Track Smack: AMS meets Jeff, Jimmie and The Carl

1) In light of the Carl Edwards-Matt Kenseth flare-up at Martinsville, and their subsequent comments on Tuesday, can these guys co-exist on the same team?

Joe Menzer: You know, typically these types of things blow over -- like with Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart earlier this year after their run-in at Daytona. But this one seems to have legs. I think they really dislike each other.

Duane Cross: I think the most telling aspect of this is what Geoff Smith said: Roush Fenway Racing isn't getting involved; these guys are adults and they can work it out between themselves (read more). RFR may be waiting a while for this peace treaty.

David Caraviello: Duane, that is interesting. I really expected Jack to sit them both down and force them to play nice. Evidently, he's talking to both individually, and they have to take it from there.

Joe Menzer: Furthermore, I think Greg Biffle truly dislikes Carl as well.

David Caraviello: I think we've known there's been a slightly contentious undercurrent running between the two, but I don't think anyone had any idea it had become as personal as it is. Barely speaking for six months? No wonder neither driver has a shot at the title.

Duane Cross: It's certainly more flammable than Smoke-Hamlin -- and yeah, Biffle was clear in his support for Matt. It's a strange situation, indeed.

Joe Menzer: When I came into this job in January, I expected Carl Edwards to be one of the best guys to work with -- just based on general public perception, etc. But most times when you talk with him, it seems, well, that his answers are more than a little contrived. Some might even say he's a little phony.

David Caraviello: See, I think Carl is one of the best guys to work with, which is why his actions Sunday were such a surprise. Now everybody wonders who the real Carl Edwards really is.

Duane Cross: I understand that sponsors should be assured that their driver will compete against 42 others on the track -- including teammates -- but this dust-up could cause issues for a team that is accustomed to smooth waters within the ranks

David Caraviello: And the bottom line is, they have to start getting along and communicating. They don't, one of them will go. That's the way it always seems to work.

Joe Menzer: Kenseth and Biffle are regular guys. I've found them to be far easier to work with than Carl, or at least more interesting. When asked questions, they always seem to try to answer them honestly. Kenseth isn't a great quote, but at least he will give you some thoughtful answers. Biffle is one of the best, hands down, that I've dealt with in the garage.

Duane Cross: I think Carl's a little bit of everything that we've seen. Everyone has a gregarious, smiling side -- but we also know that everyone can turn on a dime and show their fangs. I can't throw Carl under the bus for being a nice guy, real or perceived -- and also having a mean streak. But this is totally out of the norm for him, based off his past few years.

David Caraviello: I've gotten some great answers from Edwards too, Joe. But we can't characterize these guys only within the prism of how they deal with the media. We really have no idea what these guys are like in private.

Joe Menzer: I have heard that some of the folks at the shop have taken to calling him "The Carl." Take that for what it's worth.

David Caraviello: Well, we call you "The Joe." Ever since that time you bullied Rodman at Pocono because he wouldn't share his food.

Duane Cross: They also call Greg "The Biff," so take it for what it's worth.

Joe Menzer: And Trump is "The Donald." Cross is "The Duane." I just think there are more underlying problems here than meet the cursory glance. That much is obvious after what happened last weekend at Martinsville.

Duane Cross: Dave is "The Human Food Compactor," so Joe should have known what he was getting into at Pocono.

David Caraviello: I agree, Joe. This peace treaty may take a little while to work itself out.

Duane Cross: I also agree, Joe -- there's something boiling just under the surface. I don't think Martinsville will be the end of it -- even if they sit down and hash it out.

Joe Menzer: Yeah, and at Martinsville "The Human Food Compactor" went on TV and claimed he was a "finicky" eater. Go figure. (Continued)