Welcome, race fans

With football season behind us, it is time to turn our attention to that other sport that sucks up our time nine months out of the year: NASCAR. And what better time to start a new blog on the subject than during Speedweeks?

After watching the Bud Shootout on Sunday, I had horrific flashbacks to the '03 Daytona 500 with Ryan Newman barrel rolling through the infield grass. His last-lap crash with Jamie McMurray was not anywhere near as spectacular, but it leads me to wonder why this hot young gun can't catch a break at Daytona? He was slow in the shootout, slow in qualifying, and I fear he is doomed to disaster this Sunday.

But then Flyin' Ryan always seems to find a way to get towards the front when the heat is on -- that is, when he keeps his car in tact. We'll see how he does Sunday.

Meanwhile, my other perennial favorite, Jeff Gordon, was only slightly better than Newman in qualifying. I have to believe that he will overcome his poor showing in the time trials and run well Sunday. I still look for him to win the race. (Am I being overly optimistic?)

And what of Dale Jarrett, who snagged his first win in almost a year with the Shootout victory? I think he'll be better this year, but I'm not picking him to win the 500. Top 10 maybe. Little E? The kid can run on the restrictor tracks and will be a factor, but it's not his turn yet.

Greg Biffle on the pole? A fluke. He'll never be able to back it up. At least he'll get to run next year's shootout. Always nice to see a different face.  ¶ 5:55 PM