Mirror Driving

*After Texas, the championship battle is effectively between Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards. Who has an edge the last two races, and why?*

Phil: Well, both guys are pretty good. I’d argue Stewart, though. He’s got Big Mo on his side and he’s very good at Phoenix. Of course, Phoenix is a bit of a toss-up…
Tom: Going into Texas, I still think Carl had the edge. But Tony just beat Carl at his own game. Intermediates are the No. 99’s bread and butter. Have been for years. So now, I think it’s a total toss-up. Both men have won at Phoenix and Homestead… and that track is repaved. So it’s a virtual unknown.

*The Martinsville race was full of spinouts, paybacks, and all sorts of aggressive on-track behavior. Plenty of people left the track angry… but who, if anyone should have a legitimate beef going forward and will we see payback before the 2011 Sprint Cup season is out?*

Amy: I think about half the field has a beef with Brian Vickers. But I don’t think you’ll see a lot of payback. Phoenix is much faster now, and the other two are as well.
Phil: I doubt you’ll see any paybacks this weekend since they’ll be in Texas. Maybe at Phoenix. No one’s stupid enough to dump someone at 195.

*Despite finishing 11th at Talladega, Carl Edwards holds his biggest points lead of the Chase. With only one victory, would an Edwards title defeat the purpose of the Chase and, if it happens, will it bring about a rules change for 2012?*

Phil: No, and it shouldn’t. Simple as that. Edwards has been the best so far in the Chase. Why do you want to penalize him?
Amy: I think it defeats NASCAR’s original purpose of the Chase, which is FINE with me because it’s a big ol’ thumb to the nose on that.