At the risk of prolonging the dialogue regarding "metal versus mettle" by only one stage, since this will be my last comment on the topic.
Mr. Gerard, as a result of your comments I feel quite assuaged, and agree that the AP would have been well-advised to use quotation marks when they attempted a bit of humor in a headline. My only reason for writing initially is the continuing dismay I feel concerning the deterioration of the English (or at least the American version) language by such previously considered keepers of the art such as the Associated Press and the TV networks. In this specific instance I felt the improper term was completely incorrect since in the 30+ years of association with automobile racing, including with NASCAR, I have never encountered anyone referring to his/her car as "metal."
Mr. Fleagle, it's unfortunate that your definition of a "metal" is at odds with the Encarta Dictionary: English (North America), from which the definition I quoted came. The entirety of the above-sourced definition (which I previously shortened for ease of readability) follows:
met'al [mett'l]
1. type of chemical element
metallurgy a chemical element such as copper or iron that is usually solid in form, is usually a good conductor of heat and electricity, is malleable and ductile, and has a characteristic luster
I believe that this is enough "enjoyment" for the Times-Union readers on the topic, though some others may feel compelled to continue thrashing a departed steed.
Jim Newcombe
Leesburg, via e-mail
Editor's Note: Or perhaps readers will strike directly, forcefully and repeatedly against a large, domesticated solid-hoofed herbivorous ungulate mammal that has passed from physical existence.
