The fact that a small handful of NASCAR drivers want NASCAR to create yet another new rule outlawing one of the most incredible last-lap moves in the history of the sport — one that had every fan on their feet and cheering — is beyond baffling to me.
At the request of the family, I’ve been asked to pass along that Ken Squier has been moved from home to Copley Hospital in Morrisville Vermont, where he can receive a higher quality of care as he continues to battle the COVID-19 virus. Prayers to him and the family.
There have been hundreds of thousands of cross burnings, lynchings and instances of noose intimidation over the last 150 years, and exactly one Jussie Smollett. One. But that’s the first thought that comes to some people’s minds. Pretty good indicator of what is in their heart.
Ken Squier Update: After a challenging few days, the doctors now say they expect him to beat this. He is still very weak, but getting wonderful care. Keep those prayers coming, friends. They’re working.
It’s over. Ken earned his wings last night at 8:20 PM ET, surrounded by his incredible, loving family. I grieve for the loss of my dear friend and lifelong mentor, but rejoice in the fact that his pain and struggle are over. Thanks everyone for all the prayers and good wishes.
Polite Request: Could those of you that are “leaving NASCAR forever” please resist the urge to send me 53 tweets on the topic? It’s not an airport, you don’t have to announce your departure. Thanks.
I will no longer stop at red lights. They are an attempt by the government to control me and rob me of my right to drive as I please. It’s not my responsibility to keep you safe. It is your responsibility to stop at ALL lights — green and red — to be sure I’m not coming.
Kyle Larson is a walking, talking example of manning up, taking personal responsibility, cleaning up your own mess and… Oh yeah… Ungodly talent behind the wheel of a race car.
Here’s a thought. If we have enough money to be spending $800 million on goat farming programs in Uzbekistan, maybe we can afford to give hard-working, long-suffering Americans more than one week’s pay in the midst of a nearly year long pandemic.
#NotPolitical
#JustAmerican
This is a much-needed dose of medicine for the collective psyche of NASCAR Nation. And at least on my Twitter timeline, 100% of those watching – with the exception of the one media guy who hates everything – think it’s awesome.
I couldn’t care less what the beef was about, and I have no dog in the fight. But the
@joeylogano
crewman that grabbed
@dennyhamlin
from behind and bodyslammed him to the ground should be gone for the season. I’ll say it again, NASCAR NEEDS A “THIRD MAN IN” RULE.
Latest update from the Squier Family: Ken is now in hospice care, with plans to move him from hospital to home tomorrow, where he will spend whatever time remains. Thanks so much for the many prayers being offered up.
The great Cale Yarborough has passed; one of the all-time greats in NASCAR history. There was tough, and then there was Cale Yarborough tough.
#RIPRacer
If you’re a race fan who thinks there is any way to justify throwing things on the racetrack, just load up your camper and head for home. We don’t need you.
I'm the least political person on the planet, but anyone who sits on their hands and scowls when the President of the United States says we need to support our military veterans and fight the opioid addiction crisis loses what little respect I had for them in the first place.
24 hours ago, Kyle Larson was arguably the hottest property in NASCAR and could literally have chosen the next organization for which he would race. Now, it appears that he may not have a NASCAR ride of any kind by the end of the week. Words matter, my friends.
Lawlessness is lawlessness. It's no different -- and no more excusable -- in Washington DC today than it was in Minneapolis in June and July. If you were against it then, you should be against it now.
NASCAR is not Brian France. It is not Richard Petty, Red Byron or Dale Earnhardt. It is a community of people, all of whom love the sport and work hard every day to make it the best it can be. Every end offers a new beginning.
Everyone has their limit, and today has pushed a lot of us past ours. If you want to say something racist on my timeline, get it all into your first Tweet, because their won't be a second.
#BlockingHate
People make mistakes and say stupid things sometimes. I’ve done it myself. But mocking someone with anxiety - to the point of creating a hashtag to do so - then doubling down when called out and refusing to apologize... that’s deplorable. Anxiety is no joke.
Update for those who have been asking, with apologies to those who couldn’t care less. 😜 The healing process is progressing nicely, and I should be back in the saddle on Monday at 3 PM ET. I’m humbled and gratified by the many prayers and expressions of support. Thanks everyone!
Thanks everyone for all the prayers and kind words. Kidney surgery went as planned. The catheter came out today, and the drain tube is next. Hoping to head home and start the healing process later today.
#SoreButThankful
An update on Ken Squier from his daughter Ashley: Many of you are reaching out for news, and I realize it's beyond time for an update. We can add surviving COViD to the list of Dad's kickass accomplishments in life. I have no doubt that your prayers...
Sunday Ken Squier Update: Ken is resting comfortably at the Rehab Center. His family is very grateful for all the support rolling in from around the world, and for all the prayers.
Daily Ken Squier Update: No major change since yesterday This fight has taken a lot out of him, but he's resting to get his strength back, getting up with assistance and talking briefly to family members on the phone. Every bit of improvement is a battle won.
#HappyThanksgiving
.
I also wonder about people who witness a plane crash, see people struggling to exit the burning wreckage and have no thought other than to pull out their cell phone and start recording.
Just deleted a tweet praying for our troops and citizens in Afghanistan, in order to halt the partisan political crap storm that immediately resulted. Very sad that we can't even agree on compassion for the dead and their families.
