First and foremost, prayers go out to CCR and his family. 

On to the Dover action - and let's ignore the joy that is six cars on the lead lap or the fun of Biffle almost running down the leader. No need to worry about all the Chasers taken out in wrecks or the MWR gas man who got hit by a tire flying through the air (he was released from the hospital yesterday).

No, the definitely most important part of yesterday's race? When Kyle Petty went off on Denny Hamlin's ####. *g*

I know there are people who cheered Kyle on. I know there are folks that think that Kyle was in the wrong for reaching into Denny's car and smacking his helmet. I know there are those that think Kyle shouldn't be racing and whatever happens to him happens.

But let's put this all in perspective.

1. Kyle Petty doesn't go off on someone for no reason.

See: Carl Edwards and Kyle Petty

Carl flat out punted Kyle in that race. Hence Kyle going all daddy on Carl and teaching him to respect his elders (by coming close to making Carl cry).

2. Kyle knows how to race at the back of the pack.

Now, don't go telling me that Kyle doesn't know how to race lead lap cars. He could probably give lessons. Hell, he came up in racing with the Intimidator. Kyle is well aware of what hotheads and great drivers can do. And he knows how to stay out of their way and even win against them (when he has the equipment - I'm not delusional here). So Denny saying that Kyle didn't know what he was doing is kind of ludicrous. If anyone knows how to dodge (hee) lead lap cars, it's Kyle.

3. Rules of the road - if you follow too close, you're at fault in the accident.

Sometimes those basic driving rules that apply to traffic accidents are appropriate for NASCAR as well. If you follow too close, don't get your panties in a bunch if the guy in front has to slam on brakes and you nail his bumper. Race by the sword, die by the sword.

4. Kyle slamming down that visor wasn't so smart. But even dumber is thinking  you can fight Kyle Petty and come out smelling like a rose.

Kyle let his temper get him on that visor thing. Was it smart? No. Did it keep him looking like the victim? It took a little of the shine off. But it made for GREAT TV. Admit it. You were cheering for the impending smackdown too.

But don't be fooled for a minute that Denny was really going to fight Kyle. He took his own sweet time getting out of the car, which left plenty of opportunity for his guys to keep them separated. (Plus you knew there wasn't going to be a fight because the helmet came off.) Let's face it. Denny's just nice enough that he doesn't throw fists first. He's not squeaky clean, but he doesn't have a Tony Stewart temper.

More importantly, anyone who kicks Kyle's #### (I'm giving youth the edge here) is going to end up looking like a donkey's hind end to fans. It's Kyle Petty. Junior has the fanbase, but Kyle has pretty much solidified his place as the heart of the sport.

5. Who's got the best quote? Why...Kyle!

The winner of any kind of skirmish on the track is going to be the guy with the best quote who actually has a leg to stand on with why the wreck happened. That's why the guys who actually take responsibility for wrecking someone  come out looking good. It's called maturity. (And good PR.) You gain respect by taking responsibility. Kyle got the cameras first, had the most awesome quote (sarcasm makes the fans happy), and had the better opportunity to look good because he's the one that got wrecked. If Denny had finished the race and given an "I'm so sorry, it was an accident and then we got heated in the garage and I didn't get a chance to apologize", then he would have come out better. Laying blame doesn't improve the situation, though. Laying blame and expecting Kyle to then apologize for getting pissed over getting wrecked? Only makes it worse. It makes Denny look childish, when he could have taken the high road. (See: Kenseth and Gordon and the Bristol shove.)

Then again, the young often forget that they are young in the sport, no matter their success. Just because the rookie stripe came off last year doesn't mean they still don't have something to learn. The veterans are still going to school them. And in this case, the vet gets the nod and the victory in the battle.