Even In Defeat, A Historic Day For Ganassi

There was nothing new about seeing cars owned by Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske dueling at the front of the pack on Memorial Day weekend. This time around, however, the venue was a bit of a surprise. As the laps wound down Sunday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ganassi driver Jamie McMurray tried valiantly to run down Kurt Busch’s dominant Penske Racing Dodge, trying to make his car owner the first man in history to win both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in the same day.

Just hours before, Dario Franchitti delivered the first leg of the elusive double, avoiding a wild, last-lap crash that left Indianapolis Motor Speedway littered with debris to claim Ganassi’s fourth career Borg Warner trophy. But Sunday night belonged to Busch and Penske, who led 252 of the 400 laps to claim their second victory of the season and deny Ganassi a spot in the record books.

"I thought about that Ganassi car behind me,” said Busch in Victory Lane. “He wasn't getting by us. Roger (Penske), this one is for you."

Ganassi shortened his Victory Lane celebration at Indy to hop a flight to North Carolina, arriving at CMS about halfway through NASCAR's longest day. With Juan Pablo Montoya already out of contention after an early crash, Ganassi went straight to McMurray's war wagon and made himself at home. "The pit box started shaking and I didn't know what was going on," said crewchief Kevin “Bono” Manion afterward. "Chip had arrived."

Ganassi immediately keyed the microphone and remarked, "I heard you've got a pretty good car." McMurray, not realizing that Ganassi was in town, barked something about keeping quiet and allowing him to concentrate on his driving, realizing only later that he had dressed-down the boss. “I didn't know who was trying to talk to me, so I yelled,” smiled McMurray afterward. “They told me under caution that it was Chip who had cued the mic. That was a good moment to have with him, kind of funny."

McMurray did his best to atone for the miscue, chasing down Busch’s Miller Light Dodge and leading until a final caution for Marcos Ambrose’s backstretch crash with just 24 laps to go. Busch had been strongest on short runs throughout the event, with McMurray’s Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet gradually gaining strength as the laps rolled on. McMurray led the leaders down pit road, but returned to the track sixth behind Busch, Matt Kenseth and three cars that elected not to pit. He and Busch surged immediately to the front, but McMurray fell .737 seconds short in the end.

"I think we didn't have a great stop," said McMurray afterward. "It just wasn't perfect. I knew whoever came out (first) on that last pit stop between Kurt and I… would be the race winner."

The race belonged to Busch and Penske, but Ganassi claimed a historic consolation prize, becoming the only man to win the Daytona 500 (McMurray) and Indianapolis 500 in the same season.

Ganassi has won on both circuits in the same day once before, with Sterling Marlin and Bruno Junqueira sweeping at Michigan and Road America on August 19, 2001. He called Sunday’s near-miss, "close, but no cigar," admitting that the Indy/Charlotte sweep “would have been nice. It would have been icing on the cake to win here, too, but it was a great race. Jamie did a great job, but my old buddy Penske beat me tonight.

“It was an awesome day, anyway.”

In Victory Lane, Busch spoke respectfully about both Ganassi and his driver, revealing that he and McMurray planned to spend Memorial Day Monday boating together on Lake Norman. "The two individuals and the two individuals owning the cars have a lot of respect for each other," he said.

And while pleased with a day that left him just three spots out of the 2010 Chase For The Sprint Cup, McMurray could not help thinking of what might have been. "It would have been unbelievable,” he said of a potential Indy/Charlotte twinbill. “We've talked about how we're going to do some photos with the Borg-Warner Trophy and the Daytona 500 Trophy, with Dario and I able to win both in the same year.”

"If we would have been able to win both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 for Chip on the same day, it would have been huge, unbelievable. But I'm really happy with our finish. It's disappointing not to win, but we have had winning cars every week and that's really all you can ask for."

COMMENTARY: Strike Three For Mayfield

U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen dismissed all claims in Jeremy Mayfield’s lawsuit against NASCAR last week, in the aftermath of a May drug test that NASCAR said was positive for methamphetamines. NASCAR filed a motion for dismissal in November, and Mullen ruled that Mayfield “agreed to release Defendants from all claims arising under a negligence theory or otherwise; Plaintiffs thereby waived their right to pursue their claims for defamation, unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract, and negligence.” He also ruled that Mayfield and his legal team “failed to allege facts to support each of their claims.”

