Track Smack: Team players (cont'd)

Joe Menzer: Well, I'm not sure we can assume to understand exactly what's going on in the heads of the folks at ESPN.

Duane Cross: ESPN didn't play it up because it was too busy touting its college football coverage between pit stops and cautions.

Joe Menzer: Do you think ESPN would have reported that?

Dave Rodman: What? Reported him making a bad decision and crashing?

Joe Menzer: It was a joke, Dave -- maybe a bad one, but a joke nonetheless.

Dave Rodman: Well, you have to admit their sometimes erratic focus and coverage gives you pause. Like, when they missed the first restart -- and not by a little bit -- by a commercial-and-a-half.

Duane Cross: Last race of the year on ESPN ... had to get in those commercials to pay the bills.

Joe Menzer: That's why I made the joke.

Dave Rodman: I guess you guys don't buy into the "one ESPN" theory? In fact, their contention is this weekend's activity is on ESPN -- it just happens to be on ABC?

Duane Cross: Oh, sorry ... I forgot: The races now will be shown via "ESPN on ABC." That, folks, is stupid.

Uphill climb

It's not impossible for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to make the Chase, but it'll be tough.

• Complete story, click here

2. Realistically, does Dale Earnhardt Jr. have a shot at getting into the Chase at Richmond?

Joe Menzer: Um, no.

Duane Cross: Yes, he does -- mathematically and reasonably. He races well at Richmond and should be in contention to the end. That's the most that NASCAR and ESPN on ABC can hope for, ratings wise.

Dave Rodman: Well, I don't think he has the luxury of hanging around 'til the end. I believe Kurt has to finish about 36th or 37th and Kevin about 30th -- and that ain't likely to happen.

Joe Menzer: I agree that Junior races well at Richmond. In fact, I might just pick him to win this week (don't copy me). He's got to win again sometime, but with Harvick only needing to finish 32nd and Kurt Busch only needing to finish 36th or better, I think it's effectively over for Junior.

Duane Cross: True, it'll be an uphill battle for Driver 8 -- but strange things have happened at Richmond in Race 26.

Dave Rodman: Great things, too -- like Jeremy Mayfield proved. But I definitely think Junior can win if they put a car under him. His performance at California was as impressive as any he's posted this season.

Joe Menzer: See, I knew you'd copy me, Duane!

Duane Cross: Has anyone gotten an advance copy of Saturday night's script from Mr. McMahon?

Joe Menzer: You're just trying to play it safe and protect your lead in the Pick 'em standings.

Dave Rodman: And Junior's run at California sadly points up just what he's been saying: They have run well enough to be a Chase team all season -- and he might be the only one currently on the "outs" who can say that. Yet, I just don't think they'll pull this one out based more on what the 2 and 29 will do.

Joe Menzer: It will be great drama for a while if Junior runs up front -- and especially if he actually wins. But speaking of playing it safe, does anyone really think Harvick and/or Kurt B. are going to screw this up for themselves?

Duane Cross: I don't think Harvick or Busch will get too far off the beaten path, setup wise or on the track. They will be very conservative.

Dave Rodman: It's a race, man. One of them could get wiped out or blow up on the first lap. Now, does probability indicate that will happen? Hell no. But it could. That's why this race by God ought to be on TNT.

Duane Cross: TNT -- We know drama!

Joe Menzer: I think it's going to be a great race, though -- because lots of guys will be trying anything they can to win at the end, either to gain the 10 bonus points for the Chase if they're in, or because they're not in and have nothing more to lose.

Dave Rodman: You're right, Joe. I think Busch the elder and Harvick will be mildly aggressive -- but those 10 others need to win and they certainly want to.

Joe Menzer: Thanks for agreeing with me, Dave.

Dave Rodman: The interesting thing will be to see if anyone really understands what it means, and what it takes to do anything to win. I think Zippy and Tony do. (Continued)