Montoya call right choice, just didn't work out (cont'd)

3. Saturday's race at Iowa marks the third consecutive standalone Nationwide event. With fewer Cup racers in the field, which Nationwide regulars have stood out the most over that stretch?

Duane Cross: Justin Allgaier -- the list starts and ends there.

• By the Numbers
• Allgaier waits
• Bayne on track
• Virtual Lap: Iowa
• Nationwide coverage

Joe Menzer: Can't disagree too much with that one, although I might add Trevor Bayne. The kid is the real deal and will make a fine Cupper in the near future.

David Caraviello: First off, let me say that I really enjoy these Nationwide standalone events. I like seeing the different tracks, I enjoy seeing different drivers run up front. I know sponsors want the Cup guys in the cars and all, but I really wish we had more of these, so NASCAR could spread the wealth to more facilities and give more drivers a chance to run up front.

Joe Menzer: Well, thank you for the politically correct response, Caraviello. Obviously there will be no fine from NASCAR for you today. But please now answer the question that was asked.

David Caraviello: That said, you're both wrong. Although Allgaier has been the breakout star of the Nationwide Series this year, no Nationwide regular has looked better over the past two weeks than Trevor Bayne. Fourth at O'Reilly Raceway Park and third at Gateway? The kid can wheel it. Michael Waltrip might have trouble keeping that guy in the fold.

Duane Cross: You know, T. Bayne may be the next star in the Nationwide Series. He's well-spoken and is a talent behind the wheel. He can take the mantle for a couple of years while Justin is making waves in the Cup Series.

Joe Menzer: I think you also have to mention that Brendan Gaughan has run well of late. And as reluctant as I might be to admit it, because I have not been big fans of theirs in the past: Steve Wallace and Reed Sorenson have run well lately, too. And, um, didn't I mention Trevor Bayne first -- long before you DC twins started barking about him?

David Caraviello: Steve Wallace has done more than run well lately. Tenth at ORP, and fifth at Gateway. Those are good numbers for somebody who hears a lot of snickers about wrecked race cars. If the guy can keep it in one piece, he can drive a little bit. And don't forget about Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who's run ninth and 11th in the last two events. Then there's Aric Almirola, who is fast in almost anything he drives, and was third at ORP in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car. Isn't it about time to give that guy a quality Cup ride? What else does he have to prove?

Joe Menzer: Trevor Bayne is more than a talented up-and-coming driver. He's also a potential sponsor's dream. Great kid, and funny. I did a 1-on-1 feature with him earlier this year and the whole time he was eating these brownies or cupcakes -- and by the end, he had chocolate all over his face but didn't know it until a nearby crew member handed him a towel to wipe off. "Have to do this stuff all the time for him," the guy deadpanned. And all Bayne did was laugh and join in the poking fun at himself. Gotta like that.

Duane Cross: Yeah, he's funny now -- but wait until the Cup handlers get their hooks in him. He'll be as flavorful as vanilla ice cream. Y'all can have your Team Trevor club, I'm sticking with Justin. He's going to make the jump to Cup and the transition will be pretty smooth. He's got an owner who has his house in order and the rest will be up to Allgaier. The kid's gonna be alright.

Joe Menzer: Having said all that, Bayne hasn't yet won a Nationwide race. Allgaier, whom I should add also is very personable, has a win under his belt and has contended a number of other times. He's the more polished driving talent out there right now.

Duane Cross: Sorry, dude -- no room on the bandwagon!

David Caraviello: Nobody doubts Allgaier, but where is Roger Penske going to put him? That team is a sponsor short as it is, and RP loves Sam Hornish, who last week said he thought he'd be back. We're already hearing about a lot of Cup driver moves for next year, and rather than continue to shuffle the same guys around, isn't it time to bring in some new blood? Why people aren't banging on Almirola's door baffles me.

Duane Cross: Aric has snuggled up to Hendrick Motorsports, dude -- and we know how well that's working out for Kasey Kahne, or Mark Martin depending on who you're pulling for in that tug o' war.

David Caraviello: Man, there is a loooong waiting list to get in there, boss. Like the velvet rope line at Butter.

Joe Menzer: Well, Almirola supposedly is "in the mix" for the full-time Nationwide ride at JR Motorsports. That would be a good place for him to land, and maybe it would be good for him to do that before jumping all the way back to Cup again in a ride that would be suspect. As for Allgaier, one more year in Nationwide, where he could win some more races and perhaps a championship, might not be a bad idea before jumping to Cup, either.

Duane Cross: OK, so looking ahead -- JR/Hendrick Motorsports puts AA in the Nationwide car. Another couple years, the JR/HM team makes the jump to Cup and he's the driver. Problem solved -- right?

David Caraviello: Wow, that seems so tidy. Maybe you should help Rick with his little Kahne/Martin issue while we're at it?

Duane Cross: Oh, that's right -- where do Dale Jr. and Danica fit into that mix? What a web we weave ...

Joe Menzer: Could be. Could be. Although in talking recently to Kelley Earnhardt, they will be very careful before ever making that jump to Cup.

Duane Cross: Well, unless Junior starts winning some races, that may be his only Cup ride option. The sponsor dollars tend to dry up without victories -- even for someone as personable as Dale. Look at Mark Martin. He hasn't sniffed Victory Lane and Kasey Kahne is beating down the door to the No. 5 shop!

David Caraviello: And where might Martin end up? Hey, he is the king of the Busch/Nationwide Series ... might make those standalones more interesting next year!

Joe Menzer: Listen, I know how these owners feel. My eldest daughter just got her driver's license and now I'm one ride short for all the licensed drivers in the house. I like it, though. For once, I'm truly in the driver's seat here.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the participants.