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I wonder if those fortunate rains that fell on, and brought the win to, Kurt Busch at New Hampshire International Speedway yesterday will be the start of KB 1’s resurgence?

In case you forgot, Busch the Elder finished second - right on the rear bumper of Ryan Newman - the last time NASCAR saw Daytona.  Just because Kurt won in unconventional fashion, by playing the rain game, doesn’t mean this won’t start a streak.  Kasey Kahne got rolling after being VOTED into a race.  Kurt’s competitors may regret the awakening of the ex-champ.

There were other stories out of Loudon.  We’ll get to some of them.  But it’s Fourth of July week.  That used to mean it was Firecracker 400 week.  I loved that name.  That one and the Rebel 400.  Classic.  But those are gone.  Instead, you get the Firecracker Fast Lap.  Four, high banked, fast and hopefully, controversial corners for you to tackle.  Remember, 100 words or less on the answers themselves.  Unlimited words for taunting and smack-talk.

1.  What would it mean to teams if NASCAR went to unlimited testing?

2.  Would an official announcement about 2009 allow the #20 team to get on with 2008?

3.  Who should Jack Roush keep around when he has to eliminate one of his teams after 2009 - Jamie McMurray or David Ragan?

4.  Who’s your bet to join Tony Stewart as the number two driver at the proposed Tony Stewart Racing?

We have a plan to incorporate the best comments - and commentary - into a new feature ON PIT ROW or OnPitRow.com.  I haven’t, totally, figured it out as yet.  But an announcement of some kind is coming.  In the mean time, have fun with the Fast Lap.  We do.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc.

Kyle Busch won his fifth Sprint Cup contest of the season Sunday at Infineon Raceway. That gives him at least fifty bonus points in the Chase to the first Sprint Cup. That Chase starts after only ten more races. Not all that much time for the likes of Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle or other pretenders to the Cup to get on the board, get off the snide, break the ice - win something - and maybe just as importantly for Shrub haters, keep Kyle from winning everything in sight.

Some drivers need to win to keep their championship hopes alive. Others to keep their jobs. It was a matter of time before Casey Mears’ disappointing 2008 start began to dog him in the speculation department. One of the big Sonoma rumors was that Mears would be moved to create a seat in the #5 for Mark Martin, who may be moving out of the DEI stable to free a full-time seat for Aric Almirola.

The move would set Mark up for the first ever - Third Times a Charm Retirement Tour. The #5 team at Hendrick Motorsports should be better than anything that DEI is fielding these days and Mark can still drive. But would Mark Martin be any better than the fourth best driver in the Hendrick Motorsports stable today?

What do you think? And while you’re at it, give the four, flat, all left handed turns of this week’s Fast Lap some thought. Remember your answers are limited to 100 words or less. But come on back and defend your position later in the week. Defense is unlimited.

1. What happened to the boos when the Shrub won? Are California fans truly more mature than the rest of NASCAR Nation?

2. David Gilliland turned one good Busch Series finish into a full time Cup ride. Can he turn one good Cup finish into a career?

3. Does the future of the Wood Brothers lie in Marcos Ambrose’s hands?

4. Juan Pablo Montoya is quoted in the London Times saying that NASCAR is better than F1. On Sunday’s Wind Tunnel, Scott Speed said that NASCAR is much easier than F1. Who is right?

We have plans for the best responses. What those plans are, I can’t say. Trust me. Would I lie to you?  O, and listen to the live streaming broadcast of ON PIT ROW Tuesday from 5-7 pm edt.   It’s good for you and trans fat free.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc.

Wasn’t it just a week ago that much of the NASCAR world was ready to concede the 2008 version of the Sprint Cup pre-season championship to Kyle Busch?  Kyle finished dead last in Sunday’s Pocono 500.  Busch the Younger’s points lead now is only 21 over steady Jeff Burton.

Here’s a question for you.  Most of the descriptions of the Shrub have been along the lines of  spectacular, dominating or fabulous.  But I just called his closest challenger, steady Jeff.  Does that mean that spectacular is over-rated?  Tortoise and the hare re-visited?

Ponder that and while at it, give us your take on four high banked, Michigan-made Fast Lap questions.  We’ll keep an eye on the weather maps heading into the first race weekend at MIS this year.

