With that being said, if NASCAR does need something right now it would be what happened last night. David Reutimann won the LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway and while the race as a whole was kinda boring, it was pure awesomeness to see David win a race without the help of weather issues for the first time. He and his No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine team won the race fair and square. I loved seeing the emotion in his face and that of his crew chief Rodney Childers. Rodney apologized for all of his emotion while talking to the TNT crew, but he shouldn’t have. He earned that win and he should let those feelings roll, he earned it.

And don’t forget to re-read my Inside the Actor’s Studio interview with David. hehe.

In other news…

– At race time yesterday Jimmie and Chandra Johnson had yet to announce the name of their new baby girl, but today they finally shared her name, Genevieve Marie Johnson, along with a picture of the cutie pahtootie newborn. Raise your hand if you have the same middle name as Genevieve. I do! I do!

– 20-year-old Austin Dillon, grandson of team owner Richard Childress, won his first career NASCAR race today in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 200 at Iowa Speedway. Congratulations Austin! Who doesn’t love a first-time winner?

They’re hugging like this because they’re friends in real life.

Actor Angie Harmon greets Jimmie Johnson, driver of the Lowe’s Chevrolet during driver introductions for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LIFELOCK.COM 400 at the Chicagoland Speedway on July 10, 2010 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR)

“Big Mac”, love that.

Jamie McMurray waits for the race action to begin for the LifeLock.com 400 race at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL.

Austin Dillon, driver of the Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet poses with his little brother Ty Dillon, driver of the Karl Chevrolet Arca car after both of them won the pole awards at Iowa Speedway on July 10, 2010 in Newton, Iowa. Austin won the pole award after qualifying first for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 200 and Ty won the pole award for the ARCA Prairie 200. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)

Carl Edwards and his mother, Nancy Sterlin, during pre-race ceremonies for the Dollar General 300 race at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL.

David Ragan (6) during practice for the LifeLock.com 400 race at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL.

Kevin Harvick, driver of the Jimmy John’s Chevrolet and his wife DeLana stand for the National Anthem during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola at the Chicagoland Speedway on July 9, 2010 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Reed Sorenson, driver of the Red Bull Toyota looks on from the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LIFELOCK.COM 400 at the Chicagoland Speedway on July 9, 2010 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Clint Bowyer, driver of the Cheerios Chevrolet looks on from the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LIFELOCK.COM 400 at the Chicagoland Speedway on July 9, 2010 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Duncan Keith of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks gives the command for the drivers to start their engines during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LIFELOCK.COM 400 at the Chicagoland Speedway on July 10, 2010 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

That was such an “Awww” moment. It’s always fun to hear people talk about their children and what it means to have them in their lives. So without further adieu, here are David’s answers to the ten questions. He was a great sport, and I loved his emphatic response at the end (the first!) that Heaven does indeed exist.

—
What is your favorite word? No

What is your least favorite word? Yes

What turns you on? Driving fast

What turns you off? Fast people in a slow lane. Yea, there’s another lane out there, stay in it. (laughter)

What sound or noise do you love? I love the sound of basically any race engine.

What sound or noise do you hate? That same noise when it wakes me up too early when I’m in the infield at a race track.

What is your favorite curse word? Wow, I don’t really have a favorite. I try to avoid it although they do come out. I try not use any of ‘em but I’ve used them all. Probably, “Dang” or a derivative of that.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? A crab fisherman. Just attempt it, (laughter) I don’t know that I could do it full-time.

What profession would you not like to do? An exterminator

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Oh, absolutely Heaven does exist. I would like to hear Him say, “Come on in.”

Friday at Infineon Raceway was day one of the Toyota/SaveMart 350 festivities. It was a pretty big day for me because it held actual things for me to do. My usual shtick is to just show up and let things happen but this time I setup interviews with drivers. Since things went so well with Tony Stewart and the Inside The Actor’s Studio questions I decided to make it my “thing” for now and to get as many drivers to answer the same questions.

On my schedule for the day were one-on-one’s with David Reutimann, Regan Smith, AJ Allmendinger and Elliott Sadler. I’ll write about each of those experiences in separate posts. Stay tuned for those.

Back in the media center I sat in on press conferences for Jeff Burton, Mark Martin, Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, and a little bit of Denny Hamlin.

