Kenseth continues to dominate sport -- quietly

Matt Kenseth doesn't need me to write this article about him. He really doesn't need anyone to post his accolades in print. His success speaks for itself.

Yet somehow, I feel his accomplishments are underplayed and therefore I'm duty-bound to help spread the gospel of Matt (Kenseth, that is.) I know he's not the Rodney Dangerfield of NASCAR, because respect for the former Cup champion is certainly not in short supply. Still, I worry we are taking this artist on wheels for granted; like there is a master at work in anonymity. Let there be no doubt -- he is one of the best stock car drivers in the world. But even to hear Matt tell it, he is in fact an "underdog."

Beau Estes co-hosts the Jack Daniel's Post-Race Show with Nikki Alexander. It can be seen following every Nextel Cup race live on NASCAR.COM.

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Before I get to our conversation I wanted to share one quick nugget that perhaps will give you some insight into Matt Kenseth as a person. Our interview was scheduled to begin at 11 am on a weekday leading up to the race in California. I am not exaggerating when I say this -- Matt called me at EXACTLY 11 am. I'm not suggesting he called me somewhere within the minute that was 11 am. I happened to be looking at the seconds on the TV when he called and it was exactly 11:00:00 -- not one second later. I'm pushing for him to get honorary citizenship in Switzerland.

For those of you who work in "the real world" this may not be a surprise, however, if your job is working with athletes and "athlete standard time," this is mildly shocking -- that is if shock can be mild.

So, if you are looking for a nickname for the rather reticent Mr. Kenseth, may I suggest Father Time. And with that note, I've wasted too much of your time so onto the interview ...

Estes: You guys are quietly getting things done -- where do things stand for the No. 17 team as you head into the Chase?

Kenseth: I think we're probably not one of the favorite two or three teams, we're maybe in that next group after them. I feel good about my team but we're not quite there. Anyone who runs toward the front is close. Winning the Chase really is a matter of doing well on the little things.

Estes: Carl Edwards has been hot of late. Do you think this is indicative of resurgence for all of the Roush guys and does this bode well for your team as we head to the Chase?

Kenseth: Well, I think that whenever a teammate does well it let's you know that good things can happen for your team.

Estes: How do things change for a driver and team as the season winds down. Is there more stress, less free time, or is there really no change at all?

Kenseth: There really is not much of a change. It's maybe a bit more stressful if you are part of the Chase because the year is starting over again. It feels close to the same though.

Estes: Your thoughts on the Chase versus the old way of crowning a champion. Which system do you like better?

Kenseth: I don't know if I can say I like it [the Chase] better. It gives more people a chance to win a championship because a year like this year we actually have a chance. But, if Gordon doesn't win the championship it's kind of unfair. If he doesn't win, the traditionalist fan might get upset. (Continued)