"Jeff, for the last time, wave your hand like this if you wish to stay when you're playing blackjack." Credit: AP

Track Smack: Atlanta

Note: Marty Smith will be back next week, as he is still trying to recover from a month on the West Coast.

Reactions to the penalties NASCAR handed down Tuesday?

Ryan Smithson: I think the record NASCAR fine was $60,000 they gave Ray Evernham like 10 years ago, so this shows NASCAR is really angry and ready to crack down on everything. Having Berrier out a month will really burn Harvick, who was just gaining steam.

Lee Montgomery: This is NASCAR being serious about cheating without being serious. If they really wanted to stop cheating, they'd start taking victories away. But since that isn't going to happen, this is the next best thing.

Dave Rodman: Very nice. If NASCAR was trying to make a point, they might have finally done it. Personally, I was pretty disappointed with the blasé way the media in general had blown off the fact that the first two finishers failed tech.

Duane Cross: The knee-jerk reaction is going to be, 'Wow -- they got pimp-slapped.' ... The reality is that these teams are pushing the envelope trying to get their arms around the new spoiler/tire/gear rules -- and NASCAR let them know exactly where the line is.

Ryan Smithson: Rodman, the media knew the victories would stand, so is it really that big a deal? Like Lee says, they refuse to take away wins.

Lee Montgomery: Good point, Dave. The first legal car at Vegas was ... Kurt Busch.

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Dave Rodman: Hmmm. What they did is the most serious step they've taken yet -- short of taking away a win. I would say that might be next. Letting cheaters stay winners is tradition -- but no tradition remains -- or remains safe. So I would say that's next, depending on the circumstances.

Duane Cross: As for taking away a win, there's the issue of proving these teams blatantly cheated. ... I doubt any of the crews are going to go that far over the line as to where they can't fall back on a piece of the car failing, which ultimately leads to the car not passing inspection. It's cutting hairs, but these guys -- and NASCAR -- know that.

Lee Montgomery: I know what you're saying, Duane, but wrong is wrong.

Ryan Smithson: It's not like the 5 team cheated all that blatantly. Their car was a tad high and that could have happened during the race.

Lee Montgomery: I know, but isn't cheating cheating, whether it was on purpose or not? Oops! I jumped offsides. "Well, it was only an accident, so that's 2 yards instead of 5."

Dave Rodman: It's very similar to speeding on pit road. You are trying to shave tolerances to the nth degree. Sometimes, that takes you over the line and you're penalized.

Ryan Smithson: I guess, but I am sure where are hitters who occasionally pick up a corked bat by accident. It's about intent, and the 29 team was about intent.

This is one of the world's only known photographs of Ryan Newman wearing a hat. Credit: AP

B. Duane Cross: Yes, Lee, cheating is cheating -- but proving it in this high-stakes game ... you have a better chance of getting NASCAR to give Kentucky a Cup race than them taking away a win without rock-solid, undeniable proof. And these crews are not going to give NASCAR that proof.

Lee Montgomery: Oh, I know, but a guy can dream.

Dave Rodman: Kevin said he wasn't going any (much) faster than everyone else around him. But if everyone else was five-over the limit and he was six -- guess what? He's penalized and they're home free. Or free to keep rolling.

Ryan Smithson: This is still great publicity for NASCAR, guys. An anchor for CNN was just over asking us to explain everything to him. It's huge news.

Lee Montgomery: NASCAR is the only place where cheating isn't really cheating.

Dave Rodman: Controversy sells boys -- everyone knows that.

B. Duane Cross: Hello, baseball. Yep -- and NASCAR can market controversy better than any three sports combined.

Ryan Smithson: Boys, I don't think this will hurt Jimmie Johnson at all. But Harvick -- who is a bubble team anyway -- ugh.

Dave Rodman: Well, we'll see, won't we? At least for a weekend it won't. If they're appealing, Chad will be on the box this weekend. I feel worse for the 29 gang -- because after a couple rough years they were producing like gangbusters.

There is our own Marty Smith (right) waiting for Jeff Gordon at Vegas. Credit: AP

Ryan Smithson: After everything that happened last fall at Hendrick, Johnson actually ran better, so big deal. But I am sure Kyle Busch's crew chief -- who's just in his third race -- isn't going to want to sit down when he just finished second.

Lee Montgomery: Let's not cry too much for these guys. Remember, they knew what they were doing.

Is it me, or is Carl Edwards the next Mark Martin? This guy is the real deal and he's humble as hell. He's full of talent and he's loving' what he's doing, and that's racing, competitively. Are you guys of the same opinion?
-- Josh Smith Mexico, Me.

Lee Montgomery: Mexico. Oh, sorry. Nightmares.

Ryan Smithson: There also is a Mexico, Missouri.

Dave Rodman: Yup. Carl and Mark could be confused for clones. Next question?

Lee Montgomery: You know, do you guys remember when McMurray started in Cup? He was the same way. Time seems to have a way of taking enthusiasm away. Not saying McMurray isn't as happy, but the demands on being a driver can wear on you. That being said, I'm glad Carl is the way he is, and I hope he stays that way.

B. Duane Cross: We -- the media -- have a tendency to anoint the next big thing (Kasey Kahne?). ... Let's see how Carl is doing when we get to, say, California in September. As for his personality, he's in charge of that. If he can keep that in check, he'll go a long way toward keeping the media at bay. But as for being the 'next Mark Martin,' let's hold the presses on that.

Ryan Smithson: It's way too early to call Carl the next Mark Martin, mainly because Martin's career has been nothing short of phenomenal. Anything over 30 wins is huge.

