By David G. Firestone

This will be the last My Thoughts On for a while. I’m getting tired of waking up on Mondays and getting mad that I have to write one of these. I will occasionally write a new My Thoughts On in the event of site updates, but it’s pretty much dead. I’m working on too many things right now, and I need to drop something. So this is it for My Thoughts On.

By David G. Firestone

Last weekend, our neighborhood had our block party. The weather was overcast and cool. Last weekend was also a bad weekend to be a racing fan. NASCAR got rained out at Indianapolis. The weather at Indy was a perfect metaphor for the outlook NASCAR. The news that Furniture Row Racing will cease operations after 2018 is proof that NASCAR has a serious problem on their hands. The writing has been on the wall for some time, but fans don’t want to read it. After this announcement, fans don’t have that choice. The finances behind the sport are such that a championship caliber team can’t get a regular sponsor, and will have to close due to lack of funds.

This news sent the clear message that there will have to be major changes to NASCAR if the sport is to remain competitive. As I enjoyed deviled eggs and the bratwurst at the block party, I began to think about what changes could be made to keep the sport competitive and keep smaller teams alive. I came to the conclusion that the following changes should be made.

1-A serious reduction in the schedule needs to be made. If you add up all of the Cup Series races, including the Clash, Duel Races, and All-Star events, it adds up to 41 different races. The auto racing boom is officially over. What I would do is take every mile and a half track, and have only one event there per year. This would reduce the costs for the smaller teams, and give teams more non-track time to work cars, and get sponsorship deals.

2-A team cost cap would need to be added. The larger teams can spend more, because they have more money. Adding a cap would close that gap, and give the smaller teams a fighting chance. This more level playing field will make the races more competitive.

3-The series sponsorship would include a rule that other companies from the same field could sponsor cars. In a sport where sponsorship is the lifeblood, scaring away sponsorship opportunities is just not a good plan.

4-More access to drivers, and more show car appearances. Why this stopped, I have no idea, but fans love show cars. They used to be everywhere during the lead up to races. Bring them back. Also, drivers should do more autograph appearances in the lead up to a race. Again, connecting with the fans is a good thing.

These are all doable, they would work, and they could help bring the sport back to a lot of the fans. I’m not saying they will work, but at this point, its worth a shot.

By David G. Firestone

Last week I posted trivia questions, this week, here are the answers:

I’m going to change this up a bit. For this week, I’m going to do a true/false trivia post. Without further ado…here we go!

Category 1-SPORTS

*Houston and Pittsburgh are the only two cities with with three sports teams that wear the same colors.

False! Pittsburgh does, Houston doesn’t.

*Nolan Ryan has 839 more strikeouts than any other pitcher in MLB history

True

*Former Offensive Tackle Ron Mix had two holding penalties in 10 years, and had his number retired and unretired by the Chargers.

True

*Before Game 3 of the 1992 Campbell Conference Finals, the on-ice officiating crew walked out of the game due to a dispute over New Jersey Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld.

False-This debacle took place during the 1988 Wales Conference Finals

*Yao Ming has the largest wingspan in NBA history

False-That honor goes to Manute Bol.

Category 2-CARS

*The Pontiac Aztec was named the ugliest car in history by The Daily Telegraph

True

*Changing the size of the wheels on a vehicle will have no ill effects of the other equipment on board

False-The dash gauges and engine settings will be very much effected by changing the size of the wheels.

*The Toyota Corolla has sold more than any other car in history.

True-The Corolla has sold 43 million units worldwide…equal to the population of Algeria.

*The Volkswagen Beetle has been continually produced in some form since 1933

True

*The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport currently holds the record as the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 267 MPH

True

Category 3-BARBEQUE

*According to experts “grilling” is the same as “barbecuing”

False-Grilling involves cooking meat over charcoal or a gas grill, where it cooks quickly. “Barecuing” is cooking meat slowly, using a smoker, or a wood fire.

