Thursday, December 30th 'What If' Question

Nothing can grab attention and headlines faster than a driver saying they want to race the No. 3.

SInce the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. in the 2001 Daytona 500 the number hasn't seen the track in full-time competition. It's been raced by his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., on a few occasions and most of the time it won. But heading into the 2010 season it was announced that the number was going to be back full-time in the Camping World Truck Series.

The grandson of Richard Childress, who was the team owner of Earnhardt Sr. and the No. 3, was giving Austin Dillon a shot in the truck series. Dillon was going to not only race the No. 3 but it was going to be on a black truck with sponsor Bass Pro Shop. A black truck and a white No. 3, much like what Earnhardt Sr. used to race.

Attention getter.

Dillon went out and completed a more than successful season for a rookie. He won two races, captured seven poles and in 25 races had 16 top 10s and seven top fives. After finishing fifth in points it's safe to say that he's one to watch from this point on as as a serious championship contender.

Fans have flocked to the 20-year-old and he's been welcomed into the sport with open arms. His success makes him easier to cheer for. Everything is going right for the driver/college student, who wouldn't want to be him?

But ...

What if Austin Dillon was not driving a black truck with a white No. 3 on the side, would he still get as much attention as he does? #NASCAR

@NancyatStudioN Yes

@crutten yes. while i enjoy seeing the #3 on the track again, i don't think dillion gets attention because of it. i think he gets attention because he is a growing talent AND RC's grandson

@ronsracing88 Yes, because he is Richard Childress' grandson and he did a lot of winning. #NASCAR

@morganhargrove Yes, he is a 20 year old who won ROTY, finished 5th in points, won 2 races, and got 7 poles, that's pretty newsworthy.

@RoushGirl17 Yes, I think he would. He's shown that he has the right stuff, winning, ROTY, and finishing in the top 5, all big things

@StrokerAce90 Funny that you asked that for a #NASCAR #WhatIf question cause I often joke about how much they say his name. I would say No.

Monday, December 27th 'What If' Question

It's hard to remember the time that no one could touch Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Daytona International Speedway.

Little E had picked up where his dad left off, by winning something whenever NASCAR was in town. In the Sprint Cup Series: the Pepsi 400 (2001), Budweiser Shootouts (2003, 2008), Gatorade Duel races (2003, 2004, 2008), and the Daytona 500 (2004). In the Nationwide Series (2002, 2003, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010).

But lately it's been a struggling in anything that Earnhardt Jr. has sat in, not winning a point paying race in the Sprint Cup Series since June of 2008 and being shut out of victory lane in Daytona since the Nationwide July race in 2006. He did win the July race this past season.

Before that however, Earnhardt Jr. was back in the season-opening race for the Nationwide Series looking for another win. In order to do so he would have to beat the Kevin Harvick Inc. car of Tony Stewart, who has won the last two February events. Earnhardt Jr. was a contender, as always, back in February, driving his own No. 88 Hellmann's Chevrolet.

Running third on lap 92 of 120, Earnhardt Jr. was suddenly flipping down the backstretch instead of charging into turn three. Carl Edwards had turned right, clipping Brad Keselowski who clipped the rear end of Earnhardt Jr.'s machine and sent him for a wild ride. Stewart went on to win his third straight race.

For Earnhardt Jr. it was an expensive day. With the No. 88 mangled, as well as the No. 7 of Danica Patrick who also crashed, JR Motorsports he said would have to go back and balance their check books. The bright spot though, was that his crash was spectacular, he didn't want to go flipping and not have it be worth it he said.

But ...

What If @DaleJr didn't flip in February NNS race @ Daytona, could he have ended Tony Stewart's win streak (Stewart won 3rd straight)

@ARosser14 No. And that isn't bias. KHI's cars were far better. A guy collected in that crash, Kevin Harvick, would have if anyone did.

@smokinace88 I believe June could have won it he had a strong powerful car all day

@cruetten if Harvick hadn't wrecked too, it would've been Jr, Stewart, and Harvick at the end with Jr winning the race--not Stewart.

@RoushGirl17 Yes...I think he had the car, and the confidence to have won that race. He was running right up front and doing a great job when he flipped. Just look at what he did in the 500...right up the middle and almost caught McMurray.

Sunday, December 26th 'What If' Question

One was racing for a Nationwide Series championship. The other was racing for history and like he races every week, flat out. But it didn't stop Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch from putting on yet another good show in the Nationwide Series.

The Food City 250 at Bristol was dominated by two drivers that always seem to find themselves at the front of a NNS race. As the laps wound down point lead Keselowski was racing a hard-charging Busch, who was going for his second win of the weekend. The two battled lap after lap, trading the lead on numerous occasions, each sizing up the other.

Then on lap 219 Busch decided to end the battle. Coming off turn four, Busch spun Keselowski who hit the wall, thus ending his chance at victory. Thirty laps later Busch had his win while Keselowski was left to wonder what the problem was with a little bumping and rubbing.

Before Keselowski was spun by Busch, he had tagged the back of the No. 18 a lap before, as Busch tried to pass him for the lead. The contact made Busch bounce off the wall and made him a little upset with 'Special K,' which led to the spin.

Busch later said, “That’s Brad Keselowski. So I went into the next corner and dumped him. He does it to everybody else. Why can’t I do it to him?” Busch had also spun out another competitor, Jennifer Jo Cobb, in the Truck Series race just a few nights before, making it clear that no one was going to stand in his way that weekend.

Keselowski said he was going to go to work next week and the week after that and work on beating Busch's ass. The next night he used the Bristol PA system to tell the crowd that Kyle Busch "is an ass."

It was two nights in Bristol that no NASCAR fan will forget.

But ...

What if Kyle Busch didn't put @Keselowski in the wall @ Bristol during Nationwide race. If they race to the finish who wins?

@WilliamCheerboy Danica Patrick.

@jerracing7 Brad wins

@cruetten Kyle Busch still wins. I am not a Busch fan, but he has more talent and drive to win than anyone since Dale Earnhardt.

@kbm18 RT I Agree w/You 100% :o} #kylebuschfan4LIFE #KyleBuschRocksNascar

Wednesday, December 22nd 'What If' Question

Everyone has a moment in their life that they would love to get back or moments we would love to have been able to enjoy more.

In NASCAR there have been so many great races in its 62 year history that fans are left wondering what it would have been like to able to see those races. They may live on in history through highlight reels or even old video tapes, but some moments are just those you need to be there for.

Seeing your favorite driver win his first race. Or just seeing them win any race. Seeing a champion crowned in Homestead-Miami or attending the Daytona 500, the biggest race of the year.

Or there are times when a race fan had the chance to attend an event but decided not to. When that race is one of the most memorable in NASCAR history as well as one of the most emotional, that guilt will live with them forever. That's what happened to my father and his friend.

Back in 2001 after the death of Dale Earnhardt they talked for months and months about how they should go to the Pepsi 400 that July, the return trip to the Daytona International Speedway. They never went and watched from home as Dale Earnhardt Jr. pulled off an emotional victory at the track that took his father's life.

While they regret not attending, it turned out well for me. Watching the race on TV left me to watch as well, it was my first ever NASCAR race and I was hooked from just that one. The rest I guess you could say is history.




For some fans their chance to attend a race they always wanted to is just that, history. They won't get that back and will have to wait until they purchase their next set of tickets and hope that event will be another memorable moment in NASCAR's biography.

But ...

What if you could go back in time and attend a race of your choosing. Which race would you choose and why?

@Talon64 #NASCAR, the 2003 Busch/Craven Darlington race. Racing in general, any Monaco #F1 race.

@hillbillyDem 1992 Atlanta Journal 500, Kulwickis championship, the Kings last race, Jeff Gordons first race, 6 guys going for championship

@Jrocket10 2001 Daytona 500 and change the last lap result!!! RIP Dale Sr.!!!!

@ARosser14 2006 Bass Pro Shops 500. I was going to be there until the Thursday before the race, and Tony dominated and won.

@Crutten I would go back to see Dale Sr win the 1998 Daytona 500. Dale Sr was the reason I started watching nascar in the early 90s, and to see him capture that historic win would've topped any race I've ever attended.

@Shaggy_5150 '98 Daytona 500...Grrew up an Earnhardt fan...no further explanation needed :)

@amarquis32 NASCAR -- 2003 Kroger 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park, an instant classic! Any race -- 2006 ARCA outlaw late model Glass City 200 at Toledo Speedway.

@ronsracing88 98 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt win.

@robwright11 l I would want to be in the grandstands in Darlington when Ricky Craven and Kurt Busch had their photo finish. Just the way the last few laps played out, and how Ricky Craven was my favorite driver.

Tuesday, December 21st 'What If' Question

It's because they love to race. It's because NASCAR hasn't made a rule saying they can't.

Those are some of the arguments NASCAR fans hear when tossing out complaints about Sprint Cup Series drivers dropping down into the minor leagues and dominating. The Nationwide Series is constantly infected with Cup drivers who have much better equipment and sponsor dollars helping them get all the attention and in essence, take over the series.

