Rusty Reckons: Junior Thumbs his Nose at the Year 2011

I don't mean to only post on Junior, but I saw this today and it just stuck in my craw. Apparently, Junior sees it as too much work to connect with his fans.


Jeff Gordon does it (@JeffGordonWeb), Jimmie Johnson does it (@JimmieJohnson), Kevin Harvick does it (@KevinHarvick), and if you're on Twitter, I highly recommend following Kevin. He and his wife's antics are quite humorous and well documented. Kevin's also known around the garage for being a bit of a prankster, and many of this tom-foolery is also well documented via Twitter. It's a hoot.

Look, Rusty understands the pressures of being the most popular at anything. I regularly have to beat back a hoard of attention starved fans (Hi, mom!), myself. However, seems to me there are costs associated with being voted the Most Popular Driver in NASCAR year after year after year. Get on Twitter buddy. It ain't that hard. Give us a peak into what goes on in that head.

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Rusty Reckons: Power Rankings Part 2

Well, another six races have come and gone and we are now officially 1/3 of the way through the season. As I sat down to pen this installment of Rusty's power rankings, I began to think about the good ole days of the sport, when brawn seemed to reign over brains, and TV deals didn't matter as much. Lucky for me and some of the more traditional fans, though, there are a few peeks at some of those old traditions in NASCAR lately, and this power rankings reflects just that.

Photo: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

1. Happy Harvick - Last time out, I highlighted the resurgence of the entire RCR team. Well, ole Happy must be reading HHR, cause he's gotten even better since then. At Talladega last month, he broke his two year winless streak, not having found victory lane since Daytona in 2007. In fact, since a 13th place at Phoenix, Harvick hasn't finished outside the top 10 and has led at every race except Texas and Dover. Harvick's contract at RCR is up at the end of the year, and after Shell/Penzoil announced it was moving to Penske just a few weeks ago it looked like he might be saying goodbye to the only team he's ever known at the Cup level. However, with his recent success on the track, a deal with RCR should be inked in the coming weeks.

Getty Images

2. Hamlin's knee surgery - The joke's always been that NASCAR is a backwards redneck sport, and maybe there's some truth to at least the first part of that. In most other sports, a torn ACL will sideline a player for months if not end a career. Not for Denny Hamlin. After winning at Martinsville, Hamlin had surgery to repair the ACL he tore playing pick-up basketball in January. He was right back in the car two shorts weeks later in Phoenix. That first race back was a struggle, and Hamlin wheeled the car home in 30th. Since then, though, he's been on a tear. The FedEx #11 found victory lane one week later in Texas, and has since rattled off a fourth and 11th place finish before finding completing the sweep at Darlington two weekends ago. It was the first sweep at Darlington in 17 years. Apparently, even with a recovering knee, the 'Lady in Black' is not 'too tough to tame' for the boy from Rusty's neck of the woods (Chesterfield, yee haw!).

3. The #3 back on the track - Well, we've been waiting for almost 10 years. Ever since the horrific tragedy at the Daytona 500 in 2001 where we lost Earnhardt, every fan has speculated about if/when we might see the #3 back on the track. The next week after the tragedy, Earnhardt's team and car were back on track, but with a new number and driver (the #29 piloted by Happy Harvick). Not having the 3 on the track is like college basketball without Dick Vitale. Yeah, it's a little more peaceful and quiet, but it just ain't right. But now, the 3's going to be back, even if for just one short race. Junior's going to get behind the wheel of a car with his daddy's number on the side, and even his old paint scheme on the hood. The Nationwide race at Daytona this summer will feature the legend's son driving the Wrangler #3 in a partnership with JR Motorsports, RCR, and Earnhardt Gnassi racing. And as far as this old purist is concerned, that's pretty dadgum awesome!

4. Talladega spring race - Dubbed "the most competitive race in NASCAR history", the boys in Alabama put on quite a show last month. After the asphalt debacle at Daytona, plate track fans like yours truly were hoping for a better race at Dega, and boy did the Aaron's 499 deliver. By the time the race was over, a series and track record 88 lead changes had been recorded, and those were just measured at the line. All across the track, the total probably approaches 200 over the course of the 499 mile race. To top it off, the race was won with the #29 using one of the most recognized moves in NASCAR, the sling-shot. Harvick kept tucked in behind race leader Jamie McMurray until just at the right moment, before pulling out and passing him for the win. A little shake . . . and bake! How's your mind? Blown!?! Ricky would be proud.

