Smack: Toyota's big gain, Chevy's loss, Hall at a draw (cont'd)

3. Halfway through the Sprint Cup season, is it a surprise that the series leader in wins has been to Victory Lane only three times? And what are the odds of Tony Stewart matching that mark Saturday night at Chicagoland?

David Caraviello: Given that we had two guys each rack up a bunch of wins last year, I'd say yes, it is a surprise. Even more of a surprise is that one of the guys is Mark Martin! But seriously, I expected somebody to have at least four or five by now. Shows you just how tough it is to stay on top in this sport.

Joe Menzer: I guess it's not a great surprise. Usually someone jumps out there like Kyle Busch did last year and wins a bunch of races early, but that hasn't happened yet. Two years ago, though, didn't Jimmie wait until late to win four in a row -- and same with Carl Edwards last year. He caught fire late. Someone will jump out there at some point and go on a bit of a tear.

Duane Cross: Doesn't really surprise me that three is the magic number -- that's two guys combining to win one-third of the races. The new car was supposed to even the playing field; I guess it has. And if it weren't for some unfortunate final laps, Kyle Busch could have four or five wins.

David Caraviello: Even so, in that "new car," this time last year Kyle Busch was on the brink of getting win No. 7. That's the thing about this vehicle -- somebody hits it, and they really hit it. The potential is still there for that to happen this year.

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Wasn't it at Chicagoland last year when Tony announced he was becoming a partner in the Haas-CNC operation? Reaching Victory Lane would seem an appropriate way to celebrate that anniversary.

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DAVID CARAVIELLO

Duane Cross: Maybe a lot of other folks "hit it" this year and the competition is leveling out? I still think Kyle is a bit ahead of the curve.

Joe Menzer: As for Tony winning at Chicagoland, well, he obviously likes the place. He's won there twice, hasn't he?

Duane Cross: Yep -- and so has Kevin Harvick, who desperately needs a good run.

Joe Menzer: Just looked it up. Stewart won there in 2004 and in 2007. That was when he announced he was going to put a 12-pack of Schlitz beer on ice and celebrate in style!

Duane Cross: Happy has six top-10s in eight starts there, so he's gotta be giddy.

David Caraviello: I don't think anybody's really hit it this year. I think people are struggling to hit it. I think you have a lot of teams -- Kyle Busch and the RCR guys come to mind -- that made changes thinking they were making their cars better, and instead they got worse. I think the "balance" we see this year has more to do with the fact that crew chiefs are still trying to figure out this vehicle more than anything else.

Joe Menzer: I would say Stewart is as close to hitting it as anyone. That's why he's tops in points. Talk about a guy who could have even more wins, that's him. He's finished second like three times, right?

Duane Cross: Hasn't taken Grubb & Co. long to "hit it."

David Caraviello: But the stars do kind of line up for Tony in Joliet, which seems like a Schlitz kind of town. Wasn't it at Chicagoland last year when Tony announced he was becoming a partner in the Haas-CNC operation? Reaching Victory Lane would seem an appropriate way to celebrate that anniversary.

Duane Cross: Joliet, Milwaukee ... yeah, one in the same.

Joe Menzer: You are right. He did make the announcement in Chicago. More good karma for the No. 14 guys this weekend! And Harvick's wins at Chicagoland came the first two years they ran there in 2001 and 2002. Not sure that means much now. Then again, maybe Stewart's past wins don't, either. Were they running this car there in '07?

Duane Cross: Joe, Harvick has finished fourth, fourth and third at Chicago the past three races. I think he's got a handle on it.

Joe Menzer: I stand corrected on Harvick, sir. Man, one of those RCR guys needs to break through and win some time, don't they?

David Caraviello: Well, given how far they rank below MWR on Joe's totem pole, I would suppose so.

Joe Menzer: Ah, that's it. Maybe if Harvick was driving a Toyota!

Duane Cross: Again, picking on the old guy ... David, this could be an Olympic sport for you!

Joe Menzer: I'd better be careful. I don't want Richard Childress and NRA Nation coming after me. But don't think he's not worried about the Toyotas, either.

David Caraviello: Did Joe open a Camry dealership I was unaware of?

Joe Menzer: Come on, man. Everyone knows I drive a Ford Windstar minivan!

Duane Cross: Common-template car, common engine -- forget the manufactures ... let's go racin', boys!

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers.