjoyed success on the circuit for many years as well, making the brothers very popular NASCAR personalities both on and off the track. When you think of Darrell and Michael, you think … natural-born comedians. Both have a natural way with relating to fans at home, which is why Darrell is the fan pick for race-day analyst.

 

Darrell’s wife, Stevie, has always been known as the “redhead on pit road” with the big smile. Stevie is highly regarded by drivers’ wives as a woman of wisdom. Michael’s wife, Buffy. is very involved in the Motor Racing Outreach program.

 

The names Gordon, Stewart and Johnson might be household names for NASCAR fans, but no matter how much things change, some things stay the same. France, Petty, Earnhardt, Allison and Waltrip will always be the five most recognizable names in the sport.

Is it just me, or does the fact that the Nextel Cup Series is racing at Infineon Raceway this weekend make you want to yawn?

 

Please, someone tell me where NASCAR gets its kicks out of watching the same five drivers maneuver road courses year after year, while the other drivers give Infineon and Watkins Glen a free lawn service.

 

Just for the record, over the past 10 years, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Robby Gordon and Ricky Rudd have been the only drivers to take home a trophy from Infineon.

 

Jeff Gordon has not only won at Infineon, he has stolen the show — winning five times out of the last 10. Chances are the new daddy will be standing in Victory Lane again this weekend.

 

Ditto on Watkins Glen: Jeff Gordon has won four of the last 10 events. Tony Stewart has had three victories on the 2.45-mile road course. Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon and Steve Park have all snatched one win apiece.

 

The fact that roughly seven so-called “road racing specialists” are replacing full-time cup series drivers at Infineon ought to tell you something. Tony Raines, Michael Waltrip and David Reutimann are just a few of the drivers sitting the weekend out. Granted the primary reason for so many switcheroos is to get the cars in the 43-car field, but the point should be well taken.

 

P.J. Jones, Boris Said, Ron Fellows and Klaus Graf are all “road ringers” who will show up this weekend in hopes of snatching a win from the cup regulars — even though none of the “specialists” have ever won at Infineon in the cup series event.

 

NASCAR should do us all a favor and pull the road course events from the already jam-packed schedule.

 

Yes, I will struggle through another road course event like millions of other NASCAR fans — but pass the wine and cheese, please.

There is a long-standing notion that most race-car drivers are quite superstitious. If you don’t believe me, try handing Tony Stewart a $50 bill at the racetrack. Chances are you will not get the meet and greet you expected from ol’ Smoke. Having a $50 bill in hand is a surefire way to have yourself removed from his presence.

 

Dale Earnhardt Sr. used to love to waive a $50 bill in Tony’s face before a race. From time to time, he would attempt to stick it in Stewart’s pocket just to raise his blood pressure a notch or two.

 

But $50 bills are not the only things to make the drivers squirm — there are a few drivers who will not wear or touch anything green on race day. Some drivers will even take it to the extreme by swearing off green race cars.

 

Of course, Harry Gant drove his green Skoal Bandit car to Victory Lane without a hitch. In fact, in September 1991, “Handsome Harry” drove his green Oldsmobile to Victory Lane in four consecutive races. The media then dubbed him “Mr. September.” But Harry will tell you that when the team signed with Skoal and it became apparent that his car would be green, his heart skipped a beat.

 

Talk about taking it to the extreme: Jeff Green refused a green rental car upon arriving in Watkins Glen in 2001. After walking to his rental car and seeing a green car staring back at him, he politely returned to the rental counter and requested a different color.

 

If the $50 bill doesn’t make a driver nervous or a green race car doesn’t make him sweat, peanuts are sure to get the job done.

 

Peanuts are undoubtedly the most talked-about superstitious item at any given racetrack. It does not matter if it is short-track Saturday-night racing at your local half-mile or the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway — peanuts are a no-no. Even drivers who are not necessarily superstitious would prefer that the peanuts shells make their way to another hauler.

 

So when did all these wacky superstitions get their start at the racetrack? That is the funny part — no one seems to know.

 

Some drivers believe the peanut curse came from an old dirt racer from the Northwest who used to eat peanuts at the racetrack. Legend has it that every time he would share his peanuts with a fellow racer, that same racer would crash out in the same night. Word has it that the old racer lost his own life in a racing accident after he ate a whole bag of shelled peanuts before the start of a feature event.

 

The crashing scenario seems to be the same thought process behind the green cars. Supposedly, the worst racing accidents happen in green race cars.

 

While some drivers go out of their way to avoid certain unlucky items at the track, other drivers have a quirky regime they follow or an odd good-luck piece. For example, Sterling Marlin throws away his driver’s shoes after an accident. Former Alabama racer Hut Stricklin thought his red boxers brought him good luck. The only problem was that he had only one pair.

 

Bottom line: It is safe to say that the next time you are at a racetrack, you might want to leave the peanuts at home, and for goodness’ sake, pass on the green peanut M&M’s. That is, unless you want to bring someone a little bad luck.

For all you Dale Jr. fans who now call yourselves “ex” Dale Jr. fans (after the formal announcement on Wednesday that Jr. will drive for Hendrick Motorsports in 2008) … lighten up. What ever happened to standing by your man?

 

Here is a guy who clearly wants to not only win races, but also put himself in the best position to win a championship. Where better to do that than Hendrick Motorsports? So what if his teammates are Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears. Does it really matter who his teammates are? It certainly won’t change the Jr. millions of fans have grown to love.

 

You cannot blame a guy for wanting the best situation possible. OK, so Ginn Racing has had an impressive early showing with Mark Martin’s limited schedule championship run, and Gibbs Racing seemed to make perfect sense. More than any team, RCR seemed to be a no-brainer. Richard Childress is the same guy that Dale Sr. chose to drive for in his own cup career, but it is clear that none of these teams mount up to Hendrick Motorsports.

 

It seems obvious that the so called “ex” Dale Jr. fans have their feathers ruffled because of the Jeff Gordon affiliation. I hate to break it to you “ex” Jr. fans, but Dale Jr. considers Gordon a personal friend and Dale Sr. actually helped Gordon get started in the sport, not to mention that Dale Sr. and Gordon shared various business ventures.

 

Furthermore, expecting Jr. to do everything the Dale Sr. way is an unrealistic expectation. Have you ever thought that maybe Jr. wants to be his own man? Unfortunately, there will never be another Dale Earnhardt Sr., on or off the track … period. Not even if Jr. drives for RCR in the famous black #3.

 

What would you rather have — Jr. tooling around the track in less-than-desirable equipment, or Jr. winning races in a Hendrick ride? Being a smart driver isn’t just about what you do on the track; it’s also about who you align yourself with and how the team comes together. Jr. is simply doing what any smart racer would do and that is accepting a ride with the top team in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

 

NASCAR fans pride themselves in their driver loyalty. So where is that loyalty now, “ex” Jr. fans?