Track Smack: On empty (cont'd)

Dave Rodman: You know what? I was glad to hear someone thought of them, for once. We might be on the road same as them, but we're hardly working as hard.

Joe Menzer: Yeah, well, I think they prefer to have the losers who don't stop gambling when they lose their first and only $100 ... or $120.

Dave Rodman: And no, I prefer video poker in the evening.

David Caraviello: Joe, they'd be able to afford a new seating terrace with all the money you'd lose. Think of it -- the Menzer Grandstand.

Dave Rodman: Priceless.

Joe Menzer: When you say "open practice," do you mean practice on those video poker machines?

Dave Rodman: Well, if they could tear themselves away, the track would be open. "Optional practice," maybe.

Joe Menzer: I think I might prefer the Menzer Tower.

Dave Rodman: Wire me some money. I'll take a shot at losing it for you and make the next step toward that stand's dedication.

Joe Menzer: Sure. Let me adjust the camber on my minivan and make a run to the bank, and I'll get it right to you.

Dave Rodman: Do you think this might be the shot for a breakthrough by someone with the COT? Or is it gonna be another Hendrick / Gibbs / Childress deal?

Joe Menzer: I'm running the MVOT -- Minivan of Today (and tomorrow, and the day after that).

Dave Rodman: Watch out for sludge, and engine gunk.

Joe Menzer: I gotta believe that another team is ready to break through. Denny Hamlin has been right there in all the COT races -- but I think maybe this is the week Tony Stewart breaks through.

David Caraviello: Wonderful. Perfect. So he's the favorite for Pick 'em?

Dave Rodman: Well, that's the thing. Tony's always been good there -- but we'll see what the testing vacuum leads to.

Joe Menzer: Or maybe I'm just saying that so you'll pick him in Pick 'em, then I grab Hamlin and pass you like you're both standin' still.

Dave Rodman: Whew -- I took a bullet with Gordon last weekend -- so caution rules this weekend. Yikes -- can't believe I said that.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the participants.