Ron Thornton

When the season started, we wondered about Mark Martin's chances of making the Chase. Even in running a partial season, the 54-year old still had the chops to possibly win a couple of races before the deadline and claim a wildcard spot. If we contemplated Martin making it in, the odds of Denny Hamlin slipping through must be that much greater.

Last week I wrote that California wasn't your daddy's NASCAR venue. I was wrong. It turned out to be not only your daddy's but your grandpappy's as well. Both would have loved what they saw, be it from a 1953, 1983, or 2013 perspective.

ESPN did not broadcast the race from Fontana. That was a pretty good reason to watch on Sunday. After watching the Nationwide event Saturday, after hearing Allan speak an octave too high, after hearing Rusty speak at all, they brought in the dynamic Joey Logano for an extended stay in the broadcast booth.

This week, back in 1933, there was no NASCAR. Moonshiners, for sure, and probably a few in Saskatchewan. My dad was born there 80 years ago this week, and along with mom we got together recently with his six children, their spouses, seven grandchildren, and even one great-grandchild still a few months away from making his or her debut.

Okay, it is time to start whining. Bristol usually gives us a good show, and last Sunday it was great. Fontana usually does not, and it is next on our dance card. Maybe it is best to dwell on what was than on what could soon be.

It was Bristol. Even though I cringed through the announcing, Saturday's Nationwide race was a good one to watch as Kyle Busch beat out Kyle Larson by about 3 feet at the line for the win.

Danica, Danica, Danica. Sounds a bit like a Brady Bunch classic, but as much as the public relation boys and girls try, the thunder from Daytona is fading into the distance. The good news is that in 2013 points, Danica Patrick is running one spot better than team-mate Ryan Newman. The bad news is that after disastrous runs in Phoenix and Las Vegas he sits 32nd.

Bristol, Tennessee is where the lads (and lassie) are venturing for this weekend's Cup action. Matt Kenseth arrives from Las Vegas with his birthday wrench and his 25th career victory. He has a pair at Bristol and most often leaves the place with a Top Ten finish.

Well, I wanted to see if Denny Hamlin was going to race or not. I do not much care for Hamlin. Something about him has always rubbed me the wrong way. That may be about to change. After Phoenix, Hamlin made what I thought was a rather respectful critique of the Gen 6 car, and for that NASCAR got its granny panties all in a knot and fined him $25,000.

Las Vegas, the home of the Busch brothers, is next, but as we near race time for the Kobalt Tools 400, the hot topic is April's NRA 500.