Ron Thornton

617 POSTS
19 COMMENTS
A former radio and television broadcaster, newspaper columnist, Little League baseball coach, Ron Thornton has been following NASCAR on this site since 2004. While his focus may have changed over recent years, he continues to make periodic appearances only when he has something to say. That makes him a rather unique journalist.

The Final Word – Here is hoping Chicago can top Richmond’s WatchingPaintDry 400

Ron Thornton -
You know you have a problem when the most exciting action at the track was the shirtless guy parked upon the top of the fence on turn four. Richmond was to excitement what Rusty Wallace is to broadcasting. In fact, I think I broke my fast forward button.

Hot 20 – Long Term Product Branding Works on the Range, but Holds Little Appeal for NASCAR

Ron Thornton -
I had hoped to announce the NASCAR Ron Thornton series, but I came up about $200 million short. Instead, the former Busch series and soon to be former Nationwide series shall be the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the next 10 years. Oh, so close.

The Final Word – A Kahne-Do Spirit Trumps a Fast Car, a Fast Pit Crew, and Two Brats at Atlanta

Ron Thornton -
Atlanta was a race we thought would be decided by a driver who had a great car, one who had a great pit crew, or one who was simply too desperate for victory to be denied. In the end, it was decided by two guys who turned their high-powered machines into bumper cars to force a green-white-checker...or two.

Hot 20 – Atlanta’s Final Fall Race as it Springs to the Spring…er…Winter…in 2015

Ron Thornton -
In 2015, the Atlanta 500 makes its return. Well, sort of. That was the name of the early season race in Atlanta before they pimped out the brand to the sponsors. In 2010, they lost that date, while what once was the season finale in Cup got moved to where we find it today.

The Final Word – It was just another whiny ass Saturday night at Bristol

Ron Thornton -
We learned a lot at Bristol on Saturday night. We learned that there might be some bashed fenders. Okay, we already knew that. Kyle Busch learned it as well as anyone else.

Hot 20 – How bad did you have it, and wouldn’t NASCAR fans love to have it again?

Ron Thornton -
Where is the passion? That is one area I have heard presented as to why NASCAR is not as red hot as it once was. There was a time a few members of my family would gather for some of the big races, or any race, to cheer and sneer at our favorites.

The Final Word – All the World’s a Stage, as we Close the Curtain on Michigan

Ron Thornton -
A curmudgeon. An old fart who sits in the wings like a Muppet and mocks those upon the stage. In this case, for me that includes the three in the booth and the three on the desk offered up by ESPN. I am sure even a certain green talking frog would not have been safe from my sarcasm.

Hot 20 – After the Week We’ve Had, We Could Use a Little Good News From Michigan

Ron Thornton -
The news of late has been enough to make a clown cry. In fact, we just lost one of our most treasured entertainers, by his own hand. We have the tragedy involving Kevin Ward Jr. and Tony Stewart still on our minds. We have Martin Truex Jr.’s girlfriend facing health challenges.

The Lynching of Tony Stewart

Ron Thornton -
The references to the “hot head” Tony Stewart really burn me, as though his past demonstrations of temperament have any more to do with the events of last weekend than whether or not he takes a morning tinkle upon awakening or if his facial stubble is the result of a poor razor.

The Final Word – Tragedy in New York

Ron Thornton -
Watkins Glen might have hosted the action on Sunday, but it was Saturday night at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park a hundred miles away that drew our attention.
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The 19-year-old Zilisch from Charlotte, North Carolina, posted a pole-winning lap at 88.398 mph at COTA in 97.740 seconds, which was enough for him to claim his first O'Reilly pole position of the 2026 season.

Connor Mosack awarded inaugural Truck pole at St. Petersburg

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CHEVROLET NCS AT CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS: Shane van Gisbergen Media Availability Quotes

Official Release -
Shane van Gisbergen, driver of the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet and the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of running double-duty in the NASCAR Cup and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series at Circuit of The Americas.

McLaughlin Jumps to Top of Opening Practice at St. Pete

Official Release -
Scott McLaughlin showed the speed that has earned him two prior poles at this event, leading the first practice Friday for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

TOYOTA RACING – NOAPS COTA Quotes – Brent Crews – 02.27.26

Official Release -
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brent Crews was made available to the media on Friday prior to his NASCAR O’Reilly Parts Series debut this weekend at Circuit of Americas in Austin, Texas.

Tiger Tari Preps for VP Racing Challenge Start at Circuit of the Americas

Official Release -
Tiger Tari and Star Spangled Racing's second IMSA VP Racing Challenge GSX class start comes this weekend at Circuit of the Americas, where the championship runs in conjunction with the NASCAR Cup Series race at the track.
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