Track Smack: Welcome to 'To Tell the Truth' (cont'd)

Dave Rodman: You know what? After watching Inside Nextel Cup on Monday night, I think Michael has undergone the ultimate transformation -- from racecar driver to hmmm -- I don't quite know what. But for him, it doesn't seem to matter if he's making the races or not, because he's still projecting a presence.

Joe Menzer: Well, that's weird ... bizarre ... and kind of stupid, if true. It sure seems like it should matter to him a whole lot!

Dave Rodman: I'm not saying he doesn't care -- far from it. But he's managed to transcend it all, which is no mean feat.

David Caraviello: What happens if we get to Bristol and Dale Jr. is still outside the top 35 -- with contract negotiations going on? You gotta think DEI isn't exactly strengthening its position right now.

Dave Rodman: The thing that's tough for Michael, or any of those other guys back there, is that they have already been reduced to racing for wins and top-fives -- and when you are struggling to make races, that's a tall order.

Joe Menzer: I think Dale Jr. will be fine. But I did find it interesting that he basically bashed his equipment after wrecking at Daytona, and then lost the engine in California.

Dave Rodman: That's Jr. It's his normal modus operandi -- so nothing different nor anything to worry about there.

David Caraviello: DEI cars are 38th, 40th, and 43rd in points. These are not happy times over on Highway 3.

Dave Rodman: It's early. But they do need to nail a couple of finishes at Vegas and Atlanta.

David Caraviello: But look at the bigger picture, Dave: You gotta think Kelley Elledge just ticked that ownership demand up to 52 percent.

Joe Menzer: So until Dale Jr. actually signs a contract, I still say his comments about not being happy with his equipment take on a little more significance -- until he nails down a good finish, at least.

David Caraviello: Remember the days when DEI had three cars capable of winning races?

Dave Rodman: Uh, yeah. On the one hand, it's the same old record, playing over and over. On the other hand, the overall dynamic is totally different and each failure is even more ominous.

Joe Menzer: Hey, man, but those No. 3 souvenir sales are really humming! To me, that appears to be what Teresa cares most about, and that's not the way her late husband would have wanted it.

Dave Rodman: You're making me strain, but I seem to be able to grasp that, yes.

David Caraviello: The last thing we want to do is make the Roadman strain. We made Smithson strain, and look what happened. He took that job offer with Chippendale's.

Joe Menzer: Is this turning into Roadman Smack?

Dave Rodman: Obviously, they should divvy the deal up with Teresa taking the historical/legacy stake and Junior, the competition end.

Joe Menzer: Amen to that, brother. That's so obvious and makes so much sense that it probably won't happen.

3. How do you explain the fact that, after two weeks of "Pick 'em," our vastly experienced panel of experts has picked only one winner?

Joe Menzer: I knew this was coming. Can you believe Rodman picked the winner last weekend? That makes me re-evaluate all that I do to prepare myself as a picker!

David Caraviello: I don't want to hear about Joe as a picker.

Dave Rodman: Joe, the citrus industry has taken some hits down here in recent years, but if you like I can look into getting you some pickin' gigs.

Joe Menzer: Of course you don't, David. Two races in, and it's obvious you can't predict your next trip to the bathroom.

Dave Rodman: I would say Matt Kenseth was a lock, but I'm not even sure I could have predicted a twin killing. But to me, his history on those tracks and how well he and Chip Bolin performed at Daytona equals a possible 48-without-Knaus-in-2006 start to the season.

David Caraviello: I picked Carl Edwards. Was he even in the race?

Joe Menzer: Funny thing is, I was actually thinking about picking Edwards. Then I saw that D.C. did, and I knew I couldn't. So I went with Plan B and went with Jeff Gordon. Smart move, huh?

David Caraviello: Yes, considering your Plan C was Aaron Fike.

Dave Rodman: League leader -- for one more week, at least.

Joe Menzer: I think maybe I'll wait until I see whom everyone else picks every week now.

The opinions expressed are solely of the participants.