*A traditional central South Carolina Barbecue consists of cooking a whole hog in a mustard-based sauce commonly referred to as “Carolina Gold.”

*“Oklahoma-Style Barbecue” is made with elements of Memphis, Texas and Kansas City style, and uses among other things bologna sausage.

True

*The International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro Kentucky holds the World Record for Largest Pork Barbecue Contest.

False-No such record exists.

*KC Masterpiece was not invented in Kansas City, but rather in St. Paul Minnesota. The inventor was inspired by Kansas City barbecue traditions.

False- KC Masterpiece was invented in Kansas City by Richard E. “Rich” Davis M.D.

Category 4-ALCOHOL

*Although not a law anymore, the “Reinheitsgebot” or German Purity Law has been observed since 1516, and states that beer made in Germany may only contain hops, barley, and water.

True

*Jack Daniel’s is produced in Moore County, Tennessee, which is a dry county, which means Jack Daniel’s can’t be sold in stores or restaurants in the county it is produced in.

True

*Miller Lite was tested in Dallas Texas and Seattle Washington in 1970

False-Though its development can be traced to 1967, Miller Lite was first tested in Springfield, Illinois, Knoxville, and San Diego in 1973.

*Bud Light is the most consumed beer in the world

False-While Bud Light is the most consumed American beer in the world, Chinese brand Snow is the most consumed beer in the world.
*It is illegal to show people drinking the product in any televised alcohol commercial in the United States.

True

By David G. Firestone

I’m going to change this up a bit. For this week, I’m going to do a true/false trivia post. Without further ado…here we go!

Category 1-SPORTS

*Houston and Pittsburgh are the only two cities with with three sports teams that wear the same colors.

*Nolan Ryan has 839 more strikeouts than any other pitcher in MLB history

*Former Offensive Tackle Ron Mix had two holding penalties in 10 years, and had his number retired and unretired by the Chargers.

*Before Game 3 of the 1992 Campbell Conference Finals, the on-ice officiating crew walked out of the game due to a dispute over New Jersey Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld

*Yao Ming has the largest wingspan in NBA history

Category 2-CARS

*The Pontiac Aztec was named the ugliest car in history by The Daily Telegraph

*Changing the size of the wheels on a vehicle will have no ill effects of the other equipment on board

*The Toyota Carolla has sold more than any other car in history

*The Volkswagen Beetle has been continually produced in some form since 1933

*The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport currently holds the record as the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 267 MPH

Category 3-BARBEQUE

*According to experts “grilling” is the same as “barbecuing”

*A traditional central South Carolina Barbecue consists of cooking a whole hog in a mustard-based sauce commonly referred to as “Carolina Gold.”

*“Oklahoma-Style Barbecue” is made with elements of Memphis, Texas and Kansas City style, and uses among other things bologna sausage.

*The International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro Kentucky holds the World Record for Largest Pork Barbecue Contest.

*KC Masterpiece was not invented in Kansas City, but rather in St. Paul Minnesota. The inventor was inspired by Kansas City barbecue traditions.

Category 4-ALCOHOL

*Although not a law anymore, the “Reinheitsgebot” or German Purity Law has been observed since 1516, and states that beer made in Germany may only contain hops, barley, and water.

*Jack Daniel’s is produced in Moore County, Tennessee, which is a dry county, which means Jack Daniel’s can’t be sold in stores or restaurants in the county it is produced in.

*Miller Lite was tested in Dallas Texas and Seattle Washington in 1970

*Bud Light is the most consumed beer in the world.

*It is illegal to show people drinking the product in any televised alcohol commercial in the United States.

By David G. Firestone

Got a couple things this week. Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first. Last Sunday, Brian France was arrested for DUI while driving under the influence of alcohol and painkillers. He has since taken a leave of absence from NASCAR due to this issue. This has apparently been an issue with France for some time, and now there are rumors that he might leave the sport, either willingly or otherwise.

