Kudos to pair of drivers, Ducks fever, advice on trip

	Jenn Sterger (right) joined Helio Castroneves for his winning ceremony at the Checker's Rally's Pit Crew Challenge. Courtesy of IMS
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Athlete of the Week: It must not be easy being Ashley Judd's husband, but this week it certainly isn't a bad role to be in. Not only are you married to one of the hottest actresses around (not to mention a huge sports fan), but you'r also the winner of the 2007 Indianapolis 500. So kudos to Dario Franchitti. He may not have gotten his day in the "sun," (thanks to those nasty afternoon thunderstorms), but at least he gets to wake up next to Judd every morning.

I also have to give a shout out to the Helio Castroneves Penske Pit Crew that won Friday's Checker's Rally's Pit Crew Challenge. Most of the fanfare surrounding races is reserved for the drivers, but Friday's competition at IMS shed some spotlight on the more unsung heroes of open-wheel racing: The kick-ass pit crews. The final round featured Penske vs. Penske cars, with Penske edging out Penske by a mere few milliseconds. Got all that? Congrats to Helio and his crew.

What I'm looking Forward To: Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup Finals. Don't hate 'em cuz they're Disney. These aren't the kids you saw skating around the pond in a "flying V" with Emilio Estevez, though that would be pretty sweet if they worked that into a game-winning play. The Senators will prove to be more than worthy adversaries, despite being in a 2-0 hole. After all, they are from a country whose main sport IS hockey ... well that and a form of mutant football. Regardless, it should be interesting to see how this series shapes up.

On My Calendar: Having just gotten back from Indianapolis, I boarded another plane Tuesday night for Los Angeles. I've been spending a lot of time on the West Coast in recent weeks, but my busy schedule has kept me from sporting events out this way. However, this trip will be a little different. With the Stanley Cup Finals in Anaheim, I'm hoping to catch a game, and possibly work in a trip to the "Mouse's House." The Angels also are in town this week, and anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge closet Angels fan. Besides, if all goes accordingly in these next few months, I'll need to find a new home team to root for here on the coast. So, I'll keep you posted, because you never know where my travels will take me next.

What I'm Watching: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End: The third installation of Pirates cleans up the mess that Dead Man's Chest left behind. With all your favorite characters back from the first two installments, it was actually Rolling Stone Keith Richards who stole the show. Though Richards only plays a small role (of Jack Sparrow's father), his character isn't exactly a stretch for most of us to imagine him in. And of course, who could forget lovable Jack the Monkey, who provides a good share of the comic relief throughout the movie. Overall, it's an awesome way to wrap up the series ... or maybe not.

What's on My Mind: Friday Night Lights? There is a God! Originally reserved for high school football games, Fridays may soon belong to a new breed of football: The United Football League. It may never have the following to compete with the NFL, but I doubt any true sports fan will complain when the UFL replaces some of the God awful programming on Friday nights. Besides, they are trying to build their own fan base. Hoping to capture the hearts of big cities not already home to NFL teams, the UFL is looking to even give fans the option of being shareholders in the league. Great... now we can have Saturday morning quarterbacks who can actually say they own part of the franchise. At least they will have to shut up by noon to make way for college football.

E-Mail

My wife was invited to Vegas by her friend who was invited by a 50 year old man who I have never met. I'm not big on another man taking care of my wife and I'm also not too big on her hitting the clubs while I am at home watching the babies. A girl needs to get out but I don't think a trip with a guy I have never met is a good move for her. What do you think? -- Travis, Costa Mesa

While I completely understand your concern Travis, I think it all comes down to whether you trust your wife. I'm not so sure I would be thrilled if my significant other was globetrotting with a member of the opposite sex, while I sat home wearing a towel as a burp guard. The fact you don't even know this person leads me to further suspect there is probably something going on. Maybe it's time you two sit down and discuss your concerns. Ask her how she would feel if put in your shoes. That should get her to see the big picture. Sure, you could talk it out and get nothing resolved, but at least then she will now where you stand on the issue. Just make sure and remind her that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. And if any "funny business" happens, well, she should probably stay there, too.