Some fans are sick of it. They haven't seen a NNS full-time driver win the championship since 2004-2005 when Martin Truex Jr. won it driving for JR Motorsports. Since then it's been Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski. Not only are championships being won, but nearly every race.

In 2010 of the 35 NNS races, only one of them was won by a regular NNS driver. The rest were won by Cup drivers - although Boris Said won the road course in Montreal, he is neither a full-time NNS or Cup driver.

Rides are being taken away from young drivers who are trying to make their way into the sport. Sponsors are going to the big names instead of helping a young team get on the track. There are plenty of negatives to why Cup guys shouldn't be allowed to race in the NNS, but some say there's a positive.

Without the big names, fans wouldn't show up or watch. Whether or not that's fact or fiction has yet to be seen. The first step though might come in 2011 as NASCAR is considering changing the rules to limit Cup drivers in the NNS. They may still be allowed to run, but not earn any points toward winning the driver's championship.

Some agree, others don't believe it's fair.

But ...

What if Sprint Cup drivers didn't run full-time in Nationwide Series. Would you still watch and who would you pick for the title?

@smokinace88 yes and I would pick Colin Braun Or Aric :)

@BigBankHank18 I watch all the NNS and NCWTS races, because @KyleBusch is such a big part of them if he wasn't? NO FREAKIN WAY! #KBshow

@Emily_8388 I would probably pay more attention. Simply because it wouldn't be all about Busch and Edwards.

@88Summerstars I would still watch and I'm thinking I'll be rooting for Aric A...

@ronsracing88 Yes, I would watch more of the NWS if Sprint Cup drivers didn't run full time and Aric Almirola or Justin Allgaier

@MattEmbury Good question...maybe whoever drives the Roush-Fenway/Gibbs cars. They can block the Cup guys all they want, the problem is they won't be able to block the Cup teams too, they will still win

@nascarjaj yes, and justin allgaier should be champ

@crutten I would still watch, but I think the viewership would drop due to big names such as Busch and Harvick not racing each week. As a fan, I like the idea and would like the NNS to go back to being a true "minor league" series. I can see, however, the drawbacks from the business side: It's a bad idea because those same big names such as Busch and Harvick attract viewers, ratings, and sponsors/money. For the title winner, and in light of recent news, I pick the Herminator, Kenny Wallace!

@StrokerAce90 I'd still watch the Nascar Nationwide series race's for the same reason I started watching them in the 1st place, "to see Danica race". I feel I'd get to know the regular Nationwide drivers a bit better if the Cup Stars weren't out there hogging up the show & then I'd be better able to pick one of them as to who would win the championship, but until Nascar stops their cream of the crop Chase contenders from racing in lower class's its a no brainer as to who to pick to win the championship.

Monday, December 20th 'What If' Question

With 15 laps to go at the Phoenix International Raceway in mid November, Denny Hamlin was "sitting pretty."

He had just racked up the 10 bonus points for not only leading a lap but the most laps and was running second behind Carl Edwards. His Chase competitors, Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson were well behind him and just about out of the championship hunt thanks to Hamlin making sure they hadn't led a lap all day.

All he had to do was get to the checkered flag and he would be 60 points or more ahead of the two drivers heading into the season finale in Homestead-Miami. His first ever Sprint Cup Series championship was in his grasp, he could see it, taste it and feel it.

Then it was gone.

With 12 laps to go Hamlin was called down pit road by crew chief Mike Ford. Not wanting to gamble on fuel mileage and risk losing the championship lead, the 11 team pitted and went from potentially finishing second to finishing 12th ... well behind Harvick and Johnson.

The point lead going to Homestead was down to 15 points.

At Homestead Johnson went out and cruised, he started sixth and ran in the top five all day long to capture his fifth straight title. Hamlin's day was a complete nightmare. He started 37th, spun out and damaged his splitter and was never able to keep ahead of Johnson for a long run. He wound up finishing 14th and lost the championship by 39 points.

But ...

What if Denny Hamlin finished second at Phoenix instead of 12th and losing those points. Would he still have lost the championship?

@jerracing7 No. I think he would of won the championship

@WilliamCheerboy No, Clint Bowyer would of won it all.

@ronsracing88 I think Jimmie & Chad still would of found away to win.

@NASCARJeannie NO... he would have saved face and won the Championship. lol

@cruetten JJ and Knaus are the masters of the chase. They would've still won anyway; Denny Hamlin just made it a little easier for them

@ARosser14 His chances would've been better, he likely wouldn't have gotten into a situation where he got spun.

@StrokerAce90 Of course Denny would've still lost the championship. #Nascar's own Magic Johnson would've just pulled out more golden horseshoe power, which in turn would've resulted in Denny doin some "more" big smack talkin, then wrecking due to his own bad created karma.

Monday December 13th 'What If' Question

The Daytona 500 is both the season-opening race and one of the biggest races of the NASCAR season. A driver's name lives on in the history book for infamy, there face becomes engraved on the Harley J. Earl trophy for life and their winning car sits in Daytona USA for an entire year.

No matter what happens for the rest of the season or even their career, the driver who wins the Daytona 500 can't have it taken away from them. They can say they won the Daytona 500. It's that big of a race and that big of a weekend and it's not good when something goes wrong as the entire world is watching.

The 2010 Daytona 500 decided to shake everything up.

Things started off without a hitch but then things started to get a little bumpy inbetween turns one and two. On lap 122 of 200 as Clint Bowyer led, NASCAR brought the red flag out and had the drivers come and park on pit road because a pothole had formed on the track. Crews quickly got to work to repair the hole so the race could finish its listed distance even though it was already an official race.

After an hour and 45 minutes of repairs the race restarted.

But on lap 159 the red flag came out again, this time with Kevin Harvick leading, because the pothole had formed again. NASCAR officials again went to work, determined to finish the race. An hour later the race was restarted again and would go to it's conclusion but not without two green-white-checkered finishes that saw Jamie McMurray take the lead on the last lap and Dale Earnhardt Jr. charge to second.

McMurray won his first Daytona 500 in his reunion with Chip Ganassi while Earnhardt Jr. finished an exciting second.

But ...

What if Daytona 500 was run straight through (no red flags/pot holes). Would it still have had dramatic ending/Jamie McMurray win?

@TJIngerson Daytona 500 should end under lights, and no pothole means it wouldn't have had that great ending

@NASCARJeannie yes I believe it would have had the same outcome just maybe not as dramatic.

@mwoodruff8829 No because Kevin Harvick had the most dominating car that day and he would had won it ether way pothole or not.

@cruetten yes. Both Daytona and Talladega have had mostly dramatic finishes lately, regardless of race circumstances.

@garrettu88 doubt it very much

@MattEmbury Dramatic ending yeah, maybe a different winner...probably Harvick.

Wednesday, December 8th 'What If' Question

Reviewing the 2010 season brings forth thoughts of best driver, best comeback, best race, etc. And while Jimmie Johnson took home the Sprint Cup Series trophy for the fifth year in a row and is deserving of driver of the year, it might not be hard to make a case for Jamie McMurray being the storyline of the 2010 season.

After being released by Roush-Fenway Racing in 2009 when they needed to cut a car to meet NASCAR's required four-car minimum, McMurray went into the late part of the year not knowing if he was going to have a job. Fortunately, Chip Ganassi came calling and asked McMurray to come drive the deserted No. 1 Chevrolet at Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing.

Ganassi gave McMurray his break in 2003 when he won Rookie of the Year. Then he went to FRF and now was getting a second chance with a man that McMurray considers one of his best friends. They started the year winning the Daytona 500 then the pole at California the following week.

At Talladega in April he finished second Kevin Harvick in a photo finish. McMurray then won the second biggest race of the year, the Brickyard 400 and capped the season off with a third win in Charlotte. Besides making the Chase, it's hard to think that McMurray could have wanted anything else in the season. He was awarded with winning the most poles at the season-ending banquet and became a father during the Thanksgiving weekend.

This was a career year for Jamie McMurray.

But ...

What If @JamieMcMurray didn't return to Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. Where would he have landed/would he had same results as w/EGR?

@smokinace88 I Think Jamie would have been out of a job had he not returned to EGR

@ARosser14 Without the #1 team its hard to think of anywhere else he could've gone. Maybe the 26, but no he wouldn't have had success.

@Matt_Kacar he probably would of been in nationwide or truck series with a smaller team then egr so he would not of had the same results

@Talon64 I can't imagine Jamie would've found another competitive Cup ride. Might've had to settle for Nationwide.

@cruetten sadly, i think he would've gone to a very under-funded team or no team at all; and no, he wouldn't have had the same results.

@Emily_8388 I think he would have ended up in the Nationwide Series. Possibly JRM instead of Bires.