What amazes me is that people are defending France. I’m not going to say a specific name, but one individual said “we all have skeletons in our closet.” You’re right, I do have skeletons in my closet. But I’m not driving under the influence. I’m also not addicted to alcohol or painkillers. I’m also not the top individual at the biggest racing sanctioning body in North America. My skeletons aren’t on the same level as Brian France.

There is another part to this. Brian France has made a lot of bad moves and decisions over the years, and the sport has suffered as a result. It’s been time for him to go for a while. Television ratings and race attendance have fallen steadily over the last few years. The sport hasn’t advanced that much. While marketing has been improved somewhat, it’s not where it needs to be. The bottom line is that the man who’s inaction is responsible for this decline has temporarily left the sport. I hope he doesn’t return, and the sport can recover. Call me a jerk, but most NASCAR fans agree with me.

Toyota and Ford have both debuted new cars for 2019. The Mustang will replace the Fusion in 2019 in the Cup Series, and in the Xfinity Series, the Supra will replace the Camry. This is no real shock. The Camry has been seen as the bland cousin of the Mustang and Camaro in the Xfinity Series. This new car will bring more eyes on Toyota. The Mustang in the Cup Series is a good move, since it works with the theme. Hopefully we’ll see the Supra in the Cup series soon.

The last issue I want to discuss is based on an opinion column I read on CNN entitled “A woman’s lament: Please don’t grow an effing beard.” It’s a woman talking about why she doesn’t like men with beards. She comes across as a vain, self-centered narcissist, who thinks she will convince men to shave their beards, or not grow one at all after reading this. What guys should do after reading this is laugh at her.

I will not address her by her real name, but I’ll call her Lorelei Lee. If you have seen the musical or movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes you will get the reference instantly. Miss Lee doesn’t like beards. I won’t get to the reason why just yet. If you want to pour yourself a drink, now would be a good time.

Ok, so the article starts off by Lorelei stating that Gillette is facing a financial crisis because men aren’t shaving as much. She then sympathies with Gillette, and then proceeds to write the following: “By and large, and there are exceptions, I am not keen on beards. I am well aware that after this admission, many people may become substantially less keen on me, and I totally understand. I am happy to own my hypocrisy. If a dude (or anyone) criticized my hairstyle, I’d say it was none of their damn business. I fully appreciate that my opinions on this, like an optimistic teen’s cack-handed five o’clock shadow, are flimsy and borne of limited experience. Disclaimer done, let the alienation begin in earnest.”

That should prove who Lorelei Lee really is. She has no problem lecturing guys on growing beards, but don’t you dare criticize her looks. She also admits she has no problem being a hypocrite. With admissions like that, why should you read any further? Well things get crazier from there.

She then discusses the stages of beard growth. It starts with one of her “friends,” who I think aren’t real, or males who associate with her, because they have no other choice but to. When these “friends” say they are going to grow a beard, supposedly, “In every instance, I respond with sensitivity (mine): “Please don’t grow an effing beard.” Which is such a great line that she thought it should be the title.

Then Lorelei offers up this little gem: “The second is the Ignoring Me — sorry, the Growth phase.” Let me explain something here, not to just Lorelei Lee, but to most women in general: Unless we are sleeping with you, we don’t care what you think about our appearance. Every stage in the beard growth stages is the Ignoring You stage.

She then adds “The third stage is the It’s For A Movie phase. Because that is how anyone with taste would explain away the mess gradually obscuring any indication of bone structure beneath.” What that means is left to interpretation, as she doesn’t add any more than that before moving on.

The fourth stage is when the guys are happy and she admits defeat. This battle was one sided, She had no business starting said battle. She wasn’t going to win regardless, but she is humble enough to admit defeat. Let’s give her a hand!

Lorelei then proceeds to try to explain why beards have come back in style. Apparently she Googled “Why are beards popular?” and just started writing the results as factual information. She then tries and fails to make it seem as though men a growing beards as a way of showing dominance over each other. If you are going to try to make that connection, at least make it work.

