It’s a known fact that NASCAR fans are very passionate when it comes to supporting their favorite drivers. Whether they make it to victory lane, or continually fall short, nothing can deter them from faithfully following even when the season is almost non-existent. Each driver has certain traits which make them very likeable, and it's no wonder that Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. along with a few others falls into that category. What I found really intriguing was that his name is on the top 10 list of just about every stat that is out there, which makes it easy to use his accomplishments as the backbone for some very informative stories about his racing career. It wasn’t hard to depict exactly what Earnhardt has ...

We're now two-thirds of the way through the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. You all know what that means—there are only 12 races left, the majority of which comprise the Chase for the Sprint Cup, NASCAR's version of "playoffs."The Labor Day weekend event at Atlanta marks the beginning of a 12-week uninterrupted stretch to the end of the season. With an off weekend between that race and Bristol, it's safe to say that some of the perceived momentum in the top teams has been frozen.But just because the teams have received a one-week break, doesn't necessarily mean that those on hot streaks are going to be iced out at Atlanta. Without further ado, the top drivers and championship contenders heading into this weekend's Emory Healthca...

No more off-weekends, no more resting, and no more regrouping. Sunday night, the last stretch of the Sprint Cup season begins as the run to the championship nears ever so closer. This weekend, there are still high banks, but the speeds increase drastically. On the docket for NASCAR, the Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Emory Healthcare 500. As we saw in March, this track can be ever changing as the race goes through the afternoon. Expect to see the same thing happen this time, but the difference is this race will be run under the lights. Speeds will be faster, and handling will be crucial. This past March, it was Kurt Busch dominating the race and then once again showing off his form of celebration, what he has deemed his "unwind" victory lap...

So, last week I screwed up. I figured, “Hey, with college about to start and all, maybe I should write my Atlanta fantasy post right now, save it for a week, and then just take ten minutes to post it when people actually need it.” Seemed like a good idea at the time, right? Well, it was, until I forgot what week of the year it was (blame it on me being awake at four in the morning) and posted it anyway. Oops. If you’re looking for this week’s fantasy picks, click here; otherwise, this column is going to be a general fantasy overview for the rest of the year. We’re now two-thirds of the way through this Sprint Cup season, with only two regular-season races and the Chase for the Sprint Cup to go. The remaining sc...

NASCAR fans are selective and loyal with the drivers they pick as their favorite.  Once their racing hero is designated, little can assuage them from their support. The driver may fall into a driving slump or change teams but the die hard fan remains true. They await the next win for their driver and continue to buy their memorabilia and sport attire to show their loyalty. An odd thing happens though when NASCAR fans face any group of drivers or even just one up close and personal. Suddenly the drivers who have given their all on a race track at high speeds in close quarters become a bit larger than life. The fan will wait in long lines for hours, fight to get a camera shot, and drag all forms of memorabilia around in an effort to...

Better late than never, here are my answers to this week's IBG questions:   1.  Name one offensive player and one defensive player you are most excited to see in the new systems and why. Offensive:  Michael Floyd.  This system is a pass-heavy offense, and Michael Floyd is set to absolutely tear it up.  Given Kelly's high praise about Michael's work ethic this offseason, I think we may be in for a special season from one of the best ever at the position this year. Defensive:  Ian Williams.  In the 3-4 system, it's crucial for the nose tackle to be a dominating force inside, plugging up the interior and freeing the inside linebackers to work in space.   I think Te'o will get many of the accolades, but i...

TV's biggest secret has be revealed. The identity of "The Stig" has been named. It is not Michael Schumacher, as some people believed. The stig is... Ben Collins.   Collins, 35, was one of the stunt drivers who drove the Aston Martins in the latest 007 film, "Quantam of Solace." On his website in a small paragraph it says: "Collins is also a leading stunt driver for film and television." The BBC have been in a battle with Collins after it was found that he was going to reveal who he was in his autobiography.   The BBC went to court over it but has refused an injunction preventing the revealing of the Stig's identity. After the ruling a BBC spokesperson said: "The BBC brought this action as we believe it is...

As his racing tenure with Richard Petty Motorsports comes to an end, Kasey Kahne has had precious little time to reflect on the difficulties of 2010 or to contemplate the possibilities of 2011 and beyond. Kahne's soft and slightly weary tone told the story even more than his words during a media teleconference on Tuesday. It is obvious that while he was not originally thrilled to be headed to Red Bull Racing Team in 2011, conversations with RBRT General Manager Jay Frye and other team members have eased his mind over the last couple weeks. "I got more excited than when I initially heard about it," Kahne admitted. "Right now, I feel really confident with being able to go into next year and being able to perform, race well, and have a good ti...

Kevin Conway, who recently left his Front Row Motorsports ride to pursue greener pastures with sponsor ExtenZe, has become the answer to Robby Gordon's prayers, as well as NASCAR's Rookie of the Year prayers. Conway has answered Robby Gordon's prayers by bringing much-needed sponsorship to Robby Gordon Motorsports.  RGM just announced today that Conway will be their driver for the balance of the 2010 season. On the other hand, Conway's new ride is an answer to a prayer for NASCAR, who desperately needs some continuity for its Raybestos Rookie of the Year program. Conway currently leads the ROTY Standings, with a margin of 154 points over Terry Cook in the Cup Series competition. "We are excited to have ExtenZe Racing and Kevin Conway j...

Even before Richard Petty officially told the Roanoke Times that they'd be going with a two-car operation I long had plans to write an article in support of the team. Last week I wrote an article comparing NASCAR 1996 to NASCAR of today and how much the sport has changed, and changed for the worst. Among the reasons for this change was NASCAR's blatant abandonment of the South and its countless race fans. At the forefront of this national Southern decline is the parrell decline of Richard Petty Motorsports. Much like when Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI) was around, I cannot understand why all the best drivers and sponsors don't want to race for, and financially support this team. If you don't want to race for Richard Petty nor do yo...