Free Republic

THIS IS NOT the column I was supposed to write. My newspaper was expecting something about the Chase for the Nextel Cup, a few hundred words about how eight guys are separated by 50 points as they claw for three spots in the group that in two weeks will start a 10-race playoff for this year's title. I spent part of Friday trying to put a column like that together, asking the four Dodge drivers among those eight if the chance their manufacturer could be shut out of the title chase put added pressure on them in Sunday's Pop Secret...

DARLINGTON — Gates were locked with the exception of one for the tour bus barely doing enough business to pay for the gas. Officials were taking down signs that could be blown away by Hurricane Frances instead of putting up signs welcoming fans. No merchandise haulers lined the streets. No campers fill the front and back yards of homes and businesses. The rows of computers in the ticket office sat unmanned. And a lone person sat behind one of the nine desks where normally 20 people battle for room to work. The phones were quiet. The hustle and bustle associated...

DARLINGTON, S.C. -- If the so-called NASCAR dads are in the driver's seat of the 2004 presidential election, the Democratic Party's dreams of recapturing the White House might be roadkill. In fact, as thousands of racing fans descended on this small town for the Labor Day weekend running of the Southern 500, it was difficult to find any NASCAR fan, dad or mom, willing to listen to Democrats. In interviews amid the Confederate-flag-flying RVs in the parking lot and infield of Darlington Raceway or among the souvenir trailers lined end to end just outside the raceway gates, only one Democratic...

RICK McKAY / Washington Bureau Mark Fedele of Cross, S.C., with wife Katrina at the Southern 500 race in Darlington. Darlington, S.C. -- If "NASCAR dads" are in the driver's seat for the 2004 presidential election, the Democratic Party's chance of recapturing the White House may well be roadkill.In fact, as thousands of racing fans descended on this small town for the Labor Day weekend running of the Southern 500, it was difficult to find any NASCAR fan, dad or mom, willing to listen to Democrats.In interviews amid the Confederate flag-flying RVs in the parking lot and infield of...

Darlington..Every driver who has strapped on a helmet and climbed behind the steering wheel has wanted to win at Darlington because the toughest is most desirable. For those few select drivers who have won races at the granddaddy of superspeedways, there is a priceless satisfaction in knowing they've conquered the unique egg-shaped oval nicknamed "Too Tough To Tame." This thread is dedicated to our armed services members, their families and friends worldwide. God Bless America and God Bless FRee Republic.