AUTO RACING: Nextel Cup Dodge/Save Mart 350

These days I often prefer a good open wheel race on a lazy Sunday afternoon such as Champ Car or Formula One. I find NASCAR's Nextel Cup series has strayed from its original formula for success. Perhaps I'm just bitter that some of my favorite drivers are finally calling it quits as they reach their 50s. However, today is a perfect day for both old fans and new to watch America's ever-growing national pasttime. NASCAR will run at scenic Infineon Raceway located amidst the rolling hills of Northern California's Napa Valley.

If beer-swilling rednecks at places like Talladega turn you off, rest assured today you'll be more likely to see fans sipping merlot. This race is also one of only two road course races on the schedule. Road races are my favorite form of competition. They're the ones where drivers make both left AND right turns (no riding around in a big circle for 500 miles today). Drivers today must navigate the 2 mile course with 10 turns for a grueling 350 miles.

Expect plenty of fun wrecks as drivers look to gain track position. It's difficult to pass on a road course and one must constantly look to move up through the field. Kurt Busch, known for the occasional middle finger and voted one of America's "Most Hated Athletes," starts from the pole. Sadly this race will be FOX's last of the 2006 season. I find their coverage far superior to NBC. So this will be the last chance to hear goofy announcer Darryl Waltrip's starting command, "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!"

I too better BOOGITY before I lose half my readership!

My pick: Boris Said. The road course specialist (who sports one of the best white man's afros) will be driving a car with owner Jack Roush's dominant Ford horsepower.






So that's what I'll be watching. Who will you be watching? Old Mark Martin and Sterling Marlin? Or do you prefer the more glamorous stars of the Indy Racing League like Danica Patrick?