Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway was the day of the Nationwide Series race, the TECH-NET Auto Service 300 powered by CARQUEST. It was also the day that I forgot to put my sunscreen on and got a nice little tan.

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. (more…)

Brian Scott drives the No. 11 AccuDoc Solutions Toyota Camry for Braun Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The 22-year-old Idaho native currently sits 8th in points after last weekend’s crazy-as-usual Talladega race. He’s also leading in the hunt for the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award.

In talking to Brian I was struck by how self-aware and contained he was, just like all of the Nationwide drivers I’ve interviewed recently. They really know who they are and what they want to accomplish. I don’t want to be all cheesy but they’re really driven to succeed, and Brian Scott is no different.

And in case you were wondering what drivers look like when they’re chatting with me over the phone for these interviews Brian’s PR guy took this picture at right (click it to view full-size).

Enjoy!
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Michael Annett drives the No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. After this Monday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway Michael is ranked 15th in points. With his time in the ARCA series where he racked up two wins, at Talladega and Daytona, he’s proven that he’s an up-and-coming driver that you should keep on your radar for sure.

I spoke to the 23-year-old (he turns 24 in June) former hockey player for the first time last week to chat about what life is like in the Nationwide Series.

I’ll be totally honest with you guys the part of this interview that I LOVE the most is when Michael reveals what his true favorite food is and his affinity for chick flicks. I thought it was really cool that he was willing to admit that fact and I told him so. So ladies, if you’re not already a fan of this guy you will be after you read that. Oh, and did I mention that he’s also adorable?

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Scott Lagasse Jr. drives the No. 43 Ford Fusion for Baker Curb Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The 29-year-old Florida native is currently 10th in the point standings, one of only three Nationwide Series-only drivers in the top-10. This weekend at Texas Motor Speedway his Ford Fusion will sport the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

I learned about Scott last year and, I’m being completely honest here, I was taken with him because (1) he’s taller than most of the Nationwide Series drivers and (2) he looks like the guy I had a crush on when I was 19. But seriously, he’s a really talented driver that’s risen quickly through to ranks to make his way into the world of NASCAR racing.

I had the opportunity to ask him some questions and he was super nice. Here’s the result! (more…)

Ever since Nationwide became a series title sponsor they’ve been working on giving fans more information and access to drivers.

They’ve been posting some great candid photos of drivers and crew members on their Flickr account as a part of their behind the scenes Twitter coverage of races. A couple of my faves are below. Make sure you follow the Nationwide Series on Twitter (@nationwide). (more…)

Happy Easter! Joey Logano won the Nationwide Series race at Nashville yesterday. I have no commentary because I didn’t see the race. I was too busy enjoying the sunshine and relative warm weather we’ve been having here in the Bay Area.

I do have photos though and they speak for themselves. Enjoy!

Joey Logano and Kenny Wallace dye Easter eggs as part of a driver and media contest on Friday. (Photo Credit: John Sommers II/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Justin Allgaier won top rookie honors for his black and red egg that matches his car’s paint scheme in Friday’s egg dying contest. (Photo Credit: John Sommers II/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Stephen Leicht’s intense work wins him the top driver honor in the egg dying contest. (Photo Credit: John Sommers II/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Joey Logano celebrates in victory lane with the Sam Bass designed guitar trophy. (Photo Credit: John Sommers II/Getty Images for NASCAR)