Smack: Feel regular again; hair today, gone tomorrow

1. Now that the first two Car of Tomorrow races are in the books, it's back to a "regular" car on a "regular" NASCAR oval at Texas Motor Speedway, so who's going to shine and who will be left circling the next COT race on the calendar?

Mark Aumann: I have to believe the Evernham guys, particularly Kasey Kahne, have to be thrilled to get back to the "regular" cars this weekend. Also, the Roush teams didn't seem to have a very fun time at Bristol and Martinsville. I'm certain they won't mind getting back to the intermediates.

Joe Menzer: The Evernham guys will be happy not just to get back to "regular" cars, but off the short tracks. Elliott Sadler actually had a very good car at Bristol -- one capable of winning that race -- but they had horrible luck. Sort of like Kahne at some earlier "regular" tracks.

Raygan Swan: Yeah. The Evernham teams are definitely due for something to go their way and Kasey is always strong on the 1.5 tracks. Now, Tony Stewart will surely adjust as he is Mr. Versatile. Of course, NASCAR could put everybody in motorhomes and Jimmie Johnson would probably run out front, the way that team's going right now.

Joe Menzer: Yep, it's funny -- but the guys who have been really good this year have been really good at all the venues, no matter what the car. Meaning Johnson, Gordon, Stewart, etc. If you can drive like those guys, you can adjust to whatever is under you. And whatever track you're running on.

Raygan Swan: Seriously, unless Jimmie Johnson does some exciting dance in Victory Lane, I'd like to see someone else there this weekend.

Joe Menzer: It seems to me that life has been going so well for Johnson and his gang that at some point they are going to be due for a little bad luck. Not trying to curse them, but ...

Raygan Swan: So, will Toyota be glad to get back to the original chassis or will they continue to struggle? If Michael Waltrip misses another race, could he be in sponsor trouble?

Joe Menzer: As for Michael, Toyota said they signed up for the long haul. But they also have already been preaching for the same type of patience from Michael's sponsors. You've got to wonder how long NAPA and UPS will keep pouring mega-dollars into commercials that no matter how funny or cute, are now featuring a couple of guys who aren't factors in the races on Sundays -- at least for now.

Mark Aumann: Hopefully, the Toyota teams have had a chance to regroup and find some speed. The toughest thing is having to qualify on time every Friday. That's costing them valuable practice time that they could use to work on race setups.

Raygan Swan: Maybe Toyota will have a successful weekend like the Busch teams did at Nashville. Maybe Red Bull needs to take notes. (Continued)