Smack: Kyle's no surprise, Carl's prize and clear skies

1. Kyle Busch came close to leading all three NASCAR national tours after California, which would have been a historic moment. Are you surprised?

Raygan Swan: I think Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson secretly miss Kyle. And no, I'm not surprised. Watching him in the Truck race in Daytona and this weekend in California -- he puts the car or truck where he wants it!

Joe Menzer: I can't say I'm surprised that he's enjoying immediate success. But anyone who says he or she isn't surprised by HOW MUCH immediate success he's having is probably lying.

Dave Rodman: Chip Ganassi talks of how Reed Sorenson has matured, and he has -- but over the last couple years, Kyle has really shown more of that. And since his driving talent was never in question, and he's still in front-line stuff, look out.

Joe Menzer: There has never been a question about Kyle Busch being immensely talented as a driver. And Felix Sabates said Rick Hendrick told him that if Kyle had acted earlier like he did over the last part of last season, he never would have parted ways with him.

Dave Rodman: Kyle proved in the last half of 2007 he had an equal amount of intestinal fortitude and focus to go with his driving skill. This could be a year-long occurrence in Cup. The only thing that will stop him in the other two is partial schedules.

Raygan Swan: At times Kyle was his own worst enemy last season but this season is different.

Joe Menzer: At the same time, I don't think Hendrick is upset that they ultimately made the Kyle-for-Junior swap. Junior was off to a great start before bad luck struck in California. And I still say Junior is the far more stable person.

Dave Rodman: But they did what they did; and it just shows you how discomfiting this level of NASCAR racing is. There was a time when guys could get recycled and stay in the sport -- now, you better produce, or in a couple years or less, you're gone.

Joe Menzer: Discomfiting? I think I find that statement discomfiting!

Dave Rodman: Uncomfortable is probably a better choice there, so thanks for wrinkling your nose. I was thinking the new age meaning: "To disconcert or make uncomfortable."

Raygan Swan: Yeah, does the name Jacques ring a bell for anyone? Geez, that was fast.

Dave Rodman: A few bent fenders make Jacques' start look worse, but I think his temporary demise was way more financially driven. The problem is, sponsors aren't jumping up all over the landscape, and that's discomfiting to owners.

Joe Menzer: Again, though: Bill Elliott is still driving, and Ken Schrader, and Joe Nemechek. And wasn't that Kenny Wallace in the Daytona 500 for a few minutes?

Dave Rodman: Hey -- Herman did some damned good work to get into the 500. But as much as it hurts to say it -- you still haven't mentioned a proven, front-running team. And there's the rub.

Joe Menzer: Some of the guys are still getting recycled. But for guys like David Stremme and Johnny Sauter and Tony Raines, it was pretty much one and done, wasn't it?

Dave Rodman: Right now, Johnny and David have great opportunities to make some noise in Triple A and get back to The Big Show. Johnny might get a shot with the Wood Brothers this weekend, but that's immense pressure. Tony needs to be racing somewhere. In the right situation, he could make something happen -- but they've got to find each other.

Raygan Swan: Each situation is different, yes; but at the end of the day, it's performance. The driver has to make it happen, especially for those teams outside the top 35 in owner points.

Dave Rodman: Hello, Johnny. I think that top 35 is a discomfiting situation to people in every corner of the sport.

Raygan Swan: And well, I have my opinion about the Stremme decision. I think Ganassi has an affinity for big names and open-wheelers who he thought would attract big sponsor dollars.

Dave Rodman: Hasn't paid off so far in this tough sponsor market, has it?

Joe Menzer: And right now, no driver is making it happen more than Kyle Busch. He hasn't won a Cup race yet, but it's only a matter of time. Who gets one first for Gibbs in a Toyota -- him or Tony Stewart?

Raygan Swan: Well, Tony -- but Kyle put Toyota on the map for leading the points in the Cup Series for the manufacturer's first time.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

After Cole Trickle subbed for Rowdy Burns at Daytona, he went on to a successful football career.

Dave Rodman: Right now, with Blaney struggling as badly as they felt they might at California, I'd say it's Busch and Stewart basically neck and neck -- and don't dare count out Denny Hamlin. I'd say for the next two weeks, they are dead even with a shot to win.

Joe Menzer: Well, Kyle Busch has three consecutive top-10 finishes in Vegas, including a second in 2005 and a third in 2006. I think I might like his chances this weekend.

Dave Rodman: And I think I said before, I'd be real surprised if Toyota hasn't won by the time five races are up.

Raygan Swan: Good call, Dave -- and for the record, it will be Stewart. And speaking of Mondays -- racing on Mondays is horrible!

Dave Rodman: I'd rather leave Mondays where they belong -- after Sunday -- but I hear you.

Joe Menzer: Better you covering for us on Mondays than us, Ms. Swan. I stayed nice and dry last weekend. How about you, Roadman?

Dave Rodman: Just toasty -- the cold snap hadn't hit yet. But to Raygs' point -- you get your hopes up for a race on race day, whether you're a fan, a racer or a writer. Anything other than that is a big letdown.

Raygan Swan: Yeah, Dave. I feel bad for Carl. The race Monday was one big afterthought, something to check off the to-do list. The excitement was completely sucked from the event.

Dave Rodman: You're right there -- few winners, except the jet fuel vendors!

Raygan Swan: The racing was good, but the energy was not there. Everyone, and I mean everyone -- fans, media, drivers -- become deflated. I did see Tom Cruise at the track last weekend in California! Thought I was gonna die right there on pit road!

Dave Rodman: Was he approachable -- or surrounded by bodyguards?

Raygan Swan: Totally approachable -- he was there with his son, and he passed the football around with a crew guy on the No. 1 car.

Dave Rodman: Very cool. You should have stepped in for a pick. That's maybe not an entrée for an interview, but would be good for a laugh or two. (Continued)