What's the significance of 34? That is now the number of regular to semi-regular entrants in NASCAR's 2011 Sprint Cup Series that have posted at least one win in their career. Regan Smith with his exciting win last Saturday night in Darlington just became the newest member of this not so exclusive club. Regan represents the second new inductee along with Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne this season...
Now think about this. Every racing weekend in NASCAR Sprint Cup usually pits around 30 past winners against each other... (Bill Elliott, Terry Labonte, Steve Park, Ken Schrader and Michael Waltrip have been in races this season but not on a regular basis) Winning at this level is tough!
It's like racing with a pack of hungry wolves!
Regan's victory, racing most of these past Sprint Cup winners, is only magnified since it came on NASCAR's version of Wrigley Field, Darlington's infamous "Lady In Black" AKA "The Track Too Tough To Tame" in one of NASCAR's premier events, The Southern 500.
Regan's sponsor, Front Row Furniture, runs a one pony show, so to speak. Driving for an underfunded throw-back team based in Denver Colorado, a team that ran a limited schedule as recently as 2009 and moved to a full-time run just last year fielding only the number 78 Chevrolet, Regan has won this prestigious race against all odds.
Smith's story is compelling in it's own right. Seeing their son's auto racing ability, Regan's parents uprooted from New York and moved south so the boy could properly develop his skills. They essentially gave up their lives for their son.
Darlington represents vindication in many ways...
Congratulations to Regan Smith, team owner Barney Visser and all those who never gave up hope!
This was an even bigger upset than Bayne's win at Daytona. Loved seeing Edwards lose that race. Keselowski said that if he couldn't win it, he would make sure that Carl didn't. lol
Reply DeleteI looked at Furniture Row's web site. Did you know that their Big Sur brand waterbeds were the largest sellers in the 70's and 80's?
This was awesome win! I am so glad BK returned the favor of pushing Regan (the way Regan pushed Kurt at Daytona to win Duel) and it certainly helped that BK had his nemesis beside him but Regan raced his arse off that last lap to stay out front.
Reply DeleteThis is a great group of guys, low key, friendly and dedicated - very well deserved win!
I was so happy for Regan...fully justifies his RotY a few years ago :)
Reply DeleteI see Kristen has adopted my lingo...shouldn't it be 'ass'? I'll have you subbing in u's, swapping z for s and writing 'tyre' in no time, LOL!
Gene, I agree on the Darlington win being bigger than the restrictor plate draft partner deal.
Reply DeleteI think all of us around here can at least agree on the duckmeister...
Thanks Gene!
Kristen,
Reply DeleteDid you see Edward's post race interview? He was asked how he felt about Brad's move to give Smith a push. He never quit smiling but the eyes narrowed while he told the media it was a good move. Brad wasn't nearly so diplomatic as he came right out and let everyone know he didn't want Carl in Victory Lane.
Now that Regan's a winner he'll have to watch out for the jealousy boys who must believe they're entitled and to heck with everyone else.
Thanks Missy!
Bloody good show, what? LOL
Reply Deletetez... It's spreading!
Darlington lived up to the tradition! Now let's keep racing like this coming. Bring on the Monster Mile!
Hang In tez!