AJ Allmendinger Is Reinstated By NASCAR

The story is over.  The twisting tale of who did or said what is behind us, as I hope, are the various reasons for whatever happened.

Now we have some substance in the news that AJ Allmendinger got through his recovery program and from what I heard, did so a while back.

"NASCAR has reinstated driver AJ Allmendinger upon his successful completion of NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy Road to Recovery Program. Allmendinger had been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR on July 24 for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy."

So now the news will be, who will hire Allmendinger?  Or more to the point, what shop has room or needs his talents?  He was doing OK in the No. 22 car but nothing incredible so the resume isn't shouting out.

But hey, maybe if RCR does hire Kurt Busch, maybe AJ can snag the No. 51 car next year!  (Richard Childress has been dropping sound bites that he'd be willing to hire Kurt Busch because he's one heck of a wheel man.  No real plans have been announced.)

Are You Done With The AJ Allmendinger Excuses That Keep Failing to Pan Out?

After chatting with and hearing from a few fans, I think they're done with AJ Allmendinger.  The points they make do make it very hard to believe the innocence factor of AJ, but they are

- Publicist saying he barely failed the drug test, while using non-NASCAR test standards to compare his results to. Later having to explain the disparity between statements didn't seem to fool anyone.

- Tossing the kitchen sink of meds out there for everything to be tested.  (Looked good, but looking back, folks felt this was subterfuge.)

- Going from a "health conscientious" individual to one who takes a pep pill from a "friend of a friend."  (It's not mine!  Sounds like a line from the TV show COPS)

- First, A DUI a few years back, now this.  (Two data points do not make a pattern, but...)

- His reason for his initial silence was to wait until it was all out there.  (Some felt he was molding his excuses from watching what was going on.)

- And the latest piece of information saying that one Adderall taken a few days prior to a drug test would not trigger a test fail.  (Maybe it was an extra-double strength Adderall!?)

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A few folk I chat with, to a tee, feel like it's very hard to stay on the AJ bandwagon when all they're hearing are the kind of excuses you get from trailer park denizens when being handcuffed, or humorous scenes from movies when the perp is crying out that the smoking gun in his back pocket isn't his.

It's a bummer, that's for sure, no matter what side of the fence you're on about this situation.  But one thing is for sure, and that's each time AJ makes a statement that gets corrected or contested, isn't doing him any good.  Each excuse or explanation is digging a deeper hole in which he has to crawl out of.

People are bummed and they're disappointed.  The general hope is that the help AJ Allmendinger needs, is achieved and he can move forward.

A.J. Allmendinger Comes Clean & This Isn't His First Big Mistake

A.J. Allmendinger came on the air yesterday on SiriusXM to chat with Dave Moody and explain the situation.  He said he's coming forward to clear the air and explain his side of his drug test failure.

Basically, it came down to this:

First, He said the drug responsible for his test failure was Adderall.  He did the homework and figured things out.  He also said that after the B sample test, he learned it was an amphetamine and that it was Adderall.

Up until this point in life, he said he did not know what an amphetamine is.

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The week before his drug test, he had been running pretty ragged and was extremely tired.  While visiting with a good friend, a friend of his friend offered him a workout supplement (that he knew of) to help wake up.  He took the pill, not knowing it was Adderall.

He went on to make note that he feels terrible for letting down his fans and for letting down Roger Penske.  He recognized that his ride with Penske Racing was an opportunity of a lifetime and he blew it.

Allmendinger was very apologetic and appeared very forthcoming.

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In an earlier piece here on NB&P, I had pointed out some doubts (Allmendinger Claims Adderall) that were being floated around on the web. And his most recent statement about getting this substance from a friend of a friend is not going over well with many more fans. 

Then I have to make note that he seemed to indicated he was informed of the substance responsible for his test failure after the B sample test, despite NASCAR having indicated he was informed of the substance after the first test.

Second, AJ said or used the words that had me inclined to think that NASCAR told him it was Adderall, or the same compounds that can be found in Adderall.  But NASCAR says they're unaware of the specific substance other than it was an amphetamine and that their testing doesn't reveal andy substance brand.

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I hear and read the concerns fans are exhibiting about Allmendinger and how to this date, some of his answers still aren't syncing up as nicely as they'd like to hear.  Some are even suggesting he needs a new PR team.

But it is what it is.  He's learning new life-skills in the "Road to Recovery" program and says he's learned his lesson.

And in the garage, it seems there is support and trust of Allmendinger.  Dave Moody's co-host yesterday was David Reutimann and he said he'd be more than happy to be on the track, next to Allmendinger in a line up.

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This isn't Allmendinger's First Mistake

At this point I wonder if this is indicative of a behavioral pattern or not.  Two moments may not make a trend, but in a statistical sampling, this would be an interesting blip in a study.  It's like the saying goes, if you see 1 cockroach, many more are out of site.

Back in Oct of 2009 Allmendinger was arrested for drunken driving in Mooresville, N.C..  After being pulled over, he failed the sobriety test with a .08 Breathalyzer test result.  Back then he was driving the RPM No. 44 car and was placed on probation by NASCAR.  Back then he made the following statement:

"...obviously should have erred more on the side of caution, particularly given what I do for a living," Allmendinger said. "It was a bad judgment call and I apologize for that."

"If anything good can come of this, then hopefully I can be an example of being more aware of drinking responsibly and if even if you feel fine, take a cab, call a friend," Allmendinger said. "Just don't risk it. I will do my best to make it right and use this to learn myself and hopefully educate others."

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For a health aware athlete, taking an unknown pill seems out of character.  I don't take anything unless I've bought it myself.  But as it stands, Allmendinger is now on-track to getting back in a race car in NASCAR.  If that's even doable, as there are concerns that sponsors may shy away from him after this.  There seem to be inconsistencies to this day. It's up to each fan to decide how forgiving they want to be with this situation.

But in time, I'm sure he'll find himself back behind the wheel somewhere.  He has skills gang.

In the meantime there are other NASCAR news bits we need to start looking at:  We have a close points race, Dale Jr. is in the points lead, Carl Edwards has yet to win a race this season and Dodge has pulled out of NASCAR.  So there's a lot going on and we need to get back on track, so to speak.

NASCAR: Allmendinger Arrested.

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AJ Allmendinger Claims Adderall From A Friend

AJ Allmendinger's substance that set off his drug test was Adderall.  This is what he told ESPN in an interview early Tuesday and Marty Smith reported.  In that interview Allmendinger expressed that he does not have ADHD and is not perscibed the pill.  Rather, his reason for why it was in his system seems suspect at best...

During the week prior to the Kentucky race, he was tired and "a friend" supplied him with a "workout supplement that would give him energy."

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• This seems to go against previous statements that he had emptied his bathroom of all meds to get to the bottom of this.
• It goes in contrast with being health conscious and being careful what he ingests.
• It seems confusing if he is a proponent of whatever energy drink or supplement he had been noted for taking and instead takes an unknown pill.
• And it reeks of vague, like everything else we've heard out of AJ Allmendinger's camp.
• I wonder if this "friend" is a friend of Mayfield's also?
• Plus, I'm not forgetting Allmendinger's DUI from 2009.  It's hard to let go of things like that when this happens.

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Allmendinger came on the scene and he was a fresh and energetic new driver.  He was fun in interviews and it was easy to root for him.

Now I am wondering if we all fell for an image, spun up by his PR team? 

If you think about it, how well do you know someone just from what you see on TV or at a venue?  That's their professional face.  Not the face at home that we never see.

Image is important to any star and fans are very susceptible to it.  Ask any politician.  Their entire push for votes, where they spend millions, is to make you think they're a good vote.

Carl Edwards had gone on a vendetta/angry streak a few years back when he chased down Brad Keselowski every chance he got. Or when he threatened Matt Kenseth with a punch on TV.  Or when he wrecked half a field of Nationwide cars to get a win.  A move he said he'd do again if he ever got the chance. 

But then the following year, we haven't seen that from him.  Plus with his interacting with fans in the stands after wins, I think people are again on his side.  But is it a real side or a spun side for you to see?

Edwards is my first but not ONLY example. (Kurt Busch)  He's just easy to use as one.  But once the cat is out of the bag, sure, they seem changed in later appearances.  Or more precisely, the behavior has stopped in the public's eye.  The mentality that brought it on, that's part of their personality... that's what I question.

Stars do things to look good and generate fans interest.  But do we really know them?  Everyone is shocked when Christian Bale had that verbal freak out at a movie premiere a few years back.  And we're always sort of stunned when we see someone on the TMZ home page.

Me, I'm getting tired of being fooled.  When Michael Vick or DMZ were busted for their dog fighting rings, I was upset on many levels.

A bud of mine works within the image industry of Hollywood and it's amazing to hear what they go through to make someone look good to the audience or public.

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So for now, A.J. Allmendinger is looking to be done with his "Road to Recovery" program by the end of August.  Hopefully he won't take anymore questionable and unknown pills from "friends" after this and stick to his known energy drinks.

Me, it's a non-issue.  No matter what his situation, he needs better friends if the one's he has is giving him bad pills.  Or in other words, "Gimme a break!"

[ESPN]

A.J. Allmendinger Released From Penske Racing; Who's Replacing Him?

It was just announced that A.J. Allmendinger has been released from Penske Racing.  This announcement came after Roger Penske and A.J. held a meeting.

A.J.'s release is Sam Hornish Jr.'s moment.  It would look like Sam Hornish Jr. will be in the No. 22 Penske Dodge for the "foreseeable future."  The ride is up for debate for the 2013 season.

A.J. Allmendinger said:

"Effective today, I have been released from Penske Racing as driver of the No. 22 Dodge Charger," Allmendinger said in a statement. "I wish to thank Mr. Penske, Penske Racing, their sponsors, and especially all the of the No. 22 team for the opportunity they provided me and for their support in this difficult time. I also, again, would like to thank all the fans that really have been awesome through this. I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment, and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided. As I stated last week, I have begun NASCAR's Road to Recovery program and look forward to using those resources and its completion to compete again in NASCAR in the near future."

This is not an unexpected development.  A.J.'s track record wasn't bad but also wasn't making waves or making people stand up and take notice.  It was more of a quiet burn.  And there's the sponsor and what they want and feel compelled to do, in regards to image.

Penske Racing also has a no-tolerance policy with substance abuse.  Is that a clue as to what popped up with Allmendinger?

So I'm guessing that this contract release was a team/sponsor decision.

And what about Allmendinger's present status?  No one knows.  As it's been put, his camp has gone quiet. 

With the exception of letting the fans know that he immediately chose to pursue the Road to Recovery program, fans have not heard one other word about his situation.  Was this a false positive from a supplement?  Was it an error on his part for whatever reason?

I think fans would like to know.  His camp needs to know.  Drivers who will be possibly sharing the track with him down the road would love to know.

I don't think his present PR camp is the best for him either. Regardless of what he did.  The lady behind his PR camp made a few statements early on, that proved to be incorrect.  And when Dave Moody called her on it during a SiriusXM interview, her reasoning for her mistaken statements seemed irresponsible.

In one example, she said that A.J. barely squeaked past the failure threshold of NASCAR's random drug test.  NASCAR said he failed by a large margin.  Later, A.J.'s rep backpedaled and said she was quoting his test numbers against other sports threshold's, not NASCAR's.  I would think you gather your facts and present them.  Not spin them with aspects outside the sport.

But that's my opinion.

Will Sam Hornish Jr. stay in the car in 2013?  No word yet.  Fans of Hornish Jr. can hope he pulls one out of his hat and makes the car dance.  Kurt Busch did.  So there's no shortage of performance ability in the team/car.  But this is a team/sponsor call.

If Hornish Jr. does not  keep the ride, well, there are all kinds of offers to take the wheel, as Penske put it last weekend.

Who do you think might make a good replacement in the No. 22 Ford for 2013?  (Penske Racing is moving to Ford in 2013.)

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AJ Allmendinger Indefinitely Suspended From NASCAR Competition

Via press release:
AJ Allmendinger, driver of the No. 22 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy.

On July 24, Allmendinger was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (NASCAR's substance abuse policy) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book.

As outlined in the rule book, NASCAR next will provide Allmendinger a letter outlining a process for reinstatement. By agreeing to the letter, he will be allowed to participate in the Road to Recovery Program.

A Statement From A.J. Allmendinger's "People" On His Drug Test

I have to say, I and I'm sure all of A.J. Allmendinger's fans can really appreciate the lengths that he's going to to fix this situation, regardless of the new test's outcome.  This kind of proactive set of measures that he's taking I'm sure is going a long ways towards not only reassuring his fans of his innocence but also soothing nerves on many corporate fronts.

I feel that no matter what comes of the 'B Sample' test, things will be put right in an expedient fashion.

