Smack: Busch-whacked (cont'd)

Dave Rodman: Because no matter what he's making, he probably couldn't triple it and get back to the competitive level of equipment he has at HMS.

Mark Aumann: Roush Racing a couple of years ago was equal to Hendrick now -- and yet several of those drivers have left. It's the nature of the beast. If you think there's a better opportunity, go for it.

Joe Menzer: As far as Roush, I think he's always looking over the horizon for the next great young driver. Ask Jeff Burton. When the new guys come in over there, the older guys sometimes seem to get shunted to the side.

Mark Aumann: I wonder how much input Kyle got from Kurt on this? Since Kurt did the Roush to Penske move.

3. Now that the circus has left town, what's on the horizon in Michigan?

Travel Log

While Joe Menzer is at the track all weekend, there's plenty for everyone else to do around the Brooklyn, Mich., village.

• Complete story, click here

Joe Menzer: I'll tell you what's on the horizon in Michigan: More Junior, Junior and Junior. People will want to talk with Childress and Gibbs about why they didn't land him.

Dave Rodman: Ugh. I'm over it already. I think Kyle -- as he obviously was -- is the key to the whole thing. Junior getting back into the Chase is the most relevant -- only relevant -- Junior topic right now.

Joe Menzer: They'll want to talk with Kyle Busch about what happened with him and where he's going. And then, thankfully, the race will start and we can all talk about something else for a change.

Mark Aumann: Michigan unfortunately can be yawn-inducing at times. Perhaps a weather strategy race like Pocono's would be beneficial.

Joe Menzer: I know you guys probably think I'm crazy, but I've never been to Michigan and I'm looking forward to going.

Dave Rodman: In a lot of ways, Michigan was always my favorite place to go on the circuit: For the golf, the country and the staff at the track. You notice I didn't say "getting to the track?"

Joe Menzer: That said, a friend of mine who is as big a NASCAR fan as I know went there a couple years ago and said he's never going back. Bad race -- horrible traffic.

Mark Aumann: Well, go west to Ann Arbor, find a two-lane farm road and zig-zag southwest until you run into the track traffic.

Joe Menzer: I'm following David Caraviello!

Mark Aumann: It's pretty countryside, especially when you've got several hours to ponder it. Lots of farms and golf courses. Michigan sure knows how to grow nice green grass.

Dave Rodman: Michigan is one of the most easily solved traffic nightmares I've ever been involved in. And that's as much as I'll say.

Joe Menzer: I'd rather listen to Mark talk about the Michigan countryside!

Mark Aumann: Cool thing is all the local folks sitting on their lawn chairs by the side of the road, watching the traffic jam.

Dave Rodman: If it's a jam and they were sitting there, they'd be participants, wouldn't they?

Joe Menzer: Before y'all get too excited about Michigan, though, remember that the greater state of Ohio lies just to her south.

Dave Rodman: If you're smart, that's where you'll fly into -- Toledo.

Joe Menzer: I might just take the Woody Hayes approach. He would go on recruiting trips to Michigan -- but would refuse to spend a dime in the state!

Mark Aumann: Well, being a native Michigander, I'll have to stick up for the folks in the thumb and the U.P. Have a pastie while you're there.

Joe Menzer: One time Woody refused to stop for gas even though it was snowing and he was about to run out. Had to get to Toledo across the state line before he would stop!

Dave Rodman: You telling me he'd pack a cooler with drinks and sandwiches? Sounds like the perfect race fan.

Joe Menzer: Now that's a fuel-mileage strategy you don't often hear about.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the participants.