It used to be I’d mark the annual night race at Bristol in red on the calendar. The announcement went out to family and friends – “don’t bother me Saturday night, ‘cause it’s Bristol baby!” Not this year. What a yawner.

I guess the “settle it on the track” memo from NASCAR got lost before the haulers paraded into “Thunder Valley.”

The days of Earnhardt spinning Labonte on the last lap to take the checkers are but a memory. No longer are we seeing drivers having to be restrained by track personnel to prevent them from making a run at the offending car/driver which put them on the hook.

I’d even go for a Bobby Labonte helmet toss – at least it resembled the pre-season football which was a more appealing watch than last night’s race.

No, the only significant on-track incident last night came when should be winner Jimmie Johnson was spun by oval track wanna-be Juan Pablo Montoya. After the dust settled and the #48 limped to a 35th place finish, JPM car owner Felix Sabates was quick to issue a personal apology to the would-be five-time series champion. According to Sabates, Juan didn’t mean to be so careless.

Punch him in the mouth Jimmie! Oops. Sorry. That kind of action harkens to a day no longer present at the world’s fastest half mile.

Lost on the boredom of last night’s race was the first of its kind accomplishment by the “Shrub.” Kyle Busch masterfully won all three NASCAR events this weekend at Bristol. Wednesday’s Camping World truck race, Friday night’s Nationwide race (where he did effectively use the chrome horn) and last night’s Sprint Cup race. Congrats to the #18 for accomplishing the tri-fecta.

Now, drivers, please take this one-week hiatus to refocus on providing "entertainment" for the 2010 season’s home stretch.