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

3. The recent Sprint Cup off week allowed the Nationwide Series to have the spotlight to itself. Are there any drivers in Nationwide who could make it at the next level?

Raygan Swan: I love Kelly Bires for this question.

David Caraviello: Got to think Brad Keselowski is moving to the top of everyone's list with how smooth and consistent he's been this year. And the Junior influence surely can't hurt.

Raygan Swan: Yeah Brad too, but Kelly has really turned things around from last season when he was picked to replace Jon Wood.

Joe Menzer: Well, now it's my turn to get the media guide out. Keselowski was my pick. He's sixth in points in Nationwide, top non-Cup regular other than Mike Bliss, who is recycled. And like DC said, the Junior connection never hurts.

David Caraviello: And the thing is, it doesn't take much anymore to get a Cup team's attention. Remember that David Gilliland got his ride at Yates because of that one win at Kentucky. One of these Nationwide guys does the same against all the Cup regulars, and people notice.

Joe Menzer: Dropping down to the Trucks, I like Chad McCumbee. He's fourth in points, if my memory serves correct ... Which it should, since I just looked that up. So David, you're saying it's time to give Scott Wimmer another look?

David Caraviello: Unfortunately, Scott falls into the category of guys who have been in Cup before and haven't made it. Like Jason Leffler, who's also having a good year in Nationwide. But he's been to Cup twice before, and it hasn't worked out.

Kes-e-LOW-ski ... learn it.

Nationwide Series

Official Standings

Pos.	Driver	Points	Behind
1.	C. Bowyer	877	Leader
2.	C. Edwards	866	-11
3.	D. Reutimann	806	-71
4.	D. Ragan	771	-106
5.	M. Bliss	757	-120
6.	B. Keselowski	756	-121
7.	K. Harvick	751	-126
8.	K. Bires	708	-169
9.	M. Wallace	706	-171
10.	J. Leffler	703	-174

Bold: N'wide-only driver

Joe Menzer: I agree. I was hoping you would say something different, so we could argue. And isn't that just it with the Nationwide Series? It isn't really a true proving ground for up-and-comers any longer. It's where the Cup guys go to race on Saturdays.

Raygan Swan: I will say this: I expected more out of the brat pack, Bryan Clauson, Landon Cassill and Brad Coleman. So I have to say Kelly Bires. In just six races, he has a top-five and is consistently in the top 15.

David Caraviello: Brat pack? Is Landon Cassill racing's version of Judd Nelson?

Raygan Swan: Ummmm ... what?

David Caraviello: Raygan, you do know who was in the original brat pack, right?

Raygan Swan: Yes, Frank, Sammy, etc .

Joe Menzer: That's the Rat Pack.

Raygan Swan: Oh the young one, Molly Ringwald. And that Judd Nelson. I thought you were talking about those dumb rocker twins

David Caraviello: That's Hanson. It was all those John Hughes move stars -- Andrew McCarthy, Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, etc.

Joe Menzer: Well, I've gotta give you two credit. We stayed pretty much on course for almost two full questions. Now we stray once again. I don't think you guys have the proper focus that it would take to be a NASCAR driver -- or maybe even to navigate the traffic from Greensboro to Martinsville!

Raygan Swan: Joe, that's why I'm riding the Segway. Or perhaps I could borrow your kids' roller tennis shoes.

David Caraviello: OK, back to racing. Joe, you're right that it's tough to find true up-and-comers in Nationwide these days because of the Cup influence. It's losing its luster as a developmental series.

Raygan Swan: But don't you think the Cup presence is waning? The concentration isn't as high as it was two seasons ago.

David Caraviello: But all the top drivers are still Cup guys. Sponsors still feel they can get a bang for their buck with a Cup driver in a Nationwide car.

Joe Menzer: You would expect the Cup presence in Nationwide to be subsiding now that they aren't running the same car. But some sponsors still want to see those Cup guys in their Nationwide cars.

Raygan Swan: Maybe if the Cup guys start acting more like Kyle and giving TV crews the silent treatment, Nationwide guys will get some sponsor cash! But everyone still talks about Kyle Busch even when he remains silent.

Joe Menzer: Only now, because he's leading in points. He'd have to stay there to retain that status.

David Caraviello: The issue is, Nationwide car sponsor want established Cup guys because of the name recognition, so the guys who need the rides can't get them.

Raygan Swan: So why the rush on some of those drivers like Dario Franchitti and A.J.?

David Caraviello: Because if you're a Cup team and you're going to spend money, you'd rather spend it on a Cup program than a Nationwide program. There's more return. Unless you're an established name, good luck finding a Nationwide ride.

Joe Menzer: There you go. As always, it's about the dollars.

David Caraviello: Just ask Michael McDowell, who probably could have used a few more Nationwide starts. But Michael Waltrip Racing doesn't want to sacrifice its Cup effort. So he's debuting this week at Martinsville, with the big boys (complete story).

Raygan Swan: And Martinsville isn't an easy track to debut on.

Joe Menzer: And again, I guess you have to now ask the question in reverse: If the cars aren't the same in the top two series any longer, and Cup guys figure they aren't getting much info that transfers would the young guys learn enough that would transfer over now as well?

David Caraviello: It's different. The Cup guys all know the tracks, the limits. The young guys don't. Basically, some drivers who could use some Nationwide experience aren't getting it, because sponsors want Cup guys in their cars. And we're seeing the results of that in all the struggles some of these new Cup guys are experiencing.

Joe Menzer: Regardless, as you said, it's all about the dollars. Getting a full-time Nationwide ride these days is no easy sell.

Raygan Swan: So is there a solution?

David Caraviello: Yes: Joe Menzer, behind the wheel of the super mini-van, showing 'em how it's done.

Joe Menzer: Well, I just hope and pray that Raygan doesn't struggle in her Martinsville debut. (And I'm talking only about her getting to the track.)

Raygan Swan: Oh I'll struggle all right! I have yet to have one of the famed hotdogs, and I truly can't or I will look like a hotdog in my wedding dress.

Joe Menzer: Never! Maybe a mini-hotdog. But never a hotdog!

David Caraviello: A Lil' Smokie!

Raygan Swan: Oh, I love Lil' Smokies!

Joe Menzer: Could that be Raygan's new nickname? Lil' Smokie!

David Caraviello: I love it!

Raygan Swan: No! Actually, OK.

David Caraviello: All right, time to wrap this up. Joe, Lil' Smokie, I'll see you two later.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers.