Buchholtz reportedly at a vodka pool party after release from hospital.

So Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buccholz gets released from the hospital Tuesday, after ending up in intensive care with esophagitis. According to reports, after returning to the clubhouse for The Sox' 10-4 win over the Blue Jays, the Red Sox hurler attended a charity pool party at Foxwoods Casino, sponsored by a vodka company.

Seems the pitching staff in Boston is a little slow on learning lessons.

So what are we making of this Clay Buchholz vodka pool party thing? My take, if the reports are accurate, is that there is zero leadership in the pitching staff. There's no Pedro/Schilling/Clemens to tell these guys "wake the eff up". Beckett is the leader, he does what the hell he wants, and his little brothers do the same thing.

Where's the common sense? "Hey, I just got out of intensive care, let's go to a vodka pool party."

Dumb.

...and I can't believe I used that Fathead Clemens' name in a positive reference. I really hate this team.

EGB to headline NHMS FanFest

NH's own Eric Grant Band will headline New Hampshire Motorspeedway's FanFest when NASCAR's top series makes it's first stop of the summer at Loudon next month.

EGB headlines FanFest at Loudon, as NASCAR invades NH.

According to NHMS.com, FanFest provides fans with a jumpstart to an exciting weekend of NASCAR racing that includes the Whelen Modified Tour Town Fair Tire 100 and Nationwide Series F.W. Webb 200 on Saturday July 14 , and the Sprint Cup Series LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday July 15.

The Eric Grant Band, or EGB as their fans know them, is a NH based new country band on the rise. They are releasing their first full length CD Friday, June 29,  As Country As It Gets. The CD was recorded in Nashville with New Voice Entertainment, and early listens to the finished product will delight fans with a decidedly guitar driven sound. EGB also recently performed for passengers aboard Southwest Airlines as part of the company's 41st anniversary.

EGB is made up of Eric Grant on guitar and lead vocals, Tim Kierstead on slide guitar, Carlos Flores on lead  guitar, Dan Haney on bass, Paul Dibiaso on keys, Graeme Baert on drums and Bill Hayes on
banjo, mandolin, guitar, and violin.

NHMS's FanFest begins at 5:30 p.m. July 12, and will include the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m., an exclusive opportunity that allows fans to see the colorful rigs that bring their favorite driver’s car to the track for race weekend. Other entertainment scheduled for WOKQ FanFest includes a Q&A with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver A.J. Allmendinger, Balloon Artist, Raffles, Caricatures and Mini Tech 101, as well as surprise appearances from other NASCAR or Global RallyCross drivers.

FanFest has featured such acts as Steel Magnolia, Trailer Choir, Brett Eldredge and Chuck Wicks.

Photo Credit: Steve Pouliot Images for EGB

FVP Monday Night All-Star: Brit

Brit's running for Maxim's Hometown Hottie, and we wanted to show the smokin' hot brunette from Olympia Wa. a little love. She's facebook buddies with FVP favorites Jessica and Nicole, so you know she's gotta be cool. Follow her on facebook. Vote for her here. 

VIDEO: Kevin Youkilis final curtain call

The Boston Red Sox traded Kevin Youkilis today to the Chicago White Sox, in exchange for 25-year-old reliever Zach Stewart, a righty, and 28-year-old utility player Brent Lillibridge.

Youkilis struggled this season, hitting .233 with 4 HRs and 14 RBI, with 146 at bats in 42 games. Youk will likely be remember in Boston not only for his two World Series rings, but a stellar 2008 campaign, hitting 29 homers, while driving in 115 runs and hitting .312.

Youk also added to his legend in Boston today, hitting an RBI triple in his final at bat for the Red Sox in the seventh inning of the Red Sox's 9-4 win over the Braves. Youk was pulled for a pinch runner, and his curtain call can be seen below.

David Ortiz is right, it's a bleep-hole

FVP has stayed away from the Boston Red Sox this season, for the most part. We've known for some time what David Ortiz is talking about, and we'll share a little bit on our end; it's no fun for us, either, Papi. It's pretty much the pre-2004 bleep-hole David talks about. Here's a little secret, Dave; it's about winning.

