Track Smack: Dover

What is wrong with Richard Childress Racing?

Ryan Smithson: What bothers me is not that they don't run well -- because they do -- but they are not winning races. Since Earnhardt died, they've had three teams almost all of the time, but yet, they've got just four wins to show for it.

Dave Rodman: Richard Childress is like a Pappy out in the backwoods with a brood of young'uns that is feuding with the rest of them backwoods clans. He has got a bunch of headstrong young whippersnappers that can't be tamed.

Lee Montgomery: It makes you wonder what's going on over there. Changing drivers will probably help, but they need some consistency. I believe Harvick and Todd Berrier will be a good combination, but Park and Gordon probably will keep being inconsistent.

Marty Smith: I wish I knew what was wrong. I think they have the equipment and the talent, but they can't put it together worth crap. They've shown flashes of brilliance -- Robby's run at Richmond was unbelievable -- but they're rarely a threat to win.

Ryan Smithson: I mean, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has almost as many restrictor plate wins in the last two years than RCR does combined in all the other races.

Dave Rodman: Lee, I think you hit a pretty big nail there -- consistency -- they need to establish some combinations and stick with them.

Send Hate Mail Marty Ryan Dave Lee

Ryan Smithson: Steve Park's had a fine debut at RCR -- not bad at all -- but he still wrecked/spun in both Charlotte races.

Lee Montgomery: I wonder if there's still some carryover from Earnhardt's death. He was RCR, and when he died, I wonder if a lot of RCR died with him.

Dave Rodman: Steven could be the glue that brings that whole bunch together. Kevin and Robby, needless to say, are as stubborn as mules -- look at that banging match they had at Lowe's -- for what?

Marty Smith: I think Steve's presence will change that team. As much as they wanted us to believe it, Jeff Green and Harvick get along like oil and water.

Ryan Smithson: The Harvick-Green combo was doomed before it even ran, Marty, remember Bristol 2001?

Send Nice Mail Marty Ryan Dave Lee

Marty Smith: Obviously, Big E's death was one of the most deflating occurrences in the sport's history, league-wide. But you're right, Big E would have battled Gordon for the 2001 championship. I truly believe the 3 team was good enough to win it all in 2001.

Ryan Smithson: The weird thing is that their Busch cars are winning every three weeks.

Marty Smith: Come on Smithson.

Ryan Smithson: What now?

Fan Email  Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on at RCR? Who's the jerk here? Harvick or Gordon?  I mean, I'm sure there's some jealousy going on with the 31 crew, (and we know there was some with the 30 under Green) but let's face it. The 29 car is the only one bringing home the bacon.  That said, the 29 was apparently the better car Sunday night, so why was Gordon banging around on him when he tried to make the pass?   -- Ian

Marty Smith: You can't even compare Busch and Cup right now, man.

Ryan Smithson: I know. But it's still true.

Marty Smith: There are 20 teams in Cup with money. There are seven in Busch.

Lee Montgomery: We've all seen that Childress isn't afraid to pull the trigger and make changes, so I don't think they're standing still. What do we talk about every week? Chemistry.

Ryan Smithson: I think Robby Gordon has proved himself as a Winston Cup driver. Obviously Harvick has, but Park? This is A.D. for him, and he has to prove himself all over again.

Lee Montgomery: Ha. Send those emails to Ryan.

Dave Rodman: I think Childress needs to be patient for the rest of the season and give his current combinations a chance to develop. The 31 bunch has a definite chance to contend for a top-10 spot, and the 29 is already there.

	Michael Waltrip is gunning for the Stanton Barrett look (below) Credits: Autostock

Ryan Smithson: But they need to win, Rodman. I am sure Harvick ain't thrilled with one win in neatly two years.

Lee Montgomery: They definitely need to win. But they need to run in the top 10 more often first, and that's a tough thing to do in this sport. It's funny to me that we're even talking about this. RCR was once the best team in the sport.

Dave Rodman: Listen to what he said to Park -- They need to be competitive, consistently, first. They have had a hard time doing that, up until now. If they can accomplish that they will win more races.

