Smack: If this is Pocono, then Pocono just got good (cont'd)

2. Ron Hornaday has now won five consecutive races on the Camping World Truck Series. How big of an accomplishment is this?

Joe Menzer: He has? Really? I wasn't paying that close attention ... aw, come on, folks. I'm just kidding! In all seriousness, hats off to Hornaday. Five wins in a row in any of NASCAR's top three touring series is a major accomplishment. And it draws some positive attention to the Truck Series, which deserves it.

Raygan Swan: Guys, I think this is major, and major for a couple of reasons. It keeps Kevin Harvick off suicide watch, and seems to be improving some ratings for the Truck Series. And Joe, I know you were on the beach, but I also know you had your laptop.

David Caraviello: For the trucks, this is a very big deal. They have a classy, talkative guy dominating that series. He's kind of in a Mark Martin mold in terms of the fan base he appeals to. Now, if only they could do something with it. Perhaps because of its TV contract, the trucks kind of exist in a vacuum. That doesn't diminish what Hornaday's done, but it does temper the impact somewhat.

Raygan Swan: David, I agree. I was surprised I didn't hear more about this historical accomplishment

High five

Relive each of Ron Hornaday's five consecutive Truck Series victories.

• No. 1 Milwaukee Mile
• No. 2 Memphis
• No. 3 Kentucky
• No. 4 ORP
• No. 5 Nashville

David Caraviello: But the fact that he's doing this after General Motors pulled its support of Kevin Harvick Inc. makes it even more impressive. Hornaday is beating those Toyotas even though financially he's not on an even playing field.

Joe Menzer: I do think Hornaday would get a bit of a laugh out of being compared to Mark Martin -- and being called a "classy, talkative" guy. I see Mark as a fitness buff who had his last cheeseburger and beer in like 1979. Hornaday probably had his last cheeseburger yesterday. And you know he likes his beer!

Raygan Swan: And I'm not going to try and understand how the team has pulled off five in a row, but Hornaday is so relaxed and enjoying himself. His best quote was something like, "I know every time I get in the truck, I have a chance to win, and with my kids grown now I don't have to worry about putting shoes on their feet."

David Caraviello: Well, Joe, Ron is a little like Martin in that he's a little older, and appeals to the same demographic. And Ron is classy and talkative. He'll talk your ear off, and he's been a great help to many an up-and-coming driver.

Joe Menzer: Hornaday is old school. You've got to love that. Heck, Kevin Harvick once slept on his couch back in the day -- you know, before Kevin Harvick was Kevin Harvick.

Raygan Swan: Dude, everyone is old in the Truck Series. Kidding, but seriously it's nice for the old guys to know they've still got it and can still whoop up on Kyle Busch, I suppose.

David Caraviello: Of course, he's also racing in a series that's been seriously watered down by sponsorship issues, which clearly affects the competition. And watching NASCAR's "other" TV partner -- you know, the one that shows the Cup races -- you wouldn't know the Truck Series exists. Of course, that same TV partner feels like it can manipulate race names for its own benefit, too, so maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise.

Joe Menzer: What tells you a lot about Ron Hornaday is that he was letting guys like Kevin Harvick grab a couch back when Hornaday was still trying to put shoes on his kids' feet. Back when he was struggling to make it himself. That speaks volumes about the character of the man.

David Caraviello: And he goes for six in a row Aug. 19 at Bristol.

Joe Menzer: The competition may be watered down some in the Truck Series, but last time I checked you still had Kyle Busch running in a fair amount of the races. And Mike Skinner and others are still in there battling. Don't make it sound like this has been easy.

David Caraviello: Oh, no one's saying winning in any NASCAR series is easy. But clearly, the Trucks have been hit hardest by sponsorship and manufacturer issues. I mean, the defending champion doesn't even have a ride. Of course, Hornaday is dealing with many of the same issues, and beating them along with the rest of the field.

Joe Menzer: The only negative I see out of this is that the last two years, it came down to the final race at Homestead -- heck, the final laps of the final race -- to determine the Truck champion. This year, Hornaday is a runaway, so there will be no such drama.

David Caraviello: Maybe that means we'll have some in Cup for a change! (Continued)