Darlington thoughts and observations

Kyle Busch is hotter then the sun. Busch drove to victory Saturday in the Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington International Raceway, leading a race high 169 laps. He beat Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and David Ragan to earn his third win of the season.

Thoughts and observations

What can stop Kyle Busch this year? I mean really? Your not supposed to be this good after leaving Hendrick Motorsports, that just doesn't happen. However, Kyle Busch seems to be the exception to the rule.

I think the next driver to earn his first career win very well may be David Ragan if he keeps up his outstanding runs. His 5th place finish this weekend at Darlington moved him into 12th place in the points, the last chase eligible spot. I certainly would not have picked Ragan to be in the chase at any point during the 2008 season.

Speaking of drivers who have been impressive, say hello to Travis Kvapil. Travis had his second top 10 in three races this weekend, bringin home his retro Ford sponsored by Lafayette Ford in 8th position. The finished moved Kvapil up one position in the standings to 18th, ahead of former Cup champions Bobby Labonte, Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch.

Speaking of Matt Kenseth, after four awful weeks of racing he finally had a good race, coming home in 6th position. Kurt Busch didn't do too bad himself either, coming home 12th after a season full of bad luck. While 12th isn't a win for Kurt, its at least a place to start.

Greg Biffle must be wondering what he did to anger the racing gods. Biffle, the winner of the 2005 and 2006 races at Darlington, sat on the pole and looked to have the only car that could race with Kyle Busch at all on Saturday. So what happens? His motor breaks and he finishes 43rd. Go figure. At least he still finds himself in the top 12 in points and chase eligible.

A big 'ole that a boy to Dave Blaney. His first top 10 of the year (and first at Darlington since finishing third behind Ricky Craven & Kurt Busch here a few years ago) catapulted his team into the top 35 in owner points, bumping rookie Sam Hornish Jr. into 36th.

Did anyone else catch the announcement out of Petty Enterprises this week? Terry Labonte is coming out of retirement, again, to race for Petty Enterprises in a few races this year. The plan, as I understand it, is to put Terry in the No. 45 Dodge normally driven by Kyle Petty for five races during the summer when Kyle is working as an analyst for TNT. Chad McCumbee is also scheduled to drive the car in two races for Petty Enterprises as well. Who'd have thought, Terry and Bobby Labonte on the same team. 10 years ago any car owner in NASCAR would have LOVED to have that combination.

Next week NASCAR comes home to Lowe's Motor Speedway for the annual Sprint All-Star Race. I will be attending the race personally as a member of the media, the first time in my career I've had the chance to do so. I'll be at the track all day, taking pictures and chronicling my day along the way. I even ordered a brand new Apple MacBook (using money my parents had been saving as a graduation present from last year) to use at the event. If anyone see's me feel free to come over and chat, and if I look lost don't be surprised. I'll probably be looking for the media center.