Wednesday, December 28th 'What If' Question

Following his announcement of joining Phoenix Racing with James Finch in 2012 in the Sprint Cup Series came the rumor that Kurt Busch would also be running for brother Kyle's Nationwide Series team, Kyle Busch Motorsports. The eye raiser of the rumor was that Busch would be running for points in the NNS and not in Cup with Phoenix Racing, the focus there instead being on winning races.

After leaving Penske following a year that Busch would rather forget: going through a divorce, only winning two races, faltering in the Chase and constantly at odds with his team and their performance, Busch says he's ready to work on his image and get back to having fun in the racecar. Maybe removing himself from the Cup Series and going back to the basics is what he meant.

The rumor is not all that far fetched. Just last week it was said that Kyle Busch would not be running in the Camping World Truck Series and should he run in the NNS it would be very limited. His Cup owner Joe Gibbs Racing and sponsor M&M's want to limit Busch's extra-curricular activities after he was involved in incident with Ron Hornaday at Texas last season. The hope of putting his focus solely on the Cup Series to pay off with a run at the championship.

Kyle's company though will still be running in both series and needs drivers. No better driver than your older brother, a proven winner and champion. And it certainly wouldn't hurt to have his experience behind the wheel when it comes to helping the team venture into the NNS for the first time, with 2012 being their inaugural season after running in the CWTS the last two years.

It puts the NNS title up for grabs since many drivers who battled for the championship in 2011 might not be back. Aric Almirola is rumored to be signing with Richard Petty Motorsports and going back to the Cup Series. Reed Sorenson still doesn't have a championship contending ride and Elliott Sadler will be working with a slightly new team as Richard Childress bought out Kevin Harvick Inc.

As for the champion, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., he might not even be able to contend. Racing with a lack of sponsorship in 2011, that same issue might keep him sidelined in 2012. Stenhouse is still waiting to hear about his future as are the fans and NNS, his loss would be a loss for all. The 2012 plans of Stenhouse and Busch will be anxiously awaited over the next few weeks before testing in Daytona gets underway.

But ...

What if Kurt Busch does compete for points and runs for brother Kyle’s Nationwide Series team, does he become the preseason favorite? @NancyatStudioN YES. But I think Finch wants to go for title - whether likely or not

@Gman1439 yes......he would be my preseason favorite if that happened, but i hope it doesnt...

@Alex14_11 yes he would have to be! He wouldn't have much competition.

@MattEmbury That would not be a very popular move, come to think of it I don't think Kurt would do would be popular right now anyway.

@Fishnwhistle I wonder if Champions provisional would apply if he was not racing for Cup Championship.? #RulebookChallenged

@cruetten the easy answer is yes, but I don't remember Kurt driving the nns cars too often--might take some time to adjust. [Editor's note - Busch ran one NNS race in 2011, driving the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge at Watkins Glen. He sat on the pole and won the race. Busch has three career NNS wins in 12 starts.]

Monday, December 26th 'What If' Question

With Kurt Busch gone from Penske Racing and AJ Allmendinger gone from Richard Petty Motorsports, replacing Busch in the No. 22, the No. 43 previously driven by Allmendinger is up for grabs.

As of late last week the leading candidate for the position was Aric Almirola, the current driver of JR Motorsports No. 88 in the Nationwide Series. Almirola finished fourth in points last season after moving back to the NNS, he had been in the Cup Series, sharing a ride with Mark Martin at Dale Earnhardt Inc. back in 2008 before lack of sponsorship shut the team down.

Now with news that he could be headed back to the Cup Series his No. 88 becomes of the hottest seats available. JR Motorsports has helped put drivers like Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. on the NASCAR map. They contended for championships and won races as JRM has become one of the best driver development organizations in the NNS. Drivers are lining up to get their resume into team owner Dale Jr. for the 2012 season.

Those included might be Reed Sorenson, who lost his ride with Turner Motorsports midway through last season while he battled for the championship. Or even Cup drivers Brian Vickers, David Reutimann and David Ragan who have all lost their rides, might not mind racing for the sports most popular driver and winning races. A job is a job, regardless of the series.

Or will JRM again find a young talent who is waiting to get his shot? Drivers like Chase Eilliott and Darrell Wallace Jr. who are dominating in other divisions would love to get a jumpstart on their NASCAR careers.

