Never shy, TNT's Barkley talks NASCAR and 'Bama

He is the funniest person I have met in my 35 years on this planet, by miles. His personality dominates any room he enters more than his younger, and slightly slimmer, version dominated the boards during his pro basketball career. Better still, he has a strong opinion on everything!

For those reasons and more (it's just plain fun) I sat down with Charles Barkley -- who is in the midst of his duties as an analyst on TNT's NBA Playoff coverage. As ever, Sir Charles was more than willing to talk, giving me his take on the world of NASCAR (yes, he follows NASCAR.) Here is the blow by blow:

Beau Estes co-hosts the Jack Daniel's Post-Race Show with Nikki Alexander. It can be seen following every Nextel Cup race live on NASCAR.COM.

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Q: As a kid growing up in Alabama what was your awareness of NASCAR?

Barkley: It was always on the news because of Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Neil Bonnett -- all those guys are from Alabama so I always knew something about it.

It was always on. The first time I really started paying attention though was during the Jeff Gordon era. He and Tony Stewart are really the first two guys that got me into NASCAR.

Q: Why?

Barkley: I like their personalities ... [that] is the main reason to be honest with you. There is no other reason than that. But like I say, NASCAR was always big in Alabama 'cause of the Allison boys. But it wasn't on television all the time, it got coverage only 'cause they were from Alabama. It ain't like NBA now. You know, the NBA didn't used to be on every damned night like it is now.

Q: Who are some of the drivers you've met and know these days?

Barkley: I know Jeff, Tony Stewart, Elliott Sadler, Dale Jarrett and Michael Waltrip.

Q: Are you friends with any of these guys?

Barkley: I think Jeff Gordon and I are casual friends, and Tony Stewart. Tony would be like "the me of NASCAR."

Q: How is Tony like "the you of NASCAR?"

Barkley: 'Cause he'll say whatever the hell he wants to say. I'm gonna say whatever the hell I want to say. I'm hoping they'll fire me here and just keep the check coming. (Continued)