Wishes and Resolutions for 2012

Matt and I at the Baltimore Grand Prix this year. One of my resolutions is to attend as
many races as possible in 2012. 

As the year comes to a close, I realize that we are closer to the start of the 2012 season than we are to the end of the 2011 season. So, rather than looking back, here's my wishes and resolutions for 2012.

I wish that the Busch brothers find the peace and serenity (or whatever it is they need) to overcome their anger management issues. Kurt and Kyle are good drivers, and their antics this year overshadowed any success they had on the track. Don't lose your fire, boys. But don't lose your heads either.

I wish that construction in Austin and especially New Jersey stays on track. I'm looking forward to having  F1 right in my own back yard in 2013, and Austin will provide an awesome venue for F1 and V8 Supercars.

I wish that IndyCar finds its way back after the tragic end to the 2011 season. With a new car and questions about safety and the schedule, the series finds itself at a crossroads. Let's hope IndyCar moves in the right direction.

I wish that NASCAR finds a solution to the two-car draft and that the EFI is not a complete disaster.

I wish lots of luck to Joey Hand in the DTM series next year. I'll be sad not to see him competing in the Rolex and ALMS series on a regular basis, but I hope he kicks some butt in Europe next year. At least we'll get to see him complete at the 24 Hours of Daytona for Ganassi Racing at the start of the season.

I wish that Baltimore Racing Development resolves its issues and that the Baltimore Grand Prix returns next year. Matt and I attended the inaugural race this year. There are some kinks that need to be worked out, but the race has great potential.

I wish a happy retirement to Del Worsham ... and good luck in his new job as Alexa DeJoria's crew chief.  This could prove to be an interesting pairing next year.

I resolve to attend as many motorsports events as my time and wallet will allow. And I resolve to learn as much as I can about the history of my favorite racing series. And I resolve to write about these experiences and share them with you.

And finally, I wish that every competitor in every racing series stays safe throughout the 2012 season.

Happy New Year, everyone!

How Cell Phones Can Make or Break You in NASCAR

I don't think anyone will dispute how much cell phones have the changed the world. And as we've learned in the past couple weeks, cell phones can make or break you in NASCAR.

During the celebrations in Las Vegas last week, NASCAR announced that it is extending its partnership with Sprint until 2016. This is just further evidence that the relationship between the racing series and the cell provider since 2004 has been mutually beneficial. Cell phones keep NASCAR's top series running.

But now it seems a cell phone might have brought an end to Kurt Busch's tenure at Penske Racing. Kurt is a good driver, evidenced by his 2004 championship. But unfortunately for Kurt, there's more to NASCAR (and other racing series, for that matter) than just driving. The best thing Kurt could have done was decline an interview at Homestead. Instead, he had his now-famous tirade with Jerry Punch. And thanks to a fan standing there with a cell phone camera, that tirade became viral.

So next time you pick up that cell phone, just think about how powerful it is.