[Racer Duck]

Unfortunately I was late for the start of the race, missing the first 35 laps. As I joined the race Biffle was leading with J. Gordon closing. Then with pit stops and all, Biffle was back in the pack and never seemed to be able to break free after that.

Busch the Senior Strong: although he started 15th, Kurt Busch began to dominate the race during the 2nd quarter. He was focused on doing everything he could to solidify his spot in the Chase, and that meant winning if possible. And win he did, pulling away from Martin Truex, Jr and Jimmy Johnson as the Green/White/Checker flags flew.

Let's play hide and seek: What a strange way to start a race - 10 laps under caution for "extreme dampness" with a red on lap 11 due to FOG!

Spinning, spinning, spinning: If Montoya can't find somebody to spin, he'll just do it himself! Front Row Joe and McCumbee join the soirée.

Kyle Petty sits it out: hampered by a broken hand, Kyle is sitting this one out. But Chad McCumbee is no help to Petty in the owner's points finishing 40th, 66 laps down.

50% isn't good: Half of their engines bit the dust, the other half flew. Was only DEI running the new DEI/RCR engines? If so, then they have to find some reliability, 'cause the RCR cars ran just fine.

Too Bad Mikey: Mikey had a good run going after qualifying well when a little slip put Nemechek out of the race and Mikey down 65 laps.

Speaking of Mikey: Mikey's NAPA commercials are into re-runs.

Sharkfin woes: Jeffie and Ryan get a break from NASCAR and only have to "make an effort" to fix the Sharkfin that came loose. Looks like Ryan's crew should have been watching Gordo's crew to see how it's done 'cause they sure botched it.

Jr. trying too hard?: Dale Jr. seemed to be flying for part of the race, then couldn't seem to find the handle. then he started pressing - too much? Would he have had a better finish had he not tried so hard and relaxed a little?

Who noticed Shrub?: Nobody except when he was being banged on by other cars or was so close to crashing it's a miracle he didn't. still he pulled out a 13th with an ill handling car.

'Yota gets 2 (TWO!) top 10's!!!: congrats to Dave Blaney and Brian Vickers on their 6th and 8th place finishes, respectively.

AT&T Mobility Presence: did ya see the AT&T Mobility decals on J. Burton's car. guess the news of the overturned injunction was not on a fast enough snail...

18 "On the Bubble": all the way down to 30th still had a chance to make the chase .. yeah, right. If ya believe that I got a bridge in Brooklyn (NY) and ocean front property in Arizona for sale...cheap!

Stuck in the Muck: Rusty said "Gordon had no idea Matt had a run on him", but Gordo took the high road and accepted all the blame. also said he saw Matt and tried to stay out of his way but couldn't. and did you see the "you're a dumba$$" look he gave the pit reporter when asked if there was anything he could have done to avoid the spin?

A beer bath: the #2 Miller Lite Dodge got a real drenching in victory lane. Will NASCAR DQ the #2 for "unapproved alterations"? (Gotta find some way to get Jr. back in the Chase...)

"Been here 6 days" (and getting plenty bored): that's what Jimmy Johnson said (and must have been thinking) after the race...

I'm sure there's other items I missed or didn't mention, but that's what I saw and how I saw it. How about you?

[Quality88]

Was at work, missed the race. 3 cheers for Gordon havin trouble, to bad it wasn't sooner in the season .

[SpaceCadet]

What are the chances we see a low key retaliation from Gordon a la Bristol/Chicago last year? Too much history between Gordon and Kenseth to think Gordon will forget. I'd be looking over my shoulder if I were Kenseth.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

Spinning, spinning, spinning: If Montoya can't find somebody to spin, he'll just do it himself!

and last week JG spun himself out ... no one is immune

did you also happen to notice after the caution JPM restarted in 42nd and Harvick restarted in 22nd (i kept track of Harvick since he likes to shoot his mouth off) ......... after about 30 mins, JPM was up to 21st and Harvick was still in 22nd

[clutch]

RD you failed to mention the best news of the race.......9th place for Bobby Labonte!!!!

[3fanforever]

After Juan spun out, ESPN replayed Kevin Harvick's radio traffic:
"What an idiot. It's not a question of if he'll wreck, but when."
Keepin' those fires burning, eh Kevin?

