Take one for the team? Not likely

Conversations between drivers and pit crews during NASCAR races usually are interesting, sometimes are colorful and frequently are insightful.

Tonight will be a good time to be on the headset listening to those conversations because they might be especially revealing.

The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway is the final event before the Chase for Sprint Cup, the 10 races that determine the season championship.

Four of the 12 spots are set. Eleven drivers are going after the other eight openings.

Those 10 drivers all have teammates.

What happens when a teammate who is in the Chase is in position to help a teammate trying to get into the Chase?

Why, nothing, of course. It's every man for himself, may the best man win.

And if you believe that, you also will believe it's no problem to make a quick exit from the parking lots immediately after tonight's race.

This is NASCAR. This is racing. With so much at stake tonight, it would be surprising if agreements between teammates are not reached.

"It happens all year, from Daytona to here," said Matt Kenseth, currently 12th in points.

"If Denny [Hamlin] is winning and Kyle [Busch] needs to win the race to get into the Chase, you would think they are going to tell Denny to get out of the gas and help his teammate, wouldn't you?" asked Juan Pablo Montoya.

Busch and Hamlin drive for Joe Gibbs Racing.

"I guarantee that's been talked about with the team," Montoya said. "It would be crazy if they haven't."

Montoya did not pick the best example. Hamlin is from Richmond. He aches to win here. He's a good teammate, but it's a stretch to think he'd sacrifice a victory for Busch to make the Chase.

"I'd give up second if I was in second, but not a win," Hamlin said. "And we haven't talked this week about anything."

Hamlin already has qualified for the Chase. So have Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Gordon and Johnson drive for Hendrick Motorsports.

"I wouldn't say that people won't do it," Johnson said. "I just know in the experience I've had at Hendrick Motorsports, it's not been discussed or even considered."

What is discussed before the race can be considerably different from what is said during the race. And Johnson was reminded that teammate Mark Martin was upset earlier this season when he had to stand down so Johnson could lead a lap.

"If you're running 20th and your teammate is behind you and can use the three points . . . but if you're leading the race, I'm not pulling out to make sure Mark Martin makes the Chase if he's in second," Johnson said. "It could be my mom back there, and she's not getting by."

Johnson's mom probably would understand. Others might not be as empathetic.

"I think if we threw something for Mark, he would get out of the car and whup some [expletive]," Johnson said. "He wants to go in there and earn it on his own."

Martin, 10th in the standings, no doubt wants exactly that. The Hendrick folks want as many drivers in the Chase as possible. And someone at Hendrick might be upset if Johnson or Gordon has a chance to make sure Martin stays in the top 12 and chooses not to do so.

The NHRA and Formula One are embroiled in problems involving funny things happening during races between teammates.

Montoya, a former Formula One driver, said he never had been asked to fix a race on that circuit.

"I don't think they put it that way," he said. "I think they just go 'For the benefit of the team we need your help.' It's not an order. It's supposed to be at your discretion, but if you like what you're doing, you better obey.

"There's always a line where I think a teammate can help. But helping is one thing and the other is hurting somebody. I think that's crossing the line."

The Chase has become the be-all and end-all in NASCAR. If someone crosses the line tonight, no one will be surprised. Disappointed, perhaps, but not surprised.

Contact Paul Woody at (804) 649-6444 or pwoody@timesdispatch.com.