Knockaround Guy
Saturday, May 3 at 10:19 p.m.
If you just saw the replay for the 15th time, you know Patrick Carpentier just got his bell rung.
I'm not even near his race hauler but I can still hear it ringing.
During the wreck that caused that 21-minute red flag delay, Carpentier's No. 10 Lifelock Dodge, got hit...and hit...and hit...and hit again.
He called it a "pinball ride." I say it looked more like a lesson in vertigo.
"Down the backstretch, I saw the crash happening," he said. "I was just trying to go inside to avoid it. Slowing down, I think I got hit from behind, spun around and then hit the inside rail, almost accelerated back to corner three and got into the cars and everybody got into me."
Into you? They just turned you into a badly dented $200,000-plus spinning top.
"It was a pretty hard hit. Thanks for that carbon fiber seat that they've got inside the car now. It was not too bad. [It] knocked the wind out of me but we're okay."
The best part? He was actually smiling when he walked out of the medic center.
These guys are sick.
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
At least it's not due to rain
Saturday, May 3 at 9:55 p.m.
We're under red flag conditions but at least it's not raining.
Unfortunately, it's due to a massive 11-car crash in turn three. They're doing a big clean up right now but there are several cars that will need a lot of hammer and saw work when they reach the pits.
Denny Hamlin, who has absolutely ruled the track tonight, luckily swerved out of the way of the carnage and kept his lead.
After about 21 minutes of red flag stoppage, they are about to go back to yellow/green conditions.
This just got interesting.
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
Red, White, Blue and Green
Saturday, May 3 at 7:50 p.m.
The anthem was played, the Blue Angels have flown by and the drivers are in their cars and entering the track.
The green flag is coming and we are heading out to the infield fence for the closest seat in the house.
We'll be back in a few with the post game report. Have fun! And in true home town spirit, go Denny!
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
Full House (Danny Tanner not included)
Saturday, May 3 at 3:50 p.m.
Is NASCAR the only recession proof entity in the U.S.? Maybe.
Many in the business world (including our own R' Biz coverage) had their doubts about the financial aspects of this weekend's race when the news was released earlier this week that Saturday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 hadn't sold out yet.
Seriously, however, it wasn't really that big of a deal.
By the time the checkered flag dropped last night, there were reportedly less than 500 tickets left. Seriously, someone with an un-maxed out credit card could have taken care of that.
Nonetheless, Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz made the announcement not too long ago that all grandstand seats for tonight's race were gone.
"Ticket sales were steady and we remained optimistic leading into this weekend," Fritz said. "The hard work of our staff and our continued effort to provide a first class experience for our fans continues to pay off.
"Richmond International Raceway is known as a fan favorite and selling out tonight's race is a testament to the dedication of our fans. Even in these tough economic times, our fans at Richmond International Raceway continue to show they are the most loyal in the industry."
Take that, naysayers.
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
Eye (and Hands) on the Prize
Saturday, May 3 at 12:37 p.m.
I just found a way to pay off my student loans.
When we walked into the media center at Richmond International Raceway this morning, something caught my eye. Someone was foolish enough to bring the official trophy for tonight's Crown Royal presents the Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race in to this den of deadline-weary scallywags.
If I can get a moment alone with the trophy, thanks to a key distraction my our photographer John Tatum (fake a rabies induced seizure, buddy), to hell with this Dan Lowry fellow. Victory is mine today! eBay bidding will start approximately two minutes after the greatest five-finger discount in NASCAR history.
Wait a minute...I am getting the stink eye from a track official and I think he has a tazer.
Oh, poo. The plan is foiled. Sorry Sally May, no money for you this month (again).
Oh, well. The sun is still shining, the weather is perfect and it is a wonderful day for racing.
It's also a superb day for tailgating so we are going to head out to have a few "sodas" and see what's happening with this Finnish Bowling phenomenon (read below).
Pray for me.
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
Foggy but ready
Saturday, May 3 at 9:15 a.m.
Last night was amazing. Hamlin's big win, the Busch/Wallace scuffle, the pit crew fight (yep, there was one), the brawls in the stands -- maybe it was the hot weather.
Anyway, we are hoping for a lot of the same today. And if the phone calls and e-mails I have already received this morning are any indication, we'll get it.
When I woke up this morning, I found an e-mail from Liz and Vince. They are driving down this morning from beautiful and pleasantly aromatic New Jersey to party with the good people of Virginia. They aren't screwing around either.
"Woo hoooooooo! We are psyched! We just decided Wednesday, found tickets on Craigslist, rented a car and off we go!" Liz writes. "We would love to party with you in RV City. We are a lot of fun and come with party supplies!!! "
Liz, if you are putting that much effort into seeing a NASCAR race in Richmond, I won't let you down. I'll be sure to scrape a few layers of tar of the ol' liver in preparation for your tailgate. Save me a cool one (or seven).
I also received a call from one of my louse buddies but I could hardly hear him. He's already there with Lynyrd Skynyrd blaring and a cooler half full of floating empties.