In case you missed it, the Red Sox DH let it rip today, stating "It's becoming the [bleep]hole it used to be. Look around, bro. Look around. Playing here used to be so much fun. Now, every day is something new, not related to baseball. People need to leave us alone, [let us] play ball and do what we know how to do."

Ya, we know David.

The problem is, the Boston Red Sox have managed to underachieve for some time now, dating back to the collapse of last year. .515 baseball doesn't cut it in Boston. The players have used up all the '04 and '07 goodwill in basically four months of baseball. Ownership fired the wrong people, and meanwhile, the team is still in fourth on the 21st of June. Somewhere, Sweet Caroline is cued up and ready to go, but the team still barely over .500.

So, Ortiz is right, it's a bleep-hole, circa 2002. Fans like FVP are cranky, and the media in Boston is still looking to assign blame. There's one thing that will fix it, and that's winning.

Tonight, Will Middlebrooks, Daniel Nava, and Ryan Kalish keyed a nice comeback for the Sox, even if Adrian Gonzalez managed to strikeout to end the inning. Gonzo's fraudulent time in Boston continues, but the Sox hang on to sweep Miami, and move to 36-33. Keep the young guys playing, and maybe, just maybe, the vets like Ortiz will get rejuvenated, instead of feeling beat down.

Smoke shares what it takes to be successful at Sonoma

Tony Stewart has been on of the most successful NASCAR drivers when the circuit stops at the two road courses, as it does this week at Sonoma. Smoke has notched seven of his fourty six career victories have come on the road courses. After two disapointing finishes at Charlotte and Dover, Stewart roared back to championship form with a third-place effort June 10 at Pocono and a second-place run last Sunday at Michigan. He recently spoke of what it takes to run well at places like Sonoma and Watkins Glen.

“I just like the road courses. I’ve always liked Sonoma. It’s really a driver’s track. It’s tough to make your car drive perfect all day. You can have a really good car, but it’s going to slide around and you’re going to struggle for grip, and that’s what makes it so fun. You have to do the work behind the steering wheel.” Stewart said recently.

He added, “You’ve just got to have a good handling car. Aerodynamics are not the least bit important at Sonoma, which is great because it’s one of the few tracks that we go to that we don’t have to worry about aero balance or anything like that. It’s just a matter of keeping a well-balanced car all day and having good pit stops and pit strategy and staying out of trouble"

“A lot can happen at Sonoma. You’ve got to be patient all day. You get a lot of cautions there and a lot of guys end up beating and banging on each other. I mean, the cars look like they’ve been to a race at Martinsville (Va.) because it’s a short road course. Save that car for the last 20 laps because that’s the critical time. Do what you have to do to get through the first 90 laps, but those last 20 are the ones when you really have to go, and you need your car to be in one piece to make it happen.”

He also talked about the difference between the two road courses, Sonoma and The Glen. “The two tracks, while both road courses, are still pretty different." Smoke said. "At Watkins Glen you don’t have to finesse the throttle near as much as you do at Sonoma. When you get the car turned, you can get in the gas and then stay in the gas. Watkins Glen is much faster than Sonoma. I think there are the same amounts of passing opportunities, but because of the speeds that you’re able to run at The Glen, brakes become a much bigger factor than I think they are at Sonoma. It’s pretty much a horsepower track. It just happens to be in the form of a road course. Sonoma has a lot less grip in the racetrack. You have to really be careful with the throttle there, and that puts more of the race in the driver’s hands. If anything, Sonoma is probably more technical than Watkins Glen because there’s hardly any time where you get a chance to rest. You’re always either shifting or accelerating or braking or turning or doing something. At Watkins Glen, at least on the frontstretch and on the backstretch, there are three straightaways where you get a little bit of time to take a break. Watkins Glen seems to be more in the crew’s hands and the engine builder’s hands. Obviously, there’s still a job that I need to do in the racecar, but I’m relying on the equipment and the crew a lot more at Watkins Glen.”

In his 26 career road-course races, Stewart has started within the first two rows 10 times. He has qualified in the top-10 16 times. (Qualifying for the 2000, 2004, 2005 and 2008 races at Watkins Glen was rained-out.) Stewart has qualified outside the top-10 just four times.

