Mutt Muffs!

I was checking out our new followers on twitter this morning and came across @MuttMuffs.
According to their website, Mutt Muffs were inspired by pilots who know the noise level of the cockpit is unsafe for Man or beast. Mutt Muffs offer hearing protection for your four-legged family members. Your dog's keenest sense is smell and number two is hearing. If you think something is loud, your dog is probably in pain. After heredity, long exposure to loud noise is the biggest contributor to deafness.

This is such a great invention for people that are on the road with their animals, especially for the many drivers who bring their furballs to the track w/ them. I can see it now.....

Speaking of pups, I am the proud owner of the sweetest, cutest dachshund in this world. His name is Deezyl, weighs 8 lbs, hates loud noises and has a thing for my Burberry jacket (he's a fashionista by nature).

Deezyl @ his Grandmas on my jacket

There have been many times that I wanted to take Deezyl to the track with me. The only thing that holds me back is that Deezyl HATES loud noises. I know this since I live directly in-between 2 airports (Daytona International Airport and Spruce Creek Fly-In) and he feels the need to run outside, on the golf course and yell at the planes. Every. Single. Time. And Thunderstorms? Forget it! Maybe he will be making his first appearance to a race sometime soon! Regardless, I will still be picking up a pair since they also work for fireworks. This seals the deal for me. Just ask my Mom, who has to deal w/ Deezyl during the Pepsi (Firecracker, Coke, Coke Zero, whatever) 400 firework show....

Stuck in Race Traffic??

Going to Darlington this week? Ally and Darlynn know about being stuck in Race Traffic in South Carolina! We had the experience of a lifetime in this nightmare..which later spawned many different catch phrases that we still talk about and use to this very day.

Luckily, we kept each other entertained that evening but for those who would like to enjoy what's happening at "The Lady in Black" be sure to tune your dial to EAGLE 92.9 fm or The Light WEGX FM-both are MRN affiliates, located in Florence SC, just a few miles from Darlington. Note* Florence is also a great place to stay, and get a BBQ Sandwich...

What is on a BBQ Sandwich you ask?? Well, its BBQ....and its a Sandwich :)

Check the Eagle out at: www.eagle929online.com

Happy Happy Hour, Darlington Style

We are saying cheers to The Lady in Black with Firefly Vodka which was created in Wadmalaw Island, SC (outside of Charleston). I did a piece on my "favorite drink in the entire universe" last year, which you can read in detail here. Luckily for ya'll, Firefly is widely available throughout the US now. Coincidentally enough, I introduced this cocktail to many of your favorite NASCAR guys, whose names are being kept confidential!

Follow along with Happy Hour here and PLEASE BE CAREFUL. This drink tastes exactly like sweet tea. It is dangerous, it is lethal and I do not take any blame if you decide to drunk dial your ex while drinking this today. Note to self, do not take this as a shot.

You have been warned so here's the recipe....
Megan's "Favorite drink in the entire universe"
Fill a high ball with Ice
1/2 Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka
1/2 water
Lots of lemon
I like to add a splash of sugar water to mine, I am sweet enough as it is but I am a southern chic!

Cheers Ya'll!

A Fast Lap with Leilani Munter

Today's fast lap is on Indy and Arca driver Leilani Munter. We were introduced to Leilani on Twitter (@LeilaniMunter). Not only is she an amazing driver but also an Environmentalist, an Ambassador for the National Wildlife Federation, Glamor Magazines Eco Hero and she's a model! We urge you to check out her website at Leilanimunter.com. Leilani is truly an insperation. Her next race is on May 22nd at Indianapolis Motor Speedway which will be aired on VERSUS.1.What music have you recently put on your iPod?
Jack Johnson's Sleep Through the Static, Eddie Vedder's soundtrack for the movie Into the Wild, and some live recordings from my brother in law's band The Grateful Dead (they are on tour right now as The Dead).

2. What was the last movie you saw?
11th Hour, Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental movie.

3. What are your favorite TV shows?
Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Colbert Report, and House.

4. What other sporting teams/events do you follow?
Other than racing, the only sport I follow is World Cup Rugby. My husband is from New Zealand so we cheer for the New Zealand All Blacks!

5. What is one personal item you can not live without?
My husband and my laptop computer - both are essential to my life!

6. What are your favorite places to visit?
Anywhere I can scuba dive! Hawaii and Fiji are the best places I have been diving so far. I also love spending time in New Zealand but the ocean is too cold for me to dive there. Hawaii has spoiled me with warm water so I won't dive in cold water anymore!

