Although Jeff Burton was unable to emerge with the 3rd weekend sweep in a row, Jimmie Johnson proved a 3-peat was still in the cards. When Jeff Burton took the lead, the whole nation took a breath and knew another weekend sweep was coming, but it wasn't meant to be. (It will come again.) Jimmie Johnson reminded us, once again, that it doesn't matter how any laps you lead, the only lap that counts is the last lap. (And when you lead that one, it really counts.)

            Through the week, a lot of the discussion about the track was negative, but, after this weeks racing, I believe many drivers may change their opinion. Tony Stewart was as outspoken against this track as he was for the Car of Tomorrow, yet he had no problem finishing 2nd for The Boss (Delana Harvick) in the Busch race with the Old Spice #33 Chevy and finishing 7th for Joe Gibbs and the Home Depot #20 Chevy. Teammate Denny Hamlin was able to score a 3rd place finish, which seems to support my prediction that he will not fall victim to a "sophomore slump".

            Of course, all eyes were on the "home boyz", as well they should have been. Both brothers did well through the first half, but little bro shined in this meeting. Kyle has continued to show that he has what it takes, and, from my view, big brother's shadow hasn't been a problem. I will not drop names, but from the age of 6 or so, I realized that talent doesn't necessarily follow a name, the Busch brothers are one of those few exceptions.  (I mean no disrespect, being good enough to be here, to me, is having "it", but you in the know- know, it's easier when you've been there a while to admit who is better.) Personally, I really never cared for Kurt, but I respected him as a driver, because he was that damn good. Recently, I have found respect for Kurt as a man, his belief  that he screwed up, although false, proved, without a doubt that he has grown as a person, and a driver.  Kyle, on the other hand, has been in my top 10 since he started. During Kyle's rookie year he proved only one thing; he really has nothing to prove. Kyle has continued to show that a shadow doesn't have to become a cloud that will rain on your parade. Both of these brothers give NASCAR everything they have, and both deserve respect.

            I guess the biggest story going into the track was speed, and the track did not disappoint. During qualifying the track record was beat by everyone who made the race. In the end, though, the record would remain with its defender. Kasey Kahne would take back his record, and beat it by .04 of a second less than 10mph. Kasey beat his previous record of 174.90 mph with a breath taking 184.86mph. The race also exceeded previous speeds and expectations. This is only a good sign for the future; this track will mature, as drivers do, watch out next year!

            (Before I make my toast, I have to say to Jimmie, this is no disrespect, you will know, but I don't want to make your fans mad.)

            This week I toast only two. First, I toast a true gentleman, who pushed for the win. Then, I toast a young man, who truly understands what it means to be "just racing". When the race ended, it became evident that Jeff was trying to get to Kyle. When Burton found an empty car, what followed was an unprecedented effort by Jeff Burton. After finding Kyle Busch was no longer in his car, Burton drove further down pit road, hoping to catch the younger Busch brother, and he did. No burn out worries, no rush to the winners circle, just make sure he knows it was "just racing". On Kyle's side, just let him know it's okay; it was "just racing". The effort put forth by Burton to find Busch after the race, and Kyle's response, show true sportsmanship.

            P.S. Kurt, not everyone can be the good guy, so remember what Dale Sr. told you about the one's that get the most noise, you will be remembered. On a personal note, you have my respect; you brought it when it counted, as did your brother. You know I didn't care for you, and you were right, you proved me wrong, it just took a few years. (Remember the punk kid a-h--- remark? You said I had you wrong, well, you were right, you were playing the game; and you were better at it than I thought. Much respect.)