In our new feature, Senior Staff Writer Becca Gladden scours the NASCAR news front to bring you the week’s curious, offbeat and just plain wacky news from the intriguing world of big-time stock car racing. Trust us, folks, these stories are all true – we just couldn’t make this stuff up!
- Before last week’s race in Phoenix, I got an email from NASCAR.com entitled, “The Chase continues at Phoenix International Speedway.” It was an opt-in email that included information about the schedule for TrackPass, items for sale in the NASCAR.com Superstore and so forth. But I think there’s a reason that the folks who built the Phoenix track named it “Phoenix International Raceway” and not “Phoenix International Speedway” – as it’s called in this email. PIR is an acceptable acronym; the alternative, uh, not so much.
- December is a popular month for weddings, and as your ever-alert shopping sleuth, I want to draw your attention to the website www.prom-garters.com where, for $23, you can purchase one of these: The “Auto Racing/NASCAR-Themed” garter is described as follows: “White sheer iridescent trim; black & white checkered band; red ribbons, black & red tiny bow; sterling silver Corvette racing flags charm.” And sorry, the website states this garter is not available in plus sizes. Really.
- If you’re planning to be in Homestead-Miami for the season’s final race, we know you’ll want to attend these two exciting contests being held in the area:
The “Lick-Off” – Yes, you read that right. This Friday in victory lane, driver Greg Biffle will officiate the first-ever Oreo Double Stuf Lick-Off contest. Five finalists will compete to see who can twist, lick and dunk an Oreo Double Stuf cookie the fastest. But this isn’t Kid Stuf, folks – the grand prize is $10,000!
The “Belly Flop” – On Saturday, 1-800-Radiator is hosing a free “Pool Party and Belly Flop Contest.” Partygoers can choose to demonstrate their best belly flops or serve as a judges. Score cards will be provided to rate the floppers on elements such as style, performance and of course, size of splash.
- Once again, a presidential candidate has been spotted courting the all-important NASCAR vote. Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson campaigned Tuesday at the NASCAR Cafe in Myrtle Beach, S.C. According to newspaper accounts, Thompson had to wait for the cafe’s staff to “mute the speakers from which ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ was blaring” before he could speak. Thompson then told the crowd that his campaign platform is to “cut taxes, affirm faith and values, support strong national defense initiatives and work to curb big government and runaway spending.” Thompson missed his best opportunity to swing the NASCAR vote his way, however, when he failed to mention plans to revoke the Chase and eliminate the CoT.
Like I said, we just can’t make this stuff up. Until next week…
About the author
The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.
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