Something I hadn’t realized about the garage at Infineon is how perfect it is before the cars roll out for the first practice session of the day. Infineon’s garage stalls are all in one long row. You walk a straight line and you get to see everyone. This is especially eerie when all the drivers are sitting in their cars with their visors up just waiting for the call to drive out to the track.

It’s the only time when they’re basically a captive audience. You could jump out in front of their cars and do a little dance or hold up a big sign saying whatever you want and they have to watch because they can’t go anywhere. I didn’t do a little dance, I just tried to take pictures but I recommend that if you’re going to get a garage pass make sure it’s on a day when the guys are practicing. It’s the best time.

At one point I went down to the pit area behind the garage, next to turn 11 and found a wall of crew chiefs. Because a portion of the garage stalls overlook the track, and there are windows, crew chiefs pop their heads out to check on their drivers. At each window there was a different crew chief, from Alan Gustafson to Steve Addington to Todd Berrier to Steve LeTarte to Chad Knaus. It made me wish I had one of those panoramic cameras to capture them all in one shot. Click here for a great picture of Chad Knaus that looks like he’s sitting on top of a port-a-pottie.

On Friday and Saturday I spied Casey Mears (at right) walking around the garage. I thought it was sort of odd that Casey made it out to Sonoma for the weekend considering he’d been released from Red Bull Racing earlier that week. I felt bad for him, honestly. It just seemed awkward, but I guess you stick around so that people don’t forget about you? Whatever, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed about Casey and it’s the fact that he’s a total cutie.

After the two Cup Series practice sessions were over and people left, it was time for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, the Thunder Valley Casino Resort 200. I watched driver intros, the invocation and the National Anthem from a very empty pit road. The K&N Pro Series races always have a different, much more grassroots feeling to them. One driver was introduced and a group of people, clearly friends & family of the guy, cheered for him like crazy. It’s a heartwarming feeling, it’s fun getting to see the beginnings of a person’s career. You can tell that a lot of those guys were just proud to be in the race and anything else that happened would be gravy.

I headed down to the front row to watch the cars roll out on the track. It was there that I saw Boris Said’s adorable 6-year-old son Boris Jr. (at left) sitting on the pit wall. Boris Jr. would wave at his father and Boris Sr. would wave back from inside his car in the second starting position. So cute, you guys!

Richard Childress came down and spoke to pole-sitter Jason Bowles before his window net went up. Then the guys got the call to start their engines. I watched a portion of the race from behind the start/finish line where I ate my free sample of Perky Jerky, the first ever caffeinated beef jerky. It’s pretty tasty, except for a faint aftertaste.

After David Gilliland’s unfortunate luck with a transmission problem, Canadian Andrew Ranger, in the No. 35 Waste Management Chevy, won the race. I was really excited for David, he was leading the race, things looked great and then the transmission broke. That sucked, I can’t tell you how much. I really wanted him or Boris Said to win. It’s been far too long for both of them.

Anywho, in the post-race presser I discovered that Andrew Ranger sounds like a male Celine Dion, which makes sense because they’re both French Canadian’s from Quebec. To see what I mean, go here to hear Andrew. I doubt he could hit Celine’s notes though.

Mattias Ekstrom with Sirius Satellite Radio’s Claire B. Lang

Crew chiefs Todd Berrier, I think, second from the left and Steve LeTarte on the far right

Crew chief Greg Erwin on the right.

(left) The No. 5 Happy Daze RV Sacramento Chevrolet driven by Jonathan Hale, and (right) the No. 15 S&S Fence Chevrolet driven by Jack Sellers

Boris Said Jr. and Boris Said (in the blue car)

Andrew Ranger makes his way to Victory Lane

Andrew Ranger

“First of all, I’d like to express my sincere thanks — to Red Bull for inviting a Swede with zero NASCAR experience to compete in the United States and to Audi for the possibility and approval that enable me to fulfill this dream,” said Ekström, 31.

I, too, would like to express my sincerest thanks to Red Bull for inviting a cute Swedish dude to race in NASCAR for the first time ever. Can you say, “fresh meat?” It’s perfect timing since I’ll be at Infineon next week for the Toyota/SaveMart 350. Can wait to see Mattias in action. Zero NASCAR experience and his first race is at Infineon. I love it.

