Track Smack: A.J. and despair at Daytona (cont'd)

Joe Menzer: I don't think we know the answers yet, but it's pretty obvious that they felt they had to shake things up to either keep Grubb from leaving or because Mears' team wasn't shaping up the way Hendrick wanted.

Ryan Smithson: Darian charmed the pants off the media last year. He is a real quiet, approachable guy who can break down things well.

Joe Menzer: Just the kind of guy who can write his own ticket in the new NASCAR.

David Caraviello: Well, too bad he was "too busy" to return calls [Tuesday].

Ryan Smithson: He probably was.

Joe Menzer: That doesn't sound real media-friendly.

Ryan Smithson: Well, the team controls that, not him; they told him to wait until Friday at the track to discuss things in a controllable environment.

David Caraviello: And I wouldn't say he "charmed the pants off" the media last year, Ryan. I thought he was evasive. He ducked us a lot.

Ryan Smithson: He is from Virginia. That means he keeps to himself and works instead of talks.

Joe Menzer: Listen, I was covering the NFL last year. I don't know what you guys were doing getting your pants "charmed off" in NASCAR!

Ryan Smithson: OK, so maybe "charmed the pants off" is a bad phrase.

David Caraviello: If somebody's going to "charm my pants off," it isn't going to be Darian Grubb.

Joe Menzer: Let's hope so.

Ryan Smithson: Who will it be?

David Caraviello: But back on topic: Who now has the biggest transition, the team with the new crew chief or the reigning champs without their lead engineer?

Ryan Smithson: It isn't going to hurt Mears any. Obvious statement of the year, eh?

Joe Menzer: I say the team with the new crew chief. It's late in the game to be making that switch, and chemistry between crew chief and driver takes time to develop.

Ryan Smithson: Maybe Darian will "charm the pants off" Mears. Ha!

3. Kyle Petty appears to ending his full-time driving career. Good move for TNT to hire him for a few races?

Joe Menzer: I think it makes perfect sense. The guy is a great quote and brings excellent perspective to the sport in so many ways.

David Caraviello: Is he ending his full-time driving career? He's only stepping out to broadcast what, five races?

Ryan Smithson: Sure, but he can't run for a title while missing five races.

Ryan Smithson: And yes, I am trying to make you laugh.

Joe Menzer: I think this is the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. If it goes well, I'll bet he's soon going to be announcing more and driving even less.

David Caraviello: Uh, Ryan, Kyle is not running for a title anyway.

Joe Menzer: Neither is James Hylton, David.

Ryan Smithson: That was my joke. Glad you got it, or didn't get it.

Joe Menzer: It's a logical career transition for Kyle, and it comes at the right time.

David Caraviello: He will become the voice of TNT.

Ryan Smithson: I just hope James Hylton doesn't emulate that astronaut and wear diapers when he drives.

David Caraviello: That was low, Ryan.

David Caraviello: You leave an upstanding fellow South Carolinian alone.

Ryan Smithson: That astronaut is from Maryland, not South Carolina.

David Caraviello: Hylton is from South Carolina.

David Caraviello: Now that we are technically co-workers with Kyle, does that mean we're privy to all kinds of inside info from Petty Enterprises?

Joe Menzer: That Depends. ... Get it?

Joe Menzer: Now that could be a great sponsor for Hylton. Depends adult diapers.

Joe Menzer: Maybe he could pilot the Space Shuttle next. Looks like they let just about anybody do it.

Ryan Smithson: And yes, I know that Hylton won't need them, he is perfectly fine for his age. He doesn't even wear glasses. But I wanted to get in an astronaut quip.

Joe Menzer: I'll bet Hylton could go really fast in that thing.

The opinions expressed are solely of the participants.