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Most of the time, I write this column trying to make its points with humor.

This has not been a funny week.

Have no fear. I shan't delve into politics. Oh, wait. NASCAR has politics. Everything has politics. Another name should be invented for people who seek or hold government office. The world makes politicians of us all.

But I'm staying away this day. From here on out. Not even NASCAR politics. Not in this particular column.

By gosh.

Joey Logano won for the first time this year in the first of two trips to the Irish Hills of Michigan. This is the time of the year when the Chase takes form, the blanks are filled and the luck evens out. The most obvious blank still left to fill is the one with Dale Earnhardt Jr. penciled in but awaiting ink.

Sixteen make the Chase, which is then gradually whittled down by luck and timing. Everyone who wins -- and is snugly situated in the top 30 in points -- gets in by virtue of that. If less than 16 win -- and the number with wins will probably number 12 or 13 -- the remainder of the field will be included on the basis of points, and that is about 90 percent of the remaining reason to have points at all.

Eleven regular-season races remain. The drivers who have captured multiple races already will undoubtedly win most of them. Earnhardt is likely to break through. Chase Elliott, who seems to be getting stronger every week, is poised. One long shot, someone like Kyle Larson, Tony Stewart or Kasey Kahne, might pull off a win. Maybe two will join the Chase with wins.

The only winless driver in the top 10 is Elliott. Earnhardt is 11th. Both are likely to make the Chase whether they win a race or not. What’s a Chase without a Chase?

The racing is better. NASCAR officials are constantly tinkering to make sure that remains the case. The names are the same. No great shifts in power have occurred. The surprises are mild.

Next up? The first of two road races, providing a customized opportunity for those who are especially good at them. Instead of around and around, turning left, Sonoma is "up this hill and down, and up this hill again." Shifting gears, turning both ways, backward pit stops, clockwise laps ... California, the Golden State.

But first, let’s take a week off. Relax.

Swimming pools. Movie stars. Y'all come back, y'hear?