Did Robby Do It?

Another yawner of a race with Tony Stewart winning. I love how there is all this talk that the Chase should be changed because drivers like Stewart, who are contenders, are excluded. That's a bunch of crap. The thing is, even Stewart himself said there shouldn't be any changes, even if he's now winning. He missed the Chase fair and square. I'm sick of these NASCAR "fans" who think Dale Jr., Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon need to be in the Chase every year or "changes need to be made." If they are consistent, then they're in, folks. That's the way it works. There should be no exceptions for anyone. I don't care of the ghost of Dale Earnhardt came back and drove. if he didn't make the Chase on points, he shouldn't be allowed in!

Now, let's get to the growing controversy surrounding Pad-gate. Did Robby intentionally throw out a roll-bar pad to get a debris caution? It's clear something came out of or underneath his car. It's on tape and we've all seen it. The question is whether or not he threw the padding out the window. He certainly benefited from the caution, as he got back on the lead lap. Robby's been fighting tooth and nail to stay well into the top 35 in points this year and has done a remarkable job. He finished 10th and currently sits 27th. According to Larry McReynolds at Fox, the top 25 at the end of the season get a check. 26th and below get ZIP. So, it's understandable why Robby may be desperate to hang in the top 25.

I've been a supporter of Robby for a while, even though he has a reputation for being a real jerk. I'm hoping it's not determined that he threw the padding out the window. If he did, well, then I hope NASCAR brings the hammer down on him. Hate to say it, but he'll deserve it.

Misc notes from Atlanta:

• I'm really bummed about Mark Martin. I really thought he had a chance this season to win it all, but after another wreck on Sunday, that looks very unlikely.
  
• Is anyone else bored with the 10-car-length finishes in NASCAR today? It was about a year and a half ago we saw Carl Edwards beat Jimmy Johnson at the line, banging and rubbing the entire last lap, car wagging all over... We need more of those finishes. I'm tired of seeing one car run out front the last 25 laps unchallenged.
  
• Speaking of Edwards, how bizarre is it that neither he nor Greg Biffle have been in contention AT ALL this season??? They were both in the Chase last year - in fact the whole Roush crew was - and now Kenseth is the only driver to see ANY success this year. Doesn't make any sense. What was the big change other than dumping that pain in the ass Kurt Busch?
  
• I'm going to go out on a limb and predict Juan Pablo Montoya finishes in the Top 10 at Homestead and wins a race in his first ten races in 2007. Call me crazy, but I think it's going to happen.