Track Smack: Biffle talks Chase dark horses, debuts (cont'd)

2. Does making the Chase equate to a successful season -- or does it take a victory to legitimately make that claim?

Greg Biffle: That's a good question. It's a 50-50 split really. I've been fortunate enough to get a win every season I've been in Sprint Cup, but making the Chase is more success than winning the race. I won at Kansas last year, but I didn't get to go to NYC, so making the Chase was more important to get to go to New York.

Joe Menzer: After winning six races in 2006, have you been surprised at how hard wins have been to come by since then? I know you got two the next year and then the one you mentioned last year, but that's been it.

Date	Track	Time	TV
Sept. 14	Loudon	1 p.m.	ABC
Sept. 21	Dover	1 p.m.	ABC
Sept. 28	Kansas	1 p.m.	ABC
Oct. 5	Talladega	1 p.m.	ABC
Oct. 11	Charlotte	7 p.m.	ABC
Oct. 19	Martinsville	1 p.m.	ABC
Oct. 26	Atlanta	1 p.m.	ABC
Nov. 2	Texas	3 p.m.	ABC
Nov. 9	Phoenix	3 p.m.	ABC
Nov. 16	Homestead	3 p.m.	ABC

All times ET

Greg Biffle: Yeah, it has been sort of a surprise. They are more difficult. What's funny is how many wins the three leaders have: Kyle (eight), Carl (six) and Jimmie (four). It's not spread out more uniformly or evenly. And then last year, Jimmie with 10. On one hand, it seems more difficult and harder, but you look at guys that have eight and 10 in a season.

Joe Menzer: And how Kasey Kahne, with two, didn't even get into the Chase.

Greg Biffle: Right, Joe. We were on par to win a couple, Darlington was one of them. But stuff happens. Hopefully we'll get an opportunity in the final 10.

Duane Cross: From a sponsor's perspective, getting into the Chase has to be a boon -- this is when NASCAR is most in the spotlight. Who remembers Greg's paint scheme at ... say, Texas? Do you see a day when sponsor dollars are tied directly to a driver making the Chase? We'll sign up for the first 26, but if you don't make the Chase you're on your own for the final 10 ...

Greg Biffle: Yeah, I agree. That goes back to winning a race or making the Chase. That's why making the Chase is more important. Sponsor recognition, media things, PSAs and other things are more important because you're one of those 12 guys.

Joe Menzer: Do you still own your pub in Vancouver, back when you won six in a year? I'll bet those were some good parties ...

Greg Biffle: No, I sold it my first year Nationwide racing in '01, but a lot of people out there reminisce. But once I started Nationwide racing -- and especially Cup racing -- I couldn't get back out there.

Joe Menzer: I think you should open another one in Mooresville.

Greg Biffle: Haha -- yeah, I don't know. Stay tuned. That might happen some day. (Continued)