Without further ranting on my part, here's a press release from the Allmendinger camp:

In an effort to help our colleagues in the media report on this in a timely and accurate manner, we wanted to provide some additional details regarding AJ's sample "A" test results. AJ tested positive for a stimulant. He has no idea why the first test was positive, and he has never knowingly taken any prohibited substance. AJ is collecting his medicines and supplements for testing to determine whether an over the counter product caused his positive test. AJ and all of us at Walldinger Racing respect NASCAR's testing program, and he has requested that his "B" sample be tested as part of the process of getting to the bottom of this. We will have the opportunity to review all of the scientific data surrounding the test following the "B" sample test, but our understanding is that AJ's test was slightly above the threshold. As of this morning, we have not been given notice of when the testing of the "B" sample will take place. Thanks again for all of the support of our fans, team, and sponsors as we continue working through the process."

-Tara Ragan, Vice President, Walldinger Racing Inc

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Stewart's Daytona Penalty, Dillon's 2nd Oops and B Samples

Tony Stewart's Penalty
I don't know about you but I was surprised to hear about Tony Stewart's car not passing post-race inspection after he won the Daytona race last weekend.

"The No. 14 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book); and 20-2.1J (unapproved open vent hose inside of the car). The violation occurred during post-qualifying inspection July 6.

As a result, crew chief Steve Addington has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Car chief Jeff Meendering has been placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Driver Tony Stewart and owner Margaret Haas have been penalized with the loss of six championship driver and six championship owner points, respectively."

Ouch.

Later reports indicated that the competition director for Stewart's Stewart-Haas Racing team, Greg Zipadelli, indicated that this was not an intentional penalty (are any of them?) and came about in a hasty repair to a rear window.  Doing that

"...jostled a cooling hose that was behind the seat. We understand NASCAR's position and will abide by its decision."

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Austin Dillon Dinged Again
I'm sad for Austin Dillon, to see his first win marred by a race inspection failure, but then in the subsequent weekend (last weekend) at Daytona, they again failed another inspection.  This can get bad because team members were on probation from the first violation!

"The No. 3 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4J and 20A-2.1J (unapproved open vent hose inside of the car). This violation occurred during post-qualifying inspection on July 6.

Crew chief Danny Stockman has been fined $10,000 and due to the violation of his probation, has been suspended from NASCAR until July 25. Car chief Robert Strmiska has also been suspended from NASCAR competition until July 25 due to the violation of his probation. This past May 1, both Stockman and Strmiska were placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, for rules violations committed at Richmond International Raceway.

Driver Austin Dillon and owner Morgan Shepherd have been penalized with the loss of six championship driver and six championship owner points, respectively."

Austin is going to have a tough go at it, recovering from this, unless he has his own Stewart-streak in upcoming races!
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AJ Allmendinger B Sample
Fans are shocked as is AJ Allmendinger and his team from his failed drug test.  But following NASCAR protocol, AJ was allowed to submit a second part of his first sample, called the B sample, for subsequent testing.

The B sample results could get AJ out from under this hot water, or could cement the over-shadowing doom of this cloud.

It's been said he's a very health conscious individual and all parties concerned are surprised.

Fans out there are concerned that there could be a situation where the tests are pulling up false positives for drugs that are not illicit drugs.  AKA, back in the day, some poor folks started discovering that mouth wash had just enough alcohol in it to help a driver fail a sobriety test!  So fans are focused on that aspect of the situation.

Everyone is holding their breath, awaiting news.  AJ Allmendinger's fans are standing by their man, as is his team.   Though they've entered Sam Hornish Jr as the driver for New Hampshire... just in case things go poorly in the testing realm.
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A.J. Allmendinger Reportedly Shocked By NASCAR Suspension/Drug Test Results

AJ Allmendinger's camp finally spoke up and voiced what many fans are voicing, and that's shock at the test results of AJ's drug test.  AJ is working with the race team to get through this and it's noted that when tests are administered, two samples are taken from the driver.

AJ does have the option to have his second, or "B sample" specimen tested to confirm or deny the first test results.  He also has options to either observe the tests or have a toxicologist watch the re-test.

No word has been released on what AJ Allmendinger will choose to do in regards to his "B sample."

I'm sure there will be more to follow.  And I'm also sure that 'Dinger fans want to see that this was nothing but an error somewhere in the process.

