We understand that the new Nextel Cup is all about safety, a point the knuckleheads over at Trackside Live are contractually obligated to mention at least 10 times every broadcast. Still, race car drivers complaining about going too fast? We find that to be absurd, especially considering speeds back in the good ole days of the late Eighties topped out around 210 mph. And them fellas didn't have no fancy Safer Barriers or HANS devices. What would Dale tell the Stewart, Gordon and the rest of the NASCAR Nextel Crybabies? Probably something along the lines of "wrap a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants don't bite your candy ass." For once I'd have to agree whole-heartedly with what Michael Waltrip spouted forth on Trading Paint this Friday. "We're race car drivers, we get paid to go fast."

We understand that finding the right tire compound for these speeds is the real problem, along with Nascar's refusal to allow Hoosier Tire to compete with Goodyear. However, all the drivers are competing with the same pieces of rubber, and it's incumbent on them to decide how hard they can push their equipment. If Saturday's Busch race was any indication, the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 is gonna be one hell of a race, with lots of tight action, lots of wrecks (especially on the "black ice" off of Turn 4), and one of the Busch brothers acting the fool in front of the hometown crowd. My bet is on Kyle doing some kind of post-win, pre-ejaculatory celebratory dance.

5. Martin
4. Stewart
3. Kahne
2. Burton
1. Kyle Busch