Karma - the atmosphere radiated by a place, situation, person, or object. Destiny or fate.

In the world of NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing, I firmly believe in Karma. I think it lurks and lives within the walls of each garage stall, pit box and on the race track itself "peek-a-booing" in and out when it wants to, when it feels like it, or better yet, perhaps when it's created or built, as if it were a living thing.

I think with the tremendous amounts of pressure and strain we put upon ourselves to succeed, we each have the ability to create Karma as well. And as I watch this year unfold, I definitely see some strong Karma flowing.

Case in point, Jeff Gordon has come into the new season as if he had a blindfold removed from his eyes. The dude is on it and he's got that look back on his face. I believe he's gonna stay on it and ride the positive Karma he and his team have obviously created over the winter, all the way to and through the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

We all witnessed Gordon and company struggle off and on over the last three years - last winning on October 13th, 2007. In 2008, he had an un-Gordonesque Chase as he started 10th and finished seventh overall.

I've got to admit, over the past two years there have been times when I have walked away headed to the plane thinking maybe Gordon is on the downslide of his career. But now, trust me, Jeff Gordon hates when Jimmie Johnson wins and even better, he hates when Jimmie Johnson wins the Sprint Cup Championship. Yes, I know Jeff is the listed co-owner of the #48 Sprint Cup team and I also know it doesn't ever come across this way when he's is on TV, but what do you think he's thinking when he closes his door at night and lays his head on his pillow? If you think he's anything but upset about getting beat by his teammate - YOU'RE WRONG!

These guys never like getting beat by their teammates, even if you think they are friends. Trust me, Jeff Gordon doesn't like losing to Jimmie Johnson anymore than Carl Edwards doesn't like losing to Matt Kenseth or Clint Bowyer doesn't like losing to Kevin Harvick. They just plain hate losing and that's why they are where they are. They are winners and winners NEVER LIKE LOSING. Some mask it better than others, but they all hate it. As a car owner, I want a guy (or girl) driving for me, that HATES LOSING.

Karma, I see it in Jeff Gordon's interviews, his demeanor, his walk and his "Chi." I see him doing what he's doing now all the way to the Waldorf-Astoria stage. He's gonna have the year he's been yearning to have the past few years. We'll see if it's enough to sit yet again, at the head table.

Karma - the atmosphere radiated by a place, situation, person, or object. Destiny or fate.

Notes:

Running after a getaway tire and putting half the field a lap down... PRICLESS!

Winning the Camping World truck race without second or third gear and they throw a late race restart thrown at ya ........ Raw Talent!

A weekend off before heading to Bristol .......... Refreshing!