@nascarjaj im thinking he might not have had a cup ride so he wouldnt have the results

@BigBankHank18 he got the right place at the right time, maybe he could of raced for JR Motorsports

@RoushGirl17 I think he would have had to go to NNS or NCWTS, so he wouldn't have had that kind of success he's had with EGR. #NASCAR

@denver2u That's a darned good what if...Still thinking about my answer...

Tuesday, December 7th 'What If' Question

In just her first full season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Jennifer Jo Cobb got everyone's attention.

Cobb drives and owns her own team, which is underfunded, but that hasn't held them back. In 2010 she earned his best career finish at Texas, 14th, and then duplicated it at Darlington, one of the toughest if not the toughest track on the circuit. Her attitude and positive spirit have kept her team on the track, constantly digging and has kept the fans along for the ride and cheering the entire way.

At Talladega Super Speedway in October not only were her fans cheering but she might have had some others as well. The female of the series was sticking tough with the guys, working her way through the field and eventually making it to the top 10. It wasn't a fluke, Cobb's truck was strong enough to stick with the lead back for an entire fuel run and was strong enough to finish there as well.

Except luck wasn't on the No. 10 team's side.

Had they pitted one lap earlier Cobb may have earned her best career finish, instead it was a day to forget. Stretching the fuel mileage in fear of pitting alone and losing the lead pack, Cobb stayed on the track and ran out of fuel near the start-finish line. She had to limp back to pit road, going a lap down, and the day just went downhill from there.

Talladega was the one that got away, however it didn't hurt Cobb's chase for history at seasons end. She now goes into the record book as the highest finishing female in NASCAR point history, finishing the year 17th in points.

But ...

What If @JenJoCobb's team didn't stretch fuel mileage at Talladega and go a lap down. Would they have gotten their first top 10?

@NASCARJeannie #JJC would have absolutely gotten their first top ten. Bruce "the truck" was on the way to the top.

@Nascarnoll YES!!!!!!

@Riz23 YES!!!!!!

@StrokerAce90 Jen was standin on it at dega, truck was hooked up good, so yes, I think she would have had a top 10 finish... (or a big one)

@cruetten absolutely; but in the end, it doesn't matter how she got the finish. she got it, and no one can take it away from her!

Saturday, December 4th 'What If' Question

There's an old expression about flying cars and how life might be simpler if there were such a thing.

At the Atlanta Motor Speedway in March of 2010, drivers Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski showed, again, that cars can indeed fly. The end result though, won't be pretty. After contact early in the Kobalt Tools 500 that sent Edwards to the garage, the driver of the No. 99 watched the replay and told the world of TV viewers that Keselowski hadn't done anything wrong.

When the 99 returned to the race 100 laps later however, and saw Keselowski running in the top five he changed his mind. Going down the frontstretch he turned the No. 12 and sent him flipping into the grandstands. It was similar to Edwards flying into the Talladega fence last season off the bumper of Keselowski.

The remainder of the season show many more run-ins between the two. One of the more scary incidents game when they were battling for the win in Gateway during a Nationwide Series race. Keselowski bumped Edwards in turn one and took the lead. Then coming off turn four Edwards turned Keselowski into the fence and won the race. Keselowski came back down the racetrack and was hit by a few other drivers trying to finish the race.

Afterward Keselowski's father Bob said, "He ain't gonna kill my boy" and said NASCAR needed to do something before he tried to handle things. By season's end the two finished first and second in the NNS points with Keselowski winning his first championship.

But ...

What If Carl Edwards & Brad Keselowski didn't give new meaning to flying cars in Atlanta. Would they still had season long rivalry?

@cruetten Probably. I don't think Edwards every really got over being dumped by Keselowski in Talladega the year before.

@ARosser14 Probably. Carl made it clear in Memphis last year that he was to the end of his rope with Keselowski's antics

@tamgil My weigh in on "what if" I believe the intensity of the season long rivalry was a direct correlation to the severity of crash

@denver2u Probably not..Woulda been boring...Now you have the Harvick/Busch rematch hopefully starting in Daytona...

@nascarjaj im thinking if the cars didnt fly, the rivalry would have played out more all season long.

Tuesday, November 30th 'What If' Question

If at first you don't succeed try, try, try again.

For Marcos Ambrose that's what he's been doing in at road course races since he entered the Sprint Cup Series. As one of the best road racers in the sport, Ambrose is always one of the favorites when the series makes left and right turns either in Sonoma or Watkins Glen. This past year Ambrose was again near the front of the field and looking for his first career win as the laps wound down in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma.

With less than 10 laps to go Ambrose had the lead and was driving away from the field when the caution came out. Crew chief Frank Kerr told Ambrose to save fuel, just in case more cautions came out over the final laps and a green/white/checkered finish came into play. Ambrose decided to shut his car off and coast around the track.

When he started to go up the hill in turn one however, the car failed to re-fire and he was passed by second place Jimmie Johnson and about seven other drivers. NASCAR ruled that Ambrose had to restart behind all the drivers that passed him as his car sat idol on the track. Johnson moved into the lead and went on to win the race. Ambrose restarted seventh and ended up finishing sixth.

But ...

What If Marcos Ambrose didn't shut car off @ Sonoma under final caution. Would Jimmie Johnson have beaten him for 1st road course win?

@Talon64 Another late choke like Montreal might've still been possible without the stall, but I think Ambrose would've held on to win.

@cruettten i don't think so; but then again, i never thought JJ would win five Championships either. from what i remember, Ambrose was in a pretty good rhythm, and i didn't think anyone was going to catch him that day.

@garrettu88 no, Marcos had the car to beat all day

@alpinedigital Johnson is a closer, you know that!!

@ShaneMCarroll that's an excellent question. Personally I don't think so, and it would have given Denny an even bigger lead going into HMS.

ronsracing88 I doubt it; Macros seemed to have everyone covered that day.

Monday November 29th 'What If' Question

With the 2010 season in the review mirror the first few weeks are always spent looking in the rearview mirror. Reflecting on what happened over the year that saw three champions crowned and many winners celebrating in victory lane. It also means that the 'What If' questions will continue, as they too will come from past races of the 2010 season.

And what a season it was.

There was the continuation of double-file restarts which resulted in exciting side-by-side racing ... and wrecks. It produced 88 lead changes, the most in NASCAR history, at Talladega in the sprint and 87 at Talladeaga in the fall. The car changed midway through the season as NASCAR listened to all the fans who said they hated the wing. At Martinsville in April the spoiler returned and in 2011 the splitter will be shortened and the braces taken off - reverting back to the old style of racecar.

Of course there was also "Boys, have at it," which resulted in a season where the drivers didn't hold back. Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick. Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski. Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski and Todd Bodine and Carl Edwards and even NASCAR. Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton.

Don't forget the trash talking between the championship contenders as they entered the final race of the season.

The 2010 season was nothing short of exciting and the racing the best it has been in years. On and off the track there were moments to fill a highlight year for the entire offseason. When many said that the sport was dying and losing fans, the 2010 season did its best to save the sport and have many ready and already anxiously waiting for next year.

But ...

What If #NASCAR's Robin Pemberton did not state in January "Boys, have at it." Would the 2010 season have been as exciting as it was?

@Patilynnw Nope it was the return of control to the drivers that made last year better..NASCAR had gone too far with rules & that fix it

@robwright11 Brad Keselowski would not have discovered flight...

@mbauerherzog Not at all, the drivers would have been afraid to touch either other.

@felipegana Good Q! I'm maybe in the minority, but I say Yes, racing was competitive and exciting out front, without use of "have at it"

@crutten not at all. the entire season would've been as boring as that race in Talladega (11/09, I believe) where the drivers were told not to bump draft. The entire race was single file, and it was hugely disappointing.

@88myjr Do you think Jef wld have gone after Jeff if they wouldnt have said Have at it..Yes he would have. Made No dif.

@TominBristol We'd have missed out on a great rap video!

@nascaranonymous if he hadn't said "boy's have at it" we would't have that really creepily weird rap video to watch... that would be better.

Thursday, November 18th 'What If' Question

This is it.

One race. One trophy. Three drivers. The Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship that began 10 weeks ago in New Hampshire has reached south Florida where 267 laps around the Homestead-Miami Speedway will determine NASCAR's next champion. Denny Hamlin has a 15-point lead over Jimmie Johnson and a 46-point lead over Kevin Harvick.

Will Hamlin complete a magical year that saw him go through knee surgery but win eight races and deliver his first championship? Will Johnson make a comeback and do what has never been done before and win five straight championships? Or will Harvick pull off an unbelievable charge and win his first championship for Richard Childress Racing?

The fans have been anxiously waiting for a week. They've heard all the press conferences filled with smack-talking. They've watched qualifying and practices and started their predictions of who they believe is going to be celebrating at the end of the day. Now they have to sit, watch and wait.

But ...

What If #NASCAR put the championship in your hands, crowning the champ from results on Sunday and a fan vote. Who would you vote for & why?

