iNSIDE SCOOP: Random Thoughts

Steve Letarte is my hero. That’s not random. He decided the time was right for him to come in off the road and he did so. His kids will thank him for it. His wife might not, but that’s a different story!

You have no idea how hard it is to travel the way NASCAR does. Sure, 5-10 races a year is no problem, but think of this: while everyone is celebrating Valentine’s Day, you’re in Daytona working. Memorial Day? No cookout for you; you’re working. Fourth of July? Daytona. Labor Day? Atlanta. Beach season? Daytona again. 

Thanksgiving? A brief rest stop on the way to winter testing. Christmas? Usually good, but it’s rushed. Gotta get the new stuff ready. 

If you don’t have a bus, and most of us don’t, you’re seeing an endless procession of Fairfield Inns and Residence Inns and the odd Country Inn & Suites. Rental cars, fast food, miles to go before you sleep.

Up early, to the track, work all day, eat, go to bed, 35 weekends a year.

All day at the shop, doing the impossible day after day.

In other words, it isn’t a pleasure cruise doing what they do. The perks are great, don’t get me wrong, but you’re not that far off from the folks who do rock concerts or the circus: you’re a nomad.

Good for him, and best of luck.

Everyone is talking about how the personalities at Stewart-Haas are going to mesh this season. They mention Smoke, Harvick and Kurt Busch. Why not Danica? She’s a pretty strong personality in her own right. 

If anyone other than Austin Dillon or Kyle Larson wins Rookie of the Year this year, there’s going to be an investigation.

Tony Stewart is irrepressible. He will be back behind the wheel in February. 

Testing, for drivers, is only slightly less boring than waiting in line at the airport. For engineers and crew guys, it’s Super Bowl Sunday

Speaking of Super Bowls, Kevin Harvick is a 49ers fan. He lives in Charlotte. Good weekend for him, but Mother Function started his car all this week.

Andy Granatelli died recently. If there has ever been a more flamboyant promoter of products than he was, I’ve yet to meet him.

Do you realize that there are just 38 days until Daytona? 

Can’t wait for the first time I get to hear the field come off Turn 4 at speed. Also can’t wait for the first time I see the Atlantic Ocean. Hopefully, it will be light out.