Track Smack: 'Dega

What can be done to turn Jamie McMurray's season around? What is the problem or problems?

Dave Rodman: If Jamie and Bob Osborne aren't on the same page, either find out how they can get there, or ask Jamie who he thinks he could work better with -- and get him. Jamie can get the job done.

David Newton: Why do we think that Jamie McMurray has such a big problem is my question. He didn't do much better driving for Ganassi, and his only win in a Cup car came in Sterling Marlin's 40.

Ryan Smithson: Well, for starters, the 26 team is nothing like the team Kurt Busch had when he won the title in 2004. Different personnel, you name it. Combined with Roush's overall recession, that is a perfect formula for the struggles.

Marty Smith: Well, Newt, first of all because he's battling the 78 for position. Turning this season around ain't happening. I think it's time they go ahead and shake up the teams to prepare for '07. McMurray said last weekend it was planned, and it's definitely time. Put Bob Osborne back with Carl Edwards -- proven commodity.

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Ryan Smithson: Marty, I strongly disagree. Why split up Wally Brown and Edwards? They are just getting going.

Marty Smith: Four wins. No wins. That's all the proof you need, Smithson.

Ryan Smithson: Marty, they have been on the verge, though. Don't disrupt that. Carl can get his 2-3 wins before the season is over anyway.

Marty Smith: No offense to Wally Brown. I'm not saying he's a problem. He's certainly NOT a problem. But when two guys mesh in this sport it's invaluable, and Carl and Osborne mesh.

Ryan Smithson: Jamie has had problems every week merely qualifying well. He starts 40th every week it seems. That points to serious car problems.

Dave Rodman: Seems like he's an arrow most weekends when he races in the Busch Series, which seems to indicate those cars are more suited for him.

David Newton: My point was he's never been a star in Cup, and he has had a few good runs. Consistency has always been his problem.

	"Tell Jack to look ... I'm in front of the 2003 Cup champion." Credit: Autostock
	Inside the Numbers Comparing Jamie McMurray's 2006 season with his career-worst stats   2006 Worst Year Wins 0 0 '03-'05 Top-5s 3 4 '05 Top-10s 7 10 '05 Avg. Start 25.2 21.4 '05 Avg. Finish 21.3 18.6 '03 Laps Led 128 39 '05 DNFs 3 6 '04 Rank 20 13 '03

Dave Rodman: I think Wally might do well no matter where he is -- but I think Marty's right: Carl and Bob certainly had it going on in 2005.

Ryan Smithson: Marty, I am not convinced that Carl wouldn't mesh well with anyone, you know?

David Newton: Why do we assume it's the crew chief that's holding McMurray back?

Marty Smith: We aren't assuming that, Newt. But they're slow, and that can't continue. There is no patience for it in this sport.

Ryan Smithson: Bob Osborne is a fine crew chief, but that deal isn't working, Newt. Sorry to state the obvious for you.

David Newton: Heck, when he left Ganassi everybody thought all he needed was a good car, and Roush would be it.

Dave Rodman: Ryan -- if you stack them side by side, as Marty said, Carl won early and often with Bob ... And he has yet to win with Wally, despite running well enough to. Merits a backtrack, if you ask me.

Ryan Smithson: The thing is, someone can accuse McMurray of simply not being a good driver, and yet, Jamie has repeatedly done well at very difficult tracks. Darlington. Rockingham. Road courses.

David Newton: We could be having this same conversation about Casey Mears and Brian Vickers and several other drivers.

Ryan Smithson: Mears and Vickers are actually running on the lead lap, Newt. No comparison. None.

Dave Rodman: Yup. Which is why I say, let him get his guy in there, and then swim.

Marty Smith: I wish Mears could have had one more year with Elledge. They were money at the end of '05

Ryan Smithson: Give McMurray the 6 car and let the rookie run the 26. Run it by Crown Royal. They'd say no, but ask anyway.

David Newton: For what it's worth, I thought Jamie did very well on the cooking show at the Dover Downs hotel.

Are you guys ready for the Montoya media circus this weekend?

Marty Smith: Heck yeah, can't wait.

	"You mean my head won't be sticking out of the roof?" Credit: AP
	MONTOYA NOT THE FIRST •   International Cup drivers Garage PassGanassi hopes to get Montoya in a seat this year Sign up for TrackPass now BUY THE NEXTEL i836

Ryan Smithson: Heck yes. This is going to be fun. Anything to get my mind off the dad-blamed Chase.

David Newton: Need something to spice things up outside the Chase.

Marty Smith: Junior tells me Talladega is the easiest place he could hope to start. But man, three-wide when a guy isn't used it has to be a bit unnerving. But I'm not a driver, so I'll not act like I know what it's like.

David Newton: Junior would. He's a master at Talladega. Not sure Montoya will feel so great going five-wide with a group of ARCA drivers.

Ryan Smithson: He's right though, Marty. Better Talladega than Charlotte. The new surface should help too. Less bumps.

Dave Rodman: Relatively speaking, I know what Junebug is saying, but that proximity factor -- not to mention ARCA's loose-cannon factor -- will certainly put a spin or two on that.

David Newton: Wonder if Montoya has watched any highlights of the "Big Crash'' or seen a car like Elliott Sadler's going end over end?

Dave Rodman: He's done that in open-wheel cars so he probably appreciates the armor plating. Actually, I can't swear he's done an ESad -- but he's certainly been around enough of 'em.

Ryan Smithson: That ARCA race is one of my favorite of the year, though. Wrecks and effects. Momma said knock you out.

Marty Smith: That was LL Cool J, Smithson. Wreckx-N-Effect was Rump Shaker.

Ryan Smithson: That was their only song. I'll bet Junior recalls it vividly.

Marty Smith: I was in eighth grade I think. We played it on the Giles High J.V. basketball bus incessantly.

Ryan Smithson: No, it was ninth. You're a year under me, and I was in 10th.

David Newton: I refuse to comment where I was.

Dave Rodman: You guys put me to sleep.

Predictions for Talladega? Will Mark Martin wreck?

Ryan Smithson: We are going to have an ultra-calm weekend with the Cup cars. Maybe 1-2 cautions. Jimmie Johnson wins.

	?Brian Vickers, is that you? Then who?s driving the car?? Credit: Autostock/NASCAR
	Talladega Predictions Smacker Pick Ryan Jimmie Johnson Marty Brian Vickers Rodman Brian Vickers Newt Jimmie Johnson

Marty Smith: I think ol' Mark will make it through the melee this time and hold his standing in the title hunt. Brian Vickers wins.

Dave Rodman: Boulevard-smooth paving makes for outrageous racing, and the best drivers in the world carry it off without a hitch. Brian Vickers finally makes the big score.

Marty Smith: Damn! Wormy backs me twice in the same day! (Check's in the mail, Squirm.)

Dave Rodman: The truth is the truth is the truth, Dawg. Right on.

David Newton: I'll go with Jimmie Johnson for the sweep. His luck has to turn around somewhere.

Ryan Smithson: I think Vickers would look great with some hair extensions. Just saying.

Marty Smith: Someone asked me if he was my brother once. We don't look anything alike.

Ryan Smithson: Yeah. You weigh 116, he weighs 138.

David Newton: Yeah, Vickers is much better looking.

Marty Smith: 116??

Ryan Smithson: You're skinny, son. Like Kyle Petty skinny.

Marty Smith: No way man. No way! I am NOT skinny. Enough of that discussion.

The opinions expressed are solely of the participants.