NASCAR Nextel Cup Wrap-up

Before I start to elaborate, "Congratulations!" go out to Kurt Busch on winning the initial NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship. For what he had to overcome in the race at Homestead with the front right tire coming off, he definitely earned it! Let us hope that this will act as a catalyst towards curing some of brash behavior in the past. Now that the spotlight is on him, I am certain that he will do his best to be a good champion for the sport. He always has his teammate, last year's champion Matt Kenseth, for some pointers. Four-time champion Jeff Gordon maintains an "open door policy" for all of the drivers. Dale Jarrett and Terry Labonte bring respect and class to the sport.

Although I am not much of a Kurt Busch fan, he has earned my respect after the race. When the tire came off as he was heading towards the pits, he remained calm. Later, he had an extended pit stop under the caution flag. Apparently, there was some confusion amongst the crew. In an audio transmission aired during the race, Busch summed it up in one word- "FOCUS!"

His pit crew filed away what had just happened. They stuck to their game plan. They overcame, and they won the championship. Kurt Busch, crew chief Jimmy Fenning, and the entire 97 are all champions, and are all winners!

As a NASCAR fan, I tip my glass to you. I believe that this will not be the only time that we will see Kurt Busch raise the Cup! The talent and potential have always been there, now he has something to back it up with.

Enjoy the off-season, and we will catch up with you at Daytona!