The Economy “I’m Innocent”

HammerHands received an exclusive e-mail from The Economy and he is tired of taking the blame for everything. While admitting he has been a little weak lately he assured me he has been working harder than ever to stay in shape.Here is the NASCAR related part of The Economy’s E-Mail.

Mr. HammerHands,

Let me start by thanking you for sharing my side of the story. The media has been killing me and all that Negative Nellie talk has done is make people lose confidence in my ability. No one remembers all my good years. I rebounded faster than anyone ever expected after the tragedy of 9/11 and by comparison NASCAR was hardly impacted at all. When I’m on my “A” game everyone is a financial genius and the money flows like ***#%. [Ed. Note- Was lots of curse words before he finally said MONEY!! The Economy loves his cash to flow]

He continues:

I will be contributing several billion dollars next year as usual to NASCAR’s pie and I really have no say in how that is divided up. My investment in this fine sport has not changed or wavered for decades. Sure I’m having a hard time right now but if you take a closer look at NASCAR there are quite a few happy people. They won’t admit it, but I bet they smile when they deposit one of those big checks My Economy provided them.

Here’s the bottom line, hey I’m a money guy I’m all about the bottom line. I’m giving more money next year to NASCAR just like always. How the people spend is not up to me. I apologize to the fans for the other part of my job not being up to par that may have put a squeeze on you but I’m not the goat here I’m the scapegoat. Those running and participating in NASCAR need to figure a way to slow the spending and stop asking me for ways to find more. As much as I like NASCAR I do have other things to fix right now.

Respectfully Yours
The Economy

WOW! What an exclusive, it’s not often The Economy feels the need to explain himself. He also agreed to answer a few questions and respond here if you have an opinion please comment.

October- Fire Prevention Month

I thought of all kinds of smart ass witty comments to make about the fire involving the Billy Ballew Motorsports Craftsmen Truck hauler but after spending 20 years in the fire safety industry it is a serious subject with me. This most recent fire is one of four race car team haulers that have gone ablaze this season that I’m aware of. Wayne Taylor Racing’s Grand-Am team started the BBQing last May followed by JTG Daugherty in June. Penske’s IRL hauler melted down in August and the #51 team is #4.

Before any of you start thinking “Oh, they’re just torching some old junk for the insurance cash” I can assure you this happens several times a day along our nations highways. Why does it happen? I put the lion’s share of blame on the Feds. Without debating all the laws in place that are intended to “protect us” the one governing fire protection for our over the road interstate trucking industry is pathetic. All that is required is what amount to 2.5 pounds of baking soda in a pressurized soda can, retail value under $20. If I have to wear my helmet to ride my Harley, or hook up the seat belt to go down the block to check the mail, … “Oops sorry, no debating”, logic would tell you the Feds made sure you had a fire extinguisher in your 80,000 pound rig that could, you know, put out a fire.

Sadly nothing could be further from the truth, your local one chair barbershop most likely is required to have at least two and a half times the fire extinguishing power of the average semi. That brings us to the second biggest problem, US. Bad stuff happens to other people works real good for most of us until we are the other guy. If any NASCAR owners want to contact HammerHands please do, I can make sure you never lose another hauler. For the rest of US regular folks HH recommends a fire extinguisher in every level of your home and garage. If your fire extinguisher DOES NOT have a rubber hose it is not adequate for all but the smallest of fires. It is clock change time for most of us this weekend so that means it’s time for new batteries in your Smoke Detectors. Please also take a few minutes to protect your loved ones and prized possessions by visiting this site for a little education on fire, fire extinguishers and how to operate one. Fireextinguisher.com

OK I have to get at least one attempt per post at humor, DR’s orders as part of my anger management therapy. For those that haven’t heard, Jeremy Mayfield is considering buying into the Billy Ballew team and drive the #15 next year. Could the trucks have caught wind of this story and chose to spontaneously combust to avoid the slow burn that seemed to follow JM for most of his Cup career?

The Rainmaker starring Brian France

Now every town wants a NASCAR race. Well not actually the race, qualifying will do. Drought stricken communities worldwide are clamoring to get in on the rain that follows them every place. Are nine rain outs of qualifying a lot for less than a full season you ask? By a long shot.  (See Chart) It is tough enough watching the go or go home teams miss their opportunity to make a race due to weather but now the Chase leader gets the best pit stall handed to him based on points. It has been suggested that the Chase drivers draw their starting positions from a hat and set the rest of the field by points. What’s next, should a race get completely rained out does NASCAR just hand out the points based on owner standings?

