The voting begins, and there is nary a Trump, Cruz, Clinton, or Sanders to be found. Of course, I am referring to NASCAR’s all-star event coming up in May. While Danica Patrick and that neat gimmick of her’s attracts lots of interest, my pick based on performance would be A.J. Allmendinger. It is not easy for teams to gain relevance. Stewart-Haas picked up a star and that worked for them. Furniture Row had Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr. to allow them to turn the corner. A.J. is doing it for JTG Daughterty. That is great to see.
With the pipes on Chase Elliott, I am wondering if the guy can sing. We have had Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, and Josh Turner, to name a few, but if Chase can sing, we got another potential star on our hands. If not, broadcasting is in his future, but we might have to wait a long, long time. That is a hell of a lot of Boogity-Boogity-Boogities we might have yet to endure in the meantime.
A three-part series on NASCAR is coming to CMT next month. It looks good. Now, will it show up north of the line? Sometimes I fear that somebody built a wall on the wrong damn border.
This Saturday night, the boys and girl head west. The way I hear it, if you are going to play in Texas, you got to have a Biffle in the band. That may be true, and it may be a fact this weekend, but sadly such edicts do not include our Hot 20. Greg sits 16 points shy. Maybe the following week.
1. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 2 WINS – 216 PTS
Three straight at Texas, five of the past seven. Jimmie does not share easily, except for tweets.
2. KEVIN HARVICK – 1 WIN – 220 PTS
Still stands tall, despite less than stellar finish last week.
3. KYLE BUSCH – 1 WIN – 215 PTS
After winning a Cup and truck grandfather clock last week, he should never be late ever again.
4. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 1 WIN – 178 PTS
Took some time off in Birmingham to see some humpy backed camels and some chimpanzees.
5. DENNY HAMLIN – 1 WIN – 172 PTS
Collected a win at Daytona and a wall at Martinsville. Still, he had a better day than Almirola.
6. CARL EDWARDS – 206 PTS
When one struggles and still places in the Top Ten, you know you are having a good season.
7. JOEY LOGANO – 196 PTS
11th is not bad, but it sucks when you had hopes of finishing first.
8. AUSTIN DILLON – 176 PTS
A small issue with teammate Menard, but I understand he has connections with the ownership.
9. KURT BUSCH – 176 PTS
Must have the odd Jan Brady moment hearing how wonderful Kyle was…Kyle, Kyle, Kyle.
10. DALE EARNHARDT JR. – 172 PTS
Junior loves banana and mayo sandwiches. I prefer tuna and sandwich spread. Discuss.
11. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 150 PTS
Other than for that loose wheel and speeding penalty, Martinsville was great. Just great.
12. A.J. ALLMENDINGER – 147 PTS
What Kurt and Truex did for Furniture Row, A.J. is doing for Daugherty.
13. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 143 PTS
For Jamie, the STP 500 stood for Stupid Tire Problem.
14. MATT KENSETH – 140 PTS
Does not always take the high road, but when he does, he loses a lot of spots late in a race.
15. RYAN BLANEY – 132 PTS
Not David Pearson just yet, but at one time even Pearson was not that David Pearson.
16. CHASE ELLIOTT – 131 PTS
Jeff who?
17. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 128 PTS
Sunday he was undone when he got spun.
18. KASEY KAHNE – 128 PTS
I think he needs to get All-State back as a sponsor. He was in good hands back then.
19. RYAN NEWMAN – 126 PTS
According to the Internet, Newman is a driver, an actress, and manager of the minor league Birmingham Barons. Busy guy.
20. KYLE LARSON – 125 PTS
Along with Dillon, Blaney, and Elliott, the kids are making their presence known, with more great talent on the horizon.
21. PAUL MENARD – 125 PTS
Should Dillon and Menard have issues, I am sure Paul would retain the support of his sponsor.