@mwoodruff8829 I would vote for Harvick all the way He was a great successor to Dale Sr. He has that Intimidating style he had!

@cruetten my vote is for Harvick. I don't care how long he has been in that car, it will forever be Earnhardt Sr's car. #NASCAR

@Talon64 Tough between Hamlin and Harvick, but I'd go with Hamlin. I'm a JGR guy and I'd like to see Toyota get first Cup. #NASCAR

@TJIngerson Harvick..Rooted for him since Day 1 in Cup..Earnhardt fans will burn the stands down if he wins, storybook ending

@StrokerAce90I vote JJ. He endured so much unnecessary grief & crap from the 11 team & their fans over a #Nascar allowed pit crew swap.

@victoria_29 easy I'd vote for the person that actually won the championship @KevinHarvick

@NancyatStudioN I'd vote for Harvick He was pts leader b4 chase & would be leading if no chase. Plus, I like him the best.

@racecrazy denny-because im tired of vanilla ice cream and I hate Harvick

@ladybug8848 Johnson as he has shown he can drive up front and hasn't backed down from his previous years

@MisanAkuya Kevin Harvick be big for Richard Childress racing 1st title outside of Earnhardt yet in the car he used to drive

Friday, November 12th 'What If' Question

An argument could be made that Kyle Busch has made a living not only by driving race cars but also through speaking his mind. If it hasn't helped him earn a paycheck it's definitely helped him gain fans as the driver of the No. 18 M&M's Toytoa Camry has just struck a cord with some for being true to himself and different than most drivers.

Last weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway Busch did what he does best: make everyone talk. After spinning on lap 159 and losing a lap after deemed speeding on pit road, Busch went on a profanity laced tirade over the radio towards NASCAR. Using the 'F' bomb a few times and a one finger salute, Busch would be penalized two more laps for unsportsmanlike conduct and his chance at finishing in the top 10 was gone.

Two days later Busch was further penalized by NASCAR: probation until December 31st and $25,000 fine. He apologized to everyone involved and when speaking on Friday at the Phoenix International Raceway, expressed that his actions were childish and inappropriate.

But ...

What if Kyle Busch did not explode last weekend in Texas during the Sprint Cup Series race, where would he have finished?

@lydiascats 6th or 7th

@cruetten not a fan of his, but he was charging to the front! I think he would've finished top five or so...

@StrokerAce90 Lugs Harvey & I both agree that Kyle would never have made it past Denny without wrecking him. Denny was saved by the bird.

@racetime2010 he would have had a top ten finish, but not the win

@RedChevy14 Between 6th and 15th. He'da been the lap down but could've made it up.

@Nascarnoll Doesn't matter he isn't going to win the championship

@kbm18 He would of finished in the top 3 if not of WON it• Ul c then what I thought of it then• #TeamKyle Busch

Wednesday, November 10th 'What If' Question

According to some NASCAR fans and media, there will be no topping what happened at the Texas Motor Speedway last Sunday night. There were fights, fingers and words flown toward NASCAR, a pit crew swap in the middle of the event, a new points leader and an exciting race to the finish.

Denny Hamlin made it clear that when there were three races left in the Chase for the Championship he was going to put his No. 11 FedEx Toyota in high gear. The first stop was Texas where he won earlier this year just a week removed from knee surgery. Sunday he would need to again come from the back of the field and do his best to keep Jimmie Johnson in his rear view mirror if he wanted to close the point gap.

Mission accomplished and much more.

Hamlin started 30th and spent the night tuning on his machine and making sure he didn't panic. Call it experience from past Chase years. Soon, he was the one to beat and was running away from the field with 10 laps remaining as Johnson tried to hang onto a top 10 finish.

With seven laps remaining the dreaded caution came out and Hamlin would have to fight one more time. During the green-white-checkered finish Matt Kenseth got a great restart and drove past Hamlin coming off turn two. Kenseth got back in the throttle too quick and slide up the track which allowed Hamlin to get back around and get to the checkered flag first. For Hamlin it was his eighth win of the 2010 season and second in the Chase. More importantly, he's also the new point leader with two races to go.

But ...

What if Matt Kenseth didn't get loose off turn two on last lap ... who gets to the checkered flag: him or does Hamlin run him down?

@lydiascats Denny'd still win.

@Matt_Kacar kenseth because he was on the outside and the car on outside always gets the run on the backstretch

@cruetten I think @dennyhamlin would've still passed him for the win

@RoushGirl17 Kenseth! I was watching the times and he was catching him before the caution. I think he could have out run him.

@StrokerAce90 I would say Matt Kenseth would have won, he had the speed in the end. It's too bad he got loose.

@nascarjaj i think denny would have won, because he had more than enough momentum to at least get inside of matt

@dhammis @dennyhamlin runs him down for sure. He had a strong car, esp after that last pit stop.

Monday, November 1st 'What If' Question

The last few restrictor plate races have come down to a last lap pass: Matt Kenseth taking the lead of the 2009 Daytona 500 before the rain came 45 seconds later. Kevin Harvick on Jamie McMurray at Talladega in the spring of 2010. Harvick on teammate Clint Bowyer at Daytona in July.

This past Sunday at Talladega it looked like that could be the case again as teammates Bowyer and Harvick were side by side heading to the white flag. Juan Pablo Montoya was pushing Bowyer and David Reutimann was pushing Harvick. When they hit turn one however, 'The Big One' hit the track when Tony Stewart and a few others started spinning and AJ Allmendinger went flipping.

Since the white flag had been displayed, the race was official and the only question remained was who would be declared the winner. Boywer started celebrating as Harvick looked on and waited for the official word. About 5-10 minutes after the race was over, NASCAR finally announced that it was Clint Boywer and his No. 33 that was ahead of Harvick when the caution came out.

Boywer won his second race of the 2010 season and second in the Chase. He did so with interim crew chief Scott Miller who was atop the box for the suspended Shane Wilson. After their winning car failed inspection in New Hampshire, Wilson was given a mandatory four week vacation by NASCAR. The win was the fourth of Bowyer's career.

But ...

What if 'The Big One' didn't happen & leaders finished the race under green. Who wins: Bowyer, Montoya or Harvick, Reutimann?

@shanbedd Montoya!!

@mbauerherzog I think it would have been Harvick.

@nwnscrfan Bowyer probably. Harvick's car wasn't quite as fast after the damage as it was before & Bowyer had the inside (faster).

@RedChevy14 The 42. 00 woulda left the 29 too early, 33 woulda been a sitting duck.

@Talon64 JPM and Reutimann make their move to try and win on front stretch, all 4 wreck and Joey Logano wins!

@cruetten harvick for sure

@chuckallen2 Michael Waltrip.

@StrokerAce90 This one fired up Lugs Harvey. He says Harvick because he's a Plate Racer & a Wheelman. Haps 2.75 avg finish in 2010 says so.

Thursday October 28th "What If" Question

To some NASCAR fans the best racing of the year come at the restrictor plate tracks of Daytona and Talladega because anything can happen. Side-by-side, row-after-row puts 43 drivers on the edge and fans on the edge of their seats for almost four hours. Just when you think you know what's going to happen the checkered flag flies and some are left looking for a replay.

If a driver can escape "The Big One" it all comes down to making the right moves at the right time. For many years it was Dale Earnhardt Sr., who stated he could see the air, making all the right moves and dominating plate races. Upon his death his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr. picked up where dad left off.

Entering the 2006 season, Earnhardt Jr. had won seven restrictor plate races, two at Daytona and five at Talladega which included four wins in a row. He was also dominate in the Nationwide Series and had six wins on plate tracks which has been improved to seven with a win at Daytona in July of 2010.

However, back in 2006 Earnhardt Jr. was looking for another victory at Talladega and a big points days in the Chase for the championship. Leading on the last lap he was spun out when third place Brian Vickers performed an ill-fated bump to teammate and second place Jimmie Johnson. Both Earnhardt Jr. and Johnson went spinning and Vickers won his first career race.

Having the win taken away that day has keep Earnhardt Jr. winless at plate tracks in the Sprint Cup Series since 2004.

But ...

What if Brian Vickers didn't wreck Jimmie Johnson and Dale Jr. at Talladega in 2006 on the last lap. Who would have won?

@RedChevy14 Johnson. had the momentum and a teammate behind him. vickers couldn't have made a move.

@Talon64 Jimmie, he was making the move on Dale Jr. and with Vickers help would've taken his 3rd RP win of the season

@dustincary Dale Jr of course! ;)

@hankkershell Jimmie, I remember that race real well

@lydiascats Dale Jr!!! I'm not a Jr fan but I think he would've won!!

@mwoodruff8829 If Brian Vickers had not wreck Jimmie and Jr I believe Jimmie would won since Brian was pushing his teammate to pass him.

@smokinace88 Junior of course because Junior has that drive at Talladega that just makes him really feared out there

@rconboy1964 Derick Cope?

