NASCAR's What If Moments

Wednesday, October 22nd 'What If' Question

2014-10-24T13:33:00.000-04:00

The 2014 Sprint Cup Series season was hyped around how much more winning was going to mean.

With NASCAR having announced a new Chase format along with new eligibility to make the Chase, it was all about winning. Wins would get you into the Chase and wins would advance you in the Chase. The thought process was that gone were the days of “good points day” from drivers in their post race interviews and how they raced on the track.

The Eliminator Round begins this weekend in Martinsville with eight remaining drivers in contention for the championship. Six of those drivers have won races while Ryan Newman and Matt Kenseth have moved through the Chase on their performance and points.

Newman has been winless since Indianapolis in the summer of 2013 but has compiled 14 top-10 finishes this season and has an average finish of 13.3. Kenseth meanwhile has been winless since New Hampshire of last fall, yet continues to scratch and claw with his Joe Gibbs Racing team.

Kenseth’s average finish in 32 races is 13.6 while he’s earned 19 top-10 finishes. He’s the 2003 Sprint Cup Series champion and whom many blame for the inception of the Chase.

Should one of the eight drivers win a race during the Eliminator Round it automatically moves them to Homestead-Miami. The final four will then go for the Sprint Cup Series championship in a winner take all event.

But …

What if we crown a winless Sprint Cup champion, how would that affect the perception that this season & NASCAR is now about winning?

@the DrakeKC another excuse for haters of the current system to express their displeasure at it. Though, think it would be a fluke, and hope NASCAR wouldn’t make any changes in response to it. Doubt they would

@CBWFAN if they win by the rules they are the champ. It has been done before and will happen again at some point.

@Tuck_Nation81 It would prove that regardless of pints format consistency still wins every time

@nascar7badger10 Odds don’t favor crowning winless Sprint Cup Champion since winners of next 3 races advance to final 4.

@poptart_31 we r going to make it happen!!!! P3 and haven’t won a race yet. #notbecausewehaventtried!!!!

@48GOAT Would not affect my perception; I read they used Dale Jr.’s 2013 stats to find he’d have won under this system.

@20goleft I guess we will see when Matt carries that trophy home!

@mattntonyfan No different than a Wild Card team winning Super Bowl.

@JoJo_6040 In this win and your in situation, hopefully fans will appreciate what it took for that driver to get there.

@RaceGirlAmanda They’d be the champion, it shows that being consistent does too play a favor much to France’s displeasure

Monday, October 20th 'What If' Question

2014-10-21T13:09:00.001-04:00

Brad Keselowski did what he needed to do on Sunday afternoon in Talladega, win to stay in.

Keselowski’s victory in the GEICO 500 advanced him into the next round of the Chase, which he would not have done without the checkered flag. While Keselowski drove a masterful race and had the will to win, he also had two other teammates doing all they could to help. Late on Sunday Joey Logano threw furious blocks while running second and youngster Ryan Blaney also stayed glued to the No. 2 bumper when coming through the field.

It didn’t surprise many that teamwork was in play. After all, Logano was already locked into the next round, and Blaney was there for experience. Roger Penske had no hesitation in admitting during the winner’s press conference that coming into the weekend there were team orders.

According to Penske, all the drivers were sat down and instructed that they were there to ensure that Keselowski won the race. Logano played his part with his big blocks at the end, though it relegated him to an 11th place finish.

“I think he obeyed orders pretty well,” Penske said.

Keselowski and Logano, who have both been considered the class of the field this season, move on in the Chase. Keselowski now leads the series with six wins on the season, Logano the second-best with five.

But …

What if you were Joey Logano behind Brad Keselowski on Sunday, do you push / block or try to win and kick a strong car / teammate out of the Chase?

@TheAngryBirdie Brad and Joey seem to have a good friendship, so no

@lilmom88 ha, he had his orders.

@jpuryear91 I’d try and keep all the strong cars out. Not sure why you’d want a strong competitor even if it is a teammate.

@handsanfeet That’s a tough one. I guess help if I don’t have a chance to win myself. Bottom line though, win!

@Joturn33 No question go for the win at Talladega, or anywhere for that matter. Who knows if you’ll ever have that opportunity again?

@CBWFAN silly question, of course not. Winning is one thing, pay check is another

@mschub0928 I think we got our answer already. Looked like gave Brad a push then tried blocking when one of the lines got a run on him

Wednesday, October 15th 'What If' Question

2014-10-16T13:52:00.001-04:00

Back when tandem drafting was a thing, the Hendrick Motorsports foursome put on a show at Talladega Superspeedway.

It was May 2011, and the only way to draft was by picking a partner and sticking your nose on their back bumper. Jeff Gordon was the best car at the Aaron’s 499 with then teammate Mark Martin his tandem buddy. Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were the other pair.

They came from 11^th and 12^th with two laps to go to see Johnson pushed to victory in a four-wide photo finish. Earnhardt Jr. ended up fourth. Johnson’s margin of victory was 0.002, the closest in NASCAR history.

The Lowe’s driver made no bones about it that it wasn’t possible without Earnhardt Jr., as the two never left each other throughout the day. Even feeling as though he needed to give Earnhardt Jr. the checkered flag before heading to Victory Lane. Taking it a step further, however, Johnson and Chad Knaus acknowledged they now owed their teammate one the next time around.

It never game to fruition at Talladega or Daytona, though many never forgot. And Johnson took heat in a subsequent July Daytona race for where he and Earnhardt Jr. ended up.

This weekend the series returns to Talladega with both Johnson and Earnhardt Jr. needing a victory to keep their 2014 Chase hopes alive. Tandem drafting no longer applies as restrictor plate racing has gone back to the traditional pack of screaming machines.

It leaves drivers more in control of making their own moves in the pack and not having to worry about the person tagging along.

But …

What if Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. work together again at Talladega, with both needing a win, would and should Johnson return that favor and push Earnhardt Jr.?

@JR88Elves All bets are off if they are in that position on Sunday..

@modifiedcrazy No chance! #88

@kartracer3886 I wish he would lol. But he would go for the win if he could get it. And he wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t go for it

@playingjust14 I think someone should help @TonyStewart for the win!

@JoJo_6040 Nope. All favors are out the window for this chase

@AlecWiseman If one is pushing the other, 2nd has a good chance of moving on to the next round, and the CC will let them know

@LeftTrnLutheran I’d like to see a @DaleJr and @KyleLarsonRacin tandem, one’s looking for a win, and the other a championship

@ladyndewgreen88 Never happen…..JJ will never be second just ask Junior how many times he pushed JJ

@denver2u ..absolutely…JJ has enough championships for now…Time to share and help DaleJr to the next round…if need be!!

Monday, May 11th 'What If' Question

2014-05-12T19:59:00.000-04:00

The monkey is off Jeff Gordon’s back.

After weeks of leading the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points standings only to have it mean nothing, Gordon finally got his much wanted and needed win Saturday night in Kansas. In doing so the 42-year-old made it known that he feels 25 again and his Drive to End Hunger team are more than ready to chase a championship.

Gordon’s last championship came in 2001, under the Winston Cup banner. Since NASCAR has changed the format and title sponsor, the four-time champion has tried repeatedly to earn a Sprint Cup championship. Here again in 2014, Gordon has a solid foundation underneath him in order to make that happen.

And then there’s what it would mean. Just a few years ago many were ready to send him packing into retirement, mostly because Gordon had begun to acknowledge the toll racing was taking on his body. Specifically his back and how much pain he was in during competition and after climbing out. Except Gordon has gone through a transformation the last few years and with how competitive his Hendrick team has been, suddenly it doesn’t appear he’s going anywhere anytime soon.

“I just feel so competitive out there, and that makes me feel young again. I just see how hard these guys are working. It’s making me work harder,” Gordon said on Saturday. “I’ve been really working harder on my fitness, which I think is helping me mentally and physically be more prepared out there. When the cars are that good, my back just doesn’t seem to hurt as much.

“The whole retirement thing I think is thrown out there too much, and I’m probably somewhat to blame, but there’s no secret, I’m going to be 43 this year, but, man, if 43 is like this, I can’t wait for 50. This is all right. I’m having a good time. That’s why I feel young, because I’m just having a great time.”

But …

What if Jeff Gordon goes on to win his fifth title, should he / would you like to see him retire by going out on top?

@John_Sikora my guess is that he will do 1 more year and then give up the seat to Chase Elliott…

@Lance_sells I would like to see that but I can’t see him doing that.

@TomLglEdtr nah, never a huge fan but have developed lots of respect for Jeff over the years. He should race as long as he wants.

@justin24hr as a fan since I was a kid, I’d say that would be a perfect, knowing his retirement is sooner rather than later anyway.

@CraigMintz09 would love to see that! Spend time with his daughter and show her the ropes!

@GERI1324FAN Ummm…pardon the intrusion but who the hell says we have to limit Jeff Gordon to just one more?

@ecfr1978 he’s a company man, he’ll race one more year and then turn his seat over to Chase Elliott no matter what happens, #respect

@jrm1219 he’s earned the right to races as long as he wants & as long as he is competitive could see him race 3 more yr

@Chase_Wilhelm No better way to go out than on top.

Tuesday, May 6th 'What If' Question

2014-05-07T15:36:00.000-04:00

Brad Keselowski is a Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series champion who makes more good moves than bad.

His peers will admit that, like Jeff Gordon did, and some of them did Sunday in Talladega. But only because they were left trying wonder about the move that Keselowski made to race with the leaders while six laps down in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.

It was fine for nearly the entire event. Keselowski believing he just needed a few cautions and he could take his car that was certainly fast enough, back in to contention. And then with 51 laps to go he spun in front of the field and took out 12 cars behind him. The subsequent reaction was anything but friendly, with Matt Kenseth (whom Keselowski had a problem with racing a week ago in Richmond) saying that if roles were reversed, Keselowski would be lecturing others.

The accident since sparked a debate about whether Keselowski should have been running where he was. The No. 2 Miller Lite Ford was indeed one of the fastest cars in the field, however he found himself multiple laps down after he spun from earlier contact with Danica Patrick. While restrictor plate racing is known for its large and numerous wrecks, Keselowski was playing the hoping game of having just enough that he could get back on the lead lap.

And it was certainly possible. Jamie McMurray, who was also numerous laps down, did get about five laps back and finished 29^th after running dead laps for much of the event. Unfortunately for Keselowski, he didn’t have as quiet a day with the first big wreck, which many admitted they knew was coming, occurring because of a driver who was multiple laps down and was racing with the leaders.

But …

What if Brad Keselowski had only been a lap or two down when he spun in front of the field, does furious reaction towards him still hold?

@MooreNASCAR Don’t agree with it, but I say it’s definitely still highlighted by lots when expressing their opinion.

@88isDaleJr One lap I can see. But Not 6! It was shear stupidy!!

@jrm1219 If your one lap down you still only need to race any other cars one lap down & wait for a yellow

@jackrlewis if he was battling for the free pass fine, otherwise he didn’t belong there

Tuesday, February 18th 'What If' Question

2014-02-22T21:31:00.001-05:00

It’s been 13 years since NASCAR’s darkest day.

When Dale Earnhardt died in February of 2001 in the last corner of the last lap in the Daytona 500, it resonated throughout an entire sport and its fan base. Earnhardt has been considered one the sports greatest drivers and his sudden death briefly crippled not only NASCAR, but also his fans and the organization he left behind, Richard Childress Racing.

In 676 starts Earnhardt won 76 times and captured seven championships. He dominated at Daytona and Talladega, rattled cages at Bristol and drove broken at Watkins Glen. He was the Intimidator; there was one Dale Earnhardt.

He and Richard Petty are the only men who have seven championships, both sit atop the NASCAR mountain that most drivers aim to join. They’re the men that fans place above all. In 2001 Earnhardt and RCR were locked and loaded to chase another championship, coming off a 2000 season in which he finished second in points.

Feeling better than ever, with everything in his personal life in order, Earnhardt looked prime to return to glory. Then, he was gone.

Sunday the #3 will return. Austin Dillon and Richard Childress ready to continue a legacy that was built by the man in black. Earnhardt will continue to be remembered, maybe more so now than ever. Not only when seeing the 3 on the track, but as Jimmie Johnson attempts to race into history alongside him.

But …

What if Dale Earnhardt Sr. had raced past the 2001 season, would he have ever captured that eighth championship?

@TheblondeTweets Yes!

@jackrlewis I always said that he would’ve won it in 2001. They seemed so prepared

@nascar_creation absolutely, after a few off years his 2000 campaign was sweet. He woulsve retired with TEN…..

@poptart_31 we would never be running a COT car because he would of never drove it

@MarshallGabell Possibly. However, he was out of his prime.

@JBJB68 odds were waning yet entirely possible.

@ARosser14 His intent was to retire in ’02 so it would have depended on if he could have run with Gordon in ’01 probably. So maybe.

@66MWRfan15 Yes I do believe so. I was not a fan, but he was just that good!

@kaylamotte Had more momentum going in 2001 than in a long time, was very hopeful

@MontysAmendment Without a doubt but his death changed the sport for better in terms of safety. Would have lost more drivers as well.

Saturday, February 8th 'What If' Question

2014-02-10T13:01:00.002-05:00

The short and successful pairing of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and crew chief Steve Letarte comes to end following the 2014 season.

Letarte has taken a position with NBC to become a broadcaster in 2015 as the network begins their NASCAR takeover. He’ll serve as an analyst alongside Jeff Burton and Rick Allen when the second half of the season coverage begins. Yet in doing so that means he has to relinquish his position as crew chief and the only home he’s ever had in Hendrick Motorsports.

Letarte and Earnhardt Jr. have been paired together since 2011 and have made the Chase every season since. Finishing a best fifth in points this past year. In their three seasons together thus far, the two have scored one win and four poles.

Even more important however, was the chemistry the two had built. Something that appeared difficult for Earnhardt Jr. and the numerous crew chiefs who came before. After the announcement was made, the most popular driver talked about how much Letarte has done for him both personally and professionally, changing his personality and confidence.

The two now enter their fourth and final season together. With both firmly stating that nothing would change this year as they continue to prepare the same to win races and challenge for the championship.

The new crew chief for Earnhardt Jr. won’t be announced until late in the season or even after the 2014 season has come to an end. Earnhardt Jr., while he said he doesn’t want any part in deciding who gets the job, might not have a choice as team owner Rick Hendrick said that he among others will have input in the next man to take the hot seat on the 88 pit box.

But …

What if Hendrick Motorsports allowed fan input on who Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s new crew chief should be, who’s your first pick and why?

@BeeOhBeeRT_R Pete Rondeau. Because I like to laugh.

@jerracing10 It should be his race engineer. They should promote him up to crew chief.

@skeene1202 don’t matter-he is the most overrated driver ever. If his last name was diff he would be sitin at home watchin tv.

@RRP88 either Alan Gustafson or wishful thinking Chad Knaus! They have experience working with Jr and know how to handle the pressure

@JamersonD Darian Grubb. Already knows the Hendrick system how Knaus operates. Proven race and championship winning crew chief.

