Cross' Words: Darlington (cont'd)

Say what?

"I would like to take a week or two to clear my mind a little bit, drink some beers, and have some fun. Get back to normal."
-- Dale Earnhardt Jr., who missed a sponsor plug. Oh the humanity!

Figuratively speaking

563 -- Cup Series-leading laps led by Denny Hamlin in the five COT races. His average finish is 5.0, including three third-place runs and a second.

Up Next

Coca-Cola 600 | Charlotte | 5 p.m. ET May 27, FOX
Race No. 12 of 36 | Get tickets | Book travel

• Defending race winner: Kasey Kahne
• Most victories at the track: 5 -- Jimmie Johnson
• Best average finish (minimum five starts): Jimmie Johnson (5.8 in 11 starts)
Active drivers only

While you're in Charlotte check out the "History of the Stock Car" exhibit. It'll also be on display at Daytona during the Pepsi 400 weekend.

The exhibit illustrates the evolution of stock cars, culminating with the Car of Tomorrow, and three cars from that past are featured:
• 1972 Dodge Charger driven by Richard Petty
• 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by Darrell Waltrip
• 1987 Chevrolet driven by Terry Labonte

Other cars planned for the exhibit include the COT and street versions of the four '07 models competing in the Cup Series: Chevrolet Impala SS, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry.

Mailbag

From Jessica ...
What do you think it would do for the sport to have Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon driving on the same team? Their fan bases are mortal enemies. It would be interesting to see how that would play out if they end up under the same roof, don't you think?

Back in the day Jerry "The King" Lawler and Bill "Superstar" Dundee were mortal enemies, then joined forces to fight the evils within the NWA. Rasslin' survived that merger, and I believe NASCAR would continue even if Junior and Gordon were teammates. ... I'd also purchase home and life insurance against locusts and beasts from the east.

From Chad ...
Is there any talk that this could be a scare tactic to make Teresa Earnhardt give in to the 51 percent ownership deal? I mean Dale Jr. has made this decision awfully early in the season and it would give DEI time to think this ownership deal through and counteroffer in a couple months.

Anything is possible, but I don't think Teresa will get over this Mother's Day "present" anytime soon. Besides, she's had plenty of time to think through this ownership deal; Junior merely pushed forward the inevitable.

From Jeff ...
I really get tired of hearing Mark Martin each week saying, "These guys are the greatest. I have never worked with a better group of guys." Just like the Busch race he drove for Hendrick, I couldn't stand to hear him: "This has to be the greatest day of my life driving this car for these guys." To me, it really shows disrespect for Roush all those years of having great rides and a great company. Sorry, but shut up and drive.

Not touching that one with a 10-foot pole, but you're not the first to make mention of Mark's in-the-now comments. Remember, this is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately sport; don't bite the hand that feeds you right now. (Continued)