Track Smack: Final Four selections, NASCAR-style (cont'd)

2. Onward to Martinsville, where Jimmie Johnson swept two races last year, nipping teammate Jeff Gordon in the first one. Is it the perfect place for Hendrick Motorsports to get off the schnide?

Joe Menzer: I say yes. But then again, several weeks ago I adopted the strategy of picking Gordon every week until he actually wins a race. Not working out too good so far, but maybe this is the week.

David Caraviello: You'd think so. But I'm baffled that the team that was best in the new car last year seems so behind now. Evidently, the car and the setups are that much different than they were last year. Interesting that things have changed so much in so short a time.

Raygan Swan: I will say yes to this one as well, because their drivers are crazy good at Martinsville, and I believe Hendrick has won almost every race there since ... I don't know, 1948. The boost to their seasons this weekend will put them back on top where they will remain for the rest of the season.

Joe Menzer: After all, Johnson is "Mr. Martinsville." So dubbed by none other than Gordon after last year's double duty.

David Caraviello: I thought Joe Menzer was Mr. Martinsville.

Joe Menzer: Me? Mr. Martinsville? Nah, I believe a news conference was held there in your honor last year about this time, Mr. Caraviello (read more).

David Caraviello: I have no recollection of that. I was sitting in traffic.

Joe Menzer: As was I. Which sort of is one of the sticking points of Martinsville. Pretty much only one way in and out, at least if you're coming from anywhere south, and it stinks.

Ryan Newman: NASCAR driver, life saver.

• By the Numbers: Martinsville
• Caraviello: Is this our Chase?
• Martinsville there from start
• Aumann: Decade of difference

David Caraviello: Keep that up, and you'll have your own news conference Sunday, big man.

Raygan Swan: Joe, maybe we can hitch a ride on someone's helicopter.

Joe Menzer: You must know more big shots than me, Raygan! Last time I rode in a helicopter (OK, so it was the ONLY time), I rode with Ryan Newman, who didn't say much during the ride, but then shouted a command that scared the hell out of me when I started to step out. "Don't step back! That rotor will shred you to bits!" Or something like that. I guess he saved my life.

Raygan Swan: Well, I've never done it, so you've got me beat. I'd be lucky to get a ride on a Segway. Hey, that's not a bad idea.

David Caraviello: But back to Hendrick. Johnson has actually won three consecutive there, and Hendrick has won eight of the last 10 at Martinsville. This really should be their week to break out. But of course, we've been thinking that all year. In their defense, they set the bar so high last year, it's completely unrealistic to think they can match that kind of effort a second consecutive year.

Joe Menzer: The thing about Martinsville, and Hendrick for that matter, is that things do change. You don't know when or why, but trends don't last forever. The Pettys used to dominate at Martinsville, too.

Raygan Swan: Good point, and it's nice to see some other drivers enjoy the limelight.

David Caraviello: But this is Hendrick's best track. If they're back in the pack Sunday, maybe it's time to really get concerned. But something tells me they won't be.

Raygan Swan: Yeah, I'm not worried about those two finishing in the top 10 for the season. They are both back-to-back champs, and Johnson has always finished in the top five in points, in his entire career, that is. And Gordon, he's only finished outside the top 10 twice, in 2005 when he missed the Chase and his rookie year when he was 14th.

David Caraviello: But Raygs, as I wrote in my Wednesday column, history shows us that the guys in the top 12 after Bristol basically stay there. So there are reasons for those guys to be worried.

Joe Menzer: They will have more reasons to be worried if they don't experience their usual Martinsville success this weekend.

Raygan Swan: Yeah, especially if Tony wins. He's third-best at the track behind those two.

Joe Menzer: Sounds like Raygs has her Cup media guide out!

Raygan Swan: Joe! How'd you know, do you have surveillance on me or what?

Joe Menzer: Call it a hunch. (Continued)