Marty Smith: Wonder if Kevin will win Chicago again?

Ryan Smithson: You know I hate fuel mileage wins, Marty

Marty Smith: Does anyone really care if you dislike fuel mileage wins, Ryan? I'd venture to say Harvick doesn't think much of your preferences.

Lee Montgomery: Heck, drivers will take any win.

Ryan Smithson: I am sure of that. But it cracks me up that you almost enjoy fuel mileage wins.

Lee Montgomery: A win is a win is a win. Period.

Marty Smith: Who says I enjoy fuel mileage wins?

Who is the early favorite to win the Winston Cup championship? Can you guys pick one early favorite?

Lee Montgomery: I wonder if we'll all say Kenseth.

Ryan Smithson: I know it's really early, but this is Kenseth's to lose, and everyone knows that.

	Kenny Wallace wishes the rain would go away........

Marty Smith: I think there are three teams, right now, that are on the proverbial inside track. Matt Kenseth. Bobby Labonte. Jimmie Johnson. I'm going with Labonte.

Dave Rodman: Someone had better step up pretty quickly and address this Matt Kenseth issue. If we all blink a couple times, he could have the field by 300 points.

Ryan Smithson: Kenseth never wads up his metal. Never.

Lee Montgomery: He's been amazingly consistent. No DNFs and only two finishes outside the top 10. Amazing. 10 top-10s in 12 races.

Ryan Smithson: Pretty ironic that Kenseth -- not Burton, Martin -- will probably clinch Roush's first title.

	......and Ricky Rudd wished it had never arrived. Credit: AP

Marty Smith: Dale Jr. and Kurt Busch are both having killer seasons and will vie for this championship, but I think the 17, 18 and 48 will battle it out to the end of the year.

Lee Montgomery: The 600 was a good example of his season. He gets a lap down but battles back to finish second. Championship teams do that: take what could be a bad finish and turn it into a good one.

Dave Rodman: That is championship consistency. As much as I hate to say it, Gibbs' engine department has been alarmingly erratic.

Marty Smith: Great call, Dave. They definitely need to remedy that situation in a hurry.

Lee Montgomery: But it's only Stewart. Has Labonte had engine trouble?

Ryan Smithson: Once, I think.

Lee Montgomery: Just odd, I know.

Ryan Smithson: Let me check.

Marty Smith: Earlier this year he did. He said something about it in post race interviews the other night.

Lee Montgomery: Roush had their problems, but they seem to have corrected them.

Ryan Smithson: Bobby's not listed as out by engine in any race, but that don't mean anything. Darlington may have been it. He was taken out in accidents at Daytona and Dega. I am thinking Bobby will be runner-up for the third time in his career. Kenseth's obviously the favorite. The man has no weaknesses.

Dave Rodman: It only takes one of those problems and you are in a big hole, and then it takes how many races to dig your way back out of it? I can't believe how one simple goof has buried Jr. for the short term -- not that I don't think he can come back.

Lee Montgomery: But will Kenseth be like Marlin last year? Run great until later in the season? I'd vote no, but one never knows.

Ryan Smithson: Good point again, Lee. We said the same crap about Marlin last year. And Marlin was slipping before the injury.

Dave Rodman: well -- I think Matt's wins were spaced pretty evenly throughout the year, so I don't really see him hitting a dry spell.

Any final thoughts before we wrap up?

	Bye Andy! Credit: AP

Lee Montgomery: Note to goobers: NASCAR did not call the race early because of Jimmie Johnson.

Marty Smith: Read my explanation in Last Lap, boys. I swear I think I figured it out.

Dave Rodman: That's right -- Home Depot is their official home improvement center.

Lee Montgomery: Amen.

Ryan Smithson: I am a big Goober Lindsey fan. Sorry, I still think he's funny.

Lee Montgomery: Hey, Andy!

Lee Montgomery: Bye, Andy!

Track Smack appears every Wednesday on NASCAR.com at 11 a.m. ET sharp!

The opinions listed here are solely those of the participants.