5. Sibling rivalry - The story of Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon is made for a Hallmark Channel special. A few years back, a little unknown guy named Jimmie went to one of the most winningest drivers in NASCAR to ask some advice. Instead of advice, he got an offer to come drive the 48 with Hendrick Motorsports. Since then, the 48 team has emerged as one of the most dominant in the history of the sport. During all this time, Gordon and Johnson have maintained one of the best friendships in the garage. However, with the 48 struggling since the re-introduction of the spoiler back to the car, things have gotten heated between these Hendrick brothers. A minor fracas at Texas turned into a downright hullabaloo at Talladega, when the 48 and 24 seemed to be playing bumper cars on the track. With Happy, Smoke, and Kurt Busch on their best behavior, NASCAR is in need of some 'drama' and feuding. Jimmie and Jeff are providing just that, and maybe even more.

The Rusty Old Jalopy award: And finally the award for what's been smelling up NASCAR like my daughter's stinky diapers, Stewart Hass Racing. Last year was the first year for Tony Stewart's newly formed team, and it was quite a success. Both cars made the Chase, and Smoke was able to find victory lane 4 times. While the #39 piloted by Ryan Newman was never the first to take the checkers, it wasn't due to the team's failure but rather a streak of some really rotten luck. Take note Earnhardt Jr. fans, he might not be the only one who needs a rabbit's foot from time to time. In 2010, though, both the #14 and #39 are struggling and currently sit outside the crucial top 12. Stewart has only had 4 top 10 finishes in the 14 car, and has finished 23rd or worse 5 out of the last 7 races. Newman's finishes have fared slightly better, and he's even won a race, but a very slow start has hampered the 39 team, and they are still 13th in points, out of the top 12.

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Rusty Reckons: The Chase Rundown Part 4

Well, it's finally here. The Chase for the Nextel Cup, NASCAR's version of a playoff system. To help you prepare for the 10 week showdown, Rusty's going to give you a run down of each of the 12 drivers in the Chase, this week. Included in that ranking will be the Rusty's Power Ranking, my own personal index of who's got the best shot to win the title.

Today we look at the #6 and #5 positions, Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne.











Jeff Gordon - The rainbow warrior might have taken the biggest hit with the points realignment after Richmond. Going into Richmond, Gordon was 2nd in the points. After that race, and with the Chase points realignment, he's now 6th. Jeff's only found victory lane once this season, but he's been more than consistent by amassing 12 top 5's and 18 top 10's. In fact, Jeff's finished worse than 10th only 9 times this season. That kind of performance is why the #24 team has 4 championships, and why Jeff's one of the more serious contenders this year. If Gordon can continue to perform at this level, and tally a few wins in the Chase, he could easily take home his 5th trophy this year. The Chase has several tracks that are very good to Gordon, including Dega and Lowe's. Jeff's not the guy to beat, but if the 48, 14, or 5 slip up, he'll be ready to pounce.

Position before Richmond: 2
Rusty's Power Ranking 4












Kasey Kahne - Being a fan of Kasey Kahne is like living your life on a roller coaster. One year he's hot, 2006. The next year he's not, 2007. Lately, the Bud team's been hot. In fact he won just two weeks ago in Atlanta. Back in April and early May, he was far from it, going nearly 7 races without a top 10 finish. The good news is that he's peaking at the right time. The Chase also presents several of the intermediate tracks where Kahne seems to excel (Texas, Lowe's, Kansas, Fontana). Of Kahne's 11 victories, 9 have come at intermediate tracks (1.5 - 2 miles in length). While the schedule looks promising for Kahne, the stiff competition and the lack of consistency makes Rusty think the chances for Kahne's first championship are not great.

