Track Smack: Someone's streak is coming to an end

1) Which is more plausible: Greg Biffle gets four-in-a-row at the Ford 400 or Jimmie Johnson gets five-in-a-row to end the season?

Dave Rodman: I believe in Biff and Greg Erwin -- but it's hard to bet against that Johnson-Knaus juggernaut. Then again, Biff has been building up to it, so who knows?

Duane Cross: I'd give the edge to Biffle; he's got this track knocked. Johnson certainly has Big Mo' in his pits, but with the cushion he has I don't believe he'll go out of his way to push for five wins in a row. The 48 crew will big-picture race on Sunday.

Joe Menzer: I'm going to go with Biffle. As much as JJ talks about wanting to go out with a win and all, I think his focus is going to be on merely finishing the 400 miles -- as it should be.

Dave Rodman: Joe, as usual you are an adept master of the psychological, as opposed to borderline psychotic -- which anyone could be excused for at this point in the season.

Joe Menzer: Psychotic? That's purely your field of expertise, my man!

Duane Cross: At this point in the season, we're all psycho.

Dave Rodman: How much do you think teams want to win the last "real car" race in NASCAR history?

Duane Cross: I don't think any team could care less; it's a race -- "real car" or COT, doesn't matter. Still pays the same points -- and money.

Dave Rodman: How fine a line do you think wanting to compete and doing what's necessary might be? Johnson and his bunch have done a pretty good job of competing, lately, no?

Duane Cross: Yes, the 48 team has done an excellent job of putting itself in position to -- and you know it's coming -- points race on Sunday. We're basically talking about a middle-of-the-pack-finish and Johnson has back-to-back titles.

Joe Menzer: But Jimmie would have to be a borderline psycho to push too hard and risk all that is at stake for him. And one thing to consider if I may continue my psycho-babble, uh, psychoanalysis of the situation: In any sport, you never want to play not to lose because that oftentimes keeps you from winning.

Dave Rodman: So that's what will make the beauty of this race: Even though Johnson "should" win -- he still has to make it happen.

Joe Menzer: So if Jimmie alters what has been working for him so well, too much in an effort to be conservative and drive not to lose, it could backfire on him. But I doubt it. I think we all do, in fact. As Jeff Gordon said after Phoenix: "It's over."

Duane Cross: It could backfire, yes -- but I think if Jimmie has a fifth-place car, he'll settle in and make laps; no need to ride the ragged edge just for a fifth consecutive win.

Joe Menzer: The rest of the field has absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking as many chances as they think they need to get up front.

Dave Rodman: I think by the very nature of what they have to win or lose, Greg gets the nod over JJ as far as going for the win. But I think Matt Kenseth will dust both of them.

Joe Menzer: As far as Biffle vs. Johnson, Biffle is going to drive the wheels off the 16. I say he'll be fighting some others in a similar situation, maybe Tony Stewart or Kyle Busch or even Dale Jr., for the win. (Continued)