1.  Was Kyle Busch’ “doing the triple” taking on too much considering the results?

2.  Will we see airconditioning in Cup cars any time soon?

3.  Granted it’s his sponsor; but is it bad form for Kasey Kahne to be drinking a Bud during his post race interview?

4.  McMurray and Bowyer say they are staying with their respective teams.  Will there be less movement than originally thought?

It’s supposed to be hotter than Kasey Kahne this weekend in the Irish Hills.  The ON PIT ROW Pit Crew will be busy with the ARCA RE/MAX Series race on Friday and NASCAR the rest of the time.  Throw your wittiest answers in the comment section here and I might just bring you something nice from the track**.

** Another bald-faced lie.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc.

The contrast between Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway couldn’t be much greater.  The tight concrete confines of the Monster Mile are nothing like the wide, flat turns and long, engine eating straights at the Green Giant.

It probably won’t matter to Kyle Busch though.  The Shrub is putting his stamp on the early third of the Sprint Cup marathon.  Make no mistake though,  there is a long way to go. 

Remember that this Sunday too when, after 400 miles or so, you are thinking that ‘ so-and-so has this thing sewn up.  The Pocono races are 500 mile endurance tests, and there will be plenty of bitching about that this and next week.  The complaints will come from the boredom that many will suffer.  Just remember, it ain’t over ’til the fat lady says it’s over - or something like that.

And this ain’t over either.  Try out the Fast Lap questions and win valuable prizes*.

1.  Half way through the “regular season” can anyone catch Kyle Busch?

2.  Is it time for NASCAR to stop giving points at the bottom of the grid, thus keeping broken race cars off the track?

3.  Tony Stewart seemed to take the blame for the early race wreck - or was he just ragging on Elliott Sadler?

4.  Who will win the 2009 Rookie of the Year; Joey Logano, Scott Speed, Brad Kesolowski or someone else?

That’s it.  If we like what you have to say you may win a new car, or something**.  Runners up  might just get a shot to share the fame and fortune afforded the co-hosts of ON PIT ROW.  The possibilities seem limitless, don’t you think?  

* This is an exaggeration.  ** This one is an out-and-out lie.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc

Darlington just might be my favorite race track in the world. Or maybe it’s Richmond. Both are traditional and unique in their own ways. But the Track Too Tough to Tame is quirkier, which gives Darlington the edge in my mind.

There was a lot to like about Saturday’s Dan Lowry 400 from Richmond International Raceway though.  I liked the way it looked - Richmond under the lights just looks good.  The Speed Racer #43 with the newly re-upped Bobby Labonte at the wheel was spiffy.

Richmond was heartbreaking too.  What else could you call Nationwide race winner, Denny Hamlin’s flat tire after leading the Sprint Cup race all night and getting almost within sight of sweeping his home town weekend.

And the disappointment of Green Nation and Dale Earnhardt Jr himself was palpable.  So close they both were to ending the winless streak at two years, only.  Now it goes on, with Kyle Busch a target to transfer the frustration to.  Racing deal or not, the Shrub took out NASCAR’s most popular driver.

Next up Darlington.  Newly paved and soft-walled the old Lady will be different than before.  While waiting to see, try testing your NASCAR chops on these four newly paved Fast Lap questions.

1.  Was NASCAR’s two lap penalty to Denny Hamlin adequate for stopping on the track to bring out his own caution?

2.  Is Kyle Busch’s style similar to Earnhardt Sr’s?

3.   Will Joey Logano’s domination of the ARCA Carolina 500K vault him into a full time Cup ride before the end of 2009?

4.  Kyle vs Junior or Kyle vs Steven?

All loyal Kyle Busch apologists are saying Rubbin’ is Racin’ this week.  It is.  And the Fast Lap is about rubbin’ too.  Rubbin’ other NASCAR  commentors the wrong way.  Rubbin’ your superior NASCAR knowledge in the faces of your friends.  Bring it on.  We’re planning a new Fast Lap podcast for the new OnPitRadio Page at OnPitRow.com.  We need you more than ever.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc.

