The only constant on the NASCAR circuit is that nothing is constant. Two weeks ago, I wrote about Jimmie Johnson running away from the competition and being on one of the most dominant streaks in a long time. What happens to Johnson the last two weeks? He lost two engines. Even though he remains in the top spot in the championship points, his lead has been severely wounded, down to 40 points over Jeff Gordon.

Last week, I wrote about Jeff Gordon’s mastery over road course races, all but assuring his victory at Watkins Glen. Guess what? Gordon blew a transmission and limped home to 21st-place finish. Tony Stewart fought stomach sickness and gutted it out to claim the victory.