I'm the world's worst gambler, fancan, but if I were a betting man I'd put my money on Kyle to win it all this year. He's definitely on a mission to prove that Rick Hendrick made a mistake in letting him go.

The 48 car in 2006? Yes, but I'm talking about DRIVERS, not cars. How many Nationwide (then called the Busch Series) and truck races did Johnson enter -- let alone win -- in 2006?

Canfan and rocket: When I used the word 'passive' with regard to Matt Kenseth, I was referring to his driving style during the 2003 season, when he built up a huge lead in the standings with 11 or 12 races to go and went into points-racing mode. Sorry for the confusion.

Canfan: You asked when the last time a 'passive' driver had any success. How about Matt "Points Racer" Kenseth -- the man most responsible for NASCAR changing the way its championship is decided?

bh

To answer your question Bring, a couple of drivers noted that the tire was still harder than they would like but they struggled with the grip because the track temperature Friday was about 40 degrees hotter than when they tested at LVMS at the end of January.