Her next line is “In lieu of any more academic research of my own, I asked an incredibly biased, nonrepresentative group of men (my friends) why they like their beards.” First off, Googling a topic, and then linking an article that helps prove your point is not what I would call “ academic research.” Second, are these are the same group of “friends” who you referenced earlier? The same group of “friends” who justifiably ignored you when you asked them not to grow beards? If so…why do they hang out with you? You aren’t a major part of their lives to begin with, and I can’t imagine them enjoying your constant beard-bashing.

The two reasons she got by those who responded to her questioning, were “I look really young without a beard.” and “because I can.” When it comes to the first response, she tries to make it seem as though men want to look “established” when in reality, a lot of men don’t really like how being clean shaven makes them look, especially me. For “because I can” she offers up this:

“As a deeply self-indulgent person, I find this difficult to argue. I get the gratification that must arise from seeing your body comfortably execute something it was (says through gritted teeth) built to do. The path of least resistance is tempting on rushed mornings before work, and if a lot of guys would rather steal a few minutes more in bed in the morning than shave, I’d struggle to find a compelling counterpoint.”

You don’t need to remind us that you are deeply self-indulgent, that’s been the premise of this whole column. Second, nothing you have said has a “compelling counterpoint.” This column is just word after word of a selfish narcissist wondering why the men of the world won’t comply with her standards of attractiveness. At the tail end, she finally reveals why she doesn’t like beards, and her reasoning is pretty much what you would expect: “But realistically, the answer is more superficial: I don’t like your beard because I really like your face, and I want an uninterrupted view of it.”

Wait…what? “I really like your face, and I want an uninterrupted view of it.” What the fuck does that even mean? It’s a beard, not a balaclava! After a column of hypocrisy, self-centered whining, dubious research, and a premise that was questionable to begin with, “I really like your face, and I want an uninterrupted view of it” is the best reason she could come up with for why the men of the world shouldn’t grow beards.

I could understand her hatred of beards if she had a bad experience with a man with a beard. I could even understand if she pointed out that beards can be unhygienic. Her “reason” for hating beards is just as flimsy as her arguments against beards. What scares me is that she genuinely thinks that men are going to be swayed by this. Like there is a guy who is on the fence about growing a beard, and this is what pushes him off the edge. Every man who read this is either laughing, or is mocking her, or both. I really hope I never hear from Lorelei Lee on the subject of beards again.

By David G. Firestone

In the immortal words of legendary writer Mark Twain: It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. Some people just can’t get that message though, and last weekend, there were a couple of them who were so amazingly great at proving they are fools, that I have to discuss them.

I’ll start with Terrell Owens first. The Pro Football Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony was last weekend. Of the six players inducted, only five were at the ceremony. Terrell Owens skipped the ceremony. He skipped the ceremony because he was upset that he wasn’t a first ballot entry to the Hall of Fame. He blames anyone and everyone for this “snub.” He claims the induction system is flawed. He said of the selection committee: “In terms of the criteria, the bylaws and what it takes for a guy to get in — when it came to me, other things came into play and for me, that doesn’t bode well for me.”

Yes Terrell, the selection committee has was wrong for not voting you in. It’s their fault. It’s not the fact that you were well-known as a terrible teammate. It’s not that you had to get attention at every opportunity. It’s not that you spit in DeAngelo Hall’s face, or overdosed on Hydrocodone. It’s that the Pro Football Hall of Fame should have just ignores everything I just wrote and more and should have made you a first ballot inductee. I’m sorry the rest of the world doesn’t see you in the way you see yourself. You are also upset about how the media treated you during your career. To borrow a quote from Jim Cornette: “If you don’t want people to think you are stupid, don’t do or say stupid shit.”

I think it’s also telling that he skipped for a selfish reason. He didn’t skip because he was protesting injustice in America. He didn’t skip to be at the side of a dying relative. He didn’t skip because he was in a hospital himself. He skipped because he is a selfish narcissist, who only cares about himself. In skipping for a stupid reason, he proved his critics correct.

