December 2007 Archives

It's been just a little more than two months since the first Countdown the Championships champions were crowned, and already - before Christmas - we have our first silly season move.
As most know, Kenny Bernstein, whose career includes six world titles and 69 event victories and the first driver to eclipse the 300-mph barrier, announced Tuesday that he was retiring for the second time.
This time, I believe it will stick. Kenny had a pretty good year for a guy who hadn't been in a nitro coupe in nearly 20 years, but this is a sport that maybe reserved for the youth - of course in motor sports, that means someone between the ages of 35-50.
What I did find equally surprising - and enjoyable - about Kenny's decision was his choice for a replacement - Tommy Johnson Jr.
TJ is one of the most-likeable, and more-popular competitors on the circuit, and he's one heck of a driver, so it made sense from both a competitive standpoint and a marketing view. Also, and this is nothing against Kenny, but I also found it strange that since Monster is marketed towards the young, extreme crowd, having Kenny, who is in his 60s, seemed like a paradox. Having TJ in that role fits perfectly, from the marketing standpoint.
Another thing I found intriguing about bringing on TJ was that he comes over from Don Prudhomme Snake Racing. It's no secret that there is a rift between Kenny and Snake, so that had to be a tough situation for TJ to tell Snake that he's got an offer to drive fulltime, and it's from Kenny. I applaud Snake for releasing him from his contract.
I'm really pumped for the season now, we will get our Wife (Melanie Troxe) vs. Husband (TJ) battle this coming year, after all.
Stay tuned...
P.S.: This is my first entry of our off-season blog. I will try and post as much as a can, especially has news crops up. Don't hesitate to drop me a comment or two.