The season comes to a close with a new NEXTEL Cup champion in Jimmie Johnson. Congratulations on a season where being able to rebound from bad things seemed to be the theme. Those who could rebound did really well, and those who couldn't watched the chasers from the outside. True championship teams are constantly using their talent and attitude to look past the bad, and see the finish line despite events where others just pack it up.

Tony finished the year whooping up on all the non-chasers for 11th place (said with much sarcasm). Even though it was the worst finish in his NASCAR career, I believe it has matured him quite a bit. Maybe I'm just looking on the bright side, but I believe he's got a better picture and respect of what it takes, day in and day out, to get the championship back. His addition of a workout program is just one sign that he's realized what kind of crowd he's in and just how competitive he plans to be next year. And now he's in love? Rebounding, as mentioned above, is one thing we didn't see enough out of Tony and the HD Racing team this year. When they fell into a hole, they couldn't seem to dig out of it. Homestead showed it, but I think Richmond was the biggest example of not being able to dig down for that extra something. Tony wasn't a threat to lead this race even once. They did get a 15th place finish out of it, but I think we all expected more out of him here at Homestead.

For those of you flying your Robby Gordon flags after his Baja victory, you can put them away after he finishes another stock car race on the trailer for a total of 9 DNFs this year. If this guy is so good at racing in the desert, then maybe he should stay out there. He has a co-driver in the truck; maybe he needs one in his car, too. He could borrow one of those Wally's World cars.

I'm sure there will be a few more interesting things to blog about before next year. Wonder who Ray will wear to the banquet? How many crew chiefs will be waking up to pink slips in the morning, only to be scooped up by Toyota. Will they announce at the banquet that the COT was just a big joke? All good questions. Be sure to tune in to check the count down timer at the top of the page, and to see if I typed anymore nonsense on this page.