October 2007
Bigger and Better
Racing Milestones has always been known for its great photography of race action and its outstanding portraits of drivers.
With this issue – our 115th monthly magazine – we are adding pages to give you more of both. From the full-page spread of Jamie McMurray edging Kyle Busch by a hair at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona to Dale Earnhardt Jr. taking a catnap in the garage at the Brickyard, there are more photos and bigger photos of on- and off-track action. In our Reader Survey (December 2006), you said if there were one thing you would change in Racing Milestones, it would be more photos. You got it.
But we’re more than pretty pictures. This month’s cover story is an exclusive interview with Richard Petty shortly before his 70th birthday. The King has never been so candid. He sat down with Bob Zeller one on one and talked about his travels, the Victory Junction Gang Camp and his Wyoming ranch. And Petty didn’t hold back when it came to his opinions about Dale Jr.’s exodus from DEI, the COT or NASCAR’s tough stand on cheating. “The King and I” is fascinating. I promise you’ll come away from it with a new appreciation of Richard Petty.
In that interview, Petty named Matt Kenseth as the current Cup driver whose driving style is the most like his own. Rick Houston talked to Kenseth about Petty’s comment and much more. Kenseth is a quiet guy, never flamboyant, but he’s always there at the end. At this writing, he’s third in points, a definite Chase maker and a title contender. “Ho Hum, Never Thrilling, Always a Threat” is a look at the real Matt Kenseth.
Casey Mears is pretty low key, too, even in his breakout season. His first win at the Coca Cola 600 wasn’t unexpected according to his crew chief, Darian Grubb. Grubb knew the new team was getting better all the time. In “One of the Boys,” Godwin Kelly explains how Mears has cast aside any thoughts of a #25 jinx and is looking forward to more triumphs.
You don’t have to be in a NEXTEL Cup car to be a successful driver. Todd Bodine has found his niche in the Craftsman Truck Series and Bobby Hamilton Jr. couldn’t be happier with his ride at Team Rensi in the Busch Series. Ken Willis’ story “Bodine at Peace” and Norm Froscher’s “Coming Home” take you into the lives of two men who love their jobs.
Our collectibles reporter, Van Cox, reminds us that amassing die-cast isn’t the only pastime of NASCAR fans. “The Paper Chase” explores the world of souvenir race programs, old magazines, books and driver autograph cards. You’ll be amazed at the value of some of these paper products.
Next month, look for an in-depth feature on Tony Stewart and, of course, some wonderful photos of the Home Depot car and driver. Included, too, will be the 12 drivers in the Chase. Our deadline just after the Richmond race eliminates the guesswork. We’ll give you just those guys and not any maybes.
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