Hello race fans! Well the last short track race of the year was certainly an exciting one! Denny Hamlin once again, won in his home state of Virginia and dethroning Jimmy Johnson.
Congratulations Denny! Once again, Lynch Tours had a great time in Martinsville this past weekend and even though we sat on the bus for a good part of the day on Saturday, waiting for the rain to pass for the truck race, it was still a good time. Congratulations also goes to hometown favorite, Timothy Peters on a great run in the truck race.

Now, onto the most important race in the Chase, Talladega. Many think this is the race that could ultimately decide the 2009 Sprint Cup Champion. I tend to agree, after all, anything can and almost always will happen at this track. I think it's going to be whoever survives the "big one" that will have the best shot at the title. I think it's safe to say that the only ones left to challenge Jimmy for the championship are Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin. Tony Stewart (who I picked at the beginning of the Chase to win) might be a long shot but again, I believe it will all depend on who is left standing at the end of the race. I know I will be watching at home with anticipation to see who wins! If you happen to be in Talladega this weekend, Lynch Tours will be there, so stop by the bus parking lot between turns 3 and 4 and say hello.

Now, there is one more subject I would like to address this week. I just read on NASCAR.com that AJ Allmendinger was arrested early Thursday morning after failing a sobriety test when he was pulled over for driving under the influence. What are these drivers thinking???? Michael Waltrip just barely passed the same test when he was pulled over for the same thing just 2 weeks ago! These guys are supposed to be role models and what kind of example are they setting for all the young race fans out there. Especially when their jobs require them getting behind the wheel of a race car that goes sometimes over 200mph! I'm sorry, but I just don't understand it. They both have addressed the situations and apologized, but I honestly question whether these guys should be driving a race car. Maybe that sounds a little harsh, but remember, NASCAR has been extremely harsh with the Jeremy Mayfield case, and if they are going to reprimand him, maybe they should consider doing the same to these drivers who are abusing achohol. After all, whose to say that they aren't "under the influence" while they are driving their race cars?!! Anyway, I think it's something that needs to be looked at very closely.

Moving along, good luck to everyone this weekend in Talladega. Have a safe race, and oh by the way, in case you didn't know, history will be made on Saturday as the first father/daughter will be competing in the truck race. Good luck to Mike and Chrissy Wallace!

See you at the races!