We can only surmise that Smoke left his dentures on the dash board ... Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Track Smack: Michigan

Has Tony Stewart's change in attitude made him a bigger force on the racetrack?

Dave Rodman: I think, without question that it's part of a bigger picture -- but how much of a part? I think it's half or better. Tony is more relaxed, consequently everyone around him is relaxed -- and they are potent.

Elliott Gordon: I am not sure it has changed his "on track" force. I mean we all know Tony can wheel a car. It is a bit of the Attack of the Body Snatchers; this isn't the same Tony that said D.W. needed provisionals to race his last few years.

Mark Spoor: I think it's made him more focused. Stewart has said that rather than obsessing about something for two days, he's been more relaxed. The proof is in the pudding. The bigger question: What has caused the change?

Duane Cross: The perception that Tony is more approachable dovetails into his recent hot streak, but I don't know that an attitude adjustment has made him a bigger force. He already was a contender each time the No. 20 unloaded. I think Stewart's gotten back to being Tony. You can go home again.

Elliott Gordon: The proof is in Dairy Queen, Spoor -- not the pudding.

Mark Spoor: Well done, E.G.; love the peanut buster parfait.

Duane Cross: That said, I believe he's a lot more focused on the track because he doesn't have a lot of other crap clouding his mind when he's wheeling it at 150 mph. Besides, it's tough enough to handle the car with your knees while spooning out a DQ Blizzard!

Mark Spoor: That the voice of experience, Duane?

WHIP IT GOOD Tony Stewart has opted for a makeover. He quietly turned over a pair of cars -- a Lamborghini and a baby blue 1984 Cadillac Brougham hearse -- from his collection to celebrity customizer Will Castro.  Intrigued by the challenge, Castro and his crew from Unique Autosports in New York believe they are up to the task of customizing the unusual car.  "This will be, at the very least, a five-month project," said Castro, whose show "Unique Whips" airs at 9 p.m. ET and PT Wednesday on SPEED. "We will do a complete job inside and out -- new wheels, new tires and custom paint. We'll add a custom top, an all new interior with a home entertainment system, plasma screens and a wet bar. It will be crazy."  Stewart, who purchased the car in Cincinnati "just to mess with people," trusts Castro to have some fun with the car.  "I'm not going to tell Will what to do," Stewart said. "That would be like Will telling me how to drive. He is a genius and this is what he does."

Dave Rodman: Rock on, D.C. -- you ain't lived until you've knee-drove your way through a New England -- or Tennessee -- back road.

Duane Cross: Country roads, take me home!

Elliott Gordon: I think Tony always has been misunderstood. Hell, the funniest thing he ever told me was that if he could drive anything his choice would be the Pope mobile. Classic.

Dave Rodman: There you go E.G. -- and that's it. Relocating to home has caused Tony to get a better focus on what really matters -- and he is more effective in every aspect of life on account. The fact that racing is el numero uno in his life is bad news for everyone else in Nextel Cup.

Mark Spoor: Well, look at the hearse he drives. How bizarre is that?

Elliott Gordon: I think Kyle Petty put it perfectly Monday night on Larry King Live. First Jimmie Johnson was hot, then it moved to Greg Biffle, and now Tony has it.

Mark Spoor: Good point, E.G. Y'all think that has to do with the new package?

Duane Cross: The neat thing is that a lot of people knew Tony was a free spirit, but he couldn't get out of his own way when it came to dealing with the public -- fans, media, etc. -- and he shot himself in the foot so many times. Now, Blizzard in hand rolling around Columbus in his hearse, he's gotten back to his roots and we're all seeing the best of what he's got to offer.

Dave Rodman: I truly think that if something drastic doesn't happen -- and I am not saying this wishfully -- then Zippy, Tony and the boys are gonna make a mockery of the Chase.

Elliott Gordon: Go read Kurt Busch's 20 Questions in Playboy this month. He also talks about growing up and being more fan-friendly since being punched by Mr. Excitement.

Duane Cross: There are articles in Playboy?

Dave Rodman: And someone reads 'em?

Elliott Gordon: So I hear ...

Dave Rodman: I personally witnessed Tony signing autographs at Watkins Glen on no less than three separate occasions -- at times more volatile than which I've seen him nearly execute people in the past. He was gracious, appreciative -- and so were the folks. That's at least 9-10 more lifetime Tony Stewart fans.

Duane Cross: There's no doubt he's a lot more fan-friendlier. ... Now let's see if it continues with the media scrutiny ratcheted up a notch (if that is even possible).

With four races left until the Chase begins, will Jeff Gordon earn an invitation to the party?

Guys, I'm telling ya -- we're this close to making the Chase. Really, we are! Credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images

Elliott Gordon: Jeff Gordon will make it. It may come down to a top-five at Richmond to do it, but he is going to get in.

Mark Spoor: Duane and I had this argument in our editorial meeting Monday morning. I say no. Sure, past history is in his corner, but so much of sports is momentum -- and Gordon has none.

Duane Cross: Hey, the No. 24 team finished at The Glen -- that was a huge boost. Gordon was 14th -- and it could have been a lot worse after he pitted with the tire problem. He worked his tail off for a top-15; crews don't forget that. Yes -- Gordon will make the Chase. That team cannot continue to falter at tracks on which Jeff has great history. It just cannot happen.