Tony Stewart’s presser was, of course, by far the most entertaining of the bunch. His session was after practice and he wasn’t very happy with his car. I think that Southwest airlines should use his press conferences as the basis for one of their “Wanna Get Away???” commercials. I had this uncontrollable urge, every time someone asked something cringe-worthy to look down and start playing with my cell phone. There are always a few questions that bug Tony and after sitting in on a few of his pressers I’ve learned that Tony is a lot better when you ask him questions that are very real to him. He laid it out pretty plainly that he only cares about racing. He wasn’t in the mood to get all theoretical or philosophical about racing after having a crappy practice session. It wasn’t helping that people were asking the same questions they’ve asked year after year, my favorite being “Should there be a road course race in The Chase?” That was the one that really bugged him and got him to eventually say that he had no interest in giving his opinion on such things, he just wanted to race.

While he was getting visibly frustrated you could tell he was trying to answer these questions for real, like, you could see the struggle in his face (and tone of voice) between wanting to be amiable and just being irritated. I enjoyed it because it was free entertainment and none of it was directed at me.

At Greg Biffle’s session he was given a check for $5,000 from WileyX Eyewear for his foundation, The Greg Biffle Foundation, and their work with animals. WileyX also passed out sunglasses to the gathered media. I’m giving away the pair I received to one lucky reader. Check back for details on that later. They’re a pretty sweet pair of black sunglasses, complete with a nice case.

Jamie McMurray announced, during a TV interview, that he and wife Christy are expecting their first child this year. I found out from people on Twitter. I hope, Biffle and his wife Nicole are next in the world of NASCAR baby news.

After that I met Keri, aka PhoenyxArts, and her husband, Don. They’re super nice people and I’m so glad we got the chance to meet. Keri is an unabashed Clint Bowyer fan and I couldn’t get over her awesome #33 necklace (at left) the she made HERSELF. This woman is a super talented artist of many mediums. She makes jewelry, amongst many other things, and you should totally check out her blog. She makes custom stuff too, so if you’re looking for something special to show your allegiance to your favorite driver, email Keri!

Later I stood out on the track while drivers got in line to qualify and then headed back into the garage with fellow writer, Howard Nevens, to find the holding area for the top-3 qualifiers. We found the teams for the #48 and the #24 behind the haulers, along with a group of media people. It’s fun to be in that area and catch the drivers as they climb out of their cars. I was able to snap some pretty good pictures, and attempted to get even more shots of Jimmie Johnson’s car chief, Ron Malec. After seeing him repeatedly throughout the weekend I’m convinced he probably thinks I’m a crazy person following him, but I’m not Ron, I’m not. I’m just giving the people what they want which is more photos of you.

Anyway, it sucked that Michael Waltrip wasn’t able to get his car into the race with the special “Praying for Karson” paint scheme (the winning entry from the Toyota Sponsafier contest), but it was on display behind the grandstands so it wasn’t a complete loss. Everyone at the race that weekend still had a chance to see it.

So as we all know Kasey Kahne won the pole for the Toyota/SaveMart 350 and Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch rounded out the top-3 starting positions for Sunday’s race.

And that was Friday.

Tony Stewart

My favorite Greg Biffle photo. Just lucky timing.

Carl Edwards reminding me that he’s married. I know Carl, I know!

Travis Kvapil

Matt Kenseth

Cars lined up in the post-qualifying holding area. That’s the shoulder of Kurt Busch on the left.

Max Papis

Kurt Busch chats it up with a TV crew after securing the 3rd position in the qualifying.

Jimmie Johnson (left) and Kurt Busch (right). I think Jimmie was cracking his knuckles or something.

Toyota/SaveMart 350 pole-sitter Kasey Kahne

“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)

Sunday was of course the Coca-Cola 600 and on my drive in to the track I couldn’t get over the amount of tailgating that was going on seemingly EVERYWHERE. Every blade of grass surrounding the track was filled with trucks, tents and people with barbecues. Even the parking lots of commercial office buildings had groups of people crowded together. It was so neat to see. There’s tailgating at the California races but nothing to the degree of what I saw outside of Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s something that you have to witness for yourself.

I got to the track in time to attend a tweetup organized by SBNation’s Jeff Gluck. I went to meet up with ‘Fabulous’ readers Tara S. and Penni. It was really cool finally getting to meet them in person. I seriously adore the women that read my blog, you guys are the bestest! This is the perfect time to thank you all for the sweet comments about my interview with Tony Stewart. I really appreciate the encouragement.

As I alluded to in the title of this post, the Coca-Cola 600 was really all about Bradley Cooper and his hotness visiting a NASCAR race for the first time. He was there with three of his other cast-mates to promote their new movie “The A-Team.” I thought Brendan Fraser’s presence at Chicagoland a couple of years ago was a big deal but Bradley really brought out the ladies. Media and PR people alike make it a point to be in the media center for the cast’s press conference. As soon as Bradley walked into the media center people were requesting to have their photo taken with him (as you can see at right, that’s not me, unfortunately), which he happily obliged.

