Busch, Edwards have too much to lose to lose it

1. In the wake of last weekend's bump-and-run and post-race altercation at Bristol, is it going to get ugly between championship leaders Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards?

Raygan Swan: If Kyle has his way, it will get ugly. But I think Carl is ready to put the incident behind him. He's not one that thrives on conflict like young Mr. Busch.

Dave Rodman: I don't think so and, considering all the tracks they still have to run -- with the exception of Martinsville -- I certainly hope not. No room for it in the Chase.

David Caraviello: I don't think so. These guys are professionals, and they have a lot on the line. It's not like they're going to be taking each other out every weekend. They both know what's at stake.

Dave Rodman: And no room for it on such high-speed tracks -- though, if they were to do it with the surgical precision Carl exhibited Saturday night, they just might get away with it.

Raygan Swan: But I see Kyle retaliating in some way -- taking his girlfriend, calling him Mr. Ed again, or something. Kyle, I don't think, can leave well enough alone.

David Caraviello: Now that said, should the opportunity for payback present itself, I don't think Kyle would be out of line in taking it -- if he can pull it off as deftly as Carl did Saturday night.

Dave Rodman: I'd like to think Jimmie Johnson -- who after all knows a little bit about contending for and winning championships -- had it right when he said they'd forget about it and get back to business. I should say, forget about it for the time being. Neither of them will forget anything, totally. If I were Carl, the biggest fear I'd have is that by Martinsville, Kyle will be in a Chase hole while Carl soars, and Kyle can safely wipe him out.

Raygan Swan: Yeah Dave, and I appreciated the fact that Jimmie called what Carl did "good hard racing". I agree.

Play nice, boys

NASCAR has placed Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards on probation for the next six races.

• For complete story, click here
• Menzer: Rivalry adds spice
• Rodman: What goes around ...
• Caraviello: What's all the fuss?
• Forum: Thoughts on probation

David Caraviello: If I'm Carl, I'm watching my rearview mirror intently for that No. 18 car at Richmond and Martinsville. But again, we're not talking about wrecking each other. We're talking about moving someone out of the way to win a race, which is completely different.

Raygan Swan: On a radio show, Carl said he was going to enjoy Fontana as long as Kyle wasn't behind him. He knows what the kid is capable of. Kyle has a reputation with the fans, and he has to uphold it.

Dave Rodman: Carl said that he could win the next two races given the same scenario, "If Kyle's not behind me ..." I think he was kind of playing to the masses with that comment, though he did add they could potentially wad up some stuff.

David Caraviello: I don't think Kyle's as reckless as some make him out to be. Yeah, he's gotten into people. But he's also been on the receiving end of it. Like when Dale Earnhardt Jr. punted him at Kansas. It's not like Kyle hammers people every week. Dave, do you take those comments by Carl to mean that Kyle is in his head a little bit? If so, that's something of a win for Busch.

Dave Rodman: Actually, as I said, I think it's more him being a showman. I think both of them are into the gamesmanship of it all. And I agree -- I don't think Kyle's propensity is to trash people. The problem seems to be, he isn't shy about it if he feels he needs to -- and he doesn't recognize there are two sides to the street. Six lanes, limited access with him, all going his way.

Raygan Swan: The last thing I want to say about Kyle is to cut out the name calling. It makes him look childish, because his insults are so sixth grade. Until he can bring the insults like Tony Stewart, then just bite your tongue, Kyle.

David Caraviello: The gamesmanship, though, is a whole lot of fun. We want and need the gamesmanship. Enough of this "one big family" and everyone being nice all the time. These are pro athletes, and pro athletes get mad and carry grudges and try to get inside one another's heads. Nothing wrong with that. It's an intense line of work.

Dave Rodman: Exactly. Rivalries are what they are -- and then the fan base and the media pick them up and embellish them -- kind of like paint-by-the-numbers deals. This one has the potential to rival Rembrandt. (Continued)