Television and the big money that comes with it is a big part of the problem. Weekends now days are tightly choreographed productions and admittedly there is very little wiggle room in the schedule, but it must be found. During the regular season go or go homers should get a shot to make the field even if they have to stay over until Saturday, I’m sure they all would. Surely they could squeeze in 8- 10 cars for a lap or two and give them a shot at qualifying. It could get interesting if practice was a washout too but it beats loading up and heading home. Only the transport drivers get much experience from the wasted weekend and not many of them need the practice.

The same should be done for drivers in the Chase. HammerHands says wait as long as possible to at least allow the Chasers to qualify, even if it has to be done at 8A.M. on race day. I’m aware some time is needed to layout a pit stall but in the interest of fairness a change is necessary. Without the carrot of the “Shootout” the prestige of earning the pole still remains and every attempt should be made to make sure that effort determines pit selection. As a last resort a draw would set the top 12.

The rain outs have been great for Jimmy Johnson lately but RacinRumors hasn’t been able to confirm that the pic below was seen on the screen of a laptop in the 48 hauler. If we want to end these silly rain disruptions all of NASCAR Nation needs to apply rule #6.

GM’s Parade of Progress

What does the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile have to do with NASCAR or General Motors you ask? This marketing miracle from my youth is still going strong 72 years after the first one went on tour in 1936. HammerHands was searching the area events looking for something non- racin’ to do with Mrs. HH and saw this cool ride was touring one of the local grocery chain’s stores. I considered going but feared the disappointment if I couldn’t secure a Wienerwhistle that was a prized possesion of mine some four decades ago.

That got me thinking about a similar tour that began the same year by GM called the Parade of Progress. I was 12 maybe14 years old when I saw the first pics of this in the family photo album. There were a few others that included my Dad and me in a stroller. What caught my eye was pics of Chevys. Dad bled Ford blood blue in oval splats much like Jack Roush today and would never take a picture in front of one of them sumbitches. Mom confirmed later that not only did it happen, it was evidently a big deal. “Dad and all his Ford dealer buddies did thier own parade on the way out there ( San Bernadino,Ca -1956 ) we had the ‘55 then, and we all parked together and stood around to gather the troops” She never said so and to a man they wouldn’t admit it but I’m sure those Ford guys came away impressed.

For many readers the difficult economic time we are experiencing today is alarming, much as it was in the 1930’s when the world tried to rebound from the Great Depression. General Motors did it’s part to invigorate America by launching the Parade of Progress tour in 1936. For those who never got the chance to see this traveling show or sleep, pee and cry thru it like me here’s some video.

Rather than read some more sappy memories of mine enjoy some pics and stories from the hard working volunteers at FUTURELINER.com and have a little faith in mankind.

Is Scott Up To Speed

Should this door slammer racin’ not work out for Scott Speed and he has to turn to a life of crime cat burglar or pickpocket is off the list. Home invasion and mugging are more his style evidently. Discretion never was part of his personality and he showed none by deliberately wrecking Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and both of their chance at the ARCA Series title Sunday at Toledo Speedway for one reason. “Honestly, it’s just ARCA, that’s just how it is.” For every other competitor it’s not just ARCA but a way of life or way to the top.

Not many racers can burn a bridge like Scott Speed. When he was on the brink of his mutual firing from the Toro Rosso F1 team he shared his frustration, “As far as my future in F1 is concerned, you couldn’t pay me enough money to race for those two people again. If it was with a different team, that would be great, but I would also like to do something else with Red Bull, even if it was outside F1.”  Despite the fact his situation was less than ideal it is never a good idea to bash your current or former boss in the media.

Peter Windsor, British F1 television commentator and knowledgeable insider was asked about Speed’s chippy (Webster describes as: aggressively belligerent; marked by much fighting) reputation. “I liked him very much,” Windsor says. “Some thought him cocky, a bit arrogant, but a driver should not be judged on his behavior outside the car. He’s perhaps not quite self-critical enough, but I put that down to Red Bull’s poor coaching. They should have taught him the benefit of tough self-assessment. Instead, they just shout and scream and demand results—a very difficult group. But he should definitely still be on the team.”  Well this is NASCAR and everything you do on or off track is judged and vital to your ability to remain at the top level.

Jay Frye has done a remarkable job bringing the Red Bull team forward and somewhat temper the heat from an impatient owner who still shouts and screams and demands results. I believe he lobbied hard to keep A.J. Almindinger in the car not only because he deserved it so as not have to deal with Speed full time next season.

“Formula One was always my dream, always way above NASCAR,” he told USA Today. “In my mind, I have accomplished what I’m going to in my life. This [stock car racing] is a personal challenge. If I don’t make it, I wouldn’t feel any worse than if I did, honestly. I did absolutely nothing in F1, but I’m 1,000 per cent satisfied. It’s like going to college of the world. I never went to college, but I know a lot because I had the opportunity to live in Europe and travel the world.”

This doesn’t sound like a young gun looking to make his mark in NASCAR. His apparent disrespect for stock car racing has his future in doubt before it begins.

Ultimate Collectible

Forget your autographed die cast collections or the 10 year old #3 shirt you bought at Daytona. You want to own the “Ultimate Collectible” round up $4.9 Million and buy your very own NASCAR drivers house on the shores of Lake Norman. The MLS describes the home, Gorgeous estate on almost an acre of land. Fabulous house for entertaining. Master Suite on main w/3 walk-in closets. Master BA w/Jacuzzi tub, steam shower & gas fireplace. Eat-in kitchen w/gas fireplace, custom cabinets, Viking appliances & beautiful view of the lake. Lower level has a 2nd kitchen, eat-in area, gas logs, living area, pool room & theater! The details in this house are exquisite!

RacinRumors won’t spill the beans on who’s palace place this is but it doesn’t seem to be the right house for a young bachelor race car driver. Your potential new next door neighbor is a fairly famous guy in NASCAR circles too. For lots more pics and a cool virtual tour (full screen and 3D recommended )click on the beach below.

If one of you readers buys this beauty thanks to my hot tip I hope you let HammerHands camp here sometime.

Give Me A Brake (check)

I know things can get heated sometimes among family and friends. After you read all the crap Kyle is going to take for doing his job, “Jeff got up to my bumper and I went, I have a race to win…”   Dale Jarrett  rightfully defended Kyle’s restarts.

Sure it’s a shame some good cars got tore up at the end because some others may have wanted  that one last pass to perhaps get a top 5. Being at HOME in the rain and what should have been a 2 hour cruise that turned into a midnight marathon put everyone on edge.

Think what you want, it was over before it started. During the red flag Kenny Wallace acknowledged the 18 “owned the field … It’s like they have a 430 Gurty in there” (I inserted this quote from “Herman” for all you fellow dirt clods)

Future Senator/Diplomat /Retired Race Car Driver Jeff Burton summed it up best “They’re just bitchinfast “

Roush - A Plane Legend

Jack Roush recently completed his third restoration of the WWII classic P-51 fighter. (left). This second incarnation of  “Old Crow”  is perhaps the finest example of the breed flying or on display anywhere in the world. (project pics) Constant air travel is not unusual for successful businessmen like Roush, but few aspire to move from the cabin to the front seat with the zeal and passion of the Cat in the Hat. More than a decade ago he finished his first fully restored P-51 (see pics) named in honor of WWII pilot C.E.(Bud) Anderson and the fanatic in the man emerged, again!
From passenger to pilot was like all things Roush does, a full on charge to be the best. I’m not sure if he could fly the space shuttle but he is certified to fly most anything with wings. If the car business was a little stronger and Jack was a little younger not only could he pilot a space shuttle, he could probably buy his own.

If one is good then two is obviously better so Jack fished a two seater out of a Florida lake and set to bringing another relic of the past back to flight. “Gentleman Jim” was chosen in memory of Cpt. Jim Browning who served and died for our freedom. With a two seater one could easily fantasize about what hero could be sitting behind you critiquing your skills and I have no doubt Jack has before. Yes even our idols, icons and legends have heroes. “Gentleman Jim” pics

When you have rare twins like this, pictures and video are the first thing a proud parent owner wants to share. The top plane is the first “Old Crow” (now sold), the middle one the two place “Gentleman Jim”. Bringing up the rear at the bottom is one of Roush Racing’s work trucks jets.

Dream for a second, what if you could have anything you wanted and it came true. That would be a miracle to most of us, do it twice and I’m thinking some damn hard work was involved. The only way this picture could be more impressive is if those two fighters were tucked under each wing of one of the team 727’s. Yeah he has a couple of those behemoths too. For more pictures of the Fantasy Flight click on Jacks Trio to the right. There is also a video link of this memorable pair flying in formation.

In the video below Roush talks candidly about his love of flying and admiration for the smart and brave men that made this plane fly.