That guy is JUST as hot in person as he is on TV. I can’t say any of those usual oh he’s not as this or that in person. He’s exactly the same, everything you’d want him to be. Gah, I should really stop because you don’t want me to start going on and on about his eyes. OK, OK, his eyes are super freaking dreamy. There was even this one guy who just said, to no one in particular, “Okay, he IS really good looking!”

I tried to take photos but they didn’t come out that great. Once the race started I went down to Ryan Newman’s pit box where “The A-Team” was going to watch the festivities. I watched them as they watched the Sprint Cup drivers take the green flag and noticed Bradley mouth the words “This is awesome!” Which, as far as I’m concerned, means that Auto Club Speedway should invite Bradley out for their next race ‘cause I’ll be at that race and it seemed like he was having a good enough time that he might be willing to come out to another one. hehehe.

Okay, so let’s talk about driver introductions and how much I adore my hard card. I love, love, love my hard card. I was able to stand behind the stage in the same area that the drivers and their “people” stand before they’re called on stage. It was extra helpful because it was hot and the sun was beating down on everyone, there was an area behind the stage that was totally shaded and I made that my spot. While I was standing there Michael Waltrip arrived and I just stood there like a stooge and said nothing. Then to my astonishment Ingrid Vandebosch appeared with another woman who I’m assuming was a nanny, but I could be totally wrong and if I am I apologize. She was standing literally, like, right NEXT to me and I said NOTHING. I was thinking of a ton of stuff to ask her like “Hi, have you picked a name yet?” “When are you due?” Not like I don’t already know when she’s due, but ya know just something about her pregnancy and whatever. But no, I totally chickened out because I’m just like that. Had she stuck around long enough I probably would have said something, it takes me too much time to work up the nerve, but she left as soon as Jeff Gordon was announced.

Even still I was so grateful to have the opportunity to clam up like that.

After the driver intros I hung out with the Office Depot PR people at the No. 14 Office Depot Chevy’s spot on pit road. I inadvertently met Tony Stewart’s girlfriend, but it wasn’t an official introduction it was more of one of those “oh my gosh it’s so hot” mutual agreement type things. Anyway, she seems nice enough. I don’t know anything else, but she’s got a hard card so it must be serious. Whatever gets us to ‘lil smokies running around, all the better right?

So pit road was insanely crowded which made me excited for Infineon in a couple weeks because I know there won’t be as many people around for it. Not that I don’t want people to attend, of course I do, but ya know Charlotte races just bring out a buttload of people because it’s equivalent to a “home game” for NASCAR folks.

During the race when the incident happened with Jimmie Johnson and he had to go to the garage I went out there too. It was amazing to watch the Lowe’s crew go to work on that car. They’re so fast and efficient. It’s very cool and it’s fun to witness Chad Knaus cool as a cucumber through it all. It also reminded me that I hadn’t taken my Obligatory Ron Malec photo, but I couldn’t ‘cause my battery died.

So the race was the race, Kurt Busch won. Nothing that remarkable happened post-race. The next day I went home to the Bay Area and proceeded to have dinner at 3pm in the afternoon and then went straight to bed. I didn’t wake up until the next day.

An up-close look at the one trophy I’d actually want in my home. It was pretty cool.

The Coca-Cola Family Drivers had to wait on the side of the stage until after driver intros to take a group photo. (left to right) Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte (back to the camera), Michael Waltrip, and David Ragan.

Marcos Ambrose was sorting out who was going to take his two daughters once they exited the stage and he took his parade lap.

Jimmie Johnson

David Reutimann

Darian Grubb, crew chief for the No. 14 Office Depot Chevy, holding his son Gavin who happens to be ADORE-UH-BUL!

Tony Stewart gets ready for the Coca-Cola 600

This was my view of the track from the top of the steps inside Victory Lane towards the end of the race. Good view.

Did you see the second episode where Chad Knaus cooks dinner for himself? I think he was making pasta or something. Anyway, my eyes nearly bugged out of my head when I saw that he has a faucet over his STOVE! I need that kitchen. That was so cool.

I’m sad the series has come to an end. I wish they were with Jimmie, Chad and the rest of the 48 team for the rest of the season. It’d be fun. They could of videotaped Chandra giving birth! Missed opportunities, people.

In other news…

– I’ve decided that David Reutimann looks like Dax Shepard’s long lost brother. Dax is an actor that got his “big break” by playing pranks on people in the first season of Ashton Kutcher’s series Punk’d. Now he does movies. What do you think??