That’s Mattias (left) with Casey Mears, sporting his wedding ring. I forgot Casey got married!

In other news…

– The 2010 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream was held last night and drivers from all kinds of racing disciplines were on hand, including Travis Pastrana who is famous for his motocross & supercross & general extreme sport background. I really, really wish Travis would try his hand at NASCAR. It would be a good time for sure. That guy is funny and super talented.

His team won, representing Levine Children’s Hospital, and included Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, David Reutimann, Dave Blaney and Marcos Ambrose.

Tony Stewart, driver of the #14, talks to the media during the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway on June 9, 2010 in Rossburg, Ohio. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for True Speed Communication)

Travis!! Marry me! Did I just say that? oops.

Travis Pastrana, driver of the #199 Red Bull late model speaks with the media during the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway on June 9, 2010 in Rossburg, Ohio. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for True Speed Communication)

Tony Kanaan, driver of the #11 Seven Eleven late model speaks with the media during the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway on June 9, 2010 in Rossburg, Ohio. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for True Speed Communication)

Kasey Kahne, Driver of the #9 Budweiser late model, talks with the media during the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway on June 9, 2010 in Rossburg, Ohio. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for True Speed Communication)

I choose to believe that the reason why we haven’t seen little Anne Edwards is because she’s SO cute our eyeballs would fall out of our heads, so Kate & Carl are saving everyone from dying from cute overload.

Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Aflac late model Ford, sits in his car during the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway on June 9, 2010 in Rossburg, Ohio. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for True Speed Communication)

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s late model Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway on June 9, 2010 in Rossburg, Ohio. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for True Speed Communication)

Clint Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson’s car owner poses with Jimmie and the trophy after winning the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway on June 9, 2010 in Rossburg, Ohio. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for True Speed Communication)

So if I had to pick a theme song for Joey it would be Britney Spears’ classic “Oops, I Did it Again,” because he’s “not that innocent.” Don’t let the big, cheesy “aw shucks” grin fool ya. The kid knows how to be pissed off.

Anyway, my bone of contention lies with his stupid remarks towards Kevin and DeLana Harvick. I’ve always respected Delana for her work with Kevin Harvick Inc. and it’s always been great to see her on pit road wearing a firesuit. I know Joey’s comments were said in anger and they’re obviously immature and stupid. There was absolutely no need to go there. And really, really, if someone wanted to stoop to his level they could make jokes all day about Joey’s dad and his need to be in the middle of everything involving his son. I’m just sayin’.

Anyway, Delana is my hero because she took the high road and made some fun out of the comment in the form of a t-shirt that will benefit charities.

The “I Wear the Firesuit in this Family” shirts are being sold for $15 in the KHI store with all proceeds going to the Kevin Harvick Foundation. The shirts will be officially licensed by NASCAR (with the NASCAR bar logo on ‘em), so you’ll be able to get them at NASCAR.com too.

Delana Harvick is one classy lady — in a firesuit!

Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Federated Auto Parts 300 at Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday in Lebanon, Tenn. (Credit: John Sommers II/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Before qualifying third for Sunday’s Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took time to sign autographs for fans at Pocono Raceway. (Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Brian Vickers goes over practice notes with teammate Casey Mears, who is driving the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota now that Vickers is out for the season with a medical issue. (Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Sorry Martin, Go Blackhawks!

Martin Truex Jr. sports a Philadephia Flyers cap as a nod to his local hockey team in the Stanley Cup finals before climbing into his No. 56 NAPA Toyota for Saturday’s first practice at Pocono Raceway. (Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Jimmie Johnson and wife Chandra – who are on baby watch as the due date of their daughter approaches – stand on pit road during the singing of the national anthem at Pocono Raceway. Johnson said on Friday that Aric Almirola would be available to drive the No. 48 car if Chandra goes into labor during an upcoming race weekend. (Credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Denny Hamlin celebrates his fourth win of the season — and fourth win at Pocono Raceway — in Victory Lane. (Credit: Drew Hallowell/Getty Images for NASCAR)

The two days that hold the Sprint Cup Series qualifying and Nationwide Series races are always my favorite days during any race weekend. It’s because there’s always, like, 50% less people running around the garage. I know it’s silly but I love feeling like I have the garage all to myself. And practice is always the best time to get pictures of the cars as they exit and enter the track.

