Smack: Busch-whacked

1. So what happens to Kyle Busch now?

Dave Rodman: It will be interesting to see if it creates any kind of domino effect. To a degree, I think he can about name his place, because he's certainly the most talented athlete available.

Mark Aumann: With Junior off the list, Kyle Busch becomes the free agent everyone wants. He's young, he's talented, he's aggressive -- he's a handful. That could be a turnoff to some owners.

Joe Menzer: Yes, he can be ridiculously immature. But he's also enormously talented. And last time I checked, this sport needed more drivers who wheeled it aggressively, not fewer.

Mark Aumann: He's a driver that, with some maturity, could be your ace. If you're looking for someone to build a team around, Kyle Busch could be around for the next 20 years.

Dave Rodman: Maybe the most fascinating thing is how all the personnel are going to shake out -- and of course, the sponsors. Rick said that's all still to be determined, so is "Junior and [Tony] Junior" with Hendrick equipment an intriguing proposition? Definitely.

Mark Aumann: Still, with RCR and Penske hinting about adding one more team for 2008, you wonder what Busch could command?

Dave Rodman: He only has momentary lapses. The rest of the time, you don't even need to argue you're getting a helluva wheelman.

Joe Menzer: I think he's a very hot commodity, despite his personal shortcomings.

Dave Rodman: I still think there were a number of little things that added up to spilling over the cart and dumping Kyle out.

Mark Aumann: I could envision him switching makes, too. Would Toyota be willing to pony up big bucks to land him?

Joe Menzer: Hmmm, Kyle Busch in a Toyota? Not sure about that. But if one of those teams threw enough cash his way, why not? That's the one thing Toyota hasn't been shy about in Cup racing, throwing money around.

Dave Rodman: I feel like if he wanted to go that manufacturer-building route, he could name his Toyota team.

Joe Menzer: Well, it would be perfect NASCAR drama just to have him end up at DEI, have DEI and Hendrick swap the numbers on the cars, and then have everybody roll with it. But there will be other suitors as well.

Dave Rodman: The number deal is touchy. The 8 is Junior's, even though it "belongs" to DEI. The 5, on the other hand, is pure HMS and is their charter number. Not sure Rick would want to part with it. (Continued)