I suppose the best place to start is with the AIRPS Hall of Fame Banquet Friday night. Every time I attend that event, I make memories to last the rest of my life and this time was no exception. The one advantage I have in being the Master of Ceremonies for that event is standing behind that podium and looking out over the room of inductees and their families and friends.
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Augusta International Raceway Preservation Society Induction Ceremony - Photo courtesy of Richard Trivette[/caption]
It is a happy time and, I think, for the AIRPS officers a time of relief that all the planning and hard work is over for another year. Although these guys, Joe Cawley, Harvey Tollison, Jack Watson, and Johnny Hollings are totally dedicated to their efforts to maintain the Augusta racing heritage, it is a hard job. I attend some of the monthly meetings and I can attest to the effort they expend in getting this one weekend a year set up for fans to enjoy.
I have mentioned before what a pleasure it is, always, to spend time with Rex White. This weekend was no exception, in fact, even more so because Rex and I had more time than ever to pick on each other, but that is a story best not shared! Having James Hylton around was a pleasure as well. I rarely get to spend time with James these days, but back when he raced, especially in those Dodges, I was a constant pain in his sit-down place as I always found him easily accessible to talk with. Watching Rex and James trade barbs about their careers together was a treat for all.
Georgia racing legend, Bruce Brantley, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame Friday evening. Over the seven years I've been attending the Augusta events, I have gotten to know Bruce fairly well, often times sharing the seat next to him during autograph sessions. Bruce is a uniquely humble man with a wealth of racing knowledge exceeded only by his ability to make anyone and everyone feel very special. He is an incredible individual and someone I am so honored to know.
As for Billy Scott and his family, what can you possibly say about such fine people that would adequately describe them to someone who doesn't know them? I can't begin to describe what it's like talking to Billy about his racing career. He brings back the excitement of my youth, watching him tear up Columbia Speedway, or Savannah, or Augusta, and his excitement describing some of the events in his past bubbles over to me. Wonderful times. And his wife of 63 years, Barbara. Wow! This woman is so dedicated to Billy and the family that no one can doubt her involvement in Billy's career or Billy's success. Billy and Barbara's daughter, Debbie, came to the event with her husband, and that was the first time I met them. Easy to see what fine folk they are!!! Totally wonderful time having dinner at their table, which, I may add, was upon Barbara's invitation. I was really living high Friday night!!!!
Now, on to some NASCAR business. Let me start with my supposed membership on the NASCAR Fan Council. As I told you all a couple of months ago, I had received, along with a few hundred thousand other folks, an invitation to membership on the Fan Council. I had been unceremoniously dismissed from that same organization two years ago when it was discovered that I hung out with these goats on Tuesday night. As a member of the council, you receive an e-mail survey the Monday after each race in which you are asked to provide your rating of the weekend's race. I faithfully responded to each survey received. At the end of the survey questions is always the block where you are asked, "Is there anything else you would like to say about the race". Each week I did, and Jeff this will shock you, I briefly and succinctly, gave them my honest opinion of what I thought. I was courteous and did not engage in negative name-calling but I did give my honest opinion of each event. At the end of each of the surveys, I provided my cell number and told them I would be happy to discuss my points in person. Never got a call. Further, I did not receive the e-mail on the Darlington race and I'm waiting to see if anything comes in on Richmond. Sort of like that line Jack Nicholson used in that movie for which the title escapes me, when he bellows, "You can't handle the truth".
As to the Richmond events, I obviously did not see the race Friday night as I was in Augusta. I did see Chase Elliott won so that is a good thing and perhaps a boost to his repeat title hopes, although the season is drawing to a close. I wish Chase the best. After meeting him that one time and talking to him briefly last year, he seems to have some of that old school personality the sport needs. Perhaps it won't be ruined as he moves up. I did find out over the weekend, in discussions with Rex, that Chris Buescher is a fine young man with a great attitude and can obviously drive a racecar. If Rex believes in him, that's good enough for me.
So, the Cup race ran Saturday night and the field of 16 for that meaningless Chase has now been determined. I don't intend to list the sixteen drivers who "made it" because you should be able to find that information on at least 300 sites upon which NASCAR has mercenary influence. Frankly, I truly don't care who is in, who is out, who should have been in, and who should be booted out. NASCAR can do what they want to with the Chase, obviously, so, to quote Mike Helton (I think), "have at it boys". Or, to use the quote of the pants-suited candidate for President, "What difference does it make?” I have truly tried to accept The Chase format, to support the Chase format, but I simply cannot do it. To hear this referred to as "a Playoff" in the sport of stock car racing is a travesty!! Simply stated, The Chase is an ill-conceived contrivance of idiots in an attempt to put our sport in the same category of the stick and ball sports, which thrive on such trash. (Chase Grid)
I had many more important and delightful things to do Saturday night than sit down to watch the race from Richmond. I did get in late and tuned in for the final 60 laps. Observations? Well, since I wasn't there for the start I have no idea what the stands looked like on the green flag but by the time I tuned in the fans were sparse, at best. What part of the race I did see was about as boring as anything I've seen this year. I missed the part where a racer hit the NASCAR truck but I can't help but wonder if that racer, who shall remain nameless, was just expressing his opinion of the boring racing or, perhaps, NASCAR agreed to pay him extra to put a little excitement into the race. Regardless, from the e-mails I had waiting on me Sunday morning, and the texts messages from my friends who did watch, the race was the best cure for insomnia yet discovered.
The question was raised last night about whether or not Kenseth jumped the restart on that last green flag. I watched that and even before the astute NBC television crew raised the question, I said to myself "he jumped that start". Of course, you have to take into account I detest Toyotas, and especially the JGR team of drivers. I'll not make further comment regarding my thoughts on the dominance of the JGR cars of late, but you can bet my opinion includes the conspiracy theory involved in the return of Kyle Busch to the track and the immediate resurgence of the entire JGR team to dominance. Guess this may be the year the Toyotas finally claim that "Chase” Cup. Funny how I don't even care about that anymore when once upon a time the Championship each year was something, which really excited me.
Darlington was a successful weekend for the track and for NASCAR. As I had mentioned last week, the crowd shots I saw on television seemed to show more fans in my age group, and the age group generally listening to this show, than it did the demographic NASCAR hung its helmet on a few years ago. After talking to several folks at Augusta who had been in the Darlington crowd, this was confirmed without a doubt. I think I heard Rex actually claim that was one place where he was among the younger of the folks there.
It's Sunday morning and the overnight ratings for Richmond aren't available yet. I am guessing someone will chime in about now with the ratings and I think it will be interesting to see if all the hype about the final race before "The Chase" generated any additional fan viewership. One thing I found very interesting this morning was The State Newspaper's race coverage, which stated the race did not conclude by press deadline so the results couldn't be reported. It should be noted the race concluded before many of the college football games to which The State provided a detailed write-up. What does that tell you?
We’ve talked, as late as a couple of weeks ago, about the declining health of the printed newspapers. Everything you want to know is now available though a plethora of electronic devices. To be sure, you must be careful as to which sites you choose to read because there are some out there deserving no more than a passing glance, if any glance at all. If you're reading this, or listening live, I appreciate your time. I also welcome any comments, positive or negative.
Last week Jeff commented that too much of anything is bad, and we all know that. Based upon that comment I am considering curtaining Legendtorials, but that problem may have been solved for me. Gene Hobby called me this week to tell me the number 17 car in which D.W. won the 1989 Daytona 500 will be in Hillsboro on the 26th. The actual car. Can I resist the temptation? Time will tell.
