The NASCAR Sprint Cup series is making their return visit to the Monster Mile at Dover International Speedway.  This is a mile track that, like New Hampshire, involves more finesse than horsepower.  Those that hit their marks in the corners have the best chance at being around for the checkers at the end.  Miss those marks and the Monster will chew you up in a hurry.

The Monster:

When the NSCS came to Dover earlier this year, it was right before we started our little website that could.  In fact, we were still posting over at the Kitchen Sink.  If you’d like a refresher in what Morgann and I had to say then, please feel free to click here for the preview and here for the post-race.

Let’s just summarize and say that both Morgann and I expected twisted sheet metal and endless drama.  We were treated to hugs, flowers, and fluffy kittens and puppies.  This was NOT the normal Monster race or mentality.  Some of the boys were newly penalized for this race in May and everyone was big picture racing.

This will no longer be the case.

» Continue reading “NSCS: AAA 400 Preview- The Monster, A Hat Trick, and The ESPN Nickname”

Your schedule for all the racing action this weekend.

I just cannot believe that it is October already.  Wasn’t it just yesterday that it was the end of the Daytona 500 and we were saying, “Trevor WHO?!?” We have just a few weeks left of racing and I know the drivers will do everything to make it exciting.

We have tight battles in all divisions, so the Championships are up for grabs.  It’s too late for a mulligan.  One wrong move could make the difference between glory and despair.

We’ve got a full schedule of racing this weekend.  I know I won’t miss a minute of it.  Why would you?

» Continue reading “Weekend Hot Pass: October 1-2, 2011″

Matt Kenseth running to check on his wife Katie after her practice crash. (photo courtesy of wcnc.com)

Katie Kenseth, wife of past series champion Matt Kenseth, has retired from racing this year. Katie was going to be one of the drivers in the Better Half Dash at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October.  This race will feature drivers consisting of 14 NASCAR personality wives and girlfriends.

Wait….make that lucky 13.

Katie Kenseth suffered a broken shoulder blade in a practice crash last night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  She hit an inner pit road wall which did not appear to be reinforced with a safer barrier.  Katie was taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released for her injuries.

Matt Kenseth joked on Twitter that Katie’s was the shortest racing career in history.  We all hope she has a speedy recovery.  (All puns intended.)

» Continue reading “Garage Gossip: The Better Half Crash Edition”

Where else can you win a checkered flag, a trophy, and a lobster?

Did you hear that screaming and cheering earlier this evening?  That was our very own Morgann Spicer cheering her driver, Tony Stewart, to his second victory in just as many races.  Was this really the guy that just a few weeks ago said they didn’t deserve to make the Chase?  This is the drama that NASCAR was looking for when they created the Chase.

Somewhere, Mike Helton is twisting his moustache and giggling with menacing glee.

Every sport loves their “Cinderella” story and it seems that Tony Stewart is finding his glass slipper.  Remember this race last year?  Tony was leading the race when he ran out of fuel giving Clint Bowyer the win.  This year?  The race finished with the mirror image of that.  Clint Bowyer was leading with just 2 laps to glory when he ran out of fuel giving Smoke the back to back Chase wins.

I don’t think that anyone, except Morgann, would have predicted Smoke to be the belle of the ball after just two races.  Cue the bandwagon jumpers.

» Continue reading “NSCS: Sylvania 300- Nothin’ But Smoke and Mirrors”

Happy 28th Birthday, Regan Smith!

Today we are celebrating Regan Smith’s birthday!  Why?  Who?  Exactly. 

Fans need to know who Regan Smith is because he won this year’s Showtime Southern 500 at Darlington in a year that has been packed with amazing first-time winners in NASCAR’s most prestigious races.

Regan makes me feel old as well.  Why? 

Because this baby is turning 28 years old today and I’m older than he is.  So thank you, Regan, for giving me a reality check on this glorious Friday.

And by the way, happy birthday to you!  Good luck this weekend!

» Continue reading “You Say It’s Your Birthday: Happy Birthday, Regan Smith!”

