Smack: Final thoughts on Edwards vs. Keselowski (cont'd)

3. Scott Speed posted his first top-10 on a non-plate track at Atlanta, and moved up to 11th in points. Is the Red Bull driver a threat to make the Chase?

David Caraviello: Whoa, we're actually going to Smack about something other than guys wrecking each other? I don't know if I can handle this. Does not compute ... does not compute ... does not compute ...

Joe Menzer: Well, any conversation that includes Scott Speed being in the top 12 also must include the other huge surprise that is going to be in the media interview rotation at Bristol. And that's Paul Menard! Having said that, neither Speed nor Menard will be close to sniffing the Chase come Richmond.

All smiles

Paul Menard had his second-highest Cup finish at Atlanta and he wasn't the only succesful driver at RPM last weekend.

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Mark Aumann: Tell you what, I'm really interested in the little subplot of A.J. Allmendinger vs. Scott Speed. Remember, Speed took Allmendinger's seat. And they're both at about the same point in their stock-car careers. That could be fun to watch. If anything, A.J. took that huge leap in understanding in 2009, and it seems to be paying off. It'll be interesting to see if Speed does the same this season.

David Caraviello: Joe, now, let's not make such sweeping assumptions. Anybody who saw Scott win that truck race at Dover a few years back knows the kid can drive. He's in his second year in Cup, and the Montoya formula tells us that the third season is the one where it all begins to click for an ex-open-wheeler. So maybe he really is starting to pick this up to the point where he can produce better finishes. He has so far this year, at least.

Joe Menzer: OK, well, then talk to me next year -- when Speed is in his third year. He likely will make gains this year, but for goodness sakes, he's not going to sniff the Chase this season any more than Paul Menard is going to. I'll bet Allmendinger finishes ahead of both of them in points. And don't you know by now that I'm all about making "sweeping assumptions?"

David Caraviello: They don't call him "Knee-jerk Joe" for nothing.

Mark Aumann: Joe Menzer: Standing broom only. But I agree with Joe. I don't think either one makes the playoffs. But both have shown improvement so far. Whether they can carry momentum the entire 26 races is another story.

David Caraviello: Boy, you guys are really high on the Richard Petty Motorsports teammates today, aren't you? I'm not saying Paul and A.J. can't break through. A.J. especially shows all the right signs. But that Red Bull organization, for being under the radar a bit, makes rather good decisions and has gradually been moving in the right direction.

Joe Menzer: Well, Dr. Caraviello, you have to admit that RPM had a banner day at Atlanta. I've actually said previously that I thought they would struggle this year -- too much change, too much going on -- but to have three finishers in the top six at a mile-and-a-half track could mean something going forward.

David Caraviello: Yes, Joe, they did. A lot of us thought RPM would collapse into a chaotic mess given the tumult of last season, and I'm sure they'd love nothing more than to prove us wrong. Kasey Kahne, as usual, continues to be able to wheel it anywhere. And the other guys all show flashes. Maybe they'll be all right after all.

Mark Aumann: And by the way, Brad Keselowski's wreck looked like a Hot Wheels car on a 13-inch TV.

Joe Menzer: You still have that thing? Dang, I just bought an 18-inch flat screen for my garage -- for my THIRD TV in the Man Cave! Aumann, I'm going to stop calling you Rain Man and start calling you El Cheapo!

Mark Aumann: Hey, I did my part to help the local economy in Las Vegas. I lost $5 in the poker slots.

When it comes to watching the race, Mark Aumann is stuck in the Stone Age.

Joe Menzer: Think about this: the video screen they watched you lose on from the Eye in the Sky had a bigger monitor than your sorry TV at the cabin!

Mark Aumann: Oh, now you're just being petty.

Joe Menzer: I thought we were done talking about Petty.

David Caraviello: Am I going to have to be the adult to yank you two Brad Keselowskis back on topic? It also can't hurt Speed that teammate Brian Vickers made the Chase last year. Clearly, the cars at Red Bull have gotten better and better. Deep down, I don't think Scott will make the Chase this year, either. But a top-15 points finish would be a breakthrough. And a nice springboard to perhaps better things in 2011.

Mark Aumann: A good season for both Menard and Speed would be to finish in the top 20 in points and carry momentum into 2011. Anything more than that is gravy.

Joe Menzer: I'll give you that. I might also give Aumann one of my old TVs. That would be a springboard to a better life for him.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers.