tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079181543494258062023-11-15T05:54:04.965-08:00Sports with HopperHopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-32304560708761613402009-09-18T13:36:00.000-07:002009-09-18T13:47:46.516-07:00Week 2 Picks<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, so last week wasn't good. I won 3 games. But I do have an excuse for that: The zebras. Yes, it's always the zebras. I can name at least 4 games that were affected by the refs, and those were just the ones I saw.
<br />
<br />This week will be better, though. I, well, I don't promise. But I hope it goes better. This week, I am going to go about my prediction process a little differently. Instead of predicting the scores(which are always wrong and does nobody any good), I'm going to only predict the winners.
<br />
<br />Here are my Week 2 picks:
<br />
<br />CAR<<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ATL</span>
<br />MIN<<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DET</span>
<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CIN</span><GB
<br />ARI>JAC
<br />OAK>KC
<br />NE<NYJ
<br />NO>PHI
<br />HOU>TEN
<br />STL>WAS
<br />TB<<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BUF</span>
<br />SEA>SF
<br />PIT<CHI
<br />CLE>DEN
<br />BAL>SD
<br />NYG>DAL
<br />IND<MIA
<br />
<br />FYI, the arrow is pointing to the team I believe is going to lose, and from the I believe is going to win. Such as "Atlanta is 'greater than' Carolina, like in elementary school math. Anyway, that's all for this week. Have a Happy Sunday!
<br />Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-87416033284399922462009-09-10T14:11:00.000-07:002009-09-10T14:26:08.805-07:00Week 1 NFL PicksIt feels so good to be back. I'm sure you all had noticed that I hadn't been on here in awhile. Both of you. But predicting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NASCAR</span> winners is so boring. So I took a few weeks off and decided to save everything for football season.<br /><br />If you recall, I ended last season on a good note, correctly predicting the NFC to win the Pro Bowl. To reward them, in any game that is to be played between an AFC team and an NFC team in Week 1, I will pick the NFC team to win. Except Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Favre's</span> team, which is automatically an exception to all rules I may make that could possibly benefit his team.<br /><br />I'd also like to take the time to predict the winner of Super Bowl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">XLIV</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Atlanta Falcons!!!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br />Now for my Week 1 predictions:<br /><br />Ten: 13 Pit: 10<br />Mia: 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Atl</span>: 28(Sorry Grandma)<br />KC: 23 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bal</span>: 17<br />Phi: 14 Car: 23<br />Den: 13 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cin</span>: 31<br />Min: 6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cle</span>: 20(Take THAT Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Favre</span>!!!)<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nyj</span>: 17 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hou</span>:27<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jac</span>: 34 Ind: 31<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Det</span>: 24 NO: 23<br />Dal: 16 TB: 17<br />SF: 31 Ari: 28<br />Was:14 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Nyg</span>:24<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Stl</span>: 26 Sea: 24<br />Chi: 23 GB: 10<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Buf</span>: 24 NE: 21<br />SD: 24 Oak: 37<br /><br />So there you are, my first picks of the NFL season. Here's to your team. My they make the Super Bowl*. That's all for this week. Have a Happy Sunday!<br /><br />*<span style="font-size:78%;">Only valid if "your team" is the Atlanta Falcons.</span>Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-79891296266451536072009-07-26T09:35:00.000-07:002009-07-26T09:37:46.134-07:00Brickyard 400Hey all! It's been a few weeks, as we had an off-week last week, and I missed Chicagoland the week before.<br /><br />Oops.<br /><br />But I'm back with some picks. And heeeeere they are:<br /><br />5.Tony Stewart<br />4.Sam Hornish Jr.<br />3.Denny Hamlin<br />2.Reed Sorenson<br />1.Kasey Kahne<br /><br />Going with Dodges today. Enjoy the race!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-18950132542268232642009-07-04T12:04:00.000-07:002009-07-04T12:06:31.945-07:00Happy 4th/Coke Zero 400 PicksHappy 4th everyone! I'll spare you my weekly lecture today and leave you with these picks:<br /><br />5. Tony Stewart<br />4. Kasey Kahne<br />3. Elliott Sadler<br />2. Ryan Newman<br />1. Joey Logano<br /><br />Have a Happy 4th of July!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-75628021565754846712009-06-27T20:23:00.000-07:002009-06-27T20:33:11.162-07:00Lenox Industrial Tools 301 PreviewBefore I begin, let me remind everyone that Sunday's race is <strong>not</strong> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lenox</span> Industrial Tools 300. It is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lenox</span> Industrial Tools 301. No, the title is not a type-o.<br /><br />Alright, onto our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sonoma</span> Sears Point <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Infineon</span> review. For the first time in 3 weeks, I did not pick Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kahne</span> to win.<br /><br />He won.<br /><br />It's all good, though, because somewhere, some guy bet on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kahne</span> and won lots of money. And by reading this article, he has agreed to split it with me 50-50.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Whoo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hoo</span>! I'm moderately wealthy! I can rent anything I want!(<em><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">courtesy</span>: Homer Simpson)</em><br /><em></em><br />So onto our 301 lap event. I am going to think outside the box(what else is new) and go with a guy who practically dominated Saturday's practice sessions. And it isn't who you think:<br /><br />5. Marcos Ambrose<br />4. Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Biffle</span><br />3. Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kahne</span><br />2. Denny Hamlin<br />1. Reed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sorenson</span><br /><br />Yes, I am aware of the fact that this is not a Nationwide race. It is not an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ARCA</span> race. It is not a Camping World East Series race. It is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">NASCAR</span> Sprint Cup Series race. But Reed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sorenson</span>, who finished 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> in this race a year ago, and who was 1st and 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">th</span> respectively in Saturday's practice sessions, will win at New Hampshire. Readers, this is where I depart for another week. Have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-69447817913529503832009-06-20T15:56:00.000-07:002009-06-20T16:00:38.882-07:00Toyota Save Mart 350Out west for a road course race this weekend. