If you read what I wrote here Saturday, you would understand why I believe Sunday's race ending short because of rain is sweet, sweet irony.  Come on, the sponsor was able to get the race expanded by a single lap so they could say they "go the extra mile," but then the race was cut 17 laps short (if I'm off a little on that number, oh well; I pulled it out of thin air)?  That's divine intervention at work.

So, a company called LENOX Industrial Tools -- makers of things like pipe wrenches -- had their namesake event cut short by, essentially, a water leak.  Sure, God's great expanse is a pretty big thing in which to fix a leak, but it still makes for classic, reap-what-you've-sown humor.

Here are the high-and-lowlights of the weekend:

• Juan Pablo, I'd like to shake your hand and slap you in the back of the head at the same time.  Sure, Shrub deserved a good punting after all the arrogance he's displayed on the track since Day One in the big leagues, but that's not the way to do it.  Take a lesson from Kevin Harvick (you know, the guy you got up close and personal with last year at Watkins Glen?): wait until you get out of your car at some point, then go after him.  It's a lot more entertaining for the fans, and you aren't going to risk taking out half the field doing it, either.
• Jamie, hire a new spotter.  The only two people in New Hampshire who didn't know Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was pitting were you and the guy telling you where to go.
  
• Jimmie, you get the quote of the week.  While he's gotten better about it lately -- probably because of the six-year championship drought that is likely to expand to seven at the end of November -- Jeff Gordon* has walked around for a decade acting like he's entitled to whichever piece of asphalt he wants, and if you're in his way then that's just too bad for you.  Calling your own teammate -- your own shop mate! -- a "spoiled brat" on the radio after he failed to give you any semblence of room off the corner?  Priceless!**
• Is it just me, or did Tony Stewart look like he was about to cry after the race?  A softer, kinder, gentler, post-menopausal Smoke?
• Casey Mears led a bunch of laps -- two days after the world found out he wasn't going to have a job after the season ended.  When was the last time all four Hendrick drivers were mentioned in the same race recap?
• And, finally, a shout-out to race winner Kurt Busch and, more importantly, our own Kristen, the eternal Kurt optimist.  Miller Lite all around!  And then a beer to wash it down!
  

* - I am not a fan of Jeff Gordon.

** - Or Jimmie Johnson.