Stewart all the talk: Rumor mill, Chase debate, winless (cont'd)

3. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart have a combined five career wins at New Hampshire, but none this year. Is Loudon the place where one of them breaks through?

Raygan Swan: If Clint Bowyer has anything to say about it, then no, but I'm going to say it's Stewart's time. In the last few New Hampshire races he's been the strongest.

Josh Pate: I thought we would answer that question last weekend at Sonoma, but Kyle Busch slid in and took it. This weekend could be very similar.

David Caraviello: I'm beginning to worry about Gordon. He seemed clearly frustrated at Sonoma that their good finish was by virtue of circumstances, and not because their car was fast. They seem to be searching a little right now, even though he's relatively comfortable in points.

Numbers can lie

Jeff Gordon has seven top-five finishes in 2008 and is comfortably in sixth position in the standings, but Gordon says this year has been a struggle.

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Raygan Swan: Yeah you can't count out Kyle, because he's good in New Hampshire with a win in 2006. Unless he decides to be a world traveler again on race weekends, Kyle will always contend for the win.

Josh Pate: I think once Gordon does win a race this year, he could potentially win multiple races very quickly. They're strong every single week. They just can't get past third or fourth place -- to even lead laps.

David Caraviello: Correct, Josh. But I'm beginning to wonder if their cars are capable of winning races, unless a Busch-and-Earnhardt-at-Richmond kind of scenario happens right in front of them. It's like they've been fast, but not fast enough.

Josh Pate: Right. And the constant complaint (oops, did that come out) is about how they can't pass, or at least can't pass for the lead.

David Caraviello: Yeah, I think this new car is a much bigger obstacle than anyone in that camp thought it would be. They're not bad, by any means. Jeff should make the Chase. But not being able to contend for wins has to be bothersome.

Josh Pate: It's got to be frustrating not to win. At the same time, third- and fourth-place finishes win championships in most years. At least they did before this whole bonus points thing. And remember, neither Gordon nor Stewart has won at New Hampshire since 2005. A lot has changed in that little time.

David Caraviello: Yes. They added those spike strips coming out of Turn 2.

Josh Pate: And the ramp.

David Caraviello: Man, that's one of the greatest innovations in motorsports history. What will new track owner Bruton Smith do to top that?

Josh Pate: That's truly where it is easiest to pass in the new car, so maybe you're right -- Gordon at N.H.

David Caraviello: I know it's the same old New Hampshire, but because Bruton owns it now, I half expect to see suites and flashing lights and a condo tower. I know it's not like that -- not yet, at least -- but that's what we expect from the man.

Josh Pate: That, or removal of a race. Which is something I cannot anticipate just yet due to their ticket sales.

David Caraviello: I don't think that's going to happen. They've sold out every Cup race in their history. More than 100,000 people flock to that place to see racing that, honestly, is not the greatest. But the support there is unbelievable. They should get a third race, not lose their second!

Raygan Swan: Wish they could take Pocono's dates. At least one.

David Caraviello: Dr. Mattioli isn't going to be happy with you, Raygan.

Raygan Swan: I know, and I should keep my mouth shut because I have to go back there in a month or so.

Josh Pate: Tracks like New Hampshire that receive that type of support from the area should indeed be rewarded. What's wrong with having a third race? It's happened before, so "we never have done that" won't work for excuses.

David Caraviello: Josh, I was joking, man.

Josh Pate: Seriously though -- why not? They sell tickets, which is more than most tracks can boast. California. Michigan. Pocono. Dover. Charlotte. How many tracks do we see that have two races with five sections of seats covered in advertising tarps?

Raygan Swan: I just can't wait for Kentucky to have a race so I can at least have one more within driving distance.

David Caraviello: A lot of tracks have seen empty seats this year because of the economy and gas prices. It will be interesting to see if Loudon suffers. That place is always jam-packed.

Raygan Swan: I'm craving clam chowder. Is that weird? I've never been there but I really could use some soup right now.

David Caraviello: Uh, Raygan, you know what they say about women and cravings ....

Raygan Swan: Yeah, and it's not possible, so don't even jinx me! But believe me, I'm sure Track Smack will be the first to hear the news!

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers.