30 Copyright 2009, CBSSports.com http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/view/8299750 en-us News and views from just outside the garage area and the world of motorsports. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:55:51 EST http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18477212?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18477212?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing HOMESTEAD, Fla. - If you think NASCAR was a little stale for your taste this year, there may be hope on the horizon. ... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:46:24 EST http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18477212?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18339684?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18339684?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing What a tease. ... Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:48:39 EST http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18339684?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18176613?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18176613?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing Let's be completely honest here. There was a very loud cheer thundering through most of NASCAR Nation about 3:40 p.m. ET on Sunday. ... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:37:32 EST http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18176613?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18133275?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18133275?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing Great news that the IRL finally landed a title sponsor with the signing of IZOD to back IndyCar racing in a multi-year deal. I'm looking forward to covering a few races next year just so I can dust off those old IZOD golf shirts I have hanging in my ... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:16:37 EST http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18133275?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18028196?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18028196?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing The last thing NASCAR needed this week was another controversy. ... Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:45:05 EST http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18028196?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18028125?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18028125?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing The last thing NASCAR needed this week was another controversy. ... Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:32:51 EST http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/18028125?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17896126?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17896126?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing Once again the smallest track on the NASCAR schedule provided some of the best racing this season. ... Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:13:58 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17896126?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17856081?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17856081?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing The Hendrick brigade rolls into Martinsville this weekend and it has been nearly unstoppable at the .526-mile track. ... Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:42:12 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17856081?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17745395?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17745395?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing CONCORD, N.C. - Despite the fact the Chase reached its midway point this weekend, there were two other topics that dominated many conversations at Lowe's Motor Speedway - the NASCAR Hall of Fame inaugural class and Dale Earnhardt Jr. ... Sun, 18 Oct 2009 0:28:31 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17745395?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17638734?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17638734?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing I've heard many fans complain that during the final ten races of the season the Chase drivers steal all the attention and those outside the top twelve receive little or no exposure. ... Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:52:30 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17638734?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17518203?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17518203?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The loudest cheer Sunday afternoon came when Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the lead in the Price Chopper 400. ... Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:16:11 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17518203?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17464623?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17464623?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing KANSAS CITY, Kan. - They call Talladega the wild card in the Chase and rightfully so. The restrictor plate madness at the 2.66-mile superspeedway usually throws the championship race topsy turvy. ... Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:12:45 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17464623?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17394891?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17394891?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing DOVER, Del. - They took 100 miles away from racing at Dover a few years ago. ... Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:22:45 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17394891?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17272055?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17272055?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing There are some who complain that any driver outside the twelve racing for the Chase doesn't receive any attention during the final ten races of the season. ... Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:46:32 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17272055?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17228429?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17228429?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing For a guy who basically was ready to walk away from the sport a couple of years ago, Mark Martin sure has had a change of heart. ... Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:37:22 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17228429?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17129544?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17129544?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing Year six of the "Race to the Chase" is in the books and it has to go down as at least the second best run to the post-season since NASCAR introduced the format in the 2004 season. ... Sun, 13 Sep 2009 0:28:11 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17129544?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17093815?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17093815?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing All the marbles are on the line Saturday night in Richmond and there will be a lot of different strategies and agendas in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. ... Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:57:32 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17093815?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17023363?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17023363?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing One of NASCAR's biggest mistakes was yanking the Southern 500 from Darlington Raceway. ... Mon, 07 Sep 2009 2:19:43 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/17023363?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16775702?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16775702?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing One of the smallest tracks on the NASCAR sellout sold out both of its races this season. ... Mon, 24 Aug 2009 9:18:57 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16775702?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16655282?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16655282?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing BROOKLYN, Mich. - The irony of Brian Vickers scoring a win for Toyota in the Big Three auto manufacturer's backyard wasn't lost on too many people Sunday at Michigan International Speedway. ... Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:22:34 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16655282?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16633152?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16633152?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing BROOKLYN, Mich. - There's no reason to believe this weekend's trip to Michigan International Speedway will be any different from last June's race at the two-mile superspeedway. Fuel mileage seems to always come into play at MIS and the early summer r ... Sat, 15 Aug 2009 8:58:44 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16633152?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16544632?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16544632?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing The latest lesson in the never question Tony Stewart curriculum came on Monday at Watkins Glen. ... Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:46:51 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16544632?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16521592?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16521592?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing Picking drivers that will be successful on a road course falls into two strategies. ... Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:36:09 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16521592?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16413620?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16413620?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing I guess as Pocono races go Sunday's was okay. But that's not saying too much. ... Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:59:24 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16413620?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16371805?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16371805?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing Newton, Ia. - You can drive for miles along Interstate 80 through the state of Iowa and not see much more than cornfields and an occasional barn or two. That is until you come up on the small town of Newton. ... Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:50:22 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16371805?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16371802?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16371802?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing Newton, Ia. - You can drive for miles along Interstate 80 through the state of Iowa and not see much more than cornfields and an occasional barn or two. That is until you come up on the small town of Newton. ... Sat, 01 Aug 2009 9:57:35 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16371802?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16356675?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16356675?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing Last week the Sprint Cup Series raced on a 2.5-mile flat track in Indianapolis. This week it's another track with the same dimensions. But Pocono Raceway is a much different animal. ... Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:58:05 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16356675?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16316576?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16316576?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing There have been other comebacks in the sports world by guys named Michael. We all remember when the basketball world was electrified more than once when one Michael Jeffrey Jordan hung up his high tops a time or two and then changed his mind. ... Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:14:49 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16316576?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16250883?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16250883?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing INDIANAPOLIS - NASCAR's week in Indianapolis is truly a racing fan's heaven. ... Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:12:42 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16250883?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16234527?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing#comments Auto Racing http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16234527?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing INDIANAPOLIS - Rain has played havoc with Saturday's activities in Indianapolis and preparations for Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Showers and thunderstorms moved through the area overnight and hung around this morning but the good news is ... Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:27:49 EDT http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8299750/16234527?source=rss_blogs_Auto Racing 100 http://images.cbssports.com/images/cbsdm/spec/cbssportscom.gif http://ppistone1.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/view/8299750 100