Interesting history behind NASCAR's best nicknames (cont'd)

So for all the new NASCAR fans, contrary to public opinion, his nickname is not cantankerous, tumultuous or obstinate. But I will point out that Stewart is a Taurus; ferocious, stubborn and determined.

Here's more about the signs, astrological signs that is.

Taurus people are very hard working and love to be given flowers as a mark of thanks.

Hmmm, Stewart, likes flowers? Also, according to his horoscope this week, Stewart can verbalize and articulate his ideas very well at this time. That explains why he was able to articulate his thoughts so succinctly on the subject of Goodyear's tire in Atlanta.

Interesting, Kyle Busch's astrological sign is Taurus as well.

On the other end of the spectrum we have Kevin "Happy" Harvick.

Harvick, a Sagittarius, got his nickname in 1999 during his rookie season in the Nationwide Series when he used to walk around all the time with a big smile on his face. I'm unsure of who said it first, though to be honest, what rookie isn't a little smiley in their first year. They haven't been in the series long enough to be jaded or disillusioned yet.

Is "Happy" a fitting moniker for Harvick now? Maybe so, but it's a bit bland. Harvick has shown plenty of times that he can get scrappy with the best of them: The face off with Juan Montoya last season at Watkins Glen International, the 2002 season when he wanted to give Greg Biffle a good beat down at Bristol Motor Speedway -- if you haven't seen it in a while, visit You Tube.

I will say that Sagittarians are said to be cheerful and friendly beings although Greek Mythology says they historically are adventurous, brave, and wise but also give into brawling and uncivilized behavior.

Matt Kenseth is occasionally referred to as "Matt the Bratt," unfairly in my opinion but what I was able to learn is that it came from his Late Model days. The track announcers called him that because he was only 16.

The persona I've seen displayed by Kenseth, much like his wife, Katie, is peaceful, which is why it makes sense that he is a Pisces.

Pisces is a sensitive sign, both sensitive to criticism and sensitive to others' feelings. Easily touched by human suffering, at least in theory, Pisces wouldn't hurt a fly.

They believe in people, are deeply hurt by compassionless human behavior.

Maybe Hendrick Motorsports driver Jeff Gordon and Kenseth's teammate Carl Edwards will take that into consideration next time they try to beat the crap out of him.

And speaking of Carl, "Cousin Carl" is an unfortunate nickname but was given to him by his cousin, Ken Schrader, because of his good-natured, homespun personality. I agree unless, as mentioned before, you cross the "beast."

Edwards is a Leo and symbolizes the lion, "King of the Beast."

Leos are noble but more interesting where Edwards is concerned: The worst thing you can do to a Leo is accuse them of bad intentions. And displaying behavior that makes a Leo think you don't appreciate him or her runs a close second. These happy, jovial people become mighty hurt when others don't see them for their noble intentions.

Awfully accurate description for Edwards after his team was penalized and accused of cheating after their victory in Las Vegas.

Now one nickname coming right out of left field is the one Dario Franchitti was recently given at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

His Chip Ganassi crew has affectionately dubbed him "Dash Riprock, International Playboy" a character from the classic television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Dash was a movie star who frequented the backwoods family which moved to California after striking oil.

A good sport, Franchitti rolls with it. He knows NASCAR doesn't tolerate Hollywood attitudes and doesn't care if his wife is Ashley Judd. Much to my surprise, the Scotsman is a Taurus. I don't see it but maybe it's because he's minding his P's and Q's as a rookie in American stock-car racing.

Franchitti and the other drivers mentioned aren't the only ones with nicknames, obviously, but I can't sit here and play Miss Cleo all day long.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.