After two races to open the 2007 Nextel Cup Series schedule, it appears that we're playing a game of "Turn Back The Clock." Mark Martin, running in his "quasi-retired" state, has claimed back-to-back top-5 rides to ascend to the No. 1 slot. Jeff Burton, who enjoyed a phenomenal 2006 comeback season, is in second place for Richard Childress Racing. And, Jeff Gordon, one of the more polarizing drivers in the game, is locked and loaded at third.

We often romanticize those sports heroes who haven't won that big event. A World Series. A Super Bowl. In the case of Martin, he narrowly missed his chance to erase that mark at Daytona in the brilliant duel with Kevin Harvick. But, can you feel the excitement emanating from Ginn Racing after Martin's huge runs to open 2007? He changed teams. He announced a reduced schedule. He spoke of his legacy and contribution to the sport. And, then Martin went out and ran two tremendous races. As he shook hands with fans ahead of this weekend's run at Fontana, you could feel his excitement about his ride and his relationship with the throng of fans.

It's a great story to watch as the season unfolds.

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Another great story for the opening of the year has been the performance of the No. 29 car and the performance of Kevin Harvick. His team has operated at peak efficiency, and he was in position to battle Matt Kenseth for a second consecutive win on Sunday. Unfortunately, he experienced a flat tire under caution in the final laps, killing the chances for another historic run in the final lap.

Harvick finished the day with a disapppointing 17th-place finish and the big "what if?" of the week (along with Kasey Kahne and several others, of course). And just to make note of it, Harvick has always struggled at Fontana. Now that he's gotten past that hump (his finishing position nonetheless), he's ready to challenge for a title.

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Finally, in a great note of foreshadowing, the FOX crew adeptly pointed out the struggles of Martin Truex Jr.'s car early and wondered aloud whether those engine issues would befall Dale Earnhardt, Jr. It took only 74 laps for Junior to find his way into the garage with engine woes, marking his second early exit in 2007 after starting in the fifth position in both races. With Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch  and Jimmie Johnson all having recovered from disaster at Daytona, Earnhardt, Jr. and the No. 8 Chevy need to post a huge effort at Las Vegas.

As he averages only a 22nd-place finish at the track, it's going to take a huge improvement.