Sportsman of the Week Ending 11/17/2019

What is sweeter than a first championship trophy?  A second championship trophy.  One of the winningest driver on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series has come up short the past few years despite being on the very short list of top wins for each year.  This year, he left no doubt.  Kyle Busch dominated the field in winning the Ford EcoBoost 400 by 7 seconds over teammate and 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr.  Busch drove flawlessly, outdueling fellow playoff contender Kevin Harvick in several sequences in the first two stages.  But Harvick could never capture the speed over the long runs (only one non-stage yellow all race) and faded.  Then there was Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin with crucial pit crew errors (wrong tires on each side and an ill-advised aero tape applied).  By the end, it wasn't entertaining.  Kyle won, and it was another huge win for Joe Gibbs Racing.  Which dominated the year.  Congrats Kyle Busch, you're the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 2/17/2019

It was a redeeming end to a tough month for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR).  Having lost the former Super Bowl champion coach's son J.D. Gibbs to a neurological disorder just over a month prior to the season opening race, JGR managed a nearly unprecedented sweep the podium at the Daytona 500, led by prior champion Denny Hamlin.  With three major crashes in the final 20 laps, Hamlin skillfully stayed out front and let the chasers knock each other out, while holding off JGR teammates Kyle Busch and Erik Jones along with defending Cup Series Champion Joey Logano over the final Green-White-Checkered overtime finish.  Masterful use of pit stops along with execution throughout the afternoon, Hamlin's car was clean and fast.  But it was the 21-car-pileup with 10 laps to go that broke the field wide open and left a handful of other decorated veterans like Busch, Kevin Harvick and Logano as major threats to Hamlin's victory.  But Hamlin held them off and took home the trophy for his team.  And most importantly, JGR and J.D. Gibbs.  Hamlin is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week.

2018 NASCAR preview: Meet the "Ladies in Black"

There is no weekend more exciting for NASCAR fans than the Daytona 500.  Imagine for baseball fans, Opening Day and the World Series rolled into one.  Or NFL Kickoff Weekend and the Super Bowl at the same time with all teams having a chance to win the trophy.  While not necessarily intuitive, it's makes some sense that NASCAR's biggest race is its seasons' opening weekend.  On one hand. all the cars are in their best shape in terms of wrecks and wear.  On the other hand, there is no chance for teams and drivers to get a feel for new teams, new race dynamics, and in some cases, new rules.  But it is what it is, and February 18 will kickoff the 2018 NASCAR season with "The Great American Race".  Another benefit, while much of the country is digging out from inches, if not feet of snow, Daytona, Florida, will have a high of 80 degrees and clear.  God Bless America.

Follow @ladiesinblack88 on Twitter on Sundays!

For 2018, I call upon two of the most passionate, knowledgeable fans I know of in the NASCAR Blog-o-verse.  The Ladies in Black.  Meet Lexie and Kelly, founders and racing experts at the Ladies in Black Blog, which puts out great racing recaps, breaks down upcoming races, and does some insightful interviews.  While "Bulldog Babe" (Lexie from Charlotte, North Carolina @bulldogbabexo) and "Kells" (Kelly from Pocono, Pennsylvania @kellssanne) disagree (frequently) on which driver/team they want to win, they agree that NASCAR provides the excitement and thrills that no other sport does.  Just follow their Twitter accounts on Sundays (when these hard working young ladies aren't working or going to school).

We asked these two experts their thoughts for the state of NASCAR and the 2018 season.  Here are their insights.

When was the first time you got “hooked” on NASCAR?

Lexie: When I was 6. My dad had a race on and I sat down to watch, instantly got hooked.

Kells: I started watching NASCAR in 2011. I grew up around family members who were into the sport, but I never got super into it when I was younger like most fans my age did. I sat down one day with my dad who was watching a race and I just remember instantly being hooked. After that I watched almost every race since that day. I just started following the sport and it turned into a big passion. I’ve also been to every race at Pocono since my first one in August 2013, and I don’t ever intend on missing one

[Editors Note]: There's something special about a father-daughter bonding over racing 

Both of you have been to race weekends before, what is your favorite part of seeing the events live and why?

