Mesquite was meant to create a frame of reference as to the distance between the track and where the stars live. Fontana and na$car are both physically and philosophically distant from 'the center of the entertainment universe', unless Ricky Bobby is preparing 'Dega II'. And its not like LVMS has set a stellar example with it's past star selections despite having many headliners and celebs who live and work nearby. Different city, same problem.

As for scanners, they add a lot to the track experience! I especially like to listen during practice, when the drivers go out for a hot lap or two then explain/complain all the way back to the garage, where the crew chief throws a different set of changes at the car and they try it again. Kurt isn't alone with the word bombs.

Newman moving to Stewart and maybe Kurt moving on...it'll be interesting to see what lineup Penske has next year.

If gas prices come down, and with the schedule changes for next year, I may have to give the Auto Club another chance next year---at least for qualifying, practice and FanFest.

Hey Mike,

Did they still require a ticket to get into the 'free' FanFest? I went to the first few Fontana races but then reduced my attendance (because the races were expensive, hot and boring) to simply visiting the souvenir haulers to buy a buddy an event pin for his collection. Stopped going altogether when they put a chain link fence around the haulers and called it "FanFest". That was about the time the Wolfgang Puckery opened---I was fine with a King Taco burrito...

At least Drew Carry is working...not like some of the celebs LVMS has propped up---Robin Leach? As for proximity, Mesquite is closer to Las Vegas than Malibu is to Fontana, and the agents for today's 'eco-consious' stars may be turning down offers to be associated with the festival of pointless gas wasting that is the Auto Club 500.

The highlight of the broadcast was trying to figure out what that was on the track before the replay showed it was just the safety equipment crumbling...nice spin to blame it on the car of tomorrow!

Kurt turned up at the NHRA race yesterday and not one expletive needed to be deleted from his starting line interview. Maybe he's considering a move up in horsepower...

Sounds like Mr. Marnell "gets it"...I can't wait 'till next Spring to enjoy this place.

Just to get you in the Olympic frame of mind:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfwM1DWGm...

Wasn't the 'official party line' that while the tire test earlier this year at Indy showed exactly the same results, the incorrect extrapolation/hope was that the track would "rubber up" like in previous years? Not taken into account was the fundamental differences between the old race car and the 'car of today', and the other reality that, like on an increasing number of Na$car weekends, there was less laps put on the track by any race cars in advance of the big boy's show. Less show for the paying fan's hard earned dough.

Oh, the good old days...even a few years ago at LVMS---when Mark Martin would run practice laps until they had to force him off the track...now its 'impound' races and other bs which has the effect of forcing the rubes to go shopping out back at the merch trailers for Gucci-priced, cotton billboards of their favorite advertisers/drivers, since there is nothing else going on trackside for most of the weekend...

I'm glad I can still remember Dale Sr. running door to door with Jeff Burton for ten laps to try and keep from going a lap down...even though I had a throbbing head and a sore clutch-knee, that was the best few minutes I've ever seen at LVMS.