The other fool I will discuss is Chris Bucchere. Many of you might not have heard of him, but he is very deserving to be discussed here. Chris Bucchere is a software developer from San Francisco, who loves to ride his bike. On March 29, 2012, Bucchere was riding his bike through San Francisco, and sped through stop signs, and ran a red light. He accidentally hit 71-year-old Sutchi Hui, killing him. He was tried as a felon, but was only given 1,000 hours of community service.

The light sentence should be enough to make anyone mad, but Bucchere just had to make himself look even worse. After the accident, while Hui was still alive, he wrote a self-serving blog where he said he was “way too committed to stop” at the intersection. He then dedicated the post to “late helmet (that) died in heroic fashion.”

If that isn’t enough, he is working with Medium.com where he is doing a 10 part blog post about what happened. In an article with sfgate.com he blames the district attorney for his felony conviction, stating “It was a TV felony.” and that San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón was “advancing his political career.” He tries to make it seem like he feels bad for Hui and his family, and maybe he does. But he certainly has a self-serving way of showing it.

Bucchere is the singular person responsible for what happened. Bucchere ran through stop signs. Bucchere ran a red light. Bucchere hit Hui, and killed him. How is prosecuting Bucchere anything except just in this case? How is Bucchere the victim of anything but his own actions? If Bucchere wants to blame someone for his woes…all he needs to do is look in the mirror. Hui’s blood will always be on Bucchere’s hands, and if Bucchere doesn’t like it…oh well.

By David G. Firestone

I’ve been on vacation for the whole of July. I’ll discuss it on Friday. Today, I want to discuss some racing news that has been going on during the month of July.

For the first time since 2004, IndyCar will be returning to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 2019. I’m kind of shocked it took them this long to return there. There are a lot of tracks currently on the circuit that aren’t working, and they should have never left Laguna Seca. On that note, I’d like to see something like the Winston Million, but in IndyCar. If a driver wins 3 of the four races at Laguna Seca, Indianapolis, St. Petersberg, and Long Beach, they get a big bonus. This could be used to generate competition, and interest, since IndyCar needs both.

In the NHRA, Matt Hagan debuted the new Dodge Hellcat SRT body. I was wondering why Dodge would come out with a new body, since the current DSR Dodge body isn’t that old. Here is what Matt said about the new body:“We improved on the body design. It was already a great design, a great body. But now, we’re going to have a little more downforce, a little more traction on these racetracks, and it will be a huge performance advantage. We will be able to press harder, with more downforce on the nose, which translates into huge amounts of downforce on the run.” So this new body makes sense on paper. Yet Hagan didn’t make it past the first round in the two races he first ran in. I’m not seeing the advantage here,

Now on to Formula 1. It was announced that there would not be a Miami Grand Prix in 2019, so the focus is going to be having one in 2020. I don’t get this move at all. Why is Formula 1, which doesn’t have anywhere near the fan base in America than they do internationally, focused on holding TWO different events in the US? If you are going to hold a second race in a country, I have some suggestions on which country where it could be held: Italy, England, Germany, Australia, or Mexico. Pretty much any country could hold a second event, and I think that these countries would love to hold a second race. I’m not saying that F1 isn’t a box office draw in the States, I’m saying it would be a bigger box office draw in a country with a much larger fan base.

Finally on to NASCAR. The rumors are true, the Toyota Supra will become Toyota’s entry in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. I think it’s a great design, it’s a step up from the Camry, and it’s a better fit for the series. The question now becomes, will the Supra make its way to both the Cup Series, and the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series? I see the Supra in the Cup Series soon, but when it comes to the NHRA, the jury is still out. Toyota teams in the NHRA has just gotten new bodies last year, and I fail to see how this could improve.

That does it, I’ll be back on Friday with my vacation story.