Some news tidbits from the world of NASCAR:

• Experiencing engine problems are nothing new for the Cup Series cars at Fontana, which is considered one of the toughest tracks on the circuit for the punishment it deals out to the motors in the cars that dare to negotiate it.

Jeff Gordon was not alone in having his engine go sour Sunday. Martin Truex Jr. was running strong early in the race before faltering, taking him out after only 64 laps. Juan Montoya led the first 29 laps, but his engine blew up on him on Lap 140. Seven laps after that, Ryan Newman’s engine started billowing smoke and followed suit to the sidelines.

• There was no better indication of Richard Childress Racing’s renewed strength than Sunday, on a track where RCR has never won, when for the second time in two weeks the organization had arguably the two best cars in the event.

They didn’t get the victory, but they left Southern California with the top two positions in the point standings, and showing every sign that they’re ready to challenge the No. 48.

• Mechanical problems relegated Dale Earnhardt Jr. to a 32nd-place finish at Fontana, breaking the momentum of his second-place run in the season-opening Daytona 500.

Asked whether his team was sharing information with those of Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jimmie Johnson (Sunday’s race winner), Mark Martin (fourth) and Jeff Gordon (20th), Earnhardt replied, “Of course we are. I can’t build the cars. What do you want me to do? I just drive them.”