Wednesday, January 15th 'What If' Question

2014-01-17T23:15:00.003-05:00

Ending your year by leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of fans and competitors is never what a major sport wants to happen.

Except the season finale for the NASCAR Nationwide Series at the Homestead-Miami Speedway did just that. The season and the championship came down to one final race with Austin Dillon and Sam Hornish Jr. separated by just eight points.

Much of the 300-mile event had Hornish in control of his destiny as he outran Dillon. Driver of the No. 3 struggling with his machine, even hitting the wall at one point as he wrestled to break into a top 10 spot. With less than 20 laps to go the final caution of the night came out after a hard crash off turn four.

As they ran, Hornish was still on control of the title. Until NASCAR decided not to red flag the race, running over 10 laps under yellow. During that time pit stops occurred, the running order shuffled and suddenly Dillon was in the position that he needed to secure the title.

Brad Keselowski then charged through the field to earn the win, while Hornish lost more valuable spots. Dillon now protecting the position he needed for the final five laps.

Dillon, who went winless, captured his first NNS championship by three points over Hornish. It was the last race he ran for Team Penske and all admitted it hadn’t ended the way they’d hoped. Calling the situation, unacceptable.

But …

What if you were the NASCAR official in charge during the Nationwide finale, would you have thrown the red flag? Why or why not?

@BeeOhBeeRT_BUP Yes. There was a championship hanging in the balance, and every lap under green is vital to determining it.

@TheOrangeCone yes. 17 laps is too long

@jackrlewis yes; because it’s common sense

@StrokerAce90 yes. That was crazy.

@ARosser14 Yes. Because it was ridiculous not to. They had to have known how much fluid Clements’ car dropped.

Monday, January 13th 'What If' Question

2014-01-14T13:58:00.000-05:00

For those who haven’t heard, Chase Elliott is now officially going NASCAR racing.

Earlier this month it was announced that Elliott had signed a full-time deal with JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series. He’ll drive the No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet with crew chief Greg Ives. Coming after Elliott won his first career Camping World Truck Series race last season but has yet to run a single lap in NNS competition.

The son of 1988 Cup champion Bill Elliott has grown up in NASCAR garages. Having the best to learn from as he’s made his way through the racing ranks. The younger Elliott becoming a legend in his own right on short tracks.

So with the name come the expectations. Before Elliott was even old enough to compete in NASCAR he was already being called the heir apparent to Jeff Gordon’s No. 24. Now that Elliott is signed to a NNS deal, as well as linked to Hendrick Motorsports as a development driver, the scenario could become quite likely over the next few seasons.

Right now his NNS deal is a multi-year one according to JRM. The trend seeming to be for young drivers that two full years in the NNS and then it’s time to move to Cup. Should Elliott follow in that direction, a decision will have to be made about where he ends up and if he does indeed end up replacing Gordon.

It’s all part of speculation, something that’s familiar in NASCAR. The 2014 season hasn’t even started yet and the future is already trying to be predicted. Yet, with Elliott that’s been the case since he could walk.

And let’s not forget the biggest part of this deal: Jeff Gordon. Many have been ready to attach the retirement tag to the four-time champion since about 2005. Yet he’s not ready to entertain such notions and hasn’t revealed when exactly he plans on stepping away.

But …

What if Chase Elliott is ready for the Cup Series in 2-3 years, and with being connected to Hendrick, how do you fit him in?

@MarshallGabell After Jimmie Johnson wins two more Championships then Elliott will become Hendrick’s franchise driver

@ABolt89 5 team or will they cut ties with whoever the weaker driver is!! Honestly that is a great question

@Talon64 If it’s 3 years, then at least any one of Gordon, Stewart or Danica will be gone to open up a seat within the HMS family.

@ThomasCHitch JR Motorsports emerges.

@jshaunAU2006 in reply to @Talon64 and @KellyCrandall I still think JRM will have a cup team in the future.

@Talon64 to @jshaunAU2006 Dale Jr. would have to leave HMS for it.

@Revvin4Seven48 I figure Gordon will be done after 2015.

@jshaunAU2006 to @Talon64 Dale Sr. didn’t leave RCR for DEI.

@Talon64 to @jshaunAU2006 4 car limit in Cup would prevent Dale Jr. for owning another team while he’s driving for HMS.

@MattWisneski Chase Elliott has been lined up for the 24 car since we first head his name. I sat 2015/16 all but signed #napa24

@jasonskow I think that Jeff Gordon retires or goes part time

@jackrlewis Gordon will retire. I don’t see any other instance, unless Kahne regresses

@AustinPollak8 Gordon retires

@MikeGraf2 Gordon will be retired

@R_Informative I think we’re seeing Jeff Gordon’s career come to a close, like it or not, and that is what will make room for Chase

@HarpAmyStabler He becomes the heir apparent to Jeff Gordon. Or, he goes to a satellite team like SHR until a seat opens up at HMS.

Saturday, November 30th 'What If' Question

2013-12-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

Not since the championship battle of Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards in 2011 had two drivers gone into the Chase for the Sprint Cup so equally matched.

Stewart and Edwards ended up tying for that title with Stewart earning his third crown because he had more wins. This past season history very well could have repeated itself with Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth. The two drivers who all season and all Chase long, proved they were the cream of the crop.

Kenseth opened the Chase with two straight wins and quickly took commanding control of the point lead. Johnson stalked the Joe Gibbs Racing driver and racked up top fives and wins of his own. During the second half of the Chase they traded the point lead back and forth, setting themselves up for a fantastic finale in Homestead.

But before Homestead comes Phoenix.

It was Johnson on the pole with Kenseth starting deep in the field. While the 48 Lowe’s team from Hendrick Motorsports had a solid top five day – escaping what could have been two major incidents – Kenseth struggled mightily. The No. 20 team never hit the setup and were only able to salvage a 23rd place finish.

Suddenly the exciting championship battle was out of reach. The point lead for Johnson heading into Homestead was an insurmountable 28. A top 25 finish in Homestead would (and did) seal his sixth Sprint Cup championship.

An anti-climatic ending to a Chase that had been shaping up as one of the best in its 10 year history.

But …

What if Johnson and Kenseth had gone into Homestead a lot closer in points, in a winner take all, who'd you put money on and why?

@Revvin4Seven48 Johnson, been in championship situations more often that not. Plus Knaus would have been the X Factor.

@kbr81911 Wow...thats a hard question. They are both great under pressure! I cant say Id even want to bet on either one!

@MC412 Easily 48. They've been through this enough that the pressure wouldn't affect them. I think the JGR crew could choke.

Josh Jones (via Facebook) Even though I am not a fan of his, I would still say Jimmie, just because Chad and him always know what to do during the chase races

Marshall Gabell (via Facebook) Jimmie, because he's Jimmie

Brian Cullather (via Facebook) I'd say Jimmie too because of the Chad factor

Tuesday, July 9th 'What If' Question

2013-07-10T19:44:00.000-04:00

Halfway through the 2013 Sprint Cup Series season, two drivers have already set the benchmark for the championship.

As well as setting themselves up to be the favorites when the Chase begins in eight weeks. Matt Kenseth has a season high four wins after 18 races, as does Jimmie Johnson. Both drivers have hit their stride with their respective teams and can dominate a race on any given Sunday.

Many have blamed Kenseth, the 2003 Cup champion, for being the reason the Chase exists. Johnson, the 2006-2010 champion, is continually shot down even in the midst of the history and milestones he continues to break.

Whereas Kenseth has seemed to find himself the right home with Joe Gibbs Racing, winning early and often, Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team just keep getting better. Finding new ways to improve either their team or their performance. One Sunday it’ll be Kenseth the favorite, the next it’s Johnson.

