I missed the Carfax 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday because I was busy driving two of my nephews (ages 9 and 11) from their home in Los Angeles to my mom’s house in the SF Bay Area. I love my nephews more than words can say but spending 7 hours in a car with them is not something I really want to do again. Who knew that doing word search puzzles could be a competitive thing??

Anyway, I did catch some of the race action from SIRIUS Satellite Radio’s coverage with MRN, but the boys were more interested in hearing music from Drake and, amazingly enough, Katy Perry’s song “California Gurls.”

In between pop music stints I did learn that Kevin Harvick won and that Dale Earnhardt Jr. dropped a couple curse words while being interviewed by ESPN’s Marty Smith.

So this post is going to be super duper photo heavy. Enjoy!

Delana Harvick takes a photo of her husband, Kevin Harvick (29), after he wins the Carfax 400 race at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI.
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I didn’t interview Martin Truex Jr. in person this past weekend at Infineon Raceway, but he was able to answer the questions and email ‘em to me. He’s got some very fun and interesting answers.

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What is your favorite word? Sweet
What is your least favorite word? Uber
What turns you on? Fishing
What turns you off? An obnoxious person
What sound or noise do you love? A V-8 engine
What sound or noise do you hate? A 4-cylinder with no muffler
What is your favorite curse word? Shit
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies
What profession would you not like to do? A clammer
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Your granddad is waiting to meet you.

I guess I was the only person who wasn’t surprised to see Joey Logano sticking up for himself on pit road this weekend at Pocono. He had a similar, albeit less obviously confrontational, show of anger last year at Infineon in the Camping World West Series race when he sideswiped Patrick Long with his car on his way to the garage.

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. (more…)

This week was the annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. I wasn’t there (trust me, I’m crying inside) and so all I have to share with you are these photos of drivers sitting in chairs. Enjoy!

(Left to right) Richard Childress Racing’s Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, owner Richard Childress and Jeff Burton take part in the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Media Tour Hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway Tuesday in Concord, N.C. (Credit: Harold Hinson Photography)
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2009 turned out to be Michael Waltrip’s last year as a full-time Sprint Cup Series driver. It’s bittersweet because on the one hand he’s making room for a young driver — Martin Truex Jr. — to grow in the sport, but on the other hand Michael won’t be competing every week.

I’ve always liked Mikey because he’s so freaking funny. There isn’t another driver around right now (ok, maybe Kenny Wallace) that is as charismatic and entertaining as Michael Waltrip. I always want to hear him talk, about anything.

So now that Mikey will have more time on his hands next year, he’s only running a part-time schedule, I figured it might be a good idea to give him a couple suggestions on what he could do to fill up the rest of his days.

1.) Dancing with the Stars: Fans that follow MW55 on Twitter have already sent this idea to him, but I don’t know what his reaction has been. I really think he should be in the next group of stars to learn ballroom dancing on ABC’s hit show. I have no idea what Mikey is like on the dance floor but I think that he could win over America with his charm and that would help him to go far in the competition. Besides, IndyCar was represented by Helio Castroneves, and now it’s time that NASCAR was in the mix. Oooh! What if Darrell Waltrip did it too? That’d be hilarious AND awesome.

2.) The Bachelor: It would be the greatest season of The Bachelor EVER if Michael Waltrip was doing the choosing! Oh my gosh, I would pay money to watch the show if it happened, and this is from a woman who hasn’t watched a full season of The Bachelor in, like, years. Mostly because it just doesn’t seem realistic, they never stay together. But what’s more realistic than a 46-year-old, divorced (I’m assuming it’s official at this point), part-time NASCAR driver with two children?? Are you kidding me? Again, I would PAY to watch this show. Picture this: 25 women in firesuits taking laps around a racetrack in order to earn a one-on-one date with Mikey. I could just see them all having to learn lines for an Aaron’s commercial, who ever delivers the pitch best wins alone time with him! Seriously, ABC really needs to make this happen.

Jimmie Johnson is rolling right along to his 4th straight Sprint Cup Championship, Ron Hornaday Jr. will pick up his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series trophy soon, and Kyle Busch will be this year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series champion, but there are other 2009 NASCAR Champions besides those guys.

Five other NASCAR drivers attended the 2009 NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala to receive their awards & make their speeches this past Saturday. It was the end to a week of Champion’s Week activities in Charlotte, NC.

Your 2009 Touring Series champions:

– Ryan Truex (yes, Martin Truex Jr.’s little brother) – NASCAR Camping World Series East

– Jason Bowles – NASCAR Camping World Series West

– Donny Lia – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

– George Brunnhoelzl III – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour

– Andrew Ranger – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1

Oh, one side note: Dear Ryan and Jason, puhleese have someone make a website for you. Call me, I know people who can help you. This is important for linking purposes (and your career). Thank you, Valli

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion Andrew Ranger leads NASCAR Camping World Series West Champion Jason Bowles in the NASCAR Toyota Champions/Media Go-Kart Showdown presented by Sirius XM Radio. (Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Donny Lia gives his championship speech. (Photo Credit: Chris Keane/Getty Images for NASCAR)

NASCAR’s George Silbermann presents the NASCAR championship ring to Ryan Truex. (Photo Credit: Chris Keane/Getty Images for NASCAR)

George Brunnhoelzl III (left) presents his father, George Jr. with a matching championship ring. (Photo Credit: Chris Keane/Getty Images for NASCAR)

NASCAR’s George Silbermann presents the NASCAR championship ring to Andrew Ranger. (Photo Credit: Chris Keane/Getty Images for NASCAR)