When you look at a driver like current points leader Jimmie Johnson, he's got that mad, mad, mad world kind of way about him. From finishing well back in the field one week, we see what he's done over the last four weeks to get into the points lead.
Since soon-to-be-ex-teammate Brian Vickers knocked him out at Talladega, Johnson has only reeled off a win at Martinsville and three runner-up finishes - Lowe's, Atlanta and Texas. From 169 points off the pace, Johnson has moved into the lead by 17 over Matt Kenseth.
Wonder how sales have been at Lowe's and if they pick up at all on weeks when Johnson does well.
See, Lowe's (which has a store on River Road in St. George) is the primary sponsor of the No. 48 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
I know there are NASCAR fans out there who read this blog. If you're a fan of the 48, speak up. If you're not, who do you think can take the title from him.
If you read my last installment of "Through The Gear Box" in Monday's edition of The Spectrum & Daily News, you'd know that Johnson finished seventh at Phoenix in April. If he wants to pad his points lead heading into Homestead and the race for the title, he'll have to hope Matt Kenseth (who he beat on the final lap in a green-white-checkered finish at Las Vegas in March), finishes behind him.
It's all about who's got the brass tacks now. Whoever runs best will be holding up the trophy under an early-evening Miami sky on Nov. 19, just 11 days away.
For the moment, though, the thoughts turn to Phoenix - after full recovery from election night.