Smack: Not the Jimmie and Carl show as many thought (cont'd)

2. Jeff Gordon is back atop the Sprint Cup standings. What are the odds that he's still there at the end of the season?

David Caraviello: Well, given that we're just back from Vegas, I'll say 3-to-1 -- those three of course being Johnson, Edwards and Busch. But Gordon is inching his way back into that elite group. He has that look in his eyes this year.

Dave Rodman: Finally, someone steps up to rip a title out of Jimmie Johnson's hands. It ain't ripped yet, don't get me wrong -- but how consistently Jeff has been able to be competitive, to persevere, and to come back -- should be scary to the competition and a real treat to fans everywhere. What Steve Letarte's bunch did at Vegas was nothing short of spectacular. Just when you thought they were relegated to walking wounded status, Gordo's trying to win with 90 percent of an aero package!

Bill Kimm: I'd say the odds are pretty darn good. There is something about that No. 24 team that smells like a championship. Gordon looks hungry and this could be the year for No. 5.

David Caraviello: Kimm is handing out championships like Christmas presents this morning! How about one for Mark Martin while we're at it, big man? And Ricky Rudd called, he'd like one, too.

Surviving Vegas

• Tire woes doesn't slow No. 24
• Gordon leads 20,000th lap
• Cross: Top 10 full of storylines

Bill Kimm: I'm in a good mood today, what can I say -- this is Track Smack baby! Dave, I'm glad you mentioned Letarte, because I get the feeling this is Jeff's way of sticking up for his battered-by-everyone crew chief. Let's win the thing and show 'em Letarte is pretty good at this.

Dave Rodman: Mark Martin has taken up residence in the La Brea tar pits. All but fossilized. Actually, I think he'll be the comeback story of the year, because I think they will come roaring back. But right now things are looking rough over there in the 5's neighborhood.

David Caraviello: Well, two engine failures in as many weeks will do that to you. But if the first three weeks are to be believed, Jeff is clearly back on his game. That winless streak is going to end, likely sooner than later. All those folks who ripped Letarte last year are going to have to eat their words.

Bill Kimm: It will be nice to see Jimmie go shake Jeff's hand in Victory Lane for once.

Dave Rodman: Well, I think both Letarte's and Tony Eury Jr.'s detractors should have equal shares of crow pie. Of course, they need to consistently deliver. But maybe it's time to get up a pool to see who'll get back to Victory Lane first. By the looks of things, I'd say the 24 bunch is a little ahead of that game.

David Caraviello: Whatever troubles Jeff had with the new car seem to be behind him. Since we're big on statements this morning, Jeff can make one this weekend at Atlanta, and an even bigger one next month at Texas, which isn't one of his better tracks. If we get to that point and he's still in the mix, he's for real.

Bill Kimm: Gordon is more for real than Junior. How did the No. 88 even get into this conversation? We're talking about teams up top, not flirting with the top 35.

Dave Rodman: Junior's Junior no matter where he is, but a strong Gordon can certainly make some things happen. It would be cool as hell to see that first win happen at Texas, but I honestly think if Jeff wins at Texas, it will be no less than his second victory this season.

David Caraviello: Well, I think Junior started digging himself out of that hole at Las Vegas. As for Gordon, the sport needs him to be back on his game. A hugely popular driver winning races again can only help at the ticket office.

Bill Kimm: There you go DC -- one guy I'm not handing out titles to: Junior!

David Caraviello: Finally, Bill Kimm shows some restraint! (Continued)