It all ended on turn four on the final lap at Homestead. Your 2004 Nextel Cup champion is Kurt Busch. I just sat on my bed in sheer heartbreak ready to cry. *Sigh*

Thank God I didn't go to that race for so many reasons. One of them is that Junior wasn't really a contender of winning a championship. After that bone-head move in Atlanta, he could of had a shot. It would of been depressing just sitting there looking at him have one shitty car, struggling to get his car right. Second, it would of been one confusing race if I sat in the grandstands. Why? So many chase contenders kept going in and out of the pits because of the problems they had. [which they overcome minus Junior] Even if I had a scanner, I would still be confused! Thanks to the wonders of TV, I was somewhat on the same page.

Ready for more heartbreak at Homestead? My lovely 2004 Rookie of the Year, Kasey Kahne, wrecks. He was high coming off turn four and just got loose and the front of the car hitting the wall. I hoped that Kasey would have gotten his first win here to cap off an awesome season.

Not done here. Martin was having a sweet run coming from the back of the pack. He was as high as second but mostly running in the top 25 until a right rear tire blows up. I was half asleep when I heard Busch champion in trouble. The tire just shredded up the whole fender ending his day. I think I got Dad to like him. He knows him by his name and car number.

Joey called me during the race to tell me that Louis was hyperventalating because Gordon had some troubles. I hope he found a paper bag to breathe in. Haha! Can't wait for his Daytona 500 party on Feb. 20th.

So in conclusion, 2004 was a great racing season. I went to the Pepsi 400 rooting on Junior for a third place finish [Gordon won] and plan on going next year with the 'rents. I guess Nextel isn't so bad as a series sponsor. Now, here's my thoughts on my drivers this year.

Dale Jr.: I had doubted you when you said you wanted five wins this year. You surpassed your goal and won six races. You never gave up on yourself or your team. You pit stops can improve but you git 'er done. [yes, it's the catchy Larry, the cable guy quote] Winning the Daytona 500 was just awesome especially winning it on the same day your father did five years ago to that date. Your fans got vocal about everything and you listened. Hell, you said when you go to Homestead, you want us to get vocal and we did. Steve Hmiel gets kick out of the track for the weekend for freedom of speech on the team radio and we sent mass e-mails to NASCAR. We got your back no matter what happens. Oh and don't scare us again. That Sonoma crash. I don't want to relive it but glad you are still here today. Good luck in '05. Get a pole while in the process.

Kasey Kahne: My 2004 Rookie of the Year. I had no clue who you were this year in Daytona but sure hell know when we got to Rockingham. That was just incredible! Almost going for your first cup win in your second start. My heart still breaks for you after coming close four more times. If it wasn't for the incident at Dover, you had it in the bag. I know we will see you in victory lane next year!

Martin Truex, Jr.: Oh man you are a mirror image of your car owner. I've been watching you since your first Chance 2 race in Richmond in May 2003. I cried when you won your first race at Bristol and I was just grinning ear to ear when you won the Busch championship. And to win it in the Wrangler throw back scheme was just an added bonus. I'm proud of you. I hope I can see you race next year in Daytona in July. And congrats to going to cup in 2006. I cannot wait!