NASCAR: Time Busch puts pedal to the mettle

Now we find out what Kyle Busch is made of.

Hero, or zero.

One of only three men who, until this point in the season actually deserved to win the  NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, Busch now finds himself in unfamiliar territory.

Last place.

With eight victories on the season and a lead going into the Chase for the Championship, Busch has gone from first to worst among the 12 qualified drivers for stock car’s title run.

If he were a continent, Busch would be Antarctica.

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NASCAR: Hamlin’s success anything but normal

Wasn’t sure about Denny Hamlin. Seemed to drive like some rich kid who’s been given a Porsche for his graduation. His eighth-grade graduation. Can’t tell if he’s cocky, arrogant, aloof or shy. How do you break through that veil of entitlement?

Or do you?

Or is he just … quiet? Maybe I’ve got him all wrong.

Maybe that’s what makes him good at what he does. He’s able to fly under the radar until he drops the bomb.

NASCAR: Burton’s agenda is to lead by example

The Democratic National Convention sizzled last week as the party made Barack Obama an historic entry onto the presidential ticket.

The Republicans kicked off their festival on Monday which will eventually result in John McCain being named their candidate for the general election in November.

Between those national gatherings, Jeff Burton was climbing into his Chevrolet at Auto Club Speedway.

The connection?

Burton isn’t concerned about turning left the rest of his years. When he reaches that pivotal decision and leaves NASCAR, he is very likely to throw his helmet into the political arena. Senator Burton, the gentleman racer from Virginia, has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

Since the death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001, Burton has emerged as the statesman of the garage, the representative of the drivers.

But he wants to emerge as a representative of the people.

Bully for him.