Then there comes the days where the two go head-to-head and it looks like the perfect preview to the 2013 Chase title fight. Entering New Hampshire Johnson leads the points, Kenseth sits sixth, mostly in part to DNF’s that haven’t been his doing as well as a early season point penalty after a failed inspection.

Regardless, these two drivers and their respective teams appear to be the best in the series right now. A lot can change before the Chase and many more drivers can silently creep into the picture when the 10-week playoffs begin. After all, it wasn’t expected for Brad Keselowski to take home the title last year, or Clint Bowyer to finish second in his first season with his new team.

But …

What if the championship comes down between Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson, who'd you rather see win another title? Matt get #2 or Johnson get #6

@chreister89 Kenseth!

@srs1159 Matt for sure

@kathyrmoore I'd much rather see Matt get #2!

@HD388 no question @mattkenseth. The guy is due for a 2nd championship

@Daniels_Caudill absolutely @mattkenseth, I haven't watched him win a championship. I watched @JimmieJohnson win five.

@JamersonD I'm probably in the minority, but I'd rather see @JimmieJohnson win #6. I think its cool seeing him make history.

@tpt0413 JJ for sure!

@Nascarnoll Matt

@mkdowd definitely @mattKenseth

@Gman1439 Kenseth!

@PenskeRacin1fan Kenseth

@wwespnascar2924 I rather see... Johnson win his 6th actually

@scubazuke I'm going to go against the grain and say @JimmieJohnson. It's history every time he gets another and closer to 7.

@hookemhorns51 Definitely @mattkenseth for #2

Joe Shepherd (via Facebook) Kenseth, without a doubt

Craig Taureck (via Facebook) Kenseth

Rebecca Turbeville (via Facebook) Kenseth

Josh Genthe (via Facebook) Kenseth, but if I had my druthers I'd prefer Truex Jr.

Stroker Ace (via Facebook) Normally I'd say JJ and Team Chevy. However..... I would so love to see Kenseth win it just so he could be the Top Dog at JGR

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) Despite Johnson's fast start, Kenseth has not made mistakes to this point. Just had some parts fail him. My bet is on the 20

Josh Jones (via Facebook) Kenseth

Dawn Emery-Watson (via Facebook) Kenseth!

Barb Dawson (via Facebook) don't even have to think about that one...Kenseth

Ellen Trdina (via Facebook) Def would rather see Kenseth get it. Johnson's bunch push the envelope a little too far to suit me, kinda like Ferrari did with Michael Schumacher. Yeah, they're great drivers but don't cheat (not exactly cheating, just bending the rules) to get the extra edge

Dan Sanger (via Facebook) In a battle of the Home Improvement stores I have to go with Kenseth and Home Depot

Saturday, March 30th 'What If' Question

2013-04-06T14:44:00.000-04:00

The Sprint Cup Series championship picture is constantly changing. Teams go from contenders to pretenders and vice versa. There are drivers who get hot at the right time and charge into the Chase.

Perhaps rarely though, if ever before, had a championship picture changed so dramatically than five races into the season. But when Denny Hamlin crashed on the final lap in the final corner of the Auto Club Speedway two weeks ago, that’s exactly what happened. The crash, involving new foe / old teammate Joey Logano, resulted in Hamlin suffering a compression fracture to the L1 vertebra in his back.

The diagnosis puts Hamlin out of his No. 11 FedEx Toyota for a minimum of five weeks. Taking him out of Chase contention, at least temporarily. Mark Martin will sub for Hamlin at Martinsville and Brian Vickers will be the driver starting at Texas. Hamlin was sitting 10th in points leaving California and will now start to slide backwards with ever race he misses.

Except, it’s not impossible for Hamlin to make the Chase when he returns. The most important thing will be for him to win and try to get himself in the top 20 in points. From there, thanks in part to NASCAR’s new wildcard rule in which drivers who are outside the top 10 in points but have a win, Hamlin could get a Chase spot.

The good news is that some of Hamlin’s best tracks will be ahead of him when he returns. Thus making it difficult, but not impossible for him to make the 2013 Chase for the Championship, something he’s done every season since he’s been in the NSCS.

It will be a few weeks though, before any of that can be set in motion. In the meantime, Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads the points as teammate Jimmie Johnson looks for another Martinsville win. Danica Patrick is struggling early in her Rookie season and Tony Stewart made it clear, again, that he’s not a fan of blocking.

But …

What if Denny Hamlin comes back from his injury and makes a charge into the Chase, will he be the story of the year?

@HD388 without question if @dennyhamlin makes the Chase after coming back from injury it is the story of the year. I think the only story bigger than Hamlin coming back to make the Chase would be if Junior wins the title

@WilliamCheerboy No because it'll be impossible

@JoJo_6040 Depends on who might win the championship. He'd definitely be one if not the biggest stories & probably for years to come

Tuesday, December 26th 'What If' Question

2012-12-29T10:17:00.000-05:00

The 2001 death of Dale Earnhardt changed the complexion of NASCAR in many ways. Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the Daytona 500 while running third, he hit the turn four wall head-on after losing control of his iconic No. 3 and making contact with other competitors.

Since that time the cars, some tracks, and a plethora of safety innovations have both changed and revolutionized the sport we’ve all come to know and love. For as much as Earnhardt did for the sport as he lived, he’s continued to do so in death. Except, it’s not just the sport that’s changed, those in it have as well.

When he was alive, Earnhardt and wife Teresa ran his own three car operation, Dale Earnhardt Inc., with drivers Steve Park, Michael Waltrip and son Dale Earnhardt Jr. After his passing the company was continued on by Teresa, who did her best to keep her husband’s legacy alive while putting a championship ran team on track.

Soon, as the racing world watched, everything fell apart. Earnhardt Jr., who raced with other family members such as his cousin and uncle, found himself at odds with his stepmother. Changes were being made that he didn’t agree with and prior to the 2007 season he put his cards on the table: give him some control of the company or he walks out of the door.

Teresa never blinked and Earnhardt Jr. signed with Hendrick Motorsports beginning with the 2008 season. Making it easier for her was the fact that Earnhardt Sr. had never had his will changed – perhaps because he either never thought about it or didn’t want to – leaving the company in her control and not with his children.

In any case, what Earnhardt may or may not have wanted, was never seen. Earnhardt Jr. went on to have a successful season: winning one race and making the Chase with DEI doing the opposite. They failed to win and his former car, the No. 8 was shut down because of a lack of sponsorships.

Starting in 2009 the company would be merged with Chip Ganassi’s, forming Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. They’re biggest season to date would be a year later, 2010, when driver Jamie McMurray won the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. They have yet, however, proven to be championship contenders.

Earnhardt Jr. meanwhile has experienced his own ups and downs at HMS. He made the Chase in 2008, 2011 and this past season. Yet, he’s won only twice and is working with his third different crew chief.

His Nationwide Series team, which he brought to HMS as well, has found themselves in a similar situation. They brought Brad Keselowski to the spotlight before he left for Penske and now a Cup championship, before struggling to fill their seats and find the winner's circle. Danica Patrick has come and gone, JRM bringing her to NASCAR and now setting her off to a Cup ride of her own.

And the family aspect isn’t as strong for Earnhardt Jr. anymore either. Both his cousin and uncle have left under difficult circumstances. Sister Kelley, who also owns part of JRM, remains at Earnhardt Jr.’s side.

But …

What if DEI had been left to the Earnhardt children - not Teresa - how different would everything/one be now? Including Eanhardt-Ganassi?