Is Kyle Mining a GEM

It appears Kyle is on the way out of the Petty Enterprises team for the second and most likely last time in his career. After the 1984 season Kyle moved from the underperforming family team to join, what was at the time a powerhouse, the Wood Bros. organization. Even then a 24 year old Kyle could see the future and it didn’t look very bright. “Sometimes it’sbetter to close the doors on a place and move on,” he says. “It might be that time and they can make Petty Enterprises into a museum.” Keep in mind he said this 25 seasons ago and despite the famous name the team has since then been well south of struggling, they have been downright awful. (Ed note: HH will have more in another post soon just how bad) After a dozen years as a carpetbagger (4 at Wood Bros. and 8 with Felix Sabates) Kyle returned home and the landscape hadn’t changed much. A season and a half later in April of 1999 he admitted the obvious, “We race for a living. We don’t own car dealerships. We don’t sell radios or hair dryers or anything else. We race for a living, that’s where our money comes from. Obviously, we’ve got to bring ourself up to where we’re back on the cutting edge. It’s a long road…. Our plan is to build over the next four or five years.” That four or five year window has been shuttered closed and perhaps forever.

Patti is Pissed!
Patti Petty, like the majority of NASCAR wives, is not one to blow off steam when she has an itch to scratch and a reporter is looking for a story. (Mike Mulhern-Winston Salem Journal) Last weekend at Kansas she finally said what we’ve all known for a while, Petty Enterprises have no use for Kyle any longer. “Maybe I’m the only one here willing to tell the truth. They haven’t wanted Kyle in the car the last three years. They want a young driver, a 30-year-old, a 20-year-old. They told him at Watkins Glen, right when he was standing there in his driver’s suit, that they didn’t want him in the car.” She continues “Wells Fargo, our sponsor, says it’s going to stay with Kyle, whatever he does, I wish Chip Ganassi (a fellow Dodge team owner) would take a look at us. He’s got a 12-race sponsorship deal for next year that would be a perfect part-time schedule for Kyle. And Kyle could help mentor a young driver.”

Kyle’s Take
Other than his scheduled TV weekends whenever he was asked Kyle stepped out of the car without much of a beef however his feelings haven’t changed on the subject. “I told them I’ll do whatever it takes to make this team better,’‘ he said at the time. “They felt it was me being out of the car and somebody else being in it. If that’s the way they feel, then that’s their option, because they run the place. Do I think I’m the problem? No, I don’t think I’m the problem, but I’m pretty arrogant on that side…I think we have problems, but I don’t think Kyle Petty is the problem.’‘ When asked if that meant leaving the family team without hesitation he replied “Oh yeah. Even though you think I make a living running my mouth, I try to make a living driving. And if there’s no place for me here, then you’d have to go someplace else.”

Kyle and GEM 2009 Mini Tour
George Gillett, Jr. the G in GEM is a very smart man and a born promoter/entrepreneur. He could do something special, not to mention profitable with a 12 race deal for Kyle in 2009. It also could help them raise some cash for a development driver for a few races that would bring the team closer to the 4 teams that will be necessary to survive sooner than most fans think. If done right this mini-retirement tour could go on for several season until Kyle gets tired of it.

The Smoking Gun(Tuesday 9-30-08)
HH has been able to confirm this much. Kyle’s personal 4 seat Lancair was seen at the airport near Nashville Speedway along with a crew plane from GEM. The fact that GEM was testing at Nashville isn’t news but Kyle being in town could be. No word yet if he was at the track having a look see, a semi-secret meeting or just a coincidence.
I know this for sure. If Kyle wants to race for 50 more years to keep the #45 alive I support his decision. Should the new brass at Petty Enterprises choose to go the DEI route with the car number and not allow Kyle to take it no matter where he goes I hope they take the Petty name off the door before they put the last nail in the coffin.

NASCAR’s Plane Crazy

Plain crazy over airplanes that is, perhaps the correct term is jet crazy but that title isn’t as catchy. Without the fleet of aircraft utilized by NASCAR and the teams, drivers, sponsors and even fans the sport would still be a regional attraction. Thirty something years ago there was a championship driver heading home from a race win with a reporter in tow when the driver’s wife began to complain about the size of the winners’ purse. With a stare that could melt chrome he reminded his loving spouse “We’re riding home in a private plane”.
I’m a fan of all things fast and expensive so I figured I would share some pics of the kind of planes our hero’s, owners and crews tool around in. To protect the privacy of the owners I will only be posting generic pics of the planes I know are currently in use by NASCAR Nation.
Let’s start with what I would say is the cream of the crop for a personal jet. (above) If you owned 80 some car dealerships and more than a fistful of Cup Championships you could be flying a Gulfstream 5 like Rick Hendrick does. Keep in mind this is a tool for Hendrick much like a socket set for a mechanic. Even if it is a 35+ million dollar addition to the toybox toolbox.

Click below to see the slide show of all 9 pic