No posting this week, as two major deadlines loom.

A few quick thoughts, though…

• I’m with everyone who says the Pocono NASCAR races should be shorter. Hasn’t Michigan taught us that races can be 400 miles and still be exciting? I hope NASCAR continues to race the Cup series at Pocono – it’s such a distinctive track with a long history – NASCAR should go there at least once a year.
• I was really happy to see Heikki Kovalainen win the Hungarian Grand Prix (say that 3 times fast!). When it comes to Finnish drivers, I’ve liked Heikki more than Kimi – Kimi never seems to be having any fun. Anyway, hopefully this will be a confidence booster that will allow Heikki to be a good wingman and help Lewis get the World Championship this year.
• NASCAR in the rain at Montreal? Love it! NASCAR not letting the teams decide when to switch from wets to slicks? Hate it. C’mon, NASCAR, all the crews watch F1 and sportscars on TV – you know the crew chiefs are dying to make the wet-to-dry tires call. Let them do it the next time.
• Note to Goodyear: the good performance by your rain tires at Montreal does not take you off the hook for the Brickyard 400 fiasco. Not by a long shot.

Back from hiatus on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Promise.