@JamersonD I think EGR wouldn't exist. Still DEI with Jr stil in the 8. I think they'd be getting engines from Hendrick now though.

@TomLglEdtr hard to say; by most accounts Teresa had great marketing sense (value of Dale Sr. brand); would his kids appreciate that?

@HD388 EGR never happens. Jr stays & DEI would be a solid 3 car operation with that puts all 3 cars in the Chase year after year

@SMofHRinHC It would have fallen apart even faster.

Kenneth J Carlson (via Facebook) Dale Jr would still be driving the 8 car

Clayton Caldwell (via Facebook) Good question....All the Chevy teams are now second to Hendrick who is quickly becoming the dominate force in NASCAR. Would it have been different. Yes, but how much different. IDK. It wouldn't have been family run cause Pops and Jr got canned at JR Motorsports so ....

Kelly Crandall (via Facebook - responding) But would they have been? Would things have gone on this far and like they are now? This can be a loaded question because it affects so many people and a few different companies.

Clayton Caldwell (via Facebook) I agree. My thing is though look at a team like RCR. They are not even close to a team like Hendrick. Harvick left to drive for Hendrick's B team next year? As bad as a job Teresa did running the organization would it be different? IDK. I mean Chip Ganassi had to merge and he has a ton of money. It's just a completely different sport than it was in 2007 and IDK if DEI would still be a powerhouse.

Kelly Crandall (via Facebook) It's been a crazy few years since it happened. I think you also have to look at how many changes she made, and if Junior or Kelley being in charge, if they would have made the same ones. Such as moving around teams and personnel, like sending the 8 team to Michael beginning in 2005. Or how Jr.'s Nationwide team would be like now if he didn't have as close an association with Hendrick. And if he never goes to Hendrick, is Kyle still there? Many different ways to look at it, I guess. It's interesting to look back at how much has happened.

Clayton Caldwell (via Facebook) Yeah and I'm not tryin to kill Jr but this is fact, I mean with the way he struggled so bad in the "COT" they woulda looked at other alternatives, which probably means merger. It is sad what happened to that team, and a lot of teams since 2007. I mean DEI made their own engines. Coming into next year we are going to have 5 engine builders! 5! In 2007 we had 12. It's just changed so much.

Kelly Crandall (via Facebook) He never did figure out the COT, hated it, in fact. Wonder if he had worked with Pops if he would have done a little better?

Clayton Caldwell (via Facebook) You never know. I mean Pops coulda struggled in the COT too. I think Zipadelli couldn't get his arms around that car and that's part of the reason why the 20 struggled so bad and the 14 and 39 took a hit this year. Just my opinion.

Thursday, December 20th 'What If' Question

2012-12-23T16:29:00.001-05:00

Ford Championship weekend in Homestead-Miami again played host to NASCAR's grand finale. All three National Series would be crowning champions, with the possibility of all three being first-time champions at that.

The first act of the three act weekend was the Camping World Truck Series and the Ford EcoBoost 200. James Buescher entered the weekend as the point leader, hanging to a 15 point advantage on rookie Ty Dillon. Buescher, racing for team owner and father-in-law Steve Turner, was looking for his first title in just his fourth full season.

Buescher had dominated the year, winning the most races (four) and leading the points the final four weeks. Except Dillon wasn't about to let Buescher have an easy clinching race, entering the final race of the season with hopes of becoming the second Dillon to win the CWTS title in as many years. Older brother Austin had won it the year before.

For much of the event Buescher was in firm control of his destiny, ahead of Dillon on track and keeping his point lead. As the race wound down however, business picked up and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops team played their hand, making the necessary adjustments to move Dillon up in the field and more importantly, ahead of Buescher.

With two laps to go he was running second when fellow rookie Kyle Larsen made a bold move to his inside in turn three. The two made contact and hit the wall ending both of their nights and Dillon's championship run. At the time, he would have been within one point of Buescher as they ran on the track.

Dillon instead finished 25th while Buescher came home 13th and won the championship. Afterwards, though disappointed, Dillon noted that he was at peace with that occurred because his team had given it everything they had in trying to win the championship in their first year together. He'll be back in 2013 to try again.

But ...

What if Ty Dillon doesn't wreck at Homestead while racing Kyle Larsen, does he overtake and beat James Buescher for the championship?

@Talon64 As long as the race goes caution-free, then Buescher probably would've slipped back enough for Ty to take it.

@JorgeMondacaFOX No

@HMPPhoto I think he was reaching for straws and going for broke! Like wouldn't have caught Buescher!

Tuesday, October 9th 'What If' Quesiton

2012-10-19T14:27:00.000-04:00

Sometimes all it takes to ruin the perfect moment or the perfect race, is one split second decision. Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart found himself in that position when he came down the track to block Michael Waltrip's big run and caused a 25 car wreck.

Stewart, who was leading at the time, was trying to win the race. When he quickly found himself in the sucker-hole, the middle of the track with cars flying past on the outside and inside, he made the only decision he could: try to protect his position.

Stewart ended up getting turned by Waltrip who was being pushed by Casey Mears. When the dust settled and the checkered flag was shown, Matt Kenseth was declared the winner with only Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon making it through the carnage behind him. Stewart did apologize for starting the wreck and took responsibility, but many others weren't happy with the type of racing they had seen.

Most vocal was Dale Earnhardt Jr., who we learned later had suffered a concussion. He'll be sitting out the next two Sprint Cup Series races.

The wreck also shook up the point standings. Brad Keselowski extended his lead to 14 over Johnson, who wrecked while Keselowski was able to save his car and drive to a seventh place finish. Anything could have happened had the pack made to the finish line as they were, instead one mistake on the final lap, in the final corner changed everything.

Such is the life in NASCAR.

But ..

What if Stewart and Waltrip didn't get together and start last lap crash, of that big pack coming off turn four, take your pick: who wins Talladega?

@TheOrangeCone Josh Wise

@Anthony_Stuart Kenseth: not enough time was left for them to get by him

@FurnitureRow_78 Waltrip definitely would have won!

@NaScArFaN995 michael waltrip or casey mears

@Gman1439 Waltrip vs Kenseth, I say Waltrip would of won

@31SpazCat15 I think Mikey wins!!

@philenespanol Mikey. He had a full head of steam (hence getting into smoke) and probably would have settled it between him and Clint

@mattwoodruff29 Harvick he was right on Kenseth's and could had went for the win!

@NancyatStudioN Michael Waltrip

@chuckallen2 @mw55 was going to win, no doubt in my mind. His momentum, getting pushed in the perfect spot on track were just enough

@Rasenna Tony! He's the man!

@HarpAmyStabler I think that Mikey or Casey Mears would have duked it out for the win.

Thursday, September 9th 'What If' Question

2012-10-19T12:55:00.000-04:00

It all comes down to one race and two drivers. While others are still mathematically eligible to make this year's Chase for the Sprint Cup Series Championship, all eyes are on Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon going to Richmond.

Busch holds the second Wild Card spot, with his one win from May at the same track. Gordon sits 14th, fighting a year of bad luck and many mechanical failures. He too, has a lone win from Pocono. And the scenario is simple: whoever finishes ahead of the other will make the Chase.

Yet, while both Busch and Gordon have had their fair share of success at the Virginia track, Busch enters the weekend as the favorite. He's the most recent winner at the track and it's Gordon who has to beat him. A tall task simply because of the fact that anything and everything that could happen to a driver and team this season, has to Gordon.

They must continue to fight from behind if they want a shot at the Chase. A situation neither company, Joe Gibbs Racing with Busch and Hendrick Motorsports with Gordon, imagined themselves in before the season started. Except here they are, Busch not wanting to miss the Chase again as he did in 2009 and Gordon hoping to have something go right in his season. Saying it's never over until it's over, and he too, doesn't want to experience being on the outside looking in as he did in 2005.

