The Too Tough to Tame 200 on Darlington’s famous “Lady in Black” 1.366 mile track will unravel Saturday evening with one of our own, none other than Gene Haddock, in attendance at what I’d say is his home track.
As it stands right now, 38 entrants, including last season’s series champion, Todd
Bodine, this season’s current point leader Matt Crafton (who just happens to be from Tulare, California or about 14 miles from my hometown!), former Sprint Cup driver Elliot Sadler and current Cup driver Kasey Kahne (making only his 4th CWTS career start driving Kyle Busch Motorsport’s number 18 Toyota Tundra) are set to go along with a mix of names including a group of foreign drivers. Nelson Piquet Jr. (London, England), Max Pappis (Como, Italy) and Miguel Paludo (Nova Prata, Brazil) will certainly add spice to the mix along with series standouts Ron Hornaday, James Buescher and Timothy Peters and a crew of young up and comers, Austin Dillon, Jeffrey Earnhardt and Cole Whitt.Tune in to SPEEDTV at 5:00 PM to get your racing fix if winter still has you cooped up.
The Tire Kingdom Gatornationals at Gainesville (Florida) Raceway…
One of the premier events on the NHRA schedule will
include Kurt Busch trying his hand at fulfilling a long-time dream when he makes the quarter mile run in a brand new Pro Stock ride. When asked why the interest in drag racing, Kurt commented, "This is just something to challenge myself to do another discipline of motorsports. It's four rubber tires and a race track, but, man, it's just night and day difference on how you have to be prepared for a drag race versus a NASCAR event."A year ago at the Gatornationals Kurt strapped himself into a 1970 Dodge Charger in the Super Gas category in his first attempt on the professional level of NHRA but was smoked, never making it out of the first round. After obtaining his Pro Stock license in Bradenton, Florida, where he posted one run at 210.43 MPH passing through the lights at 6.576 seconds, Kurt appears prepared to show well this season driving the Shell Dodge Avenger pictured below…
Good Luck Kurt!
My Local Track...
Here’s what’s happening at the Citrus County Speedway this Saturday:
With a 5:30 PM start time there will be Open Wheel Mods, Sportmans, Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, PRO Figure-8’s and Outlaw Mod Mini’s… on the 3/8th mile paved oval next door to the Citrus County fairgrounds in Inverness, Florida.
That’s a lot of exciting, live racing for just $13 per adult ticket… And the track’s only a 30 minute drive from my house!
Check out your local tracks, there are all sorts of fun auto racing events taking place around the country…
If you can, support your local races, the breeding ground of the future NASCAR greats!
The trucks put on a great show at Darlington. The race is about an hour and half long, with plenty of action... just right.
ReplyDeleteKahne has won 2 of his 3 previous truck starts, including one in Darlington. I predict he'll be 3 for 4 after Saturday night.
Gene,
ReplyDeleteYou have a great time up there in Darlington... I'll look forward to your thoughts on the race next week.
Great stuff Dwindy! Plenty-o-action on the track and looking forward to our "crack reporter" and his insights on the truck race.
ReplyDeleteKurt is rarin' to go - I know he is ready to eat humble pie and just wanting to qualify.
Finally in the car long enough to listen to the entire CD you made me - some fun stuff on there! Thanks so much for thinking of me...
Hey Dwindy!
ReplyDeleteI'll take a crack at predicting the winner! I'll say the current points leader, Matt Crafton, will tame the Lady in Black on Saturday night.
Wow Wondering Cars and lovely posting . interesting recently post and nice your thought
ReplyDeleteRomantisch Hotel Bruges
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteOur "crack reporter" better keep his head on a swivel there in Darlington. I understand D & D (Darrell and Danica) may be looking for him! (refer to Gene's latest RSO entry for more detail)...
These drivers are all speed freaks! I don't think any of 'em are happy unless they're doin' mach 5 with their hair on fire! LOL (Name that movie!) Judging by his ride this year, Kurt oughta do just fine in the Gatornationals...
You're a horse person... I tried to tie up a group of songs that might hit home with you. Glad you are enjoying it!
Hey jon!
ReplyDeleteWe need to start a movement to eliminate one of the Pocono races and move that date on NASCAR's calendar to the new Austin Texas U.S. Grand Prix site for 2012. Then NASCAR would have a third road course Cup race and it would be in NASCAR country there in Texas.
Here's hoping young Crafton does well in Darlington!
Hi surendra!
ReplyDeleteI'm curious... Do you live in Belgium? The link on your comment refers to what appears to be a great, world class hotel there in Brugge, Belgium.
Keep reading the Lug Nuts blogging writers and you'll be sure to find many interesting perspectives on all kinds of auto racing as well as some occasional commentary on our personal lives and the current state of affairs where we live.
Thanks so much for checking in!