> > I can't get excited about the Oscars, and I don't care two hoots about the Super Bowl, but next month, the NASCAR season starts, and that is serious business.
> >
> > I'm going to keep an eye on Kerry Earnhardt. He will be driving a few races for Richard Childress this year. Childress is the car owner who made a champion's champion of Kerry's father.
> >
> > But my pre-season pick for 2004 Champ is Jeff Gordon. I think he is approaching his peak.
> >
> > Bill Elloitt is not going to drive every race this year. He is winding down to retirement. I think that is the way to do it, and I wish Darrell Waltrip and Richard Petty had eased off in their later years. Don't be surprised if Awesome Bill goes out a winner.
> > Howard
>
> I would say that Jeff Gordon has a couple of more seasons in him. Hi team was strong this year!!!
>
> Bill

Bill who? Elloitt maybe?
It always shakes me up when my favorite drivers suddenly hang it up. Cale Yarbrough did it. He was there one year and gone the next. Harry Gant gave it up too soon. I think he was just about to peak.

Richard hung on too long. He should have dropped back to a limited schedule, or a few Grand National races instead of going winless for the last ten years of his career. Darrell should have done the same. I've heard he is going to run in the trucks some this year.

David Pearson ran a few cup races after he lost his ride in the number 21, but I would have liked to see him run Grand National in a competitive car for a while.

I think it would have been good for some of the bush league boys (no pun intended)to be able to race with some of the past-their-prime greats.

It's been tough on fans having an off weekend this early in the season.
Howard