FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Richard Petty has turned 71!  It has been 50 years since his first race July 12, 1958.  He has become an American icon and still a huge part of the face of racing.  Petty just sold his company that his father started 59 years ago; Petty Enterprises; to a private group.  He has 1,185 starts and has won more than any other driver.  He said it was time to move on and just enjoy racing.  I still remember Dale Sr. talking about the first time he met Richard Petty and how much he admired the man.  Petty is still a huge money market and still is one a huge part of racing.  His merchandise is still in the top three in the nation in sells.  That is amazing since he has not driven a car for a win in 24 years; since 1984.  He last race was about 16 years ago.  His passion and drive is still respected and admired in most drivers today.  It is drivers like Petty who helped develop and build racing into the empire it is today.  You have earned a rest "King".. enjoy.

Tony Stewart has chosen to leave his current team the end of the year.  The partnership produced 32 wins with two cup Championships in 10 years. He won at least two events a year and dominated the sport.  At age 37 he has decided to look for a future with something that will produce ownership for his future.  Be ready for a strong year in 2009 for Stewart. His last victory was Aug 12, 2007 and he looks to return to form this year and look for him to once again be in the hunt for the cup next year.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. struggled living under his dads shadow and his controlling greedy step mom.  Now he has changed his team and number and we are seeing the return of a great driver.  He has secured a much needed win this year and clearly has returned to form in all races.  At 33 his best years and races are ahead of him.  You can be sure with a better crew, driver and management he will be in the hunt for the cup and win many more races in the next few years.  Move over dad.. this guy is good on his own merits.

At age 23 Kyle Busch is one of the top drivers around.  He has won six races this year and my pick for the cup this year.  He is a driver who will continue to get stronger and has a great crew who will keep him in the hunt for one of the best records in racing this year.  This is not a one year thing.. he will be a dominant driver for years to come.  He has a huge support of fans now and is known as the "black hat" of racing.

Dario Franchitti is facing an unclear future as he learned his owner was shutting down his team.  He has had issues with a broken ankle and lack of sponsors.  Going to NASCAR clearly now seems to have been a bad decision.  After winning Indy 500 it has been a uphill battle since the last 2 years.  You can be sure he will adjust and be a force in NASCAR.  There are many managements who will want him and he will return again as one of the top drivers in racing.

Danica Patrick finally won a race!  Yes, it was a weak group but a win is a win.  Her passion clearly is good for racing and she has been a great pioneer for ladies in racing.  Her move away from Letterman and her joining such a strong racing family with Mario will not only keep her in racing but she should not have any financial needs in the future.  I worked security at the Kansas Speedway for 6 years and I was her personal guard for 3 races.  I was able to get to know her a little and she is truly a lady who loves the sport and wants to show she deserves to drive because of her merits.  I am not sure if she will win many races but you can expect her to contend in many races and she will bring many fans in each week.  She has been great for racing.

 Your thoughts about drivers or current issues in racing?