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RBlog: Rockin' & Rollin' at RIR

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RBlog: Rockin' & Rollin' at RIR

Andy Pigsley/Richmond.com
Hello, Newman. Ryan is all smiles despite not making the Chase for the Nextel Cup.

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Richmond.com
Monday, September 10, 2007

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Where was the drama?

Monday at 11:40 a.m.

Thirty-six hours later, the smells of exhaust, gas, tires, beer, cigarettes and media center restrooms still linger in my nose. More importantly, though, where was the drama Saturday night? There was little pushing around going for the big win. When the first red flag came out, we knew that Kevin Harvick's engine would hang on. All in all, things were very tame all night. Jeff Gordon, who needed to win to hang onto first place in the standings, slipped back after appearing headed for domination, Little E's engine became scrap medal and Clint Bowyer remains the only driver in the top 12 without a win.

NASCAR will probably do some more tweaking to the Chase format after this season, and perhaps there will be major drama in Richmond in September 2008. It just didn't happen this year. If you think otherwise, or you have some ideas NASCAR could use for the Chase, let us know.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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Good night Richmond

Sunday at 12:45 a.m.

Track. Hot. Long day ahead. Didn't we say that earlier? What a long, strange trip this has been. Lots of beer bellies, foreign languages (aka southern accents), mullets, Gordon haters, Dale Jr. lovers, crying race fans, free Tylenol gel caps, $4 hot dogs, $22 hats, sweaty photographers, two painfully long red flags – you name it, we've probably seen or heard it.

As we get ready to say goodbye to Richmond International Raceway, we wanted to thank our sponsors. Oh wait, that's the drivers' jobs. Seriously, though, we'd like to thank the RIR staff for putting on a great show and providing lots of chicken to eat at the media center. We'd also like to thank all the men who left their lovely scents behind in the bathroom directly next to us. We'd like to thank you, our fans, for reading us over these past couple of days. Tell your friends about us because we'll be back for the spring race.

As Daughtry says, we're going home. Actually, we're going to the parking lot and waiting for the traffic to clear. Despite our sarcasm here at the end of the night (did we mention the two red flags?), it's truly been a great experience.

-- David Hylton & Stephanie Brummell, Richmond.com

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Seeing Red

Saturday at 10:35 p.m.

First it was Juan Pablo Montoya blowing up ... then several more cars just piled up to bring out the SECOND red flag of the night. For those not familiar with NASCAR, a red flag means a total stoppage of the race while crews clean up the mess. They make time stand still. If you're watching a race on TV, all you have to do is change the channel for a few minutes. Like right now, just flip over to the Virginia Tech-LSU game. Or if you DVR the race, you can fast forward through it. But when you're at the track – whether you're with the media or in the stands – you have to sit through it. You could hear and feel a frustrating sigh from nearly 120,000 people at RIR when this second red flag went out. Everyone knows the nightmare getting out of this place, and time only continues to creep toward Sunday morning.

So we sit and wait while everybody continues to talk about Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s slim chance of making the Chase for the Nextel Cup. With only a little more than 100 laps to go, it's not looking good for the No. 8 crew. Meanwhile, Stephanie's starting to look very sleepy despite the lovely smell coming from the men's bathroom right next to us.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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The Real Deal

Saturday at 6:15 p.m.

Even though a large number of Nextel Cup drivers race in the Busch Series each week, there is a world of difference in the atmosphere between a Busch race and a Nextel Cup race. It makes me wonder why so many of the Cup regulars actually race in the Busch race. There's a buzz going on this afternoon in the pits vs. yesterday before the Busch race. You can feel it in the air in the parking lot and the merchandise trailers as well. Tonight is the real deal. Even though the Chase field is basically set, you get the feeling that drivers really are going for the victory tonight. For one race only, there is no "big picture" racing. And while Dale Jr. knows his chances of making the final 12 are slim, he's not giving up. I'm sure many of the fans here feel the same way.

As for now, it's time to prepare for the pre-race festivities and to sit back and enjoy some racing. Continue to check back for updates and look to Richmond.com for full race coverage.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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Fashion Alert

Saturday at 4:10 p.m.

Like I said before, there are many advantages to being a woman NASCAR fan. But from the looks of the tailgating and merchandise area outside the gates, there are some serious setbacks we have to deal with while trying to stay cool but classy.

No shirt, no shoes, no problem. I can't tell you how many guys are boasting this as their motto out here today. You guys have it made. Throw on a pair of not-so-clean shorts and some flip flops, and there's your race day attire. But for us ladies, it's a quite different story.

The best thing I saw out there today that multi-tasked as comfortable clothing and as a favorite driver banner was a tank top, cut way too low on the chest and pulled up way too high on the midriff.

