You'd think for all that money Daytona spent, they could have bought some doors. Credit: Autostock

Track Smack: Offseason

Which team needs to use Daytona testing to move their plate program to the next level?

Marty Smith: Evernham Motorsports. Having hired Slugger Labbe and Chris Andrews, it has two of the smartest aerodynamicists in the game, so it's time to use those resources to become a force at Daytona and Talladega. And for the record, I highly anticipate it will do so.

Dave Rodman: I am going to say Evernham Motorsports, and I think it will, with the moves it's made in the offseason. We have already discussed Slugger Labbe's move and the impact it's going to have over there

Ryan Smithson: It's still surprising to me that Penske struggles on the plate tracks, even after all these years. It has had some good runs, but Ryan Newman has got to improve on them this year.

Lee Montgomery: First one that comes to my mind is Evernham Motorsports. It already has started the right movement, hiring Slugger Labbe to be Jeremy's crew chief. Now, it's time to get more speed.

Lee Montgomery: Three out of four is pretty good.

Ryan Smithson: Well, it's all Dodge, boys.

MARTY'S WORD OF THE WEEK aerodynamicists:  Real smart folks who study the dynamics of bodies moving relative to gases, especially the interaction of moving objects with the atmosphere, like Chevrolets, Fords and Dodges and restrictor-plate tracks.

Ryan Smithson: Most of the other big teams seem to have taken a bite out of DEI's dominance. DEI's still the best but it certainly isn't as feared last year.

Marty Smith: Ha! We aren't putting any pressure on EMS, are we? Not that they care what a bunch of idiots like us say. But it's true. With the resources Ray has acquired, they need to go make a statement.

Marty Smith: Hendrick has made huge gains in plate racing. Jeff Gordon won at both plate tracks in 2004, and Jimmie Johnson was right there, as well. They'll both be forces again, guaranteed.

Lee Montgomery: Hendrick is certainly on par with DEI these days.

Ryan Smithson: RCR wasn't bad last year either.

Lee Montgomery: I'd expect the Yates guys to be a little better on plate tracks, too. They improved last year and should step up in 2005.

	"Here, you see if you can get more than nine right on Trivia Challenge!" Credit: Autostock
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Ryan Smithson: If Kasey Kahne comes out of Daytona after a strong Speedweeks, it'll send that boy into a top-five frenzy.

Marty Smith: True, LeeMo. The 38 team is Ford's best on plate tracks. The 97 has run well on superspeedways, too.

Lee Montgomery: Kurt has been very good on superspeedways. Lots of folks don't realize that.

Dave Rodman: The boy is good everywhere. His Chase success was far from an anomaly.

Ryan Smithson: I still can't believe Evernham got Labbe. What a good hire. He'll be missed at DEI.

Marty Smith: Slugger had as much to do with DEI's plate dominance as anyone there, if not more. He's an aero genius.

Ryan Smithson: That is a weird story, Marty. You can't let people like that leave. It sure did take long to find work. Nearly two hours.

Dave Rodman: It remains to be seen on a lot of fronts exactly what a number of people's impacts are going to be. Too bad we had this session in the morning of the first test day -- rather than later in the afternoon.

Marty Smith: Daytona testing doesn't really tell the tale, though, Dave. Many teams don't come close to showing what they have.

Ryan Smithson: When Kirk Shelmerdine runs the quickest lap, we have got a problem.

Dave Rodman: True, but it would at least show some tendencies.

Which Nextel Cup driver is under the most pressure this year?

Ryan Smithson: Rusty Wallace. He does not want to go out on a bad note. This is also his final four chances to win a plate race. Finishing well will be very very important to him.

	The life-size "Jeff Gordon in the Daytona Media Center" collectible is now available in the Superstore. Credit: Jason Schoellen/Turner Sports Interactive
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Lee Montgomery: I kind of hate to say it, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. I mean, he didn't miss the championship by much, and then his team is pulled out from under him, pretty much (even if he did the pulling).

Marty Smith: This might not be fair, because he's a rookie, but I'd have to say Kyle Busch. He's in a legendary ride with a championship organization, competing in the shadow of a championship-winning brother. No matter how well he does, it'll be tough to please the critics.

Lee Montgomery: That isn't fair, but I see your point. And Rusty doesn't know what pressure is.

Ryan Smithson: Man, Marty, I don't see how he'll run well right off the bat.

Marty Smith: Nor do I, Smithson, but we're realists. Most aren't. Expectations will be high for Kyle.

Ryan Smithson: I don't think people are expecting miracles of him though. I mean, come on, he was born in 19-freaking-85.

Lee Montgomery: You know, I bet he might surprise some folks. Maybe not right away this year, but I'd bet he and Vickers will be a lot better by the end of the year.

Marty Smith: Agreed. I think, too, that Kyle internalizes a lot of pressure. He puts a lot on himself to get it done ASAP.

Ryan Smithson: That is such a tough way to go through life

Marty Smith: Having Lance McGrew will be huge for Vickers, LeeMo.

Dave Rodman: There's pressure galore on lots of people -- you guys have hit three good ones. I don't know if I'd want to single anyone out.

Richard Petty appreciates the Carolina blue paint on the new Daytona garages. Credit: Autostock

Ryan Smithson: It better be for Vickers. He has got to pick it up. Good thing is that he ran a lot better towards ends of year, and Brian is a great qualifier.

Marty Smith: I anticipate Vickers will have a great season. He'll sit on some poles, vie for some wins at 1.5-milers.

Lee Montgomery: Don't forget. The 5 and 25 will be together in the same shop. That's huge for Hendrick. Look at what the 24 and 48 did.

Dave Rodman: I think seat time is going to mean a lot for Brian. From Kyle's perspective, I really wish that he would have stayed in the Busch Series another year.

Ryan Smithson: And even though it's another series, Steve Park will be under the gun as well, especially if Gaughan starts winning in the same equipment.

Marty Smith: Good gracious, Smithson. You're in for it now.

Lee Montgomery: Steve will be fine. They ran a lot better the second half of the year.

Dave Rodman: I don't think he's going to come in and work miracles. He will be competitive, no doubt. But that team was gutted when Brendan went to Cup -- Steve's performance kind of proved that and he was much better at the end of the year.

Dave Rodman: I'd say Steve could easily win within the first six races of the season.

Lee Montgomery: I think so, too.

Marty Smith: Brendan should light it up. Billy Wilburn's going to have those boys dialed in.

Ryan Smithson: Hey Marty. Would you leave Jennifer Aniston for Angelina Jolie?

Marty Smith: Yes. In a heartbeat.

Ryan Smithson: Why?

Lee Montgomery: He can't say. This is a family site.

Ryan Smithson: I mean, come on, Brad Pitt. You can't have both of those gals.

Marty Smith: Angelina Jolie's got her own thing going on. Man, my wife is crushed that Brad and Jen broke up. She can't hardly eat.