Thursday, June 9, 2011

My take on the "Richard Childress/Kyle Busch fight" By Kyle Newton

Well this news is almost 1 week old and it has already had probably close to a million comments on it. Most of them probably against Kyle Busch. Richard Childress was unhappy with the way he tapped Joey Coulter's #22 Chevrolet Silverado after the Kansas truck race in which both drivers were fighting for the 5th spot on the last lap, Coulter prevailed. Kyle Busch tapped him. Later Richard Childress removed his rings and watch and went to Kyle's hauler and punched him, Kyle got back up and said something to him and Childress punched him a few more times.

Since then Childress has been fined, and put on probation until December 31st, 2011. Kyle Busch recieved no penalty because NASCAR felt he did nothing wrong and they were right. However many of the fans failed to see that or just chose not to. Comments about Kyle being a pansy wuss for letting a 65 year old man beat him up have been sweeping facebook, twitter, NASCAR.com, SceneDaily.com and more..... Others include people saying he deserved it for all of the RCR cars he wrecked. How about all the JGR cars Harvick wrecked in 2010? Should Gibbs slap Harvick upside the face? NO! No one deserves that.

Okay, first. The only RCR car Kyle Busch wrecked was Harvick's at Darlington. Big whoop! Bowyer's was wrecked because he and Harvick decided to go 3 wide with Busch. That was their own fault. Harvick was also not giving Kyle Busch any layaway, but to be fair it was just racing. I personally called Darlington a pay back from Homestead where Harvick intentionally took Kyle Busch out, but again just racing. Kyle did nothing wrong. It's just like the Keselowski and Edwards deal. Everyone blamed Brad Keselowski for all the run ins with Carl Edwards, when in reality, Carl could have avoided all of those run ins. So could Harvick if he would have stayed in his car instead of trying to fight Kyle at Darlington. Kyle made the right choice to stay in his car at Darlington. Jimmy Spencer said the same thing. Kyle's sponsors should also be proud of him for not fighting back with Childress, and with Harvick. And thumbs up to Coulter for telling it like it is.

Yes there is no denying Kyle has caused trouble in the past, but it's the past. COME ON PEOPLE! Kyle has made it obvious he is done playing the bad guy role but the media and other drivers apparently arent done with it. You anti-Busch fans are so shriveled up with hatred for this guy, and for what? What the heck has he ever done to you? NOTHING. But you take every offence to every little thing he does. He could copy Tony Stewart as a joke and walk down pit road with a pizza and people would still complain. Sometimes he gets booed just for being on the TV. That sucks that people feel the need to vent all their hate on one human being. He may be "Kyle Busch" but he has feelings and he looks at what people say on facebook and twitter, every driver does. I bet this kills him sometimes. He is a bad boy reputated kind of a guy but he also has a soft side. I believe that marrying Samantha has changed him, running KBM has changed him. I even read that he is reading the Bible. Good for Kyle.

Jimmy Spencer made comments on this very situation. I know what you are thinking. What about the deal with Kyle's brother Kurt a few years ago? Jimmy Spencer was suspended for punching Kurt Busch, he said Childress got off too easy. However he said if he could go back to the deal with Kurt, he never would have punched him, he also said Kurt learned from that incident, but he learned alot more.

It's easy to throw stones at someone you dont like. I know I have drivers I dont like, but I dont go near as far as alot of  people do. I hate reading comments hating on other drivers. I used to be a basher, but I have tried not to complain about the drivers I dislike. Hate is a strong word but some people feel that way and that sucks.

As for Childress and Busch, Kyle says the fine was the end of it for him. It's not his fight anymore. I think RC might agree. I still have respect for Richard, and I hope this helps him, just like it helped Jimmy Spencer. I think Richard will have a long time to think about this. To be honest I was shocked to hear about this when it was first let out. I thought it was a joke. But all joking aside, this is a serious deal, but has been dealt with properly, and I applaud NASCAR for making that call.


Looking forward to the rest of the 2011 season!

Friday, February 11, 2011

The 2011 Shootout at Daytona

The 2011 Daytona Shootout. Probably the most anticipated Shootout in the history of Shootouts. Why? Because it's the kickstart to the 2011 NASCAR Season of course. No there arent any points involved, but there is a big fat Check in it for the winner.

Who are the favorites you might ask? Glad you did.

