Chicago: What was the Password for the Speakeasy Again?

Originally posted on July 10, 2006 on Foxsports.com

This weeks Password:  Gas mileage.  Those who got it:  Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton.  Those who didn't:  Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth. 

Some random thoughts from racing this weekend:

Jeff Gordon vs. Matt Kenseth Part II:  I can hardly wait for Part III.  Brickyard anyone?

What happened to nice, laid back Matt Kenseth?  He's had run ins with Stewart and  Gordon (again).  Are we finally seeing "Matt the Brat" from his short track days in all his glory?  And he's still 2nd in points.  What's going to happen when he gets focused?

How does Jimmie Johnson pull off those finishes?  He is truly consistent this year.  Could this be the year he's the groom, not the groomsman, come December?  Or is he using up all his good luck early again this year?

Reed Sorenson had his best finish of the year.  Ever notice how a good run usually happens when someone on the team is featured on Speed's "7 Days?"  This week featured Jimmy Elledge, the 41's crew chief.

Jeff Burton had a fantastic week.  It's great to see all his struggles and hard work pay off with a good season.  Burton had been a championship contender back in the late 1990's and yearly 2000's, but had suffered through a few bad years.  Fortunately, Burton didn't give up.  He could be the feel good story of the season if he pulls off the championship.  And I don't think anyone in the garage would be unhappy with his win.

Kevin Harvick's fourth place finish, and Clint Bowyer's nineth place finish mean that Richard Childress Racing all finished in the top 10.  Apparently, the additional technological help Childress swiped from Formula One is quickly paying off.

Three rookies finished in the top 10:  Sorenson, Clint Bowyer and JJ Yeley.  Too bad this was the only trip this year to Chicago.  All six rookies finished in the top 21 spots.  Who would have guessed that?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. got a great finish at a 1.5 mile track.  If this team keeps it up, he will be a threat for the championship.  The news out of Indy testing was that he was the quickest car this morning.  Could he win at Indy?

Juan Pablo Montoya announced he was racing for Ganassi next year.  Rumor now has it that he may be available earlier than expected if his team, McLaren, decides to audition drivers for the seat before the end of the F1 year.

Jumping on the nascar bandwagon may be Danica Patrick.  We'll see if this is any more than a contract negotiation ploy with her current or future IRL team.  She's already commented that the 38 week schedule looked exhausting to her.

Add to the 2007 potential nascar driver stew Juan Pablo Montoya, Bill Elliott, Ward Burton, Jon Wood, Ricky Craven, and Paul Menard, and I'm wondering who is getting bounced from their ride, is going home early each week or worse.  There are too many drivers and teams - and only 43 starting spots available each week.  It could get really interesting come Daytona in February.