this is the fewest mentions of Kyle Busch since, I dunno, Daytona.

Oh, that Michael Waltrip. Anything to get some on-air time.

Be interesting to see if there’s any noticeable wear on any of the sets being changed right now.

And we’re back. I’d say and forth, but so far we haven’t seen a whole lot of that.

Dale Jr. has moved up ten spots since the restart.

But I’d still love to see a Petty car in victory lane. If Kyle isn’t going to drive anymore, can he PLEASE annouce full time and lose Weber? Pretty please?

So much for his and Kevin Harvick’s day.

Most cars taking on two tires only…and this is the competition caution now.

I’m going to say 9

Thus far, Dale Jr.’s gamble is paying off.

It’s not paying off any more (tire going down).

has got to be nerve wracking. Who is thinking about racing when everyone is bracing himself for a sudden introduction to the wall?

That right rear off of Jeff Gordon’s car… yeesh. NASCAR might have to call more competition cautions.

How many people right now are hoping Kyle Busch blows a tire just as long as he doesn’t take anyone else out in the process?

Seeing how strong Dale Jr.’s car is, once he’s back on the lead lap will he be able to work his way back up through the field in time to contend for the win?

Somebody cued the duck; Carl Edwards is making his presence known.

Memo to Matt Kenseth: the next time you feel a tire going down, abandon the “I’ll ride it out and see what happens” philosophy immediately.

Surely there has to be a better way. Drivers not hearing spotters/crew is inexcusable.

IT IS NOT GETTING BETTER!!!!!!!!!!

Meanwhile, Kyle Busch is back in the lead.

As Mindy noted, the tire wear isn’t getting any better as the race goes on and rubber is theoretically being laid down. Unfortunately, it’s being laid down in strips which doesn’t exactly address the issue.

I spoke inaccurately (yeah yeah I know what else is new). Mark Martin is in the lead courtesy of having pitted a lap before the latest competition yellow when he felt a tire going down and wisely decided to not take a chance.

Either that or the concession stands are packed—look at all the empty seats.

Competition yellow (again). Dale Jr. back on the lead lap. And I’m thinking we’re not going to be seeing a whole lot more two-tire stops.

... they won’t bother with anything even vaguely resembling a defense of Goodyear.

Meanwhile, those howls of laughter you’re hearing are coming from assorted executives at Hoosier and Goodrich.

My cable is being stupid! Hopefully, I’m not missing anything (as I sit here and stare at my blue screen!!)

The downside is they are a different compound. Which sounds strange to say, but how the cars will handle with the different tire is a complete unknown.

Well, that’s different… someone having a good old-fashioned engine issue. Sucks for Brian Vickers.

Allstate may petition Nascar to rename the race the Competition Caution 400 at the Brickyard, just so they can sponsor a real race later in the year.

... when we’re looking at cords from the car off Jeff Burton, who’s as smooth and non-abusive of his tires as they come.

CY in two.

PLEASE!

Swell. This will make the last few laps even more interesting.

bye bye birdie!

... would stop saying it’s not Goodyear’s fault.

Yes it IS their fault! They brought the wrong tire!!!

... um, yeah.

Hello, you have reached a party line, NASCAR and Goodyear are doing everything right, attendance is up, and you are having a great time. Thank you for calling.

Jimmie Johnson is stout.

CY… again.

... but the amount of spots Jeff Gordon is losing during each CY is grating.

Thus far, Denny Hamlin’s two-tire change on the most recent CY is working.

Penultimate CY. And doesn’t “penultimate” sound like a word that should be more high-powered than meaning ‘second to last?’

and I’m wagering on a wreck really soon—the drivers are getting bored and restless.

WHOA! Easy there, Carl and Jimmie.

This last caution will be when every crew chief either earns or forfeits their pay.

Whew! At least those last laps were intense. Way to go Jimmie!

At least a Hendrick car won

He finished in front of Kyle Busch. That makes my day.