Kurt Busch NASCAR Foundation Telethon

Yesterday, I called the NASCAR DAY Telethon at the time Kurt Busch had posted on his website he would answer phones. Imagine my great surprise when I dialed the number, and Kurt answered the phone. He actually answered my call! I have been a Kurt Busch fan since he started racing in Cup. I have stuck by him through thick and thin. I wrote letters all over the place when he had trouble in Phoenix a couple years ago. I met him twice-once in NY in 2004 during Champions' week (when Kenseth was champ-he is my other favorite) and once at the Dover 2006 spring race while he signed autographs in his souvenir trailer. He was very cordial and actually had small conversations with me both times. But yesterday we chatted for ten minutes. I felt like I was talking to a friend about racing. It was an absolute delight to talk to him. It validated every reason I stuck by him as he has grown in the sport. I was given so much more yesterday than I gave. I am going to up my donation to his foundation. He is doing wonderful things with the Victory Junction Gang Camp-just ask Kyle Petty. Kyle even mentioned that yesterday during one of the Speed broadcasts. I am so glad to see Kurt is getting back on track. I am delighted he is in 6th place. I know he will win another championship before he retires. I always enjoy watching him race to the front. I know he is tough sometimes on his crew, but it is his desire to win. So I just want to thank Kurt for the great conversation and great racing. I wish him all the best going forward-Eva, too. She is so good for him. Thanks, Kurt!

Dale Jr, a heavy yet hopeful heart

I do not know Dale Jr personally, but his heart was heavy this morning. Some said stoic. But all I saw was a heavy heart; although I do believe he was optimistic for the future. I am with him all the way. I do feel for Martin Truex. I have not thought Truex has had the best possible scenario the last two years. He is a much better driver as is Dale than either has shown the last two years. I hope Truex gets the other seat out there (Gibbs or RCR). I do not think Max Segal understood what was at stake. This certainly does not fare well for his reputation as a business negotiator in my book. I am not sure why Teresa needs so much money; although, I do think she will lose more in the next two years. I have not decided where I hope JR lands. I know he is friends with Stewart and Hamlin. I know he respects Jeff Burton and is friends with Clint Bowyer. I am not sure where he stands with Harvick. Hendrick is a long shot; in my opinion the only possibility there is to trim Casey Mears based on his abysmal performance this year. It will be exciting to watch what unfolds. More exciting than this year's domination by Hendrick is to watch!