Lexie: My favorite part is being able to walk around outside of the track and see all of the different things going on. I was able to get Denny Hamlin’s autograph a few years ago during the pre-race events!

Kells: It’s really hard to pick a favorite part, because the whole day is just a blast. I think for me going up to the track on Friday and Saturday and just being in the pits and meeting drivers is the coolest part. On Sundays it’s definitely just the morning before the race when you walk around and you see all the people in their NASCAR gear and you just get super excited because you realize you’re all here for the same reason: NASCAR.

Meet Lexie. Denny Hamlin Fan.
Stylin' at Charlotte Motor Speedway

[Editors Note]: Lexie is a big Denny Hamlin fan. I mean really big.  She probably cried when she got that autograph

There’s been a lot in the media about veteran drivers not happy with NASCAR promoting younger drivers with less history of success. Do you think NASCAR is right to promote younger drivers to the next generation of fans or do you think the older drivers should get more respect?

Lexie: My opinion on this is kinda neutral. I feel like the young driver promotion is necessary, but not to the point where they worship the ground they walk on.

Kells: I absolutely 100% think young drivers need to be promoted and for two good reasons. The first is that we want this sport to grow and succeed, which means bringing in more fans. This also means younger fans, considering they are the future. I think when you have younger drivers and you promote the heck out of them and their lives, it most definitely brings in more young fans. You’re targeting that younger demographic just by bringing in drivers who are relatable in age. They’re at similar points in their lives and those young fans can now maybe relate to their struggles and maybe even their achievements outside of the sport. The second reason this should be a big push for promotion is retirement of the veterans. Many drivers I grew up watching are already retired or nearing that age very soon. For example, I’m a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan. I was also a little bit of a Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon fan. They’re no longer racing and for some people it’s like “What do I do now?”. I’ve even heard folks say “Well, once so-and-so retires I’m done watching NASCAR. I can’t find anyone else I like.” Advertising the crap out of a new, fresh face who is ready to take on the sport is perfect for older fans who are watching their driver near the end of their career. It’s a good fallback knowing that there is someone else out there when that time comes, because you don’t want to lose a fan when you lose a driver. That’s how you keep people in the sport. You need to promote drivers (of all ages really). That’s what hooks people and that’s how you expand on your demographic.

Did you like the Stage racing and what would you do to improve it?

Lexie: I love the stage racing! It makes everything a lot more entertaining and more on the edge of your seat. I honestly have no problem with the way it is now.

Kells: If you know me, you know I absolutely hated Stage Racing when it first became thing, before I even saw it in action. I believe I said, “this is really stupid.” I probably used some profanities in there too, cursing NASCAR for their dumb idea. Now, I’m a fan. I think it gives some races the entertainment that they lack and adds more strategy. However, just like with any new idea, I’m sure it could probably use some improvements. None that I personally could think of, but I’m sure others would love to give you hundreds of suggestions.

What driver that didn’t make the Chase last year do you think might break through?

Lexie: Erik Jones. I feel like with the transition from the 77 to the 20, he will be a lot stronger and more competitive. Furniture Row and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) are alliances, but I think that with the full on JGR engine power, he will be a force to be reckoned with.  

Meet Kells. Cheering for Chase Elliott and
 you'll find her at Pocono on race weekend.

Kells: Probably Joey Logano. I can’t see him not succeeding this season.

What is your favorite track and why? 

Lexie: I have two favorites, Bristol and Charlotte. Bristol is a short track and it comes with a lot of action and it’s a fun track to navigate around. Charlotte is the heart and soul of NASCAR, so it makes the race day environment just that much better. 