Each driver knows what they have to do, Busch feeling confident in his team and the track. Gordon looking to avenge a heartbreaking loss to Hamlin at Atlanta, saying he won't make the same mistake twice.

But ...

What if Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon are running together on the last lap Saturday, who makes it back to the checkered flag and into the Chase?

@ARosser14 Whoever's third

@HarpAmyStabler Kyle makes it to the Chase and the checkered flag

Wednesday, August 29th 'What If' Question

2012-09-11T21:25:00.002-04:00

A failed drug test at Kentucky and subsequent suspension at Daytona - then firing from Penske - did more than lose AJ Allmendinger his ride in NASCAR. It opened the door to one of the silliest seasons in the Sprint Cup Series and this year's version of musical race seats.

With Allmendinger off the track and taking care of his personal business, Sam Hornish Jr. stepped into the No. 22 Shell / Pennzoil Dodge. Hornish soon found himself doing double duty, competing for the Nationwide Series championship while helping keep the Cup team head's above water. And Hornish hasn't done that bad of a job, impressing many and starting the whispers of who should be in the car full-time.

Those whispers quickly died down when Matt Kenseth not only announced he was leaving Roush - Fenway Racing but reports ran wild that he was going to join Joe Gibbs Racing. That meant more dominoes needed to fall, such as who Kenseth would replace or if another JGR car was going to be added to the stable.

Yet, as details started to emerge of Kenseth's new home with JGR it became clear that Joey Logano was also going to be someplace else in 2013. Penske and the 22 was the logical choice, although many held out hope that the Captain, Roger Penske, would keep the seat in-house and reward Hornish's efforts.

That didn't happen. Kenseth is going to Logano's ride at JGR and Logano is going into Allmendinger / Hornish's ride at Penske. It's the NASCAR snowball effect, one thing leads to another. When one car opens .. well, you get the idea.

Fortunately for Hornish, he still has a job in '13 as he'll remain with Penske, running a full-time NNS schedule again with hopes of Cup races.

But ...

What if AJ Allmendinger was still in the 22, and with Kenseth going to JGR, where would Logano have ended up in 2013 since the 22 would be unavailable?

@17FordFan Logano would stay at JGR and run full NNS and possible NSCS races if they had sponsor $

@chuckallen2 Probably full time JGR Nationwide/ PT Cup deal. Although nothing was indicating that AJ would keep it regardless.

@HD388 Logano would go back to the Nationwide Series for JGR til sponsorship for a 4th car could be found but

@abullins I've heard Penske started talking to Logano before Kentucky so it would still be his probably.

Wednesday, July 18th 'What If' Question

2012-07-19T21:08:00.000-04:00

Since 1909 the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has welcomed racers from around the world and all across the country.

And since that time they've crowned winners in many different forms. From F1, MotoGP, IndyCar and then to the surprise of many, NASCAR. Beginning in 1994 it was stock cars roaring around the famed Brickyard with Jeff Gordon taking home the first checkered flag.

Since then the Brickyard 400 has become one of NASCAR's most prestigious races, and according to IMS the second-highest paying race behind the Daytona 500.

Just two years after NASCAR got there a great Indianapolis tradition was born. In the name of tradition and winning big races, the Daytona International Speedway places the winners car in the Daytona 500 USA museum for a year. The driver is the introduced as the Daytona 500 winner for the remainder of the year and their name goes into the record books not just as winner, but a Daytona 500 champion.

Now when a driver wins at Indy they end up with much the same accolades. Part of their tradition is taking a ride around the speedway in the pace car and going to the "Yard of Bricks."

That's where they'll have one of the most memorable kisses of their life. It was Dale Jarrett and crew chief Todd Parrott who started the tradition in '96 when they innocently went to kiss the bricks after their win. They were soon joined by the entire team who also kissed the bricks and the rest as they say is history.

NASCAR winners and IndyCar winners all get their chance to kiss the bricks and go down in history as a winner at Indianapolis. Win there and you'll be remembered forever, regardless of whatever else you've done.

Beginning next weekend Indianapolis will now host the NASCAR Nationwide Series at the big track. For many years the NNS and CWTS raced away from Indianapolis at the small oval in Clermont, Indiana. The Lucas Oil Raceway - formerly Indianapolis Raceway Park and O'Reilly Raceway Park - will not be hosting NNS or CWTS races beginning in 2012, although many agreed the shorttrack put on some great racing throughout its history.

Now the Brickyard will go from hosting just Sprint Cup drivers and race to the NNS the day before. While Daytona does the same, with only the Cup race being known as a "big" race, this will be the first time in recent memory that a famed track and big race has gone from hosting just Cup cars to sharing it with the NNS.

Cars hit the track starting on Thursday, July 26th when the NNS hits the track for the very first time in practice. When they do it will bring many questions, which will only be answered throughout the weekend.

But ...

What if w/Nationwide now at Indy & if they start kissing the bricks, will it change your view of the prestige of the Cup race there?

@Talon64 yes, but only because the Cup guys would get Nationwide's sloppy seconds on the brick kiss.

@mrheadrick No. Has the prestige of Daytona been tarnished by multiple series running there? The whole #Indycar split several years ago killed the prestige of Indy in my eyes.

@dustin_n_va No not at all any win at indy is prestigious

@JoJo_6040 Yep, but I'm sure the winner will since it's a tradition for cup. Now you have me curious haha. Wish they kept nns at orp.

Tuesday, July 10th 'What If' Question

2012-07-12T10:48:00.002-04:00

Before the green flag in Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona there had already been plenty of headlines made.

There was Austin Dillon defending his Kentucky win after a failed inspection, Brian France delivering his state of the sport address and saying there would be no mandatory cautions as Bruton Smith suggested. There was Danica Patrick in a way calling her shot to win before Dillon won the pole and again failed inspection.

Matt Kenseth, going for the Daytona sweep, started it off right by winning the Cup pole. While eventual winner Tony Stewart failed post qualifying because of the same reason Dillon did. Kurt Busch went out and won a wild Nationwide Series race for James Finch and Joey Logano became the latest driver to fail inspection.

On Saturday, in what is normally a lazy day before the Cup race that evening, was anything but. Kevin Harvick flew wife DeLana back home to NC in order to rest before the birth of their first child. Son Keelan would be born the next morning. Austin Dillon thought he might get behind the wheel of the No. 29 until NASCAR nixed that idea, so Kenny Wallace was put on standby.

Bobby Bowden came into the media centered and entertained everyone, while Train rocked out on the frontstretch for the fans. Then came the biggest news of the entire weekend, seemingly out of nowhere.

At 6:00 p.m. ET NASCAR's senior vice president of racing, Steve O'Donnell, walked into the media center to announce that Penske Racing driver AJ Allmendinger had been suspended because of a failed drug test. He had been chosen as the random driver a week before in Kentucky and his "A" sample came back positive.

Sam Hornish Jr. flew back to Daytona from Charlotte, NC to pilot the No. 22 in the race. And since then the talk has been all about Allmendinger. Even though there was Stewart winning his fourth Daytona race in the last eight attempt, as well as the numerous penalties handed down on Tuesday after the infractions found in inspection.

Dillon will now be without his crew chief and car chief for two weeks and lost another six points in the owner and driver standings, Adam Stevens and the car chief of the No. 18 in the NNS was fine and put on probation as well as lost six owner points. And Stewart lost six driver/owner points while his crew chief and car chief were both placed on probation.

