Track Smack: Road down, oval to go for Montoya

1) How soon before Juan Montoya wins a NASCAR oval race -- either Busch Series or Nextel Cup?

Dave Rodman: Obviously, there is no way it's going to be as seemingly easy as the one in Mexico was. But the guy proved how much sheer talent he has -- though his stock car racing judgment just as obviously needs work.

David Caraviello: Mexico seemed like the right place at the right time. You just had this feeling he was going to break through there. As for ovals, I still think his best chance might be on a plate track, where he's been able to hold his own a little.

Joe Menzer: None of 'em are easy. But I have a sneaking suspicion that he's going to win his first at an oval sooner rather than later. Maybe he'll bump somebody out of the way at one of the short tracks -- although I think he'll struggle at first, at Bristol.

David Caraviello: I think he'll get overwhelmed at Bristol. He's never seen anything like that.

Dave Rodman: On ovals, the margin for error is virtually nil, and the capacity for making enemies is limitless. He did not make a friend of Scottie Sunday.

Joe Menzer: And that's one of his teammates! The whole problem with that, of course, is that he had the best car and would have won anyway. He could have done it cleanly if he had just been a little more patient.

Dave Rodman: Precisely.

David Caraviello: Uh, Dave, he won't have to worry about seeing Scott Pruett at the front in an oval race.

Dave Rodman: Exactly. That, of course, was in the back of my mind. Juan reportedly takes no prisoners and in this case, it's too bad one ill-advised move wiped out a lot of good memories of a fantastic day.

Joe Menzer: He won't have to worry about seeing Pruett at the front on an oval -- but he will have to worry about seeing him back at the Ganassi shop!

Dave Rodman: They issued statements and I'd say the hatchet is officially buried. It's another one of those "heat of the moment" deals.

David Caraviello: Am I the only one who thought Pruett caused the wreck? To me, Montoya clearly had the inside position, and Pruett came in on him.

Joe Menzer: Even Montoya doesn't think Pruett caused the wreck! (Continued)