Let's do our rain dances this weekend and HOPE TO GOODNESS the race isn't rained out on Sunday. Are you with me? Let's shake it. (photo credit: NASCAR)

Welcome to Loudon, fans.  Has anybody taken a look at the weather map this weekend or the outlook on the forecast?  Yep, not another pretty weekend in store for us. 

We have race number two in the Chase for the Sprint Cup this weekend and Tony Stewart has officially made his presence known in the series as a contender for the title.  Was he sandbagging as I’ve been reading all this week?  Umm, no.

When Tony says he’s mad and irritated at something and thinks his car sucks, believe me he would not put himself through the agony and headache of admitting so if it weren’t true.  Let me put that rumor to rest.

Don’t forget that last year this race was the first for the Chase.  And let’s not also forget that Tony Stewart was winning this race as well with two laps to go until he ran out of gas which gave Clint Bowyer the win in 2010.  Just saying.

So if you still think Tony is sandbagging, let’s see a show of hands please.  Yeah, didn’t think there were many.

» Continue reading “NSCS Loudon Preview: Seriously, Rain. Go The Hell Away.”

Fall is in the air. I have a sinus infection and thank God there are only two races this weekend or I think I'd croak.

With the first day of fall finally here there’s no better time to relax than this weekend.  Guess what?  Lipstick and Lugnuts is doing the same, literally chillaxing as the cool air and rainy weather take over the Midwest this weekend.

Not a busy weekend on the schedule as we only have two series in action this weekend:  the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series are both in Loudon, NH and the weather is not looking promising yet again.

So could we possibly have another Monday race on our hands?  Maybe so but we’ll be there every step of the way so let’s take a look and see what’s on the plate this weekend.

So get ready folks because the Hot Pass is coming your way and it starts right now.

» Continue reading “Weekend Hot Pass: September 24 – 25, 2011″

NEVER a good idea to put a microphone or television camera in Tony Stewart's face or within fifty miles of his trap. You'll pay the price and some have with their dignity.

Okay, folks.  Bear with me today.  I’m home sick with a 101 fever and I’m loyal to our readers and it gives me great joy to bring you the best (and worst perhaps) of Tony Stewart sound bites and interviews through the years.

I’ll include some personal favorites that’ll make you laugh but most will make you shake your head and cringe most likely.

Some reporters and media never saw it coming but most of them know exactly what they’re getting into when they ask Tony stupid questions.

So join me and take a listen as Tony does what he knows best:  being himself and brutally honest to the point of blunt at times.

» Continue reading “Sound Bites: The “Best” Of Tony Stewart”

Helio Castroneves sounds like Tony Stewart this week. Why? Because he's mad at the world and wants everybody to know just how big a tool Brian Barnhart really is.

Everybody in IndyCar, fans and drivers alike, know there is NO love lost between Helio Castroneves and IndyCar chief steward Brian Barnhart.

Well, today Helio told the world just how much he doesn’t love Brian and it wasn’t pretty. 

Helio had a pretty good reason for being upset with Barnhart as well because during Sunday’s IndyCar race in Motegi, Japan, Helio was punished by Barnhart and ended up finishing 22nd rather than seventh in Sunday’s race.

Why?  Well, Helio made a pass under yellow on the last lap.  Oooops, that’s a no-no dude.

What did Helio have to say about Sunday’s penalty?

» Continue reading “Helio Pulls A “Tony Stewart” And Publicly Rants About Barnhart…Again”

Yes, ladies. Tony can look hot when he wants. Hard to believe, huh? Word on the street has it he's a pretty good driver too.

The day is finally here.  I’ve been looking forward to this column since Lipstick and Lugnuts went public because I get to tell you ALL about Tony Stewart today. 

Fan or not, you’ll be absolutely amazed at his accomplishments over the years from a very young age to a current and successful driver/owner. 

We’ll take a look at Tony’s USAC, IndyCar and NASCAR accomplishments because believe me when I say there are many.

Plus I’ll include some awesome eye candy for the ladies (mainly for my enjoyment) and even take a look at Tony’s Camping World Truck career.  I bet not too many of you knew he raced in that NASCAR series, did you? 

Let’s get started because I’ve been ready for this for months.  Let’s roll.

» Continue reading “In The Spotlight Awesomeness Edition: 2-time NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart”