Track Smack: Get Amp'd; the Chase really is on TV

1. Two popular drivers get new sponsors for 2008 -- with one getting a new number -- so will we see a marked changed in Dale Earnhardt Jr. and/or Kasey Kahne?

David Caraviello: Notice on Wednesday how scrubbed up Junior was? A new haircut and no stubble -- but at least the shirttail was still out. He's still Junior, just in a prettier box.

Duane Cross: I think we're already seeing a different Dale Jr., maybe a more business-minded Junior. He came out pretty buttoned-up (looked like his hairdresser found the mousse) but still he kept to his laid-back look with the un-tucked shirt.

Dave Rodman: Junior obviously will look a lot different, and like you say, probably not just from the different colors; but I think his persona is pretty well set -- which is a good thing. For that matter, I don't see Kasey changing much, either -- and switching from one red suit to another, we may not even notice.

Duane Cross: As for Kahne, I'd like to see him with some stubble. Junior's had it for so long with Budweiser, it's amazing they don't market a can with stubble on it!

Dave Rodman: That would have raised the "ouch" factor when you dove into the cooler, for sure.

David Caraviello: Let's not forget, it wasn't Budweiser and the No. 8 that made Junior the way he is. It was the other way around.

Dave Rodman: Exactly. Stubble was Junior. They just fit together real well. I'm hoping getting with Rick doesn't mainstream him too badly.

David Caraviello: He was able to use the sponsor and the car number to enhance his image. He'll do the same thing here -- he'll be thrashing with Tony Hawk in an Amp commercial in no time.

Duane Cross: Unless you've tasted an Amp, I prefer the taste of his current sponsor. ... Kahne should lobby for a black Bud Select car for the 50th Daytona 500, and all the races under the lights. That car would be a money maker for die-cast folks.

Dave Rodman: True that -- though the red car is Budweiser, so I don't see them doing much with that -- or without that. And I think it's safe to say that Junior will have a Schrader-esque lifetime personal supply clause with Bud.

David Caraviello: When we see Junior walk out one day in a tucked-in, button-down-collar white shirt, then we start to worry.

Dave Rodman: That would be the team owner/sponsor/marketer redesigning coup of the century, though I don't see it happening. With Junior, what you see is what you've got and most people like that just fine.

David Caraviello: He's reiterated again and again that he will continue to be genuine to himself. I believe him. People are just going to have to get used to seeing him in different colors and commercials.

Duane Cross: Junior is a marketer's dream; he has the most loyal fan base in the business. Now, he's gotta take the HMS equipment and take it to Victory Lane for this to pay off.

Dave Rodman: That's something that I think the backers are counting on in both Kasey and Junior's cases. And it seems like it's inevitable in both cases, too.

David Caraviello: Yes, he does. The sponsor and number are the easy part. Now it's time to start winning races again. NASCAR and its less than stellar TV numbers could use that as well.

Dave Rodman: Speaking of colors, how many other people thought the "Guard" car kicked the snot out of the soft drink ride? And I'm not just talking about from a "personnel potential" side: I'd take two-dozen Guardsmen over a like number of drink-truck drivers any day -- though I guess in effect they could be one and the same.

Duane Cross: I love the green of the Amp/Dew ride; that is sweet! But I think it could have been skinned a lot snazzier.