Mayfield has claimed that his positive test result was due to a combination of the prescription drug Adderall – which he took to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – and the over-the-counter allergy medication Claritin-D.

Lower courts had sided with NASCAR twice previously, only to have their verdicts appealed to the U.S. District Court. A trial was scheduled to begin in September of this year, but Mullen ruled that Mayfield signed documents outlining NASCAR’s substance abuse policy while applying for a 2009 competitor’s license. Those documents acknowledged the sanctioning body’s right to test him and members of his team for substance abuse at any time, and stipulated only that those tests were to be done “at a facility or facilities… that have been certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and/or by the College of American Pathologists Forensic Urine Drug Testing Program.” Further, Mullen ruled that Mayfield was aware and informed that a positive test for a prohibited substance would result in the indefinite suspension of his NASCAR license.

The court agreed with NASCAR that while its testing laboratory needed to be government-accredited, the sanctioning body was under no obligation to follow all governmental procedures concerning the administration of the test and the handling of samples. It also pointed to a provision in Mayfield’s signed release stating that “the Competitor or Official shall have no claim or cause of action of any kind against NASCAR or any director, officer, employee, or agent of NASCAR” with respect to the publication of substance abuse test results. Mullen specifically noted a clause in the document signed by Mayfield that states, “I recognize that the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy promotes the integrity of NASCAR-sanctioned racing and the safety of NASCAR Competitors, Officials, and spectators. Accordingly, I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS NASCAR, its officers, employees, directors, agents, and such testing facilities and Medical Review Officers as NASCAR retains or selects in connection with implementation of the Policy…”

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston called the ruling, "a powerful acknowledgement and affirmation of NASCAR's rulebook and its ability to police the sport.”

Mayfield has not commented officially on the decision, though his wife, Shana, said attorney Mark Geragos would respond on their behalf. Mayfield did post a statement on his personal Facebook page, saying, “Although yesterday's ruling was not expected and not what we wanted to hear, it is just a minor setback. I did not come this far to quit or back down. When it was our turn to depose the other side, they obviously did not want that to happen.”

He also posted an angry retort aimed at NASCAR CEO Brian France, asking, “If his name was not France, what would he be doing?” Later, he wrote, “I think we should get 100,000 people and make a statement. Anyone out there agree?”

The past 12 months of Mayfield’s life have been like an outtake from “The Jerry Springer Show.” Shortly after his suspension, his former stepmother, Lisa Mayfield, testified that she saw her stepson using methamphetamine at least 30 times since 1998. She also accused him of "cooking" his own meth until it became too difficult to obtain the ingredients. Mayfield responded by calling her “basically a whore” and accusing her of playing a role in the death of his father, Terry, who died in 2007 from what medical examiners ruled to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. Jeremy Mayfield eventually filed a wrongful death lawsuit against his former stepmother.

In mid-August, Lisa Mayfield was arrested and charged with public intoxication, four counts of simple assault and second-degree trespassing after allegedly assaulting caretakers at Mayfield’s home. At various points, Mayfield and/or his attorneys accused NASCAR’s testing agent, Aegis Sciences Corp., of improperly handling test samples, and alleged that NASCAR had intentionally “spiked” Mayfield’s urine sample to produce a positive result. No evidence was ever produced to support those claims.

Mayfield is being sued by former attorney Bill Diehl, who says his Charlotte-based law firm is owed more than $371,000, plus attorney fees, interest and late charges. Mayfield put most of his belongings up for auction in November, including 475 acres of land, a half-renovated home, jewelry, guns and cars from his personal collection.

Short of a fat cash settlement, one wonders what Mayfield hopes to accomplish by pushing forward with additional appeals. His NASCAR career is unquestionably over, since even if a higher court were to reverse Judge Mullen’s verdict on appeal – and the records show that Mullen is very rarely overturned – no sponsor will be anxious to associate itself with a driver/owner tainted by allegations of drug abuse.