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by 3fanforever

After Juan spun out, ESPN replayed Kevin Harvick's radio traffic:
"What an idiot. It's not a question of if he'll wreck, but when."
Keepin' those fires burning, eh Kevin?

I see this relationship being a rocky one for years to come ... until they are both on the same team. Then it'll be best buddies.

[PenelopePitStop]

I hate to ask this, and I'll probably get reamed for it, but I'm curious.

Is there a reason (other than the obvious) why Busch mentioned the "Troops" in his post-race interview? Was there a relation to the men and woman in the service(s) and today's race?

Please, please! Don't beat me up. I know many of you have served our country. Acknowledging our Troops during pre-race ceremonies is to be applauded, respected, and expected.

No matter how hard I try, I know this just isn't going to come out right. It seemed to me that Busch mentioned our Troops for PR. I may be wrong, and I surely hope I am, but that's the way it came off to me.

I hesitate as I hit the Submit Reply button ...

[simple simon]

well PPS, i served in the Army and i dont know of anything "special" about today or this weekend to do with troops (like you said, other then the obvious)

sure could have been for PR, personally if it was i dont begrudge him for it ...... let's say 500,000 people hear about his comments (either directly like you, or indirectly like me hearing it from you) .... and these comments get 1% of them to spend a little more time thinking about the troops ....... that's 5,000 fans of NASCAR he reached that are now spending more time thinking about US soldiers ....... always a good thing

that just my opinion though

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I hate to ask this, and I'll probably get reamed for it, but I'm curious.

Is there a reason (other than the obvious) why Busch mentioned the "Troops" in his post-race interview? Was there a relation to the men and woman in the service(s) and today's race?

Please, please! Don't beat me up. I know many of you have served our country. Acknowledging our Troops during pre-race ceremonies is to be applauded, respected, and expected.

No matter how hard I try, I know this just isn't going to come out right. It seemed to me that Busch mentioned our Troops for PR. I may be wrong, and I surely hope I am, but that's the way it came off to me.

I hesitate as I hit the Submit Reply button ...

Was unable to see th erace today so the only comment I'll offer is that he is trying to change his image (good luck). The other thing I noticed over the last few weeks is that he has really been plugging his sponsor. Almost to the Nit Wit degree.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by simple simon

well PPS, i served in the Army and i dont know of anything "special" about today or this weekend to do with troops (like you said, other then the obvious)

sure could have been for PR, personally if it was i dont begrudge him for it ...... let's say 500,000 people hear about his comments (either directly like you, or indirectly like me hearing it from you) .... and these comments get 1% of them to spend a little more time thinking about the troops ....... that's 5,000 fans of NASCAR he reached that are now spending more time thinking about US soldiers ....... always a good thing

that just my opinion though

True. Very true. Perhaps I should have kept my thoughts to myself.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

True. Very true. Perhaps I should have kept my thoughts to myself.

no not at all ....... had you i wouldnt have heard of it ....... and ive thought about them since i read it ........ you did a good thing and didnt even know it

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

True. Very true. Perhaps I should have kept my thoughts to myself.

Then where would this discussion have been ?

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by clutch

RD you failed to mention the best news of the race.......9th place for Bobby Labonte!!!!

Best news of the day for me as well! Great run for the 43! And that team runs well at Bristol!

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by simple simon

well PPS, i served in the Army and i dont know of anything "special" about today or this weekend to do with troops (like you said, other then the obvious)

sure could have been for PR, personally if it was i dont begrudge him for it ...... let's say 500,000 people hear about his comments (either directly like you, or indirectly like me hearing it from you) .... and these comments get 1% of them to spend a little more time thinking about the troops ....... that's 5,000 fans of NASCAR he reached that are now spending more time thinking about US soldiers ....... always a good thing

that just my opinion though

always a good thing - and there should be the focus each and every time we see/hear/give expression of thanks for those who do/have/are serving. The "Army" car, the "National Guard" car, etc. can never be seen by some as anything other than rolling PR for driver/owner. I join Simon and choose to see more. As for what was in the 2's post race heart, I can't know and didn't/don't really care. It was PR for those who serve and there will never be enough of that.