This may come late in the game, it may not be "strictly Richmond," and race season may be coming to a close, but I still feel it's worth mentioning. Back in February of 2006, Lisa Heros and Kathleen Smith launched the first officially licensed online NASCAR clothing line designed exclusively for women, called TrackCouture. It not only features driver-specific apparel, but non-driver specific tees, tanks and accessories as well.

"We wanted to create a clothing line that enables women to be both sporty and sexy," said Heros in a press release in March.

The two have continued putting their heads together for the creation of PitBaby and TrackCouture Girl. The plan is to open a home-based store in Memphis in mid-September, but for all you Richmond NASCAR fans, step into the fashion early for next year's race and really make the boys hoot and holler.

-- Stephanie Brummell, Richmond.com

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It's Idol-icious

Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

I had never watched "American Idol" at all before this past season. Even then, I wasn't impressed. Jordin didn't really "spark" my interest and I can't even remember the beat boxer's name anymore. My favorite parts were watching Simon Cowell being honest. It's the kind of honesty America needs to hear. Anyway, from the 2006 season came Chris Daughtry, who was voted off before the finale. A few months later came the band Daughtry. Before 10 minutes ago, I had never heard a full Daughtry song. I went over to check them out during a sound check, and to my surprise they were pretty good. My musical tastes range from Dave Matthews Band to Dave Matthews Band, so you can see where my surprise may be coming from.

So if you're headed to the track this afternoon (not sure why you wouldn't be sitting in traffic by now), or have wireless out in the parking lot come into the stands a little early and check 'em out. The music begins at 5:45 p.m. If you like bands such as Creed or Live, I'm sure you'll like Daughtry, no matter what Simon says.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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"Hey honaay! Ya Wanna Draank?!"

Saturday at 11:40 a.m.

Cat Calls. How did you guys get so smooth? How did you know I woke up this morning and said, "You know, I really hope today is the day I can't walk 2 feet without being called 'darling,' 'sugar' or hearing something about how wonderful my jeans fit my backside? No dice, boys, no dice.

Don't get me wrong – I agree, it's part of life out here in NASCARland. So hopefully you studs won't be icing a small handprint on your face anytime soon. But listening to cat calls for other women, and from my own experience with some WVU boys this morning, I've really begun to understand the advantages of being a woman NASCAR fan.

A swift flip of the pass, a smile and I'm through security. Drinks offered at every corner, even while driving into the race. Those boys from WVU sure know how to turn on the charm. Needless to say, tailgating should be extremely interesting and empowering today. I intend to return with a full report.

-- Stephanie Brummell, Richmond.com

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Back at the track

Saturday at 11 a.m.

Track. Hot. Long day ahead. After a short night of sleep and an hour-plus of sitting in the traffic this morning, Richmond.com is back on the scene. Stayed tuned for highlights from today, which will probably consist of short sentences or fragments, such as: Track. Hot. Long day ahead.

-- David Hylton & Stephanie Brummell, Richmond.com

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Time flies when you're eating chicken

Friday at 11:20 p.m.

It's been an interesting and very fast day at the track, but it's time to say goodbye until sometime Saturday morning. We leave today with a new Chevy Rock & Roll coffee mug, DLP Texas Instruments eye glass cleaner cloth, 3D glasses from the DLP experience, a $100 off coupon for any DLP HDTV, memories of the world's largest boot and a belly full of chicken, barbeque and bad cole slaw. Such is life in the media center.

If you've been at the track, or will be here on Saturday, shoot us an email. We'd love to hear some of your stories. Our corner next to the bathrooms is getting a little lonely.

-- David Hylton & Stephanie Brummell, Richmond.com

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Crazed Fans and Sneak Attacks

Friday at 8:20 p.m.

My past experiences with NASCAR have been a blur of barbeques, Confederate flags, string bikinis and beer. The majority of the fan base I'm used to seeing is a bunch of intoxicated men screaming at other intoxicated men when the Jr. fans decide to take a stroll by the die-hard Gordon fans.

But inside the track, it's definitely different. Right outside our precious media center is NASCAR's version of the red carpet. In place of rehab-bound celebrities, we have sweaty drivers – rightfully sweaty. Instead of pet Chihuahuas, we get their diesel-powered babies.

After finishing their laps to qualify for Saturday's Chevy Rock & Roll 400, David and I had front and center seats for the catwalk...and mob. You would have thought some of these people had won the lottery the way they reacted; especially the girl who was crying after getting one of the guys to sign her hat. I wonder how high her phone bill will be, since she spent the rest of the time calling every single contact in her phone. "Oh my gawd! You will not believe this..."

As I said before, because of the classy girl that I am, I opted for the "sneak attack." You know, the classic "jump in quick and pose" technique. These guys don't have time to stop for a photo shoot, ladies. They're men on a mission, especially in this race. David has the photo, I have a copy – it's a money photo – MONEY. And it's being blown up into a real-life image as we speak. Look for it on Richmond.com next week!