No announcement has been made about the new driver of the No. 43 for RPM yet. Anything official would be announced after the New Year and with Almirola's name expected to be attached. He would get the nod over the aforementioned drivers of Ragan, Reutimann and Vickers, past Cup winners. They come with the Cup experience that many sponsors are after whereas Almirola has nothing but unpleasant Cup memories from his past. He'll be itching to erase those should get the chance, which Ragan, Reutimann and Vickers are hoping he doesn't.


But ...

What if Aric Almirola is announced as driver of the 43 for Petty, who should be next driver JR Motorsports gives a shot in the 88? #NASCAR

@cruetten I like Reed Sorenson, but my out-there pick is Reutimann

@chreister89 Would like to see @ColeWhitt get a chance at a good ride.

@HarpAmyStabler I think that JR Motorsports should give David Reutimann a shot for a second chance at his career.

@Race_Girl24_7 26 #givereutiaride

@HD388 hopin for Sorenson if the 88 opens up

@rcracer20 Reed Sorenson and Reutimann are good picks,but Cole Whitt has talent that needs to be expossed and JR can do it

@racinwithjason Matt DiBenedetto!!

@BONES6699 Ryan Truex... Or is he under contract with JGR?

Friday, December 23rd 'What If' Question

In what continues to be the most exciting and busiest NASCAR offseason yet, new rumors swirled on Friday that there's a possibility that Kyle Busch won't be running in the Camping World Truck Series and in very limited Nationwide Series races. That coming at the request of his Sprint Cup team owners Joe Gibbs Racing and sponsor M&M's.

The last time Busch raced in the lower divisions he was involved in an altercation with Ron Hornaday under caution in Texas. After the two made contact racing for the second position, Busch wrecked Hornaday purposely when the caution came out and then commented about having no remorse afterwards. NASCAR parked Busch for the remainder of the weekend and he didn't participate in the CWTS or NNS the final two weeks of the season and M&M's pulled their sponsorship from his Cup car the last two races of the season as well.

While there is no known reason for the request by JGR and M&M's it most likely has to do with Busch's past actions. In 2011 he won six races in the CWTS, moving his career total to 30, he won eight NNS races, career total now at 51, but in the Cup Series he won four times and has 23 careers wins. Busch continues to shine more in the lower divisions than in Cup, where he's still searching for his first championship.

There's also the long running debate that Busch has been apart of in whether Cup drivers should race in the lower divisions. In this case, M&M's might be thinking that it's time to focus solely on Cup, not just to minimize any potential controversy but to move closer to winning the championship. Drivers who run in CWTS and NNS race haven't transfered that success to the Cup Series, although Carl Edwards who does not run trucks but does run Nationwide, nearly won the Cup title this past season.

Whatever the reason may be to have Busch not run anymore races than necessary, it could be a blessing. More focus on Cup could turn into more success for the Las Vegas driver. Of course it will hurt those in the CWTS and NNS who rely on Busch for a job, the hope being that with Busch sidelined there will be other drivers to fill the seats and obligations. Older brother Kurt is rumored to be driving for KBM in the NNS in 2012.

At this point however, these are all just rumors. It's quite possible that Busch will be running in all three series, continuing to add up his win total and re-write the history books, he's currently the winningest driver in NNS history. And along the way he'll probably ruffle some more feathers and create some new rivals. Whatever the case may be, Busch will be one of the main storylines, again, come 2012.

But ...

What if rumors of @KyleBusch not running in Trucks & very limited Nationwide are true, will that pave way to his best year in Cup? #NASCAR

@scienceesl I really think it would. Personally I think he spends to much time in the other series to make a good run at cup

@NancyatStudioN What it will do is severely hurt KBM as a business and put even more #Nascar workers out of a job

@denver2u I doubt that, but it will def save lots of money in auto repair..for him and others...

@krisjohnson_sd Sponsors will dictate he runs in both – in some capacity. #NASCAR

Monday, December 19th 'What If' Question

Not even two hours after he won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship with Tony Stewart, crew chief Darian Grubb revealed that he had been informed weeks earlier that he would not be back in that position in 2012.

Whether he stayed with Stewart-Haas or moved on wasn't yet known but rumors quickly started. The biggest was that Grubb would stay would SHR in a management position and that Stewart would be reunited with Greg Zipadelli, who he worked with at Joe Gibbs Racing when he entered the sport in 1999 to his departure in 2008. The two were the longest running driver-crew chief combination up until Stewart left and they were one of the most successful.

They won two championships together, 2002 and 2005, and over 35 races. Every high and low that could be thrown there way was and they battled through it. The two have always been close, acknowledging it's almost like they're brothers they say. To some though, it seemed highly unlikely that Zipadelli was going to leave JGR and driver Joey Logano, at least there certainly wasn't any indication.

While the two were never very successful - winning only one race, never making the Chase and their best point finish being 16th in 2010 - Zipadelli had always denied the rumors thrown his way about his departure. He felt a loyalty to JGR, one reason he didn't initially leave with Stewart in 2008. Zipadelli always appeared off the table when deals were being made.

Except when Grubb was named crew chief for JGR driver Denny Hamlin did the odds look better. Perhaps it would be a trade, Zipadelli for Grubb. That's exactly what happened when it was announced that no, he wouldn't be Stewart's crew chief, that job going to former Kurt Busch crew chief Steve Addington, but Zipadelli would become SHR's competition direction. And just as an added bonus, he would be a part-time crew chief for the races that Danica Patrick ran, including the season opening Daytona 500.

The news is some of the biggest in an offseason where no organization is sitting still and enjoying the holidays. With Zipadelli and Stewart back together it's a great feeling for their fans. Long awaited too. They know each other, they know success and with the company attempting to back up their first championship in 2012, they have the right people in place to do so.

But ...

What if Joey Logano & Greg Zipadelli had had better success from 2009-2011, would Zippy still be leaving to head for Stewart-Haas? #NASCAR

@Spacie_Stacie I honestly do think so, Kelly, Zippy has young kids who he is missing a lot of their growing up, this way he will be around.

@NancyatStudioN Definitely - He'd have had to win Championship to even consider not rejoining Stewart

@rcracer20 with what has gone on with kyle,i would get away myself,plus beening able to CC for @DanicaPatrick #priceless:)

Beth Robinson Bunch (via Facebook) I Think So.

Sunday, December 18th 'What If' Question

It can't and never will be said that the brothers Busch, Kyle and Kurt, don't show enough emotion.

In fact, it's been their inability to not show emotion during certain situations that continually land them in hot water. Near the end of the 2011 season while fans and media were speculating whether Kyle would be keeping his ride at Joe Gibbs Racing following his actions in a Camping World Truck Series event in Texas, it was Kurt who became the big story. Just days after the season ending banquet in Las Vegas it was announced that Busch and Penske Racing had mutually agreed to go separate ways.

Busch would not be driving the No. 22 Shell Dodge any longer, leaving the organization that he joined in 2006. An organization that took him in after he left Roush under less than pleasant circumstances when he was arrested in late 2005 for suspicion of drunk driving and was cited for reckless driving. He won 16 races at Penske, contended for championships and helped put Dodge back at the top.

Now he's at the bottom, looking for a ride just a month before Speedweeks in Daytona. How Busch got to where he is can be because of a few different things that occurred in 2011. It was a far cry from where he's been the last few years when he was winning races in the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge and being the leader of Penske. This year though, he was left in the background of teammate Brad Keselowski's success.

Busch was constantly upset with his team, then again in the heat of the moment during races all drivers vent, but Busch seemed to always be a little more wound up than others.

He didn't have the success that he thought he would, coming out of the gate in Daytona by winning the first two non-point events of the year. Except he didn't win a points paying race until Sonoma in late June and scored his second win in the Chase at Dover. However, he never seriously contended for the championship, finishing 11th in the final standings.

Then of course, came what some are calling the final straw: Busch's candid camera moment in Homestead. After finding himself in the garage after just eight laps when he blew his transmission Busch went on an expletive filled rant on ESPN pit road Jerry Punch, who was attempted to get a live interview with Busch about the incident.

The moment was caught on a cell phone camera, then uploaded to YouTube and soon linked to social media sites where everyone suddenly got ahold of it. It spread like wildfire and Busch was left to apologize after it became a big viral hit. Soon thereafter it was announced that his crew chief, Steve Addington, had left the team to head to Stewart-Haas Racing. Shortly followed by the announcement that Busch was leaving as well.

But ...

What if Brad Keselowski hadn't been put in Kurt Busch No. 2 car then won more races than Busch & contended for the championship, would Busch still have been as miserable as he was this year, lost his cool so many times and ultimately his job at Penske? #NASCAR

@nuccionino I don't think the change would of mattered. If he is that jealous of a teammate, he shouldn't be in NASCAR. Go drag race.

@ARosser14 Yes because he's been a petulant, miserable little man for years now. And it was really the 2 team, just in Shell colors.

@cruetten I don't think it would've happened to Busch this year, but he was a time bomb waiting to go off--would've happened eventually

@HD388 I'd say Kurt would of still lost his job no matter what car he was driving, guy is a powderkeg when things aren't going his way & Penske would of gotten tired of him running off good Crew Chiefs & engineers

@31SpazCat15 trying to figure out why he lost his mind....I am going with Family Trait!!

@JanisRothermel U could say what would have happened if the last three races did not have 22 Team errors (not driver) & a Dega fluke. No ifs

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) Honestly, I think Kurt cost himself his job. He put down the team, plus the car, and the manufacturer. If he wanted to make things better, he'd say what was wrong more than ridicule. Busch cost himself the job. Remember, he won the Bud Shootout and then the Duel race to start the season, so it was a great start with the 22 car. It was AFTERWARD where the ridicule began.

William Hildebrand (via Facebook) It's all about the driver, not the car/team. Joey Logano is an excellent example to my point.

Monday, December 12th 'What If' Question

It'll be known as one of the worst championship hangovers in recent NASCAR memory.

Denny Hamlin won eight races in 2010 and came one race short of winning his first championship and dethroning Jimmie Johnson. Except it wasn't meant to be as Hamlin finished second and vowed to capitalize on missed chances heading into the 2011 season, feeling his team was in perfection position to get better and stronger.

It couldn't have been more of the opposite has Hamlin struggled in 2011. He only won one race and dominated the headlines for reasons like blown engines, bad races and making the Chase thanks to NASCAR's new wildcard format. The domination that he had unleashed in 2010 when appearing champion-like seemed nothing but a mirage this past season.

Confusion seemed to be the biggest theme. Confusion on why they were running so badly when they had great equipment. Confusion as to why they were catching all the bad breaks while teammate Kyle Busch was winning races and challenging for the point lead. And confusion as to why things were suddenly no longer gelling with the only team and crew chief that Hamlin had ever known since he entered the series in 2006.

Just days after the Sprint Cup Series awards banquet in Las Vegas crew chief Mike Ford was released by Joe Gibbs Racing. There would be no repeating 2011, not even a chance to get things right. Changes were being made and someone had to go. When the No. 11 FedEx team rolls into Daytona 2012 it will be with Darian Grubb atop the pit box, the man Hamlin watched lead Tony Stewart to his third Sprint Cup Series championship.

Hamlin and company were one of the many surprises in 2011, one that wasn't expected to happen. The way they performed in 2010 would have indicated they would have been more determined to come back this year ready to fight for the title again. Instead they experienced anything and everything that could have gone wrong. Ford's release was another surprise, considering the strong relationship that he and Hamlin are said to have, as well as the support they showed each other through the good and bad times.

Yet, in a sport where it's all about winning decisions have to made. The Virginia native wants to see a Sprint Cup trophy on his mantle in the very near future, not a sports psychologist. It'll only happen if he and Grubb have instant chemistry and don't have the 2012 season end up being a rebuilding year.

But ...

What if Denny Hamlin had won the 2010 title, followed by his 2011 struggles, would crew chief Mike Ford still have been released? #NASCAR

@Talon64 I'd say yes. Especially in a sport where the 2011 champ's CC was told he'd be gone at least 2 months prior to end of season!

@cruetten not at all, but he would've only been given 2012 to redeem himself.

@TrackDiva141811 No he wouldn't have because Denny and team would have had a totally different attitude. :)

@31SpazCat15 I think the change is 1 that Denny wanted last year regardless of what he has said..Im not opposed to change, change is good

Tuesday, November 29th 'What If' Question

Before the start of the 2011 NASCAR season a major rule change was implemented for all three of sports top series. Drivers had to check a box and pick which series they wanted to receive points in.

No more could they run for the championship in Truck and Nationwide if they wanted to earn points and run for the Sprint Cup title. Meaning drivers like Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski who traditionally double dip and who have won the last few NNS titles, wouldn't be eligible to in 2011. They could still compete in the series and win races but it wouldn't mean anything except they had fun.

On the other hand it meant that CWTS and NNS regulars were given their chance to shine. While they may not have racked up as many wins as they wanted because of the dippers they would be competing for something bigger. In CWTS drivers like James Buescher, Johnny Sauter and Austin Dillon shone as they battled for their first championship. In the end it was Dillon who became the youngest CWTS champion in history.

He won two races in 2011 while drivers not competing for CWTS points won 15 of the seasons 25 races. In the NNS it was more of the same as non-point drivers won 28 of the seasons 34 races. Yet it was drivers like Elliott Sadler and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. who earned much of the spotlight for the spectacular season each had in their own right. Stenhouse also won two races on his way to the title but could have had many more as he gave the Cup drivers a run for their money nearly every weekend.

