The second race in the chase took place at Dover International Speedway; the Monster Mile lived up to its name and reputation. The track delivered some horrific incidents in the form of 13 cautions, including two red flags.

Carl Edwards took the lead from teammate Matt Kenseth to collect his third win of the season and Jack Roush’s 100^th career Nextel Cup victory. With the win, his first in a chase event, Edwards vaulted to third in the point standings. But, due to inspection, Edwards may fall out of contention. Penalties are expected from NASCAR on Tuesday.

Roush’s program has had its share of ups and downs. Mark Martin’s departure at the end of 2006 is probably the most significant. But, Martins success in Nextel Cup racing helped launch Jack Roush to this milestone. With Edwards second COT win, the now Roush Fenway organization reaches 100.

The first win for Roush came in October of 1989 with Mark Martin behind the wheel at Rockingham Speedway. Now, 18 years later and six more drivers, Roush joins an elite list of owners with the same record. Drivers contributing to the milestone include Martin, Edwards, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and Jamie McMurray.

Ford has taken its place among the top Chevrolet contenders as a true equal. The dance between manufacturers has begun. Toyota has joined the list and one can only wonder if Tony Stewart’s transfer will have him tangled into the 2008 chase. And, just when will Dodge dance to the top of the point’s standings again? Next year is shaping up to be unknown.

Kurt Busch’s Dodge rammed the wall, and his chase efforts grow ever gloomier. But, he was not the only chase contender to be met with plight. Denny Hamlin fumed after an on track altercation sent him to the garage. Like Hamlin’s flu, the car never quite recovered. He struggled just to run laps.

Busch’s accident also terminated the hopes of Martin Truex Jr. Running in the top-five, Truex wanted nothing more than to join the sweep brigade at Dover. Unfortunately the monster had other plans.

Matt Kenneth’s monstrous lead suddenly soured when the Dewalt Ford busted a valve, bringing out yet another caution. His blistering laps early in the race punched Jimmy Johnson and Kevin Harvick. The two contenders suffered from tie problems and could not regain lead lap status.

So, it seems Edwards was not the only chase driver to suffer, although he may feel differently come Wednesday morning. Edwards although downtrodden with the potential penalty has a unique opportunity. He may become the first person to ever win both the Nextel Cup and Busch Series championship in the same year. According to Jack Roush, it is a feat he is well focused on doing.

For other chase contenders, the focus shifts to the points. At present, Jeff Gordon leads Tony Stewart by a mere two-point margin. The Car of Tomorrow program has had limited impact on races thus far, but Talladega Superspeedway is looming in the very near future. It will be the COT’s first race on a track over the 1.5-mile length.

Racing in a stock car alone is a unique concept. Just ask Sam Hornish, Indy Racing League standout. Hornish has attempted to qualify for two events recently and has not yet mastered the art; he missed the field at Dover.

Former IRL competitors Buddy Lazier and Jacques Villeneuve beat the odds at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and qualified for their first stock start in the Craftsmen Truck Series. Both former IRL champions are looking to take a more permanent role in stock cars. So it seems is champion Dario Franchetti. Rumors have circulated that Franchetti is signed to run Ganassi’s No. 40 entry replacing David Stremme.

Without a seat, Stremme is not alone. Tony Raines is out at Hall of Fame Racing and Jeremy Mayfield was told he will not return to Bill Davis Racing. The silly season officially got underway with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s departure form DEI having somewhat of a domino effect.

For David Reutimann, the future is also uncertain, in the form of sponsorship. Where these drivers find themselves in 2008 will be interesting.

It is almost as interesting as the celebrities seen at Dover International Speedway this past weekend. Wrestling icon Ric Flair was on hand to give the command for Saturday’s Busch event. Sunday it was NBC’s America’s Got Talent finalist Julienne Irwin that sang the Star Spangled Banner to a packed house. And, no one would had ever suspected the great reception that the cast of Discovery Channel’s “The Deadliest Catch” would receive.

It wasn’t quite lethal, but Jimmie Johnson cemented his way into the chase with a near flawless qualifying lap late Friday afternoon. For some the belief is that this championship belongs to Hendrick Motorsports. Tony Stewart may not quite feel the same way. The race for the chase continues in Kansas, Round 3.

Denny Hamlin’s lucky number was three as he collected his third win of 2007 and his fifth victory in 88 career Busch starts. Suffering from the flu, Hamlin appeared peaked after the race. Future teammate Kyle Busch was standing by to replace Hamlin in the No. 20 Rockwell Automation Chevrolet should the need arise. Hamlin was one of four chase contenders entered into the race with ten other Busch whackers.

Travis Kvapil’s number came up at Las Vegas as he won his third pole of 2007 in his Roush Fenway truck, and the win. The Craftsmen Truck point standings are also very tight. Ron Hornaday Jr. and Mike Skinner continue to do close battle while Kvapil remains within striking distance.

As all three series draw closer to their respectable finales, there are some unique memories and milestones from the first weekend of fall.

Young Joey Logano clenched his first Busch East Series title for Joe Gibbs Racing. The talented youngster saw competition against former Nextel Cup competitor Steve Park. And the next generation of Earnhardt took part in the race, Kerry’s son Jeffery was entered in a DEI backed car.

In the Busch Series, Casey Atwood made a return appearance, his first of 2007 in a Brewco machine. Recently the team was purchased by a Bristol executive and is rumored to be relocating to the Nashville area. Former Nextel Cup owner Ray Evernham was on hand to wish Atwood a bit of luck. Former racing veteran Sterling Marlin is also in a part-time Busch ride to finish the season.

Speaking of starts, Jason Keller made a recording tying start of 416. With one more start, he will have the most starts in the Busch Series. And for young Tim McCreadie he is ready to make an impact on asphalt. McCreadie previously ran a DIRT late model series and showed he could slide through the corners.