Definitely, James has ridden exceptionally well all year, not just these last three races.

I'm not settling in, the points are too close. James (Stewart) is obviously riding really well.

It's definitely a long shot. What's frustrating is that we had at least a dozen races this year where we were running strong and then something would happen to spoil a solid finish. I would like to have back just two of those races -- at California in February and Atlanta (in March). Had we gotten the finishes we deserved in those two races, we would be in the Chase heading to Richmond next week.

I've never ridden him before but I've watched his races and he's a really nice horse with a good turn of foot.

We are not taking strike three looking, which is huge this year and that is a bonus, we are definitely restoring the pride in this program. We still have got 18 more to go. The schedule only gets tougher.

So if you want your 7-year-old to join you, they'll be able to. And if you haven't ridden in 10 years and want to dip your toes in the water, this is something you can get your bike out, put air in your tires and give it a try.