Rating were up, racing was exciting and history was made in 2011. Fans couldn't have asked for much more as they seemed much more interested in the NNS and CWTS season to see new champions crowned. Of course they'll tell you that it got old watching the same drivers, Cup, winning many of the races but most seemed pleased with the preseason rule change.

But ...

What if #NASCAR had not instituted the 'pick a series rule', would fans still have been as drawn to the CWTS & NNS title battles this year?

@Talon64 Trucks would've been the same, but Carl would've run away with the NNS title so the new rule was a big help there.

@rustywings I don't think so...I give them kudos on that one. Who would have known who Ricky Stenhouse was this year, ya know?

@HD388 I think fans would of been less interested in the NNS & CWTS points battle if Cup guys were the ones battling out for the title over the regulars, hopefully next season Cup guys are limited to number of races they can race in the other series

@JoJo_6040 No. As a fan of both, it was great to see deserving drivers win their series. The pick a series rule helped those teams.

Monday, November 28th 'What If' Question

The season finale in Homestead-Miami was more than anyone imagined it would or could be. Sure, everyone had hoped that it would come down to the last lap with Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart going at for the championship. But no one actually thought that it would come down to the last lap with the two drivers chasing each other to the finish line with the winner taking all.

Or that after 36 races, 22 tracks, over 10,00 laps and 10 months of racing that it would end in a tie.

That's exactly what happened though when Stewart won the race and the championship for the third time in his career. He capped off an incredible Chase where he won five of the 10 races and became the first owner-driver to win the championship since Alan Kulwicki did so in 1992. The title, as mentioned third for Stewart, was the first for his organization, including co-owner Gene Haas and crew chief Darian Grubb. Stewart now sits behind Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt (seven), Jimmie Johnson (5) and Jeff Gordon (4) in the championship history books.

It didn't come easily though. Stewart started the day 15th on the grid while Edwards was on the pole. Then just eight laps into the race Kurt Busch lost his transmission which flew through Stewart's front grille. The damage sent Stewart to pit road and the back of the field, 40th, for the restart. As Edwards racked up the most laps led, 119 of 267, Stewart charged to the front.

More repairs sent him to the back of the field again where he again didn't stay long, going three and four wide as the No. 14 flew through the field, never feeling the affects of the damgae. Suddenly the race was on as Stewart earned the lead and Edwards started trailing him. Through the second half of the race the two never left the top five, even waited out a rain delay, before closing the season in dramatic fashion with a fight to the finish.

Stewart won the race, Edwards finished second but lost the championship because Stewart had the tie breaker. It will go down as the closest finish in NASCAR history and to some the best finale in history. Either driver would have been a deserving champion, both turning out gutsy performances through the Chase. Yet it led them into Homestead where it all came down to wins.

But ...

What if Stewart never had hole in front grille, would he have raced Edwards all day for most laps led & avoided points being a tie? #NASCAR

@MattEmbury Don't think it would've changed his style, that was "Tony being Tony"

@Talon64 Robert And he still has the pit stop gaffs? Then he probably doesn't lead the most laps either way.

@mrnascar2488 That my dear friend we will never know about #TonyStewart

Friday, November 18th 'What If' Question

In about 24 hours from now the NASCAR world will know who the 2011 Sprint Cup Series champion is.

Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart are separated by just three points heading into the season finale in Homestead-Miami. They've been throwing down since they arrived in town on Thursday, they've practiced and now qualified for the Ford 400. Edwards will start his quest for his first championship from the pole, while Stewart will have to come from the 15th position to win his third.

Edwards has an impressive NASCAR Cup resume and a Nationwide Series title to his name. Sunday though, he's going for the big trophy, one that Stewart has taken home twice. The Indiana native is in position for his third championship and should he accomplish the feat he'd go into the history books under a few different categories.

Smoke won his first championship in 2002 when NASCAR was still running under the point system that they had been in place since it's inception. It was also still called the Winston Cup Series then. In 2005 Stewart outran Jimmie Johnson for his second title under the newly invented Chase format. That title came in the Nextel Cup Series. Sunday, Stewart would win under a different Chase format and in the Sprint Cup Series.

Maybe even bigger accomplishments is that Stewart would be adding a third title to his trophy room. He would join many Hall of Famers with those three titles and be behind Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt's seven championships, Jimmie Johnson's five and Jeff Gordon's four. Oh, and Stewart would become the first owner-driver to win a championship since Alan Kulwicki did so in 1992.

There are many scenarios and headlines heading into Sunday's race. For the first time in many seasons the championship will truly not be decided until the final lap. Anything can happen.

But ...


What if Tony Stewart goes on to win the title Sunday, will it be remembered more for coming after Johnson's reign or because it's his third?

@Spacie_Stacie I really think Carl is going to win, but it will be a big deal for whomever wins it cause it is the first new one in 6 years!

@HendrickGuy Both, and because he'd be the first owner/driver to win since Kulwicki.

@Talon64 Robert More as a 3-time champion, but also as the guy that book-ended JJ's title streak more than just ending it.

@FashionL14 because he has bookended JJ. and so far the only driver to get winston and nextell/sprint cups.

@mbauerherzog It will be remembered as the Championship that broke the reign.

Stroker Ace (via Facebook) Smoke will be remembered more for the man who ousted the 5X Champ! Stroker Ace Smoke would also be remembered as the only driver to win a championship from all three cup series sponsors: Winston, Nextel and Sprint.

Jason Remillard (via Facebook) I say he's remembered for winning pre-Chase, post-Chase and as an owner-driver.

Tuesday, November 15th 'What If' Question

It seems like just yesterday the NASCAR garage was buzzing about the start of the 2011 season and the Daytona 500. Here we are though heading in the final race of the season with the championship yet to be decided.

For the first time in five years Jimmie Johnson will not be among the drivers contending for it. Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart head to Homestead-Miami separated by only three points as they fight to be the new Sprint Cup Series champion. The title would be the first for Edwards, the third for Stewart.

While Stewart is the hottest driver on the circuit, winning four of nine Chase races, it is Edwards who holds the point lead. Having only won one race in 2011 along with the non-points Sprint All-Star race, he's maintained a steady and consistent pace to stay ahead of the competition. When it seems that he's going to have a bad finish, like Talladega or Martinsville, his contenders fall by the wayside and suddenly he's in the top 10.

Should Edwards win the championship this Sunday he would join an elusive club of drivers who have done so with only one win on the season. The last to do it was Edwards teammate Matt Kenseth in 2003. He would also join those who have a Nationwide Series championship and a Sprint Cup Series title. And Edwards would also be just the fourth driver to win under the Chase system since its conception in 2004.

But ...

What if Carl Edwards wins the championship Sunday after only winning 1 race this year, would you want #NASCAR to change point system again?

@RBleakley no! First time in years I've given a damn about racing after about the sixth chase race!

@Talon64 I'd like to see them change back to no Chase. Doesn't matter what system, you'll get runaways, 1 wins and/or "game 7's".

@DarthHendrick YES!!! They need to make it so anybody who's Father won 7 championships gets a 200pt bonus! Except the Petty's #Nascar

@ampdalejr89 No I would be happy with Carl Edwards. Wins aren't everything. Consistency is just as important.

@bfellin i dont think they will...this points system created drama at Richmond for the wild card, created a "game 7" scenario. exactly what NASCAR wanted

@AnnTRoberts No...Its like a side pot.

@twittmitch nope. Just ban Edwards from the sport. I hate that dude.

@Harvichick29 No...but I will want to puke. #GOSMOKE

@HotDog388 I say yes, overall point system is fine but still need to put more emphasis on winning need to award 5 to 10 points for the race winner instead of 3 points

@rcracer20 op 5 and top10 is what your after,win 5 crash in 20?if #nascar wonts to change something,all races a night race #yeabuddy

@smokinace88 yes the winner should get more points

Andy Marquis (via Facebook) I've been wanting to change the point system since 2004; a 36 race Chase with 43 drivers.

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) No, because the new system is simpler to understand. 43 for 1st, 42 for 2nd, etc. Way I see it, the system gave us exactly what fans wanted all year long. Carl ran well all year long, and wins don't always translate to championships (hence 2008 when he won the most races all year and still finished 2nd in the title hunt). Consistency will ALWAYS win championships.

Kyle Rickey (via Facebook) The 47-1 system is fine. Chase needs to go. Without it makes years like 1990 and 1992 more special with fans feeling it wasn't fabricated....or sorts

Stephen Taylor (via Facebook) hell to the no-drivers have to be penalized for bad finishes-we award victories as wildcards plus extra points-edwards, as kenseth did in 03 deserves the position he is in.

------------------------->

Following a 'What If' question I hardly ever throw anything else out about it. But after reading many responses and opinions following Sunday's race in Phoenix I wrote that many believe winning "should mean more" and that NASCAR intended for their new point system to show that. Compared to the run that Stewart has been on in the Chase, some have said that Edawrds has been mearly point racing and riding around, something that no one wants to see a potential champion do.

After posting that, many more responses came through...

@mbauerherzog I think winning should be rewarded more but consistency should be rewarded too. Maybe they should get rid of resetting points

@mrnascar2488 No riding around is finishing like 15th or so Carl is at least in the top 3

@denver2u I don't like that u can win a cup championship w/o winning a race in the chase.Maybe change the points just for the chase

@jlaracefan14 I say that @NASCAR should just change it to where the driver with the most wins is champion!

@SD80MAC Regardless of who wins, I think there needs to be a bigger points bonus for wins. Maybe 5 points? Not sure, but I want to see drivers racing for the win every race. Hanging in the back for a safe points day like at Talladega IS NOT RACING!

@NickBrincks No, an average finish under 5 over 9 races is impressive enough. If winners limit mistakes, they'll win. Leave it alone.

@LLH713 No, consistency pays off. Not a last minute dash to finish line. Tortoise & Hare. Plus this is a great chase finish

@JohnBarlak t's all good. He was consistent the year so there are no issues for me.

Jose L Acero (via Facebook) yes he has! #teamsmoke2011

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) Well, think about this...when Edwards was struggling at Martinsville, he wasn't just riding around to collect points...he went out, had the team get the car running better, and finished strong. The last two weeks he's been doing everything he can to get around Tony, and Tony has raced him very hard for position, but did so clean. If that's riding around, where your adversary is just as good as you, I'll take it. Still, I think even though the Chase is 10 races, you can't help but look at how well he did in the other 25 races that he ran before the Chase. I just really think the Chase determines the champion, but the entire season determines the champion-caliber drivers. They may want winning to mean more, but just like anything else, when you're not winning, you need to be running strong. CONSISTENCY wins championships

Andy Marquis (via Facebook) Best driver wins.

Stephen Taylor (via Facebook) if you count multiple 2nd and 3rd place finishes, a win in vegas, an all star victory, and a worse finish of 11th since Bristol in August riding around then so be it-if any other driver can do that be my guest. remember his 3 point lead is the bonus points from his regular season win-something tony didnt have-if he did he would be tied or leading right now. honestly I think its a silly arguement-everyone plays under the same system-whoever does it best deserves to win-theyve each taken different paths to end up where they are at-and honestly both will deserve it if they win

William Hildebrand (via Facebook) They went with this new points system because nobody knew how it worked before (of adding points etc), in other words, it was confusing as hell. THAT and they wanted a close battle for the championship, not running away with it like JJ did in 2007, 2008, & 2009.

------------------------>
Even a representative of NASCAR had come across the question and the opinion of Edwards riding around. The following is the conversation between NASCAR's Josh Hamilton and myself on the topic (thanks for the time Josh!):

@joshahamilton absolutley not!!!!!! the dude has finished in the top 10 in 8 of 9 races, including 6 top 5s!!!! how is that riding around??

@KellyCrandall to @joshahamilton I'm just throwing out there what some have said to me

@joshahamilton to @KellyCrandall obviously strongly strongly disagree

@KellyCrandall to @joshahamilton I disagree to a point LOL. But was looking to spark a discussion, which it has :-)

@joshahamilton to @KellyCrandall again, sorry, but no discussion. to claim that a guy w/6 top 5s (3 runner ups) in 9 races is 'riding' around, then well....

@KellyCrandall to @joshahamilton Well, there are still those who don't feel winning means or is worth enough

@joshahamilton to @KellyCrandall now that is a discussion, i will give you that. but completely different than saying carl is riding. guy is digging.

Monday, November 14th 'What If' Question

This Sunday in Homestead-Miami it will be the end of a five-year era.

Jimmie Johnson will not be crown Sprint Cup champion, instead it will be Carl Edwards or Tony Stewart taking home the big trophy. Johnson and team will be looking to preserve a top five point finish instead. Five-time goes out without putting up much of a fight for a sixth straight championship, left in the dust of Edwards and Stewart who have blazed through the Chase and into the finale.

For the past five years Johnson has been at the top of the mountain as everyone else just shook their heads and watched. Some welcomed his accomplishments more than others. Sure, he may have been respected for making history but it didn't make it any easier or fun to watch him do it year after year.