7. What is your favorite clothing brand?
Lucky Brand Jeans of course! I did an ad campaign for Lucky in fall 2008, and was honored to do it because I love their clothes.

8. What is your favorite book or publication?
I can't really name a favorite book, I have so many favorites over the years! A few years ago I was into Dan Brown books. Recently, I finished "Kite Runner" and Into the Wild" and now I am reading "Shantaram."

9. What is your favorite activity to do in your off time?
Scuba diving, snowboarding, horseback riding, surfing (even though I haven't been since I moved to North Carolina to race), skydiving (I have jumped tandem 3 times now - it is a blast), and hanging out by the ocean! My mother was born and raised in Hawaii so I am a displaced island girl!

10. What is your favorite cuisine?
I have been a vegetarian for many years. If it doesn't have meat in it, I like it!

11. What advice would you give other females looking to get into the sporting world?
Believe in yourself and do not listen to detractors. There are going to be challenges - you will have ups and downs - but if you stay true to yourself and passionate about your sport, you will get there. Patience, determination and dedication are your greatest friends.

Next Weeks Fast Lap will feature Megan Reitenour

NASCAR, Tyler Florence and a Cookout! Could it get any better?

I am a self proclaimed foodie and I am obsessed with the Food Network almost as much as I am with NASCAR. I just found out that Food Network cutie Tyler Florence is going to be at Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, teaming up to man the nations longest grill at the Coca-Cola Quarter-Mile Cookout. That's going to be one HOT BBQ! (I must mention that if it were Bobby Flay, I would be front and center completely geeking out)

Here are tidbits from the press release:
Requiring more than 7,000 pounds of Kingsford Charcoal, the monster-sized ring of fire will measure an astonishing 1,320 feet -- spanning more than four football fields in length if stretched end to end. The colossal grill will be used to cook up a feast for fans attending the "Coca-Cola Quarter-Mile Cookout" on May 22.

The oval-shaped quarter-mile grill -- assembled on part of the race track's frontstretch and pit road -- will be manned by celebrity chef and Food Network star Tyler Florence, host of Tyler's Ultimate and author of Dinner at My Place and Stirring the Pot. Joining Florence will be some of NASCAR's most popular drivers including Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Petty and racing legend Bobby Allison, all of whom will trade their fire suits for "track aprons" as they help grill up lunch for thousands of fans.

The event is free and open to all ticket and annual credential holders for the historic 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600. The action will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the race track near the speedway's start/finish line. The menu will feature hamburgers and hot dogs, along with Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad pasta salads and Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownies.

Darlington Drivers Appearances

South Carolina's phrase "Smiling faces. Beautiful places" couldn't be more fitting for this weekend in Darlington. Below are the drivers appearances for this week. If you know of any other appearances in South Cackalacky, please email us and we will add them to the list. Thanks Ya'll!

Thursday, May 7th
Brendan Gaughan is scheduled to sign autographs on behalf of 5-Hour Energy from 6:00-7:00pm at the BI-LO location in Darlington, SC located at 508 Lamar Highway.

Friday, May 8th
Justin Allgaier is scheduled to appear at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer from 1:00 - 1:30pm.

Saturday, May 9th
Brian Vickers is scheduled to sign autographs at the Red Bull souvenir trailer. The time will be posted on the trailer. A limited number of tickets will be available for autographs on a first come, first served basis due to time constraints.
David Ragan is scheduled to sign autographs at the UPS souvenir trailer at 3:00pm - 3:20pm.
Clint Bowyer is scheduled to sign autographs at his merchandise trailer at 3:30pm. Tickets will be distributed Saturday morning and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Reed Sorenson is scheduled to sign autographs at the Richard Petty Motorsports hauler at 3:30pm.
David Stremme is scheduled to sign autographs at the Darlington Dodge display at 3:30pm.
Casey Mears is scheduled to sign autographs at the Jack Daniel's souvenir trailer at 3:45pm. A limited number of tickets will be available for autographs on a first come, first served basis due to time constraints.
AJ Allmendinger is scheduled to sign autographs at the Petty souvenir hauler at 4:00pm.
Sam Hornish Jr is scheduled to sign autographs at the Penske souvenir trailer from 4:00pm - 4:30pm.

Tune Up Tuesday!