Photo Credit : Steve Pouliot Images for fanviewpoint.com

FVP Tuesday Morning All-Star: Banyka II

Do we really need a reason to make Banyka Deborah Dipell our all star, even a few hours late? Nah, didn't think so. Figured we'd make it worth the wait.

Smoke sarcastic after Earhardt's win at Michigan

Tony Stewart, sarcastic after someione else wins a NASCAR race? Say it ain't so? Riling up Junior Nation? Doubt it.

After Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke his four year winless streak, Tony Stewart was a little miffed to be anwering questions about the #88's win. "No different to anybody else that does it. It's not a national holiday, guys. This morning, they were celebrating his fourth anniversary of his last win, so I guess we are all in a state of mourning now because he's broke that streak now, so I don't know what we are all supposed to think." Smoke said Sunday.

Junior was a little more forgiving than some of his fans. "For me it is. I'm sure his running second for me won't be a holiday, either. It feels good to win, and I'll enjoy it, and in a day or two, I'll be thirsty for the next one." Earnhardt Jr. said.

He added about his team owner not being present "Rick, I told him he should have a good excuse for not being there. He better be on a boat somewhere in the Keys or something. But he said he was at home but they were thrilled to death, and you know, so I know that no matter where he was, he enjoyed this. I told him that I had to thank him for sticking with me and getting me back to victory lane and he went through hell and high water to make it happen and he should enjoy, enjoy the win."

Seven drivers top 200 mph at Michigan test

Seven NASCAR drivers topped 200 mph today, as teams tested the new surface at Michigan International Speedway in anticipation of this weekend's Sprint Cup race. Tony Stewart topped the speed chart with a speed of 201.896.

“It is quite a rush for the driver to be going this fast,” said five time Sprint Cup champ Jimmie Johnson. “There seems to be a good combination with the new surface and the tire that Goodyear brought. I feel comfortable in the car, although it’s still quite the challenge as a driver to get around at these high speeds.”

“It’s really, really fast here,” said Greg Biffle, who is currently third in the championship point standings. “The one thing that I have liked seeing is that the track is pretty wide. The groove is all the way up in the middle of the second groove and that is certainly going to help racing around here at those speeds because it gives us some options.”

Speeds exceeded the 200 mile per hour barrier, with four drivers posting fastest lap times in excess of 200 miles per hour in the morning session when conditions were ideal for going fast. Teams arrived a day early to prepare for Sunday’s running of the 44th annual Quicken Loans 400 at MIS (1 p.m., TNT).

Top Speeds:
Tony Stewart: 201.896
Greg Biffle: 201.556
Kurt Busch: 201.174
Kevin Harvick: 200.697
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: 200.658
Paul Menard: 200.111
Clint Bowyer: 200.078

Photo Credit: File photo, Steve Pouliot Images.

Bill Belichick talks Patriots running backs, unwritten rules

Bill Belichick met the media today, and it felt like mid season already, with long, drawn out diatribes, and the usual, curt, short "you get nothing" answers There were plenty of topics covered, from the weather, Jake Ballard, and the running back situation in Foxboro. The Hoodie even got in a little baseball

The Jake Balard situation was really a non-story, at least according to The Hooded One. When asked what he liked about Ballard, it was clear it wasn't going to be a topic Belichick wanted to elaborate on. "He obviously had a real productive year last year. We'll just see how all that goes. We haven't seen him yet." When asked about the timetable, the answer came from the Belichick cut and paste responses "I don't know. But we wouldn't comment on injuries even if we did." The Hoodie stated.

Belichick did address the "unwritten rule" controversy, regarding the Jake Ballard signing. "First of all, there aren't any unwrittens. As you know, as astute as you are on the rules, I'm sure you're aware that you can't negotiate a contract with a player while he's under contract. You can't negotiate a contract, release him and then re-negotiate another contract with him that was already done in advance. I'm sure the Giants weren't doing that. So a player is on waivers, then he's on waivers – ours or anybody else's. As far as anybody else, I don't know what unwrittens you're talking about."

So the Giants were up to something? Is that what he's intimating? Hmmm

Belichick did talk about the running backs today, notably Shane Vereen and Joseph Addai. When asked how he'd rate Vereen's off-season, Belichick said "I think you can put a lot of guys in the good category in that they have physically improved and also mentally improved from their understanding of what we do, understanding of what other teams in the league are doing and their physical condition is better. I'd put a lot of our guys in that category. Now there are some guys who haven't been able to train as much this year because they're rehabbing an injury or something like that. Those guys are kind of trying to get back to where they were. I'd say the other guys, probably just about all of them, would be moving farther ahead because they've worked hard, they've been here. The guys that have been here, that have worked hard, which I would say is just about all of them, have improved and that's what the offseason is for. Guys that are rehabbing are rehabbing and we hope that we can get them back as soon as they're ready."

When pressed for a follow up on Vereen's strides int he weight room, Hoodie responded  "We were trying to get him active last year. He did play. He missed a little bit of time at the end of the season and he was more ready to play in the playoffs, even though he didn't play. We don't know how that's going to go. Those guys were still trying to play. I think it's more the practice squad players that would fall into that category – that could start an offseason program during the season and then start another offseason program once the season was over."

Oh Joseph Addai: "Joe is a veteran player that has obviously been in a lot of big games, been in a system that's had some multiples in terms of changing plays and audibling, things like that. I think our system is different from probably any other system probably because of our players or our coaches or the way it's formulated. It's an adjustment for any new player or coach, just like if we went anywhere, it would be an adjustment for one of our players or coaches to go somewhere else. I don't think it's anything unusual. Joe has worked hard at it. He's a very conscientious guy that wants to get it right, wants to know what you want to do, wants to try to get it right. I respect that." Belichick said.

In a lighter moment, Belichick was asked if Joe Torre was the best manager of the last 20 years. Belichick intoned "He's not better than Tony LaRussa, no."

Mark Martin on Joey Logano bumping him out of the way: Not how I would have done it

As we would have expected, Mark Martin, the racer would perhaps NASCAR's best reputation of racing clean, had a thing to say on Joey Logano's bump and run to win the Pocono 400.

"It has been acceptable in this racing for a long time. It's not how I would have done it, but certainly if I'd have had a fast enough car, he would have gotten a return. But I couldn't quite keep up with him."

"It was great racing, and everybody does what they're -- what they decide to do. It was a great race, and I'm very, very proud of my race team for putting me in something that would give me a shot. I'm having fun with it. Maybe next week we'll be the ones with the trophy." Martin said.

Logano had it a bit different. "Went into 1 and tried to outbrake him, and he was protecting the bottom," Logano said. "I was trying to stick my nose in there, and we got really close, and I'm not even sure if we touched each other or not, but I know I got him aero-loose at least and (was) able to slide up underneath him and clear him by the time he got off of (Turn) 1. Making sure I cleared him was a very important moment. You start side-drafting down those straightaways and the 14 car (Stewart) is going to be there ready to pounce before you knew it. To clear him, get through (Turn) 2 and get a little distance on him was very important." Logano said yesterday.

Martin ended up second to Logano, who notched his second win of his career.

FVP Monday Night All-Star: Franchesca

According to Franchesca, "I have been lucky enough to be in publications such as Maxim, Chevy High Performance and Lowrider to name a few. I am truly blessed to do what I love and have such amazing supportive friends and family. I thank God everyday for thinking I am worthy of such a beautiful life." The 5'4" beauty has an extensive resume, and now she's an FVP All Star. Follow her on facebook, check her site out here. 

Mark Martin fastest in test session at re-paved Pocono

Jeff Burton tests the new pavement at Pocono today

Today marked the first full field test at the newly re-paved Pocono Speedway, and 22 driver's eclipsed the old qualifying record held by Kasey Kahne. Mark Martin led the charge, with a top speed 175.380 mph, nearly five miles per hour faster than Kahne's old mark.

Ryan Newman had the fastest 10 lap average, coming in at 173.263 mph.

“They did a great job; (the) track was really nice and smooth (with) good grip,” said four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon, a five-time winner at Pocono. “We have had some repaves where it is a handful and pretty slick. That was not the case at all today.”

“You never know what to expect when a race track gets paved,” said Jeff Burton. “This pavement is unbelievably just nice, smooth. The quality of racing is going to be improved a great deal. [But] it’s still Pocono. It still has the same characteristics and the personality of Pocono, but just has more grip”


Photo Credit: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR

Kurt Busch hates his job

Dear Kurt Busch, 

Here at FVP, we've got an idea. Seems you have a problem with anger. Your latest incident at Dover with Bob Pockrass has gotten you suspended. You seem to be unable to shut your mouth. FVP is of the opinion that you should just have a statement ready, so the next time you run your yap, you can just cut and paste the names and location to fit the time, date, and people involved. To wit, here's such a statement: 

I accept NASCAR’s decision to suspend me, again, following my incident at ________ Speedway with _________ this past weekend. I put NASCAR in a box, again,  they had to take action and it’s my fault for putting them in this position. I apologize for the comments I made to _______.

We hope this helps you in your quest to gain respect, and most importantly, a quality ride not only in the Sprint Cup Series, but Nationwide, Trucks, Arca, and any other series foolish enough to take a shot on you. We hope this saves you some time drafting statements in the future, as no doubt, this will happen again. 


Sincerely, 
Fanviewpoint.com

Ok, enough of that.

Kurt Busch has a problem. In case you missed it , here's his incident with Bob Pockrass, that has gotten him suspended.

Here's his rant over the radio at Darlington, after which race he was placed on probation. The "I hate my bleeping job" is here.


More, from Vegas, ranting and whining. Check out Jimmy Spencer after.




This is a guy who clearly has an anger issue, no doubt. He got himself fired from a primo ride with Roger Penske, only to end up with a second tier ride with James Finch and Phoenix Racing. Now, based on reports, he should be typing his resume. It's a damn shame, because the guy can drive. Unfortunately, he seems to be feeling the pressure of trying to return to the top of the sport. Now, he's a pariah for sponsors, and that's quite literally what makes the wheels turn in NASCAR.

So much for bringing back the fun to racing. At least Jimmy Spencer is having fun.

One more P.S. to our little letter: Bro, get some help.

Kurt Busch statement on suspension

“I accept NASCAR’s decision. I put them in a box, they had to take action and it’s my fault for putting them in this position. I apologize for the comments I made to Bob Pockrass.”

 more later...

FVP Monday Night All-Star: Andrea Eve

Here's Chicago hottie Andrea Eve. She naturally a Chicago Bears fan, and she's into wrestling. She's not the couch potato type that watches wrestling, she's into it.

Andrea says she "got involved in the XWR Xtreme Wrestling Revolution through my management company, Division 3 Studios a few years ago. I was involved in a segment in which I was supposed to get married in the ring but the priest that was marrying me and the guy ended up having a spazz attack and attacked my hubby to be. That led to a big match at the end of the show."

She adds "I will be modeling in the Six Corners BBQ Fest on June 16th and 17th in the wrestling area during the XWR Inferno event. I'll be featured in a couple bikini's during the fashion show segment. Hopefully that won't be interrupted by any wrestlers!"

"After the BBQ Fest i'll be doing a fashion show for Sears towards the end of July and plan to fully launch the new AndreaEve.com website! I'm also planning on releasing Photo Collections through digital distribution and CD's as well as Video compilations of photo shoots, music videos and other projects I've been involved in." Andrea tells FVP.

 Follow her over on facebook.

Boston Bruins: drama queen Tim Thomas, Bruins part ways

Tim Thomas in net vs. Tampa

Fans of the Boston Bruins knew this day would get here eventually…when 2011 Stanley Cup-winning and two-time Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Tim Thomas come to the end of the line. But no one would have predicted this. For those engaged in summertime pursuits since the Washington Capitals send the Bruins to an early summer back in April, puckstopper Thomas took to his Facebook page to announce he will sit out next season. Tim-may says it is time to rededicate himself to “family, friends, and faith.” There have been some media reports of illness in Thomas’ family as well.

The Bin is baffled. No issue with Thomas or any other athlete putting family first and calling it a career. But Thomas is not saying he will retire, just that he will sit out a season. Tim…if you don’t feel up to playing next season, announce your retirement, the Black-and-Gold with throw you a party, and move on. By not retiring, Thomas forces the B’s to suspend him and still have to deal with his cap hit. If he retires, the contract is terminated by mutual consent and done.