As of now, Mayfield has not been judged guilty of substance abuse in a court of law. NASCAR’s allegations – well-documented as they may be – remain just that, allegations. Perhaps that’s the best outcome Mayfield should realistically hope for.

I know Jeremy Mayfield, and I like Jeremy Mayfield. But I also realize that if he chooses to pursue his case against NASCAR any further, his battered public image and personal finances will likely be destroyed for good. Mayfield is a young man, and has plenty of years left to do whatever comes next; whether in or out of organized motorsports. Here’s hoping he circles his wagons, conquers whatever demons may be at work and cleans up the steaming mess that both his personal and professional lives appear to be.

That is not a process that can -- or should -- be undertaken in the public eye.

Vickers Out For Remainder of 2010 Season

Brian Vickers met with the media at Charlotte Motor Speedway last hour and confirmed that the blood clots he suffered in his legs and lung last week will preclude him from competing for the remainder of the 2010 season.

In a press conference heard live here on Sirius NASCAR Radio, Vickers said his doctors have been unable to pinpoint the specific cause of his Deep Vein Thrombosis, which is most common in people over the age of 40. The 26-year old driver said he will continue on a daily regimen of blood thinning medication for at least the next three months, and joked, "I can race on blood thinners, I just can't crash."

Vicker’s physician, Dr. Steven Limentani, called his condition “not a rarity, but not common,” saying clots like Vickers suffered usually have a clear cause, such as a surgical procedure.”

Casey Mears replaced Vickers last week at Dover, and will remain in the car for the remainder of the season, with possible exception of the two road course events at Watkins Glen and Infineon Raceway.

Notes From All-Star Friday

Richard Childress Racing will hold a press conference tomorrow here at Charlotte Motor Speedway to announce the signing of Sprint Cup Series point leader Kevin Harvick to a new, multi-year contract. Both Harvick and the team have said recently that they are close to agreement on a new deal, but sources say no announcement will made concerning 2011 sponsorship for the #29 Chevrolet team.

Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will race with the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, June 5, the day before the Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. Johnson will drive for GAINSCO Bob Stallings Racing as a third driver, along with two-time championship winning teammates Alex Gurney and John Fogarty.

Max Papis will qualify for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Showdown tonight, despite a badly bruised foot suffered in a Camping World Truck Series crash at Dover International Speedway last weekend. Papis was injured when his truck suffered a right-front tire failure and impacted the SAFER barrier hard enough to bend Papis’ steering wheel, seat and leg restraints. Papis said that immediately after the crash, he was certain his foot was broken. X-rays revealed only a severe bruise, however, and Papis has been on crutches all week to speed the healing process. He is walking unassisted today, but with a limp.

Tony Raines will drive the #36 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet this weekend, in place of Johnny Sauter. Sauter was on the early entry list, but Raines, the 1999 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been in the car for today’s practice sessions.

Wheaties introduced a special-edition Dale Earnhardt commemorative box today, honoring the career of the seven-time Sprint Cup Series champion on the eve of his induction into the NASCAR Hall Of Fame. Earnhardt becomes the first driver to be featured twice on the iconic orange Wheaties box, after being featured there in 1997 in conjunction with a special Wheaties paint scheme he ran during that year’s All-Star Race. Earnhardt’s children Taylor and Kerry were part of a special unveiling ceremony today here at Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with his former car owner, Richard Childress and RCR driver Clint Bowyer, who will drive a special Wheaties Fuel-sponsored car later this season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

BREAKING NEWS: Mayfield Suit Dismissed

U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen has dismissed all claims in Jeremy Mayfield’s lawsuit against NASCAR in the aftermath of a May drug test that NASCAR says was positive for methamphetamines. NASCAR had filed a motion for dismissal in November, and Mullen ruled today that Mayfield “agreed to release Defendants from all claims arising under a negligence theory or otherwise; Plaintiffs thereby waived their right to pursue their claims for defamation, unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract, and negligence.”

A trial had been scheduled to begin in September of this year, but the court agreed with NASCAR that while its testing laboratory needed to be government-accredited, the sanctioning body was under no obligation to follow all governmental procedures concerning the administration of the test and the handling of samples.

