OK, Jimmie rules

But at least Carl Edwards won the race.

I can't find the JJ flag, but I'm here to admit, he won. Three-peat. Exclusive category with the great Cale Yarborough.

The boy has the hardware to prove he is the best, three years running.

But I still think there should be an * with the champions in the Chase-era. They are only performing for 10 races. Albeit unlikely, someone could come on during those last 10 races and kick tailpipe. It's not probably, but it is possible.

Jimmie has been the real performer for Hendrick this season, there was a brief glimmer for Junior and Jeff needed a flashlight to find the steering wheel.

Even though not my favorite driver by a longshot, Jeff Gordon has been really disappointing for a couple of years now. That's kind of sad. He has such a loyal following, which I don't understand, and they've endured.

Former teammate Kyle Busch started out with a big flash in all three series, to essentially being invisible during the Chase. That, too, was sad. The Gibbs cars got some good press for Toyota.

Well, 2008 is over on the track. The big awards show in New York City is all that's left.

What will 2009 bring? Changes, that's for certain. No testing. Stewart-Haas Racing. Ganassi-Earnhart with what name, many suggest Chip 'n' Dale. Fox has a Gopher-Cam named Digger. Why not more furry animals?

And NASCAR itself always makes changes. Usually during a race. They do it all the time. And I'm sure it will continue to be that way.

Whatever comes, everyone has their favorites to pull for on the track. Jimmie, Junior, Carl, Tony, Mark, even a Labonte. It's a faithful and fun-filled adventure.