Smack: Friend or foe?

1. Returning to Chicagoland, where Jeff Gordon dumped Matt Kenseth last year to win, is it appropriate to discuss what role payback plays in racing -- and even if it doesn't, do drivers "never forget?"

David Caraviello: If that had happened a few weeks ago, you might half-expect something -- but a year later? It's hard to believe that Kenseth would need to sit around for 365 days if he wanted payback.

Dave Rodman: Drivers never forget, and payback totally has a place. It isn't like anyone will blatantly and flagrantly wreck someone at a high-speed track like Chicagoland -- but there are ways.

Raygan Swan: Well, if Matt is watching any pre-race coverage surely the TV people will bring it up and refresh his memory.

Dave Rodman: Actually, the idea of payback is probably more a toy that the fans and media like to play with for the purpose of titillation. But I really think the guys don't forget these things.

David Caraviello: Kenseth is too clean for that kind of stuff. The guy is a pro. Doesn't ruffle anyone, and there's nothing wrong with that. Remember how shocked he seemed when Gordon shoved him at Bristol last year?

Raygan Swan: I don't believe drivers forget -- but will the reminder kick up those hard feelings enough to warrant retaliation?

David Caraviello: Kenseth may have come up on rough-and-tumble Wisconsin short tracks, but he doesn't play that game -- at least not publicly.

Raygan Swan: Yeah, he's pretty low-key and didn't look ready to rumble with Gordon after the race was over ...

Dave Rodman: It's nice to see that, after all he's achieved in racing, Matt could still be naive enough to think he could go up to a sparkplug like Gord-o and apologize after biffing him out of the way.

Raygan Swan: I think it's hilarious when drivers try to scrap on pit road with their helmets still on. They look like wrestlers from outer space!

Dave Rodman: Even funnier when they're yapping at each other and marshmallow bystanders get involved.

Raygan Swan: Hah -- the IRL -- soooo lame! Dads have to stick up for their IRL drivers because they all look like 7th graders out there -- with big helmets on!

David Caraviello: Forgetting is one thing, acting on it is another. What's he going to do, Dave, dump Gordon at Joliet and say, "A-ha! That was for last year Gordon!" as he rolls by?

Dave Rodman: Well, I asked Robbie Reiser that question Inside the Garage, and not surprisingly he said the incident was forgotten 10 minutes after the fact. But I swear, when it comes down to it -- and the guys always say this -- they remember who races them how and apply force accordingly.

Raygan Swan: I agree, Dave -- which is why it surprises me that Montoya hasn't felt the wrath of Tony yet, or other drivers for that matter.

David Caraviello: Because Tony has way too much respect for him. The guy won in F1. That carries a ton of weight in the garage. Just ask Kurt Busch, who seemed happy to be spun out by the guy at Sonoma.

Raygan Swan: Yeah, I agree David. Some of the drivers do kind of bow down to him at times. Speaking of bowing down to drivers, how about Hamlin? I think he's in awe of Tony.

Dave Rodman: The 29 team won't bow to Juan. By the time I got to their pit stall, the little "shrine" they erected had been dismantled.

Raygan Swan: Really, Dave? Because when I went there, it was up, but no one would claim responsibility for the handiwork! Chickens! It was pretty funny, though. (Continued)