Track Smack: How bad is it for guys below the top 35? (cont'd)

3) Did Jimmie Johnson's team get away with one at Vegas?

Joe Menzer: I can tell you that no one at the track at the time seemed to think it was any kind of controversy when it first happened -- at least not that I was aware of.

Dave Rodman: That's good, because it shouldn't have been.

Mark Aumann: I don't know. I was watching the race on a 13-inch TV, so I couldn't see where the pit box started and ended.

Autostock

Jimmie Johnson

Johnson doesn't need NASCAR's help

Controversy looms after an official stopped a runaway tire during one of Jimmie Johnson's pit stops in his win at Las Vegas. David Caraviello says despite some claiming conspiracy, Johnson doesn't need NASCAR's help to be successful.

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Joe Menzer: A 13-inch TV -- in this day and age? What's wrong with you?

Mark Aumann: The key was whether Johnson was heading out when the tire was loose.

Joe Menzer: Knaus said it wasn't even close. And what about your puny TV?

Dave Rodman: Some aspects of TV coverage made a big deal out of it. I think it's too bad that something that happens just about every week was made into more of an issue than it should have been.

Mark Aumann: Oh, that's the one that got taken to the mountain cabin. The wide-screen mega-pixel job is still at the house.

Joe Menzer: I think we should make more of a big deal about Aumann's TV. Should we take up a collection at the office to get him a bigger one?

Mark Aumann: I can see the nose hairs on the guy in the seventh row with the one at the house.

Joe Menzer: At least you've got a man-sized TV at the house. You need one at the cabin, too. Then again, I need a cabin and you've already got one!

Dave Rodman: They were finding fault with the official stopping the tire -- then not making a call. It happens all the time. It's the same thing with a pass hitting a linesman in the back of the head. No do-overs in NASCAR, either. Just so happens this time it was the race winner. There's always something.

Joe Menzer: Rodman, you don't want to talk about Mark's TV, do you?

Dave Rodman: Just trying to stay focused, man. I'm still shopping for a big screen -- so no grounds to criticize.

Mark Aumann: Nah, that was a case of no harm, no foul in my opinion. The tire wasn't a detriment to anyone else on the pit lane -- unlike the first violation.

Joe Menzer: Bottom line on this subject: It's a non-subject.

Dave Rodman: We talking about a loose tire or Mark's TV?

Joe Menzer: The only reason people are talking about it is because Johnson won the race.

Dave Rodman: We're going to get into a Dave/DC brawl with that one, Mark. The first violation, the tire rolled into the box BEHIND him and was retrieved by a crewman.

Joe Menzer: And weren't they penalized for that one?

Dave Rodman: On the second it rolled into the box in front, was stopped by an official in the same general location and a crewman got it after J.J. left. No foul.

Joe Menzer: I believe that I am agreeing with you, Rodman. So pipe down!

Mark Aumann: Of course, two weeks ago, Johnson got hosed by the 'courtesy yellow,' so NASCAR is pro-Hendrick only outside of California, apparently.

Dave Rodman: So once again, the fabulous NASCAR consistency strikes. That's the deal when you're eyeballing balls and strikes. So rock on -- Atlanta here we come.

Mark Aumann: I actually like the hockey analogy better, especially since the tires were harder than a frozen puck.

Joe Menzer: You're just grumpy because you just realized Mark has a bigger TV at his cabin than you do at your house.

Dave Rodman: I didn't think 8-inch TVs existed, Holmes. He has a 13-inch at the cabin.

Joe Menzer: Where are you guys gonna watch it?

Mark Aumann: From somewhere around the start/finish line, behind the pit wall. Last time I covered that race; several of the Roush cars had engine problems. I spent more time running around the garage area than I did watching the race.

Joe Menzer: I'm going to my friend's house. He just bought a 61-inch TV!

Mark Aumann: Geez. I wonder if Tony Raines would be willing to work me an employee discount.

Dave Rodman: Make sure you tell him size does matter. Even mirrors wouldn't help that.

The opinions expressed are solely of the writers.