California...

Well, seeing as the Auto Club 500 did actually happen, much to the horror and dismay of your faithful TL staffers, we feel a touch of post-race analysis is the least we could do. Anal-y-sis is what your favorite political science graduates do. Besides, our A in film class qualifies us to comment on the pursuit of the Nextel Cup. Heading to Las Vegas we can assume Kenny Wallace will be lost and forgotten in the same sandbox M. Waltrip was pulling a crybaby in during the Cali. prerace promo. Which isn't to say that that particular promo can be mistaken for an oracle. After all, JJ Yeley ended up with the Nextel Cup.

As for the actual Auto Club 500..:

Riggs sucks but I've got to believe Jamie McMurray isn't long for this world, or at least for Roush Racing. He's got shit for luck but that only works as an excuse for so long.

Speaking of Roush, WTF is David Ragan's problem? I understand that he finished +20 places from where he started at Cali. Still, he went around after turn three for no particular reason on L19. One more position and he's Top 15. We're curious as to where he might finish this year.

Unleaded fuel is gonna screw folks up, no matter how many times LarryMac says it's all about engine tuning.
One does have to wonder if DEI will figure out why its engines are exploding before Jr. gets pissed and heads for greener pastures (RCR + JR = ..?)

Finally, I have to say Harvick got what he deserved. You fuck wit the United States Army, you get the horns. Or at least not easy access to crude reserves...