Yet, it all went in one ear and out the other. It's all about Allmendinger right now. Speculation has run wild from what caused the failed test, to whether he intentionally took something, and of course, whether he'll ever be back behind the wheel.

As of Wednesday, Allmendinger was waiting on the results of his "B" sample while he camp released a statement that he had tested positive for a stimulant. What the stimulant was is still a guess, but Allmendinger was said to be going through all his medications and supplements to determine what could have caused the failed test.

With Allmendinger working with NASCAR to determine what has gone on while waiting on the results of his "B" sample, Hornish will again drive the No. 22 this weekend at New Hampshire. Everyone else is left offering their own opinions and theories.

But ...

What if there were no AJ Allmendinger suspension, what would be the big story and have us all talking after Daytona?

@mattwoodruff29 The Harvick's having there first child and the penalties from Daytona.

@HarpAmyStabler 2 complete green flag pit cycles and the outside line not being able to go. No pack drafting excitement 4 passing ... My dad, son, and I were all at the NNS and cup race. NNS race was exciting and fun all the way through .... The cup race was boring and we struggled to stay awake there until lap 120. Shouldn't be that way ... Dad and I have been going to Daytona since 2004 and loved it. We'll go again, but the racing has gotten progressively worse with the exception of the tandem racing. I remember the 1st to 30th & back to 1st in a few laps back in 2004-2008. That was fun for the pack drafting. Bring back tandems if it's not going 2 improve ... I thought that it was sad how sparse the midway & souvie trailer area was. Econ=bad. :(

@NancyatStudioN The big story would be the Army leaving SHR. It could open a whole can of worms. Will the National Guard leave Jr? And why are they paying so much more than Army paid SHR? If Ryan can't get a sponsor to stay there, where will he go? He can't go back to Penske and can't go to Roush without a sponsor. In fact, can he go anywhere if he can't bring a sponsor? And, will Kurt get a sponsor and take it to SHR? After all, Tony said he'd hire him in a heartbeat.

@DonRohr reason the midway is sparse is because of the heat, the cost, and the ROI in July. overflowing in February ... I thought the race itself was just fine. decent beginning, filling in the middle and balls out at the end

@JoJo_6040 The pack v tandem or Sprint v Nationwide races. I kinda like the combo of pack and tandem. :)

Wednesday, July 4th 'What If' Question

2012-07-12T01:21:00.000-04:00

Prior to the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series season domination used to belong to two drivers: Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch.

If they weren't battling each other they were fending off Busch's teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, Joey Logano. Now Logano has picked up where Edwards and Busch have left off. Halfway through the NNS season Logano has five wins, the most of anyone in the series.

Even more impressive, he's only competed in 12 of the 16 races. When he's not winning races he's leading a ton of laps (468) or capturing poles (3). Anytime he's behind the wheel of the No. 18 he's become the driver to beat. Deja vu for competitors when Busch used to be that driver.

At first glance many would be shocked to see that Busch has not yet won a NNS this season. Look closer though and you see that this season different for Busch. His team, Kyle Busch Motorsports, moved to the NNS after coming off a Camping World Truck Series owners title in their first year.

Moving up the ladder however, is hard. Something that Busch fully recognizes. Older brother Kurt delivered the team's first, and so far only, NNS win back at Richmond in April. Not to say that Kyle hasn't come close to winning a few races himself but luck and circumstance just got in the way.

So, as he fights to make his own company contenders, Logano enjoys the role of dominator. The good news for NNS drivers is that Logano will not be in this Saturday's event at New Hampshire as Ryan Truex gets another start in the No. 18.

Kyle Busch will be entered in his No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota. He's won the last three New Hampshire races.

But ...

What if Kyle Busch still ran NNS races for Joe Gibbs Racing, would Joey Logano still be as dominant as he's been this season?

@mattwoodruff29 No he wouldn't.......

@HD388 Logano wouldn't be dominating NNS if Busch were there. Busch is the far more superior driver & would have 3 wins by now. Logano probably would only have 1

@31SpazCat15 not really answering the what if? But I think it proves that given the same equipment and resources.... Joey is a winner too

Thursday, May 24th 'What If' Question

2012-05-25T22:28:00.002-04:00

Wednesday afternoon NASCAR announced their 2013 Hall of Fame class. The five men who will be officially place into the Hall on February 8, 2013 will be Buck Baker, Cotton Owens, Herb Thomas, Rusty Wallace and Leonard Wood.

As noted in his HOF biography on NASCAR.com, many call Wood the innovator of the modern pit stop among the many other things Leonard's credited with. And along with brother Glen, Wood Brothers Racing based out of Virginia, has become one of the most celebrated teams in the garage.

Elliott Sadler earned his first career Sprint Cup Series win in the Wood Brothers No. 21 Ford at Bristol in the spring of 2001. While drivers have come and gone in their cars, the success up and down, they've remained a constant on the track. Doing everything they could to get to the next track, the next race, the next season.

Then a young Tennessee driver named Trevor Bayne came along and gave the fabled team their second wind. Bayne went out and won the 2011 Daytona 500 after an impressive Speedweeks in which he gained the attention of champion and future Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon.

The win was the first for the Wood Brothers since Sadler's 2001 feat, the first Daytona 500 win since David Pearson in 1976. It was just the second career start for Bayne who had turned 20-years-old not even 24 hours before.

It was a sensational story that the NASCAR world latched onto. Bayne became its new star who was only running a partial Cup schedule for the Wood Brothers while competing for Jack Roush in the Nationwide Series. When Bayne got sick weeks after his win and was sidelined for a few months, the Wood Brothers stayed loyal and said the No. 21 was his.

He came back in late 2011 and tried to pick up where he left off but it's been a steep learning curve. Saturday night in Charlotte he'll be behind the wheel of the No. 21 in the Coca-Cola 600, a race that he missed last year. He's eager and excited to put another race under his belt, starting 13th, and certainly now that one of his team owners is a Hall of Famer.

But ...

What if the Wood Brothers hadn't won the 2011 Daytona 500 with Trevor Bayne and then been the focus of so much media attention for a year and a half because of his win, illness and comeback / success, would Leonard Wood still have been chosen as a nominee for the 2013 Hall of Fame class?

@cruetten no. He would've gotten in obviously, but not as soon.

@NancyatStudioN OMG - Yes! They have 97 wins w 17 dif drivers over 59 yrs. A shame they don't have financing to run TBayne fulltime

@RJ_Number8 They would've gotten in now. We're talking about THE men who invented the modern pit stop; a major contribution to the sport.

Monday, May 21st 'What If' Question

2012-05-24T21:05:00.000-04:00

With all the hype and advertising that comes with the Sprint All-Star race, no holds barred and full of wrecks, it was anything but on Saturday night.

There were no fireworks, except for the ones released post race, nor were there wrecks and angry words exchanged. There was hard racing and smart strategy used and then a familiar face in victory lane.

The 2012 format of the All-Star race consisted of five segments. The first four were 20 laps each and the final segment a 10 lap dash for the cash. That coming after a mandatory pit stop where as long as all four tires came to a stop in the box, it was considered OK and the driver could continue.

Another new wrinkle was that the drivers who won a segment would be lined up 1-4 coming to pit road for those final stops and that's where things got interesting.

Jimmie Johnson won the first segment and then disappeared for the remainder of the All-Star. Literally. He restarted in the back of the pack and then let the field drive away as he stayed far behind what could have been potential carnage.

Then segment two winner Matt Kenseth did the same thing. As did segment three winner Brad Keselowski, all playing possum until the final segment.

