Category Archives: Uncategorized

Kenseth, Team Penalized by NASCAR’s New Tough Persona

Posted on April 24, 2013 | 2 Comments

In post-race inspection, Matt Kenseth’s no. 20, covered in champagne and confetti, was tore down and, apparently, in the wrong.

News spread today that Kenseth’s connection rod in the engine was too light by, reportedly, almost three grams. In turn, the driver was docked 50 points, knocking him down to 14th in the standings, tying him with Jeff Gordon. Also, his Kansas pole/win won’t guarantee his spot in the Sprint Unlimited or The Chase.

So, basically, all he got from that win was a pretty trophy.

On the crew side of things, it isn’t looking good, either. Crew chief Jason Ratcliff was fined $200,000 and suspended for seven races, including the All-Star Race. His probation is scheduled to last until December 31st.

Car Owner Joe Gibbs has also lost 50 points in the owners’ championship pool. The team plans to appeal, but not much will come from that, I assume.

This is yet another penalty in the string of consequences this season, which begs this questions: Is NASCAR attempting to overcompensate? My theory is that they are going leaps and bounds to put restrictions on things.

I don’t believe this will end well. We definitely have another appeal to watch out for, though NASCAR seems cemented in their decision to try and scare teams into line.

Good luck with that working.

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Danica Patrick, Winning Poles and Blazing Trails

Posted on February 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

Like it or not, Danica Patrick is in the history books.

During Sunday’s qualifying session for next week’s Daytona 500, Patrick claimed the pole, becoming the first woman to do so in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Also, she is now the first female to grab the pole at Daytona International Speedway.

Patrick went out early and rode the bottom during her two-lap run, shooting to the top and staying there, even as 33 other cars qualified after her. Nobody was really surprised; the No. 10 was fast during the January test and practices yesterday. Even drivers were talking and tweeting about how she would be hard to beat.

The media darling will lead the 43-car field to the green flag next Sunday, but will she win it?

Like every year, the Daytona 500 is a free-for-all type of race, but we all know it isn’t. Some cars have an obvious advantage over others. It’s more likely for Danica to win than, say, Josh Wise or Dave Blaney.

We have to factor in equipment, race conditions, experience . . .

Conclusion? Just because Danica Patrick got the pole doesn’t mean she’ll win. She still has to survive the draft, The Big One, and all the pressure that comes with running the first (and the biggest) race of the year.

But, it doesn’t mean she won’t win either.

I predict that, in her first Daytona 500 as a NSCS rookie, Patrick will finish 12th. I believe she has a great car. Stewart-Haas Racing has a top-notch setup in that machine. As she said in her interviews, it’s 90% about the car, 10% about the driver.

If she keeps her nose clean, she will do well.

Don’t think that I’m downplaying the fact she’s made history: before this, the highest qualifying position for a female in the NSCS was ninth. That was posted by Janet Guthrie at both Talladega and Bristol in 1977. Guthrie also held the best starting position for a woman at Daytona, 18th during the 1980 Daytona 500.

Last year, Danica also won the Nationwide Series pole at Daytona, the first woman to grasp the top position in that series since Shawna Robinson in 1994 at Atlanta. Miss GoDaddy is the second Rookie to earn a Daytona 500 pole, her predecessor being Jimmie
Johnson, who conquered that feat in 2002.

To sum up all that factual jargon: this really is a big deal, for all female racers and impressionable young girls alike.

All I can say is that history has been made, and more is yet to be written.

Will Danica Patrick be the wielder of the pen? Only time will tell.

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SparkleHouse: The Good, The Bad, and The Annoying

Posted on February 16, 2013 | 1 Comment

NOTE: This will be my only post on this subject this entire season. So soak it in.

NASCAR is a beautiful thing.

It is the reason my heart beats, the way of my soul. Nothing gets me more than the sound of engines groaning in unison and the scent of tire rubber. The excitement, the fervor, the mesmerizing glimmer of sparks in the middle of a night race. I have never been this ready for racing in my entire life.

There is only one issue, and you already know what I’m talking about.

Yes, I am speaking of the constant and irrelevant chatter that is surrounding the union I like to call SparkleHouse.

Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are officially a couple. Patrick told The Associated Press about their love about a month after her divorce with her husband became public. Of course, the jokes and rumors were flying long before the conformation. The hugs after races, how they hung out during the red flag at last year’s Daytona 500 . . . the little things made it obvious.

I have no problem with them dating. It’s the fact that the media talks about it 24/7 that grinds my gears.

It’s the weekend before the Daytona 500. We have new cars, a champion switching manufacturers, drivers switching rides, and all everyone can talk about is Danica and Ricky’s love story?

I understand that many writers don’t get to choose what they cover or voice their opinions about their subjects, but this is plain stupid.