Hermie does not have this problem. Credit: AP

Dave Rodman: Good call, Ryan. My comment, I guess, addressed passion and raw ability.

Ryan Smithson: I really don't think Carl will change much; it is just the way it is. It's really enjoyable talking to him.

Lee Montgomery: He was a teacher, you know. I would imagine he was good at that, too.

Ryan Smithson: Rodman, I don't think Martin has -- or ever will -- get the respect for his career. But it's been amazing. Martin had a season in 1998 that would have won the title in 95 percent of the seasons.

Lee Montgomery: Who doesn't respect Martin?

Dave Rodman: Hmm. I don't agree Ryan -- nowhere near agreeing. In the competitors I surveyed, Mark was most respected for his racing ability. And I think, despite the way Mark continually tries to downplay it -- there is no disguising or short-selling his accomplishments.

Ryan Smithson: Another thing boys -- there is a Roush Racing because of Mark Martin. Not because of Matt Kenseth or Kurt Busch, but Martin is the one who got that team going when it was nothing and remained loyal to get it going.

B. Duane Cross: Mark Martin should be remembered as one of the top drivers all time -- forget not winning a Cup title (yet). He's gracious, can drive it like he stole it and has been a good teammate to Roush Racing's other drivers. What more could you want out of a driver? He's the consummate professional.

Lee Montgomery: I want to know who doesn't respect Mark Martin. It's no one in here.

Ryan Smithson: I am really glad we have a Carl Edwards though. That boy is going to sell a lot of T-shirts someday.

B. Duane Cross: Yeah, and you thought Chad Little would sell a bunch of T-shirts, too.

Ryan Smithson: Chad Little. Blast from the past.

Y'all can't tell us that didn't hurt. Credit: AP

Dave Rodman: He shows every sign of it -- but he'll have to maintain some consistency at a very high level to approximate Mark's accomplishments -- and I'll guarantee you Carl understands that.

Ryan Smithson: Duane, you have 12 John Deere cars if I remember right.

B. Duane Cross: Yeah, they're collector's items.

Lee Montgomery: He was in Mexico. I wonder if he felt as badly as I did.

Ryan Smithson: For losing his ride to Kurt Busch? I would say that was probably a smart business decision.

B. Duane Cross: Yep ... you know, Deere footed the bill for Kurt's white ride at Daytona.

Ryan Smithson: Too bad Marty isn't here this week; he's the biggest John Deere fan of all time. And there's no disputing that.

If NASCAR is really trying to save the owners money, why do they keep pushing for tires that wear out more quickly? Tires are at least $400 a pop. How does it save owners money if they have to put on more tires during a race? I'd like to see you guys kick that one around.
-- Aaron Witt, McHenry, Ill.

Ryan Smithson: Dang. Good question. All I know is that some teams went through (getting a calculator) about $15,000 to $20,000 in tires at Vegas. But that pales in engine costs. Still.

Lee Montgomery: NASCAR isn't trying to save owners money. They can't.

Dave Rodman: Hmmm. Not much to kick, there. Tires are kind of like part of the cost of doing business. Though you could easily argue the tire limits in Busch and truck is a good thing.

Ryan Smithson: Lee, when you fell on your head in Mexico, it woke you up, because you're making great points today.

Lee Montgomery: The tire thing was supposed to help make racing better and take some strategy away. It wasn't to save anyone money.

Dang! I need to get me a pain reliever sponsor! Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

B. Duane Cross: Well, I'll toss FOX under the bus on this one: If the pre-race wasn't 90 minutes long, the race could start before the track got smoldering in the late-afternoon sunshine -- and thus there would be less tire wear. (Just kidding.)

Ryan Smithson: You're on a roll, Lee! You too, Duane!

Lee Montgomery: Amazing what altitude, or lack thereof, will do.

B. Duane Cross: Tires are a necessary expense -- whatever the cost, you have to have them. There are other ways teams can save money. NASCAR isn't in the business of saving teams money; they can make it more cost effective, though, which is what NASCAR is trying to do.

Ryan Smithson: There are some good movies (Run, Lola, Run and South Park: The Movie) that don't last as long as pre-race shows.

B. Duane Cross: I'd rather watch Lola run ...

Dave Rodman: Getting the schedule adjustments strictly in place would be a good way to save real money. But that isn't happening any time this year, by the looks of it.

Predictions for Atlanta?

B. Duane Cross: Ryan Newman will sit on the pole.

Ryan Smithson: Nice, Duane. Geez. What's next? Kirk Shelmerdine DNQs?

Lee Montgomery: I said I'd pick Kasey Kahne until he won. But I lied. Mark Martin.

Low five Credit: Darrell Ingham/Getty Images

B. Duane Cross: Scott Riggs will finish in the top 25 -- maybe even crack the top 20. ... But I like Jimmie Johnson to win.

Ryan Smithson: It'll be a Roush car. Matt Kenseth. That team is back.

Dave Rodman: Sorry to fall into a rut -- but another Hendrick / Roush battle royal. Based on his own word, I'd like to say Mark Martin -- but if it came down to Biff and Gordon, I'd have to go with Jeff.

Ryan Smithson: Jimmie Johnson wins; NASCAR suspends his tire changers, spotter, wife and motorcoach driver.

Lee Montgomery: I don't know about Newman on the pole. This is an impound race, remember.

B. Duane Cross: I'll also venture a guess that the guest announcer will be able to pronounce "Jesus" -- if Morgan Shepherd makes the race. We are, after all, in Atlanta.