Kyle Busch

NASCAR's days of steady growth are over. TV ratings are off and ticket sales have slumped. Many longtime fans say that NASCAR has lost its essence and personality as the sport's top brass have chased more exposure by going mainstream. A few years ago, NASCAR was the second-most-watched sport after the NFL, but with its 60th season approaching—NASCAR's popularity may be waning.

Race Two of the NASCAR season started with a bang for Jimmie Johnson, as he has been on a tear for the last four years.

Johnson won the Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA.

It is Johnson's first win of 2010 and 48th of his career. Johnson has now won at least one race a year for nine straight years, since his rookie season. Kevin Harvick finished second, followed by Jeff Burton, Mark Martin, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Ward Burton, Tony Stewart, and Greg Biffle.

The first action in NASCAR took place this past Saturday at the Bud Shootout. I was amazed to see an action-packed race, especially when it didn't count for points. The winner of this raise would take home a $200,000 purse, so I guess that gives them more fuel to add to the fire!!!

Kevin Harvick overcame a bout with the flu and a wrecked race car to earn his second consecutive victory in the exhibition Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night.