Weekend That Was: Texas (cont'd)

Meanwhile, Earnhardt took the time to speak with reporters in what was described as a remarkably calm and upbeat manner, considering he had led for 96 laps. And when Busch's car got repaired and Busch's frantic team couldn't find young Kyle anywhere to get him back in it, Dale Jr. climbed in it and ran the last nine laps in the No. 5 Chevrolet -- after Earnhardt's own car had been sidelined by a blown motor.

Earnhardt said he did it because he has several friends on Kyle Busch's team and because they asked him to, adding: "I really appreciate them asking me. I was honored. It meant a lot to me."

Trail of destruction

Two wrecks in the space of 13 laps Sunday at Texas left four men disappointed, one irate, and yet another confused.

• Complete story

More on maturity

Then, of course, there was the case of Tony Stewart on Sunday. Upset after the race because he felt he had been spun out earlier by rookie Juan Montoya, he even hinted that racing isn't fun for him any longer at this level and that when he "gets enough money" he might just up and quit.

Heading into this season, Stewart had amassed more than $57 million in career earnings for Joe Gibbs Racing -- not all of which he got to keep, of course. But we're guessing he might have enough left over from all that to hit all the all-u-can-eat buffets he wants for the rest of his life, if he's really serious about giving up racing -- which, of course, he is not.

As for Montoya, he's making lots of enemies but let's face it: He's racing aggressively in the same manner that Stewart and lots of others before him have done, and he'll win races because of it. Isn't that what all the drivers are supposed to be aspiring toward in this sport?

Dark day

At least give Stewart credit for what may have been Sunday's best post-race quote.

"The car was evil all day," Stewart said.

Pit stops

• It's hard to believe but it has been 33 races since Earnhardt last won, and 25 races since Gordon last won.

• Earnhardt dropped from 11th to 18th in points, while Martin moved back into the top 12 at 11th after sitting out the previous two races. And don't look now, but Chip Ganassi Racing teammates David Stremme and Montoya are lurking at 12th and 13th, respectively, in the standings. The top 12 at the end of the first 26 races qualify for the Chase.

• Montoya might have won his second Busch race on Saturday, if he hadn't jumped the gun coming out of the pits with 40 laps to go. Montoya hit the gas too quick and left a lugnut loose; otherwise, he would have been in the lead.

• Wonder what Teresa Earnhardt thought of Junior's impulsive decision to jump in Kyle Busch's car for the finish of Sunday's race. As admirable as it was, it gained Busch three points in the driver standings; wouldn't it be something if Busch qualifies for the Chase by three or fewer points over Earnhardt?

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.