David Poole, one of the most in-the-trenches sage scribes of pit road put together an annual who's who of NASCAR powerbrokers, leaving off one of the most obvious sectors that drive the sport--the media (except NBC big-wig Ebersol). Now, while RPMBlog does not expect to make the 2006 list just yet (2007, here we come), writers like David Poole, Jayski, and many others should be listed there right along with agents, NASCAR execs, and even drivers. By reporting on the sport to those unable to make it to the track and for filling the midweek lulls with provocative debates, RPM raises a glass to thee...

Today presents another opportunity to debate an age-old question. Chicken or egg? No... Coke or Pepsi? Not today. Bud or Miller? Nope. We come today to discuss the challenge of how to explain the concept of the NASCAR man(setting aside for now the concept of the "NASCAR woman", which now makes up about 40% of the audience). While fans and non-fans, liberals and conservatives, and Hatfields and McCoys will continue to argue over what makes a man a "NASCAR Man", few true believers would argue with the sentiment put forth by Sam Faircloth: "NASCAR Man is in all of us. He is common sense. He is the moral grounding of our culture...I shudder to think of where we would be without the fundamental beliefs of NASCAR Man." Wise words, Mr. Faircloth.

NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart has signed on to co-host a new show on 24/7 NASCAR when Sirius takes over the reigns from XM as the official satellite channel of NASCAR in January. Sirius acquired the rights for $107.5 million and is obviously putting its money where its mouth is by hiring the popular and sometimes controversial Stewart. The two-hour live show will cover all motorsports (not just limited to NASCAR), reflecting Stewart's diverse expertise behind various wheels.

Wives of NASCAR drivers has the inside line on all the sport has to offer, including the excitement of being in the winner's circle and the sadness of losing a loved one in a tragic accident. In her new book, Liz Allison, media correspondent and wife of late driver Davey Allison, breaks it down for new female fans of NASCAR. Allison offers everything from the ABC's of the sport to recipes you can include when throwing NASCAR parties. Seems like both guys and gals can benefit from the info--especially if you want to get the women (wives, girlfriends, moms, aunts, friends...) in your life hooked on your favorite way to spend a Sunday.

With then launch this weekend of the eagerly awaited animated movie Cars, NASCAR has partnered with Hollywood(usually it is the other way around) to expose the enthusiasm for the sport to an even wider audience. The masters of promotion at NASCAR expect 30,000 fans to turn out for a special screening of Cars at Lowe's Motor Speedway and Hollywood has to be licking its chops that the 75 million fans of NASCAR will turn out in droves for the debut of the film. Is there a more perfect marriage than NASCAR and Cars? Open the bank vault doors, executives at NASCAR and Pixar will be making some sizable deposits...

I remember some time ago that I was collecting Mike Greenwell's baseball cards--1987 Donruss or the odd, but true rookie 1986 Sportflix. Now baseball fans will potentially be able to collect new memorabilia of the former Red Sox star. No, Greenwell is not coming out of baseball retirement--but he is climbing behind the wheel of a NASCAR Truck, making his debut in Mansfield, OHthis Saturday under the tutelage of friend and fellow racer Todd Bodine. Good luck Mike!

Great piece on the thought and time that goes into the paint schemes you see raced ever weekend. Has a lot of history and comments from RPM friend Sam Bass, one of the most prolific NASCAR artists and paint scheme designers around. The piece also talks about the motivations for various paint schemes that differ from weekend to weekend, including the need to account for sponsor product launches, one-off sponsorships like movies being released, and other rationales. Very informative for the new fan and sponsor...