Sports fans are addicted to feel good stories. Take “Rudy,” the pint-sized defensive end who got to play a series of downs for Notre Dame. Or how about “The Rookie”? High school coach Jim Morris gets a second shot at professional baseball and makes it to the big leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays?
We’ve also had some feel good stories in 2008. The Tampa Bay Rays are headed for the playoffs for the first time ever. The Chicago Cubs may win their first World Series in 100 years. Slugging outfielder Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers overcomes a drug addiction and lights up the scoreboard in the Major League Baseball home run derby. How about Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce finally getting their ring in winning an NBA title for the Boston Celtics? We even have a great story tonight with undrafted receiver Austin Myles playing the hero in Dallas’ Sunday night win over Green Bay.
How about Greg Biffle for NASCAR’s feel good story?
You never hear about this guy because he generally doesn’t make waves- save for incurring the wrath of Sterling Marlin and Kevin Harvick. “The Biff” doesn’t possess a flambouyant demeanor, he’s not known for a bad attitude. and he certainly doesn’t talk smack. We know he can win- the native of Vancouver, Washington has a Nationwide Series and Craftsman Truck title to his credit- BUT with a baker’s dozen wins coming into today’s action, his Cup career has generally been ho-hum.
Today’s win may have woke a few people up.
There’s no denying Biffle has been consistent this year in a way he hasn’t been for the past two seasons. If you think aaboutit, Biffle has quietly factored into nearly every race. He’s also managed to avoid some of the horrific bad luck and managed to stay out of other people’s messes. To be sure, having the “Nutty Professor” Jack Roush backing doesn’t hurt. In fact, it was no less than RFR teammates Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards that gave Greg a run for his money. The “Cat In The Hat” must have a Cheshire grin on his face watching his top 3 drivers duke it out.
It was quite a race, watching Edwards, Biffle and Kenseth all side-by-side. Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick were also poised to pounce should someone up front slip up.
Today they didn’t.
Perhaps Greg Biffle is winning hearts in the same way Clint Bowyer did in the 2007 Chase. It’s not hard to root for a lunch pail, blue collar guy who minds his business, takes good care of his wife and doesn’t embarrass the sport by playing the fool.
It will get interesting, because I don’t think the “16″ will sneak up on anyone now.
Other notes: Today we saw a study in contrast as is pertains to handling adversity. After his equipment went gunny sack, Kyle Busch said “It’s over” after his 43rd place finish. I want to root for the guy who’s so fearless and no doubt possesses talent, BUT YOU DON’T QUIT ON YOUR TEAM. Yes, I’m yelling. Kyle is still “bush league” in my opinion. I hope Joe Gibbs can talk some sense into him.
Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr. keeps hacking away even though todays race was a disappointment. He gets my “Rocky Balboa” award. It wasn’t a good day for Junior, but the “88″ didn’t quit…and he won’t quit. He’s got a rough road ahead if Earnhardt wants to win the title, but he knows he owes it to his team and himself to fight ’til there’s no fightin’ to do. You never what will happen. This Chase is far from over.
Props to Mark Martin for perhaps previewing for us what’s in store for the #5 HMS team next year- evoking memories of Harry Gant.
Nice to see Mikey in the top 10.
Great race today. Great chase in 2008. I think this is what NASCAR had in mind, and I hope it keeps up.
