Even later in the race, Jimmie Johnson proved to be in the better car. He takes over the lead, but then God said, "Let there be smoke", and David Gilliland's car started belching it. Out comes the caution to bunch up the field. When they go back to green, Kyle is right behind Jimmie, swings by on the outside, and moves on to claim his 7th victory of the season. That's all she wrote, thanks for coming, and a GOOD night to all. Kyle wins, and God is happy.

Okay, maybe there are other reasons. Al Gore might want us to believe Kyle's success is due to the effects of global warming, as it is the cause de Jour for just about everything it would seem. However, there may be other factors. Maybe it is because Busch is driving a Toyota, which might be the only brand left for you and me in a couple of years. Anyone remember the Oldsmobile or the Buick? If you love tradition, it would seem we are living in UGLY times. At least they are not yet driving that insult of the road, the terribly misnomered Smart car.

Then again, maybe Kyle's success has something to do with the fact the guy has talent and a team that has the resources to get the job done. GOOD news for them, not so much for those who are not so blessed. Mind you, I did get a note recently from Marti in Texas. She tells me the voodoo doll is working again, which probably would explain what happened to Johnson and his Hendrick team mates.

Anyone see Junior? After that early pit stop, he disappeared from view to the point that his 16th place result was something of a minor miracle. How about Jeff Gordon? John P. wrote in figuring that crew chief Steve Letarte should be sent packing. It appears that Jeff wound up being the only guy among the top 14 to finish worse than what he started. It is true, but finishing 11th still isn't the worst thing. Worse would be Casey Mears needing a job BAD for next year and only finishing 33rd.

Jimmie finished second, with Kevin Harvick right behind, while Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart rounded out our Top Five. Change can be more sad than BAD, as official word came last week that Smoke is joining Haas as a business partner and driver, leaving behind Joe Gibbs and probably Toyota. The way things are going, they'll probably wind up driving Ladas, but I'm guessing a bowtie is in their future.

About the only thing we do know for sure about the future is that fans next season might be advised to buy a program to figure out who will be in what for whom driving whatever from among those who are left. GOOD grief. Joining Stewart with the new team could be Ryan Newman (who is now available), or Martin Truex Jr, or both. Trix may be for kids, but so is Gibbs Racing as the now 23-year old Kyle "Skipper" Busch will probably have the 18-year old Joey "Gilligan" Logano as his little buddy. We could go on talking about the possible moves and destinations of some of the sponsors, never mind the whole question of manufacturers, but I already have a headache.

After being named the interim Master and Commander of NASCAR, a promotion not yet confirmed, I would put A.J. Allmendinger (13th) and Scott Riggs (20th) in to the show at the Brickyard in a couple of weeks as a reward for their Chicago performances. That would be BAD news for Top 35 "cling-ons" Michael McDowell (43rd) and Sam Hornish Jr (37th), who I firmly believe should have to qualify their way in based on their lack of performance.

Oh, what to do, what to do? No Cup action this weekend. After being at the baseball diamond three or four nights per week since May to watch my Little Leaguers play or umpire, that season has come to a close. The GOOD news it that maybe I can now take care of a lawn that needs mowing, a couple of trees that need cutting, some furniture that needs moving, and my sons have taken a liking to golf. Of course, as I write this, it is pouring rain outside. I might need a new plan.