The four-time defending Sprint Cup champion waged his own personal food fight after winning the Food City 500, just one little indication of how much a long-sought-after first victory at Bristol Motor Speedway meant to a driver who had already won almost everywhere else.

With confetti falling and fireworks shooting off behind him, Johnson didn’t immediately go for the trophy, but the sponsor-provided brown bag of groceries next to it. Suddenly he was slinging food items faster than the Iron Chef, tossing fruits and vegetables in every direction before heaving the bag itself and sending peas everywhere.

via NASCAR.COM – For Johnson, even small victories can mean a lot – Mar 21, 2010.

Jimmie Johnson got a huge break on his last stop, getting on pit road only seconds before the caution flag came out, and held off a charging Kevin Harvick in the closing laps to win at California on Sunday.

via Jimmie Johnson hangs on for 48th career NASCAR Sprint Cup win – NASCAR News – FOX Sports on MSN.

While Patrick got all the headlines for the better part of two weeks, she had no stake in the Daytona 500. Palin did, and as a VIP guest for the race, she ate up all the attention.

When she arrived for the drivers meeting, Palin was immediately mobbed. She briefly chatted with Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele, shook hands with supporters and smiled big.

via Sarah Palin Mania takes over Daytona International Speedway. – South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com.

Jamie McMurray’s heart sank when he saw Dale Earnhardt Jr. lurking in his rearview mirror. Of all the guys bearing down on me, he thought, it has be one who seems destined to win the Daytona 500.

via Jamie McMurray holds off late charge from Dale Jr. to win Daytona 500 – NASCAR News – FOX Sports on MSN.

Good for her. It’s about damn time.

Congress considers Concord hazardous?

Here is a follow up:

GOP: NASCAR is contagious, but its fans are not

For the second time in history of the race at The Brickyard, Tony wins it. Of course he still has a few more wins to tie and beat Jeff Gordon’s record of 4 wins.

From the Yahoo: Tony Stewart dominates at the Brickyard

After years of torment, Tony Stewart has mastered his beloved hometown track. Stewart scored his second career victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, dominating Sunday at the place that caused him a decade of heartache and once even threatened his career.

But he found peace at the Brickyard with his electric 2005 breakthrough victory, and this time made it look easy. Stewart led a race-high 66 of the 160 laps, but was passed by 2003 winner Kevin Harvick on a restart with 20 to go.

He never panicked as he chased down Harvick, even taunting his friend over the radio. “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,” he called. “Come get you some of this.” 

I just wish I was paying attention so I would know how Jeff Gordon got so far ahead in the points chase.

WASHINGTON – NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart has had such a successful racing career that he’s becoming a regular at the White House.

Stewart said President Bush recalled his two previous visits to the Oval Office — one for his first Cup championship and another with other top drivers — when he
came in for a third on Tuesday.

“It’s a real big honor to be able to come here and have the president remember you,” Stewart told reporters as he left the West Wing. “He said, `I’d like to see you back here next year.’ So I’m definitely on his side on that. I would love to come back here next year as a champion again.”

NASCAR/Redneck Racing to begin again February 23. I can’t wait.

It is getting close to the end of the season. At least Dale Jarrett won at least one race. I am constantly pulling for him or Smoke (Tony Stewart) and I am always glad to see either of them win.

So after this race at Texas Motor Speedway, only two more to go. Then I will have to find something else to nap in front of until February.