Anonymous

Login / Create Account

There’s no sense in being disingenuous; NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Johanna Long has this observer’s attention because she’s a young woman racing in the male-dominated world of NASCAR. It was the same thing for this fan watching Tyrone Bogues at 5-foot-3 compete in the land of the giants known as the NBA, when one-handed pitcher Jim Abbott made it to the big leagues; it’s interesting to follow the exploits of someone competing on the big stage of national sports who is different than their competitors. I make no apologies.

Having said that, where Johanna Long is concerned, it’s not hard to become a fan, in this fan’s humble opinion. Racing takes confidence, racing takes focus, and being a young racer requires being teachable. The 20-year old has it, and while much attention is focused on a certain former Indy Car driver, Long takes measured steps up NASCAR’s ladder as a woman driver a little further away from the spotlight.

 
Danica Patrick is in the Daytona 500. Finally.

Years of speculation about Patrick’s skill, or lack of it, will be on full display in North America’s largest race. Sorry Indianapolis 500.

With Patrick’s announcement comes a surprising amount of winners and losers, plus some people who find themselves stuck in the middle. Here’s a breakdown, Bert Convy style.

No race. No problem.

There’s a ton going on in NASCAR. So much that several stories flew under the radar. That needs to change, hence another listing column.

 

With the season just a few short weeks away, here's a look back at the biggest off-season rumors of 2010. Some of these rumors proved to be true; others were just whispers in the wind, but all of them made the silly season that much more entertaining this year. 

1. Will Danica race stock cars?

The inches of column space dedicated to Danica make Lindsay Lohan blush. This off-season, she confirmed the rumors by joining JR Motorsports for a limited Nationwide Series run. The media sensation that is Danica Patrick even beat out "sliced bread" (not Logano, but real bread) in a very scientific poll of the "best thing since...".  Her dalliances with the NASCAR circuit will keep gossip columnists busy all season. 

In case you were wondering, "When is Danica's first race?", Danica Patrick made it official this morning, announcing that she will run her first Nationwide race on Feb. 20 at Auto Club Speedway. Patrick also will run the Feb. 6 ARCA opener at Daytona, but does ARCA really count? (Joke! It's a great series.) Patrick is skipping the Nationwide race in Daytona (which is filled with Cup regulars) for fear of complete and utter annihilation.