I don’t tune in to practice to hear Mike Joy talk about romance. I don’t scan my Twitter timeline to see people comparing Patrick and Stenhouse’s speeds.

Racing. THAT is why I turn on the race and read articles. Not to vicariously swelter in their relationship. It’s demeaning to only talk about that when they are both talented in their own rights.

Even though FOX, ESPN, and SPEED talk about her too much as it is, I want to focus on Danica’s abilities. How she handles the car and the pressure are important to me, as well as the results she racks up. We can’t forget about Ricky, either; the two-time Nationwide champion is destined for some success in his first full season on the Cup side with Roush-Fenway Racing. Both are up for Rookie of The Year. Both have separate goals this season.

As a teenage girl, I love whimsical love stories. I stare at the Wedding section of Pinterest for hours. I watch romantic comedies and wish those situations happened to me. I dream about the day I walk down the aisle.

But don’t mix SparkleHouse into my racing. Leave it out of the race broadcast.

Because NASCAR is a beautiful thing. For overexposure of something so trivial to ruin it would be tragic.

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One Year.

Posted on January 18, 2013 | Leave a comment

I’ve backspaced so many times because I couldn’t find the right words to type, to give a glimpse into how much this day really means to me, to describe what I feel when I think about the past twelve months.

There aren’t any words at all, I guess. There aren’t the perfect adjectives to explain how much I love this site, or why I’m tearing up at this very moment.

They haven’t created those words yet. But I’ll try my best to delve into my frantic heart.

January 19th, 2012 turned out to be the greatest day of my life. As confident as I may seem, it’s surprising I am able to write this post; I never thought Up Top The Pit Box would ever take off or grow into what it is today. Three-hundred and sixty-five days ago, shaking fingers tapped and clicked and set up a WordPress site for all to see. The crafter, who claimed these fingers, didn’t expect much. Actually, she didn’t assume anything would happen.

The first article was riddled with errors and fallacies. Thankfully, I’ve gotten better. My eyes look back, and all I can do is feel confused. I found mistakes. I found crumpled up facts.

Most importantly, I found a voice that wasn’t my own.

I would write to please the fans. As many of you know, that isn’t me. Back in the beginning, it was the NASCAR writer I wanted to be. It took me forever to realize there are so many drones in the business already, saying what NASCAR wants the fans to hear. This urge to be liked by every sort of fan resulted in unoriginal, Saltine cracker-esque work.

My niche seemed to be unknown for a while. I’d flop between pieces that just came from the heart and products that screamed opinions nobody else had even thought of putting on a public forum. Readers and NASCAR fans alike took well to everything I posted.

That’s when I realized it: my niche . . . Is no niche at all. All I have to do is be me, let my voice shine through. I never thought my personal voice would be the same as the other NASCAR fans’. However, I’m so elated that it is. If I can help cut through the constant stream of media B.S., I consider it a good day.

So, my aim is to be different. Writing for myself makes me awkward enough, apparently. I am perfectly fine with it. I’m not sorry if you aren’t.

This site has brought wisdom, tears, notice, and, strangely enough, confidence. I’m not afraid to put myself out there. I’m not afraid to piss people off. I’m not afraid to tell you I broke down at Mid-Ohio or after my interview with an ESPN giant.

I’m simply not afraid.

You never know how far bravery can get you until a limb is found to go out on. Though it bows and quivers, you put enough trust in this branch to hold your weight -and enough trust in yourself to do something if it should crack.

My first limb was an interview with Emma Blaney.

The next one? Mark Martin.

Then Justin Wilson.

And Kaitlyn Vincie.

And Marty Smith.

Those chances you take can turn into a journey that isn’t close to being over. That’s what I see this as. The day I stop writing is the day my casket is put six-feet under.

I mentioned that this site has brought notice, and that is notice I have never dreamed of gaining. I never write for publicity or popularity. I never post press releases from other sources. There’s no salvation in that; sitting at the laptop, sipping on a glass of sweet tea, letting your thoughts racquetball around is salvation. It’s freedom.

You think I ever daydreamed about getting interviewed by a newspaper, having people contact me to write for them? No. Never in a thousand years.

This is a year that has taught me so many lessons, and there is a whole other year I’m ready to tackle. One endeavor I’m excited to share with you is my new position at SkirtsandScuffs.com as a contributor. Everything posted there won’t be on here, so I hope you follow me over there also.

Lastly: Thank you.

To the readers who are scanning this right now. You make this what it is, and I write -in addition to me- for you. You are a part of me, and I will never take your dedication for granted. I promise.

To my parents. Mom, you’ve helped me so much this past year. You’re the greatest mother and rock in the world. Dad, you’re the reason I love this sport as much as I do. To be honest, this wouldn’t exist without you or your constant support. I love you both.