On this particular day I witnessed something that has been going on forever but I only discovered it last weekend. I’m not sure what the process is but some cars come off the track and before going to their garage stall to make adjustments they stop at some designated area near or in the garage and the guys from Goodyear check out their tires. There’s also a crew member from their team checking stuff and taking notes.

The supercute part about the whole thing, and I’m sure I’m the only person who thinks this is “supercute,” is when the person from Goodyear hands the driver the little white piece of paper with info about his tires on it, and the driver takes it with him back to his team. You had to be there, it struck me as funny/interesting that they’re taking this “note” back to their team. I dunno, I thought it was cool. My curiosity knows know bounds. I’m like Harriet the Spy, I want to know everything!

Anyway, having learned of this practice I made it my business to be near those Goodyear dudes so that I could get good car shots. It was perfect. During the first Sprint Cup practice there was a traffic jam and there were a bunch of cars inches from me. Loved it.

Eventually I got tired of standing and went back to the Media Center for lunch. There I had an awesome conversation with Rob Albright, one of the turn announcers from PRN. It felt like we talked about everything, from my blog to up & coming racers to who should be inducted into the Hall of Fame next. It was a good time. So glad I met him.

Then during our conversation I noticed something starting to happen. These Sprint Cup drivers started walking by our table trying to make their way to the Nationwide Series drivers meeting. There I was having this cool convo trying to act natural when Jamie McMurray, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman, and Joey Logano walk by. Half of my brain was wondering if it made sense to try and grab my camera to take a picture and the other half was all, “Hey, Carl Edwards is RIGHT behind me right now.” So funny, and the answer was no, it didn’t make sense to grab my camera.

On my way to driver introductions it was my full intention to introduce myself to the three Nationwide Series drivers I’d interviewed in April. The only one I was able to make it happen with was Michael Annett. He was very nice and I was very nervous so I didn’t make any attempt at, like, having a conversation. He probably thinks I’m weird. But I don’t know what to say. I’m shy! I just wanted to say hello, really.

The race happened, blah, blah, blah. When I got “home” to my room, I relaxed for a minute before heading out and down to the Speed Street shenanigans that were taking place just a block from my hotel. Speed Street takes over a bunch of blocks in Uptown Charlotte, it’s free to get in and there’s all this stuff to eat, drink and check out including artists and bands. Plus a lot of drivers had Q&A and autograph sessions throughout the three-day event. I only went down there because I wanted to see Pat Benatar because I love her. I lasted through 2 songs and then I had to get the heck out of there. There were a million people squished in an intersection, with another million people pushing past us trying to get wherever. Interesting stuff and Pat still sounds amazing.

Brian Vickers and Casey Mears compared notes during practice.

Cars lined up to get checked out by Goodyear reps during Sprint Cup practice.

I’m assuming Brad Keselowski is explaining to Mike Massaro how he hurt his jaw on Thursday.

Michael Annett leaves the stage after being introduced for the TECH-NET Auto Service 300 powered by CARQUEST.

Jeremy Clements had the greatest sponsor ever: Boudreaux’s Butt Paste!

Here’s the video of it, in case you missed it:

Photo fun time!

John Wes Townley inspects the damage on his No. 21 Zaxby’s Chevrolet after an accident in practice. Clint Bowyer will take over driving duties in the No. 21 for the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200.(Credit: Christian Peterson/Getty Images)

Steve Wallace (with crutches) chats with uncle Kenny Wallace before Friday’s final practice for the Bashas' Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.(Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Denny Hamlin ices his knee in the garage after turning the quickest lap in the first practice for the Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway.(Credit: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

First-time polesitter AJ Allmendinger chats with wife Lynne prior to the start of the Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway.(Credit: Christian Peterson/Getty Images)

A Jeff Gordon superfan shows his allegiance before the start of the Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway.(Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)”

Casey Mears sits on the No. 11 team pit box ready to take over relief driving duty for Denny Hamlin. Hamlin was able to complete the entire race despite knee surgery a week and a half ago.(Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Tony Gibson celebrates his first career victory as a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chief, and the first for the 39 car in the history of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. (Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images for NASCAR)

So I changed my clothes and tried to walk quickly to the monorail at Harrah’s/Imperial Palace station so that I could get to the MGM Grand as fast as possible because that’s where the start/finish line was for the Victory Lap. I wanted to see the top-12 drivers doing burnouts, but it wasn’t to be. I missed the whole thing. What I did see, from the windows of the monorail, was the traffic that was backed up for at least a mile next to the Strip. That was kinda neat.