Position before Richmond: 6
Rusty's Power Ranking: 7

Tomorrow: #4 Denny Hamlin, #3 Jimmie Johnson

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Rusty Reckons: The Easter Bunny 250

Rusty's just funning yah! There's no such thing as the Easter Bunny 250. In fact, the Cup isn't even running this weekend. Though the Nationwide boys will be down in Nashville...good music town. Nationwide is starting a new thing this year called Dash 4 Cash. It's an effort to try and focus on the non-Cup guys.


You see, a lot of the guys running in Cup like to moonlight in a Nationwide car. It's kind of synonymous with A Rod going to play with the Triple A club. So, needless to say, the Cup guys (*cough* Kyle Busch *cough*) often dominate the series. Used to be, the Nationwide (formerly Busch), was where the up and comers could make their hay. Guys like Dale Jr. and Matt Kenseth cut their teeth competing in the second tier series.

Before the COT, the cars were different, but the differences were mostly in the engine (around 550 hp for the Nationwide, but pushing 850 for cup). Nationwide didn't adopt the new COT platform, though, meaning it still runs the more aero-dynamic cars, but with the engines still only getting around 550 hp. Now, the differences are huge. There are also some rules differences like limits on the number of tires per team. The idea being to keep the competition open to more of the teams without deep pockets. Problem is, a lot of what we used to call Busch-wackers (guys with full time Cup rides) are coming down to the Nationwide series to spoil the fun. The Dash for the Cash aims to quell that little issue.

First of four Dash 4 Cash races Saturday at Nashville

The Dash for Cash is a great idea, as far as Rusty is concerned. It's a series of four races with an extra little payout to non-Cup regular drivers if they win one of the four events. The driver (again, not a Cup regular) who accumulates the most points during those four races also gets a nice little cash bonus.

The idea is to generate attention (the events are at non-Cup tracks) and interest for the real Nationwide guys. If the Nationwide series is going to continue to function as the feeder series for the Cup, then stuff like this is crucial. The Shrub, Mr. Ed., and others who seem to be going down there week after week, need to knock it off, and let it be a place for the new guys to show their stuff. Rusty tries to steer clear of offering his opinion on how NASCAR runs things, but this is where he's going to tip his hat to the men in the tower.

This is a good one. In fact, it's almost as good as the cheddar-Bo biscuit...almost.



JR Prediction

No prediction this week, since he ain't running. Rather, Rusty's going to take the time to bask in the glory of his previous week prediction. I rarely (if ever) go out on a limb to make a prediction on who's going to victory lane. Last week, I broke with tradition and said the 24 team would break it's winless streak AND get it's first win at Texas. Well, I was right!!!!! Ole Rusty was spot on the money! Don't get used to it, though, cause a blind squirrel does find an acorn every now and then, but I'm sure going to bask in my glory while i can.

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Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

Rusty Reckons: Hammond's Coming Home (to Texas)

Well, get out the dough (or Cowboy hat), cause it's back to a cookie cutter track this coming weekend (Texas Motor Speedway). After two weeks of short track awesomeness, we are back to talking about down force and horsepower. Don't get me wrong, we should still have some good racing, but we won't get to see nuttin like Jimmie's pass for the win at Martinsville. What we will see is speed, and lots of it. The smooth pavement at Texas makes it one of the fastest tracks on the circuit, and with lots of grip that means two things in terms of the racing; long runs and cut tires. Long green flag runs translate into a lot of sweaty palms for the engine guys. Add good grip to long runs and you can do a number on the tires, especially at high speeds.

Now, the track may be cookie cutter, and the racing may not be as exciting as the last two weeks, but Rusty's going to be bold. Like a nice tall bottle of Heinz 57, it's time to be bold and spicy. Jeff Gordon is going to win this coming weekend. Jeff's hot (kinda like Heinz 57).

He's leading the points and has been running up front every week. He's also mired in a 47 race winless streak, so this fellar's looking for victory lane. Gordon's also won on every track in the circuit except Homestead and you guessed it, Texas. It's not that Jeff doesn't run well in Texas. In 15 starts, he's got 7 top 10's while averaging a respectable 16.6 finish. He just hasn't found victory lane . . . yet!

