Can you believe the Texas Chase Race? Kyle almost made history with the drive for a sweep... just a few more ounces of petro and he would have been the brother celebrating in victory lane.

Then there's the totally unexpected that brought Jimmie Johnson's lead back down to reach. A second lap crash slashed 111 points off the almost insurmountable lead. Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin couldn't maximize the opportunity. What happened to all those faulty fuel gauges? (just kidding)

Eddie Gossage sure knows how to put on a show worthy of the state's tradition. From ZZ Top to a huge chopper delivering the pace car, the experience was thrilling as usual.

Kurt Busch pulled off another reverse victory lap as the Chase tightened for the last two events. His victory meant a million dollar payday for Michael McGee, an Ag teacher who was the Dickies Worker of the Year.

As a dealer trade driver for a large auto group, I drove to Corsicana, Texas, to trade Toyota Sienna vans. Was I ever surprised when I pulled in to the brand new facility and discovered they were hosting a NASCAR display. Tony Stewart's Home Depot show car and the truck of Mike Skinner.

Carl Edwards won the Samsung 500 going away at Texas as Roush Fenway continues to dominate there. That's three trip to victory lane this season! I really like Carl Edwards' attitude of gratitude. He is thankful for getting to do what he enjoys. How many times has he given away the trophy to someone he wants to honor?

Kyle Busch won Saturday's O'Reilly 300. He has certainly landed on his feet with the Gibbs organization. Toyota will not be a stranger to victory circle this year.
But the biggest story of the weekend was a nasty looking crash. On his second qualifying lap, Michael McDowell's No. 00 Toyota shot up the track. The MWR rookie slammed into the SAFER barrier, spun upside down several hundred yards, then began at least eight barrel rolls. It was amazing to see him walk away.
I picked the top five for my fantasy team, but my score wasn't real great.

After some impressive runs this season, the inevitable finally happened. . . . Toyota captured its first very Cup race. Congrats to Joe Gibbs Racing for the 1, 2 sweep. Kyle Bush has been on a roll, winning in just about anything he climbs into. [Note: Toyota has won 4 times in the Nationwide series and 41 Truck events.]

In races 2, 3, and 4 I have been impressed with Dale Jr. and Carl Edwards. The oil cover controversy seems ridiculously trivial. Glad to see Robby Gordan get a break on the mistaken nose.

The commercial with DJ racing the truck was very emotional for all of us Jarrett fans. Just two more races. He has the UPS in 32nd place; a critical part of the retirement strategy. We look forward to seeing him in the booth.

I watched the Daytona 500 after flying my Earnhardt # 3 flag out front. OK, I did doze off a couple of times. I really pulled for the Toyotas but those pesky Penske Dodges stole the show. It was an exciting race with so many different fan favorites taking turns running up front.
Just like Mark Martin last year, Jeff Burton and Tony Stewart got the title ripped from their grasps in last second surprises. My guy, DJ, bows out with a respectable 16th place finish. MWR went "gold" for charity.
I was really happy to see Dale Jr's breakout earlier in speed week. Looks like Kyle Busch is a good fit with the Gibb's resurrection squad.

Getting Psyched A side benefit from getting to drive all those brand new cars is having satellite radio along for some of the longer trips. Yes, the wife and I have enjoyed XM on DIRECTV. But with Sirius, I can become immersed with NASCAR on channel 128. Where else can you "visit" with A. J. Foyt, John Force, and Dick Trickle on the same evening? Or hear interviews at Daytona where many of the top drivers just walk up and chat?
I wasn't home for the practice session Friday on Speed, but I sure am looking forward to the SHOOTOUT on FOX!

Jeff Burton, RCR veteran, picked up his second win in a row. The 29 took the Busch victory at Atlanta; he also won the Atlanta Busch race last year. Burton ripped an appearant victory from Kyle Busch coming out of turn four at Las Vegas last week. Kyle had the strongest car today but ran out of time storming from the back up to 3rd!

What a showing by Richard Childress Racing. . . posting 1st, 2nd, and 6th place finishes.