I should have stayed at the Mirage and just watched it from there, but I wanted to be in position to attend After The Lap presented by Tissot at that MGM Grand, and I was also seriously if-i-don’t-eat-something-now-i-will-faint hungry. So I had lunch and then snuck into an already packed theater for the After The Lap fan Q&A session with the top-12 drivers.

Inside the place was packed with more people still waiting outside the theater hoping to get in. Jamie Little hosted the event and asked each driver a question submitted by fans. It was a very fun event and if they don’t do it again next year that would really suck. I think it was an awesome way to connect with the fans and give them something extra. They weren’t shaking hands and all that but I think because of the roast the day before all of the guys were more relaxed and really went “there” in showing their personalities.

For example, someone asked Brian Vickers if he’d seen the movie The Hangover, to which he said “I’ve lived it.” Then Brian launched into a story about going to Las Vegas with Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears, and how after a long night out they’d been at a diner eating breakfast and Jimmie ended up with butter in his hair. I don’t know about you but those are the stories I want to hear. That one little anecdote did more to tell me about who Jimmie Johnson really is than a lot of stuff you get in routine interviews.

The cherry on top of the After The Lap presented by Tissot event was when UNLV’s marching band came in and performed “Viva Las Vegas.” Perfection.

Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle

Tony Stewart

Ryan Newman and Juan Pablo Montoya

Kurt Busch

Kasey Kahne and Jamie Little

Jimmie Johnson

Kasey Kahne (left) and Carl Edwards

UNLV Marching Band

All photos credit: The Fast and the Fabulous

We needed that to make things a little more interesting. The guy still has a ton of points on Mark Martin but at least it gives hope a chance to shine. And, if I’m being honest, it was pretty cool getting to see the 48 team pull together and get that car back into shape to run in the race again. I’m never against seeing Ron Malec in action. (hehe) I have to give it Chad Knaus though, that guy is one cool customer. He was pissed of course that they ran into trouble, but his voice is always even. He doesn’t freak out, and you can’t afford to freak out in a situation like that, which is why Jimmie and the Lowe’s team are 3-time Sprint Cup Champions.

Watching Kurt Busch do his victory lap around Texas Motor Speedway in reverse with his tongue sticking out made me realize who he reminds me of, and no, it’s not Michael Jordan. No, I was thinking more along the lines of the character Pete Campbell from the awesome TV show Mad Men. Pete, played by Vincent Kartheiser, is kind of a punk. He whines when he doesn’t get his way and always thinks he should be treated better than he perceives he’s being treated. It’s funny. Watch Mad Men, it’s awesome. The latest season is over, but that’s what Netflix is for.

That being said it was cool to see Kurt so excited about winning and all that.

Uhm… There’s this one driver, I think his name is Dale Earnhardt Jr. or something, who doesn’t seem to be able to catch a break this season. I’m at the point, well I’ve been here for some time now, where I want to just say to him “Dale, (yes, in this scenario I know him and we’re BFFs) I think you should just park it and call it a season, this is lame. I know you’re doing your best but you need to tell whatever gods are in charge of luck to kiss your butt.”

He was running really well and then of course something happens and finishes crappy. And his finish has nothing to do with his overall performance. They were kicking butt and then it falls off. Ugh.

And now ladies and gentlemen, a photo bonanza!