What exactly is going on here? Is this a ploy to get a bigger deal? Seems Thomas’ contract is still pretty lucrative for a goalie, especially one his age. Don’t forget, Thomas is 38. It would be next to impossible to come back at the level of play required of an NHL goalie at that age. Does Tim think someone in the Bruins’ front office dissed him? The Bin hasn’t seen it.

Thomas’ career arc, style of play, and personality have never been conventional. It appears this episode is just one more example of that. The Bin defended Thomas when the goalie refused to appear with his teammates at the White House because the netminder did not agree with President Obama’s policies. But this latest episode is indefensible. Tim…announce your retirement and hang ‘em up. Enough of the drama queen act. It’s Tuukka Time. The Bin finds it incredibly sad the Thomas era has to end this way.

In other off-season B’s news, Chiarelli and Co. continue negotiating with forward Chris Kelly, who is a free agent. Sign him. Solid player and person. Drama-free. Same with Benoit Pouliot. It took Big Ben a few months to find his stride, but when he did he brought a lot to the table.

The B’s have already signed Daniel Paille and traded the underperforming Zach Hamill to Washington for Chris (Son of Raymond) Bourque. Bourque then signed a two-year deal. Chris is not his dad in any way, shape, or form, but should develop into a solid two-way forward.

  

View from the Sin Bin 3.01

120604  tjz

photo credit: Steve Pouliot Images

Kurt Busch Suspended

NASCAR has suspended driver Kurt Busch until June 13 of this year and extended his NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for his actions following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race June 2 at Dover International Speedway.

Kurt Busch violated Section 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing; violation of probation; verbal abuse to a media member) of the 2012 NASCAR Rule Book. Kurt Busch had previously been placed on NASCAR probation May 15 for his actions during the May 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Darlington Raceway. That probation was originally scheduled to end July 25 but has now been extended through the end of this year.

More later.

Jimmie Johnson's wins at Dover, Afro Circus gets a boost in exposure.

Afro Circus, Afro Circus

Jimmie Johnson, who led 289 of 400 laps, picked up his second victory of the season (in addition to a win in the May 19 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race) and his second victory in the last three points races as the #48 Hendricks Chevy dominated today at Dover. All of it gets Madagascar 3 a big boost, almost as big as Marty's Afro Circus dance.

Polka Dot, Polka Dot, Polka Dot Afro

"I'm just proud of this hair." Johnson said, referring tot he multi-colored afro wigs. "The hair really brought some speed to the team. I could see our engine tuner who is catching the front tires that came across on pit stops, and I got a laugh every time I came on to pit road. Just a fun day. Clearly we had a fast race car, amazing pit stops. Strategy, when you lead the most laps, sometimes at the end the way the cautions fall it can backfire on the dominant car, and the way cautions fell today, it allowed us to really flex our muscle and bring home the win. So, proud of the effort and you know it was a brand new race car we brought to the track. Had never seen a racetrack before and rolled off the truck and awesome all weekend long."

 Photo Credits: Geoff Burke/Getty Images

Smoke's comments following accident and a long day at Dover

Tony Stewart was involved in a 12 car accident early on today at Dover, effectivly ending his day at lap ten. Crew Chief Steve Addington and the Office Depot team fought back well, bringing the #14 Chevy team home a repectable 25th.

“You know, we finished 25th last week at Charlotte, and none of us were happy about it,” said Stewart, referencing his frustrating run in last Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. “To finish 25th here, on a day like today, we’ll take it, because it could’ve been a lot worse.

“We made the best out of a bad situation. We really haven’t been very good here lately, so to have more than 300 laps to test at a track that we’ll come back to in the fall during the Chase is something that you really can’t duplicate anywhere else. I mean, no one wants to finish 25th, but all things considered, this one doesn’t hurt as bad.”

With round 13 of 36 complete, Stewart continues to lead the SHR duo in the championship point standings. He picked up one spot to climb to eighth and has 407 points, 79 back of series leader Greg Biffle and one point ahead of ninth-place Busch. Newman maintained his 13th-place standing and has 366 points, which puts him 120 points behind Biffle while providing a one-point cushion over 14th-place Kasey Kahne.

Photo Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)