Dale Earnhardt Jr. called Brian Vickers this week to talk about last Sunday's incident in the Daytona 500 that has resulted in rare criticism for Junior.

Regan Smith and Joe Garone figured they could have finished better than 21st in the Daytona 500 if rain didn't shorten the race.

Driver/owner Tony Stewart went on the warpath against Goodyear tires after he was involved in a crash during Saturday's final practice session for the Daytona 500.

Four-time champion Jeff Gordon accepts some blame for the winless 2008 season.

Kevin Harvick took a chance to pass Jamie McMurray and it worked out as he won the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.

Regan Smith, the 2008 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year, will drive for Denver's Furniture Row Racing in its limited 2009 Sprint Cup schedule.

Bobby Labonte spoke this week about the merits of NASCAR's Chase format, hinting that it works better than the BCS system in college football.

Driver Joe Nemechek is free to look for a new ride in 2009 after he reached a contract buyout agreement with the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing team.

With two races remaining in the 2008 season, Jimmie Johnson is close to clinching the championship while other drivers including Joe Nemechek are sorry that the finish of the season is so near.

With three races remaining this season, Chevrolet has a narrow lead in the race for the manufacturers championship.