He said they are setting up a game of Finnish Bowling at their parking spot. Apparently, it's a cross between bowling, lawn darts, topless K-Y wrestling, egg toss, spoons and Name That Tune. I think there was something else but his phone was breaking up and a woman started screaming in German the background before the line went dead.
If you are still there, and the cops aren't involved, I'll see you in a few.
Oh yeah, there is also a race today at Richmond International Raceway. We will once again be providing the latest and greatest (and not-so great at all) news from the pits, the track, the grandstands and the steaming, staggering prairie of life that is Tailgate Nation.
Crank it up and pop a top -- it's race day!
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
As long as the money is green
Friday May 2 at 9:51 p.m.
Tomorrow night at the Crown Royal presents the Dan Lowry 400, you can expect to see all the cars on the track plastered with your typical sponsors' graphics -- insurance companies, car manufactures, beer brands, cell phone companies, etc.
During the Nationwide Series races however you get a few more, uh...let's say nontraditional sponsorships.
Here are the top seven best of the worst:
7. Bobby Hamilton Jr.'s No. 25 Peanut Shop of Williamsburg Ford -- He actually laughed out loud when one of the TV guys asked him about the interesting sponsorship after his qualifying run. That ain't a good sign.
6. Kenny Wallace's No. 28 U.S. Border Patrol Chevrolet -- I especially like the additional patch on the pit crew's uniforms that says "Now Hiring." I now know why my economic incentive check was only $300.
5. Kertus Davis' No. 01 RACEGIRL Chevrolet -- Besides being a professional racecar driver, I hear his wife also lets him do the dishes and all the vacuuming. At least the car isn't pink...yet.
4. Jason Keller's No. 11 America's Incredible Pizza Chevrolet -- You know it's bad when Dominos, Pizza Hut, CiCi's, Pizza Inn and Little Caesar's won't return your calls.
3. Brad Coleman's No. 27 Huggies/Kroger Ford -- Clean up on aisle 27. Nothing says cool, sexy racecar sponsorship like diapers and grocery. Well, at least it's not the dreaded Kotex/K-Mart combo.
2. Morgan Shepherd's No. 89 Victory in Jesus Racing Dodge -- Not to dis ol' J.C. but if you take history into effect, religious sponsorships usually guarantee a quick right turn into concrete at RIR. What should Jesus drive? A tow truck.
And the No. 1 best-worst Nationwide Series sponsorship:
1. Kyle Busch's No. 32 Hass Avocados From Mexico Toyota -- Do Mexican avocados really need advertising? Honestly. However, it would be fitting if the U.S. Border Patrol car somehow ended up right behind Busch all race long.
While those are awesomely ridiculous, we came up with a list of other nontraditional sponsorship ideas that probably haven't been (and probably won't be) pursued by teams in search of sponsorship:
The No. 420 High Times/Funyuns Ford Pinto -- It's going to be tough winning any races when they come into the pits every 15 laps for four tires, a fuel top-off, a track bar adjustment, a calzone, oreos, Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia, five cans of Arizona Sweet Tea and a copy of Bob Marley's Greatest Hits.
The No. 666 Souls for Mephistopheles Racing Dodge Magnum -- If only Rob Zombie was a racecar driver.
The No. 63 Cialis/Depends/Ensure/Centrum Silver Buick Century -- Unfortunately, the engine will drown out the "You damn punks!" rants from the silver fox behind the wheel. Luckily, however, the high octane exhaust will overpower the stale urine/Ben Gay/latent death odor.
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
The Best of Denim Shorts Nation
Friday, May 2 at 8:19 p.m.
Before the action started we decided to head out to our car in the parking lot to do a little "research" on "liquid viscosity regarding chilled amber fluids." It's science. Don't judge.
Anyway, on our way back to the infield we decided to take a few notes on the classiest sleeveless T-shirts we witnessed. We only grabbed a few but rest assured there will be a much longer list by tomorrow night.
Here are our awards for our favorite three:
Our Thank God for the Sake of Humanity Award goes to:
"At least I'm not Knocked Up" -- But if she was, I'd suggest sending the kid to St. Eugenics Elementary.
Our Class, Class, Class Award goes to:
"Kiss My SS" -- According to the wearer, it's a Chevy thing, I wouldn't understand and I would get stabbed in the kidney if I asked any more questions.
Our You Should Have Thought About That Purchase More Award goes to:
"Property of Kahne" -- There is something just wrong about a dude wearing this shirt. Maybe it's just me, but that shirt simply screams "prison bitch."
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
Engines up, green flag down
Friday, May 2 at 7:49 p.m.
The green flag has dropped and the heat is officially on with Kasey Kahne leading the pack.
Kahne won the Coors Light Pole Award with a qualifying lap of 21.578 seconds at 125.127 mph.
Though he started first, hometown favorite Denny Hamlin quickly scooted into the second place position chewing at Kahne's bumper for the first lap or two.
I don't want to jinx anyone but I feel like it is Hamlin's night -- make that nights. Sweep anyone?
We'll be back in a little bit with some insight from outside the track. Let's just say our little walkabout was interesting.
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
Sirius Eatin'
Friday, May 2 at 4:06 p.m.