@hotdog3388 gotta say that Jimmie would have won the race, he had already made a move to the inside of Jr before Vickers hit him so he gets by Jr with Vickers finishing 2nd.

@StrokerAce90 Upon close review & analysis of the youtube video replays, Its unanimous between Lugs Harvey & myself that JJ would have won.

Wednesday, October 27th "What If" Question

Racing at Martinsville doesn't bring to mind the concerns of aerodynamics. The paperclip in Virginia is hard on both equipment and drivers because at the end of the day 43 cars will look like they just met Mike Tyson. Bent bumpers and torn fenders make racing at Martinsville fun, a driver can abuse their car yet still know they'll be in contention at the end.

This past weekend in the TUMS Fast Relief 500 it was Mark Martin who learned that lesson. Earlier on Martin was backwards into the Martinsville wall which crushed his back bumper and spoiler. The No. 5 team did their best to repair the damage and sent Martin back out without a back bumper and his spoiler now sitting much higher than it normally does.

The result was speed. Over the final few laps Martin gained 16 positions and finished second to race winner Denny Hamlin. It was his best finish of the 2010 season. It was unexpected for Martin after saying his brakes were failing early in the race, then spinning and losing a lap, but it was still fun.

But ...

What if Mark Martin didn't wreck on Sunday at Martinsville, pushing his spoiler higher into the air. Would he still have finished second?

@kartracer3886 No clue. But isnt it weird that when u wreck the COT sometimes it gets better lol.

@mbauerherzog No, I think the redirection of air from how his car was gave him more speed than if it would have been like the others.

@MisanAkuya Maybe. He got an advantage no doubt but it's Mark Martin he's one if the best. I meant is not

@14Patti14 probably not. but what can you do? that's the nature of the beast.

@Spacie_Stacie he would have won, we all know this!

@EdBoundy NO

@StrokerAce90 Wow, thats a good one! Lugs Harvey says Yes! Mark Martin was on a mission while them Nascar Chasers were driving defensively.

@dougthethird Nope. Not even close.

@Racergirl83 He is a good driver and yes I still think he would have came in second. He had a good car and he was having fun.

@NancyatStudioN No, it gave him an advantage BUT it wasn't illegal b/c he & his team didn't do it

Thursday, October 21st "What If" Question

To take tires or not to take tires, that is often the question that crew chiefs in the NASCAR world face. Last Friday night in the Nationwide race at Charlotte that's what ended up determining the winner of the event.

Kyle Busch was doing what he does best, dominating, and looked to be on his way to his 13th win of the 2010 season. As the race drew to a close Busch brought his No. 18 Toyota down pit road for four fresh tires, which were expected to keep him as fast, if not make him faster than what he was already blistering the track with.

Point leader Brad Keselowski didn't take tires and ended up beating Busch to the checkered flag. It was one of the rare occasions where four old tires beat four fresh tires. Busch was locked out of victory lane, which would happen the next night as well in the Sprint Cup Series. Sometimes the best car just doesn't win and Busch was the driver experiencing that defeat in Charlotte.

But ...

What if Brad Keselowski & Kyle Busch pitted for tires on same lap (having equal tires instead of BK on older). Would Keselowski still won?

@cody_rose HAHAHA Kyle Busch and Brad K matched evenly, KB wins hands down, no contest. Only person who beats Kyle Busch is Kyle Busch

@Timedwar Yes brad is just that much better

@smokinace88 Yes I Think Brad Keselowski had the best car after all is said and done

@StrokerAce90 I would say yes, BK still would have won.

Monday, October 18th "What If" Question

Over the last few weeks drivers have been giving the highlight reels something to feast on when saying that NASCAR was purposely throwing debris cautions that were costing them the race. Clint Bowyer was the latest to do at California when he was pulling away in the closing laps before the caution came out, which led to Tony Stewart getting the victory.

NASCAR fans know this is nothing new, as Denny Hamlin and a few others stated the same thing numerous times earlier this season. Hamlin was the most vocal and was later fine for other comments he made about what was taking place in NASCAR.

Saturday night in Charlotte it was his teammate Kyle Busch that was hot under the collar. Busch dominate the Bank of America 500 and was well in control as the race wound down. That was until once again the caution came out for what Busch said was no reason. Jamie McMurray shot past Busch on the restart and won the race, Busch finished second.

Afterwards Busch said that it was the second night in a row that the best car didn't win. He had also dominating the Nationwide Series race on Friday before losing in the end to Brad Keselowski. Busch said there was no words to describe the disappointment of continuing to come up short at Charlotte in the Sprint Cup Series.

But ...

What if the last caution did not come out Saturday? Would Kyle Busch have held off hard charging Jamie McMurray & Jimmie Johnson?

@mbauerherzog No, I think JMac would have won it either way. Kyle would have still held off JJ though.

@shanbedd I say maybe 18 would still have won, clean air yes, he would have won!

@chrisjohnson022 No he would not have won

@nascar_oz I think he could have

@Ks29Fan probably not...

@Ol_Man_Winter No way. Jamie was catching him 4 10ths a lap before last restart. Awesome seeing Jamie Mac beat restart king on a restart tho

@dhammis Nope. Jmac had the faster car during the last run. #NASCAR

@WilliamCheerboy This would happen: Danica Patrick comes out of the stands, hi-jack Mark Martins car & drive to front to win the race!

Wednesday, October 13th "What If" Question

Tracks like the Kansas Speedway and Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California are used to seeing Roush Fenway Racing drivers in victory lane. Two weeks ago Greg Biffle kept up his end of the bargain when he took the checkered flag at Kansas for his second win of the 2010 season.

The win was significant not only for the fact that Ford would be giving his No. 16 team an extra $100,000 for winning a Chase race, but earning the maximum amount of points helped keep Biffle in the championship hunt. Last weekend in California it looked like RFR was picking right up where they left off in Kansas as Biffle, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth each had contending cars for the Pepsi Max 400.

Then one by one they each went up in smoke ... literally. Biffle was the first to go on lap 40. Edwards came next at lap 60 when his car was pushed to the garage. He later returned but 14 laps down. Kenseth remained on track and up front, swapping the lead with numerous drivers over the course of the event.

Then over the final 10 laps his engine started to smoke and he limped to the finish line. Now the three drivers sit outside the top five in points, Edwards over 100 markers out of first and Biffle and Kenseth over 200 out. It's not impossible but it'll be a longshot for them to get back in title contender.

But ...

What if Greg Biffle's engine did not go 'boom' on Sunday at California. Would he have ended up being a factor for the championship?

@Talon64 He probably would've finished top 5, and would still be within 100 points of the lead. Definitely a factor.

@MisanAkuya He would have snagged a top ten maybe top five, run well at Texas and Homestead but ultimately not be a factor

@Spacie_Stacie I think he really would have been ending up being a factor, you never know what will happen this weekend!

@Ol_Man_Winter Didn't watch Cup race Sun., just going on hearing about it. I say no, JJ & Harvick will be factors, Gordon & Hamlin will drop

Tuesday, October 5th "What If'" Question

Entering the Kansas Speedway the top three in the Chase standings were separated by less than 100 points. Denny Hamlin led Jimmie Johnson and teammate Kyle Busch to the Midwest were things were bound to get interesting and where the point lead was bound to change.

For Busch he's never had the success at Kansas he's hoped for but the 2010 Chase was already shaping up to be different for the No. 18 M&M's Toyota Camry. As Johnson and Hamlin struggled early in the race, running outside the top 10, Busch was putting a solid performance in as he ran inside the top 10.

The point standings showed that Busch would have been five markers out of first had he continued running where he was. And if Hamlin and Johnson continued to slide back, he may have taken the point lead.

That all changed in a instant however. After feeling that Busch intentionally spun him out early in the race, David Reutimann decided that he had enough with Busch and reached his boiling point. After returning to the track Reutimann found himself running behind Busch and made his move.

Coming off turn two Reutimann ran into the side of Busch, spinning himself out and severely damaging the No. 18. Instead of finishing in the top 10, Busch had to settle for a 21st place finish and slid out of the top 10 in points.

But ...

What if David Reutimann did not retaliate against @KyleBusch on Sunday, would Busch have left Kansas as the point leader?

@Tammie_M3ENF l I hope not. I find Kyle aggressive and horrible. He and that girlfriend are the posh & becks of America... Fake!

@Ol_Man_Winter I say no. Kyle's to much of a hot head, he would've caused himself more trouble if he got away with it & hurt his points.

@RedChevy14 No he wouldn't. He was 10 back of Johnson after Dover, he wouldn't have finished first or second even without Reutimann.

@TheLeadLap Doubt it... he started 19th, and has around a 20th place avg finish in the COT there. He wouldn't have finished well enough.

Wednesday September 29th "What If" Question

It's dominated the news the last two weeks and won't be completely resolved until Tuesday of next week. Fans, drivers and media alike can't stop talking about it and it was only natural to throw it out on Twitter to get an unofficial response from NASCAR fans.

