Track Smack: Ring(er) around the road course (cont'd)

Joe Menzer: There is certainly nothing wrong with having two number ones, so to speak.

Dave Rodman: There is no question Jeff Gordon is the man at HMS.

Joe Menzer: Agreed, in terms of his career as a whole. But for this season, at the present time, you could argue that Jimmie is at least 1A to Gordon's No. 1.

Dave Rodman: Longevity and achievement certainly earn him that distinction, but JJ has just as certainly earned a ton-and-a-half of credibility in his time in the sport.

Joe Menzer: All I'm saying is that two outstanding drivers in one organization is a plus in just about every case.

David Caraviello: Maybe last year, Joe. Gordon is back to his old dominating self this season.

Dave Rodman: For the period of his career I think no one would argue with Jimmie being a definite 1A to Jeff. But everyone still defers to Mr. 24.

Joe Menzer: The only thing that could make it a negative is if one of the top drivers is, um, a jerk and hard to get along with. But then that will be up to young Kyle Busch to mature and fit in wherever he goes.

Dave Rodman: I don't think fitting in is his problem. And given their ages I think the two guys DEI has now and he could co-exist very well.

Joe Menzer: Really? I don't get the feeling that it was all warm and fuzzy with his soon-to-be ex-teammates at Hendrick.

Dave Rodman: A competitive threat will do that.

David Caraviello: Kyle is young and often impatient. But at 22, he's handled this exodus from HMS rather well. Maybe that will translate into more on-track maturity in his new job.

Joe Menzer: I guess we'll see. Until then, just remember that I'm No. 1 on the NASCAR.COM staff in basketball. Caraviello is going to have to do some work to get to 1A.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the participants.