To win, though, the 24 team's gotta beat some stiff (snicker snicker) competition. Mr. Ed swept Texas last year, but it's his fellow Roush-ka-teer, Matt "the robot" Kenseth who stands as the only driver to average a top 10 finish over the last 5 years; Kenseth's averaging a 7.6. And don't ever count out those boys from Vegas. The Cup series has been the Busch show lately. Kurt and the shrub have combined for 4 wins in 9 races (counting the shootout and duels), and had 3 consecutive victories before this past weekend. Both of them average better than a top 20 finish at Texas, but neither have earned the cowboy hat and six shooters. So, they could be up there in the hunt as well.

JR Prediction


It's amazing what a top 10 finish will do to silence your critics. Driving a car held together by bungee cords and some bubble gum (I'm only kidding on the latter), Junior was able to get as high as 3rd place and come home a very respectable 8th at Martinsville, last Sunday. While he couldn't find the dominance of Jimmie, he did continue his upward climb in the points. He's now in 16th only 44 points behind 12th place. Now, it's on to Texas, the site of Junior's first win in Cup. Unfortunately, he's not been able to repeat the success of 2000. Since 2006, Junior's not posted a top 10 finish, and in the last two years has only finished on the lead lap once. So, Rusty ain't too excited about Junior's chances this coming weekend. He could really use another top 10 finish, but I sure as shoot ain't holding my breath.

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Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

Rusty Reckons: The Other March Madness

Rusty's cousin, Skeeter's car

Old DW says Bristol is like flying a bunch of fighter jets inside a packed gymnasium, and I don't believe I've heard a more apt description. Sheer madness! Bristol is the highest banked track in NASCAR, but also one of the shortest. The high banks make the cars go fast. The short tracks means they don't have that much room to go fast. The result means awesome freaking racing.


With the old car, the way to get around was the bump-n-run. Put a bumper on a guy, get him loose, sending him up the track, and dive underneath. Ole Dale Sr. was the expert at it, though some others have gotten pretty good at it too. The catch is competitors aren't too happy when they get bumped, which led to some heated tempers and a few fights. Translation, exciting time for the fans.

The fun starts about 13 seconds in.

The new COT has put a damper on that somewhat. With the new car, there's really 2 grooves of racing at Bristol (high and low), and the configuration of the cars is not nearly as conducive to the bump-n-run, cause of how the bumpers front to back align themselves. Some smarty pants at NASCAR did that for a reason that I'm sure, but enough about the track, what about the racing. Well, if you can take a break from your brackets for a few hours, here's what ole Rusty expects to see.

Busch boys, Gordon, and a side of Happy. Jeff and Kurt are tied among active drivers with the most career wins at Bristol, only catch is that of those 10 wins, 8 of them came over 5 years ago. So, they've not been winning a lot lately, though they've still managed good finishes. Jeff averages a 10.8 finish with 3 top 5's, and Kurt's got a 15.4 average finishing position with a win, and 2 top 5's. Jeff's been looking solid this year, and Kurt ain't doing half-bad either. I think they may continue their roll this coming weekend.

The younger Kyle won the first ever COT race at Bristol, and has run well there ever since. He's averaging a 12.5 finish with 3 top 5's. But Happy Harvick might be the real happy guy at the end of the day Sunday. While he's only won once at Bristol, the driver of the #29 has racked up 6 top 5's over the last 5 years to lead all active drivers. Not too shabby.

With all the drama that's sure to play out on the track in Bristol and the insanity of March Madness, ole Rusty's gonna be lucky to make it through the weekend. Mark my words, though, if I do, I'll be a stronger man.

JR Prediction

Well, June never really challenged for the win in Atlanta two weeks ago, and I am really starting to sweat the season. No driver this far down in the points standings at this point in the season has ever made the chase. The 88 team needs to figure out something, and they need to do it fast. June needs to calm down in the car and tell his team what he needs. Now, lucky for him, this coming week is one of his best tracks. Over the last 5 years, Junior leads all active drivers in points gained at Bristol. In fact, he's got 50 more points than the next guy on the list, the aforementioned Happy Harvick. Well, he's gotta continue that streak this coming weekend.

