Busch received applause for winning his sixth win in Sprint Cup competition this season. He is off to a sensational start to the year, possibly cementing his place in the points position as he prepares to win his first title in Sprint Cup Competition. As he has proven his versatility and success he is still the target of fans stern comments.

Busch has won on all types, lengths and disciplines of tracks. He has won in a truck, nationwide car and in his Sprint Cup ride. There is no argument that he can drive. It just seems strange that Busch has reversed his luck so quickly after leaving Hendrick Motorsports. He could possibly be driven by anger or retribution, either way Kyle Busch is stealing the thunder of all drivers.

He has even stole the limelight from his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart. Both of these competitors, like Busch have lighting reflexes, strong desires and storybook personalities.

Stewart remains winless of the three JGR drivers. Now, heading into the summer stretch Stewart is at home. He always seemed to get cranked up for a real firecracker at Daytona. This year the Independence Day ritual is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Zero. Odd a soda with zero calories to coincide with your $15 excess ticket that features all the hot dogs you can eat.

The promotional ticket was created to help race fans struggling with the rising gas prices. Instead it may be resizing waistlines. Luckily Tony Stewart has won the Saturday night griller in the past and he promotes a healthy challenge, climbing fences.

Stewart’s attitude and spunk was paired with Hamlin’s sassiness. Now add in Busch’s spirit and aggressive driving. The trio has to keep Joe Gibbs Racing on full alert. It is a lethal combination. But it is a combination that is not working.

To make matters worse, the rumor mill is churning full speed ahead. Stewart is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing, and everyone is making allegations on where he will go. According to a recent interview with Stewart, there are many viable options, but they have not been decided. While the media is certain Stewart has made a decision, a formal announcement has yet to be made.

Some have insinuated that the negotiations and contract dealings have altered Stewart’s concentration. Statistics would prove otherwise. In the car, it is all about the win. He is driven by pure adrenaline. And Stewart can put the outside world away when he is driving. Of this there is no doubt.

Silly season rumors like Stewarts are running rampant. Some are just rumors, and downright silly. But to some, there is merit. For instant, the official announcement of Casey Mears departure from Hendrick Motorsports was announced yesterday,.

With the 5 car open, the mill begins to put Stewart, Mark Martin, Brand Keseloski and others in the seat. Only time will tell. I don’t think this is where Stewart intends to go. But if he did, HMS would be unmatchable for talent. Could one imagine Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Stewart as a team. Can you say WOW!

Sponsorship swaps, fourth teams and talks of sponsorship evacuations are in full swing. The gossip hounds will be reeling for weeks to come until all the final papers are signed, and the drivers are willing to talk about their decisions.

As the Chase for the Championship nears, the top-12 has begun to slowly take shape. At this point, Matt Kenseth is in. Martin Truex Jr., is backsliding and has already fallen from the top-12.

Former champion Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson along with Stewart are in the Chase race at this point. Sadly, these three champions have combined for only one win. When the drivers complete the first 26 races, ten points will be added for each win. These points could be extremely vital as the final events grow closer. At this point, this give Kyle Busch a clear 40 point advantage over his closer competitor.

Because the Chase kicks-off at New Hampshire in September, it is extremely important for drivers to understand how the car will run on the Magic Mile. The New Hampshire Short Track is sure to draw criticism for being flat, making maneuverability in the COT car even harder. This is hard to believe, since drivers have complained at almost every track this season.

Drivers will use this weekend’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 as a glorified test session, preparing teams with data for the Chase race. The teams that are already prepared to compete are those that claimed victory in 2007. Denny Hamlin took the checkers one year ago, and will defend his win on June 29.

Clint Bowyer, who recently signed his contract extension, earned his first career victory on the Mile last fall. This facility has been kind to Bowyer’s teammate Jeff Burton in the past. Burton, a smart driver is sure to be looking for Victory Lane. After all, it would make a great birthday present . Burton has 29 career wins, and three for RCR.

Martin Truex Jr. could also use that same gift. He too will celebrate a birthday on Sunday. Overall, the whole DEI organization could use a bump back into victory lane. It is hard to prove, but Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s consistent results must be a constant thorn in DEI.

Other drivers that are dealing with sticky and painful situations are Scott Riggs and Reed Sorenson.

Riggs was right on target when he realized Max Papis would be better suited for the No. 66 at Sonoma. Other teams also benefited from road course experts jumping into the seat on the road course. By salvaging a decent run, Papis secured Riggs a top 35 spot and a place in the New Hampshire race.

It was also painful for Sorenson., who has to practice the car but couldn’t make any changes because Scott Pruett would drive. Rumors surround Sorenson as well, and only time will tell where this Ganassi veteran will end up.

Jeff Gordon recently tested at Kentucky Speedway in preparation for the Magic Mile. After missing the Chase for the Championship in 2005, Gordon realizes that there is more to each race, and you have to keep digging. If his results from Sonoma are any indication the DuPont team is beginning to hit its stride. It may be too late, since Kyle Busch has put his signature on the season.