Matt Kenseth - (1) Back on top ... Reunion with spotter the key to return?
- (2) Is a championship in play? Is another Roush title imminent?
Jeff Gordon - (1) Is the winless streak destined to end? Possibly by today (Las Vegas)?
- (2) Has fatherhood mellowed the California "Kid" who has to reflect on an excellent career to date?
Jimmie Johnson - Remember "three-peat"? Where is he hanging out after two races? Probably right where he wants to be ... the "underdog" again ...
Tony Stewart - (1) This ownership thing isn't so difficult ... when you're the driver, too
- (2) Can Stewart-Haas fix the #39 team with Ryan Newman?
David Ragan - Growing pains? Accident in Nationwide race leaves some doubts for Sunday's Cup battle ...
The Brothers Busch (Kyle, Kurt) - Is the "hometown track" an advantage ... or disadvantage ... while driving in Las Vegas?
Joey Logano - Is he really "sliced bread" ... or are the expectations just unrealistically high (i.e. he's "toast" before he gets a legitimate shot)? [Casey Atwood anyone? Even Reed Sorenson fits in this camp to an extent ...]
Any other early headlines, folks? If you are reading the Rentz Racing Report for the first time (or a repeat visitor), we value your feedback and storyline input. Leave your comments and feedback following the links provided. Thanks!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
NASCAR Hall of Fame: First Ballot Nods
Over at Yahoo! Sports, writer Jay Busbee (whom I enjoy reading for multiple subject areas in the Blogs area) posed the following question:
"Who would you vote for to be included in NASCAR's inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2010?"
Without a doubt from the list he provided, the five names I selected were (in alphabetical order):
- Dale Earnhardt
- Bill France Sr.
- Junior Johnson
- David Pearson
- Richard Petty
This collection includes the two top winningest drivers (Petty and Pearson), the most championships (Earnhardt and Petty, not to mention Pearson or Johnson not being slouches in their own right), car ownership (Johnson, Petty, and, to a lesser extent, Earnhardt), and the undeniable foundation of the sport (Big Bill France). Earnhardt's inclusion goes without saying ... a must for a first-ballot HOF induction. France is almost equally undeniable - the man spearheaded the creation of what is NASCAR. Johnson was (and in some ways, still is) a great driver, innovator, and creative force in making the Rick Hendrick's and Chad Knaus's of the world what they are today. Pearson was most likely the best driver without fanfare or spotlight you will EVER find in all of NASCAR. How David Pearson (the Silver Fox) could be overlooked on ANY ballot given his remarkable winning percentage (and second on the all-time wins list) is beyond me. Finally, Richard "The King" Petty is the epitome of what NASCAR was, what it is, and what it continue to be. The King is the ongoing face of the sport (sorry, not Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, or Dale Earnhardt, Jr., to name but a few) ... until someone surpasses the mark of seven titles (which Earnhardt nearly did), The King will still be THE KING.
I didn't read the long list of comments made by other readers, but the only other names I would consider in argument as "potential" inclusions are Bill France, Jr., Lee Petty, and Cale Yarborough with an outside shot for Darrel Waltrip or Rick Hendrick. Tim Flock and Fireball Roberts certainly seem merited for an extended first class but no later than a second class ... not to mention Curtis Turner, Bobby Allison, or the Wood Brothers.
So MANY good choices from Day One ... long overdue.
"Who would you vote for to be included in NASCAR's inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2010?"
Without a doubt from the list he provided, the five names I selected were (in alphabetical order):
- Dale Earnhardt
- Bill France Sr.
- Junior Johnson
- David Pearson
- Richard Petty
This collection includes the two top winningest drivers (Petty and Pearson), the most championships (Earnhardt and Petty, not to mention Pearson or Johnson not being slouches in their own right), car ownership (Johnson, Petty, and, to a lesser extent, Earnhardt), and the undeniable foundation of the sport (Big Bill France). Earnhardt's inclusion goes without saying ... a must for a first-ballot HOF induction. France is almost equally undeniable - the man spearheaded the creation of what is NASCAR. Johnson was (and in some ways, still is) a great driver, innovator, and creative force in making the Rick Hendrick's and Chad Knaus's of the world what they are today. Pearson was most likely the best driver without fanfare or spotlight you will EVER find in all of NASCAR. How David Pearson (the Silver Fox) could be overlooked on ANY ballot given his remarkable winning percentage (and second on the all-time wins list) is beyond me. Finally, Richard "The King" Petty is the epitome of what NASCAR was, what it is, and what it continue to be. The King is the ongoing face of the sport (sorry, not Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, or Dale Earnhardt, Jr., to name but a few) ... until someone surpasses the mark of seven titles (which Earnhardt nearly did), The King will still be THE KING.
I didn't read the long list of comments made by other readers, but the only other names I would consider in argument as "potential" inclusions are Bill France, Jr., Lee Petty, and Cale Yarborough with an outside shot for Darrel Waltrip or Rick Hendrick. Tim Flock and Fireball Roberts certainly seem merited for an extended first class but no later than a second class ... not to mention Curtis Turner, Bobby Allison, or the Wood Brothers.
So MANY good choices from Day One ... long overdue.
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