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.

Estes: My thought is that you are perceived as a quiet guy who has a lot of success. Do you enjoy that role and also not getting all of the headlines?

Kenseth: I don't know if I enjoy the role, but it doesn't bother me. I'd rather be the underdog than the favorite.

Estes: Is that perception of you as a quiet guy accurate when you are among friends?

Kenseth: I don't know if I'm ever the quiet guy. I have as much to say as the next guy. I don't know if I'm ever the quiet, stand in the corner type of guy. Maybe the media plays that up a bit.

Estes: Off the subject of racing, what's been your favorite movie of late?

Kenseth: I liked Walk the Line. I wasn't a Johnny Cash fan until I saw the movie. It was cool to see how he got his life back together and to see how those guys partied back then.

Estes: Who is your favorite athlete in another sport?

Kenseth: The last 12 years it's probably been Brett Favre. Being a Green Bay fan he's had an unselfish attitude. He didn't hold out for more money so they could afford to pay other players. You can just tell he loves the game by looking at how excited he gets.

Estes: Has there been anyone you've met that was a "wow" moment?

Kenseth: The first time I met Dale Earnhardt was cool. I was racing him and he kind of talked to me and pulled me aside in the drivers meeting. He was really cool. I also met Metallica in 2003 and had a chance to talk to them and they were really cool.

Estes: Any bold predictions for the 17 team the rest of the year?

Kenseth: I don't like to make predictions.

And alas, another good headline opportunity is missed.

Question of the Week

Since I won't have this opportunity again before the Chase begins, I'll ask the most obvious question. It's survey time NASCAR Planet. Simple and plain, who do you think will win the championship and why? As ever, send your responses to me at beau@turner.com.

Last Week's QOW

In the previous column I asked which version of Bristol you preferred, the "old Bristol" or the "new Bristol." Not surprisingly, the "old Bristol" bumped it's way to a nearly 2-to-1 margin of victory.

Old Bristol: 62.3%
New Bristol: 37.7%

The response to the track changes at Thunder Valley evoked some strong emotions from faithful followers of the short track. Below are a couple of selections that are fit to print.

I went to Bristol for the very first time this past weekend and I was expecting Thunder Valley to blow me away. Instead I was awed by the venue not the event. Give me the Bristol of old or give me death.
Rodney -- Burlington, Ky.

This is certainly the first time one of the Founding Fathers has been paraphrased by a respondent. I'm going to go on record as encouraging this. Get creative and start quoting Ben Franklin, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton in your responses.

The "new Bristol" of course! I hate watching everyone dive to the bottom of the track and follow each other like lemmings; then having to resort to pushing a driver out of the way with their bumper. If you are worth your weight in salt as a driver you shouldn't need to push anyone out of the way, you should be able to drive around them. THAT is what the "new Bristol" has to offer.
Michael -- Indianapolis

As you can see in the divergent responses of Rodney and Michael, this issue is emotionally charged and provokes impassioned responses so I'll go ahead and heed the words of the man with the famous kite who said, "Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose." What this means is I see both sides of the issue and don't want to get a knuckle sandwich from either Kentucky or Indiana.

Chat Room Chatter

Surprise, surprise -- the word "cheater" came up more often in out chatroom than during the Barry Bonds home run debacle. I can't wait to see if Dale Jr. gets the same treatment if he wins next week.

Below are some of the "cheat free" comments ...

Beau -- didn't you say Jimmie would not win the championship last year?
Belinda - Florence, S.C.

No, in fact I said he would win the title a year ago which leads me to the next question ...

Will Jimmie or Jeff win the cup this year?
Ed -- Tenn.

Yes, Jeff Gordon will own the car that wins back-to-back titles -- Jimmie Johnson's No. 48. The loss for the 24 team will leave them feeling "cheated" in a year they clearly dominated.

I went on record selecting Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win in Richmond and still fall short in his quest to make the Chase. To me, this is the most fitting end to the regular season for the No. 8 team. The Budweiser gang has been terrific lately, unfortunately for them you don't make up much ground when the guys you are chasing for the Chase are cranking out top-fives faster than Fergie.

Still, I think it would be terrific to see "The Legacy" crank out wins in the Chase like Tony Stewart of a year ago prior to going out and making his own legend at HMS.

Enjoy the race.

The opinions expressed are those solely of the writer.