which one is the best of the best?

A couple of weeks ago Helton called me and @theorangecone together. He wanted us to be in charge of NASCAR’s Inanimate Object Development Program (IODP) –
Basically we are supposed to find all the funny NASCAR Inanimate Objects and show them the “NASCAR” way.

Our Charter Members — “Those who came before us”
@nascarcasm: #NASCAR follower with horrible sportsmanship. Not a role model. Not an analyst. Take this all with a grain of salt.
@JacquesDebris: He’s there when you don’t need him…and not there when do you do need him
@Sir_NASCARNAGE: Creating chaos & mayhem @ NASCAR races … No one is safe, but EVERYONE walks away … @SteveWallace66 is mi amigo .. #nascarnage

Inaugural Class of 2011:
@NASCARJetDryer: Led more laps this year than anyone else.
@TheCatchFence: Yes, I’m The Catch Fence. I stand guard around every NASCAR race track. Willing to catch whatever NASCAR sends my way.
@TheYellowLugNut: Getting screwed left and right on weekends.
@InfieldGrass: I’m the grass at (almost) every NASCAR track. Still think Bristol needs some grass…
@DaCautionFlag: Works closely with @JacquesDebris

Just like Miss America — should any of these objects fail to be funny then they will be replaced. Immediately.
To any object not announced as part of NIODP: #realhelton asks you to please submit 140 character essay on why you should be considered.

It’s been a rough 24 hours.  I’ve read hundreds of tweets, blog entries, AP stories and I still can’t grasp everything that happened.  When it comes down to it, we lost a giant yesterday with the passing of Dan Wheldon.  He’s always been one of my favorite people in any garage.  My favorite moment of 2011 isn’t ‘Dega or Kansas, it’s Dan Wheldon winning Indianapolis this past May.  No one was more deserving and I rooted for him more than anyone else in the IndyCar circuit.

I got some rude complaints that I shouldn’t say a word about yesterday because I’m just a piece of “cardboard” and this wasn’t anytime for me to say anything — well guess what, there’s an actual human behind “mini_chad” and this human has feelings just like the rest of you.  If you don’t like it, don’t follow me.  It’s that simple.

Racing (all types) has always been my #1 love in sports and it will always be #1.  The drivers risk so much for our enjoyment and ask for very little in return.  All I’m trying to say is we have to remember.  We have to remember how much the drivers put on the line for us.  We have to remember how we felt yesterday with the passing of Dan Wheldon, and in 2001 with the passing of Dale, Sr.  (Not to mention the countless others that didn’t make the headlines with their passing.)  We have to remember that this is a sport.  We have to remember that there are real risks.  We have to remember that this is real life.  We also have to remember to keep things in perspective and enjoy each moment that God has allowed us to have.

Today there is a test at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  As much as we don’t always like it, or get it, life goes on….especially in the world of racing.  So, this weekend, when you are cheering for your favorite driver at Talladega…..just remember.

Sincerely,
Mini Chad (Cardboard with human feelings)