Track Smack: Final Four selections, NASCAR-style

1. In tribute to the ongoing NCAA basketball tournament, who would your top four seeds be if we placed the Sprint Cup drivers in a bracket? And who are the potential Cinderellas or bracket busters?

Joe Menzer: I like this opening topic, but then I love basketball and the NCAAs. Is there a better time of year for a sports fan? Now, I just need some clarification -- are we going strictly off this year, or a driver's complete body of work?

David Caraviello: We're going off this year, Joe, just as the NCAA selection committee would. And Kyle Busch has to be your overall No. 1. He leads not only the points, but also NASCAR's Driver Rating. And since he's also doing so well in Nationwide and Trucks, I guess he'd be in the NIT and CBI as well.

Raygan Swan: Dude, the acronyms ... help. Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart and Dale Jr. are my fabulous four! But I'm hoping Ryan Newman can pick it up a bit and make up for what Indiana basketball failed to do: win! I follow Indiana basketball, so can you blame me? I'm optimistic, to say the least. And I cheer for people for random reasons: personality, uniforms, hot coach, etc.

Joe Menzer: OK, so we're going strictly off this year. So I say you have to give No. 1 seeds to the four guys who have won races -- Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards the top two seeds, followed by Ryan Newman and Jeff Burton.

David Caraviello: But guys, Edwards is like 16th in points now because of that penalty. He's like a great college basketball team that hit the skids because of injury. He'd be like a 4 or 5 seed, but a very dangerous one.

Joe Menzer: No way, DC. You can't make the guy who has won two races a No. 4 or 5 seed. Praise the Lord that you're not on the NCAA selection committee.

David Caraviello: My three other No. 1s would be Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Greg Biffle. But Burton's heart probably isn't in it any more since his beloved Dukies gagged against West Virginia. And I stick to my assertion about Edwards. Dangerous, yes, but he's got a few losses on his resume. He's the Pittsburgh of NASCAR.

Joe Menzer: Actually, it is beginning to sound like Raygan could very easily work for the NCAA selection committee. Maybe their rules and infractions department, too.

Raygan Swan: Hey the American voter thinks like me as well. Hillary's wardrobe clearly hurt her this year!

Joe Menzer: I need a ruling, by the way, on another aspect of this question: what exactly is the difference between a Cinderella and a bracket buster? Never have really understood that.

David Caraviello: A bracket buster is an underdog team you think will advance. A Cinderella is one that surprises you. Jimmie Johnson, now 13th in points, would be a bracket buster. Auggie Vidovich would be a Cinderella.

Joe Menzer: Since I have listed the correct No. 1 seeds, I guess my bracket busters would have to start with Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, with Clint Bowyer, Dale Jr., Biffle and Harvick added in. None of those can be called Cinderellas.

Raygan Swan: Auggie! Wow, I can't believe you remember him! Nice guy, but what happened to him? VH1 called and wants to know, "where is he now?"

David Caraviello: No idea, Raygs. Just my favorite driver name ever.

Auggie Vidovich is like Belmont. Well, almost.

Raygan Swan: Ha! He was a Nationwide rookie a few seasons ago. Yeah, his name is unforgettable. Maybe all this talk will bring him back.

Joe Menzer: If we're going to talk great NASCAR names, nothing tops Lake Speed, a No. 1 seed in any racing name game.

David Caraviello: Joe, Biffle and Harvick are second and third in points. You can't seed them that low. You're treating them like Butler, which got jobbed with a 5 seed by the NCAA.

Joe Menzer: Oh, I forgot the other Gibbs guys -- Stewart and Denny Hamlin. Bracket busters, for sure. Although Raygan gave Tony a No. 1 seed, I guess because he's from Indiana.

Raygan Swan: Joe, you can always count on me for Hoosier loyalty

David Caraviello: Joe, do you even watch basketball? Stewart would be a No. 2 or 3 seed, right there with Gordon and Dale Jr. Hamlin -- well, right now, he'd be hoping the glass slipper fits.

Raygan Swan: Tony is lighter now that they waxed his back, guys

David Caraviello: More aerodynamic. Less drag.

Joe Menzer: Did he get a haircut, too? Sure to make him go faster.

Raygan Swan: Maybe he's growing it out for Locks of Love. He is among the most generous driver in NASCAR, charitably speaking, of course. Team president J.D. Gibbs offered $15,000 to take some off his neck as well.

David Caraviello: Suddenly I have scenes from 40 Year Old Virgin running through my head. "We're gonna need more wax!"

Joe Menzer: Man, usually we don't stray this far off topic until late in Question No. 3!

Raygan Swan: Ha! David, I just choked on my coffee

Joe Menzer: Time to name my Cinderella picks: I'll take Juan Montoya and Bobby Labonte -- even though you guys tried to accuse me of disliking JPM last week.

Raygan Swan: Joe I'm going with you on that one, I like JPM for a Cinderella pick, and David Ragan, only because I love his last name. See what I mean by random reasoning?

David Caraviello: I'll take JPM as well, with Brian Vickers. And I'll see you all in San Antonio.

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.

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.