A few thoughts...

-In the January 16th edition of National Speed Sport News, Bryan Gapinski wrote some Chili Bowl notes, one of which I found very interesting.

Dan Esslinger, who built the winning Ford-Esslinger engine, reported that the same engine was in the Jason Leffler-owned No. 71 car when Bud Kaeding won the Knoxville Midget Nationals in 2006 and Leffler's Turkey Night Grand Prix victory in 2005.

Before Leffler acquired the engine, it also recorded victories at Belleville in 2005 with Jerry Coons, Jr. and wins by Danny Lasoski and Michael Lewis.

That's what I call a strong motor! It's a shame that Ford Racing doesn't celebrate the Chili Bowl victory. I suppose they're too busy preparing for World Rally Racing, or gearing up for another runner up finish to Chevy in the NASCAR manufacturer points battle.

If a Chevy, Mopar, or Toyota powered car won the event, those companies would have made mention of it. At least Ford had the sense to partner up with Esslinger, but their lack of publicity from their involvement with open wheel racing (outside of the Focus Series) is disappointing. It ain't easy being Blue.

-It was released yesterday that USAC is sanctioning the Ultimate Challenge in 2008. I think this is a good move by the club and new President Kevin Miller. We don't get a lot of USAC racing in the midwest, especially sprints, and it's a good chance for USAC to display their series to some new fans.

I think the crowd at the Ultimate Challenge is a little younger as well, so that is also a big plus. It's not getting easy to win over younger fans these days. Go get 'em Kevin.

-It's been reported by Robin Miller on http://www.speedtv.com/, Indy Racing League President Tony George has offered free cars and engines to current Champ Car teams in an effort to re-unite the two open wheel series. Included in the offer are proposed race dates in Toronto, Edmonton, Long Beach, Australia, and Mexico City. It's probably too late for this season, but perhaps it's possible for 2009.

I'm glad that efforts are being made to unify open wheel racing, but I'm afraid the damage has already been done. Even if the two series come together, I still don't see any of the problems resolved that caused the split in the first place.

-Speaking of Robin Miller, he seems to upset a lot of people, and comes across on TV as a know-it-all, sarcastic jerk.

Robin Miller is one of my motorsports heroes.

-This will be the first year of NASCAR's "Sprint Cup Series". Great, as if my non-racing friends weren't confused enough when I try explaining sprint car racing to them.

Friend: "What races do you go to?"

Me: "I like to go to sprint car races."

Friend: "Oh, like what's on TV."

Me: "No, that's the Sprint Cup, I like sprint cars."

Friend: "Yeah, Sprint Cup cars."

Me: "Just forget it."

It's just another way NASCAR is making the world a badder place.

-Only 23 days until Saturday night at the Copper on Dirt at Manzy, 57 days until the ASCoT show at the Oklahoma State Fairgounds in OKC, 63 until Eagle's Open House, and 72 until the 8th Annual Midwest Racers Autograph Day in Lincoln. Spring can't come fast enough!

-Hard to believe it, but Oval Operations is almost a year old!