We'll see gang,  we'll see.

sportingnews

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AJ Allmendinger Failed NASCAR's Random Drug Test

I've been out for a while, while I've been recouping from shoulder surgery but today while lounging about the park, waiting for NASCAR's Coke Zero 400 to start, I was checking my NASCAR Twitter feed and was shocked to see odd references to AJ Allmendinger and the word suspended in the same tweets.  Wha?  Further Twitter scanning showed the inevitable info backing up this weird combination of words.

Sure enough, AJ was ousted from the track as results from a random drug test earlier in the week came down the pipe.

I've always enjoyed his personality in his interviews and grimaced at his lack of decent luck or robust success.  And when he landed the No. 22 ride, I was jazzed for him.

I've not know these drug tests to be wrong... well, except per Jeremy Mayfield... so I'm not holding my breath, but I do hope that just maybe, something is wrong with the test.  But if this is true, then damn it, dude, you know testing can come any second. 

If not, well, character marketing was definitely at work and I liked the guy.  But I didn't really know him.  Do we ever know anyone in the limelight except for what image they present to the fans?  Carl Edwards has become the master image man.  From spending a season wreaking havoc on Brad Keselowski every chance he had, and then, to be the fans' driver and running into the stands to share his victories is nothing but a masterful swipe of the image machine.  And I do believe it is working to erase the negative image some fans had of him.  Folks are quick to forget as they live in the moment.  And sometimes, the moment is not the exact truth it needs to be.

But that's just me, and I tend to spend too much of my time remembering and harboring suspicions.

Below is the press release that came out of NASCAR about suspending A.J. Allmendinger.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 7, 2012) – Driver AJ Allmendinger has been temporarily suspended from NASCAR competition based upon notification of a positive "A" test NASCAR received from the Medical Review Officer as stated in Section 19-11B (6,7) of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy. Pursuant to the rule book, Allmendinger has the opportunity to request within the next 72 hours that his "B" sample be tested.

NASCAR will follow its policies and procedures set forth in the rule book in dealing with this matter.

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Allmendinger Signs Contract

If you're an Allmendinger fan, rejoice!

A.J. Allmendinger signed a contract with Richard Petty Motorsports that lasts through the 2010 season.

Up until now, 'Dinger has been driving under a creative contract, dependent on sponsors and performance. He's proven the performance part. (NBaP would love to see him in top tier equipment!) And up until recently, was guaranteed a ride up until Richmond with a new sponsor signing on until then.

It seems that all the chatter about the possibility of 'Dinger headed looking at a ride with an American Formula One team, or other NASCAR teams that started inquiring into his availability cranked the interest up a notch from RPM.

Regardless, the Los Gatos, CA native (He's nearly my neighbor!) has himself a ride for a while. Way to go A.J.!

Source: ESPN

Allmendinger Gets Even More Chances

In January of 2009, I wrote that A.J. Allmendinger had 8 starts lined up with the No. 44 Petty Dodge entry.

Now, he's got even more chances.

Due to the performance levels he's demonstrated with the No. 44 car, the team has been able to sign on Hunt Brothers Pizza, keeping 'Dinger in the car through September. Look out Richmond, here we come.

NBaP is pretty excited for A.J.. He's got talent and the obvious ambition and motivation to take a decent car and put it up there in all our faces, for all to see. Including potential sponsors.


CONGRATS 'Dinger! Keep it up and nail even bigger sponsors.

Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR

Allmendinger Gets Eight Chances

A.J. Allmendinger will be driving the No. 44 car for Richard Petty Motorsports for the first 8 races of the 2009 season.

He'll also be competing in the July Cup race at Daytona.

Sounds like good news for the 'Dinger fans out there!!!

Allmendinger Showing His Resume, When It Counts

Putting A.J. Allmendinger in a decent car at Martinsville was a good thing. Even if Martinsville wasn't his first choice of tracks to show his wares.

He finished in 15th after a long day in the Gillett Evernham Motorsports No. 10 Dodge. Way to go A.J..

Right now he's in a bit of a limbo for 2009 but will be finishing off the 2008 season in the No. 10 car, keeping the seat warm for Reed Sorenson when he comes on board in 2009. Hopefully driving a quality backed team like the No. 10 car will help him as he pads his resume with results like the one he got at the TUMS QuikPak 500.


Article source,
Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Allmendinger Has A Ride

A.J. Allmendinger hasn't landed on his feet yet, BUT, he's at least treading water until the end of the season.