Ricky Carmichael sits in the No. 4 Monster Chevrolet in the garage area during practice on Thursday for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino 350 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. Carmichael struggled during the first practice with a mid-pack car, but picked up speed for the second practice coming in sixth fastest with a speed of 178.501 mph. (Photo Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Matt Crafton, driver of the No. 88 Menards/McGuire-Nicolas Chevrolet, hugs race winner Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 51 Miccosukee Resort/Graceway Toyota,in Victory Lane after Busch beat the pole sitter to the checkered flag in Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino 350 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Z-Line Designs/WWE Smackdown Toyota, waits as the checkered flag is dropped down to him from the flagstand after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. This is Busch’s fourth victory and fourth straight NASCAR national series races at Texas Motor Speedway. (Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Could someone please get Juan Pablo a firesuit that doesn’t make him look like an Oompa Loompa? kthanxbye

Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the No. 42 Target/Dream in Color Chevrolet, stands in the garage as crew members work on the car following a lap 176 accident in Turn 1 involving Brad Keselowski, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards during Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Seris Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 8, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas. Montoya finished the race in 37th place and is sixth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, 236 points behind points leader Jimmie Johnson. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, stands on pit road with his wife Ingrid Vandebosch before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (left), driver of the No. 88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet, talks with last week’s winner at Talladega, Jamie McMurray, driver of the No. 26 Crown Royal Ford, during Friday’s practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo Credit: Robert Laberge/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Matt Crafton (center), driver of the No. 88 Menards/McGuire-Nicholas Chevrolet, talks with Brian Scott, driver of the No. 16 Albertson’s Toyota (left) and David Gilliland (right), driver of the No. 98 Menards Chevrolet, in the garage area during Thursday’s practice for Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino 350 at Texas Motor Speedway. Gilliland, who split practice time with Crafton in the No. 98 during the first practice, had the fastest time for most of the final practice (179.766 mph) until Crafton eclipsed his time with a posting of 180.180 mph. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

After Jeff Burton took a hard hit on the wall during Friday’s only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice, team owner Richard Childress decided to substitute the double-duty driver of the NASCAR Nationwide No. 29 Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express Chevrolet, with teammate Casey Mears in Saturday’s O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway. Pictured here during qualifying where he placed 14th, Mears will have his first Nationwide Series start since 2007. (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Bristol was basically like Britney Spears‘ supposed “comeback” performance at the MTV Video Music Awards a couple years back. Everybody was all excited leading up to it and then it happened and it was a complete FAIL.

Bristol was friggin’ boring. Well not entirely but still a vast majority of it. So much so that I was actually sad I couldn’t take a nap to get through it. The Nationwide race was far more entertaining because when crashes happened it wasn’t just one car spinning out, it was one car veering into another and causing mayhem.

Yes there were crashes in the Sprint Cup race, they were just sad, not so much entertaining. There’s a difference, a fine line.

Watching Kyle Busch on Friday and then again on Saturday, I found him to be, dare I say it, almost endearing?? I mean, after the kooky collision with Chase Austin took him out of the Nationwide race he took a moment before speaking to the media and he sounded mature. And then on Saturday after he won, he gave a crying fan his checkered flag AND seemed genuine in his post-race interview. He didn’t even do that annoying whining while winning thing that he’s done in the past. Did he see a therapist in the past week? Or maybe it was the idea of not making The Chase that got to him? I dunno, but I dug it.

Kyle Busch gives the checkered flag to a fan after winning the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

So this is what you look like when you’re Scott Speed’s crew chief. Hehe. Just kidding.

Crew chief Jimmy Elledge analyzes data from Scott Speed’s practice session. Speed qualified third for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. (Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

David Ragan celebrates winning the Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway, his second career NASCAR Nationwide Series victory. (Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Hellooooo, Casey! Hotness.

Casey Mears helps push his No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet to grid before qualifying for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

NASCAR Nationwide Series points leader Kyle Busch spins after making contact with Chase Austin on Lap 52. (Photo Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images)

I remember a time when I loved rain delays. It meant that the network covering the event had to fill time with driver interviews and that meant talking to more than just the latest “news makers.” While I still enjoy that part of it I don’t appreciate the race being postponed ’til the next day. Especially when the next day falls on a day when I have to be at work, and I have a job that doesn’t include watching television.

I don’t like missing stuff. Which brings me to this whole rain tire non-situation; someone needs to figure that out. I would of much rather watched them race today in the rain as opposed to a dry track tomorrow. I know it would suck to be a fan in the stands sitting in the rain, but that’s only what, like 100,000 people at most? Think of the millions watching at home. We wanted the race today!

Or, switch the race schedule around, race at Phoenix, Texas, Las Vegas, Sonoma, and Auto Club Speedway back to back to back. It rains to friggin’ much over there on the east coast this time of year, and I’m so over it.

I will say that I did love the montage of babies and fathers before the race was called off. They showed Jeff Gordon, and his daughter Ella, Juan Pablo Montoya and his two insanely cute kids, along with Sam Hornish Jr. and Casey Mears with their babies. How sweet was that? ESPN, you need to do that like every week. Super cute! You’ll be tops of the books of all the young childless women out there, like me, with ovaries weeping at the sight of all those adorable kids.

I love how I just meshed weeping ovaries with stock car racing. Ha!

(Right to left) Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, holds his daughter Ella before the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen on Sunday at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, N.Y. The race was postponed by rain to Monday at noon ET. (Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the No. 42 Target Chevrolet, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, shields his son and daughter before the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen on Sunday at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, N.Y. The race was postponed by rain to Monday at noon ET. (Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Marcos Ambrose, driver of the No. 47 STP Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International on Saturday in Watkins Glen, N.Y. (Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet, drives with his net down after spinning out on track during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at Watkins Glen International on Friday in Watkins Glen, N.Y. (Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

– Athena Barber, Clint Bowyer’s ex-girlfriend, has joined 3 Wide Life as a correspondent and contributor for the nationally syndicated motorsports focused television show. “This is really exciting,” said Barber. “3 Wide Life focuses on the core of racing and I could not be happier to be a part of it. Racing is my life, and this gives me the opportunity to be around something that I love. Plus I get to share it with the fans and racers across the country.” In her first episode she interviews Robby Gordon. Check your local listings for show air dates.

– For the first time ever Infineon Raceway will host the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Father’s Day. Recently some of NASCAR’s Chevy drivers shared their thoughts on Father’s Day and what their dads have meant to them:

“Racing is a family sport and it’s been very good to our family. My dad has been the biggest part of it since Day One when I was racing in motocross when I was four or five years old. He was the one who kept it all together. He instilled in me that hard work pays off and that you get out of it what you put in it, and that holds true for just about anything you do.”
- Clint Bowyer, No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet

“When you’re young, you take for granted all the things your father does. But, when you are a father, you think, ‘Wow, you do a lot.’ You have to really understand what being a father is all about to understand what Father’s Day really means. I don’t like being away from my kids on Father’s Day, but this is what I do, and they’ll take care of me some other weekend.”
- Jeff Burton, No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet

“Being a father makes me really appreciate my father that much more. … I also get to have some fun because I’ve got my daughter and my wife making Father’s Day cards and stuff. It’s cool and it’s only going to get better.”
- Jeff Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet

“Hopefully (Father’s Day in Sonoma) it will inspire me to go out and win and wish my dad a happy Father’s Day from Victory Lane. My parents sacrificed everything to get me and my brother our starts, and racing has been a big part of my family.”
- Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet

“(My best Father’s Day racing memory) would have to be the Michigan race. We won the race in 2004 on Father’s Day weekend and I told him on the radio, ‘There’s your Father’s Day present,’ and he said, ‘That’s all I wanted.’”
- Ryan Newman, No. 39 Haas Automation/U.S. Army Chevrolet

“(My father, Nelson) never pressured me to be the best racecar driver in the world, but he did want me to be the best racecar driver that I could be. He never compared me to anybody else. He expected that what I could do was what I could do. He never said that because this guy over here could do something, that I should be able to do it, too. He pushed me hard, but he was fair about it. That’s probably why you see so much fire in me today, because he always wanted me to be the best that I could be.”
- Tony Stewart, No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet

“My dad means a lot to me and he’s really done a lot for me over the years and really stuck behind me and what I’ve been trying to do in racing. He’s had a long career in racing himself, and he understands how difficult it can be and how fun it is when things go well. It’s so nice to having him at the racetrack, and I look forward to having him at the track on Father’s Day.”
– Casey Mears, No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet

– There’s still time to enter to win a Talladega Pepsi Throwback prize pack. Enter now! Contest ends Friday, June 19th, 2009.