Speedweeks, ladies and gentlemen. Today was media day, and we spent eight hours in a big dark tent where all the drivers talked in front of black curtains (how Eva Russo got any photos at all impresses the life out of me).

I just had a big rant all typed out here, but you guys don’t care. So here are the highlights: It was 78 and beautiful today. Everyone’s optimistic about the upcoming season. Denny Hamlin’s lost 12 pounds, and Kevin Harvick’s gained it. NASCAR misspelled Patrick Carpentier’s first name on his name card (Partick). I found out Steve Spurrier (my favorite college football coach) will be here for the 500.

I picked up lots of good info. I’ll have a feature on Harvick sometime early or mid-next week. I will still have that Tony Stewart feature I promised you late next week. I’ll be covering the Bud Shootout, the front-row qualifying and the 150s as well as the 500. I’ll have who’s fastest in practice. I’ll have who’s struggling.

And I’m going to try to find time to make it to Sea World (I love Shamu!).

So drop me an e-mail at if you have any questions or story suggestions or anything else. I love to hear from you guys.