Note: This was originally posted on February 15, 2007.

It's Thursday and that can only mean one thing: it's time to kick off the real racing in the Gatorade Duel 150's. This is a moment we've been waiting for all winter long.

So many teams have a ton riding on these two races, it's impossible to overstate. Michael Waltrip has been given a reprieve of sorts from Nascar in that he will be allowed to race today. Most of the Toyota teams are going to have to race their way into the 500. With a total of 61 cars trying to make the Big Show, a lot of people are going to be frustrated and disappointed today, while a lucky few will be on top of the world.

I'll have more after the last checkered flag today.