After winning the first race of the 2010 Chase at New Hampshire, which was his first win of the season, Clint Bowyer's car was found to be illegal. After passing inspection at the racetrack, NASCAR brought the winning car back to their research and development center for further evaluation. Regardless of where Bowyer finished at NH, it was going to happen since a week before his No. 33 team had been warned by NASCAR that they were getting close to the crossing the line.

NASCAR handed down a penalty of 150 driver/owner points, $150,000 from crew chief Shane Wilson and a six week suspension to Wilson and car chief Chad Haney. The penalty took Bowyer from second in points to 12th, over 100 points behind the leader. Team owner Richard Childress called for an appeal of the penalty saying his team didn't cheat and the car was knocked out of proportion by the tow truck that pushed Bowyer to victory lane after the win.

Before the appeal could be heard the second Chase race was run at Dover where Bowyer finished 25th and fell over 200 points behind in the championship, coming ever so close to eliminating himself from contention. Earlier this week NASCAR heard the appeal and denied overturning. While Childress said he'll further appeal to the commissioner, Bowyer said his title hopes are over and it's not worth fighting anymore.

But ...

What if Clint Bowyer's penalty was overturned. Would he still be able to win the championship? (Would be 85 points behind Hamlin)

@SummerDreyer Um... no. LOL just a little brutal honesty. Good driver but wouldn't compete with the likes of Hamlin, Johnson, etc.

@Talon64 Clint would have as much of a chance as any of the RCR guys, which is only a small chance.

@TERRIFICSTWEETS Nope

@mbauerherzog I think it would put him back in the chase and if he stayed solid, he could potentially win.

@nascarjaj I dont think so, because he hasnt been as strong as the 11 has all year

@Ol_Man_Winter No. JJ would still win even if Clint Bowyer's penalty was overturned.

Tuesday, September 28th "What If" Question

Every driver has a track that they love racing at and every driver has a track that they just seemed to figure out better than any others.

For AJ Allmendinger that track may quickly have started to become the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. In May at the track he gave Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch a run for their money all day as he battle in the top three. Had it not been for a late race problem he may have been able to spoil their party, but finished 14th.

This past weekend he was back to doing the same. After qualifying on the outside of the front row, Allmendinger took the lead from Johnson on lap 14 and went on to lead 143 laps. The No. 43 Best Buy/Insignia Ford Fusion was the car to beat until again another problem popped up. A five-cent washer found its way into one of his tires and started to cause a leak.

After having to pit under green, Allmendinger needed the race to cycle through but when Matt Kenseth missed pit road and then blew out his left front tire, the caution flew and knocked Allmendinger off the lead lap. Not one to give up, the No. 43 rocketed back on the lead lap and back into the top 10 before running out of laps and seeing Johnson go to victory lane.

Said Allmendinger, "The car was dialed in and just a stupid five-cent washer got inside the tire."

But ...

What if AJ Allmendinger didn't have a flat tire early in the AAA 400 at Dover. Would he have ended the day in victory lane?

@RacerGirlAmanda I say he would have. I mean he came back to finish 10th after that, so he had a very fast car. So why not?

@Ol_Man_Winter I would say no, JJ & his team were on a mission, he saved the 48 car for the end (like he always does) AJ used his car up.

@dougthethird No. RPM and AJ's team are not very experienced at putting a whole race together and keeping up with the track as the 48.

@MattEmbury I wish that would've happened Kelly, that stunk.

@NancyatStudioN What if a frog had wings..would he still bump his ass when he jumps?..Sorry, couldn't resist. I'm in a silly mood tonite.

@Best_Buy_Racing We think so!

Tuesday, September 7th "What If" Question

Since entering the Sprint Cup Series in 1999, Tony Stewart has always been a driver to watch out for. It didn't matter on what type of track or in which type of car, Smoke was going to be a factor one way or another. Until 2009 he and crew chief Greg Zipadelli were the longest running crew chief and driver combination and they were a good one as well.

The pair won two championships and 32 races before Stewart made the decision to leave Joe Gibbs Racing to start his own team of Stewart-Haas Racing. Zipadelli stayed at JGR, feeling that he owed it to the company that gave him his chance. Stewart set up in 2009 and picked up right where he left off at JGR, winning four races and leading the championship standings for much of the season.

When the Chase started his No. 14 team's performance fell off from their regular season status but still came home with a top 10 standing, ending the year sixth. It was quite the success for a driver that once was thought to never leave the company that he started his career, his NASCAR career after coming from open wheel, with. Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side and things work out for the best.

Stewart's decision though might have steamed from a larger situation. He's also had a strong relationship with Chevrolet and it was a year after JGR had switched from Chevrolet's to Toyota's that Stewart worked to be released from his contract early and left. At Stewart-Haas he's back behind the wheel of a Chevy.

But ...

What if Joe Gibbs Racing never switched to Toyota. Would Tony Stewart have still left his contract early and started his own team?

@Talon64 Damn, this is a hard one! Tony might still be with JGR today, and Joey would be in a 4th JGR car.

@Emily_988 I don't think he would have left it early, but I do think he would have left and started his own team.

@kaobose No, Tony likes his bow ties. He as always felt comfortable behind a Chevy. @mw55 (Michael Waltrip) would Kyle Busch have had such a breakout in his career if he had gone to MWR to drive a Toyota? What if....

@felipegana I think Tony would have stayed in JGR. He would have gone to ownership later in his career, in the last years before retiring.

@DRLDeBoer Toyota certainly made his decision easier. Even if still Chevy I still think Tony does the Haas deal too good to pass.

@NancyatStudioN I think that's the biggest reason he left. He might not have been as open 2 Haas' offer, they might have had 2 offer him more. I do think he always intended 2 own his own team someday, it just wouldn't have been so soon (Of course he isn't full owner).

@ronsracing88 I think Tony would of stayed w/ Gibbs if they were still Chevy.

@phathead It's highly unlikely Smoke leaves if they stick with Chevy. I don't think even JGR realised how ingrained it is in him. Plus I'm pretty sure he held the same sentiments about Toyota as the avg fan did when they entered.

@DarlingtonChick I think Tony likes to take control of situations & make a difference. (Eldora) & I think he wanted create a post-driving NASCAR career.

@SD80MAC Yes. The offer of owner part of the Hass team still would have been enough to get him to leave JGR. Tony I think has wanted to be a team owner for several years.

Sunday, September 5th "What If" Question

Being the son of a seven-time champion has been both a blessing and a curse for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Early in his career Earnhardt Jr. could lean heavily on his father to guide him in the right direction or be there to praise him when the younger Earnhardt accomplish something.

In 1998 and 1999 it was two Nationwide Series championships and in 2000 it was his first two career Sprint Cup wins. After Earnhardt Sr. died in 2001, Earnhardt Jr. continued to find victory lane on one or two occasions a year before breaking out in 2004. Led by Tony Eury Sr., the No. 8 Budweiser team won six races, including the Daytona 500, and was in the hunt for the championship until the final few races.

After ending the season fifth in points the company made the decision to switch everything but the drivers on the No. 8 team of Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 15 of Michael Waltrip in hopes of improving Waltrip's performance. It didn't work as both teams struggled in 2005 and missed the Chase.

During that period Earnhardt Jr. went through three different crew chiefs: Pete Rondeau, Steve Hmiel (whom led him to the only victory of the season) and then Tony Eury Jr. returned atop the pit box. The team rebounded in 2006 to win a single race and make the Chase before things went downhill again in 2007. After another season of missing the Chase and things with step-mother Teresa becoming worse, Earnhardt Jr. decided to leave his father's team.

Now with Hendrick Motorsports Earnhardt Jr. again finds himself struggling after coming out of the box strong in 2008. He's on his second crew chief, Eury Jr. went to work at JR Motorsports, but things with Lance McGrew haven't gotten any better. He'll miss the Chase for the third time since it's inception in 2004 and it's leaving fans frustrated and confused of how things have gotten to this point.

Everyone seems to have their own thoughts on what should be changed in order to fix the No. 88 team...

But...

After winning six races in 2004, DEI made the decision to switch crews for Dale Jr. and Michael Waltrip. Upon doing so both teams started to run horribly, Dale Jr. went through numerous crew chiefs, missed the Chase in '05 and '07 and eventually left DEI. What if the crews where never switched, would Dale Jr. still have started to run bad and now be with HMS?

@mbauerherzog I think Jr would have ran better but still left DEI.

@nathanmedic Great one, Kelly! I say he wud have had more success that yr, but still have eventually left DEI. That just sped it up.

@RedChevy14 Considering their 2006 performance and then the '07 problems its hard to say whether '05 affected it or not.

@smokinace88 To me I don't think Junior ever got over his crash in 04 when the car was on fire. I think he had a brush with death and he hasn't been the same since but lately I've noticed old Junior coming back

@Emily_988 I think his performance still would have dropped off but not as much as it did. I think he still would have left DEI because it wasn't just a performance issue that caused that.