Dave Rodman: I can't bet against him -- just can't. He is in a rather select group right now that is very, very good just about everywhere that he goes -- and his poor finishes come down to intangibles or horrendous luck. Then again, to quote him, they stunk at Michigan in June -- but even at that I would never predict that would happen twice.

Elliott Gordon: Granted, he should have performed better at Sonoma ... and Watkins Glen ... and a few others, but he is a closer. He has the experience. And Jimmie as a teammate is no slouch.

Mark Spoor: The bigger question in my mind is what will NBC/TNT focus on if Gordo and Junior are both out?

Dave Rodman: Unless Tony makes a stink bomb out of the Chase, there will be plenty for them to focus on, I think.

Mark Spoor: Get ready for The Rusty and Mark Show.

Elliott Gordon: Nah, get ready for the Tony show.

Dave Rodman: Hear, hear to that idea. I just don't see the Tony juggernaut slowing down for anything. Everyone is lucky there is not a 600-point mercy rule -- you can't make the Chase if you're 600 out -- even if you are in the top-10. There'd be some weepin' and a' wailin' for sure.

Duane Cross: Re: Rusty and Mark Show -- maybe for the first couple races ... but after that, it'll be Jimmie (yeah, I still think he's gonna win it).

Elliott Gordon: Is that you Marty?

Mark Spoor: One thing to remember. Kurt Busch was barely in the picture before the Chase last year. We saw what happened. It's all about peaking at the right time.

Dave Rodman: Yeah, and Tony Stewart has already found the top of that mountain.

Duane Cross: And we know the 48 team can peak down the stretch.

Dave Rodman: And they can swallow an apple, too -- or try to. They've proven that (sorry, Marty).

Elliott Gordon: Don't be surprised if Busch does it again.

Duane Cross: Busch wins back-to-back titles ... and moves on to Penske. Now wouldn't that be a story.

Are there enough road-course races on the Nextel Cup Series schedule?

Dave Rodman: I love road racing, but I think there are. I think their position in the schedule should be changed -- there should be a road course in the Chase's 10 races.

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Mark Spoor: I think two is fine. That said, I think that one of them needs to be during the Chase. In my view, the Chase needs to be a microcosm of the season. Other than the lack of a road-course in the mix, I think NASCAR has achieved that.

Elliott Gordon: I think there should be one more -- or just move one of them to the Chase. Granted, Sonoma and Watkins Glen had an overall affect on how the Chase will unfold, but you should have to win the title with a road course test.

Duane Cross: NO! NO! NO! ... Two is not enough; it's costing these teams a bunch of Benjamins to prepare for two road-course races. At least give them a decent return on their investment. Whack a Pocono race and one from Loudon -- and add a road race in the Chase. It can be done -- and it should be done.

Mark Spoor: Where? Montreal? I'd sign up for that road trip, to be sure.

Duane Cross: I don't care if it's Medicine Hat -- there needs to be more ... and Canada is fine with me. (Better option than Mexico, for sure.)

Dave Rodman: I think the race at Montreal would stink because that racetrack, in my memory, is way too tight.

Elliott Gordon: Any chance to watch Scott Pruett, Boris Said and Robby Gordon run like that is totally fun.

Mark Spoor: Ya gotta love Boris. The guy will say anything and he's not too cool to cut himself down.

Dave Rodman: Road America would be much more suitable for a Nextel Cup road race. More like The Glen -- sweeping corners, fast; more good overtaking spots: Close to Chicago, so NASCAR should like that.

Predictions for Michigan?

	C'mon, Mike -- between you and me -- just once lemme drive the truck. Credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images
	And the winner will be ... Predictions for Michigan Smacker Driver Dave G. Biffle Elliott D. Jarrett Mark R. Newman B. Duane J. Gordon Last week's picks Smacker Driver Finish B. Duane T. Stewart 1 Dave R. Gordon 2 MartDawg J. Gordon 14 Ryan J. Gordon 14

Elliott Gordon: Considering Tony just has to finish 21st or better this weekend, he will clinch a spot in the Chase when that checkered flag falls. ... BUT I am going to pick Dale Jarrett. This is his weekend to shine -- 20 top-10s in his career at Michigan, a 54 percent clip if you can believe that.

Duane Cross: Jeff Gordon gets a foothold on the Chase -- and doesn't let go, especially with Bristol, Cali and Richmond next.

Mark Spoor: I just have a feeling about Ryan Newman. It's been a bit since we've seen him up front and I think he's due.

Duane Cross: We've been saying that a lot about Newman.

Elliott Gordon: He is due for another pole and another 18th-place finish, Spoor.

Dave Rodman: It's a Ford, sure -- and having said that I am gonna opt for either Greg Biffle, at three-in-a-row, or Elliott Sadler's bounce-back continues.

Duane Cross: ESad's not a bad pick, Dave. ... But it's time a Chevy got back to Victory Lane at Michigan (been since 2001, when you-know-who won it).

Mark Spoor: But, that said, it is make or break time for the 24. Can they build on the battling finish they had last week?

Elliott Gordon: Gordo's average finish at MIS is 10.2 in 25 starts.

Dave Rodman: I don't think the 24 is breaking yet -- but that can't afford a cataclysm. And if it's a Chevy -- well, you know who it will be.

Mark Spoor: You knew Rodman would get an SAT word in before we finished.

Duane Cross: We had the ACT in Mississippi ... but we SAT down to take it.

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.