Cool-Down Lap: For Junior Nation, Earnhardt's win IS a national holiday

From a NASCAR perspective, it's a good thing Woods didn't win the Open and siphon attention away from the victory that broke Earnhardt's 143-race drought. It's worth noting, however, that, exclusive of results, Earnhardt and Woods remain the most influential figures in their respective sports -- but for vastly different reasons.

By: By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service, Superior Telegram