Here in Northern California it’s finally warm enough for me to not wear a jacket the entire day, and that’s saying something. So in honor of the first true day of spring, and the fact that I’d rather be outside right now, I’m keeping things light with photos from this week.
Tony Stewart was at Motor City Hotel & Casino in Detroit on April 9 promoting the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Detroit native Kid Rock also dropped by which helped promote the event. (Photo Credit: Dave Frechette for Michigan International Speedway)
I can’t help but think of that one “I Love Lucy” episode when I look at this photo. 
Carl Edwards’ fitness program was put to the test on Wednesday at Infineon Raceway as the driver of the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion combined with two young Bay Area children in a Mini-Triathlon. (Photo Credit: Chucke Walkden)
The trio first rode mountain bikes through a half-mile course on the hillsides behind the raceway. (Photo Credit: Chucke Walkden)
They then took part in a half-mile run around a portion of the world-famous road course, which included the legendary hairpin at Turn 11. (Photo Credit: Chucke Walkden)
Kasey Kahne sits on the pit wall prior to qualifying for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Kahne will start fifth in Saturday night’s race. (Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)
It sucks that he’s replacing Jeremy Mayfield, but it’s cool that he’s back in the field again.
Johnny Sauter, who replaced Jeremy Mayfield in the No. 70 Chevrolet earlier in the week, waits to practice for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Sauter grabbed the final qualifying position among drivers not already locked into the race. (Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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In the off season some NASCAR drivers took vacations or spent time just hanging out at home, but one guy decided to use the time to make the biggest commitment anyone can to another person.
Nationwide Series driver Johnny Sauter married his longtime girlfriend Cortney Owen on Saturday, December 15th, 2007. The couple exchanged vows in front of 300 guests at St. Monica Parish in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Cortney wore an elegant strapless ball gown by Alvina Valenta while Johnny wore a classic Calvin Klein tuxedo. Both were supported at the altar by their family, Cortney’s father, Francis Owen, walked her down the aisle and her sister Leslie was her maid of honor. Johnny’s brother served as best man.
The wedding took on the impromptu theme of “winter wonderland” as 5 inches of snow fell during the day. “We hadn’t had that much snow in Wisconsin in December in years,” said Cortney. “It turned out to be such a beautiful day for a wedding!” For their honeymoon the couple spent a week at the Resort at Paws Up in Montana.
Just Married! Cortney and Johnny Sauter walk down the aisle for the first time as man and wife.
Cortney and Johnny leave the church making their way to the reception that followed.
Cortney and Johnny steal a sweet moment together with Lake Michigan in the background.
I’ve never seen Dale Earnhardt Jr. like that, at least not that I can remember right now. He looked so absolutely defeated (or was that bewilderment?); it was not a pretty sight.
You could have knocked me over with a feather when Junior’s engine blew up on Saturday night. I could not believe it; I couldn’t believe it was happening again. That’s five engines now… five. How does this happen? It’s just insane. I think my exact words were “Are you f***ing kidding me?!”
Well, at least this whole “Race to the Chase” is over and we can just get on with it. All the focus can be shifted to the 12 dudes that have a real chance of winning the Championship. I’m pulling for Clint Bowyer even though has yet to win a race, but wouldn’t it be so much fun if he just came out of nowhere and blew everyone away? I would love that. It’s just boring to think it could be Jimmie Johnson again. I am kind of ok with a Jeff Gordon Championship, since it hasn’t happened for him in some time now.
Anyway…
Aside from Junior not making it into the Chase it was a pretty cool race. Johnny Sauter and rookie David Ragan both took home top-5 finishes. How cool is that? It’s huge for Sauter — I’m sure it’s a big boost to the ego for him. I love it ’cause it’s totally unexpected and it wasn’t just the usual suspects running up front.
I have to stop here for now, but tomorrow I hope to put down my thoughts on DALE: The Movie — I finally got to watch it yesterday.
Photos from the race at Richmond:
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane with his wife, Chandra, after winning the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway on September 8, 2007 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Dale was right, that white car looked awesome under the lights.
Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. battle for position at Richmond International Raceway. (Photo Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Chris Daughtry performs prior to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway. (Photo Credit: Marc Serota/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes a break following practice at Richmond International Raceway. (Photo Credit: Marc Serota/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Wednesday night I stayed up past my bedtime (my workday bedtime) and watched NASCAR in Primetime on ABC.
Today I read a review of the show from the New York Times and I think the reviewer got it right — this documentary isn’t covering any new territory. But it’s still entertaining nevertheless.
I dig the fact that it follows lesser known teams — in the first episode we saw Johnny Sauter’s team struggle at Atlanta — and that you get to hear & see real fans talk about why they love NASCAR. That kid with the Carl Edwards hat on was so cute, and very knowledgeable about the drivers.
Oh and who knew Mark Martin was so freaking buff?? Jenkies Batman… I think he’s better looking now than when he was younger, and the same goes for Dale Jarrett. They’re total hotties as older gentlemen. Plus it’s not like they’re that old. Ah I’m rambling.
So overall I dig the fact that this documentary is even on TV at all, but at the same time I was hoping there’d be more to it. Something we haven’t seen before, or some other angle. I dunno… Maybe I’m asking for too much.
