It is almost time when many of us will be making our annual pilgrimage to East Bay Raceway Park for the WinterNationals. For those not going, they will hang on message boards, cell phones and of course, DirtonDirt.com updates regarding the action. So why do fans put so much attention on the “Clay by the Bay?”

Long winter: For most of us, it's been several months since our last race and we can't wait to get out smelling the methanol in the air, hearing the roar of the motors and seeing race MORE

At the recent Cedar Lake Speedway banquet, a few of us were bantering about using provisional starting spots vs. using a last-chance qualifying race for major events. The "panel" included a few drivers and fans, so there was even representation. Points were made that drivers following a series or a local track holding crown jewel events should have accommodations for series and track provisionals. Some drivers said provisionals promote loyalty to the track or series. But other drivers disagreed, MORE

As NASCAR fans are well aware, IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick has signed a contract with JR Motorsports to drive in select Nationwide Series events in 2010. I mean, how could you have missed it?Danicamania has taken NASCAR by storm. Comments and feelings abound with drivers, TV personalities, car owners, and fans all having a comment about her switch to NASCAR from the open-wheel ranks.

While many personalities play it politically correct and say it's terrific for racing and NASCAR, many MORE