Track Smack: Texas

A whole Track Smack and we didn't even mention Jeff Gordon once. And we didn't even mention Robby Gordon! What on earth is wrong?

Blame Texas. Let's get started.

Is Texas too fast?

Dave Rodman: If nothing happens, heck no, it isn't too fast. But it is just like the question, "Could Junie Donlavey's team win the Daytona 500?" If something happens, as Stacy Compton said, don't plan on trying to fix the car.

Ryan Smithson: It sure does sound that way, but there's nothing that can be done about it now. We won't see much racing, but we'll see plenty of speed, which is not good. A veteran will definitely win this weekend.

Marty Smith: That remains to be seen, but every single driver I've talked to says it's unreal. To hear Elliott Sadler say it's quicker than Atlanta kinda blew my mind. Those boys run mid-190s at Atlanta, so that tells me 200 down the back straightaway. That's damn fast. In Dave's story last week, Jeff Burton said he could only stand about 12 laps. I've never heard anyone talk like that before.

Tim Packman: Well, what we've heard has been from the teams that have tested there since it was repaved. Some guys said their telemetry showed 205 mph going into Turn 3. It will be interesting to see if the tires can hold up, and if some of the guy's nerves can as well.

Dave Rodman: Well, to the track's credit, they are trying as hard as they can to get rubber down on that second groove. I am not too sure anyone will be confident enough to go up there and try it, though.

Ryan Smithson: They better have a good tire at that joint. Having a Busch race on Saturday will help a little.

Marty Smith: Wonder if Goodyear feels added pressure?

Ryan Smithson: They always feel pressure, Marty. If those things start blowing, TV announcers want to interview the Goodyear reps to ask why. That ain't good.

Tim Packman: Goodyear might have to rethink the tire choice if there is a lot of wear and blowouts during practice runs. I bet there will be a bunch of Cup boys watching that Busch race.

Ryan Smithson: That's another thing though. They won't make a lot of practice laps because they have got to save their engines for the 500-miler. This ain't Bristol where they can practice all day.

Dave Rodman: If think Goodyear is absolutely beside themselves trying to decide what to do... You know, they are in a no-win position. They are supposed to have a safe, competitive tire. Doesn't leave them much margin to err.

Marty Smith: I agree with you all. (That's a first. Makes me wonder what the hell's wrong with me). Anyway, hopefully tires won't be an issue. It's not cool to see guys hit the wall anymore.

Tim Packman: Yeah, but if I was them, I would want to get in one good long run to see how my tires held up on the new asphalt at those speeds.

Dave Rodman: It's too bad, since they are only the manufacturer -- the teams can effect what happens in terms of wear and blowouts by what they do with set-ups -- that ain't Goodyear's fault.

Marty Smith: And they're always quick to point that out, Dave. I don't blame them. If it's not their fault, they surely shouldn't shoulder the blame.

Tim Packman: They'll be listening to recommended tire pressures from Goodyear, for sure.

Ryan Smithson: No they won't, Tim. They haven't in the past.

Tim Packman: Oh really, why do you say that, Ryan?

Ryan Smithson: Because running aggressive setups is highly beneficial.

Marty Smith: Smithson's right, Packy. That seems to be why right-fronts blow so much.

Tim Packman: Right, they haven't in the past and look where it has gotten them. Two years ago at Charlotte, some teams didn't listen and had blowouts. At some point, someone might want to consider listening to the dudes that make the tires. Either way, it shall be interesting.

Marty Smith: It still comes back to speed, Pack. It's about going fast, and fast oftentimes doesn't coincide with safe.

Ryan Smithson: Sure, set the car up to their recommendations, and it won't turn.

Dave Rodman: It's a risk / reward deal -- and competition and the desire and benefit to win races makes a lot of risk seem worthwhile.

Dave Rodman: But last week a couple guys said they could not make long runs because of tire wear. Yet I heard Ricky Rudd made about a 25-lap run with no problem. But just two days before the start of practice, Goodyear can't (or won't) say what tire they're using. That seems to tell me they are in a lather over it.

Tim Packman: I'd rather finish a race safely, than be in the garage quickly.

Marty Smith: Packy, Packy. Come on dude. They all wanna win. They're all taking risks every single weekend.

Tim Packman: I realize that, Marty, and I agree.

Ryan Smithson: Very few drivers -- Dale Earnhardt, Tim Richmond were among the few -- will say, "Set it up to finish, and I'll just drive harder.

Is this the weekend Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes win No.1?

Tim Packman: If there was ever a track that someone took a liking to, it would have to be Dale Jr. at Texas. First Cup and Busch win, has a pole and has run strong there each time.

Dave Rodman: It certainly could be. He runs very well at Texas so if they can dodge the tire abuse vs. keeping up issue I would say he would be a very good bet.

			Dale Jr.: Pretty damn fast every year at Texas. Credit: ASP

Ryan Smithson: The way he's been running, I don't see why not. He's back in the title hunt, and this is obviously his best track. But -- I truly think this is the weekend where Martin breaks his drought.

Tim Packman: Again? C'mon, you say that every other race.

Marty Smith: Dale Jr. will be bad fast, undoubtedly, but I don't feel the flow. As if I've ever been right. I'm the worst prognosticator in Amercian history.

Ryan Smithson: Marty's also picking the Expos to win the World Series this year.

Tim Packman: Oh, did baseball season start?

Tim Packman: Last year, Dale Jr. was 20th in points after the Texas race and finished eighth in points. He's up to sixth now and looking strong over the last three races. Texas could be the place for him to really get on a roll.

Ryan Smithson: Dale Jr. is one of only 3-4 Winston Cup drivers that has the potential to win three or more races in a row, but as far as consistency, I need more evidence he's ready to contend for a title.

Marty Smith: If you're gonna go on past crap, sure, he's a contender this week. Dude's been awesome every time he's been to Texas. I bet he's got more fans there than anywhere else in the country man. They're gonna replace that star with an 8 soon.

Married Terry. Credit: ASP

Tim Packman: All the girles want to take Dale Jr. for a ride in their pick 'em up trucks.

Ryan Smithson: Texas ain't Labonte country? I gotta hard time believing that.

Marty Smith: Sure they are man, but I'd bet home slice has as many fans as Terry and Bobby there.

Ryan Smithson: Yeah, probably. This isn't the late 1990s.

Marty Smith: All those lil' rodeo chicks wanna marry him.

Ryan Smithson: Bobby is married. So is Terry.

Uh, ok. Pick one winner at Texas this weekend.

Dave Rodman: Kevin Harvick in the Busch Series

Marty Smith: Tony Stewart's gonna win the Cup race.

Mark Martin (left) literally looks up to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Credit: ASP

Ryan Smithson: Mark Martin. This is the last time I am picking him. If he finishes 35th, I will officially be disappointed. Jeff Burton will win the Busch race. Again.

Tim Packman: Picking a winner on a new track surface is tough. Ok, here's a limb for you -- Jimmie Johnson.

Dave Rodman: Jeff was so disconcerted about Texas if he can do that I will have even more respect for him than I do already. Texas had him a little spooked.

Marty Smith: That'd be dominant if Jimmie Johnson won. That cat's more overdue than a 10-month pregnancy.

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