Track Smack: Team players (cont'd)

Joe Menzer: I think most people will get over it. What did they expect when Toyota came in? Eventually they were going to get with someone who could not just make races on a consistent basis, but win them.

Duane Cross: I can't tell you how many "Remember Pearl Harbor" e-mails I've gotten. It's the last straw for a lot of folks, but hopefully reality will set in, and soon.

Dave Rodman: Toyota's step-by-step program is in process and seems right on schedule. But I don't think they'll come anywhere close to dominating as they currently do in the Craftsman Truck Series. And Mr. Hornaday appears to be about ready to deal with them, there -- along with Rick Ren and Mr. Harvick.

Duane Cross: Toyota and JGR will be formidable, and they will win next year. There's no doubt in my mind that this offseason will be spent catching up to the curve -- if not getting ahead of it.

Joe Menzer: Listen, Toyota isn't going anywhere. And if you believe guys like Humpy Wheeler, soon Honda and BMW and some other "foreign" manufacturers who just happen to make and sell a lot of cars in the U.S. will be joining the party.

Dave Rodman: You can only hope the public will accept this move. But gosh, this, along with the goofy TV schedule, may result in some more empty seats -- because canceling tickets was mentioned by a lot of folks, too.

Duane Cross: With the COT, anyone could join the party. Bring on Ferrari!

Dave Rodman: I hope the wealth does get spread. I'd like nothing better than to see Dave Blaney get the big score.

Joe Menzer: The way they all talked at JGR the other day, they plan to share the love -- or at least a lot of the technology. But JGR will still be building its own engines in-house.

Dave Rodman: Along with their cars as well.

Duane Cross: And that's the difference-maker -- JGR building its own engines. That's why I have so much faith in Stewart, Hamlin and Busch in 2008.

Dave Rodman: And don't forget Mark Cronquist. Man, I remember visiting with him at Dick Bahre's old shop up in Statesville. Those were the days ...

Joe Menzer: I think Stewart, Hamlin and Busch (or at least Steve Addington, Busch's crew chief-in-waiting) have lots of faith in Mark Cronquist, JGR's chief engine builder. In the long run, that's more important.

Duane Cross: OK, when Dave begins drifting into yesteryear, it's time to put this to bed. Next thing you know he'll be yakking about the time he and Big Bill short-sheeted the baby-sitter!

Dave Rodman: He did get a big kick outta that.

Joe Menzer: Amen, brother. It's time to move on -- which is what the Gibbs folks said to Chevy.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the participants.