David Reutimann (left) and Dax Shepard (right)

– A Gillette 500 update! Team Denny Hamlin / Kasey Kahne are in second place. This is not good people, we need to be number one!!! So sign up and log your shaves. And if you’ve already signed up, continue to log your shaves! You gotta do it every day. By doing it EVERY DAY you increase your chances of winning a hometown visit by one of the guys! Shave your underarms, legs, whatever! Goooo Team Densey!!!

Also, since you’re here, check out Kasey and Denny in the “Book Club Crashers” commercial. It made me snort-laugh, which is saying something.

Joey Logano’s expression is priceless, as is Kyle Busch coming to terms with his pink kittens/pony/baby seal car.

And then of course from the internets, I found the other commercial. The one below features Denny Hamlin and a super funny cameo by David Reutimann. Now I understand why they were all Twittering about loving love.

In the same article the Associated Press reported that NASCAR is supposedly looking at candidates that are outside of NASCAR. So I’m thinking I could do it. I’m officially throwing my hat into the ring. What? Like it’s hard? Here are my reasons why I think I’d make a kick butt NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director.

(in no particular order)

1.) I’m awesome — Duh! I think that pretty much goes without saying.

2.) I love rules — I’m one of those people that just loves rules. I know and understand their importance in this world. Everybody needs them, all the time. We might complain about them but they’re there for our safety and security. Without rules there would be chaos. Have you ever watched those TV shows about parents who are at their wit’s end with their crazy, bratty children? Ya know, Nanny 911 and SuperNanny? Every episode goes down the same: the kids have no structure, no rules or no enforcement of established rules and the kids run amok. Once those areas are fixed everything is fine. I could apply those same strategies to the NASCAR garage. If you break a rule you have to sit in the naughty trailer for as many minutes as your car number. (I would round David Reutimann up to 100 minutes on account of his No. 00 car)

3.) I know some car stuff – I once changed the oil in my car and I know how to change the air filter too.

4.) I’m a great listener — Ask any of the poor, sad Peter Pan dudes that I’ve dated in the past. They’ve all commented on what a great listener I am (“I feel like I can tell you anything, like how I’m still not over my ex-girlfriend”) and they always feel so much better after talking to me. So a bunch of whiney NASCAR drivers would be easy peasy.

5.) I called it — Since no else is jumping up and down for the job it automatically goes to me. If you want the front seat, you have to call it and the same goes for jobs, people!

6.) I’m a natural mediator — In high school it wasn’t uncommon for me to conduct couples therapy sessions with my friends who were having issues with their significant other. The fact that none of the couples I helped stayed together shouldn’t be a red flag, the important thing is that I did help them communicate better while they were a couple.

7.) I’d command respect — I’m thinking I’d get a super cool hoodie (custom made by Neighborhoodies) that would read “Garage Boss – you must respect my authority!” OR “Don’t mess with Valli or you’ll have to PARK it” Ha! Get it!?

There are no features, no special interviews, nothing. Why does it need to be an hour? I don’t wanna see a recap of the last race I saw it already. And if I didn’t see it on TV I caught up on it online. So there’s no need to rehash the whole thing. And please, for the love of God, stop asking Rusty Wallace his opinion on who can win the Championship. I’m sure he’s a very nice man, and obviously he has a lot of NASCAR knowledge but sometimes I don’t know where he’s coming from.

As far as I’m concerned everyone in the Chase has a chance to win it, ok. Technically and logically they all have a chance. So I really don’t want to hear how Juan Pablo Montoya has a chance but Kasey Kahne doesn’t because there’s drama going down at Richard Petty Motorsports. That makes no sense. Kasey was dealing with all of that drama and still managed to win two races this year.

Although, after the race at New Hampshire Kasey fell to 12th place so his chances are up in the air. Now Rusty can talk about how Kasey is a goner.

So, since Mark Martin said it was really all Alan Gustafson and the No. 5 team who got him into Victory Lane I would like to congratulate them on winning the Sylvania 300. Seriously, they’re doing an excellent job. I wouldn’t mind seeing them win the Championship.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashed out late in the race due to some contact with David Reutimann. In his post-crash interview Dale was obviously pissed (which I think is cute, hehe, but whatever) and he expressed his displeasure with David. In the interview he said that they’d had a “fabulous car.” My ears instantly perked up, it’s not everyday you hear a driver say their car is “fabulous.” It was freaking awesome. Maybe all those late nights reading The Fast and the Fabulous has finally sunk into his vocab??

This video (below) is proof!

(Left to right) Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Old Spice/Office Depot Chevrolet, poses with country music singer Josh Turner, prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sylvania 300 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday in Loudon, N.H. (Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Team owner Joe Gibbs (top, black shirt) talks with the No. 18 M&M’s crew before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sylvania 300 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday in Loudon, N.H. (Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)