Smack: Hendrick, M'ville and ... the Octomom? (cont'd)

2. Back-to-back races at Bristol and Martinsville beg the question -- of Bristol, Martinsville, and Richmond, which is the best short track on the Sprint Cup tour?

Joe Menzer: Wow. That's a great question. I like 'em all, and each is unique in its own way. But if push comes to shove -- and it usually does on these short tracks -- I think I have to go with Bristol.

David Caraviello: OK, no offense intended to anybody here, but we have to answer the question. I'll take Richmond. Just big enough for high speeds, just small enough for short-track action. The pre-Chase event there last year was the best of the year. The Earnhardt-Busch issue in the spring was riveting. Something always happens there.

Virginia goodness

It's no surprise Raygan hasn't actually eaten a Martinsville Hot Dog, when you have a conversation with one, I'm sure that bond is hard to break.

• Five things ... The Dog
• Travel Log: M'ville
• Video: Track Facts

Raygan Swan: I've been to Richmond and Martinsville, not Bristol. I'm partial to Martinsville -- the feel of the old-fashioned short track and being at the place where most of the Cup stars got their start is amazing. So much history.

David Caraviello: Menzer, you need to bring a little more to the table than that! When did you go all wishy-washy on us? Where's Bill Kimm? He'll pull no punches. And Raygan, you're just saying that because you love those radioactive red hot dogs.

Raygan Swan: David, to be honest I have yet to have one! Can you believe it? I just want a bite of one, then I'll pass it to Joe.

David Caraviello: Raygan, something tells me your Clean Eating magazine doesn't exactly endorse them.

Joe Menzer: Hey, Caraviello, I answered the question. I went with Bristol. And here's why: The night race there in August still remains one of the best (usually) of every season. The new car plus the new surface allows multiple groove racing now, but when it gets down to the end, there's usually going to be some entertaining bumping going on, too. I'll get to Martinsville hot dogs in a minute (they're delicious, just look a little different than your "normal" dog). But the other factor at Bristol is the crowd. You've got 160,000-plus folks just bearing down on the action. It's great!

David Caraviello: I will agree with Raygan to an extent on Martinsville. The racing action there, which people ultimately pay to see, is often tremendous. Guys are rubbing up against each other all day. I can't imagine how hard it is to drive 500 laps there. But I have trouble getting past the speeds. Average speed for last year's spring race was 73 mph. I can go faster than that on the highway!

Raygan Swan: But Martinsville is methodical, unique in that perseverance with a little patience wins out. And M'ville has the clock. Come on, what is cooler than that? There's no other trophy like it. And this track hasn't changed, unlike Bristol.

Joe Menzer: Listen, without being wishy-washy, I've got nothing against either Martinsville or Richmond. All three of these places are reminders that NASCAR needs more short tracks, not fewer races at them.

David Caraviello: Is Joe running for office? He sounds very politically correct this morning.

Raygan Swan: I know, I love it! Go Joe!

Joe Menzer: PC is not my thing. Just trying to be honest. As for speed, yeah, I got up above 73 going to Martinsville once and paid the price for it! I don't want the cops up there looking out for me again when I drive up there this weekend.

Raygan Swan: Ha! I remember that Joe! Slow your roll, homie.

Rain, rain go away

Joe and Raygan think we could be in for some rain at Martinsville. But they aren't meteorologists -- so what do the experts have to say about the weekend weather.

• HLN Weather Blast

David Caraviello: I like Bristol, too. The atmosphere there is unquestionably the best in the sport. It's worth the money just to sit in the grandstands and take it all in. I mean, you can see almost everything without turning your head. But I think the drivers are still figuring out that new surface, and the racing tends to get a little strung out at times. Had some long green flag runs last Sunday.

Joe Menzer: The racing at Martinsville has always been great, and even though Caraviello has had his problems with, um, the management there, Clay Campbell and Co. have done some really nice things to upgrade the facility with their ISC money. And good hot dogs, too. (Although Ridgewood Barbecue near the Bristol track is better than any dog you'll ever eat anywhere.)

Raygan Swan: Before it's all over, I'd like to go to Bristol. At the end of the day, all three tracks have the best fans, some of the most hardcore followers of the sport. That makes a difference in my mind.

David Caraviello: Who has problems with the Martinsville management? Those guys bleed for the place. Clay has much of his life invested in that facility. It's understandable that he'd get upset when Joe concocts some half-baked opinion piece.

Raygan Swan: Half-baked? Oh wait, we aren't talking about food anymore.

Joe Menzer: Ha-ha. I have made my peace with the good folks who run Martinsville. It wasn't my opinion piece that had them calling a press conference a couple years ago! A simple misunderstanding, I'm sure.

David Caraviello: I'm going to go wishy-washy for a second and have no comment on that.

Raygan Swan: Speaking of wishy-washy, did you see the forecast for the weekend Joe?

Joe Menzer: Bring your rain gear, Raygs. And maybe even a boat. But the weather geeks have been wrong before. Maybe they'll miss this one, too. (Continued)