@norcocheermom I don't think we would even know because it's a what if! And it really doesn't matter because it's a what if!

@dougthethird No. Junior was at his best with Pops has his CC. I STILL think that's the solution to Junior's woes. Would he have left DEI? I don't know. The issues ran deeper than on-track performance. But if he did, he wouldve taken Pops and Eury Jr. Full disclosure: I'm a Junior fan

@DarlingtonChick Not sure. But CC/driver combos R critical. Check out DJ w/o Parrott, Kenseth w/o Reiser, JG w/o Evernham, Newman w/o Borland. As fans, we gravitate toward the drivers because of their 'courage'. Our loyalties may be misplaced. CC's the true stars. Honestly, for me the Dale Jr problem is more about the COT than anything else. Dale Jr's the success on the track, was all pre-COT. Yes.... so you make a crew chief change which creates an issue then you make a huge racecar change. #SnowballEffect. Plus he wasn't getting along with the team owner. I guess I'm saying I think it's a fustercluck of problems.
My point. Awesome discussion!

@birdwisperer Thought Jr. Had hit a dry spot @ the end of the season as well as mike needing help???

@SD80MAC I don't think switching crew chiefs made a bit of difference. After the bad crash and fire that Junior had that year, I think that hurt his driving skills.

@kaobose Jr's relationship with Teresa is why he left. Jr, his siblings felt like they had stake in DEI, when she slammed door he left. I don't think so Kelly. Earnhardt clan was VERY family oriented til Sr. died. After that things went down hill. I've had business dealings with Teresa, she's a bitch!

@phathead You should know the correct response is: "JUNNNNNNNNNORRRRRRRR"

Saturday, September 4th "What If" Question

During the 1990s it appeared that no one could stop "Wonderboy." No, not Jimmie Johnson, his co-owner and teammate Jeff Gordon who won 47 races and three championships under crew chief Ray Evernham. Gordon entered the Sprint Cup Series as a kid, sporting a mustache and carrying around a briefcase (which Evernham said contained a Gameboy) but quickly showed the world that he was a driver to watch.

Week after week Gordon would go head-to-head with the veterans and beat them, becoming the enemy to many fans in the stands. How far was Gordon going to go? Could he reach Earnhardt and Petty's wins and championships records? Things certainly appeared to be going that way and nothing was slowing the pair down.

Until Evernham made a decision to leave the team. Dodge was making their way into the sport and had approached Evernham about starting his own team under their banner. Not wanting to leave the offer on the table, the crew chief became an owner and left HMS and Gordon.

At first it didn't look as though Gordon had suffered much as he and new crew chief Robbie Loomis won title number four in 2001. That however, has been the last championship trophy that Gordon has lifted and his wins total has mellowed out as well. Being at 82 wins is nothing to sneeze at ...

But ...

What if Ray Evernham never left Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon. How many titles would they have won/kept Johnson from winning?

@NASCARinstig8r I don't necessarily think Evernham and Gordon would have produced the same kind of success in the "new" NASCAR. Its way different. When they were winning championships they only had 4 or 5 guys to beat. 6 (Mark Martin), 88 (Dale Jarrett), 5 (Terry Labonte), 3 (Dale Earnhardt), 2 (Rusty Wallace). Now there's 12 or more to beat. Had the chase not been implemented Gordon would already have 6 titles. Of the top 10, I think all have a realistic shot ea yr.

@Emily_988 I will answer this one. I think they could have won at least 2 more. But no COT ones.

@RedChevy14 As a crew chief Ray probably coulda figured out how to lift the space shuttle. Questiou woulda been driver/cc chemistry.

@SD80MAC At least one or two more. Even with the COT, I think Ray Evernham would have been able to set it up and get the wins. Ray Evernham could make anything run fast. He was probably one of the best ever crew chiefs.

@yoak0373 I like to ponder the same thing about Matt Kenseth and Robbie Reiser. It's a deeper question because Reiser getting promoted made the other Roush teams better and Matt's team worse!!!

NancyatStudioN I think JG would have cont'd 2 win if Ray hadn't left. He'd have at least 2 more Championships. I hoped 4 at least 8 - LOL

Thursday, September 2nd "What If" Question

Ask any track promoter and they're bound to tell you that their facility is better than anyone else's. From Daytona to Bristol or Martinsville and Talladega, each has their own unique characteristics. Perhaps none are as unique as the Darlington Raceway in South Carolina however.

Built in 1949 the track is egg-shapped due to a neighboring minnow pond that the land owner said he didn't want disturbed. Upon it's completion Darlington consisted of two turns that were bigger than the opposing two. Quickly nicknamed "The Lady in Black" and "Too Tough Too Tame" the racing didn't disappoint.

Drivers quickly realized this wasn't any other track, they would have to earn their money if they wanted to end the day in victory lane. From multi-car wrecks to single driver incidents, the Lady in Black would strike whenever a driver had let their guard down. But, she was also very giving when in 2003 she produced the closest margin of victory in NASCAR history when Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven went door-to-door, fender-to-fender to the finish line.

If it wasn't wrecks it was tires that stole the show. The tough 'ol track wasn't very kind to Goodyear eagles as they would usually be no good after 10 or 20 laps. Some drivers even said they were shot after driving their car from the garage to pit road. Even after being repaved it hasn't slowed anything down and Darlington is still one of the toughest tracks on the circuit, as well as one of the most respected.

But ...

What if Darlington wasn't shaped like an egg 'cause of a neighboring pond. Would it still have unique characteristics and be tough?

@DarlingtonChick What a very odd question! I would prefer tweeps not contemplate a non-egg shaped Darlington! Darlington is all things sacred to NASCAR faithful. But u already know this. ;-)

@stevewaid Not likely. But the fact is that it does. As other tracks have their unique characteristics.

@nathanmedic Yes, due to the grit-nature of the track causing massive tire-wear b/c of surrounding SC environment > import than.

@phathead I think it has more to do with the narrow lanes than the shape.

@RTiongson As Rockingham is located in North Carolina's Sand Hills, Darlington's location is such that the asphalt ages faster. I also credit its location. Even when they repave that track, the asphalt wears out and grinds those tires up. Classic racing.

Tuesday, August 31st "What If" Question

Drivers switch teams, teams switch crews, sponsors switch organizations. They're some of the many things that happen in the NASCAR garage but very rarely do you see an organization change manufacturers, but Joe Gibbs Racing has had three over the last few years.

It started with Pontiac where drivers Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart each won championships, in 2000 and 2002 respectively. In 2003 they switched to Chevrolet where Stewart brought home another title two years later in 2005. However, before the 2008 season JGR announced they would be switching to Toyota, who had entered the Sprint Cup Series in 2007. Things didn't go very well for the company and many called their performances with the company's they were aliened with to be embarrassing.

Joining forces with JGR would provide winners behind the wheel and Toyota was willing to spend whatever amount of money they needed to be successful. It proved to be the right combination as the manufacturer and company are ones to beat each and every weekend, no matter what series they're racing in.

Kyle Busch delivered a Nationwide Series championship last year and on top of their numerous owners championships in the Truck series, are looking to add a Sprint Cup title in 2010. Denny Hamlin has already won five races and was the pre-season pick to dethrone Jimmie Johnson.

But ...

What if Joe Gibbs Racing/Toyota never partnered. Would Toyota have become a force each week? How would JGR be doing w/another brand?

@NancyatStudioN l I think JGR would've done well but maybe not AS well as I think they got more support ($?) from Toyota than they got elsewhere. I think JGR gave Toyo legitimacy quicker than w/o JGR & I can't think of another Toyota team that could've done that.

@RedChevy14 What I wonder is if they'd still have Tony, if HaasCNC would have bothered to offer the ownership. And Toyota probably would have eventually gotten strong through MWR and some other top team they lured in JGR's place.

@dougthethird JGR would be fine. Toyota would be fine, but instead of winning tons they'd just be solid. MWR and Red Bull would carry them

@Emily_988 Missed the question at first, but my thoughts are that JGR was stronger with Chevy/Pontiac. That's what won championships.

@Ol_Man_Winter Toyota would hav found another team 2 pour lots funds into & still win. JGR could win w/other brand.

Monday, August 30th "What If" Question

Many drivers have come and gone over the years in NASCAR. Some were lucky enough to be put into the right situation and took full advantage of the opportunity before them. Others weren't as lucky and their careers fizzled before they ever really got started.

In late 2006 David Gilliland shocked the NASCAR world when he won a Nationwide Series race driving for an underfunded team, Clay Andrews, at Kentucky. A short time later Gilliland was promoted to the Sprint Cup Series where he replaced Elliott Sadler in the No. 38 M&M's Ford for Robert Yates Racing.

In 2009 Gilliland moved to TRG Motorsports but it didn't last long. He then drove a few races for Joe Gibbs Racing, Robby Gordon Motorsports, Wood Brothers Racing, before landing at Front Row Motorsports. He currently drives the No. 38 Taco Bell Ford Fusion. Gilliland's career was just another example of how things could be going great one year and hit rock bottom the next.