To every person I’ve interviewed. Whether you are a spotter, driver, sibling, or another writer, you have helped me realize how much I want to accomplish my own dreams while telling me about your own. What you saw as a small questionnaire made my year.

I pray I make each and every one of you proud, because, for once, I’ve made myself proud.

May the next year be a beautiful extension on what I have done so far.

Hopefully, it just adds more branches to the twisted, imperfect tree this has grown into.

I need somewhere to climb next, after all.

~Kristen

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The Year of Realization and Simple Joys

Posted on December 24, 2012 | Leave a comment

Oh, Christmastime.

The warmth it brings is practically intoxicating. It comes with the smell of roasting chestnuts, stolen kisses under the mistletoe, and wrapping paper covering the floor. We all remember that time Dad threw his back out putting together Barbie’s dream house, or when Mom baked the green bean casserole to a midnight-hued crisp.

Over the years, however, the holidays have gotten less special. When you think about it now, you seem to remember less garland, not as much Christmas cheer, your family’s esteemed, yet dwindling, musical twinkle lights being thrown in the trash. If you’re like me, you begin to feel the actual pressure of this time of year as you grow older.

Of all the celebrations I remember, this is the one that hurts my heart. Not because of less presents, more stress, and that vast abyss called The Unknown.

Because of all the hatred this world feels for people we don’t even know.

Because of growing up in a place that doesn’t feel safe anymore.

December 14th brought me to my knees and opened my eyes. You never think it can happen to a small community like your own, quiet, almost frozen in time.

That day, as my mom picked me up from school, I looked across the parking lot at the elementary school. I thought of my friends’ younger siblings who attend that school, of all the teachers who taught me that still work there.

There were tears. Buckets-full. Right now, as I type this on the morning of Christmas Eve, I’m being yanked to the floor by awareness.

Life is more than presents. It’s more than getting recognition for a piece you wrote. It’s more than watching drivers roughing each other up and trading paint.

It’s more than all of that combined.

It’s about the simple joys. Seeing your little cousins laugh. Falling in love for the first time. Hugging your parents when comfort is needed. Giving someone a reason to smile.

If anything, life is about non-materialistic gifts, the ones you can feel.

Also, with tragedy comes self-evaluation. With that came the truth: I don’t say, “Thank you” as often as I should.

So, thank you.

To my parents, who do everything for me.

To every person who puts their life on the line to defend this country.

To those who inspire me every single day.

To the people that give me strength.

To you, the reader, for reading this random blurb.

Thank you for following me, although I have no idea what I’m wandering toward.

Overall, 2012 has been a year of discovery. From learning how twisted the world can be, to seeing how fragile life is, I have gained knowledge that’s more precious than any amount of fame or credit.

I aim to learn twice as much from 2013, and I hope that’s your goal, too.

Above all, keep the families affected by 2012’s tragedies in your hearts and prayers.

Because, as you smell burnt casserole and hear your father cry out as he puts the heating pad on his back, remember that you have your family with you.

Never take that blessing for granted. You’ll regret it as soon as it’s all gone.

I wish all of you Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.

~Kristen

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Silly Season Shakes Things Up with Blaney to Penske

Posted on July 17, 2012 | Leave a comment

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Silly Season is heating up on the off week in Cup.

It was announced earlier this morning that Ryan Blaney, who made his Nationwide debut earlier this year, would run three races for Penske Racing in the #22. The third generation driver will run Iowa, Richmond, and Kentucky later this season.

In a press release on Penske’s site, Tim Cindric, president of Penske Racing, stated, “Ryan is a driver with racing pedigree, and we believe he has a very bright future in NASCAR. We’ve been keeping an eye on Ryan’s development, and we feel he’ll be a great addition to the No. 22 Nationwide Series team.”

Now, with the AJ Allmendinger situation going on, I wouldn’t be surprised if Sam Hornish Jr., who currently runs the #12 for Penske in the Nationwide series, would move up into Cup again if Allmendinger tests positive. In light of this change, Blaney would fill the #12.

It seems like Penske is preparing for the future, and he has pick an impressive driver to do it. Congrats to Ryan and his family, who I know is behind him the entire way.

But, don’t relax yet, folks. Since this is an off week for the Cup guys, expect more news to be announced, like Carl Edwards’ news this morning. (Edwards’ crew chief, Bob Osborne, has stepped down, citing medial reasons. Chad Norris will fill in.)

Get ready for some changes.

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Why This Will Be One Of The Best Seasons Ever

Posted on January 20, 2012 | 5 Comments

It’s like Christmas and your birthday rolled into a roaring, screeching package. Just thinking about it makes your palms sweat and your heart race. It’s one of the most amazing things in the world.

The Daytona 500 is coming up hard on us, folks, and I can’t wait.