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NASCAR</span> Sprint Cup Series heads to Wine Country for this weekend's Toyota Save Mart 350.<br /><br />Unless Jeff Gordon runs poorly; Then it would be Whine Country.<br /><br />I'm going to keep it short again this week, but I did have to slip the Jeff Gordon joke in there.<br /><br />Time for picks:<br /><br />5. Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Biffle</span><br />4. Carl Edwards<br />3. Jamie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McMurray</span><br />2. Boris Said<br />1. Marcos Ambrose<br /><br />To all you fathers out there, have a Happy Father's Day. And to everyone else, have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-2883624553407676062009-06-11T16:27:00.000-07:002009-06-11T16:40:44.469-07:00"Your Bankrupt Car Company Here" 400 PreviewOkay, so that actually isn't the title of the race. But it sounds pretty good. At least, better than my top 5 from last week.<br /><br />But you can't predict fuel mileage races. Or overheating. Or first lap <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">whatevertheheckwentwrongwithdennyhamlinscar</span> problems.<br /><br />With all that said, onto the even more unpredictable Michigan International Speedway. Unpredictable because of, yes, fuel mileage. That and the fact that you never know what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NASCAR</span> may let certain drivers get away with, like passing the pace car. Oops, did that come out in print?<br /><br />Yeah, it did.<br /><br />I am going with Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kahne</span> for the third week in a row. But I have a very logical reason. I have some friends(yeah, I pay them well). And every time I see them before a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NASCAR</span> race, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kahne</span> runs well. It's fool proof, which is why I use it to my advantage. For example, in 2007, a year in which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kahne</span> struggled drastically, I saw them before the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Daytona</span> 500, the Sharpie 500, and the Bank of America 500. He finished 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span>, 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nd</span>, and 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> respectively. And in 2005, I saw them before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kahne's</span> 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">nd</span> place finish at the Brickyard 400.<br /><br />I'm going with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kahne</span> for the win:<br /><br />5.Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Biffle</span><br />4.Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kenseth</span>(even in his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Carhartt</span> car)<br />3.Ryan Newman<br />2.Carl Edwards<br />1.Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Kahne</span><br /><br />I know I lost half my readers back at the phrase, "Like passing the pace car," so I'll put the rest of you out of your misery now, for another week. Have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-61158076468128942462009-06-04T20:10:00.000-07:002009-06-04T20:19:06.075-07:00Pocono 500 PreviewHey readers! We're back on track this week after a delay last week. To preserve your sanity, we'll keep this short and sweet again this week.<br /><br /> Last week, I once again managed to get at least one right, extending the streak to 13 races! Now onto Pocono, with our friend TNT. In my opinion, the guys at TNT are the best in the business as far as announcing is concerned. Of course, TNT is based out of Atlanta, so what can you expect other than perfection? (<em>Hint: See "Hopper")</em><br /><em></em><br />Speaking of perfection, onto Hopper's Pocono picks:<br /><br />5.Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Biffle</span><br />4.Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vickers</span><br />3.Kurt Busch<br />2.Denny Hamlin<br />1.Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kahne</span><br /><br />He dominated it last year, and he has even more power under the hood this year. Folks, that's all for this week. Have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-60742053035911454392009-05-31T07:44:00.000-07:002009-05-31T07:49:35.716-07:00Autism Speaks 400 PreviewHey readers! Sorry it has taken me this long to get the picks up. Lately, I have been a little sidetracked by my new blog, <a href="http://www.stockcarspin.com/">Stock Car Spin</a>. But I have them for you now.<br /><br />I don't have any funny or annoying comments today, and since I made you wait 3 extra days, I will spare you your time and cut to the chase:<br /><br />5.Ryan Newman<br />4.Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Biffle</span><br />3.Denny Hamlin<br />2.Kyle Busch<br />1.Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kahne</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kahne</span> has the power of the new Dodge R6 engine. He has done well this weekend so far, and I believe he'll be a force to recon with today. Readers, sorry about the delay. Have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-36614593728660767632009-05-21T18:28:00.000-07:002009-05-21T18:51:41.699-07:00Coca Cola 600 PreviewLast week, a little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">birdy</span> told me to pick Joey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Logano</span> to win the All Star race. Rule #1 about predictions: Never listen to the finger of a Junior fan, especially when wearing a Kyle Busch T-shirt.<br /><br />(Slight pause while you figure that one out)<br /><br />So last week, we saw another exciting race. At least, the final 10 laps were. But nothing about the race was more priceless than when Jeff Gordon went spinning through the infield, and almost my entire house exploded with cheers. That is, with the exception of the lone Gordon fan in the house, who let slip a synonym for dung. Good times.<br /><br />In the end, Tony Stewart won his first race with his new team. Now onto the longest race of the year which, to many fans' surprise, does not take place in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fontana</span>, California or Long Pond, Pennsylvania. It <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">actually</span> takes place in a suburban town known as Concord, North Carolina. Really? You thought it took place in Charlotte? Well, you learn something new every day, don't you?<br /><br />So who is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">birdy</span> saying will win this week? Who cares. I don't listen to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">birdy</span> anymore. I will say this though. I believe Sunday Night's race will be a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wreckfest</span>. At least, if history repeats itself. In 2005, this race set the all-time record for caution flags in a single race with 22. Two years ago, the race saw 13 cautions, and over 15 casualties of accidents. Alas, another odd-numbered year, which also seems to indicate that the 2006 and 2008 600 champ, Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kahne,</span> will not win on Sunday. But, just for kicks, I'll put him in my top 5 anyway:<br /><br />5.Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kahne</span><br />4.Tony Stewart<br />3.Jimmie Johnson<br />2.Joey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Logano</span><br />1.Ryan Newman<br /><br />Indy 500 winner: Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kanaan</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lowe's</span> Motor Speedway always seems to owe somebody something, and in the end, it always pays them. We saw it with Jimmie Johnson back in 2003, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kahne</span> back in 2006, and Tony Stewart last week. Newman could have won back in 2001, but crashed while leading after just a dozen laps. He should have won back in 2007, but blew a tire while leading with 3 laps to go and backed into the wall. Last week, he wrecked while leading with 8 laps left. This week, the Beast of the Southeast will pay him back, and he'll win the race on... fuel mileage. P.S. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kanaan</span> will win that short 500 mile sprint before the important race.<br /><br />Folks, that's all for this week. Have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-78978951085493984092009-05-14T18:23:00.000-07:002009-05-14T18:38:48.384-07:00All Star Challenge Preview<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Darlington</span> has come and gone. We had another great race(Really? We're up to 3 in a row now?), and now it's time for the All Star event.<br /><br />This race gets me excited every year. My favorite part actually has to be the Sprint Showdown, the wild card event that the rest of the field competes in for a chance to race in the main event. Last year, the race was won by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Allmendinger</span>, who I believe will race his way in again.<br /><br />The 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> place driver in the event also transfers into the big race. A year ago, that driver was Sam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hornish</span> Jr. He might do it again, but I believe that 18-year-old Joey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Logano</span> will get the other transfer spot.<br /><br />That leaves the Fan Vote, the part which determines the final driver in the starting field for the All Star race. Last year, Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kahne</span> got the Fan Vote, and won the whole thing! This year, I believe that Bill Elliott will receive the fan vote. Elliott was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">NASCAR's</span> Most Popular Driver for 15 years, so it seems only fitting that he should receive the Fan Vote.<br /><br />From there, 21 drivers will duke it out over a 100-lap period. The winner receives a check for $1,000,000 and an automatic berth in the All Star race for the next 10 years.<br /><br />So, without further ado, my prediction for the winner of the 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> Annual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">NASCAR</span> All Star race is:<br /><br /><strong>Joey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Logano</span>!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Yes, I am aware of the very skinny, frail, toothpick-like limb I am going out on here, especially considering that the guy isn't even in the race yet. But why not? I, like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Logano</span>, have nothing to lose. Folks, enjoy the heck out of the race. Have a Happy Saturday!<br /><strong></strong>Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-32144798006423720632009-05-07T18:17:00.000-07:002009-05-07T18:32:27.603-07:00Southern 500 PreviewWow, who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">could've</span> seen that coming? Kyle Busch won Round 3 of the Junior/Busch Battle, and it was no contest. Busch continues to show that he simply is the best. As for Junior, well, at least his interviews are good.<br /><br />(excuse me while I go laugh my tail off at the outright falsehood of that last statement)<br /><br />Anyway, Richmond brought us the most cautions we've seen all year(15). Amazingly, 4 of the top 10 finishers spun out during the course of the race. Looks like last week would've been the perfect time for Little E to spin himself out on purpose(seriously guys, he's done it before, and he was proud of it).<br /><br />Why am I poking fun at Junior? I don't know, I just feel like it.<br /><br />So on to one of my favorite tracks on the circuit, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Darlington</span> Raceway. The race was renamed the Southern 500 to rekindle some of that old-school feel that the fans have been complaining about losing. But, in my mind, the Southern 500 is run on Labor Day weekend, not Mother's Day weekend.<br /><br />Anyway, last week I was back on track, correctly identifying 3 top 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ers</span> before the race even began. That's like super powers! Okay, maybe not, especially since the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CoT</span> makes my job easy*. This week, I like the Biff to find back his old friend, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Darlington</span> Victory Lane:<br /><br />5. Ryan Newman<br />4. Kyle Busch<br />3. Carl Edwards<br />2. Tony Stewart<br />1. Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Biffle</span><br /><br />My friends, this is where I leave you once again. Have a Happy Saturday. And to all you Moms(and Grandmas) out there, have a Happy Mother's Day!<br /><br />*Nothing in life is easy. Omit the preceding statement.Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-21677394900918433972009-04-30T19:16:00.000-07:002009-04-30T19:32:25.768-07:00Crown Royal 400 PreviewWell, that was wild. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Talladega</span> brought us the most exciting race we've seen all year. In fact, maybe even in our lifetime(unless you were around to see Bobby Allison's 1987 crash). But now, onto the track that brought us the best finish of 2008.<br /><br />If you will recall, a year ago, the Crown Royal 400 was Denny Hamlin's to lose. He started on Pole, and lead 381 of the first 382 laps(the only other lap leader was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Allmendinger</span>), only to blow out a right front tire with 18 laps remaining.<br /><br />Dale Earnhardt Jr. inherited the lead. But, with 3 laps to go, Kyle Busch got into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Junior's</span> left rear and turned him racing for the win. In the meantime, Clint <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bowyer</span>, the unsuspecting 3rd place runner, snuck past the incident, and took home the checkers in one of the most thrilling finishes I thought I'd see in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hundered</span> lifetimes... until Sunday.<br /><br />On Sunday, of course, Brad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Keselowski</span> got together with Carl Edwards with 1,000 feet to go, sending Edwards on the ride of his life. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Keselowski</span> earned his first career Cup win after not even competing in Cup the previous week. This week, Hopper looks to earn his first career win after not nailing one top 5er at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Talladega</span>, and I plan to do it by picking the man who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">should've</span> won last year. And no, it was not Dale Earnhardt Jr.<br /><br />5.Tony Stewart<br />4.Ryan Newman<br />3.Clint <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bowyer</span><br />2.Kyle Busch<br />1.Denny Hamlin<br /><br />Denny will win his first at the track he wants to win at more than any other on the circuit, and he'll make it that much sweeter by beating his teammate to do it. As for Junior, well, seeing as it's Busch's turn to hit him(if you'll recall, Junior got his revenge in the fall race), I believe he won't hesitate to wreck <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">NASCAR's</span> most popular driver again. Folks, that's all for this week. Have a happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-36014195881255478192009-04-23T18:08:00.000-07:002009-04-23T18:37:08.094-07:00Aarons 499 PreviewWell, I am back from my weekend retreat, and ready for some serious action this weekend at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Talladega</span>. I'd like to thank my mother for taping the race for me, even though I did not watch it, nor did I have any desire to. Still, it's the thought that counts. Thanks Mom!<br /><br />Yes, brownie points. I do have one more thanks to give out before I proceed to this weekend. I'd like to thank you, the readers, <strong>for nothing</strong>. I kindly asked you to inform me of "what went down in the desert", and I didn't even receive so much as a comment on my lonely wall. Shame on you!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Awww</span>, I can't stay mad at you. Especially coming off of my retreat. I love you all. I love everybody. I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ju</span>... wait, that's taking it <strong>WAY </strong>too far. You know what, how about this: all is forgiven <em>assuming</em> you do something for me. All I ask is that, when I make this weekend's off-the-wall picks, you are hereby bound to not make fun of me.<br /><br />Alright, now that we have that behind us, we can move on to what's really important: <strong><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Talladega</span>!</em></strong> Everybody loves <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Talladega</span>, except Mark Martin, and Ryan Newman, and, well, over half the drivers in Sunday's field. Okay, people hate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Talladega</span>. And that's what makes it s great.<br /><br />Last week, I nailed 2 top 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ers</span>, and missed another by a mere spot. Also, last week, Dale Earnhardt Jr. managed to stretch his attention span even thinner by making himself a new, um, friend. Yes, Casey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mears</span> was added to the list of drivers that Junior Nation cannot stand. He joins an elite list, including the likes of Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Vickers</span>, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin; the list goes on and on.<br /><br />Also last week, the winning car had the same number as the number of fingers on my hand(5 in case you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">were</span> wondering). This week, I believe that I will need an extra finger. To see what I mean, scroll down.<br /><br />5.Jimmie Johnson<br />4.Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Biffle</span><br />3.Paul Menard<br />2.Regan Smith(yes, that Regan Smith)<br />1.David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ragan</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ragan</span> will grab his first this weekend. Folks, I've gotta run. We've got storms pounding us right now. Have a Happy Sunday.Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-88995025052182837632009-04-16T13:29:00.000-07:002009-04-16T13:54:18.973-07:00Subway Fresh 500 PreviewGreetings to all! Hope everybody had a very Happy Easter. It was certainly nice hearing people worship God and Jesus our Savior last weekend instead of the Hendrick boys. I'd say they deserved it, wouldn't you?<br /><br />If you didn't get to watch the Texas race 2 weeks ago, you missed nothing. The race was unarguably the most boring I've seen all year, and the announcers were their usual selves, drooling over anything with a bow-tie on the bumper. In the end, Jeff Gordon broke a 47-race <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">winless</span> streak, as well as winning at Texas for the first time ever, both of which I was very aware of after the conclusion of the event, thanks to Mike Joy, Larry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McReynolds</span>, and of course, Darrell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Waltrip</span>.<br /><br />However, I will give kudos to Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Waltrip</span> for his Fox <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pre</span>-race show rant about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NASCAR</span> not allowing the drivers to be themselves. I responded with my own article on <a href="http://www.playerpress.com/articles/nascar-bring-back-the-passion"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Playerpress</span>.com</a>. Now, hopefully <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">someone's</span> listening.<br /><br />Last weekend, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NASCAR</span> Nationwide Series raced at Nashville <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Superspeedway</span>, which is actually only 1 1/4 miles long. Joey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Logano</span> earned the victory in his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Gamestop</span> Toyota, and took home the coolest trophy in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">NASCAR</span>, the Gibson Guitar. I guess that would make him the "Guitar Hero".<br /><br />Wow, that was bad.<br /><br />On that note, time for some picks. 2 weeks ago, I correctly predicted 2 top 5 drivers(affectionately called "top-5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ers</span> on this site). Thankfully, they just so happened to be the 2 guys who have won the last 4 Phoenix races, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Naturally, they're in by default. And all 5 of my picks from Texas finished in the top 15. And as I improve, my comment wall gets quieter and quieter. I miss <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ruel</span>.<br /><br />Here's this week's potential top 5:<br /><br />5.Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Biffle</span><br />4.Jeff Gordon<br />3.Kyle Busch<br />2.Jimmie Johnson<br />1.Denny Hamlin<br /><br />Hamlin bumps Johnson out of the way to win it. That's how I see it playing out. Unfortunately, for Yours Truly, I will not be able to catch the race this weekend. I will be spending an extra weekend not worshipping anything with a bow-tie on the bumper, and instead worshipping our higher powers. This week, you the fans will have to fill me, the Hopper, in on what went down in the dessert. Unless my family is kind enough to tape it. In which case, I hope I've been nice enough to them over the course of the past 16 years. My fate depends on them this weekend. That's all folks! Have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-6945572042976828112009-04-02T18:54:00.000-07:002009-04-02T19:08:07.636-07:00Samsung 500 PreviewOkay, so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Martinsville</span> wasn't the best race ever. But at least it wasn't boring like it usually is. In fact, come to think of it, none of the races(except California, by default) have been "boring" this season. They've all had at least some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">excitement</span>, or at least <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">intermittent</span> caution flags.<br /><br />While I wasn't too thrilled with the outcome of the race(i.e. the winner), I could not complain. For the first time all year, all 5 of Hopper's picks finished on the lead lap. <strong>And, </strong>Hopper had 3 correct drivers in his top 5, a season best. Hopper also missed winning by one measly Jimmie Johnson bump. Sigh.<br /><br />Now, on to Texas. I'd like to predict 10 cautions. And since this is my blog, I will. I'm still waiting on the Junior/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Vickers</span> retaliation deal. I don't know whose turn it is, but somebody please hit somebody. Oh, by the way, I finally got my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NASCAR</span> '09 game to work. Turns out, the key was to actually play other video games for awhile first, and then put the game I <strong>really </strong>want to play into the console. The answer always ends up being so simple!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ok</span>, I can see you're bored. Time for picks:<br /><br />5.Jeff Gordon<br />4.Jimmie Johnson<br />3.Denny Hamlin<br />2.Carl Edwards<br />1.Kurt Busch<br /><br />Kurt <strong>will </strong>get 'er done this week. And of course, the 3rd, 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span>, and 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> place drivers all earned themselves a spot based on last week's performance. That's all for this week. Have a Happy Sunday!<br /><br /><em>Note: The Easter Bunny is coming next week, so no picks! Unless you want me to predict the outcome of the Nationwide race.</em>Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-64986374208772248912009-03-26T13:53:00.000-07:002009-03-26T14:18:02.621-07:00Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 PreviewMicrosoft's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">XBox</span> 360s are flawless. Darrell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Waltrip</span> is the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">knowledgeable</span> mind ever to walk <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">the</span> planet. Last week, I totally meant to pick <strong>Kyle </strong>Busch instead of Kurt.<br /><br />What do these 3 statements have in common? None of them are true, but they sure do sound good. Well, okay, two of them don't.<br /><br />For anyone wishing to follow up on the status of my beloved <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NASCAR</span> '09 game, I do indeed have an update for you. The darn thing still won't cooperate. At least I had Bristol's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">excitement</span> to cheer me up last Sunday though, right?<br /><br />Well, the cars were in Bristol. They ran a race. But it all seemed so hollow. When, after 500 laps, the biggest skirmish of the day involved only Todd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bodine</span> and Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Waltrip</span>, I felt as if I had just watched a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Talladega</span> race, only without a "Big One". It was like watching something as trivial as rain cancel the Great American Race, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Daytona</span> 500. In other words, something was missing.<br /><br />So, I've gone through the week trying to tell myself that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Martinsville</span> will be better. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Haha</span>, yeah right. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Martinsville</span> calls itself a short track, but very seldom do you see any big wrecks there(Okay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">NASCAR</span> gods, cast your ugly wrath upon me by proving me wrong once again! This time, for the sake of the fans.).<br /><br />Will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Martinsville</span> produce more than the 8 cautions we saw in northern Tennessee? Or is it southern Virginia? Who cares? My gut says no. My heart says yes. So, I'm gonna go against both and say that we will have <strong>exactly </strong>8 caution flags.<br /><br />Last week at Bristol brought be 2 top 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ers</span>. Not bad, but it could be better. The top 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ers</span> were Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin. Naturally, this means that both drivers have earned a spot in this week's top 5. Also, no Junior-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Vickers</span> retaliation last week, so I will carry on that prediction to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Martinsville</span>. Now, I had originally thought about picking Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon to win this week. But that seemed too logical. I mean, what would my good buddy say if I actually made a logical pick(No offense Denny Hamlin)? He wouldn't know what to do. So, without further ado, here's my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Martinsville</span> top 5:<br /><br />5.Jeff Gordon<br />4.Jamie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">McMurray</span><br />3.Jimmie Johnson<br />2.Kurt Busch<br />1.Denny Hamlin<br /><br />Yes, going with Denny for the repeat, and <strong>Kurt </strong>Busch with a rebound this week. Before I sign off, I'd like to thank anyone who joined the Hopper Fan Club on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Facebook</span>. After one week, we already have over a dozen members. If you have a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Facebook</span> and you haven't joined, feel free to join the Club! That's all for this week. Have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-90728444125168412282009-03-19T12:51:00.000-07:002009-03-19T13:13:47.753-07:00Food City 500 PreviewThank goodness that off-weekend is over! I didn't know what to do with myself this past weekend. I tried to get my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NASCAR</span> fix in any way I could, but no matter what I did, nothing seemed to work.<br /><br />I began with sticking my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NASCAR</span> 09 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">XBox</span> game into my 360, in hopes that perhaps I could quench my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NASCAR</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">thirst</span>. Instead, all I got was a message across the screen that said, "Disk unreadable!". To this day, that's still all I've <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">gotten</span>. My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">NASCAR</span> 09 game appears to be deceased. This makes me sad.