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Rusty Reckons: 2008 in Review

Well, the long marathon of the 2008 NASCAR season has come to a close. As good ole Rusty predicted at the start of the chase, Jimmie's done the unthinkable and won a record tying third consecutive Nextel Cup. He now joins Cale Yarborough as the only driver to ever win three consecutive titles. Now, the sport has changed so much since the mid-70's, that it's hard to draw any real comparisons, but we can take note that none of the greats, not Earnhardt, not Gordon, not Pearson, not even Petty won 3 consecutive titles. Jimmie has. That, my friends, is a dynasty.

So, while Jimmie's down in Miami showering himself in champagne and lug-nuts, let's look back on some highlights and low lights from 2008.

Biggest Surprise: Kyle Busch. Ole shrub shocked the world with the uber-dominance of his race cars during the first 26 races. Once the heat was on, he seemed to pull a Tony Romo and choke up big time, though. I think I even saw his rear tire changer crying in the corner last week; "that's my driver, man, that's my driver." But for the regular season he did seem to be the car to beat every week, and I don't think anyone could have predicted that.

Sad to see ya go: Dale Jarrett. In 2008, DJ climbed out of the racecar and up into the zoo of the broadcast booth. Now, I've seen some cheesy commercials, some of which worked, some didn't. DJ's UPS farewell commercial was pretty sweet, though. What's even sweeter is I really doubt he's gonna Favre-it-up in 2008 and drive for some rink-dink team (sorry Jets fans). Classy guy, Rusty's gonna miss'em.

Biggest Disappointment: Jeff Gordon. Rusty thought Jeff was going to get his fifth title this year. He was hot at the end of 2007. He NEVER, before this year, went win-less in a season. Well, screwed that one. Don't reckon you'll be coming to Rusty for stock tips, either. BUY BUY BUY, boys!

Awesome-ist Race: It's a tie! Budweiser Shoot-Out & Smoke's win at 'Dega. Well, you had to know that Rusty was going to be a homer and pick a Junior moment, right? JR's win at the first race of the year, the non points paying Budweiser Shootout, was not so much a win as a statement. JR's move to Hendrick put a tremendous amount of pressure on the driver of the 88 car. He answered all those questions by coming out and winning the first time in an HMS seat, at Daytona, in prime-time! Smoke's win at 'Dega this fall equals it in awesomeness. Stewart seemed destined to always be a bridesmaid at Talladega, finishing second more times than I can count. In the last race in Alabama as the driver of the 20 car, he finally got that monkey off his back. Yeah, JR got caught up in the big one, but Tony won, and it was awesome!

Biggest Change for 2009: Tony Stewart. Smoke's leaving Joe Gibbs racing in 2009 to form his own team with Rocket Ryan Newman. Tony's been with his crew chief, Tony Zippersomethingorother, from the beginning. They've won 2 titles, and been in the hunt nearly every year. It'll be weird next year not having the two of them together. Kinda like Smokey with no Bandit, Luke with no Bo, or ham with no burger. Smoke, no Zippy. That's a tough ham bone to gnaw on.

And lastly,

Rusty's "throw your remote at the TV" moment: Richmond in May. JR's win-less streak stood at exactly 2 years, and with the same number of laps remaining, the shrub punted JR from the lead. Clint Bowyer won. Just a few days later, Rusty flew to Las Vegas and tried to jump in that big water fountain. Lucky for his fans on the inter-web and his momma, he was talked down by a Michigan fan. If only the Michigan fan would have known what awaited the trombones come fall . . . but I digress.

2008's been quite a season. In just a few short months, we'll be starting to get geared up for Daytona and the beginning of the 2009 season. Till then, y'all have fun with the football, and Rusty will see ya on the other side of Santa.

Rusty Reckons: Bristol

THUNDER VALLEY!!!! One of Rusty's favorite tracks (also the toughest tickets to get), and it's a night race ta boot. Bristol's got some of the steepest banking on the circuit (used to be the steepest), and that makes for some exciting racing on what's called the "world's fastest half-mile". I think ole DW says it's like flying F-16's in a school gym. Rusty couldn't agree more.

