Good for Mark Martin... is there anyone who doesn't believe it's his turn... talked to Juan Pablo today... I like his laugh and his competitive spirit... seems like the kinda guy you would like at your next BBQ... but just make sure you have plenty of Tabasco, I wouldn't wanna make him mad...

I think Tony was right about the regular season champ getting something..... maybe some Old Spice.... ya ever been near Tony after a race.......

If you are around Charlotte next Wednesday night.... Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler and others will be open wheel racing for the Susan G Komen foundation with Ray Evernham at his track in Lincoln County... should be fun!

Don't forget...... racing under the light here at Lowes Motor Speedway in a few weeks..... good seats still available! 1-800-455-FANS........ PS

Oh Em Gee... there's so much to talk about here in Nashville.. but I've gotta make it quick. Ok, ok.. I know it's been overplayed..... the Taylor Swift/Kanye West episode on the MTV Video Awards show.

He's rude and egotistical and always apologizes after he does these things (remember the Gretchen Wilson incident?), but it made for a shining moment for Beyonce and Taylor to be impressive role models.

I'd just seen Taylor the night before in concert here in Nashville and she brought in her old high school dance team (who were also in the video that Kanye raged on) and hugged her fans as she waded thru the thousands of kids in the arena. It was incredibly entertaining as she told her song's stories thru video background and numerous set and period costume changes that put you in her real life stories that's she's been able to turn into a solid career... and with her head held high.

And, that, is more than I can say about Kanye West. Let him get his own awards show and get it over with.

So the field is set..... congrats to all the teams, crews and owners...... but don't ya kinda wish Kyle had made it.... it's like going to the movies to see Batman and you know going in there aren't going to be any bad guys.....

it just makes it more interesting..... how 'bout Mark Martin on top of the points and Tony Stewart right behind..... I would have liked to lay down some money in Vegas on that happening at the beginning of the season...... and of course nice job to Denny Hamlin and the gang at Joe Gibbs... it's not a bad thing to have a little momentum when this thing starts! PS

Two weeks to go...... you may root against Kyle Busch but don't you hope he makes the chase....... you might love the Road Runner but how much fun would it be to watch without that dopey Coyote..... not much.......

Mark Martin and Kasey Kahne.... lets hope they both get in..... Mark because he's one of the best and most admired drivers that hits the track every week and Kasey because he's a good guy and he plays on our basketball team....... how about no Bobby Labonte at Atlanta...... sponsor flexing their cash muscle.... but come on... it's his best rack........ can't wait till Richmond to see who's on the bubble.... that will be a fun to watch! PS