These days, that strange NASCAR-ish birthmark on your cow's rear end may be your temporary ticket to fame and fortune.

This is the time of year when associate sponsorships are announced. It's when Nationwide Series crew chiefs are hired. It's when Ford announces its new driver in European rallies. It's when the big news in NASCAR is somewhere in Chile, where Robby Gordon is bouncing around in something that, despite the fact it's held on other continent, is still called the Dakar Rally, or, perhaps, The Dakar.

If you're a fan of Kasey Kahne, and your baby calf has a spot on its rump that vaguely looks like a "9” if seen at just the right angle, this is your chance to be a star.

In short, it's a great time for stories that will never be seen again.

It's the quiet before the storm. In another week, the National Motorsports Press Association will be convening and after that, a media tour will put mobs of unruly journalists up close and personal with race drivers, crew chiefs and owners who actually want to talk to them because a new season is upon us and everybody's got a shot at the championship, tra-la-la.

Then, until actual races are held, life will be but a dream. Sh-boom, sh-boom.