1) Jimmie Johnson's roll has erased a 70-odd-point deficit and turned it into a 30-point plus. Is this his title to lose?

Duane Cross: Well yeah -- he's the point leader. Even when Jeff Gordon had the lead, it's always someone else's to gain; it's not like Gordon has been chopped liver in the Chase.

Dave Rodman: Yeah, Gordon's been a rose, albeit a little wilted. I can't believe I actually called this back in January (yeah folks, he really did). The 48 is a machine. I don't want to put the hex on those guys -- not that I think it would affect them -- but I think Cale Yarborough's mark is in jeopardy.

Joe Menzer: When you're in the lead with two to go, it's absolutely yours to lose OR win. All he has to do is finish ahead of his teammate twice and he's the champ. No apologies necessary to the Gordon folks who think he's gotten screwed this year. Sorry, Duane.

Duane Cross: What?!? Dave, put down the crack pipe. No one -- Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, GOD -- is going to win more than three Cup titles in a row. C'mon, dude -- that ain't happening. Not in today's NASCAR.

Joe Menzer: And BTW, do we have documentation that Roadman actually called this back in January?

Duane Cross: I'm sure Dave does. He's still got a copy of the Magna Carta that he transcribed.

Dave Rodman: Hmm. I wish I had the link at my fingertips, but Smithson I am not. I said Johnson was best positioned to win multiple and consecutive titles. I won't back down from that.

Joe Menzer: Let's see, "he is best positioned ..." What? You're calling that a prediction? Sounds pretty vague to me!

Duane Cross: Multiple and consecutive don't add up to "four or more in a row." That's out there, dude -- even for you!

Dave Rodman: Tying Cale would be putting him in jeopardy, in my book. And not to take the air out of Ford Championship Weekend, but I think Phoenix is gonna be Gordon's D-Day -- or Waterloo. I am gonna get in trouble with the history buffs, but this is the most critical outing for Mr. Gordon in quite a while.

Joe Menzer: I will give you credit only when I see where you predicted "Jimmie Johnson will win the points championship this year, in 2007."

Duane Cross: And let's not get the cart before the horse; Jimmie still has to drive Phoenix and Homestead. I still like Jeff's chances; I wouldn't begin engraving that trophy just yet.

Dave Rodman: Too bad Clint Bowyer's high-wire act finally hit the nets. How much do you think he'll end up ahead of Kyle Busch after Homestead?

Joe Menzer: The thing about Gordon at Phoenix is that he'd better make up ground there because he doesn't like nor has he ever been very good at Homestead. On the other hand, he has been great at Phoenix.

Dave Rodman: Actually, I could see JG winning this weekend, but I seriously doubt JJ will fall much behind him. And if they go to Homestead with Johnson ahead, mail it in. I don't see Jimmie making another tire error.

Joe Menzer: In fact, let's make a real prediction here: I think Jeff Gordon is best positioned to win at Phoenix this weekend.

Dave Rodman: If Dale Jr. somehow figures out a way to blow another leg off, I'd agree with that. If Tony Gibson and the boys give him another good car, look out.

Duane Cross: I'll do you one better, Joe -- Gordon wins, cuts the deficit to at least 15 points and out-points Johnson at Homestead.

Dave Rodman: Speaking of losing streaks, this is Junior's best place to get a win before he heads down the road.

Joe Menzer: I think these last two weeks are going to be REAL interesting.

Duane Cross: Whatever the case, Clint still ends up third and Kyle fourth. They both have a seat at the table in New York. Neither won the championship -- that's what they will be lamenting.

Joe Menzer: And you know what? All this talk about Gordon being crap at Homestead could go out the window. He's good enough and his team is good enough that they could surprise us all that last week.

Dave Rodman: As you say, verrry interesting. (Continued)