Photo: ESPN

Now that Bristol's got progressive banking there's multiple grooves of racing. You can actually pass up high! Ole Dale Sr. might be shedding some tears in heaven as the days of the "bump-n-run" slowly fade into the distance, but Rusty's starting to the like the ability to pass up high.

Bristol's old school attitude requires driver's with a bit of an old school style, wheelmen we like to call them. Cars that make it to victory lane often do so with tire marks, scuffs, and even dints-n-dings on 'em cause the drivers had to claw his way to victory. That's why fans love watching the Bristol race.

Picking the right wheelman for your fantasy team is the tricky part. Continuing my rash of crazy picks, I've got a few more for you this week.

The 24 team is one of the best at Bristol. Jeff's got 5 wins at Bristol to lead all active drivers (with Kurt Busch). While he's not won there since 2002, he continues to post top 5's, 10's, and has finished outside the top 20 only once. His qualifying effort is even better, giving you an opportunity to double dip in some fantasy leagues. Rainbow boy's currently in a bit of a slump, but he WILL break out. What better place to do it than one of his best tracks.

I've already mentioned my B List pick . . . Kurt Busch. Kurt has just as many wins at Bristol as Jeff, including four consecutive victories from 2002 - 2004. Since the streak ended, he's had one more victory and 3 top 10's. The other years weren't so kind, but his streak of every other race continues, we are due for a good finish this coming weekend. Rusty likes to gamble on odd patterns, so there you go.

Lastly, the C list . . . ugh . . . it's like picking between KFC or Popeye's, when all you want is Bojangles, but never the less, Rusty's got a job to do. David Reutimann seems like just as good a gamble as anyone. He did pretty well last week, started 7th and finished 14th. For him, that's a hot streak, so let's jump on the bandwagon before he falls off.

So, there's your picks for Bristol.

A List
- J Gordon (24)
B List
- K Busch (2)
C List
- D Reutimann (44)

Rusty Reckons: Infineon

Make no mistake about it, road course racing, especially at Infineon is a yawn fest. Now, there are many folks out there who joke about turning left and the excitement of multiple turns in opposite directions, s curves, etc. The truth of the matter, though, is that the racing at Infineon is just not as exciting as the standard ovals as far as Rusty is concerned.

The passing is minimal. Passing in multiple grooves all over the racetrack is what makes stock cars superior to other forms of automobile racing. The reason I cannot stomach IRL or Formula 1 is because I cannot stand to watch cars go single file for hours on end going through turns at 30 mph. Passing 2 competitors in a turn at nearly 170 mph, that's excitement. The ability to bump those cars while passing just adds to it. Infineon gives me none of this. That being said, it is what is is, so here's a few predictions.

Jeff and Tony are due to win. They are both winless so far and in need of one . . . badly. Both drivers run well at Infineon, so look for both of them to contend for the win. Rusty will stick with team loyalty, though, and pick Jeff.

The B list driver is a cinch, Juan Pablo Montoya. JPM got the only win of his career last year at Infineon, and he's surely strong enough to repeat.

The C list pick is a real crap shoot. The C list is full of the road course ringers who come out of the woodwork for Infineon and the Glen (Said, Pruett, Fellows, Ambrose). Knowing that with Rusty's luck, this'll finally be the time ole Boris wins, I'm going to pick against him and go with Hornish. Hornish has been running pretty well on the ovals, although he doesn't seem to be able to finish. He seems to be learning how to handle a stock car and should do very well with one on his old faithful road course.

So, if you like road courses, then this is your week. If you're like Rusty and prefer the typical stock car oval where "rubbin's racin", go outside and enjoy a nice Sunday.

Y'all come back now, hear?

A List
- J Gordon (24)
B List
- J.P. Montoya (42)
C List
- S Hornish Jr. (77)

Rusty Reckons: Bristol

Thunder Valley!! The highest banked track on the circuit!!

Let's hope this year is a little better than last. Needless to say, the COT's debut at Bristol last year was disappointing to say the least.

