The physics of what...? -- Bones of contention -- Skin care -- Makeup -- Combustion -- Power play -- The wizard and the flying car problem -- Running with the pack -- Texas motor speedway at 150 mph -- Sound thinking -- The rubber hits the road -- Shock therapy -- The two-lap dash : a qualified success -- Keeping drivers (and fans) alive -- Making racing safer -- Practice doesn't always make perfect -- Elliott is hot -- The locusts in the pit box -- The checkered flag -- Epilogue : Daytona 2008 : what's better than a happy ending?