The eyes don't lie, and other truths in the garage

The eyes don't lie -- never have, never will -- whether you're talking racing or roller derby.

And so the eyes told such fascinating tales last weekend at Phoenix, whether they were looking at virtual championship-clinching scenarios, positioning for one, last desperation shot at a title or looking for the weak spot in an opponent's mid-section.

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If those resemble the atmosphere around the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series garages looking ahead to Homestead, bingo.

It certainly wasn't reflecting the mood Sunday night at Phoenix, where for one thing the infield was all but pitch black; but if it had been spot-lit all it would have shown was thousands of eyes focused on getting back east -- period.

But at different points earlier in the weekend, some eyes were virtual passageways into a lot of inner feelings.

Jamie McMurray's reflected non-stop glee, and why not? He'd gotten engaged to be married earlier in the week, and discussing came first.

It kicked aside all talk of racing in general, his front row qualifying effort for the Sprint Cup race, a sporty seventh place in the Nationwide event and third in the feature, included.

But if they weren't veiled by sunglasses on Friday afternoon, McMurray's eyes would have truly sparkled as he talked about his 2009 reunion with veteran crew chief Donnie Wingo -- because McMurray's words virtually dripped with enthusiasm.

The veteran mechanic Wingo's were 98-percent intensely focused on producing results for his driver, Reed Sorenson and their Chip Ganassi Racing team for two more race weekends. The other two percent was an absolutely delightful region of mirth that only an insider could truly fathom.

Because Wingo said he couldn't talk about his next deal -- though there was no question where his commitment for the balance of the 2008 season was. Every move he made throughout the weekend stated nothing less --- and his eyes were the exclamation point.

Jam Cars live

The Nationwide Series is the No. 2 professional motor sport in the country, but it's still nice to see a touch of short track mentality come calling, specifically Tuesday afternoon when Richard Childress Racing entered Jeff Burton in RCR's No. 21 Chevrolet, which has been mostly sidelined this season due to lack of funding. (Continued)