The Frontstretch: Becca's Big Six : Brickyard Edition by Becca Gladden -- Tuesday August 8, 2006

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Becca's Big Six : Brickyard Edition

Becca Gladden · Tuesday August 8, 2006

 

Each week, Frontstretch Staff Writer Becca Gladden looks at the prior weekend’s NEXTEL Cup race from a reporter’s point of view, covering the “Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How” of the race, the drivers, the TV coverage, even the commercials.  Check back every Wednesday for Becca’s fun and thought-provoking commentary.

Who ... gets my shout-out of the race? This week’s award goes to Tony Raines, who finished 11th at the Brickyard for Hall of Fame Racing. It was his best finish of the season and best ever at Indy. A two-tire pit stop helped Raines get valuable track position near the end of the race, and his solid finish, despite running over a large piece of debris on the final lap, boosted the DLP Chevy from 28th to 26th in owner points.
 
What ... is AmericaSupportsYou.mil? It’s a website that was advertised during Sunday’s race, as well as during other NASCAR events, which offers people hundreds of ways to support our troops. Some of the possibilities include donating phone cards and frequent-flyer miles, sending care packages, helping facilities that treat wounded soldiers, and contributing financially to over 150 non-profit organizations that assist servicemen and their families. Please see how you can help.

When ... was the last time you saw someone enjoy their Wally’s World ride as much as actor Chris North did? Finally, someone who truly appreciated a hot lap in a real stock car with a real driver (no Wally Dallenbach jokes, please!) – a rare opportunity that most fans would do just about anything for, and which many celebrities seem to squander.

Where ... did Tony Stewart get his “Eddie Haskell” line from when taking a jab at Carl Edwards on Sunday? I humbly submit that he got it from … me. Last July in an article for The Frontstretch, I asked, “Who else besides me gets a real Eddie Haskell vibe from Kurt Busch during his interviews?” Thanks, Smoke – nice to know you read my column.

Why ... did NBC insist on devoting time at both the start and finish of Sunday’s race talking about the NFL? It was strikingly odd, inasmuch as NASCAR is competing with professional football for fans and TV viewership, particularly in the latter third of the racing season. While there may be some fans who enjoy both sports, I suspect that there are just as many who prefer their NASCAR coverage – especially on race day – to be about racing.

How ... inspiring was it to hear the uplifting comments from both Benny Parsons and Bobby Hamilton as each man faces a difficult battle with cancer? I pray for them both during their treatment and recovery. I also wonder whether anyone has recently studied the long-term health effects of exposure to the types of noxious fumes (gas, exhaust, burning rubber, etc.), that are an integral part of racing? Not to say that it’s the case with either of them, but it is a health concern which I have often wondered about – similar to that faced by firefighters exposed to dangerous fumes in the line of duty.

 

©2000 - 2008 Becca Gladden and Frontstetch.com. Thanks for visiting the Frontstretch!

 

Becca Gladden is no longer a contributor to the Frontstretch, but you can see all her past articles on herbiography and archive page.