'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Topics:  NASCAR

Jeremy T. Sellers
Jerm's Joint
December 16, 2011

Okay, I have to admit, I tried to organize the latest off-season NASCAR news into the classic Christmas format, but it just got out of control after just a few lines. There has been a lot going on before February's running of the Daytona 500, and unless you have established an algorhythm, it's difficult to keep up.

Greg Zippadeli is leaving JGR to be the competition director for his old driver, Tony Stewart over at his organization. Darien Grube, who was notified in the middle of the chase that he wouldn't be back with Stewart-Hass (even though he is now a championship crew chief), has gone to JGR to preside over Denny Hamlin's ride.

Kurt Busch is out of a job and he should be. I know not everyone agrees, and I honestly believe if the little cell phone cameras weren't rolling, he would still be with Penske. However, to call one of the most respected NASCAR reporters in the sport a "mother fucker" warrants stiff and harsh action. Now there are rumors he may go to the 43 car? I say keep the Dinger! AJ is a class act and deserves to stay in that ride!

His brother Kyle, the waste of talent and space that he is, will no doubt be under the microscope for much of the first half of the season in 2012. Never has there been such a great racing talent in the history of NASCAR only to systematically piss it away one screw-up at a time. I will agree that NASCAR needs a driver like this, but if he doesn't learn to check the boundaries, the sport will leave him.

Clint Bowyer is over at MWR now. I firmly believe that Michael Waltrip butt pumped Reutiman without using any lube what-so-ever. I think a two car, full time operation with both Bowyer and David would have produced many victories in the long run. However, would Waltrip then be able to finance a part time ride to make room for Mark Martin?

Speaking of Mark, is anyone else disappointed that he is going to finish out his career driving a Toyota? I know my heart sank when I heard the news of him running a part time schedule for MWR. The last of the "good ol' boys", and this is how he is going to go out? A shame, truly a shame.

Dale Jr. slapping a "Diet" in front of Mountain Dew for the 2012 campaign? I don't know about this either. Amp and the National Guard seemed to go together like bread and butter. The occasional Mountain Dew primary sponsorship was pretty damn many too if you ask me. To add "diet" in front of it seems to reflect on the fact he has not had a victory in the cup series since 2008.

Brian France defending private penalties leveled on drivers...blah blah blah. At least we don't have to see his face at every track, but then again, Mike Helton isn't a much more comforting sight.

Regardless.. .I hope you have been able to get out and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. Take in some great holiday and winter beers that are available in your local grocery and wine stores. Before we know it, Preseason Thunder will be rolling into Daytona.

Merry Christmas!

-The Sellers Family