Track Smack: A rougher bump-n-run, Chase style

1) If it comes down to the 24 and 48 at Martinsville this time, how much harder will Jeff try to move Jimmie?

Dave Rodman: It's interesting, but this time, with the championship truly on the line, and Jeff having a comfortable advantage, I think he would try just as hard, but no harder -- and he tried mighty damned hard in April.

Raygan Swan: Move over -- baby on board! Coming through, Ella is behind the wheel of this ship! That said, I guess in the Spring race, 10 extra points for the Chase were on the line but I wanna see Gordo move him like bacon! Move over bacon, here comes something leaner!

Duane Cross: I think Jeff would spend a nanosecond making that decision: JJ would be "moved" in a heartbeat. Car owner, teammate -- all that goes out the window. The bump this time, I believe, would be a lot more effective on Jeff's part.

Dave Rodman: DC, he tried pretty hard to move him in the spring, remember. These COTs at Martinsville are kinda like racing battleships in a bathtub. I don't think he'd risk it any harder.

Duane Cross: Jeff tried to push the envelope in April, tried to see how hard he could bang on Jimmie. This time, if it presents itself, I think Jeff has a better idea of how he could approach the back bumper to be more effective.

Raygan Swan: Remember Jeff's interview after the race? He was pretty upset that he didn't win with the better car. After all these championships, it's still about wins for him.

Dave Rodman: There's no way Gordon needs to wreck his stuff, or wreck his teammate, to gain five points. Of course, with Martinsville being the site of maybe the greatest on-track HMS debacle ever, Ricky Rudd and Ken Schrader in 1990, it would be great if they did -- but I don't see it happening.

Raygan Swan: There is a difference between moving someone and wrecking someone. Jeff won't wreck Jimmie but he won't hesitate in moving him.

Dave Rodman: Of course, there is such a thing as "heat of the moment." And that won't be a case of Tony's famous "ask for forgiveness rather than permission" deal. It would be what it would be -- classic red mist.

Duane Cross: Yep, Gordon wants the wins -- which lead to championships. He knows that, which is why I think in the Chase his late-race bump would be a very hard "get out of the way."

Raygan Swan: Jeff's crafty enough to move him just enough for JJ to finish second and another HMS 1-2.

Dave Rodman: But that's why I say heat of the moment would determine it. If they are in the same position this weekend, Jeff absolutely doesn't need to win more than he needs to finish second, in the current scheme of things.

Duane Cross: Yeah, the "current scheme of things." Wins are worth more in the regular season than in the Chase. Brilliant. This is the time of the year when finishes really matter, in the "current scheme of things."

Dave Rodman: But don't forget that Jimmie has much more to gain, and in effect would be much less apt to give up the position. Even though this race ain't on TNT, for drama's sake, I hope they get the chance.

Duane Cross: I know the focus is going to be on the top two Chase drivers, but this is Martinsville and there are other short-track drivers out there. Tony Stewart could make this really interesting, as well as Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch ... it won't be a two-pony rodeo.

Dave Rodman: Does the durability and squareness of these cars make it too much of a gamble, to hit someone hard enough to get them out of the way -- because by God, he tried in the spring and could not do it and just how pissed he was afterward, proved he tried. In the same position, I don't think he'll try as hard this time.

Duane Cross: Totally disagree, Dave. Jeff will not take a backseat this time, or at least will beat on Jimmie even harder -- if that's possible, considering how hard Gordon said he banged on him the last time.

Raygan Swan: Totally. (Continued)