ESPN Columnists

NASCAR's Heisman would go to JJ 2 days ago

Sure, Jimmie Johnson would have to be the winner of a NASCAR Heisman -- we'll call it the Petty Trophy -- but who else would belong at the banquet?

Hamlin rewards fans at Martinsville October 30, 2009

No, NASCAR drivers aren't as accessible as they once were. But as Denny Hamlin demonstrated after winning at Martinsville, many drivers love the folks who love them.

JJ, Brady share common ground October 23, 2009

From "Balloon Boy" to three-time defending Cup champ Jimmie Johnson to Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady, Marty Smith's got the NASCAR world -- and beyond -- covered.

Is JJ the best NASCAR driver ever? October 16, 2009

Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and David Pearson are widely regarded as the best drivers in NASCAR history. Jimmie Johnson, writes Marty Smith, just may be the best ever.

Waltrip wants to drive Nationwide October 10, 2009

Michael Waltrip told ESPN.com Saturday that his 2010 Sprint Cup schedule remains uncertain, and is contingent on sponsorship.

Waltrip won over by Danica's passion October 10, 2009

Michael Waltrip has had candid closed-door conversations with Danica Patrick and her representation regarding her potential racing future, and he says any aspirations for the IndyCar star in NASCAR have nothing to do with money.

Regular-season leader needs big reward October 09, 2009

Marty Smith is riled up. Why? It's the Chase, and more particularly the way it penalizes the guy who led after 26 weeks, but suddenly is equal to -- or behind -- 11 drivers he stomped for seven months.

Talladega frontstretch fence 22 feet high October 05, 2009

As a safety precaution to protect fans and competitors, Talladega Superspeedway extended the height of its frontstretch catch fence by eight feet, president Rick Humphrey told ESPN.com Monday.

Hendrick does it all ... except take credit October 02, 2009

With his eight Sprint Cup championships and 185 Cup series victories, nothing, it seems, is beyond the grasp of Rick Hendrick. Except, perhaps, taking credit for his empire.

What's on Marty's mind? Plenty September 25, 2009

Marty Smith wants to see driver eliminations during the Chase ... the ingredients list for the Martinsville hot dog ... and Dale Earnhardt Jr. get more ticked off. What else is on Marty's mind?

Kahne the comedian? You bet! September 20, 2009

What's funnier than John Force cutting loose with ESPN's Jay Harris? Kasey Kahne impersonating John Force!

Is racing for free dedicated enough? September 18, 2009

Reed Sorenson and his agent hear the talk, the questions about the driver's desire. How driven is he? Well, he's racing right now for free.

Hamlin races like his job's in jeopardy September 10, 2009

Denny Hamlin has celebrated a number of achievements during his young Cup career. But standing in Victory Lane at his home track in Richmond isn't one of them.

Ambrose not hanging head over loss September 04, 2009

Marcos Ambrose has little to show for three years of Montreal dominance in the Nationwide Series. He has plenty to be proud of in his rookie year in Sprint Cup, though.

Darnell to replace Labonte for 7 races August 31, 2009

Yates Racing will replace 2000 Cup champion Bobby Labonte in its No. 96 Ford with Roush Fenway Nationwide Series driver Erik Darnell.

Cancer no match for 'Hoss' August 26, 2009

Joe Karasinski wasn't prepared to hear the three words that changed his life in February 2008: "You have cancer." But the gas man for the No. 99 Ford was prepared to beat it. And he did.

Start-and-park owners are businessmen August 07, 2009

What can NASCAR do about the so-called start-and-park teams in Sprint Cup? Until a shift in philosophy occurs ... grin and bear it.

A change in philosophy means rebirth for McMurray November 05, 2008

Jamie McMurray is starting to show the kind of results for Roush Fenway Racing that have been expected of him. How is he accomplishing it? A major change in attitude, writes Marty Smith.

Papis living the American Dream August 14, 2009

How important was that eighth-place finish at Watkins Glen to open-wheel castoff Max Papis? It's a giant leap toward fulfilling the promise that he made to his dying father.

Franchitti back where he belongs July 30, 2009

The biggest lesson Dario Franchitti learned from his ill-timed, adversity-filled foray into NASCAR? The 2007 IndyCar Series champ and 500 winner still has plenty to prove.