Mayfield has claimed that his positive test result was due to a combination of the prescription drug Adderall -– which he took to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -– and the over-the-counter allergy medication Claritin-D. At various points, Mayfield and/or his attorneys have accused NASCAR’s testing agent, Aegis Sciences Corp., of improperly handling test samples and alleged that NASCAR intentionally “spiked” Mayfield’s urine sample to produce a positive result. Mullen ruled that Mayfield and his legal team “failed to allege facts to support each of their claims.”

The basis of Mullen's ruling are documents signed by Mayfield while applying for a 2009 competitor’s license that outlined NASCAR’s substance abuse policy, acknowledged the sanctioning body’s right to test him and/or members of his team for substance abuse at any time and accepted that those tests were to be done “at a facility or facilities… that have been certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and/or by the College of American Pathologists Forensic Urine Drug Testing Program.” Mullen ruled that Mayfield was aware and informed that a positive test for a prohibited substance would result in the indefinite suspension of his NASCAR license.

The court also pointed to a provision in the signed release stating that “the Competitor or Official shall have no claim or cause of action of any kind against NASCAR or any director, officer, employee, or agent of NASCAR” with respect to the publication of substance abuse test results.

Mullen specifically noted a clause in the document signed by Mayfield that states, “I recognize that the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy promotes the integrity of NASCAR-sanctioned racing and the safety of NASCAR Competitors, Officials, and spectators. Accordingly, I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS NASCAR, its officers, employees, directors, agents, and such testing facilities and Medical Review Officers as NASCAR retains or selects in connection with implementation of the Policy…”

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston commented on the ruling today, saying, "The U.S. District Court's ruling is a powerful acknowledgement and affirmation of NASCAR's rulebook and its ability to police the sport. NASCAR has been very clear with its competitors as to its policies and what is expected of them. NASCAR's comprehensive substance abuse policy, which is among the best and toughest in all of sports, serves the safety of our competitors and fans."

Mayfield has not commented on the decision, though his wife, Shana, said attorney Mark Geragos would respond on their behalf. Today’s ruling can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Vickers Not Out Yet: Sirius Speedway has learned that Brian Vickers could return to the seat of the #83 Red Bull Racing Toyota in time for this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity say Vickers has responded well to treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis, and will undergo testing later this week to determine whether blood thinning drugs have dissolved the blood clots in his legs and lung. If so, and if his doctors are satisfied with the level of blood-thinners in his system, Vickers could be cleared to compete on Saturday night. Casey Mears remains on standby in the event that Vickers is not cleared to compete, and a decision on his status could come as late as race day.

Kahne Still Not Placed: Stewart Haas Racing Competition Director Bobby Hutchens told The Charlotte Observer Sunday that he has had no formal conversation with Hendrick Motorsports about adding a third team for driver Kasey Kahne next season. Hutchens said, "We have not had what I call permanent discussions with Mr. Hendrick or anybody at Hendrick Motorsports. Kasey Kahne was a possibility back when we started looking at (a third team) for ourselves in the middle of last year, so we're going to just see how all this shakes out." Hutchens added that in the current sponsor marketplace In addition, he said he would prefer to have a driver and sponsor locked-in by June 1 if a third team is going to be attempted, in an effort to "not be in a panic" building cars and adding new equipment and personnel for the 2011 season. Kahne will replace Mark Martin in the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2011, and team owner Rick Hendrick has promised to find him a top-notch Sprint Cup ride for 2010 to fill the void.

Vickers Hospitalized, Mears To Drive For Red Bull at Dover

Brian Vickers will not compete this weekend at Dover International Speedway due to an as-yet undiagnosed illness.

Red Bull Racing announced today that Vickers was hospitalized last night with what sources tell Sirius Speedway is a non-life threatening illness, with additional tests set to be performed today and tomorrow. He will be replaced in the #82 Red Bull Toyota this weekend by Casey Mears.

Vickers is currently 20th in Sprint Cup Series points, coming off a 10th place finish Saturday night at Darlington Raceway. He had been scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., for a tour of the United States Capitol and Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Military Advanced Training Center as the guest of Washington State Republican Congressman Doc Hastings. That trip has now been cancelled.