This is Joey Laquerre. He’s 77 years old and traveled to
@hickoryspeedway
from Vermont to race this weekend. His crew chief is his 13-year-old grandson, Jesse. His crew is his wife, Pam. He won his heat and finished 11th in a very competitive ACT feature.
#inspiration
To those of you wondering how you will possibly survive two weeks (or more) at home with your children. One day they'll grow up and move out, and you'll wish you had these days back again.
FAIR WARNING: If you resort to name calling and/or profanity on my timeline, so will be muted or blocked. State whatever case you want, but do it like an adult. Fair warning.
Bob Dole pays his respects to former Pres. George H.W. Bush at the Capitol Rotunda, helped from his wheelchair to stand before the 41st president's casket.
Happy to hear that WNBA star Brittney Griner will be released from a Russian penal colony in exchange for a convicted terrorist. But can’t help wondering what made her a priority over former Marine Paul Whelan, imprisoned after what virtually all parties agree was a sham trial.
Based on the “commentary” from the last 12 hours or so, this seems like a really good time to take a day (or three) off from social media. Vacation time with family and loved ones.
#Refocus
#RyanStrong
In the interest of avoiding a circus side show at Phoenix, NASCAR needs to speak very specifically about why they took no action against Gibbs, how incidents like this will be handled going forward, and what they expect from all parties next week.
It’s time to make the “R-word” as unacceptable as the “N-word.” In the year 2021, is there anyone left on the planet who doesn’t realize how antiquated, demeaning and insulting that word is? C’mon people, grow up. You’re better than that.
This reaction is exactly why the man belongs in the
@NASCARHall
.
@DaleJr
carried the sport on his back in its darkest hour, regardless of whether he was ready or not. He has always been our most eloquent, thoughtful and respected spokesman. Congrats on a well-deserved honor.
DEAR FRIENDS: Since many (most) of us are trying to enjoy Championship Weekend, could the chronically unhappy take the next 48 hours off from my timeline? The rules, procedures, playoffs etc are not going to change this weekend, so give it a rest and resume complaining Monday. TY
The "how dare you block me on social media" crowd has got it all wrong. My timeline is like my house. If you choose to walk in uninvited and take a crap on my carpet, you're going to be escorted out and never allowed back. It's the same way here. Act right or get tossed out.
NASCAR's Steve O'Donnell on
@RossChastain
final lap: “We’ve seen similar attempts, but never successfully. (It was) certainly within the rules.” No indication of any interest in outlawing similar moves. “We don’t think it’s right to change the rules after 35 races."
It’s relatively easy to be a class act in Victory Lane, when everyone is patting you on the back and telling you how great you are. But to do it in the aftermath of a crushing disappointment after being “just that close?”
@JimmieJohnson
is special. A true champion.
I'll just say this and stand back while everyone freaks out.
@QuinHouff
is not a bad guy, or a bad racer. Prior to last weekend, I cannot think of one negative incident he's been involved in. He made one rookie mistake, and now the whole world is piling on. Lighten up, people.
One of these days when he’s back to full health, I’m going to show Ken Squier my Twitter timeline from the last seven days, finally allowing him to realize just how cherished and loved he is in the NASCAR community. Thank you, everyone, for 5he kind words and prayers.
Monday Ken Squier Update: Resting, working with his physical therapists and chatting with close friends and family on the phone as his strength allows. Also asked for an update on the top Cup teams and their 2021 drivers, which has to be a good sign!
#KeepThePrayersComing
I get that Burt Reynolds was nominated for an Oscar for his role in "Boogie Nights." But to me, he will always be driving a black Trans Am WAY too fast, macking on Sally Field and slapping Dom DeLuise in the mouth. RIP Bandit.
What excuse could any Major League Baseball team or media outlet POSSIBLY have for blacking out in-market games during a time when fans are not allowed to attend in person?
Just realized that I am over the 100,000 follower mark (102,400 to be exact). It’s a mystery to me why so many of you care what I say and think, but I am absolutely thankful for every one of you. Thanks for the support.
Junior Johnson autographed a diecast car for me many years ago. He was not a formally educated man, but his signature was impeccable. It took him 20–30 seconds to sign, because he wanted every autograph to be the best it could be. He was the best.
FOR SALE: 5 US Gallons of mid-grade (87-octane) gasoline. Will trade for a 1969 matching numbers Chevrolet Chevelle in showroom original/fully restored condition, or 10 sheets of 3/4-inch plywood. Don't low ball me, I know what I got.
We were given a great lesson in perspective at 3:38 PM ET yesterday. All of a sudden, who drives which race car doesn’t seem quite as important anymore.
@chocolatemyers3
just graduated from this protocol
@DukeCancer
His mantle cell lymphoma is in clinical remission. He will start maintenance chemo in 3 months. Thank you Dr. Matthew Stuart McKinney and staff!
It is a constant source of amazement to me just how many people truly seem to hate this sport and everything about it, but come back week after week (after week) in search of something else to complain about. If I was unhappy 99% of the time, I’d find something else to do.
Prayers going out to our friends at David Gilliland Racing after a serious transporter crash this morning near Longview, Texas, en route to Phoenix Raceway. 🙏🙏
Sad to hear of the passing today of the great Bob Jenkins after a lengthy battle with brain cancer at the age of 73. While supremely talented, Bob was an everyman; the kind of guy you could imagine yourself sharing a couple of cold ones with as you watched the race. RIP Racer...