1. Should Jimmie Johnson finish the job and win a third consecutive Cup title, where does that accomplishment rank in NASCAR history?

David Caraviello: Anything that happens once every 30 years is a very, very big deal, and this is. I think people have become so numbed to Johnson winning, that maybe this actually gets less attention than it deserves. But it's huge.

Joe Menzer: Should he? Should he? What, does anybody in their right mind think he's NOT going to finish the job this Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway? Let's ask, WHEN he finishes the job. ...

Duane Cross: Then he's right there with Cale Yarborough -- but 1A. Even with the argument for better competition today (as if the 1970s drivers were slouches), Jimmie has had the benefit of the Chase system.

David Caraviello: Joe, given that Carl Edwards does still have a mathematical chance -- slight though that is -- we have to be fair to the man.

Duane Cross: Someone get David a tree to hug! C'mon, let's be realistic; Johnson will not lose this championship.

Joe Menzer: OK, OK. So Carl mathematically has a chance. But we all know Jimmie won't stumble badly enough to give him a real opportunity.

David Caraviello: Hey, I don't think he will, either. But if he goes out there and blows an engine on the first lap and Carl wins the race, things are different. Right now, we have to account for that. And Duane, the guy played by the rules he was given. Can't knock him for that.

Duane Cross: No argument he played by the rules -- but everyone knows the rules are different, and that affects how I (and many others) look at this three-peat. It's not a knock against Jimmie; give them props for playing this system for all it's worth.

Joe Menzer: As for Duane's argument, I lean toward agreeing with the Tree Hugger here. The rules now are the rules. You can't fault the guy by winning under the current format.

David Caraviello: Plus, I believe he'd still be ahead even under the old system.

Duane Cross: This year, yes. But not 2006. We're talking about a three-year stretch.

David Caraviello: Actually, DC1, Johnson would have won the 2006 title under the old system by four points over Matt Kenseth. And right now, he'd be 56 points ahead of Edwards. So either way, the guy has at least two titles, Chase or no Chase.

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Even with the argument for better competition today (as if the 1970s drivers were slouches), Jimmie has had the benefit of the Chase system.

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DUANE CROSS

Joe Menzer: At some point, though, we've got to get away from comparing everything to the old system. I'm not good enough at math to figure it out.

Duane Cross: NASCAR fans, who are steeped in tradition, will never forget. And that's why Johnson will remain 1A ... unless he does it four consecutive years.

Joe Menzer: That might be the better question: can he do it again next year for four in a row? (Or should we save that for the first Smack session of 2009?)

Duane Cross: I don't think he'll win four in a row. I think it's clear that Roush Racing has caught up, after not being on the COT bandwagon.

David Caraviello: Well, regardless of what points system he's under, I think this still is a very big deal. Even Cale Yarborough, the man he's tying, believes so. Now if he wins four straight ... wow. Then you're getting into King and Intimidator territory.

Duane Cross: It is a big deal -- anyone who questions that is nuts. But he's the second guy to do it (and under the Chase, for what it's worth).

Joe Menzer: The Intimidator was awful tough.

Duane Cross: They never won three in a row, so he's ahead of Richard and Dale.

David Caraviello: Just don't tell the Richard and Dale fans that. Then you'll get some e-mails.

Duane Cross: Carl Edwards has to be the odds-on favorite in 2009.

David Caraviello: How is Carl Edwards the favorite for 2009? The favorite for 2009 is the guy who's won three straight and has shown very few signs of weakness.

Duane Cross: Law of averages? And who likes the frontrunner? It's always best to root for the underdog!

Joe Menzer: OK, now I have to go against Tree Hugger and agree with Boss Man. I think Carl Edwards, based on what we've seen down the stretch, is the favorite to win in 2009.

David Caraviello: Sorry, but Jimmie's going to have to be buried before I count him out. And again, because it's Johnson, I don't think this achievement gets quite enough credit outside of the press. Imagine if it were Jeff Gordon or Dale Earnhardt Jr. doing this.

Joe Menzer: You're saying because he's Jimmie Johnson that it's getting downplayed? I don't buy that.

David Caraviello: I do, Joe. I don't think he gets enough credit among the rank and file in the grandstand, many of whom are tired of seeing him win. Maybe that's because Johnson isn't the most lovable figure, maybe it's because too many people see him as a product of the Chase. Either way, it's unfortunate.

Joe Menzer: I think it's more that folks in the stands want to see someone different win, plus he's never had the same passionate fan base that Gordon or Dale Jr. has. But everyone knows he's great.

Duane Cross: It would be a bigger buzz, no question -- especially if it were Junior. But fact is, Jimmie can be a funny dude; sadly, it's away from the cameras.

Joe Menzer: Jimmie has gone a long way this year to show a little more of that subtle humor. He's even laughed at a few of my lame jokes when others in the press room didn't get 'em.

Duane Cross: It's a "pity laugh," Joe. We all do it for you. (Continued)