Teammate Pumpkins

My tickets to Homestead came in the mail the other day. On all the tickets, the Truck, Nationwide and Cup drivers who won the championship in 2012 are on the ticket, so of course, our man BK is on the Sunday ticket. Looking at the tickets, it made me reflect on the season that was, the season at hand and the future of BK and the No. 2 team.

Looking back, no matter what happens for the rest of BK’s season or even career for that matter — win, lose or draw, he will always be a champion. And I think that is something that is very special. There are a number of drivers in NASCAR history who have never won a race. The performance of Brad and the team will forever be one of the greatest championship Chases of all time. And BK had to literally beat the best to win. He went toe to toe with Jimmie Johnson. Not too many drivers are able to say they have done that.

No matter what happens for the rest of BK’s season or even career for that matter — win, lose or draw, he will always be a champion.

I am also really happy that Brad was able to capitalize on the opportunity he had last year to win the championship. I say this with the utmost respect to the drivers who were close, and were just unable to get over that final step and win. Take, for example, the last few seasons. Carl Edwards and Denny Hamlin — they practically had the trophy in their hands. But when it came to the end, Denny lost it at Homestead, and poor Carl was one spot and one point away from being the 2011 Champ.  Things could have gone bad for BK — like what happened to Jimmie at Phoenix and Homestead — but thankfully, the stars aligned, and Brad was able to bring the championship home. 

Thinking about this season, I truly believe that it took a champion to be able to roll with the punches that Brad was given. I really can’t think of an example this season where I can say, “Hey, that’s Brad’s fault for that.” He sped at Talladega on pit road — big deal, they all speed — and how is there absolutely no caution at the wreckfest that is Talladega for him to get his lap back? So besides those things, I really can’t think of anything. In my opinion, it was honest bad luck, just driving in the wrong place at the wrong time. When the car was running, for the most part it was in the top 5 or top 10.

When things were going bad, you didn’t see Brad storm off into his trailer and cry to the media and over Twitter, “Oh poor, me.” No, to use the phrase, he took it like a champ. And despite all the bad luck, if he didn’t get that penalty from NASCAR, he would have been in the Chase as well.

Looking back at the season, including his Nationwide and Truck starts, I think you can still call it a successful season. A championship trophy doesn’t have to define who you are as a driver. 

I look forward to a fantastic 2014 season from BK. I believe he has the character, leadership and drive, and he will take the experience of success and struggles of 2013, and put that towards another championship campaign. If it matters, since I am only a single fan from Canada, but regardless, I am truly proud of the effort Brad has put in this season. I congratulate him on his successes, commend him for not giving up during his times of struggle and I wish BK, Paul, Mr. Penske and the whole Penske organization the best of luck for 2014.

Let’s go get our trophy back!!