This is a rerun as they moved the release down a week...my apologies :-)

Woohoo! Get Ready Kids, a long awaited release from rockers Green Day is in store today! 21st Century Breakdown will feature 18 tracks and is being released on Reprise Records. The title track from the album is its first single. Its been 5 long years since we have heard anything from these guys and we are excited!

21st Century Breakdown is divided into three acts: "Heroes and Cons," "Charlatans and Saints," and "Horseshoes and Handgrenades," and follows a young couple, Christian and Gloria, through the mess and promise of the century so far. Songs include "Know Your Enemy", "21 Guns", "East Jesus Nowhere", "Before the Lobotomy", and "Restless Heart Syndrome." In a recent feature, Rolling Stone called the album "even more ambitious than American Idiot" and "a record of die-hard punk ideals.tightly scripted, continually ascending classic-rock excitement."

Butch Vig, in my opinion a producing God has his hands on this album...making this Tune Up just a little more exciting. Butch Vig has helped Smashing Pumpkins, that little band Nirvana and his own endeavor Garbage achieve their success over the years.

Other releases for Tune Up Tuesday can be found here. Ben Harper, Hatebreed and Ludacris with DTP are of interest.

First Logano, then Digger, now a NASCAR full length animated feature...hmmm

Its gonna be really hard to compete against Cars!

From Hollywood Reporter

Threshold Animation Studios' Tinseltown Toons has embarked on the first full-length animated feature based on the NASCAR brand for the kids market.

"NASCAR: The Secret Life of Cars," made exclusively for DVD, is scheduled for a 2011 release through Universal Studios Home Entertainment. It will center on a NASCAR garage after humans have left and the cars come to life. Tom Rogers ("Tinker Bell," "The Lion King 1 1/2") will draft the screenplay.

Tinseltown's Kristy Scanlan and NASCAR Media Group's Sarah Nettinga will oversee the project.

USHE has a deal with Tinseltown to distribute two or three movies a year.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

The Biff gets braces

All I have to say is....I feel your pain Greg Biffle. Greg got braces a few weeks ago and I am sure he was in for a rude awakening after his first day. I can say this since I too had braces as an adult. I made the decision in September 2007 and had to wear them for 14 months. I even threw myself a party the day the devils came off.

I am sure a lot of people (myself included) wonder why Greg didn't get invisalign or veneers but the answer lies in this video. He mentioned that he is getting 3M braces (a perk of driving for 3M??). According to their website they are "self-ligating" and do not require your orthodontist to use elastic bands. Why wasn't this an option when I got braces?!

What my made my situation so awful was that I had the upper and lower rubber bands which kept my jaws in line. I lived off of soup, mashed potatoes and french fries for 6 months. I was completely insecure over having braces as an adult and to make matters worse, I got ridiculed at the race track. For instance, Sterling Marlin teased me for weeks that I was 27 and had a face full of metal. I was in pain, I was teased and it felt like middle school all over again. Here's hoping that The Biff has a more pleasant experience than I had.

Getting to know Joey Logano

Photo courtesey of auto stock

Instead of a Fast Lap this week, we opted to do a little feature called getting to know Joey Logano. For the past 3 weeks, we have been bombarded with emails asking random questions about Joey. "What is Joey Loganos favorite food" "What is Joey Loganos favorite vacation spot" "Is Joey Logano afraid of heights?". We were like....OKAY, what is the deal with the 1001 questions about Joey Logano? We don't even get this amount in regards to Dale Earnhardt Jr!

Then like a lightning bolt, we came across Home Depots contest, Get to know Joey. They ask random questions about Joey with various prizes up for grabs. It is a pretty smart idea to ask non NASCAR related questions to a driver :)

We have learned the following facts about Mr. Logano:
Joey's favorite vacation site is St. Martin
Joey is in fact afraid of heights
Joey was 18 years, 21 days when he won his first Nationwide race at Kentucky Speedway
Joey's middle name is Thomas
Joey likes to race Bobsleds when not racing a stock car
Joey's favorite subject in school was recess
Joey's favorite food is Chicken Parmesan
Joey is 6'1" and wears a 11 1/2 size shoe
Joey's sister competed in figure skating

Now, we aren't cheating for you by giving away all of the answers but thought this would be a fun get to know you feature.

