Smack: Two icons call it quits in the same week (cont'd)

2. Last year's Coca-Cola 600 ended up being a fuel-mileage affair with Casey Mears winning. Are fuel-mileage races good or bad for the sport?

Bill Kimm: I've said it before and I'll say it again ... fuel mileage races are ABSOLUTELY AWESOME for the sport!

Raygan Swan: Huh? Exsqueeze me, baking powder, did you really just say "awesome?"

Joe Menzer: Geez, I hate to agree with Butts, but I guess I will here. I thought last year's Coca-Cola 600 was outstanding, one of the more interesting races of the year.

Stop the madness

Casey Mears is tired of answering questions about his future and David Caraviello says, if an owner would just give him some stability, Mears has the potential to become a superstar.

• Complete story, click here
• Caraviello: One-night career

Bill Kimm: The will he or won't he make it question with every lap that ticks by -- drama at its best.

Joe Menzer: I have never really understood all those who say fuel-mileage races cheapen a victory or take away from an event. I think it brings strategy into it in a way that can be absolutely riveting.

Raygan Swan: Wake me up when this is over, and no, I don't think fuel mileage races are good.

Bill Kimm: The only reason last year's 600 finished the way it did was because those who were "points racing" were too chicken to go for it. Kudos to those who stayed out and took a chance and were rewarded for it.

Joe Menzer: You may not agree with the girl, Butts, but you have to respect her.

Raygan Swan: Good points Joe, but in the end, you still want to see side-by-side, or close racing, not cars coasting to save fuel ... Phoenix last season ring a bell?

Joe Menzer: The problem with fuel-mileage races sometimes becomes a byproduct of the one thing Humpy hates most: points racing.

Bill Kimm: Raygs ... I want to see strategy and risky pit calls...and you get that in fuel-mileage races.

Raygan Swan: I more of a give it to me straight kind of gal.

Joe Menzer: Guys looking for a good points day -- guys with their eyes on the big picture and the Chase -- are never going to be as likely to gamble late on fuel as guys like Casey Mears, Reed Sorensen, J.J. Yeley and Kyle Petty. Guys who finished top five in last year's Coca-Cola marathon.

Bill Kimm: Exactly ... that's why fuel races are so exciting. Was the gamble worth it ... and for Casey Mears last season, it clearly was.

Raygan Swan: And what have they done since then? Nothing

Joe Menzer: Um, I have to get back to Raygan's last comment. What kind of gal did you say you were?

Raygan Swan: Hahaha -- black and white. I'm in a rare mood with BK in the mix today.

Joe Menzer: OK, just clarifying there. And BTW, a belated congrats to you on your recent marriage.

Raygan Swan: Oh thanks! My better half will be here soon from Indiana and he hates fuel mileage races too!

Bill Kimm: A match made in heaven.

Raygan Swan: He doesn't realize that yet, but he will when I'm done here

Joe Menzer: Well, I'm going to have to strategize my fuel mileage just to get to the track. I'm glad Turner is paying for our gas. (Continued)