NASCAR At The Shore: Truex Vs. Patrick & More

 This week's column is going to cover a little bit of this, and a little bit of that.

Ryan Truex vs. Danica Patrick 

Let's begin with a story of local note: Ryan Truex vs. Danica Patrick.

Truex, who calls Mayetta home, is currently in his rookie season for the NASCAR  Nationwide Series.  On Saturday, March 19, during the Bristol race, he hit Danica Patrick's race car in what appeared to be an accident.  Patrick was frustrated, and walked up the track, just to throw her hands up at Truex. 

During an interview, Patrick  Danica complained to ESPN saying, "Truex runs hard." 

Ryan was apologetic. He told reporters that he didn't mean to run into Patrick. Of course, he didn't mean to hit her. It was an accident at Bristol. Accidents do happen from time to time (especially at Bristol -- even with the one groove racing we saw this year).

Patrick needs to grow up, and stop calling out other drivers. She doesn't want to start her NASCAR reputation as a whiner, does she?

As for Ryan, I hope in the future he become less apologetic, but I guess that's just goes along with the territory, as he is a 19-year-old series rookie.

One groove at Bristol 

Was I the only one that found last weekend's race to be ... sort of boring?

Since the repaving of Bristol Motor Speedway, we've seen some different racing action there. The track essentially lost the second groove, and it really changed the Bristol feel. There was far less rubbing and banging, and it really just felt like the series was racing at a small track. It definitely did not feel like Bristol. I know that NASCAR is all about safety, but I am not a fan of this new track surface. I will, however, give it another try in August. The night race is usually more fun as emotions are much higher throughout the race. 

My race predictions 

As we look forward to tomorrow's race at the Auto Club Speedway, there are a few drivers that come to mind as contenders.

California Boys: There's something special about the hometown drivers. One cannot bet against Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. They consider California home , and both have had luck at the Auto Club Speedway. Do not be surprised if one of them winds up in victory lane. We already know that they're both hungry, and are definitely capable. 

The Pole Sitter: Juan Pablo Montoya starts first at Fontana. You cannot bet against the guy who has nowhere to go, right? Don't be surprised if he makes his way to victory lane tonight. 

Fan Favorite: I do not consider myself a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan in any way, but I think this may be his week to shine. He is bound to break out of his "bad luck slump" soon, and I think he may do it in a place that we'd least expect it.

Why not tomorrow?

I know a lot of fans would be happy!

Coverage begins at 3 p.m. tomorrow on ESPN.  In the mean time, if you have a race prediction, let me know.