Red Bull General Manager and Vice President Jay Frye said, “Our main concern right now is with Brian and his health and recovery. All things are looking good at the moment; this is just a minor setback. We appreciate Casey filling in this weekend and know he will represent the team well.”

COMMENTARY: It's Only A Number

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will pay tribute to his late father this July by driving a replica of Dale, Sr.’s legendary #3 Wrangler Chevrolet in NASCAR Nationwide Series competition at Daytona International Speedway.

And some people are pretty darned PO’ed about it.

Junior’s Daytona ride was unveiled recently on what would have been his father’s 59th birthday; the result of an unprecedented collaboration between JR Motorsports – which will supply the car -- Richard Childress Racing – which holds a copyright on the familiar #3 – and Teresa Earnhardt, who has the final say on all things Earnhardt Senior. Teresa, Junior and Kelley Earnhardt stood side-by-side at the unveiling; the first time the three have appeared together publically since the day NASCAR’s most popular driver announced that he would bolt Dale Earnhardt Inc., for Hendrick Motorsports in 2007. All three hailed the move for what it is; a tribute to the memory of the late, seven-time Sprint Cup champion.

Despite their unified stand, however, the internet message boards and satellite radio switchboards were almost instantly inundated with irate fans who someone viewed the move as an insult to the memory of their fallen hero.

“Nobody should EVER drive the #3 again,” said many, conveniently ignoring the fact that Earnhardt, Jr. drove the #3 in a pair of NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2002, while Childress’ grandson, Austin Dillon, has been campaigning an almost identical, black #3 Chevrolet on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series all season.

“It’s an insult to his memory,” wailed others, amid widespread calls for NASCAR to forbid the tribute, or establish a new precedent by retiring Earnhardt’s #3 for all time.

"This was an idea that came up as a way to pay tribute to my dad," said an incredulous Earnhardt, Jr. in response to the criticism. "The Wrangler car is definitely in the Top 10 coolest cars that have ever been on the race track. A lot of people identify with it, and I can't think of a better way to honor my dad and celebrate his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame than to bring the Wrangler colors back with the No. 3 on the side. I think everybody knows I'm pretty careful about (my father’s legacy). It just seems like a reasonable opportunity and if there is ever a time to do it, this is one of those times."

Earnhardt said he opposes the idea of retiring numbers, calling the notion “ridiculous. The #3 meant a lot to Daddy and… to a lot of race fans, but there's some kid growing up that was never a Dale Earnhardt fan that drives the #3 and might want to be #3 all his life. To not give him that opportunity just ain't fair."

He also commented on the symbolism of him, his sister and their stepmother appearing publically for the first time in years, saying, "this day is all about my dad. He'd be happy about this.”

Kelley Earnhardt went a step further, saying, "If he was here, I'm pretty sure we'd all still be together ... Dale Jr. would have never left DEI."

"Me and Teresa always had a lot of respect for each other," said Dale, Jr. "Dad had a way of bringing everybody together. Everybody worked together for the good of my father."

Just like they’re doing now.

The tumult over Junior’s Daytona tribute is ill-conceived and distasteful, a knee-jerk reaction if there ever was one. The #3 did not make Dale Earnhardt who he was. In fact, just the opposite is true. Earnhardt made the #3.

NASCAR pioneers Joe Littlejohn, Herschel McGriff, Dick Rathmann, Paul Goldsmith, Tim Flock, Cotton Owens, Fireball Roberts, David Pearson, Lee Roy Yarbrough, Charlie Glotzback and Buck and Buddy Baker (among others) all spent considerable time behind the wheel of #3 entries in what is now the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Junior Johnson authored a Hall Of Fame driving career with #3 on his door, and Childress himself used it throughout his 12-year driving career. Ricky Rudd steered Childress’ #3 Chevrolet between Earnhardt’s two driving stints with RCR, proving beyond all doubt that the #3 had its own claim to fame, long before “The Intimidator” came along.

And for the record, Earnhardt did most of his racing in the minor leagues in a series of cars with his father’s traditional #8 on the doors, before winning the first of his seven Cup championships in – gasp – a #2 Wrangler-backed Chevrolet owned by Rod Osterlund.

