Track Smack: Off week

The boys of Track Smack wish to thank Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Dale Jr. and Robby Gordon for their respective tiffs last weekend. While we don't officially condone that sort of behavior, it was pretty cool.

What is your take on the driver vs. driver incidents this weekend?

Tim Packman: Well, the take is NASCAR's to the tune of $30,000 from three different drivers. I don't have problems with confrontations once out of the car; I really don't as I grew up on that stuff at the short tracks. However, the spinning on pit road right after race is totally uncalled for. It's happened twice in last two seasons with nobody getting hurt, thankfully.

Dave Rodman: The most shocking thing to me was how absolutely lame NASCAR was with its penalties. From the audience and television's standpoint, that confrontation was the best thing that could have happened. But in terms of making an impact with a fine or making anyone think twice about what they've done -- those fines and probation were a failure. Tony Stewart's behavior last year proved that.

Marty Smith: Here's the straight up: If one guy has a problem with another, fine. Whoop his rear end, one on one, where no innocent bystanders can be injured. I don't have any problem with Kevin or Gordon or anyone else getting pissed off, but take it out on the person you're mad at, don't endanger the safety of others. A lot of people could have been hurt in both instances. I'm all for a good scrap, but not when helpless onlookers or those just trying to do their jobs could be caught up in it.

Ryan Smithson: I think what Larry McReynolds said Monday night was right on the money -- if they want to fight, do it with fists, not race cars. Obviously, the fans loved it. You should have heard the roar from the stands! Secretly, I wonder if the TV networks did too.

Tim Packman: Of course the networks loved it. The pre-race show on Sunday played it up like a boxing match with tales of the tape and everything from the Saturday incidents.

Marty Smith: I agree with Packman. That was some serious drama. FOX was stoked about that deal.

			Time to kiss and make up, you two!

Dave Rodman: No doubt it creates a lot of drama and intrigue -- and expectation of what is coming next. That's all great, but that is not what racing is all about. Rubbing and framming and bamming is -- but everyone has to realize the consequences, whether it's paybacks, penalties. . . or injuries, God forbid.

Tim Packman: Hey, Marty agreed with me! I'm hanging this Track Smack on the fridge.

Ryan Smithson: I have to ask you guys this -- do you think Biffle was intimidated when Harvick rushed over?

Tim Packman: I think he was more shocked than anything after that Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka move off the top of the car. Biffle looked like he couldn't figure out where Harvick came from.

Ryan Smithson: You need to hang a sign that says, "You're eating again?!" from the fridge.

Tim Packman: I wasn't talking to you.

Ryan Smithson: Whoa! You go, Pac-man! Eat it up!

			I pity the fool that wrecks my race car!

Marty Smith: I don't know that Biffle was intimidated, but Harvick sure as sugar had no reservations about getting his WWF on. I loved it. I like to see those boys get after it. NASCAR's too PC these days.

Dave Rodman: Greg Biffle is a tough one to read. If I was Kevin, I would have gone to Biffle's hauler and sat in the lounge waiting on him. What he did smacked too much of grandstanding for the public.

Ryan Smithson: Does a guy like Junior actually write NASCAR a check?

Marty Smith: To: Mike Helton. Five Thousand and 0/100 dollars.

Tim Packman: That could've made for one heck of a party at Club E, not that the $5,000 will deter one anyhow.

Ryan Smithson: Someone made the comment that he drinks that much in a weekend -- although I doubt he ever pays a cent for his booze.

Marty Smith: Five grand is lunch money for Jr.

OK, be honest. How many guys actually thought Kurt Busch would win a race this year?

Marty Smith: You know I did son. I've said it five times in Smack. Busch is the real deal Holyfield. I knew it'd come, just didn't know when.

Ryan Smithson: I didn't, but I think he will add one more before the year is over. I think we are seeing the start of a Bobby Labonte-type career.

			Respect your elders, Kurt!

Tim Packman: I'll be honest, I had him down for at least two this year. He showed a lot of talent and hunger for success toward the end of last year. He wasn't afraid to mix it up as a rookie in the Truck Series, and it looks like he isn't going to shy away in Winston Cup, either.

Marty Smith: I like Busch's game, man. I thought his bump of Spencer was classic. It's Bristol man, and he's a hungry young kid chompin' at the bit to get a win. He did what it took to get it done. More power to you, I say.

Dave Rodman: Kurt could be a case of the floodgates being opened. I don't doubt that Jack thinks that he is the best diamond he has got -- no matter how rough he is now. He has shown some rough edges and even at Bristol I thought he'd find a way to screw up. But I think he got over a BIG hump by winning and with Fennig and Parker teamed up with him, he could win two or three more this season: Look at how good they have been just about everywhere!?!

Ryan Smithson: His bump was not that bad. Last lap, sure. 50 to go, no way.

Tim Packman: The best part about Kurt and his good runs this year is the enthusiasm in his eyes and the excitement that ebbs of him afterwards. Good to see someone actually enjoying themselves out there.

Marty Smith: It's not like he put the 41 in the wall. Sure, a lesser driver than Spencer may have been in the wall, but he finished second. I wouldn't apologize if I was Busch, I'll tell you that much.

Tim Packman: That win was good for that whole team with Fennig and Parker making the switch from Mark Martin's team. If anyone looked at it as a demotion, they can think twice after what they saw on Sunday.

I won't forget......I won't forget....I won't forget...

Ryan Smithson: Yeah, you gotta wonder what Martin thought of it! I am sure he is happy, but you can't tell me there isn't some inter-team rivalry.

Tim Packman: All shops have that, don't let them even try to tell you differently.

Dave Rodman: The biggest thing that shocks me about that bump is that Jimmy has forgotten that the shoe DOES fit on the other foot and it might end up -- up his butt. He's sown enough seeds -- if he don't expect to reap some of that, shame on him.

Marty Smith: Up his butt! Ha! Nice wordage, Dave.

Marty Smith: I agree Dave. It's not like Jimmy hasn't punted people before. He said he was gonna get Busch back, too.

Dave Rodman: Yeah -- but look at Roush's team -- all four in the top 10. Somehow, Mark and Jimmy had reached the end of the line together... We were trying to figure out when they made that change who was getting a demotion and who was getting a promotion -- I think all the way around everyone might have benefited.

Tim Packman: But, Busch said he was getting Spencer back from Phoenix last year. So, maybe Busch is the one who will never forget?

Dave Rodman: I don't necessarily think it's wrong, but Jimmy absolutely loses his mind, and then he forgets he did.

Track Smack appears every Wednesday on NASCAR.com and the opinions expressed here are solely those of the participants.