So, how was Phoenix? Well, Jimmie Johnson led early, he led often, and ran away with things. What more is there to say? Johnson is being suited up in yet another tux, his fourth, an experience few have enjoyed who were not named Mickey Rooney or Larry King.

Oh, Jeff Gordon knows the drill, though his last trip to the alter came in 2001. When they cross the line to open the action in Miami on Sunday, Gordon will be officially eliminated as long as Johnson can get out of bed. Soon he will be one of two Hendrick drivers with four championships to his credit.

Mark Martin will look lovely in his fifth bridesmaid dress. The styles may have changed since he was fitted for the gowns of 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002, but at 50, the guy has certainly retained his figure. Of his 40 career wins, five came this year. That marks his second highest single season tally.

Martin has raced in the Cup series 27 seasons, 21 of them full time. He has been among the Top Four 11 times. He alone still challenges for Johnson's crown in 2009. Of course, the only way he'll get it is if Jimmie discovers at Homestead that his foot has become too big for the glass slipper. That isn't going to happen. Then again, who thought Texas would happen?

Funny how things work out. Kyle Busch drives on the apron, wiggles, and brushes Jeff Gordon. Gordon wasn't happy, but little harm was done. Later, Dale Earnhardt Jr wiggles and all hell breaks loose. Ten cars got bent up, including those of Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip. So ended the competitive part of Junior's day, as he finished 30th or worse for the tenth time this season. Once Earnhardt and Waltrip were team mates. Now, they just seem to have similar results.

This will be Junior's worst in 10 full-time seasons, the first time he has failed to even manage to crack the Top Twenty. He was in the top dozen in six of his first nine, but he has not been the superman he was through 2004. 15 wins in five seasons, compared to the three he has had since. We may joke about the comparisons between him and Danica Patrick, but there still are two important differences. Junior will never top her in pin-up sales, and Patrick will never enjoy the on-track success Junior already has in the bank.

By the way, did Tony Raines complete any laps at Phoenix? As the rest charged to the green flag to open the affair, one car was charging toward the pits. He apparently ran 3 laps, taken out by an electrical problem. I'm surprised he had a cord that was that long. Dave Blaney lasted three more laps before he overheated. In nine laps? I do not know if either outfit had any tires or fuel in the pits, but there is no truth to the rumor that their pit crews consisted of a girl guide troop and those on an outing from a senior's lodge. I mean, what pit crews?

Heading into Sunday, only Martin has any hope left among the contenders as we get down to the season swan song. As they move on to Florida, all Johnson has to do is finish 25th or better to claim his fourth crown. Last year, he finished 15th at this track. If Jimmie somehow breaks down before any of the start and parks, Martin could claim the title by finishing ninth or better.

Cue the fat lady. It is over.