-- Stephanie Brummell, Richmond.com

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Johnson grabs the pole

Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Jimmie Johnson captured the pole for Saturday's Rock & Roll 400. Hendrick teammates Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch will start second and third, respectively. Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, David Ragan, Elliot Sadler and Bobby Labonte round out the top 10.

"I figured out how to drive this track when we were here in the spring and won the race," Johnson said following his qualifying effort. "

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who needs to finish in the top 5 and then get some help in order to make the Chase for the Nextel Cup, will start 21st.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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Busch on the Busch pole

Friday at 5:50 p.m.

Kyle Busch is barely old enough to legally drink Busch beer ... but there he is on the pole for tonight's Busch Series Emerson Radio 250. It's Busch's 11th Busch pole in 104 career Busch Series races. Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards, Jason Leffler, Kevin Harvick, Jason Kelley and Clint Bowyer finish off the top 10. The race is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Continue to check www.richmond.com for the latest from Richmond International Raceway.

--David Hylton, Richmond.com

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"Africa hot"

Friday at 4:40 p.m.

While the beer drinking and belly showing goes on in the parking lots, there is one thing no one will argue about this weekend: It's hot out there. And as our photographer Andy Pigsley put it, "It's Africa hot out there." There's no other way to describe it.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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Star Struck and Googlly-Eyed

Friday at 3:20 p.m.

I would first like to extend a huge thank you to our associate editor, Kent Brockwell. Thank you, so much, for taking your vacation this weekend and making it necessary for me to help cover the race this weekend.

That said...is it hot in here or is it just me? We're striving to have a "girl's perspective" for this year's race, so you may have to bear with me as I get over the fact that I have just had the privilege of standing a mere five feet away from four of the most handsome drivers NASCAR has to offer.

A born and bred NASCAR fan, I have to admit I have my favorites and my...er, let's just say, least favorites. But really girls – Jr., Casey, Jimmie and Jeff all lined up in a row? I feel an episode of "The Dating Game" just waiting to happen. I swear Casey winked at me...I swear!

However, the classy girl that I am, I've decided to stay away from the media frenzy taking place at the front of the media center. I'll play the crazy, drooling tourist with a camera role later. I love my job.

-- Stephanie Brummell, Richmond.com

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Staying with Chevy?

Friday at 3 p.m.

Breaking news: Hendrick Motorsports is staying with Chevy. A minute before the new-look Hendrick Motorsports team walked into the media center, it was said there would be a big announcement. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new car number or sponsor? Jeff Gordon is retiring? Or maybe they're going to Toyota, too. Nope. The "big" announcement was that Hendrick is staying with Chevy. Earnhardt expressed relief and that he was happy he didn't have to start to collect a different model of cars. Now the questions turn to whether Earnhardt can get into the Chase.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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At the Track

Friday at 1:30 p.m.

Richmond.com? You don't have a seat. That's what three people told us as we entered the media center 20 minutes ago. Apparently, no one here saw the entire sheet, and Richmond.com's seating in the corner, as far away from the driver's as you can get. At least we're near the restrooms. Anyway, time to listen to Denny Hamlin.

-- David Hylton & Stephanie Brummell, Richmond.com

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Bump and run on the Powhite

Friday at 9:45 a.m.

How do you know when NASCAR is in town? When area drivers aren't afraid to issue a bump and run near a toll booth. Or delivery trucks fly down Cary Street at 60 mph. Listen up people: leave the speed to the pros. See ya'll at the track.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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Overstating the obvious

Thursday at 9 a.m.

A friendly message from the Virginia Department of Transporation: "Motorists may experience delays on I-95, I-295, I-64 and major routes near the raceway on Friday from noon to midnight and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight for NASCAR races. Expect major delays and avoid the area if possible." Let's put it this way: If you don't have to be near the track, don’t go near the track. If you live near the track and hate racing, take a mini-vacation this weekend.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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Just passing it along

Wednesday at 3 p.m.

The week preceding the Busch and Nextel Cup races, my e-mail inbox became full of messages about goings on at or near the track this week. These people sending these are just doing their job so I can do my job to tell you what’s going on. So here goes:

Kasey Kahne is helping out America's Second Harvest this year, which is part of Country Crock's "Spread the Sharing" campaign. The program encourages Americans to tell their stories of sharing at www.SpreadTheSharing.com. For every story told, a meal will be donated through America’s Second Harvest. The goal is to reach two million meals by Thanksgiving 2007. Fans can join in the "Race to Share" at the Richmond International Raceway by donating non-perishable food items at the Country Crock tent in the fanwalk area. Their donations will be matched by Country Crock and every fan who donates will receive a Kasey Kahne "Race to Share" bumper sticker. In addition, if Kahne wins in any race, nine times the contributions collected from fans that day will be donated.

NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield and NASCAR crew chief "Bootie" Barker will both make appearances at the Party Zone fan hospitality area at RIR on Friday prior to the Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series race.

NASCAR president Mike Helton, Richard Petty, Ryan Newman, Hermie Sadler and RIR president Doug Fritz will make an appearance in the Green Flag Zone fan hospitality area Saturday. In addition to a question-and-answer session, Newman will be signing autographs for fans who purchase a copy of "Pit Road Pets," a book featuring the pets of NASCAR drivers and personalities.

A panel of sportswriters who have covered NASCAR throughout the current racing season will discuss the state of the sport at Virginia Commonwealth University. "The State of NASCAR" will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday in the VCU Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave.

All races fans should be aware that there will be no RV parking or parking of any kind in the warehouse parking lots and IRS building along Carolina Avenue, near the race track.

Daughtry is performing a pre-race concert at 5:45 p.m. Saturday.

Friday's Emerson Radio 250 Busch Series race will look a lot like a Nextel Cup race. Nextel regulars scheduled to compete are: Chesterfield County's Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Bobby Labonte, Clint Bowyer, Casey Mears, J.J. Yeley, Jaime McMurray, Brian Vickers, David Ragan, Tony Raines, Paul Menard and David Reuitmann.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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Rock & Rollin', Racin' and RBloggin'!

Wednesday at noon

The portable grill has been scrubbed. The coolers are washed, stocked and ready for ice. Most importantly, our tuxedo T-shirts and cutoff denim shorts are laundered, starched and pressed.

This can only mean one thing around the hallowed offices of Richmond.com – NASCAR is headed back to Richmond!

That's right, race fans, the September race at Richmond International Raceway is only days away and our RBlog team is preparing for the best (and worst) NASCAR Nation has to offer this coming weekend. Just like the races of years past, Richmond.com and RBlog will be on site and ready to party, er ... offer our most extensive coverage of all things racing in Richmond. From the taste of burning rubber on pit row to the succulent bratwurst recipes cooking out in RV City, we will once again seek to sample every aspect of race weekend so you don't have to ... or maybe because you don't want to.

And we don't blame you. Sometimes it gets ugly out there in NASCAR Nation -- we're talking no shirt and braided, sweaty back hair ugly. Sometimes (OK, oftentimes) it gets smelly. And every now and then, it gets rancid (like the free sample mayo packets you may receive in Fan Fest even though it's 100-degrees and you won't see a fridge in eight hours.)

But most of the time NASCAR Nation is exciting, vibrant and beautiful (OK, that last one is a bit of a stretch.) But seriously, where else can you party all day with your friends, meet-and-greet your favorite professional drivers, have a beer with a Dale Earnhardt look-alike and follow it up with one of the most exciting races on the NASCAR circuit.

Also, because Saturday is the Chevy Rock & Roll 400, you also get to attend a free rock concert by Daughtry, if you have a ticket to the soon-to-be-sold-out Nextel Cup race.

And if you are a Earnhardt Jr. fan, you also may get to take a shot or two at one of the numerous Jeff Gordon piñatas set up at tailgate parties throughout the parking lots. Look at it this way, it may be your last chance this year to get back at the current Nextel Cup points leader. That stings, doesn't it?

Moving on, as always we'll be searching high and low in the stands for great T-shirt slogans and scouring the tailgates looking for creative setups and horrible behavior. We're also interested in hearing your best NASCAR tailgate related stories. Ever accidentally punch Tony Stewart because you mistook him for your brother-in-law? Let us know and bring us proof from your parole officer. Are you are skipping your sister's wedding, or your own for that matter, just to catch the race? That's so wrong but we would love to hear about it anyway.

In other words, if you have a great race story or are throwing a tailgate party rowdy enough to make Keith Richards blush, we want to know!

So until our next post, prepare yourselves, NASCAR Nation. RBlog is coming for you and we are inspecting your coolers for excess Milwaukeean beverages ... especially if they rhyme with Pabst Blue Ribbon.

-- Kent Jennings Brockwell, Richmond.com

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Race week reading room:

"Bubbles, Burnouts and Bratwurst:" It's NASCAR time again in Richmond. Pack a cooler, grab the grill and head out to Richmond International Raceway.

"The Bump & Grind:" From NASCAR.com, a preview of this week's race.

" A Race Day Blessing:" Parking may soon become a bit easier at Richmond International Raceway as the track has plans to build 41 acres of additional grass and gravel parking by the 2009 NASCAR season.

"Busch Whacked:"Kyle Busch dominates the Emerson Radio 250.

"From Checkered Past to Green Flag:" Building rapport among RIR and neighbors is about more than traffic maps and cookouts.

"Turning Up the View:" Richmond International Raceway unveils the TORQUE Club, the track's newest and swankiest luxury suite.

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