Top 10 Favorites:
10.Denny Hamlin-Not a winner in a points paying event at Daytona, but a stout Plate racer with something to win. He won this race as a rookie in 2006, and went on to finish 3rd in points that year, higher than Tony Stewart's Rookie season ranking(4th). Look for Denny to be there at the end. Also has a Gatorade Duel under his belt.
9.Carl Edwards-No wins to speak of, but 2 back to back 2nd place finishes in the Daytona 300, as I call it, the Nationwide opener, in 2009 and 2010. Both of those to Tony Stewart.
8.Kasey Kahne-Not a lot of notable success here. But he has had his good moments in Plate racing. Such as a 2nd place finish in the 2010 Shootout, Win in the Gatorade Duels, and a 2nd place finish in the Coke Zero 400. Kahne is trying to break his silence in the Shootout, and regular Daytona races, so look out for him. He will have his future teammates to help him out, but his current Red Bull Racing teammate, Brian Vickers wasnt eligable. We shall see how Kahne and his Red Bull team will do.
7.Jeff Gordon-Id say Jeff is a better pick than 7th, but his performance lately in Plate racing hasnt been all that good. His best of 2010 was 3rd at the CokeZero 400. But look for Jeff to be more consistant in 2011, starting with a very possible win in the Shootout.
6.Michael Waltrip-Most of his career wins are at Daytona, more like half. But you cant deny he is a good Plate racer. Look for Mikey to make some noise in the #15 NAPA Toyota. #15 is a tribute to Dale Earnhardt, because #15 is the # he drove while with DEI(Dale Earnhardt Incorperated)
5.Matt Kenseth-Matt has been pretty stout at Daytona. Didnt make too much noise in the Shootout last year, but expect the Purple car to get a little bit rowdy in the Shootout. He has the 2009 Daytona 500 under his belt.
4.Kyle Busch-Speaking of Rowdy, Kyle Busch is a clear favorite to win the Shootout. As long as he doesnt get too agressive or get too cocky. He has a Coke Zero 400 under his belt. No doubt if he wins, fans will whine and complain, but to me personally, it wouldnt bother me one bit.
3.Tony Stewart- Always a favorite to win, especially at Daytona. Smoke has several Daytona wins under his belt, including being a Shootout winner. Tony will undoubtedly be there at the end.
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.- Face the facts, Jr's best tracks are Talladega and Daytona. And you can bet he will be there to race the field to the win in this years Shootout. If he wins this year, it will be not only a confidence booster for him, but for Steve Letarte who moves over from Jeff Gordon this year. Look for Jr to win the race. He beat Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson last year.
1. Kevin Harvick- A clear favorite to win. WHY? Because he is the last winner there. If he goes to Victory Lane tomorrow, he will have won 3 in a row! Not only would that be great for Harvick but for RCR, and Childress. After ECR Engines dominated the Plate Race last year, that would get the other teams scrambling. Not to mention he has the Budwieser Sponsorship for 2011, which also sponsors the Shootout. Kahne was close to winning with them last year, but got shut out by Harvick. Look for the RCR cars to be strong.

Notables:
Jamie McMurray-Very well should have made the top ten, he will be back to win some races in 2011. The Shootout could be calling his name. The 2010 Daytona 500 winner is up for the Challenge. Wouldnt be a bit surprised if his McDonald's/Bass Pro Chevy graced victory lane.
Kurt Busch: He is one to look out for. Dont under estimate the power of the Penske engines. Much like his brother, if he doesnt let his agressive driving beat him, he will be there at the end.
Joey Logano-Has yet to get it done at Daytona, but look for him to get it down fast. He had a great 2010 season. If he doesnt do well tomorrow, he shouldnt let it get to him. The Daytona 500 is the race he should really pay attention too.
Clint Bowyer-The team that could have won the Championship in 2010, could do something in the Shootout. Never count out a RCR car. He has a won the 2009 Summer Daytona Nationwide race.
Gregg Biffle-Dont let the 2010 Shootout wreck that involved him and all his Roush teammates fool you. Da Biff is underrated, and looks to continue winning. He won the Coke Zero 400 in 2003, when it was called the Pepsi 400.
Jeff Burton- Crazy last 2 years for "The Mayor", a win in the Shootout would be just the medicine for Jeff Burton and his #31 crew.
Mark Martin- Plate racing rarely goes good for this guy, but look for him to be there in the end.
Ryan Newman- The 2008 Daytona 500 winner is going to give it his best shot. Smoke will be there to help him out, and he will be there to help him out.
Jimmie Johnson- I dont know what would happen if Jimmie went to Victory Lane. Some tears of pain and tears of joy would be shed. Jimmie's last good shootout was 2008' when he and Tony kept nipping at Dale Jr's heels for the win.

I expect a lot of 2 car draftings to be going on. Anyone of these guys could take that chance. Harvick could make a big statement by winning this year, or someone who has something to prove could win. All I know is, get geared up for a fantastic show. No matter who wins this thing it's going to be huge! Nothing could prepare us better for the Daytona 500.

Also we are nearing the 10th Anniversery of the day we lost one of our greatest heroes in racing, Dale Earnhardt Sr, who had a few of these Shootouts under his belt. Dale was one of the best drivers to ever step foot in a racecar.

I am looking forward to this racing season.

BOOGETY BOOGETY BOOGETY! LET'S GO RACING BOYS!
-Newt

Monday, January 31, 2011

What do I do on my off season from NASCAR? Glad you asked.

The off season is sooooooooo boring!

So I hold out by having the most fun I can. Now I work and have a job, and believe it or not, it has helped speed up the process as far as how long the day feels.

But mostly to get rid of the craving for racing I make NASCAR pics on cheezburger.com  or Race on NASCAR games.

I also tune in to Jayski every once in a while to see what is up with the offseason changes. Looking forward to the 2011 NASCAR season, which will be the 63rd season for the Cup series.

Hoping my drivers: Kahne, Kyle Busch, Logano, Keselowski, Hamlin, J Gordon, Stewart, and McMurray have good years. Im also looking forward to 2011 Nationwide Series, where I hope either Reed Sorenson or Justin Allgaier will win.

Boogety Boogety Boogety! Let's Go Racing Boys...and Danica, Jen Jo Cobb, and Johanna Long!

-Kyle Newton