Well let’s start out this week’s installment with condolences for the Wallace family. Rusty, Kenny, Mike and family lost the patriarch of the Wallace racing clan, when Russ Wallace passed away over the weekend after medical issues. The racing gene certainly got passed down the chain, as Russ was a very accomplished racer from Missouri as well……

There was a close call last night again for the Hendrick family, and again it involved a plane. Mr. Hendrick suffered a broken rib and collar bone when the Hendrick company jet they were aboard slid off a runway in Key West, Florida. His wife was also treated for minor injuries. Almost exactly seven years ago, they lost several family members when a plane going to Martinsville crashed not far from the speedway. Scary stuff for sure.

Well, Martinsville’s final 2011 race has come and gone, and it was definitely not short on excitement. Beating, banging, and paybacks were the theme of the day, as the race was a bit of a crashfest.

Brian Vicker’s made lots of contact throughout the day, some not of his doing, but a lot was of his doing; and his car looked like something out of a video game by the end. His run-ins with Matt Kenseth have probably taken Kenseth out of the title running.

Tony Stewart came back from almost a lap down, to execute a thrilling pass on the outside of Jimmie Johnson with just two laps left to take the win; his third of the Chase. Carl Edwards survived all of the carnage and managed a ninth place finish with a not so stellar performance. Mr. Stewart is now just eight markers back, this looks like it may be great……..

This is going to have to be a short installment this week, still trying to get my new home arranged after moving two Saturday’s ago, as well as having a very busy work schedule the last two weeks. Very happy to now call Rock Hill, SC home!

Until next week, keep the shiny side up!!

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