<br /><br />Still thirsty for something <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">NASCAR</span>, I channel surfed for awhile. Finally, I came across the Disney/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pixar</span> movie Cars. Now, don't get me wrong, Cars is a good movie. But trying to quench your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">NASCAR</span> thirst by watching that movie would be like quenching your real-life thirst by drinking a shot of highly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">caffeinated</span> Pepsi. In other words, it just makes things worse.<br /><br />I somehow made it through my Sunday, which quite frankly, seemed to last longer than these 4 days since. Anyway, the action at Bristol begins tomorrow with practice and qualifying for the Cup and Nationwide series. But, before we can move on to Bristol, let's briefly review Atlanta.<br /><br />Let's see, Mark Martin lead from the Pole, and then Kurt Busch lead, and then Kurt Busch lead, and then Marcos Ambrose's gas man went to fetch a tire, which would have brought out a caution anyway, but the crew man is being blamed for the caution, and then Kurt Busch lead. Well, you get the picture.<br /><br />In all honesty, it was good to see Kurt finally go out and show us what he, and Dodge, are still made of. Unfortunately for me, Dodge's success did nothing to help my picks record this year, although I was still able to keep my streak of picking one top 5 driver every week alive. Yes, Carl Edwards, with his third place finish, was my lone top 5er in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ATL</span>.<br /><br />Now, we can move on to Bristol. I predict 20 cautions. No, seriously. If Atlanta can have double-digit cautions then Bristol can have 20. Oh, and I'm seeing a little Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Vickers</span>/Dale Jr. revenge this week. I just don't know who will run into whom. And now, my top 5 picks for Bristol:<br /><br />5.Denny Hamlin<br />4.Jeff Gordon<br />3.Jeff Burton<br />2.Carl Edwards<br />1.Kurt Busch<br /><br />I can't tell you how much I hate picking Kurt to win this week, especially after the proverbial hex I put on a couple of Ford drivers last week. But you can't go on thinking you're a human <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">jinx</span>, even if your most loyal readers hint at the fact. That's all for this week. Have a Happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-77992594836890850522009-03-05T20:40:00.000-08:002009-03-05T20:58:14.728-08:00Kobalt Tools 500 PreviewThe Atlanta Motor Speedway, the site of this weekend's racing action, holds a special place in Hopper's heart for two reasons. Yes, Hopper does have a heart, believe it or not. For one, it is my home track. I absolutely adore going out to the track on Friday(I hate the Sunday crowds), rummaging around the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">souvenir</span> trailers and tents, and seeing all the exciting new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">die cast</span> cars.<br /><br />The other reason is that, come Sunday, it is one of only a few races a year that makes Hopper cry. Yes, the Atlanta races bore Hopper to tears.<br /><br />The long green-flag runs are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sooooooo</span> boring. Especially when your driver isn't running at the front. And <strong>especially</strong> when your driver(s) bring out every single caution flag, as was the case in a recent Atlanta race. Which is why I will not be picking a Dodge to win this weekend, or finish in the top 5 for that matter.<br /><br />You will also not see me predict 10 caution flags again this week(we had 14 last week). Mother stayed away last week(I'm referring to Ms. Nature), as promised. My only top 5er from Vegas was Kyle Busch, who won. So now, onto Atlanta.<br /><br />Mother Nature appears as if she will strike again. The forecast calls for rain on Sunday. This may actually be a good thing. History suggests that Monday races are more exciting in Atlanta. Also, I predict 7 yellows if the race is run on Sunday(5 for debris or rain), and 10 if run on Monday. And now, my top 5:<br /><br />5. Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Labonte</span><br />4. Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Biffle</span><br />3. Jimmie Johnson<br />2. Kyle Busch(in by default)<br />1. Carl Edwards<br /><br />I hope I have not destroyed Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Labonte's</span> weekend by calling him a top 5 pick. I seem to have that effect on people(I can hear a good buddy of mine. "Remember the playoffs. You put my kids through college."). Anyway, thanks for reading. Have a happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-38220332183782454562009-02-26T18:02:00.000-08:002009-02-26T18:18:47.420-08:00Shelby 427 PreviewFresh off of another Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kenseth</span> win, the Sprint(or whatever it's called now) Cup series heads to Sin City for the Shelby 427(or, something like that). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kenseth</span> has been dominant thus far in the 2009 season, and leads the point standings. Of course, you don't have a choice but to lead the standings if you've done nothing but win all year.<br /><br />Grandpa's own Jeff Gordon is 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nd</span> in points, followed by Kurt Busch, which took me by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">surprise</span>. Seriously, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">haven't</span> heard his name mentioned all year, except when he spun during the Duel race at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Daytona</span>. A few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">surprises</span> in the top 10 include Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Waltrip</span> in 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span>, Juan Montoya in 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span>, and even Clint <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bowyer</span>, new number and all, in 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span>. Just outside the top 10 include Elliott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sadler</span>(11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span>), David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Reutimann</span>(12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span>), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Allmendinger</span>(13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span>), and Reed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Sorenson</span>(14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">th</span>).<br /><br />Now onto what's really important, my predictions. Summary from California: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ</span> was the way to go. The race was slowed 5 times, 4 of those by my good friend Ms. Nature. The racing was boring during green. I might as well have slept. 