Kells: I have two favorites: Bristol and Pocono. Bristol is that track I’ve never been too but it’s on the very top of my bucket list. It’s something I feel like I just need to see in person. Pocono is my favorite because it’s my home track and it will ALWAYS have a place in my heart. The most exciting events of the summer are usually race weekends up in the Poconos with all my friends.

[Editors Note]:  I guess we can agree Bristol is tops. The second choice seems to be related to the current residence of the Lady in Black.

NBC or Fox.  Who covers NASCAR better?

Lexie: I don’t like anyone on FOX, except for two people, Mike Joy and Jeff Gordon. So I prefer NBC over FOX. NBC also has cool pre race music, so that’s one of my favorite parts about the NBC broadcasts.

Kells: Oh god, I guess if I had to pick it would probably be NASCAR on Fox.

[Editors Note]:  And I thought the LiB only disagreed about drivers...

I can’t NOT ask you about the Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin tiff. Do you think it’s all over, or we’ll see them mix it up again this year?

Lexie: I think it’s over between Chase and DH, at least. Their fans?  Maybe not.

Kells: It’s funny that you’d ask us this question because Lex is the biggest DH fan and I’m the biggest Chase fan, so it really just makes me laugh. It’s really hard to say, but I mean I really just hope it’s done and over with. I just want to focus on the new season with our new car number, and hopefully bringing home that first W (for Chase).

[Editors Note]:  Oh believe me Kells, I knew exactly who I was asking this question.

And finally, give me your top 3 finishers for Daytona?

Lexie: 1. Kyle Busch 2. Martin Truex Jr 3. Denny Hamlin It’s time Kyle Rowdy Busch wins his first Daytona 500! #18in18

Kells: I’m going out on a crazy limb here and saying Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Martin Truex Jr., and Alex Bowman. Ha, wouldn’t that be cool.

[Editors Note]:  No Love for Danica???  So we can agree Truex Jr. in 2nd.  I'm going with Brad Keselowski, Truex Jr., then Kyle Busch

Big thanks to the two Ladies in Black.  I became hooked on their Twitter Feed and Blog last year.  If I'm in front of a TV on Sunday, you can bet I'm watching their analysis, reactions, and interacting as the race unfolds (they love to interact with fans).  Because NASCAR is America!

Where to find the Ladies in Black:
Blog: Ladies in Black
Twitter: @LadiesInBlack88
Lexie: @bulldogbabexo
Kelly: @kellssanne
Editors LiB Twitter List

Daytona 500: Q+A with Bulldog Babe

Unlike the Super Bowl as the biggest NFL event at the end of the season, NASCAR holds its biggest race to lead off the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series (formerly known as the Sprint Cup Series).  One answer as to why is that in the initial race, everyone is at 100%.  As the season goes on, the car carnage persists.  Regardless, the Daytona 500 remains the "circled in sharpie" racing event of the Spring.  The 2017 Daytona 500 commences on Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

To breakdown the current state of NASCAR, we are honored to have Twitter celebrity and blog friend Bulldog Babe (a.k.a "burnin'rubberbulldog" or @bulldogbabexoxo) can drive circles around me (pun intended) in analysis.  So we asked her a few questions on the race, the season, and NASCAR in general.  As with her NFL analysis, she pulls no punches and tells it like it is.  Which is why we love her as a blog contributor!  As you can see, she's looking forward to the action!

Anywho, I'll be without sports for the next three weeks. Then, @NASCAR comes on & I start my 15th year of being a fan 😍🏁 #DaytonaDay pic.twitter.com/JUR7ZO3Bhf

— burnin'rubberbulldog (@bulldogbabexo) February 6, 2017

Longhorndave (LHD): When did you become a NASCAR fan and why did you like it so much?
Bulldog Babe (BDB): I became a NASCAR fan in 2002, when I was 6 years old. It was the first sport I got into and I thought it was really cool to see the race cars.

