(dis)believe the dialogue: Weekly news in review

The buzz around the sport this week is of course the feuding Gordons and whether or not the "gentleman's agreement" was violated during the Dodge/Save Mart 350 on Sunday.

Every side of this story has been discussed and debated, but if you missed it, check out "Last Lap: Sonoma soap opera" to get caught up.

See if you agree with the "DIS" of what has been reported this past week, or maybe you BELIEVE everything you read, because if it is printed, it is true ... right?

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	NASCAR's top division will be called the NEXTEL Cup Series in 2004.

Marty: BELIEVE

Though similar situations have failed in the past -- similar situations being eager, big-bank account, high-profile sponsors taking a good thing and royally screwing it up. See: CART Fed/Ex Championship Series and Indy Racing Northern Light Series -- I believe in this partnership for one distinct reason: NASCAR is extremely smart about money and unapologetic in securing it.

Hence, I assume they've structured this agreement to guarantee a prosperous financial future, even in the event that the fickle telecommunications industry experiences a decline. I certainly hope that's the case.

If they're smart, Nextel will hire R.J. Reynolds' event marketing staff. Their value to teams, sponsors and media is truly indescribable. By integrating past ideas and industry experience with future vision, their transition will be far more seamless.

With Nextel, you'll see more NASCAR than you ever imagined. They'll be able to market the series on television and radio in ways Winston never could -- namely to teenagers and children. NEXTEL will continue to grow this sport, which is truly amazing to me. Dale Jr., may be right. We may not see the peak for years to come.

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Elliott: BELIEVE

What can I say? I agree with you, Marty. NASCAR hit the jackpot again to the tune of $700 million dollars. Now their top series sponsor can market to kids and teens, while also integrating new technology into the sport.

To go even further, there is no doubt in my mind more fans are addicted to their cell phones than cigarettes, which expands the marketplace for all types of merchandise possibilities (driver-branded phones, etc.) -- although I am sure someone out there would buy a Dale Jr.-branded Winston hard pack!

My only DIScontent with this deal is that I hope three years from now we aren't scraping Nextel's name off the marquee, a-la Enron Field or Adelphia Coliseum.

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Elliott: BELIEVE

TV ratings and lack of fan support aside, I am glad to see the Craftsman Truck Series make this milestone. The series acts as an important avenue as a development series (or retirement series) for many drivers.

It provides valuable seat time to drivers that need to gain experience, especially at companion tracks where Busch and Cup are run -- and for guys like Hank Parker Jr., Jason Leffler or Bobby Hamilton, it keeps their names out there for teams to keep an eye on when Busch or Cup rides become available at the end of the year.

Marty: BELIEVE

As much as I hate to admit it, I'd have dissed the Trucks a year ago. But I've been reborn into the faith. The Truck Series is NASCAR's most competitive series right now, and never fails to produce quality races.

Its health, currently, is better even than the Busch Series. What is it Joe Diffie said? There's something women like about a pickup man?

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Marty: BELIEVE

	Jeff Burton has only 3 top 10 finishes this season for Roush Racing. Credit: Autostock

I absolutely hate this for Jeff Burton. He's the man. In Track Smack a while back, I cited lack of performance as reasoning for CITGO's decision to pull out. But in the weeks since, dozens of fans have informed me that CITGO is experiencing financial duress, and has to discontinue its involvement for budget reasons.

Hence, I understand and accept their decision.

Obviously, Burton isn't the championship contender he once was, but he hasn't forgotten how to drive. He's still an awesome talent and a top-five spokesman for NASCAR racing.

Nextel's involvement disallows new telecommunications companies to enter the sport for the next decade, and disallows Cingular and ALLTEL the possibility of sponsoring anyone but their current teams. They can stay in the sport, but only with Richard Childress Racing and Penske Racing, respectively.

That's tough for Burton. Rumor has it Roush Racing was close to inking AT&T as primary sponsor of the No. 99 car.

Elliott: DIS

Ok Marty, this is now the second time we have had to discuss sponsorship woes at Roush Racing (see Barrett's team gets shut down). I understand the economy is sluggish, but I am really starting to wonder if Roush Racing is pricing itself out of the market.

Sure, as a team, they are leading the points and have four wins this season, but two sponsors have jumped ship in almost as many weeks.

I am obviously not privy to Roush's financials, but clearly someone needs to do some number crunching to help keep sponsors in the game, or at least help them stay healthier when they are on the car.

Better yet, maybe we are starting to see the beginning of contraction for the multi-car teams, something I think would be good for the sport.

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Elliott: DIS

	Boris Said showed that "ringers" have skills, but does he belong? Credit: Autostock

I am 100 percent against road course ringers, period. Winston Cup drivers are supposed to be the best "DRIVERS" in the world, regardless of the shape of the track. Unless you are injured (or fired), a Winston Cup team should be forced to start the full-time driver associated with their team.

Some teams stink at plate races, yet I don't see ringers out there at Daytona or Talladega for a bunch of teams?

It is great for Said, Fellows, etc., to showcase their abilities, but I don't think it should come at the expense of cheapening the skill level of Winston Cup drivers.

If they want to race with the big boys, get some funding and bring a car.

Marty: DIS

Boris Said is the man. He's hysterical, has awesome hair and earned an uplifting pole for the Army boys last weekend. But he didn't win. Neither did Ron Fellows or Scott Pruett or Johnny Miller.

Matter of fact, a "specialist" hasn't won a Winston Cup Series race at a road course in 30 years. Enough said.

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the writers.