Weekend recap

What you missed while going through old tax docs to make sure those island accounts you opened are legit.

Tony Stewart finally got his first victory of the season Sunday at Talladega. It was also his first Cup victory at the 'Bama track. Of course, if you ask Regan Smith, he would say Stewart is still 0-fer the year. Smith has penalized for passing Stewart below the "yellow line," or "out of bounds" as NASCAR calls it. Smith crossed the line first, but no matter, Stewart was awarded victory. The big story of the race was the continued sucking of products produced by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Random blowouts were the norm, and Chase drivers Denny Hamlin and Jeff Gordon both fell victim to shoddy rubber, finishing outside the top-30. A couple of "big ones" happened, so the fans who came to the track instead of watching Alabama almost lose to UK were happy. Paul Menard and David Ragan rounded out the top-3. Note the irony of shitting on Menard during our weekly preview (linked on Deadspin, thanks guys), only to have him post a career best finish. Irony, noted.

CUP: Stewart Tames Talladega

The ALMS boys and girls were at Road Atlanta for Petit LeMans. Class honors went to Allan McNish, Dindo Capello and Emanuele Pirro (Audi, P1); Helio Castroneves (out on bail) and Ryan Briscoe (Porsche, P2); Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen and Ron Fellows (Corvette, GT1); Jaime Melo and Mika Salo (Ferrari; GT2). Cue the video and man-with-accent to explain:



Audi Scores Another Petit LeMans Victory; Porsche-Corvette- and Ferrari Scored Class Victories

Todd Bodine passed Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday on the last lap of the pick-me-up event at Talladega. Cheers to the bald guy.

Bodine has last laugh, wins trucks race at Talladega

The news of Helio Castroneves' tax issues shocked most, amused some and worried others. Having the highest profile IndyCar Series driver in legal hot-water is probably not good for the league. Come to think of it, it's probably not good for anybody save the federal government. Interested in reading the more about the plight of HCN? Here's what the interweb's are saying about our dancing friend:

Penske, pals blindsided by Castroneves' troubles (Curt Cavin, The Indianapolis Star)

MILLER: Castroneves FAQ (Robin Miller, speedtv.com)

Helio Castroneves Indicted On Tax Evasion; Charges Against More Drivers To Come? (Andrew Stoy, jalopnik.com)

Castroneves' future uncertain after federal tax-evasion charges filed (John Oreovicz, espn.com)

Castroneves pleads not guilty in tax case, released on $10M bail (Associated Press)

Let us all have a great race week. Continued success to the Phils. BEAT LA.