The problem, which could get worse and then clear up just as suddenly, seemed to only affect local channels, and after I spoke to DirecTV I found out that it was only happening to people in the San Francisco Bay Area (including fellow NASCAR blogger Amy!). So I could watch ESPN and another cable & premium channels just fine, but ABC was not behaving. I tried to watch the race with the one of the HotPass channels but that was annoying because I wasn’t in the mood to have to listen to MRN.

So I dealt with it even though it gave me a headache from all the skipping and flickering of the screen.

Anywhoo, I saw just enough of the race to be completely disgusted by some of its results. I was happy that Tony Stewart won because it mixed up the Chase and kept things interesting. Let’s hope that it continues at Auto Club Speedway this week. My disgust is leveled squarely at the No. 88 team. When they went a lap down I couldn’t believe that it was possible. Just utter unbelievable. Mistakes happen and all but could they please happen to someone else and not Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the rest of this season? Please? I’ll be your best friend!

In other news…

– Kudos to ESPN on ABC for their awesome pre-race segment about Adam Petty and Victory Junction Gang Camp. I was a mess watching it and I learned stuff that I didn’t know about what Adam went through in planning the camp. Kyle and Pattie Petty are truly amazing people. If you’re interested in helping Victory Junction or want more information about what they do for kids & families check out their website: www.victoryjunction.org

And since I’m already on the topic of Victory Junction, you should know that Kyle Petty and Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America are getting ready for the Ride to Victory VII this Saturday, October 10th. The Ride to Victory is an annual charity motorcycle ride that benefits Victory Junction. This year they’re stopping at the NASCAR Hall of Fame to see how the construction progress is going. You can follow the event by checking out the Virtual Ride page at KylePettyCharityRide.com

Chase for the Sprint Cup contenders Kasey Kahne, driver of the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge and Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Office Dept/Old Spice Chevrolet, look on during driver introductions before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway on Sunday. (Photo Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Congratulations, Parker! He’s only 19 and this was his first Nationwide race ever and he won the pole! How cool is that?

After having one of the top 10 fastest cars in Friday’s practices at Kansas Speedway, first-time NASCAR Natiowide Series racer Parker Kligerman, driver of the No. 22 Penske Truck Rental Dodge, nabbed the pole on Saturday for the Kansas Lottery 300. (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Missouri-native and driver of the No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Jamie McMurray stands by his car during the national anthem before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Points leader and three-time Chase for the Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson (left), driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, chats with Kansas native Clint Bowyer (right), driver of the Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet, during qualifying Friday for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway on Saturday. (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Chase for the Sprint Cup first-time contender Brian Vickers, driver of the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota, spun out in the infield grass in Turn 4 to bring out the caution on lap 149 during Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway. It wasn’t a good day for Vickers, who ended up finishing in 37th after having engine problems. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

So I’ve been checking the weather down in Southern California and it looks like there’s a chance of showers on Sunday in Fontana. I’ve never been to a race with a rain delay. So if the rain does come down during the race that could be interesting. I’ll have to figure out where Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s coach is located. Just kidding. Sorta. No, I’m kidding. Maybe.

In other news…

– California Speedway is no longer California Speedway. It was announced this week that it is now to be called The Auto Club Speedway of Southern California. California Speedway was a lot easier to say, but whatever.

– MomLogic has posted an interview with Pattie Petty, wife of Kyle Petty and mother to Adam Petty, a 4th generation NASCAR driver, who was tragically killed in an on-track accident in 2000. How Pattie Petty Honors Her Son’s Memory

– Kurt Busch will be signing autographs at The Palms Hotel & Casino in Vegas next Friday the 29th at 7:30pm, in the Palms Food Court. The Food Court??

– IndyCar driver Danica Patrick made a trip to The Ellen Degeneres Show this week. Her sit down with Ellen airs today. Check your local listings for times.

– It was announced today that the IndyCar Series and Champ Car World Series have reached an agreement and are merging in time for the 2008 racing season. Michael Andretti says this:

“This is a huge day for the IndyCar Series and for our sport as a whole, for sure. Over the years, whether I was in the role of driver, team owner or promoter, I have always wanted a unified sport. That has been my only goal throughout this entire process and I applaud everyone who played a role in making this happen. So many people have worked tirelessly, both publicly and behind the scenes, to get this done. Everyone can now focus on taking the IndyCar Series to new heights for the good of our sport and everyone involved in it.”