Track Smack: Someone's streak is coming to an end (cont'd)

Duane Cross: Kudos to those guys on the 48 for making the most of the rules changes this year. Take nothing away from Jimmie, Chad and all those guys. They have earned this -- if it comes to pass.

Dave Rodman: To this point, they've taken the best everyone could dish at them and, while not exactly laughing about it -- they've taken it to the bank. But they've got to get through 400 more miles, or it doesn't matter.

Duane Cross: Jeff seems content -- in public, at least -- with not getting another title this year. Fact is, he's gotten hosed when it comes to comparing drivers for the ages. For my money, he's on the Mount Rushmore with The King and The Intimidator -- forget the number of titles, which is moot (and has been rendered so since 2004 and the advent of the Chase).

Joe Menzer: Jeff touched on that in Phoenix and, of course, Brian France defended NASCAR's position. And Richard Petty mentioned that they had five different points systems when he won his championships.

Dave Rodman: Well, he masks that pretty well, and I think he would severely like to get another title. But Jeff's love of his current life and the place of his Nextel Cup competitiveness in it is no charade.

Duane Cross: And that's my biggest gripe with the sport -- loss of perspective. Most of the initiatives are a money-grab, and so be it if history, tradition, etc. fall to the wayside. It's a narrow-minded perspective, and the sport will suffer in the long run; or maybe even now, judging by the less-than-robust TV ratings.

Dave Rodman: That's kind of hard to get a grip on, because you can't run a championship the "old way" -- in which case Gordon would have clinched a couple weeks ago -- and compare the ratings to the current Chase.

Joe Menzer: The other thing is, back when the King raced, they would run two or three races in a single weekend sometimes. So when you start talking about not being able to compare eras, it's not just a Chase-bashing thing. It's apples-to-oranges in other areas, too.

Dave Rodman: We're much better off if we don't go down that road.

Duane Cross: But the thing is, when Petty was winning under different point systems, they didn't take away points, like now with the bonus points for wins and resetting the field.

Joe Menzer: True enough. But as he said, everyone knew what the system was at the start of the season. And everyone played accordingly.

Duane Cross: I just don't believe motorsports should have a playoff system like stick and ball sports; it's apples and watermelons.

Dave Rodman: Or apples and orangutans -- worlds different.

Joe Menzer: You guys have got to get over it. The Chase is not going away.

Duane Cross: True, it's moot to argue -- but it's not moot to say that this system just ain't cutting it. The fans will drive home that perspective. Mark my words, Cartman.

Joe Menzer: I love history as much or more than the next guy, but the fact is at least the Chase kept it close enough that it was more interesting down the stretch than it would have been.

2) Who's going to New York City as the "winners" of ninth and 10th in the championship -- and who'll be watching on TV after finishing 11th and 12th?

Duane Cross: Again -- stupid! Make the playoffs but don't get to go to the ball. Genius move, leaving Nos. 11 and 12 back at the farm while everyone else goes to the big city. It's a crock.

Joe Menzer: I agree. This is stupid. Let 'em all go. If they are trying to create some drama, no one is paying attention to who finishes 10th vs. 12th after Homestead. I guess maybe they're trying to save a little on airfare and hotels, which can be quite pricey in NYC. Just a note, but they're a lot cheaper in Vegas!

Dave Rodman: Obviously, that is kinda dopey, considering they used to allow 11 to go -- and that's only one fewer than 12. So can you consider this as a penalty for making the playoffs rather than a "bonus" for being the first loser?

Joe Menzer: Let's see. Less than 100 points separate the guys currently in eighth through 12th -- Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin.

Dave Rodman: Uh, I think no one is considering who is finishing fifth to 12th before Homestead. The attraction of third and fourth is, Can Hendrick get a one-two-three sweep?

Duane Cross: No way Clint can lose 146 points to Kyle and HMS gets Nos. 1-3. ... I'll go with Denny and Martin being on the outside looking in. And good for them -- vacation beckons. They can spend a few extra days on South Beach.

Dave Rodman: Again, depending on your family situation, most people might be considering a couple days on South Beach. Except for those rookies of the year who have a Raybestos function -- or the Truck Series' top 10.

Joe Menzer: I say Hamlin's out for sure; and probably Martin as well. But really, who cares? I'm not even sure how much those two care.

Dave Rodman: I'd say they care, and their teams care. (Continued)