Ladies and gentlemen it's here -- NASCAR's nearly year-long season filled with high emotion, heartbreaks, heart attacks and (ahem) heart throbs. Admit it guys, you think Tony Stewart is pretty fine. Nevertheless, fans it's time to start preparing yourselves for the 2009 season.

“

It takes a little bit of getting used to. We're trying to figure out who's in that 20 car. It's not Stewart anymore. Who the hell's the 33 guy?

”

CLINT BOWYER

Are you ready?

Do you have the necessary evils to get you through 36 weekends of tailgating? Do you have Monday morning call-in-sick days, picks for your fantasy team, the new Dale Jr. two-person lawn chair with like six cup holders?

Sure your typical NASCAR fan guide is going to give you information like broadcast schedules, track maps, factoids about the history of the sport and the legends within, but my guide is less about the obvious and more of the things you might not have thought about.

Besides, if you're a true NASCAR fan, you know what channel the dang race is on, but do you know just how serious Jimmie Johnson is about this beard? I didn't think so.

Keep reading.

No. 1 -- Certainly you've picked your favorite driver, but have you picked which sandwich boy you're going to pull for? This is important. Seemingly Subway Restaurants has decided to go with NASCAR's fit freak Carl Edwards as its poster boy for 2009, leaving Tony Stewart to diet alone. Thanks a lot, Jared the Subway guy. But honestly, it appears that Stewart had a conflict once he agreed to partner with Burger King this season. Stewart is definitely more of a Whopper with cheese than a 6-inch veggie type anyway.

No. 2 -- If you're flying to any of the races this season, have your Sharpie markers handy inside your purse, or murse of you're a man. Considering the tough economy, some drivers may choose to fly commercial instead of taking their high-priced private planes. I'm not saying cause a scene and bust into first class if you see Jeff Gordon, but you never know who might be sitting in coach with you (read more).

"I've made a lot of adjustments and flying commercial is one of them and sharing rides with a lot of guys," Denny Hamlin said. "I know a lot of guys that are teaming up to do that. Everyone is doing a little bit for sure. You just don't get to splurge as much as you used to." (Continued)