"Shine" the Mechanic

UPDATE: I ended up paying for premium (I know…😒) which gave me access to a “review” button on the original flag notification. I hit it and 5mins later got a notification saying my account doesn’t contain any violations and the label is lifted. I have read about others going through this, only to be re-flagged again shortly after, and being stuck in that endless loop. So we’ll see what happens…

It’s always “I don’t know” with that 💩-eating grin, and awkward shoulder/head sway. It’s beyond insufferable. Time to grow up - like yesterday…

It’s that kind of indefensible behavior that makes Hocevar no different than a petulant child.

I can’t believe how many folks are missing this, calling it a “nothing burger”. The entire purpose of this press conference was to force RFK’s hand. “I’m scheduling a press conference - it’s up to YOU(RFK) to determine the optics.” It was a masterclass of negotiating this particular situation. No surprise, as Brad is smarter than most know.

Travis’ argument is totally objective - I promise… Especially considering it involved Larson…🤭🫡

FYI: Yellow line controversy. There’s one key detail that is being missed in all of this. The sanctioning body does not make a determination based on a single still photo (such as the one everybody wants to use as the smoking gun). It’s a combination of video/photo from multiple different angles, that must show consistent CONCLUSIVE evidence, amongst several different factors. Furthermore, every incident is assessed independently of any other prior incident. Just because a prior determination (Haley?) may or may not have been botched, it doesn’t redefine the standards moving forward. No two incidents in racing are exactly the same.

This was way cooler than the 77 celebration in the spring! Got the kids hanging out the hatch and windows with the flag! Get on this @Lionel_Racing! Just no PeeWee Hocevar looking figures, please!🤙🫡

I know some of y’all love throwing around the “hater” tag, so here’s the deal: I don’t hate Cleetus. At all. He might as well be ‘Joe Blow from Idaho’. He simply has no business running in a top-3 NASCAR/stock car series - nevermind at a plate track. He’s running against fields that are 98% comprised of drivers who have been racing (stock cars, or other applicable forms) every weekend since they were single-digit ages (and no - Crown Vics are not applicable in the least). Nobody can show up 5 times a year with no experience, and make any meaningful progress. Which is why he’s way in over his head. Can he spike the ratings for a race when he runs? Sure. Will he have 30k people watching his in-car stream? Sure. But how much of that is actually moving the viewership needle in any meaningful/long-term and measurable way? Certainly nowhere near enough to justify undermining the safety and credibility of the sport, as well as devaluing the series and the other drivers in it. That’s not hate; that’s reality. This is a top-3 series of stock car racing in the world. It’s not a playground for “content creators”.

Seriously, though… That far back, not even in the draft? There’s a reason EVERYONE ELSE was checking up… Y’all who were all in on lynch mobbing Natalie, I’ll expect the same energy here…

Cleetus all the way in from left field:

If Cleetus takes anyone out, I hope it’s Tony Stewart… You know Smoke would give us something for the history books…🤙🫡

This is so legendary. Quintessential 90’s SS racing: 1900lbs with 2 rubbers on the RF 380lbs on the RR I’d code-name this setup ‘The Squatty Potty’😆🫡

This is a carbon copy of the folks who have been beating down Kelley’s door all season, regarding the split schedules of Raj and Carson Kvapil. Respectfully, y’all have absolutely no idea of the numerous factors in play behind the scenes. You couldn’t even begin to imagine. That’s just a fact. Not to sound sanctimonious or indignant about it, but ‘TwitterUser1234’ trying to lecture team owners on how to run a race team, is total banana sandwich. Don’t be one of those ‘fans’…🙏🫡

Super proud of this gal. The work and dedication are second to none. Even with the absurd amount of mechanical issues this year, she kept her head up, eyes forward and motivated as ever. I don’t think I would’ve been able to keep my head on my shoulders. Better days ahead!👍🫡

🤭😆✈️🤦🏻‍♂️🫡

Do any of y’all play Skycards? I’m addicted to this stupid game. I know @rajahcaruth_ and @KarsynElledge3 play… I do find it fun to catch the planes on the way home from the races. While I don’t miss being on those weekly birds, this definitely would’ve passed the time.✈️🫡

Dang - SVG is not interested in your high stakes championship run…😬

CARS at SoBo; @TreytenL and @JRMotorsports; what a race! I’ve been talking about him for two years now - so happy the rest of the world is finally seeing it. If y’all don’t have Flo, you need to get it. Aside from O’Reilly, Late Model Stocks are on a different level.👍🫡

Full time in 2029 - perhaps in the 7 car?…🤔🫡

I appreciate this sentiment. It’s spot on. Racing is just as much of a team sport as anything. And the driver has the biggest influence on team unity and moral. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum, and it will absolutely set the tone in the shop, at the track, and on pit road. I know some folks probably get tired of me singing Connor’s praises, but it’s for reasons like this. If you think he’s great in front of a camera, you should see him behind the curtain. The kid has the natural make-up of a leader, and he understands just how integral every single person in the organization is. Ask anyone in my position and they’ll tell you how important it really is. When you’re in a pinch and entering hour 15-16 on the shop floor; when you get a call at 10pm to get to the shop because your car was torn up in The Duels; that’s what motivates you to be a team player. That’s what it takes to be successful in racing.👍🫡