After Dale Earnhardt Jr. won segment four, he along with Johnson, Kenseth and Keselowski lined up for the mandatory stop and then exited pit road in the same order. When the green flag flew for the final segment Johnson drove away from the field for his third All-Star win.

Many were left shaking their heads in confusion, disappointment and anger at how the race played out. There seemed to be no racing involved or at least not what the All-Star race is accustomed to. Besides Johnson fans, what happend in the All-Star race wasn't what fans wanted, although Johnson and company simply took the rules and manipulated them to their advantage.

Clint Bowyer seemed a bit shocked after the checkered flag flew saying, "He ran 30 laps, 30 damn laps and won $1 millon."

But ...

What if segment winners weren't allowed to 'sandbag,' how different would All-Star race have played out and does Johnson still win?

@kartracer3886 Lol If JJ didnt sandbag then he would have won every segment. I liked the format. Needs 1-2 slight tweaks

@Race_Girl24_7 idk but I would b good with a system that sends the last place driver to the garage after each segment even if they had won a segment earlier

@JoJo_6040 Each segmt would make 'em have to race. It's a short race, why sandbag? With that scenario, not sure who would've won.

Wednesday, May 9th 'What If' Question

2012-05-12T23:42:00.000-04:00

Leave it to Brad Keselowski to throw out all the logic that comes with racing and winning at the Talladega Superspeedway.

After much anticipation and tweaking by NASCAR, it was back to pack racing at the restrictor plate tracks of Daytona and Talladega. Last weekend drivers went door-to-door and bumper-to-bumper around Talladega for over 180 laps before setting themselves up for a tandem pairing at the end.

On a green-white-checkered finish the driver who had dominated all day, Matt Kenseth, hooked with teammate Greg Biffle and started to pull away from the field. Behind them Kyle Busch started pushing Brad Keselowski and the two began to make headway.

Kenseth though took his eyes off the prize for just a split second and it caused him to become unhooked with Biffle. That lead to Keselowski and Busch blowing by and the win going with them. Keselowski took the white flag as the leader and logic said he wouldn't be the leader when they came back for the checkered flag.

Except just as there's logic which says you can't race and certainly can't win with a broken ankle, Keselowski proved everyone wrong. Coming out of turn four Keselowski took his No. 2 blue deuce and pulled himself off of Busch by moving from the middle lane down to the bottom.

Busch wasn't expecting it and the move gave Keselowski just enough steam to head back to the finish line untouched. Afterwards he said it was a move he had in mind for a while and was saving for the right occasion and that didn't help Busch or Kenseth feeling any better about what had happened.

But ...

What if the Kenseth/Biffle tandem hadn't come apart, would the Keselowski/Busch tandem still have caught them and who wins Talladega?

@cruetten I'm sure they would've caught them, but I doubt they would've passed them--Kenseth and Biffle would've held tight as a team.

@JoJo_6040 Yes. And BK wouldn't be able to use his shake on KB. Four car run to the finish and Kenseth wins :)

@HD388 still think Keselowski/Busch tandem would of caught Kenseth/Biffle tandem & pulled away from them with Keselowski winning

Friday, May 4th 'What If' Question

2012-05-05T11:32:00.000-04:00

Should you take the movie "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" at face value, that being purely entertainment purposes, it truly is a good movie.

There's plenty of jokes, memorable quotes and moments that would never happen in real life. Will Ferrell plays a racecar driver that doesn't resemble anything of a racecar. He's brash and bold, yet can be because he's damn good at what he does.

Sunday in Talladega there might be the real life version of the story. Kurt Busch will be driving a replica paint scheme to the one that Ferrell drove in the movie, where he and rival Jean Girad (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) flipped down the Talladega frontstretch - in what could be described as the longest crash ever- then exited their cars and ran to the finish line.

Busch's paint scheme on his No. 51 James Finch Chevrolet has many buzzing with joy. And quoting their favorite lines from the movie.

For Busch though, the scheme is about more than having fun, it's also for a good cause. Besides the giant Cougar on the hood and the "ME" logos, there are those for the Armed Forces Foundation. According to their website they're a non-profit organization which dedicates their time to providing for members of the armed forces.

On the rear decklid of the car fans will read "Text AFF to 50555 to donate $5."

Unfortunately, Busch won't be driving with a cougar in the car. Not even the stuff animal he had posted about on Twitter. He will though, have many eyes on him as he takes to the track on Sunday, shouting "Shake & Bake" every time he makes a pass.

He might even say it too. It's all for a good cause as a lack of sponsorship on his No. 51 gave way to this opportunity. Except in the end, all the attention might be a good thing for Busch and the Finch team as they head forward.

But ...

What if Kurt Busch wins on Sunday in the "Talladega Nights" car, should he pull a Ricky Bobby and says he wakes up and [pees] excellence?

@pablao21 I'd pay his fine if he said it.

@rustywings What? You mean he doesn't...that's what he always led me to believe...#NASCAR

@cruetten Absolutely! As of now, he's not really much of a points contender, so whatever imminent penalty would be worth it!

@HD388 I say yes Kurt should pull a Ricky Bobby if he wins on Sunday, just for the fact that I'd like to see him get fined by Nascar

Tuesday, April 17th 'What If' Question

2012-04-21T10:18:00.000-04:00

Nelson Piquet Jr. has come ever so close to winning his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race but something also crept up and took it away.

Last Sunday when NASCAR made their return to Rockingham for the first time in eight years, many predicted the veterans dominating the day. Instead it was Piquet, who had never seen the track until last weekend, that looked as though he'd been racing there for years.

To start the weekend Piquet won his first career pole in 33 attempts. Then on Sunday he flat out spanked the competition when he led the first 85 of 100 laps. Well in control and seemingly cruising to the finish it was about counting down the laps and keeping the truck off the wall.

A slow pit stop though put him back in traffic where he had to fight back to the front. He eventually did and led 107 of 250 laps. He did not win the race though, he crossed the finish line seventh as Sprint Cup driver Kasey Kahne, who had not practiced or qualified his truck, won.

So, how did Piquet go from domination to seventh? On lap 181 he was nabbed for speeding on pit road and had to restart in the rear. He would spend the rest of the race trying to pull off a comeback instead of fighting for the win when he could have restarted second. For as fast as his No. 30 Qualcomm / Autotrac Chevrolet was, traffic ended up getting the best of him.

"I didn't think that I was going to get penalized, just because the exit was so short and my wheels were spinning so much. I had no idea," said Piquet afterwards about the position of his pit stall to the exit of pit road.

"I didn't feel like I pushed it too hard, I guess I just went a fraction too fast and pushed it just over the limit."

Piquet did move up two spots in the point standing to sixth entering Kansas this weekend. Still looking for his first win and he knows that it's close.

But ...

What if Nelson Piquet hadn't gotten a speeding penalty, does he go on to win the race or does Kasey Kahne hold him off?

@betseybydesign I think Kasey would have still won!!JMO!!:)

@Talon64 Kasey didn't even pull away from Buescher so Piquet had the speed. But Piquet poor restarts might've cost him anyways

@HarpAmyStabler I think that Piquet would have gone to victory at the Rock. He had the dominant truck all day.

@DonRohr piquet was class of the field. Especially on older tires. (Anything past lap ten in this case).

@JanisRothermel That speeding penalty infuriated me. NP had the truck to beat.Would have been great to have 2 1st time race winners-F1's NR. *Editor's note - In Formula 1 Nico Roseberg had won his first career race on Sunday, the Chinese Grand Prix

@scubazuke72 don't think anything was stopping Kasey on Sunday. His truck was flying from the start.

@HD388 gotta say that Kahne would of held off Piquet, Kahne's truck was just a little bit stronger than Piquet's