2 of my top 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">ers</span> decided to show, including Matty K. and the Biff.<br /><br />This week, I 'm going to predict 10 cautions, and Mrs. Nature will finally have no effect on the race. This one will be better than California, and the finish will be better than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Daytona</span>. And, oh by the way, Matty K. will win race #3. Which leads me to my top 5:<br /><br />5.Kurt Busch<br />4.David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Ragan</span><br />3.Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Biffle</span>(In via my rule)<br />2.Kyle Busch<br />1.Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Kenseth</span>(In via my rule)<br /><br />Also, a little message to JR Nation: I feel your pain. My boy(I will not mention his name) was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Junior's</span> position 2 years ago. Do I feel sorry for you? I cannot say either way. I believe in Karma. That's all for this week. Have a happy Sunday!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-8771035150523904742009-02-19T13:58:00.000-08:002009-02-19T14:09:51.601-08:00Auto Club 500 PreviewLast week's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Daytona</span> 500 was a disappointment. Not Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kenseth</span> winning, but the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">rain out</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NASCAR's</span> biggest race. That and the fact that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NASCAR</span> has not changed a bit(talking about the car #88 penalty, or lack thereof).<br /><br />My predictions weren't too shabby considering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ol</span>' Hopper's visions were clouded by the rainclouds. The wreck wasn't as big as I thought it would be, but it <strong>was</strong> triggered by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and <strong>a </strong>Toyota driver, and <strong>involved</strong> Kyle Busch. So I was close.<br /><br />My winner was incorrect, but again, I could not predict a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">rain out</span>. A Dodge driver did not win, but again, I cannot predict a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">rain out</span>. Only one of my top-5e<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">r's</span> placed in the top 5, but again, well, you get the idea.<br /><br />I have but one prediction for California, and it ain't bold: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ</span>.<br /><br />Here's my top 5<br /><br />5.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Allmendinger</span>(gets a top 5 by default)<br />4.David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ragan</span><br />3.Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kenseth</span><br />2.Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Biffle</span><br />1.Carl Edwards<br /><br />If you'll notice, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Allmendinger</span> appears for a third consecutive week. Why? Because any driver who places in both <strong>my</strong> top 5, and the <strong>real</strong> top 5, gets an automatic berth in my next week's top 5. Thus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Allmendinger's</span> spot. This is where I take off. Have a happy Sunday.Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-1792552907277203082009-02-12T16:26:00.000-08:002009-02-12T16:50:05.368-08:00Daytona 500 PreviewBefore I begin with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NASCAR</span> stuff, I'd like to take the time to officially, officially wrap the NFL season up. I silenced all my critics with a correct pick in the only game that matters all season, the Pro Bowl. Yes, the NFC won 30-21. Take that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ruel</span>!!!<br /><br />I kid. I kid. Seriously though, the Bud Shootout was spectacular. I mean, I wasn't too fond of the first wreck with David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ragan</span> and the rookies. But the rest of that race was insane! I kind of liked the Paul Menard/Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Labonte</span> wreck. But not the Menard and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Labonte</span> part, just the part when the blue and white #88 went sliding all over the place.<br /><br />Again, I kid.<br /><br />Not really.<br /><br />As you probably know by now, Kevin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Harvick</span> won. However, there was no finish, because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">NASCAR</span> jumped the gun on throwing the caution flag(it's kinda their thing). That was disappointing. Hopefully, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Daytona</span> 500 doesn't end the same way(I mean, with the yellow flag thing, not the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Harvick</span> thing).<br /><br />That brings me to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Daytona</span> 500. Now, for anybody who did not watch the Gatorade Duels this afternoon, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch came away victorious(congrats Grandpa), while Scott Riggs, Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Mayfield</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Allmendinger</span> raced their way in(much to my pleasure). The winning teams from the Duels resemble that of last year's, when Dale Earnhardt Jr.(Gordon's teammate) and Denny Hamlin(Busch's teammate) found Victory Lane. Wanna know what else happened last year? A Dodge won the 500.<br /><br /><br />Ironically, almost every car/driver that made headlines this afternoon had something to do with Ray <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Evernham</span> at some point. Jeff Gordon(winner of Duel #1), had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Evernham</span> as his crew chief during the 1990s. Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Mayfield</span> and Scott Riggs(raced their way into the 500) were former drivers for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Evernham</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Motorsports</span>. Their owners(Tommy Baldwin and Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Mayfield</span>) were either a crew chief(Baldwin) or a driver(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Mayfield</span>) for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Evernham</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Allmendinger</span>(raced his way into the 500) is currently a driver for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Evernham's</span> old team, which he has sold majority ownership of to George <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Gillett</span> and Richard Petty.<br /><br />Couple that with the fact that I picked Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Kahne</span> to win the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Daytona</span> 500 on <a href="http://www.playerpress.com/">www.playerpress.com</a> and you get this top 5 prediction:<br /><br />5.Tony Stewart<br />4.Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Vickers</span><br />3.Scott Riggs<br />2.