Hungry but don't feel like grilling out in RV City or choking on a racetrack hotdog? Hit up some of Richmond's finest eateries and sports bars before you get stuck in traffic.
Our Karri Peifer just gave one heck of a rundown of Richmond's best places to eat before a race on Sirius Satellite Radio. She was interviewed by Steve Post and Chocolate Myers for the "What You Eatin'" segment on "Tradin' Paint," a NASCAR focused talk show on Sirius channel 128.
Check it out here! as heard on Sirius NASCAR radio, Channel 128.
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
Hot and Ready
Friday, May 2 at 3:33 p.m.
We are here on press row (finally) and ready to roll. The Nationwide Series cars are warming up for qualifying at 4:05 p.m., the fans are starting to trickle in and the first beers of the day have been cracked.
I knew it was race weekend when I got out of my car in the parking lot and immediately heard 20 or so pop-tops getting cracked all within about five seconds. It was like walking into a chorus of Anheuser-Busch sponsored crickets.
With that being said, we are all set up here and ready to get our "official race coverage" started. We're going to take a walkabout and see what's heating up outside the track. In the meantime, here are some pit notes to whet your whistle for tonight's race:
Live from RIR!
If you didn't score tickets to tonight's race, check it out on TV. Tonight's Lipton Tea 250 will be telecast live on ESPN2 when the green flag drops at 7:30 p.m. You can also catch the action on local MRN affiliates, such as WRVA 1140 AM in Richmond, WTAR 850 AM in Norfolk, WIQO 100.9 FM in Roanoke, WFLS 93.3 FM in Fredericksburg, WCYK 99.7 FM in Charlottesville or WSVS 700 AM in Crewe. If you have Sirius Satellite Radio, check it out on Channel 128.
Foodie Fame
Speaking of Sirius, Richmond.com's own restaurant guru and co-editor Karri Peifer appeared on "Tradin' Paint," a NASCAR focused show, this afternoon to talk about the best places for NASCAR fans to wine and dine this weekend in Richmond. We are going to post a link to the show later today so you can hear all her culinary knowledge first hand.
Blue Skies, Good Times
Though it's hot, the weather is looking good so far so tonight's 250-lap race should go on as scheduled. The defending winner of the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Richmond International Raceway is Clint Bowyer.
Slow Ride
If you are sitting in the new very high Commonwealth Grandstand, your knees will finally get a break. The racetrack installed escalators over the winter that will transport fans to both the Commonwealth Mezzanine and the Commonwealth Tower. No more spilt beer going up the steps? Brilliant!!!
Happy Birthday!
There are no cakes or balloons but happy birthday Kyle Busch (No. 19 Pedigree Toyota Camry). Our birthday wisdom for you -- go fast, turn left, don't eat too much ice cream before you get into a boiling hot car to drive 187.5 miles.
Denny's Day
Chesterfield's own Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry) is feeling a little bit of pressure heading back into RIR (and a mass of hometown fans) but said he should feel a little bit hopeful that he has a chance to get his first win at the track he calls home. Actually, it would mean more to him than winning any other race this year. "It definitely would be, especially for my fans that are all coming out this weekend," he said. "I'm excited about coming back here and seeing everyone again, and hopefully we can breakthrough from those second- and third-place finishes."
-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor
Gentlemen, start your weekend!
Friday, May 2 at 11:50 a.m.
I haven't even gotten to the track yet but I can already smell the hamburgers grilling, the spilt beer warming in the sun and the high-octane exhaust fuming.
Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me but I will surely smell all that is NASCAR in Richmond in just a few hours.
The fastest weekend in Richmond is back for the annual spring NASCAR races at Richmond International Raceway and once again Richmond.com is heading to the track all weekend to capture absolutely every aspect of this major sporting (and social) event.
As usual, we will provide the most up-to-date post-race coverage and pit reports on our sports channel but this R'Blog will provide you with information on everything else.
We'll be in the pits rubbing greasy elbows with the pit crews (and equally greasy spectators). We'll be in the press room bringing you the latest info from interviews with the drivers. We'll even be in Victory Lane after both races getting sprayed with Gatoraide, beer and other fluids we really don't want to think about.
Most importantly, however, we will once again be out in RV City soaking up the local color and sucking down as many free beers and hotdogs as we can scam out of perfect strangers on the simple premise that we are with the press and extremely important.
We also want to hear from you, NASCAR fans. Seriously, e-mail us at kent.brockwell@corp.richmond.com
If you are coming to the race this weekend with an entourage that would put Puff Daddy to shame, we want to party with you and report on it. If you are bringing a BBQ grill that is bigger than your singlewide, we want to see it (and we want you to save us a pork chop).
Are you the ultimate redneck, proud of it and have a full back Ricky Rudd tattoo proving it? We want to take a picture with you, share a beer and make you an overnight Internet star.
OK, we can't guarantee that instant stardom part but we still want to have a beer with you.
Nonetheless, IT'S RACE WEEKEND!!! We are pumped and ready to go, people.
We'll see you at the track!!!
--Kent Jennings Brockwell, co-editor