The last 37 laps of the Sprint Cup finale were epic displays of driving skill and tenacity. While Tony Stewart won the race and the championship (by virtue of the most wins this season), it’s too bad that both Tony and Carl Edwards couldn’t share the Sprint Cup trophy. Maybe they should saw it in half. Even spectators like me were yelling at the tube. I didn’t even care if my new puppy missed a trip outside a potty break.

In a post race interview, Stewart was informed this is the first major win for A.J. Foyt's iconic number 14 in years. Smoke was sure he would talk to his mentor sometime tonight. “He’ll probably tell me how many times I screwed up,” the nearly breathless Stewart said.

The much-touted shootout began inauspiciously for the eventual victor. Stewart started the race in 15th, while Edwards started from the pole. Kurt Busch’s transmission blew its guts early and a part punched a hole in Stewart’s grill. “It’s a miracle that it didn’t punch a hole in the radiator,” Stewart said. The repairs sent the contender to the rear of the field. That’s when the amazing display of tenacity began. Stewart muscled his way to the front not once, but several times. It was obvious he would not be denied. Reports vary, but Larry McReynolds said Stewart passed 116 cars during the 400-mile race.

Stewart’s crew chief, Darien Grubb, made a gutsy call by keeping Stewart on the track until there were 55 laps to go. This was the number Grubb knew would take the No. 14 to the finish without another pit stop. Once again Stewart showed his amazing skill to maintain pace on Sunoco vapor. The pit stop included four tires, which may have given Stewart the edge at the finish. More...

This will be the first of what I hope is a review of the happenings in the Car Guy world every week. It will be a collection of things that have crossed my desk in the past seven days. Most will be very short miscellany…like the things that find their way to the bottom drawer of your tool box—most of which you’re usually glad you found. 

Kasey Kahne’s wild ride The soon-to-be Hendrick Motorsports driver literally took a big flyer at a World of Outlaws event at Williams Grove Speedway. Yeah, yeah, racers will race anything (even snakes according to Michael Brockman). But listen up Kasey: Call Gary Bettenhausen. He will tell you what happened to him in a USAC sprint car. Long story short, he defied Roger Penske’s orders, got in a big wreck that crushed his left arm and promptly ended what was the best ride he ever had. Need I say more?

Jumpin’ Power Will Power jumped off the side pod in Victory Circle at the Edmonton race. Even though he got pipped for the pole by Takuma Sato, he patiently waited for his chance on Lap 19 to pounce, claiming the race lead and win. He continues to outpace his Penske stablemates, but it was good to see Helio Castroneves dance his way to second and place a wedge between Power and Dario Franchitti. Wouldn’t it be ironic if Power turned the tables like Franchitti did last year by coming from behind to win the championship?

Way To Go Randy Randy Pemberton is the first of the subs for Wind Tunnel’s resident “windbag” Dave Despain, who is on a quixotic motorcycle junket to Prudhoe Bay Alaska. The SpeedTV NASCAR reporter brought the same enthusiasm he exudes from pit lane to the Wind Tunnel set. The New England native honored Eddie Flemke, who has been called one of America’s most influential racers. It’s guys like “Steady Eddie” who are NASCAR’s bedrock. Check out Bones Bourcier’s book “Steady Eddie” at www.coastal181.com.

And Jesus Laughed Pastor Joe Nelms stunned the crowd with his invocation before the Nationwide race at Nashville Superspeedway. The bible says “praise God in all things,” so that’s what he did. He thanked God for NASCAR, the speedway, the drivers, engine builders and manufacturers. He even thanked the Lord for his “smokin’ hot wife.” He ended with “boogety, boogety, boogety, in Jesus’ name.” Amen brother, and I say amen.