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Allmendinger</span><br />1.Kasey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Kahne</span><br /><br />While it's true that I only(and I use that term lightly) correctly picked 2 top 5 finishers last week, they happened to be Stewart and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Allmendinger</span>. So, they were rewarded with a return visit. Another prediction is that there will be a 15-car wreck. Last week, I predicted at least a 5-car wreck, and got a 6-car wreck. A win for me. However, it was not caused by Earnhardt Jr. and Busch like I said it would be, but this one might be. Also, if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Kahne</span> doesn't make it to Victory Lane, then another Dodge will. That's all for this week. Have a Happy Sunday.Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-90317366895555699952009-02-05T14:01:00.000-08:002009-02-05T14:15:14.209-08:00Bud Shootout: Let's Go Racin'Before I begin, let me just extend a warm thanks to all of you who stuck with me through a rough NFL playoffs. Thank goodness that's over(except for the Pro Bowl; NFC will win!).<br /><br />Now, onto <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NASCAR</span> season. Saturday night marks the opening exhibition event, the Budweiser Shootout(Saturday 8:00 P.M. EST; FOX). Starting now, I will be guiding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">y'all</span> through the 2009 season, giving you my thoughts on previous races, and predictions on upcoming ones.<br /><br />So now begin my predictions for the 75 lap, 28 car affair. I think that there will be a wreck consisting of at least 5 cars(as I will plenty of times throughout the season), and I believe that Darrell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Waltrip</span> will refer to Dale Earnhardt Jr. as "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Junebug</span>" at least once during Saturday night's telecast. After all, it's been a long time for '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ol</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DW</span>, and he'll have to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nauseate</span> me at least once.<br /><br />Okay, here is my Top 5 prediction for the Budweiser Shootout:<br /><br />5. Tony Stewart<br />4.David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ragan</span><br />3.Jeff Gordon<br />2.Joey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Logano</span>(what the heck)<br />1.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Allmendinger</span><br /><br />That's right. The driver whose season is on the line in the first 5 races of 2009 will open with a bang. And, oh by the way, that 5+ car crash that I was referring to will be triggered by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch, both of whom will still be mad at each other after a practice crash on Friday afternoon. Have a happy Saturday, and a happy racing season!Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-2782860617446405892009-01-29T16:10:00.000-08:002009-01-29T16:23:33.369-08:00Hopper's Super Bowl Pick: Part 2<em>Previously on: Hopper's Super Bowl Pick</em><br /><em></em><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Hopper's 2009 Super Bowl Pick is:</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>And now, the stunning conclusion...</em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> The Arizona Cardinals!!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Yes, the Cardinals are my pick to win it all. Based on what sports statistic? None, except the fact that this decade has been filled with Cinderella stories like no other. Teams like the Anaheim Angels, Boston Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sox</span>, Chicago White <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sox</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Philadelphia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Phillies</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tampa</span> Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and many others have pulled off the unthinkable in this decade, which sadly, is almost over(for the record, I'm predicting the Cubs to win the Series in '09).</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">So, Sunday brings an end to this long journey. Football season will officially be over. You may be thinking to yourself, "What will I ever do until Hopper returns with his razor sharp NFL predictions?".</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Don't fret. I'm sure I'll find something to occupy this otherwise useless space. Doesn't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NASCAR</span> season start back up next weekend?</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Have a happy Sunday. I'll see you next week to kick off a brand new season of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">NASCAR</span>.</span>Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-407918154349425806.post-393699451273368992009-01-22T13:23:00.000-08:002009-01-22T13:42:06.492-08:00Hopper's Super Bowl Pick: Part 1After another perfect weekend, I was able to improve my glorious playoff record to 9-1(P.S. It's opposite year). Alright, I can tell I'm fooling no one. Let's just discuss what's happened so far this postseason.<br /><br />Football season was over for me after Wild Card weekend. That's right, my team got burned in the desert(unnecessary bad pun) by the NFC champs. However, my only postseason winner came in the Wild Card round. Granted, it was in overtime, but a win is a win. Oh yeah, the Ravens and Eagles advanced, too.<br /><br />Over the course of the next week, I saved a ton of money by switching my car insurance to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Geico</span>. Then, I lost all of my games as Pittsburgh, Philly, Arizona, and Baltimore all advanced to the next round.<br /><br />Monday morning I woke up to find that my car had been egged, which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">apparently</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Geico</span> doesn't cover(I'm making this all up, just so you know). I then switched to the "Tricked out name tag lady's" car insurance. A guy told me later that week that I had earned him a parking space at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wal</span>-mart because he bet against me and won so much money. I don't care. I shop at Target.<br /><br />Sunday came. I lost all my games, yet again. The same dude who won all that money came back the next week and told me that he and his family had enough money to live comfortably forever. And he refused to share any with me! This greatly upset me, so yesterday I parked my egged car in <strong>his</strong> parking space at Wally World. It was towed away, and now I have no car.<br /><br />Alright, so it's just Pittsburgh and Arizona left. Two teams that are downright nasty. I don't like that it's come to this, but I have to pick one. So, without further ado:<br /><br /><br /><br />Hopper's 2009 Super Bowl pick is:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Stay tuned for the stunning conclusion next week on: Hopper's Super Bowl Pick: Part 2</em>Hopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044223232464579845noreply@blogger.com0