NASCAR Jack: Moonshine in the Glen


Tomorrow’s race at Watkins Glen involves a skill only used twice a year in NASCAR, making right turns.

Road races are considered by some so-called purists to be an irritant. They probably were never told that stock car racing arose from moonshiners driving madly down country roads with the police hot on their tails. Making right turns helped keep the drivers out of jail.

Jimmie Johnson (+500) drove his car like the police were chasing him. He won the pole, taking his 20th of his career. That puts him on prime property which has produced nine winners in 26 gatherings at the Glen. Despite all his accomplishments in his eight-year career, winning a road race is something Jimmie has never done.

Starting with Jimmie on the front row is ‘Quiet’ Kurt Busch (+1000). The second start position has produced two winners while four race winners have come from the third qualifying spot, occupied by Denny Hamlin (+1000). Denny is hot off winning at Pocono, a good prep race for the Glen.

Starting in 13th is Tony Stewart (6-1). While this might not appear to be such a wonderful place to qualify, Tony should be satisfied. That lucky spot has produced three race winners.

Ringer Boris Said said (sorry) that road racing is all about proper downshifting and treating your brakes kindly.

It’s also about pretending to be a moonshiner.