The main difference between Friday's qualifying and the June qualifying is the main topic of conversation. In June, the drivers were all consistent in complaining about the length of the race and the strain it had on them physically. Frankly, it was one of the best races, that has been seen their in quite some time. Three wide and door to door racing made it a good event. Now, just two short months later the topic of conversation has shifted to Indy and the bad press that NASCAR is taking over the tire issue.

Some drivers felt it was best to poke fun at the issue and lighten the mood. Jeff Gordon joked that he has Goodyear tires on his personal vehicle and they got great mileage. Other drivers took the situation more seriously. Jeff Burton spoke with the media about his personal views, and that the teams had the best tire for that particular scenario, and that NASCAR did exactly what they should have by calling the competition cautions. The feelings are split amongst the drivers, and it is the same way form the fans perspective.

Regardless of the opinions, they cannot go back and rerun the race or change the outcome. It is what it is and it is over. The blame of what has happened lies with all parties involved and will have to be resolved by those same individuals. Moving forward, there is hope that the teams can return to business, after all this is a welcome break for the track that has taken heat over the length of their events.

This week at Pocono, the track owners were honored when a road was named after Dr. Joseph and Dr. Rose Matiolli for their dedication to the sport of NASCAR and to the Long Pond area. The couple insists that the track will remain in the family and in operation for some time to come.

Preparing for Sunday's event is a challenge, but it is not the only challenge that Johnson and the other 42 drivers will have to face. Track conditions are expected to change from the moderate temperatures during qualifying to a blistering heat on Sunday. Drivers will battle the elements, mileage, three completely different turns and of course the long pond straightaway.

A former winner at the track , Johnson will start the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 with a special challenge. Kasey Kahne made winning from the pole look easy this past June, and now he gives that same challenge to Johnson. An advocate for leading laps, Johnson's sponsor, Lowe's, will donate $48 for every lap led to the Red Cross. It is a program that started earlier this season and will continue through the weekend's properly named event. There is also a bonus if Johnson can seal the deal and take the checkers.

The Red Cross is also special to the Mattiolli family. They host a large blood donation at their facility each year encouraging race fans to help give the gift of life.

Giving new life to the Joe Gibbs Camp is Denny Hamlin. Hamlin will make his 100th career start on Sunday and looks to become one of seven drivers to win on this milestone. Carl Edwards is the only active driver that has earned this feat. He won the race in Michigan last year marking this milestone. Prior to Edwards win, Fred Lorenzon was the last driver to complete this task dating back to 1965.

And Now for the best part. Over the years, race fans have seen it all. The sport has grown, both in technology and public opinion. Merchandising now plays the largest part of the business. But even this aspect of the business is pushing the limits and needs to be mentioned.