The facts don’t lie. Dale Earnhardt was a champion with or without the #3 on his door. The #3 won championships with and without Earnhardt at the wheel. Numbers are nothing more than symbols; a splotch of paint (or these days, a hunk of vinyl) on the door of a race car. They have no more to do with success or failure than the color of the car, and nobody’s lobbying NASCAR to retire Goodwrench black or Petty blue.

Numbers are not heroes, the men who drive them are.

If this tribute is good enough for Richard Childress, Dale, Jr., Kelley and Teresa Earnhardt, it’s good enough for me. And it ought to be good enough for you, too.

JGR Wise To Nix Kyle's Nationwide Defense

Just as Kyle Busch’s plan to focus more completely on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was beginning to pay off, his resolve began to waver.

The idea of Busch defending his 2009 Nationwide Series championship was supposed to be off the table before the 2010 season even began. Joe Gibbs Racing quashed the idea before the first race was run, announcing a less-ambitious schedule of 25-28 Nationwide races for Busch that would allow NASCAR’s resident Energizer Bunny to focus his abundant energy on the Sprint Cup garage and avoid the kind of late-season meltdown that eliminated him from last year’s Chase.

Everything went according to plan until last month’s Nationwide Series “O'Reilly 300” at Texas Motor Speedway. Busch won the race – his record fifth-consecutive victory on the Lone Star oval – claiming a 20-point lead over Brad Keselowski in the championship standings. Before he and Gibbs had settled into their seats at the post-race press conference, the speculation began.

“Can you still run for the championship, Kyle? You’re off to such a great start. Could the schedule be rearranged?”

"That's his question," said Busch, gesturing to his team owner. "I'd like to, but we know how difficult it is to run both and what it takes away from the premium spot, which is the Sprint Cup Series title. I don't want to take anything away from those guys."

Gibbs admitted feeling pressure to approve a Nationwide title defense, saying, “I had no more gotten to the Winner's Circle (before) three of the crew guys were going, 'Hey, can we run for a championship?' They were jerking on me. I think we've laid out a plan there and we'll talk it over with Kyle, but ..."

For the record, here’s a brief review of some pertinent facts:

Kyle Busch won the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship by a whopping 210 points over Carl Edwards. He failed to make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup by eight points. He visited Victory Lane in three of the season’s first 10 Cup races, then stumbled badly down the stretch with Top-10 finishes in only three of his final nine starts. If we wasn’t tired by the end of last season, he sure did look it.

He’s off to a solid start again in 2010, with Top-10 finishes in five of his last six races and an impressive win last Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway. That victory left him fifth in championship points, and he seems to be jelling nicely with crewchief Dave Rogers and the M&Ms Toyota team. Everything’s hunky-dory right now, but the tough times are coming in the form of three “split weekends” in the month of June that will require Busch to shuttle back and forth across the country to multiple Cup and Nationwide Series venues in the same weekend.

"The summer months get tough,” admitted Busch recently. “When you go from Sonoma to Elkhart Lake, you have to skip all of Saturday in Sonoma to be there for the (Nationwide) event. You really hinder your chances to have a good car set up for the race on Sunday.”

Why would a smart cookie like Joe Gibbs jettison a game plan that seems to be working, in favor of a failed strategy from a year ago? Why would the former Washington Redskins coach mess with success by allowing anymore talk of a revised Nationwide championship defense? Sure, that JGR’s 2009 Nationwide championship trophy looks nice on the mantel, but it’s the Sprint Cup Series that keeps the fireplace lit, the mortgage paid and the lights turned on.

That’s why Joe Gibbs Racing announced last week that Brad Coleman will drive their #18 NASCAR Nationwide Series Toyota at Nashville Superspeedway on June 5, allowing Kyle to concentrate exclusively on his Cup duties at Pocono Raceway. JGR Vice President of Nationwide Series Operations Steve DeSouza confirmed that Coleman will drive the team’s #18 Camry in all remaining stand-alone events this season, clearing the way for Busch to focus on Job One; the Sprint Cup championship.

Good call, coach.