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

3. How do you feel about drivers making their series debut during the Chase?

Greg Biffle: That's probably not the best thing for the Chase drivers. Anything can happen, but it's the same for everyone, I guess. Anybody can be racing around them as teammates. But that's typically when guys are going to make their debut. So that's something that we'll have to deal with.

Joe Menzer: I'm assuming this question has to do with Joey Logano making his Cup debut (he hopes), this weekend in New Hampshire. At least with Logano, I would think he's less likely to do something stupid than most rookies would be.

Duane Cross: Even though Joey Logano is "sliced bread" -- he's still a first-timer. That has to weigh heavy on both Joey and the Chase drivers, right? I mean, certainly he doesn't want to blow it ...

Greg Biffle: Exactly, I'd hate to be that guy making my debut because there's a lot of pressure to not make a mistake. Or racing with a car that's not in the Chase and making a problem for those in it. You could change the outcome of the championship.

Joe Menzer: That pressure is always gonna be there, but under these circumstances, it's got to be magnified times 10. And that could contribute to someone making a costly mistake -- for him and others that it would impact more.

Duane Cross: When you flipped the switch for your first Cup race at Fontana in 2002 -- do you remember what was going through your head?

Greg Biffle: I was excited to be able to race with guys I'd watched for years, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and my teammates, all those guys. I know that I was thrilled about that. Rolling off the grid was kind of like a dream come true. You had been waiting all your life to be in the Sprint Cup Series and it became a reality.

Duane Cross: And you were 32 -- with a lot more experience. Can you imagine the nerves Logano will be battling?

Greg Biffle: Oh, yeah. A lot of times drivers will talk about when we started street stock, late model racing and all those things compared to today. What were you racing at 18, 19 and 20? Compared to even Nationwide and Sprint Cup today ...

Joe Menzer: Greg, how did that compare with giving Paula Deen a ride in your Mustang in '07? I'll bet you were nervous then, too, huh? (Duane has a thing for Paula Deen, by the way.)

Greg Biffle: She likes to ride in hot-rod cars, if you have one of those. I took her in a Mustang, drifting in the parking lot.

Duane Cross: I'll get right on that Mustang ... though the drifting part may take some practice.

4. How is it that we can watch a driver struggle in equipment prepared similar to his teammates -- yet he doesn't get the performance like they do? Then another driver can replace him and a year later, with the same car and crew, perform almost miracles in that car -- for instance, J.J. Yeley and Kyle Busch. -- Steve Ekleberry, Sycamore, Ohio

Greg Biffle: Certainly in some cases, it's driver ability. But it's not all that because, for instance, we'll switch crews and crew chiefs switch teams. Automatically, those teams perform better. It's revitalizing; there's an awareness, so a lot of it can be that. Not necessarily the names, but just the change sparks new life. So there are all kinds of things that can make a difference. It's a match of a crew chief, car chief and a driver. That's a magical combination.

Duane Cross: Best of luck, Greg -- starting at Loudon.

Greg Biffle: Great questions and I'm excited about making the Chase and reflecting on all those topics. Thanks a lot.

Joe Menzer: Yep, see you there. I'm gonna rent a Mustang!

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.