Duck hunting
Duck!The Duck Dynasty gang made it to Daytona. Well, three of the gang — Phil , Miss Kay and Korie .They talked to reporters and, in their way, delivered a preview of the third season of the A&E reality series about their duck-hunter product business:“More explosions, more crazy Uncle Si , for sure,” Phil said. “More tips on how to raise teenagers in this crazy world.”Kay reminded him about one other thing.“And Willie does yoga.”Phil shook his head.“Had to bring that up, huh?”Great and powerfulActor James Franco, who gave the start command, stars in Oz, the Great and Powerful, a movie based on the classic film The Wizard of Oz.So, was he a fan of the original, or did he think, “Why the heck does this thing come on every year?”He smiled. “No, I didn’t think why the heck does this thing come on every year,” he said. “I was a fan, like most people. I did see it even before DVD players, VHS players. I used to watch it when it came on TV. ... I loved it. I loved being transported to a magical land. It led me to read the L. Frank Baum books. I read all 14 when I was a kid.”Different worldTwo-time Super Bowl winner Ray Lewis walked around the infield at Daytona International Speedway and thought, he’s not in Baltimore anymore.“In my world, I’m very comfortable,” he said. “Being here, you get to see a whole new world.”Lewis was the honorary starter, waving the green flag for the start.He and rappers 50 Cent and T.I. were among the celebrity guests at the race.“We’re fans, not just of football and music, we like everything — basketball, lacrosse, hockey, anything that really challenges a person’s athletic side, and mentally,” Lewis said. “Being here is totally awesome for us. You get to see a whole new world.”Where is she?No one was quick enough to catch Danica Patrick for a pre-race interview or photo. When the national anthem was over, she was headed to the car.She had just gotten a pep talk from owner Tony Stewart, and she wanted to get right to work.“There was a list of photos with people that we were meant to get, and I didn’t do any,” she said. “I just got in the car. Everything else has to take a back seat because that’s what I’m there to do, is drive.”By the numbers 1,200 Feet for the cloud ceiling at race time, preventing the flyover by the Air Force “Thunderbirds.” The minimum is 1,500 feet. 10 Drivers who have won more than one Daytona 500, now that Jimmie Johnson has done it. 5 Laps led by Danica PatrickThey said it“Drivers — and Danica! — start your engines!” — Actor James Franco, serving as grand marshal, ad-libbing the “four most famous words in racing.”“I drive my car like that, too. But not that fast!” — Super Bowl champ Ray Lewis, who waved the green flag“Told 50 Cent that if I won the race, he’d have to change his name to 55 Cent for one day.” — Mark Martin, rap music fan, who finished third — Carlos MendezHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