At least there might be some excitement in the points. This week marks the last race where the 2007 points will be used to determine the top 35 and those who are on "go-or-go-home" status. After this week, 2008 points will be used to determine who's automatically locked into the field each week. And right now, it's getting tight around the 35th position.

Guys like our C List driver, Vickers should be able to breathe a sigh of relief, as he currently sits 9th. However, some of the open-wheel rookies are going to start really sweating. Franchitti at 38, Carpentier at 43, and Villenueve at 48 need to start drastically improving or they may start facing sponsor trouble as they become weekly "go-or-go-home" drivers. Could get interesting . . .

Well, at least the fantasy picks were relatively easy.

A List
- Jeff Gordon (24)
B List
- Greg Biffle (16)
C List
- Brian Vickers (83)

Rusty gives his Best and Worst for the NASCAR season

As the stars of NASCAR gallavant around New York City this week, I thought I'd take a minute to do a Best & Worst recap of the past season.

Best Finish: Kevin Harvick vs. Mark Martin (Daytona 500) - While there were some great battles and close finishes, nothing seemed to have quite the excitement of the season opener this year. Only thing that could have been better would have been if the pereninal bridesmaid finally won.

Best Team: Hendrick Motorsports - Hands down, no questions asked, no debate or explanation needed. Period!

Worst Team: Dale Earnhardt Inc. - Even though DEI put Truex into the Chase field, and had some dominant cars throughout races, the team really suffered this year. The new partnership with RCR on the GM R07 engine seemed to be a losing battle all year. To make matters worse, losing their #1 driver and biggest name in the sport did not help to make matters any better.

Best Fight: Harvick vs. Montoya (Watkins Glen) - It was only a matter of time till these two hotheads came to blows, and Watkins Glen proved to be the perfect stage. It was kinda silly, though, that despite their bad boy images, they both kept their helmets on during the minor frakus.

Most Boring Race: To be honest, there were several that would normally qualify for this category. The new COT seemed to provide for some pretty un-interesting racing this season. But I think the top billing would go to both races at Bristol. Under the lights, Bristol used to be some of the best racing on the circuit. The COT seemed to dramatically reduce the passing, bumping, and quality racing that gave Bristol the nickname, "Thunder Valley".

Best In-Race Quote: "Here kitty, kitty, kitty" - With his car dialed in at one of his favorite tracks, Tony Stewart was heard calling over the radio "here kitty, kitty" as he chased down Kevin Harvick to take the victory at the Brickyard. When Smoke's in his element, he can provide some great entertainment.

Biggest Upset Win: Jamie McMurray (Pepsi 400) - The atypical surfer-boy type racer, Jamie's never made much noise on the Cup level, especially since moving to Roush. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and came home with a much needed victory on one of the most famous tracks on the circuit.

Biggest Disappointment: Dale Jarrett - Watching a former Cup champion struggle to even qualify week-in and week-out was painful. While his performance was waning in recent years, I don't think anyone wanted to see Jarrett crash and burn with Waltrip's Toyota team like he did.

Biggest Surprise: Clint Bowyer - Having never won a NASCAR Nextel Cup race, Bowyer was a surprise to even make the Chase. Then he really surprised everyone by dominating the field at New Hampshire, and getting his first ever victory at the first Chase event.

Worst Luck: Dale Earnhardt Jr. - In his final year with DEI, Jr couldn't catch a break to save his season. From busted valve-springs to dismembered tires, June-bug seemed to catch the worst of luck this past season. (Editor's note: you still cannot convince me there wasn't some tom-foolery going on in Garage-Mahal).

Best part of TV Broadcast: New ESPN Tech Center. The Ford cut-away car used by Fox was good, but it didn't hold a candle to ESPN's car. They used it far more, and the information was much clearer and more in-depth.

Worst part of TV Broadcast: Pre-Race. First, the races are starting too late. I know the whole song and dance about TV ratings and the West Coast, but frankly I don't care, and I think it's doing more to hurt rather than help the sport. Second, the pre-race show has become way to elaborate. It's almost an hour of talk, music, and fancy montages. Cut it all! Give me five minute update of what's happened in the week, then drop the green flag.

And that concludes the 2007 season, y'all come back now, hear?

- Rusty