LHD: Who are your favorite drivers and why?
BDB: My favorite drivers are Dale Earnhardt Jr., because he was the first driver I set my eyes on & I think he's just such a down to earth person and so respectable. Denny Hamlin, because while he has his moments like all of the drivers, he knows how to drive and he's such a class act. May I even mention that he's a great father to his four year old daughter Taylor? :).  Also, Kyle Busch, because since meeting his wife Samantha, he's become a better person & driver & he's even a great father to his almost two year old son Brexton. I think that's very admirable.

Editors note: Denny Hamlin was our Sportsman of the Week for winning Daytona last year.  Kyle Busch was our Sportsman of the Week for his Sprint cup Series win in 2015.  Dale Earnhardt Jr. has yet to win the Sportsman of the Week.

LHD: Who are your least favorite drivers and why?
BDB: My least favorite drivers are Jimmie Johnson, because I think he's too cocky & he acts like he's better than everyone when he's actually not, and Joey Logano because he acts like he's 12 when he doesn't get his way & he intentionally wrecks other guys because they block him to keep him from passing & that's annoying.

Editors note: Jimmie Johnson has won the Sportsman of the Week twice, once for winning the Daytona 500 in 2013 and again for the Sprint Cup Series in 2016.  Joey Logano won the Sportsman of the Week for his Daytona 500 win in 2015.

LHD: What is your best NASCAR memory in your life?
BDB: My best NASCAR memory was going to my first race, which was the 2006 Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. While it was such a long race, it was so much fun!

LHD: What underrated or young drivers on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series do you think will break through?
BDB: Overall, I think Chase Elliott will get his first win at Michigan International Speedway because I feel like that was a track where he did so well, but I also think Pocono could be the track to get his first win as he also did well there. For 2017, I think while Daniel Suarez lives up to his Monster Energy Cup debut and has a successful season in the 19 Toyota Camry, Erik Jones will be the one to watch. While Daniel has a title under his belt in the XFinity Series, Erik also has a title under his belt and I believe he is probably the most talented out of the 2017 rookie class.

LHD: What's the fastest you've ever driven (or ridden) in a car (and did you or someone get a ticket)?
BDB: The fastest I've ever been in a car was 85 mph, that was on Charlotte Motor Speedway when they had a drive your car on the track event going on so we did not get a ticket.  I was riding. My dad was driving.

LHD: If you could pick the exact Top 3 finish at the Daytona 500 that you would like, what would it be?
BDB: If I could pick the top 3 finishes for this year's Daytona 500, it would be Denny Hamlin-Kyle Busch-Matt Kenseth. Not because they drive for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), but because they are all very good at Daytona and have wins across the entire Daytona Speedweeks. While Kyle doesn't have a Daytona 500 trophy, I believe he will get it soon.

LHD: What driver (or drivers) would you least like to see win the Daytona 500?
BDB: The drivers I would least like to see win the Daytona 500 would be Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick.

LHD: In all honesty, what is your prediction for the Top 3 finishers at the Daytona 500?
BDB: My predictions for the 2017 Daytona 500 are that while it might possibly be another close one for the second straight year, I personally believe Denny Hamlin will win his second straight Daytona 500, with his teammate Kyle Busch finishing 2nd and Chase Elliott finishing 3rd.

Great discussion and breakdown by a true fan!  If you love racing, be sure to follow her on race day (any Sunday, but especially Daytona Day.  Her lap-by-lap analysis and reaction is awesome.  Thanks to Bulldog Babe once again!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 2/21/2016

The Great American Race had a fantastic finish and we had a deserving first time winner take the checkered flag.  Denny Hamlin emerged from the 11 position to lead the Daytona 500 for 95 of 200 laps but had to scrap in the last few seconds to edge his Toyota teammate Martin Truex Jr. by 0.01 seconds, the closest finish in Daytona history.  Driving the #11 FedEx Express car for Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin also won the Sprint Unlimited race two weeks ago, perhaps positioning himself to be on the short list for the Sprint Cup Championship after finishing Top 10 in 2015.  There is no better way to start the season winning the sport's biggest race, and that's why Denny Hamlin is our Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!