HOT

1.  JImmie Johnson:  2nd championship in a row, was "THE MAN" start to finish in the chase.  He was a little to conservative for my taste all race long, but i guess i can't blame him.  But if it had been me i would have been driving hard for 5 in a row.

2.  Jeff Gordon:  Finished the season in 2nd place, looked like he was happy with second place right from the start of the race.  Jeff set a new record that is going to stand for awhile, 30 top ten finishes in one season.

3.  Matt Kenseth:  Matt won the race in grand finish, he had the best car all day long.  He drove start to finish his way, and a great end for the run of Kenseth and Rieser.

4.  Martin Truex Jr.:  Finished the race 6th this past week, should have taken 4 tires the last pit stop.  His team met all of their goals for this season.  I think he may be able to bring DEI back next year.

                                                                 VERY VERY HOT

1.  Fox (Nascar) Sports:  Steve and Jorge, THANK YOU, you guys gave me something to do to stay busy, and keep my mind occupied.  And you forced me to look beyond my favorite drivers.  Thanks a million.

2.  Fox nascar bloggers:  Thank you for your prayers and best wishes, you let me know i was not in this fight alone.  Positive or negative comments, I loved them all, they showed i was being read and causing you to think.

                                                                        NOT HOT

1.  Dale Jr. :  Commitment cone violation, wreck on the next restart.  Finally a horrible season is over.  Upward and onward to next year.

2.Homestead start time:  Start it earlier or start it later, somehow take the sun out of the mix in the race.  Glare from the sun caused at least 2 wrecks this past weekend.

3. Home Depot pit crew:  Looks like they have been taking lessons from the #8 pit crew.  They put a great driver in a bad position throughout the chase.  Hope they can improve by next season.

4.  ESPN broadcast crew:  Guys and gal there are 43 cars on the track and some of us want to know what is going on with the other cars, not just the no. 1 and 2 cars.  I know you can do a better job.

     During the waining moments of last weekend's race, as Matt screamed to a great finish and Jimmie cruised to his second championship, I came to realize that in their own way each of these drivers are hot.

     They have entertained us for 36 weeks, some have entertained us more then others, but they all did their very best.  Thanks guys, none of us can wait for the start of the 2008 season.

SOUTHERN CINDI