Speedweeks is now in full song, and it’s a great time of the year. Saturday night brought the Bud Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, and what a show it was. As most readers know, I am not a big fan of plate racing. I am still not, but we got to see a tremendous display of driving skill from Kyle Busch.

Twice his car went off the banking onto the apron sideways, and twice he saved it damaging the front air dam in the process. Amazingly he came back at the end of the race to nip Tony Stewart at the line to win the race. Simply amazing.

Revisiting last week’s story about Kyle Larson, it was announced Saturday that he has signed a development deal with Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. He went on that night to win his second asphalt super late model race at New Smyrna Speedway, making him two for two in the division. Last night he didn’t fare as well as he fell to second place to 14 year old Kyle Benjamin. Shake it off Mr. Larson! He should have a very bright future in front of himself.

Back to Daytona and front row qualifying for next Sunday’s “Great American Race” the Daytona 500. Ford dominated the qualifying day, as the front row is occupied by Roush/Fenway teammates Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle. Ford teams had six of the top 10 spots, with Chevy having 3 in the top 10 and Toyota getting one team into the top 10. As noted last week, qualifying is only important in for this race if you make it onto the front row.

During the “heat races” Thursday there are only four spots up for grabs out of the 43-car field. With 49 cars entered, this means there will be 10 cars battling it out for those last few spots.

Only one week left and the 2012 points race will be underway. Who will win next Sunday? Who will be the contenders for the championship this year? Only time will tell, so just sit back and enjoy the ride for the next nine months and let’s watch it all unfold.

In the meantime, head out to your local short tracks every chance you get. Maybe you will be the first to see the next big superstar when he is just racing a mini stock or street stock. Maybe it’s in a midget or sprint car. Whatever vehicle it might be, it does still happen so get out and enjoy it!!

Until after the “500” next week, keep the shiny side up!!

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