But ...

What if David Gilliland hadn't won the Nationwide race at Kentucky in 06. Would he have been given a Cup ride & if not, when and how?

@Talon64 Gilliland would've probably stayed in the regional series, making occasional Nationwide starts every now and then.

@kartracer3886 He was doing great in a no name Busch team for a couple months. But didnt work in Cup

@toby_christie You could argue that even with a win he had an average finish of 28.4 in Nationwide.. maybe he didnt deserve to be in cup yet. l I like David Gilliland, and I know he had a win that year in Nationwide, but overall he did pretty bad that season...

@nathanmedic No way that he makes it to Cup otherwise. He never belonged 2 begin with. Everyone looking for "immediate" gratification. By "everyone" I mean owners and sponsors.

@Emily_988 I don't think 1 win in NNS is enough to give a guy a Cup ride. I don't even know if it's enough to keep the NNS ride. In that series the championship is more important in determining who should move up. Consistent drivers should move up.

@RedChevy14 I doubt a Cup ride would have come along without that win, at least not nearly as quickly.

@SD80MAC No. He would have stayed in NNS hopefully building his skills. I'm not sure he deserves a Cup ride now. Just an also-ran.

@Bama_GLori I remember Tony Stewart having a few choice words about DG getting a Cup ride

Sunday, August 29th "What If" Question

Some, OK many, blame Matt Kenseth for NASCAR implementing the Chase system. After winning the 2003 championship after only having won one race, NASCAR felt things needed to be shook up. It wouldn't do the sport any good if a driver had a 200-300 point lead with five or 10 races left in the season, fans would tune into something else because they already knew who was going to win the championship.

In 2004 the Chase debuted. At the time only 10 drivers qualified for the Chase that consisted of the final 10 races of the season. Their points would be reset in order to put the drivers on a level playing field as they each chased the title. The format worked as the champion was decided at the final race of the season, Homestead-Miami, as Kurt Busch beat Jimmie Johnson by eight points.

Since then the Chase has been reformatted to include 12 drivers who are seeded in the Chase by the wins they accumulated over the first 26 races, pre-Chase. Drivers have come to understand and some even like the new point system and make it priority number one of qualifying for it. As Greg Biffle once said, if you don't qualify for the Chase, "you feel like a second class citizen."

But ...

What if NASCAR never implemented Chase. If point leader had over 300 point lead with 10-15 races left, would you watch rest of the season?

@spunk72 I'd absolutely still watch. Championship aside, each individual race is unique and fun for me.

@Emily_988 Yes. I watch for each race. I've never really cared about the big picture.

@nathanmedic I definitely would watch much less, just like '03. I'm in favor of the Chase.

@phathead Of course, then there's even more of a point to go all out for a race win

@nascarjaj Yes, I try to watch every race, the Chase makes it more exciting though.

@Jrocket10 Sure because that might not be my driver leading the points. I watch because I love racing. Yeah knowing who wins the title is boring, but not knowing who wins the race is another story!

@dougthethird Of course.

@NASCARinstig8r I still watch the NW series, why wouldn't I watch Cup? I could care less who wins the championship if the racing's good.

@racecrazy I'd watch it if they told me who the champ was even before the season started-its about each race

@SD80MAC I would still watch all races. Knowing who would be the champion is not a big deal. Love racing!

@Ol_Man_Winter Yes, I would still watch the weekly #Nascar races. I don't follow chase

@NASCAR_Outsider I watch the races & think the Chase is Bull Poo. I doubt if 10% of fans attending the last 10 races do it because of Chase!

@KYTAB Less points racing if the title is already won, which means better racing!!!

Saturday, August 28th "What If" Question

Michael Waltrip has had quite the career: a horrific crash at Bristol, winning two Daytona 500s, being involved in a cheating scandal, and starting his own team. He's become a lovable character around the garage who has the reputation of being able to interview himself, along with naming every one of his sponsors in about 30 seconds.

Things weren't always easy for the Kentucky native though and it wasn't until he joined Dale Earnhardt Inc. that he started to shine. We all know that sometimes the grass isn't always greener on the other side and for Waltrip it was certainly true. He won three races at DEI before things started to fall apart. He and teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. switched everything except their car numbers and sponsors, but it still didn't help.

In 2006 Waltrip left DEI and headed for Bill Davis Racing for one year before then forming Michael Waltrip Racing. Today MWR has two wins under their belt, both courtesy of David Reutimann, and might be on their way to becoming a championship contender over the next few years.

But ...

What if Michael Waltrip decided not to leave DEI and start his own team? How would his career have ended ..

@SD80MAC Things were on a downward spiral at DEI at that time. He probably would have wound up being also-ran out of top 25 points

@TJIngerson I don't think he had a choice in leaving DEI. Plus I think NAPA wanted to leave DEI which left Mikey sponsorless there. They were pushing Paul Menard at the time. Remember Mikey went to Bill Davis for a year and raced a Dodge. I believe DEI was pushing Menard at the time and it left Mikey out. He had medicore final years at DEI

@kaobose Same way Steve Wallace's career will end up, alotta flash but NO boom!

@NancyatStudioN Seriously, there was no other team who would have hired him. He would have been forced to retire & be an announcer

@Ol_Man_Winter Wow, you come up with some good what ifs,..he wouldn't be where he is today.

Friday, August 27th "What If" Question

This was the very first "What If" question and after getting as much feedback as I did, decided to make it a nightly tradition.

What if Kyle Busch never left Hendrick Motorsports? Would he be as dominate as he is with Joe Gibbs Racing & Toyota?

Kyle Busch was the young, fresh-faced kid at HMS and was most likely well on his way to having a lifelong career there .. until the most popular driver came along. Rick Hendrick signed Dale Earnhardt Jr. to a multi-year contract but needed a seat for Earnhardt Jr. and it came at the expense of Busch. He was quickly snatched up by Joe Gibbs Racing and during the 2008 season Busch made everyone but JGR look bad. He went from two wins during his career at HMS to eight in one season.

It didn't end there, he started running more Nationwide and Truck Series races and couldn't be stopped. In 2009 he won his first Nationwide Series Championship and before the start of the 2010 season started his won truck team. He's now at 79 career victories across the top three series.

But, he needed to leave HMS for it all to happen. What if he didn't ...

The floor opened and here were the responses:

@Matt_Kacar No. He never fit in with the Hendricks cup program. Plus we all know JJ gets the good stuff. Lol jk. Hendrick is a no personality organization. Busch was able to be top dog at Gibbs. It is shocking that Jr is running bad even though Hendrick said he was gonna fix it.

@Ol_Man_Winter Probably not. It takes money to win. If I remember correctly didn't Hendrick or Childress (or both) have to beg Chevy for more support? Meanwhile, it seems like Toyota is pouring tons of money into the sport of NASCAR, which definitely helps Kyle. I'm not sure which one had to beg, but I'm certain Chevy made cutbacks due to bad economy. Chevy took government bailout $$$$

@TomDignanSr He was in the same boat as @DaleJR at HMS. R+D for the 48 and 24. #DontGetMeStarted

@kbm18 Yes, @HendrickInfo wants the money and its coming from Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson

@NancyatStudioN l I don't think HMS would have allowed KB the freedom to race as much as he does. I think they tried to fit him into their mold. HMS traded the better driver for the most popular driver - and the sponsorship $ and souvenir $ that came with him. I think he wasn't winning b/c they thought he was too young to tell them what he needed & they didn't listen to him. Looking back, I think KB would never have fit into the HMS mold - which is why BV left for Red Bull. I mean HMS thought that - JGR let him be him & gave him what he asked for - they even let Addington go for him

@brandongraves20 I would have to say yes he would be dominated if he stayed with HMS. Well thats easy he adapted to Steve Addington better than Alan Gustafson.

@mbauerherzog I think Kyle just clicks better with the people at Gibbs more than the older type drivers at HMS.

@mark_schafer On the difference part, I'm not sure Hendrick would allow Busch to race as much in the other series. But I could be wrong. Either way he'd be robbing one of the Labontes of a number they made great. Oh I mean no, I dont think he would be as good.

@smokinace88 Because Kelly it's just Like Junior can do amazing in his own car with a RCR engine Rick doesnt really care. Rick Hendrick only really wants drivers to make money ... Joe Gibbs wants drivers to win races. I think it's cuz Kyle can be himself at Gibbs while at Hendrick he had to act a certain way. My opinion is this Kyle does Nationwide does amazing, sets him up ready for race day in cup

@TJIngerson It was a change in attitude for him when Hendrick let him go. Said talent can only go so far need the attitude too.

@Emily_988 I think it's similar to the McMurray situation. The driver can be good & the team can be good, but they're not good together.

@kartracer3886 If kyle stays at HMS I bet he would not run near as much as he does