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Aaron McFarling here at Martinsville Speedway, where we were awaiting Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer's press conference at 11 a.m. I'm not really sure what we were going to ask him -- "So ya like racin', Frank?" -- but now we won't have a chance to find out.

Speedway officials just announced that Beamer's helicopter could not get out of Blacksburg this morning. Iced in. Yes, iced. On March 30.

Needless to say, the crowd here today might be the smallest in a long, long time. But no rain as of yet, so here's hoping we see some racing.

UPDATE, 10:55 a.m.: Some guy from Goody's just "filled in" for Beamer in the media center. I'm reminded of the "Kamp Krusty" episode of "The Simpsons," when all the kids are waiting to see Krusty but instead get a video presentation and a substitute.

"Hello kids, I am Mr. Black..."

But they are trying to get Beamer on the phone for us.

UPDATE, 11 a.m.: Goody's guy, searching for stuff to say about Tech, just said something profound about "The Tighty Whitey Band." Then somebody reminded him they are actually called the "Highty-Tighties." Although the Red Hot Chili Peppers once performed in tighty whiteys, so maybe that was what he meant.

UPDATE, 11:09 a.m.: Frank just spoke. He said both quarterbacks will get equal reps in the spring. He said Kenny Lewis Jr., begins the spring as the team's No. 1 tailback.
But you know that already. He also said that he likes NASCAR. Did you know that? Yep. Likes the speed, the fans, the whole deal. Loves all the tracks in Virginia. Said there's a lot of things he thinks he could do in life, but climbing in a race car is probably not one of them. For that reason, he has a great admiration for the sport and the athletes in it.
"Mr. Black" promised to send Beamer some Goody's headache powder to ease his disappointment for not making the race. Frank thanked him.