A.J. will be in the MWR No. 00 this weekend at Lowe's, but then will finish out the remainder of the year in the Gillette Evernham ride that Patrick Carpentier just got booted from!

Good for A.J.. Is this indicative of Allmendingers future in 2009?

source

Allmendinger Has a Ride at Charlotte

Michael McDowell was pulled from the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 00 Toyota after failing to qualify in Kansas to try and get the car back up into the top 35 in points before the end of the year.

Kenny Wallace finished the No. 00 Toyota in 12th at Talladega last Sunday and with the top 35 in mind, Michael Waltrip is turning to A.J. Allmendinger to get the job done at Charlotte this upcoming weekend.

I can't imagine how it feels for McDowell, but this is a great, albeit temporary good thing for 'Dinger.

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Allmendinger Is Now Free To Look

After putting on one heck of a show and giving his season best performance last weekend, A.J. Allmendinger has been let go from his Red Bull Racing Team and the remainder of the year, the No. 84 car duties will be split between Mike Skinner and Red Bull development driver Scott Speed.

Not a surprise to see A.J. being set free from the No. 84, but I think, unless he already has a ride set up, that it would have been nice for Red Bull to let him drive for the rest of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season so he can show off his wares some more.

But, it is what it is.

source

Allmendinger, Is He Tight in Turn 2?

I think it's a shame that A.J. Allmendinger has to be at the butt end of Red Bull's iffy NASCAR Cup effort and is instead, opting for Scott Speed to replace him. Of course, it's conjecture that Scott Speed is replacing A.J., but since they've pulled A.J. from testing and Red Bull is all over the untested Speed, I'm thinking they needed to give it another year easy, but yet no, they toss out this open wheeler, Allmendinger.

Rumors are swirling about the now available A.J.. I like him, he's pretty funny to listen to, if you've ever caught any of his Sirius Satellite NASCAR Ch. 128 interviews. But where's he headed?

Do you think AJ Allmendinger (Dinger to his buddies) will replace Sorenson at Ganassi or does Ganassi have anyone else in mind? I didn't want to ponder this with myself, so as always, I asked Charlie Turner of On Pit Row to toss in his 2 cents too!



Bruce: I'm hoping A.J. gets a good chance to prove himself. I'd hate to see him go somewhere mediocre just because he wants to stay in NASCAR. That just doesn't work. Look at HOF Racing. They dumped Yeley, but in all likely-hood, it's the garage, not the driver. Considering Logano ended up 3 laps down in Loudon in one of their cars. Am I dodging my own question? Yes. If Ganassi is Allmendingers best opportunity, maybe he can do something with it. If not, I'm very on the fence as to where else, if anyone, he could end up at. Charlie?


Charlie Turner: Allmendinger has done enough in the Red Bull no. 84 to show that he deserves more of an opportunity in the Cup series than he's had. He would be a quality replacement for Ganassi in the no. 41. The plus side of moving to Ganassi for A J is that Chip and his teams have experience with converting - and attempting to convert - ex-road racers to Cup cars. The success has been mixed. But it looks to me like Ganassi is a black hole for stock car talent though. I think he'll end up there. But my expectations are low.

Bruce: I couldn't have said it better. Oh, wait, I didn't.

Charlie asked me my thoughts on the qustion: Is Kyle Busch choking? Check it out over on his site at On Pit Row.

(Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Allmendingers Take on Computer Simulation Racing

A.J. Allmendinger, "dinger" to his buds, made a funny comment about online racing:

He noted how he practices online, racing in the online league the Dale Jr runs, and runs in. (The same one I've been know to visit also, but I don't want to show them up so I keep a low profile.)

In his usual humorous outtake on issues, he made a comment about being asked how realistic it is. His response, to make it more realistic, is to

"set your computer up next to a wall, make sure the chair is right against the wall, and when you spin in the game take your head and ram it against the wall in your house and tell me how that feels."

LOL... I like this guys 'tude. Every time I've heard him in an interview he's always got a great, funny attitude about things. And no, I will not slam my head against the wall. I'd be stone cold stupid by now if I did that!

I remember my first win in online racing... I was third in a three car draft on the last lap of Talladega... the first place car slowed up and the second place car hit him and knocked him out of the way. Poor guy. He inadvertently slowed down and guess who drove through him to get to the checkers??? heheh... It is fun I tell ya... but boy, the little text window sure can get busy at the bottom after those special moments!