The NASCAR traveling carnival is heading next to Richmond International Raceway.  The Richmond folks advertise “Racin’ perfection” and I can’t say I argue that.  The racing at RIR is, year after year, some of the best action and - important to me, best looking racing - on the circuit.

But Richmond this time has one, tough act to follow.  The Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Super Speedway was one exciting spectacle.  Kyle Busch’s performance was breathtaking.  Just ask Darrell Waltrip, who had to be reminded to “breathe Darrell” by broadcast partner Larry McReynolds during the race.

That was one wild race.  It seems that Jimmy Johnson may be right - Talladega is indeed the ultimate New Car track.  Second place finisher Juan Pablo Montoya was quoted saying restrictor plate racing is the best racing he’s ever done.  Maybe NASCAR should plate-up a couple more venues - California for one - that need a bit of excitement.

Richmond’s Fast Laps will be of a different nature, for sure, but exciting none-the-less.  While you wait for them, let us know what you think of these four flat lefties.

1.  With 52 lead changes among 20 drivers, will fans finally embrace restrictor plate racing?

2.  Was Joe Nemechek’s pole more surprising than Kyle Busch’s win?

3.  Joe Gibbs says that Tony Stewart will be with Joe Gibbs Racing throughout his contract.  What are the odds of that happening?

4.  Has Joe Gibbs Racing taken over as the restrictor plate kings or are they just taking advantage of extra Toyota horsepower.

I have some pretty strong opinions on some of those questions, how about you?  The Fast Lap is all about opinions.  There are no right or wrong ones.  Well, except for maybe Steve’s.  Let us know what you think.  We want to argue with you.  We have plans for the best of the Fast Lap and want you to be part of it all.

Remember to check out the verbal version on the Fast Lap every week ON PIT ROW.  You can listen to the live stream here at 5pm EDT or the re-broadcast at RaceTalkRadio on Thursdays at 7pm.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc.

Scott Pruett wasn’t able to hold off a hard charging Kyle ” the Shrub ” Busch in the closing stages of the Corona Mexico 200, but at least this year he didn’t whine about it. 

Pruett finished third, passed by the “Australian Turtle” (man, I loved those old Busch Series commercials) , Marcos Ambrose.  Ambrose claimed he just needed a few more laps to run down Rowdy.   Yeah, and I only need a few hairs to be a bear.

It was Busch the Younger’s first road course win and third consecutive Nationwide Series win and he did it on the track - not ON PIT ROW.  Whew, I was tryin’ to figure out how to get that link in there.

Next weekend the Cupsters take to the high banks ofTalladega Super Speedway and a return there of the New Car.  Well, kind of a return.  The last time there it was called theCoT, among other less complimentary things.  Jimmy Johnsonsays ‘Dega is the perfect CoT/NC track. I guess we’ll see Sunday.  While awaiting that verdict, try on these fast, highly banked Fast Lap questions.

1.  Chevy has pulled the new Camaro (and, incidentally, the Corvette) from contention as bodies for NASCAR competition.  Does that kill the “Pony Car” Nationwide Series?

2.  Do you like the “foreign” trips the the Nationwide Series is making?

3.  Danica Patrick won an Indy Car race, finally.  Will NASCAR see a competitve female driver in the next 5 years?

4.  Jimmy Johnson says that Talladega is the “perfect” track for the New Car.  Is that a good thing?

This is the Fast Lap so remember you get 100 words or less to answer each of these debate topics.  But make sure you come back often to defend your positions and slam the hell out of every other idiot (yes Steve will be answering too) who gets it wrong.  We just might use your best stuff on the next ON PIT ROW radio type program.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc.

With Richard Childress Racing taking the top three spots at 2008’s first short tracker at Bristol, do you expect Chevy domination at legendary Martinsville Speedway this week? 

Maybe a better question is, can Jeff Burton actually string together multiple wins - something missing from his career so far - and put some kind of RCR stamp on the early Race to the Chase for the first Sprint Cup Championship?

Last year, the first Martinsville finish was a scene that turned ominous for non-Chevy, non-Hendrick competitors as Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon went one-two in a Car of Tomorrow tour du’force.  Can they do it again - at Martinsville or anywhere - in 2008?

 While we wait for the answer, bang fenders with your fellow internetters through the following flat, drag-strip connected Fast Laps and we might just put your opinions on  a future edition of ON PIT ROW.

1. Which Hendrick Motorsport driver will kick their “slump” quicker - Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon or Casey Mears?

2. Should Aric Almirola get more DEI seat time after his eighth place finish in the Food City 500?

3. Kyle Busch was the biggest positive surprise of the first five races.  Who will shine over the next six, leading to Charlotte?

4. Whose fortunes will turn downward before Memorial Day?

Go fast - you only have a hundred words to use - turn left and slap fenders with your playmates.  The Fast Lap blog is blogging’s version of short track racing.  Play rough.

Chevrolet is on the Sprint Cup board thanks to a last lap, Fast Lap by Jeff Burton at Bristol Motor Speedway.  Burton has been lurking in the Cup shadows.  Jeff never seems to dominate a Cup race, though he often stomps the Nationwide Series competition.  He won this one though and led a Childress phalanx of himself, Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer to Chevy’s first win of 2008.

The early laps were a Toyota story with Tony Stewart leading the most and Denny Hamlin taking the sloppy seconds.  Those two couldn’t close the deal though - which is getting repetitive for all but Kyle Busch in the Toyota camp - as Stewart got bumped by Harvick and Hamlin had fuel pick-up problems at the end.

The Cupsters will take a break for Easter this week and we’ll have to find our Fast Laps elsewhere.  Nashvillle Super Speedway seems an OK place as the Nationwide Series camps out in the land of the Grand Ol’ Opry.  ‘Course if you are afflicted with insomnia, you could opt for the Formula One race in Malaysia.  Tune in at 2:30 am edt Sunday morning.

I have a Fast Lap option to help tide you over to the weekend.  Take these four fast ones flat out and maybe we’ll put you ON PIT ROW!

1.  The tire test at Darlington saw speeds over 200 mph. What should NASCAR do about that?

2.  Was Harvick getting into Stewart a “racing thing” or retaliation for a similar incident at Indy in 2007?

3.  Is Sam Hornish at his best with his back against the wall?

4.  Has Richard Childress Racing taken over as the number one Chevy team?

Four fast little gems to ponder and pontificate over. This is the Fast Lap - NASCAR debate in the digital world.  Wade on in and be prepared to defend your position  and counter-attack as you see fit.  Just remember, only 100 words or less, per comment.  ON PIT ROW speed limit strictly enforced.  Or not. 

The pump has been primed.  Kyle Busch won the Kobalt Tools 500 and grabbed the first win for Toyota in Sprint Cup Series competition.  That should have been the biggest story ON PIT ROW in Atlanta, but it wasn’t.

Like an old Paul Simon song, those New Cars were slip-slidin’ away, all day long and a cadre of drivers led by Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and  Dale Earnhardt Jr let loose on Goodyear for bringing an inadequate tire to the party.

Smoke didn’t complain - he attacked Goodyear and in the end did everything but blame the California weather on the Akron tire maker.  Tony was pretty hot for someone who actually finished second to his rowdy teammate, Kyle Busch.

On Monday, several drivers, current and former, stepped up to defend Goodyear.  Michael and Darrell Waltrip along with Ryan Newman praised Goodyear for erring on the side of safety with the Atlanta tire compound.  It seems kind of funny that Stewart and Gordon, the drivers most recently involved in hard crashes, would be the ones on the flip-side of that argument.

The first Bristol race of 2008 is on tap and it’s a near certainty that heads will be hot in the post-race pits on Sunday.  Goodyear could use the diversion of some hotly contested Fast Laps.  Let these four high-banked testers divert you for a few hundred words.

1.  Is Tony Stewart’s criticism of Goodyear justified?

2.  Now that Toyota has it’s first win, are Jack Roush’s worst fears set to come true?

3.  Was Kyle Busch the right guy to get Toyota’s first win?

4.  Was the #99 team of Carl Edwards, guilty of premeditated down-force addition?

Four Fast turns and you get 100 words or less to respond.  Of course, you can use as many words as you want to put your fellow commenters into the wall.  The Fast Lap blog is about NASCAR debate.  Bring your best and we may use it on our next show.

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc.

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