Darlington Walls go retro thanks to Go Daddy

In honor of the tracks 60th year of racing, Darlington Raceway brings some nostalgia back this weekend thanks to Go Daddy.
Go Daddy, who is the race's presenting sponsor is a great match because they have spent a lot of marketing dollars in the NASCAR nation. Fairly, aside from the half naked Danica Patrick, it wasn't till Dale Jr did his testimonials that I even know who Go Daddy was. Dale Jr actually does a blog for Go Daddy on a regular basis. As far as the Fashionistas go, we love Go Daddy! They are English speaking and they are patient and they have sat with us on the phone for hours with technical support!

From the Darlington Raceway press release:

When spectators and competitors arrive at Darlington Raceway for the May 9th Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com everyone will notice one distinct difference – red and white retaining walls surrounding the track “Too Tough to Tame.”

“Giving the most famous walls on the NASCAR circuit a retro facelift seemed very fitting as part of our 60th celebration,” said track President, Chris Browning. “This is the first time since 1989 that the walls have been painted anything but white and it certainly reminds me of the early days of NASCAR racing.”

The walls are painted in 40-foot sections alternating red and white and took nearly 50 hours and 315 gallons of paint to complete. In addition to the red and white paint scheme, a retro font was used for the Darlington Raceway signage at the start/finish line.

Asked if he thought the new red and white paint scheme would make for a kinder, gentler wall Browning responded: “Ask Pearson or Yarborough how forgiving the walls were when they were racing here, but I know we will still see plenty of Darlington stripes in 2009.”

Darlington Raceway or the track “Too Tough to Tame” as it is known to many, is where the purest of NASCAR competition meets true southern hospitality. A NASCAR staple since 1950, Darlington Raceway has seen some of motorsports most talented drivers thunder to Victory Lane. In 2009, a NASCAR tradition, the Southern 500® presented by GoDaddy.com, will return as Darlington Raceway celebrates 60 Seasons of Racing.

Be a part of history when Darlington Raceway celebrates 60 years of racing in 2009. Tickets to the 2009 Southern 500® presented by GoDaddy.com, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 are on-sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.

Runway Monday

This weeks Runway Monday is in honor of Mothers Day.

What to drool over comes from Tiffany and Co. There is nothing like giving and receiving that little blue box.Tiffany Heart Locket and Chain $325


Being Cost Conscious
Sterling Silver Mother-of-Peral Mom heart locket from Amazon.com $29.99

Whats the Big Deal about Darlington?

photo courtesy of opg.com

As I gather information for our site for the week, I found this wonderful passionate article written by Cathy Elliot over at Paddock Talk. It gives you an in depth perspective of the history of how Darlington came to be. As we start heading over towards one of my favorite race tracks....yes, partly because of the name-I thought you would enjoy it as much as I did!

Track Funk Race Recap

As you shake off the track funk from Richmond and head to Darlington (Darlynn-ton!), here is what you missed if you chose to drink one too many Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby before watching the race.

Photo courtesy of NASCAR.com

It's getting hard for even the most cynical fan to hate Kyle Busch as he wins the 2009 Crown Royal Presents The Russ Friedman 400 at Richmond International Raceway. This is his 3rd win of 2009 and the 15th of his career. He makes the records book as the youngest driver ever to reach 15 Cup wins, claiming this honor on his 24th birthday. Kyle also swept the weekend by winning the Nationwide Series Race on Friday Night.The rest of the top 10 shakes out like this:

#14 - Tony Stewart
#31 - Jeff Burton
#39 - Ryan Newman
#5 - Mark Martin
#77 - Sam Hornish Jr.
#26 - Jamie McMurray
#24 - Jeff Gordon
#07 - Casey Mears
#42 - Juan Pablo Montoya

There were 15 cautions, tying the caution record at Richmond. There were 21 lead changes among 8 leaders:

Lap Leaders
Brian Vickers (1-16, 8-22)
Jeff Gordon (7, 23-72, 97-98, 309-351)
Denny Hamlin (73-95, 101-116, 124-144,152-213, 249-274)
Kurt Busch (96, 145-151)
Ryan Newman (99-100, 236-248, 275-299,303-307)
Clint Bowyer (117-123)
Martin Truex Jr. (214-235)
Kyle Busch (300-302, 308, 352-400)

Unofficial Standings, Results and a lap by lap recap are available at NASCAR.com. Stay tuned next week as Kyle Busch will try to make two-fer by defending his trophy at the Southern 500 presented by Go Daddy in Darlington. The race takes place Saturday, May 9th and will be broadcasted on Fox going green at 7:35pm.