You never know how much you need something until it is rudely stolen from you, and NASCAR is no exception. Life got darker when I wasn’t sitting on the couch every Sunday afternoon, screaming at the television for my driver to go low. Good thing we installed a DVR before the last two races of the year; I recorded the Phoenix race and have watched it twice a week during this off-season. To say I’m suffering from withdraws is a complete understatement. It’s gotten so bad that I’ve raced my dad in Wal-Mart with shopping carts and put him into the wall in the shampoo aisle. Don’t say I’m crazy: you’ve done it, too, and it’s okay. We’re all going through this pain together.

But the wait has been extra hard this year. Why? Because this is going to be one of the best seasons NASCAR has ever had. Now, that’s a lot to say, since last season ended with a Chase to remember and a final race you can never forget, but there are four reasons why the 2012 NASCAR season will be crazy good (in no particular order):

1. Kurt Busch’s New Ride

The eldest Busch brother was abruptly released from Penske Racing following the 2011 NASCAR Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. This was after countless outbursts at his (now ex) crew chief Steve Addington and rants full of curse words. The final straw is believed to be after Busch’s DNF at Homestead, when he gave the finger to NASCAR officials and called reporter Dr. Jerry Punch a few choice words (it’s on YouTube if you are curious to see it). This cost Kurt a hefty fine and, well, his job. Yet, he rolled into Daytona Testing with a smile on his face and sponsors on his new firesuit, now driving the #51 for Phoenix Racing. Now, he will share the #54 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota with his brother-slash-owner, Kyle. Is this a second chance for ole Kurt? Or is it a disaster waiting to happen? Time will only tell.

2. Hendrick Gets Stronger

At the end of 2011, three of the four Hendrick drivers finished sixth, seventh, and eighth in The Chase, the odd one out Mark Martin, who has left to drive for Michael Waltrip Racing. Jimmie Johnson didn’t finish in the Top Five in points for the first time in his career, Jeff Gordon won his 85th race, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. had his best season for the first time in a while. That seems like the polar opposite of where those three drivers were a year ago. Now, there is a new young gun in the seat of the #5, and Kasey Kahne is ready. Bringing over his long-term crew chief Kenny Francis, he is focused on using this opportunity to do something amazing for himself and the team. Off-season chatter has boasted that Kahne will be a Championship threat from the get-go, and testing sessions at Daytona has showed promise. His new teammates have said only good things about the duo coming in, and fans of Kasey Kahne are excited for what may be his best season yet. Like adding gasoline to a bonfire, Kahne and Francis will help Hendrick strengthen and burn even brighter.

3. Carl Edwards Goes For The Gold . . . Again

Carl Edwards is probably the most classy loser in the sports’ history. His natural charisma and sense of humor helped ease the pain of not winning the tiebreaker, and people felt for the driver. Consistency and perseverance got him into The Chase, yet it only got him so far. His problem? He didn’t win enough, only getting the checkered flag once last year, which coward in comparison to champion Tony Stewart’s five. But, there is no doubt that Edwards can win a championship, especially when Stewart says so himself. With an abundance of physical and metal toughness, the driver of the #99 will strive to show his worth once again. It will be interesting to see how he handles the ‘so-close-yet-so-far’ weight that has settled on his shoulder, but he is strong enough to take on the challenge and push himself to the limit.

4. Redemption

Many drivers are going into this season with one thing on their mind: if they don’t show up, something must change. Three drivers in particular are Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Kevin Harvick. Last year was anticipated to be the year of Denny Hamlin, who was so close to winning the 2010 championship. Yet, it turned out to be a bust for the driver of the FedEx Toyota. He didn’t reach the standards placed on him, and he knows it well, proclaiming this year will be his redemption year. It is obvious Hamlin can come back from adversity, winning eight races after tearing his ACL back in 2010, and the wait makes us wonder what the driver has up his sleeve. Next, Joey Logano. When he became the youngest driver to win in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, many believed he would be The Next Best Thing. Things people didn’t expect, however, were blown engines and wrecks from the star. After a few rough seasons, Logano goes into 2012 with hope that he can make something happen and step into Victory Lane for the first time in three years. Kevin Harvick may have the opposite problem. In 2011, he gained the nickname The Closer because of his ability of coming from the back and winning the race. However, when it comes to The Chase, he has yet to win the title. He has been in contention in past seasons to win it all, but hasn’t been able to seal the deal, ironically enough. Nothing can be more sour than imagining The Sprint Cup in your trophy case, only to have the opportunity to make it real taken away from you time and time again. Something tells me Harvick will come back stronger than ever, what with the job of being a team owner gone. All three drivers have something to prove, and it will be exciting to watch.

With all the changes to the cars, teams, and equipment, 2012 is fixing to be an epic year in NASCAR, one where there will be surprises, letdowns, and, hopefully, good rivalries. As a dedicated fan, I’m hoping there will be many moments that will make me pull a Trevor Bayne and say: “Are you kidding me?!”

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