Some will be celebrating not only an Edwards or Stewart championship, but the fact that Johnson won't be winning another. It is a day that some thought wasn't going to come any time soon. After three, then four and especially five, Johnson was expected to just keep going and going. It's why when he wasn't all that spectacular in 2011 and didn't open a can of whoop ass on the competition when the Chase started it was surprising yet welcomed.

It doesn't however, mean Johnson and his No. 48 Lowe's team won't win another championship. They'll come back in 2012 looking to get back to where they belong and add another page to the record books. There are only two other drivers ahead of Johnson in the history books with more championships, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. It is certainly possible that he could go on to tie and surpass them in that category. He'll have to wait until next year though (something that hasn't been said about him since 2005) before he gets a chance to do so.

But ...

What if @JimmieJohnson comes back in 2012 and wins his sixth championship, will it be more accepted than his five in a row were? #NASCAR

@HarpAmyStabler I think that it depends on if he's dominant or not. If he goes a few years in btwn, then maybe it's okay to break records.?.

@golic_2004 Well the world will not end, as Johnson would need to win 7 straight championships.

@racebird if he and his team wins why wouldn't they be? Takes a team to win!

@ladybug388 I think it will be as a lot of people r now looking at how significant his 5 in a row was

@StrokerAce90 Yes, it would be more accepted. @JimmieJohnson joined twitter, showed #NASCAR fans he weren't vanilla and won over more fans.

@JoJo_6040 Break from JJ winning is nice. For yrs I've said when he doesn't win it, I'd root for him again & I will. Congrts to 5 time!!

Wednesday, November 9th 'What If' Question

Retire - to leave one's job and cease to work, typically upon reaching the normal age for leaving employment.

When Mark Martin announced that 2005 would be his final Sprint Cup Series season and he would be entering retirement, many in the garage joined in on the farewell tour. Offerring gifts and congratulations on a wonderful career. But six year laters Martin has not yet sat down in the rocking chair that was given to him by those in Sonoma, instead he's still racing and has changed his mind many times about leaving the track behind.

It started innocently enough when Jack Roush asked Martin to come back in 2006 because he couldn't find a suitable replacement for Mark in the No. 6. One more year before Martin left the big leagues and went to race trucks. Except in 2007 he decided to head to the newly merged Dale Earnhardt Inc and Gin Racing team, driving the No. 01 Army Chevrolet on a partial schedule, sharing the car with Regan Smith. In 2008 he remained with the team and shared the ride with Aric Almirola.

For the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons Martin drove for Hendrick Motorsports and he came one spot short of capturing the championship that has eluded him in his career in 2009 when he finished second in points to teammate Jimmie Johnson. Perhaps the loss has helped fuel Martin to keep going and keep trying because he still isn't leaving.

In 2012 it has been announced that Martin will be driving for Michael Waltrip Racing, replacing David Reutimann, another driver that seems to have fallen to the Mark Martin retirement rouse.

Regan Smith left DEI and is now with Furniture Row Motorsports, a less than well funded team, but one that Smith and company has made into contenders. They won this year's Southern 500 at Darlington. As for Almirola, he was never able to find another Cup ride and has landed at JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series.

Casey Mears, who Martin replaced at Hendrick after he won his first career race at Charlotte, is now with the ever struggling Germain Racing team. And time will tell what happens to David Reutimann now that he is out of the only home that he's ever known, a home that he brought their first two and currently only Cup wins.

But ...


What if Mark Martin had retired in 2005, would Casey Mears still have lost his ride at HMS & David Reutimann still lost his at MWR? #NASCAR

@ladybug388 I think Reuti wouldve because of what he's done for MWR & success compared to others at that team. Casey Mears, I believe wouldve still lost his ride because the success wasn't there for him.

@HotDog388 Mears would of still lost his ride his performance wasn't up to par for HMS, Reuitmann still would of kept his job nxt season

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) That's a complicated question. Its hard to judge. Going into 2005, we all thought Mark was retiring. He came back because unfortunately Roush didn't have things ready for his heir-apparent. So, I can't say yes or no to either Mears at HMS, or Reutimann at MWR. Too many factors to consider.

Tim Kaufman (via Facebook) Yes and both deserved to do so, also. Mark won 5 races and nearly the Cup title his 1st yr @ Hendrick Motorsports then they stripped down Mark's team 4 Jr., but that's another story. Mark's still got it... Casey never had it (still doesn't) and Reutimann is just too "quiet" to be marketable. nice guy. I got to see him win @chicagoland last year, but just not as marketable as Mark.

Tuesday, November 8th 'What If' Question

Trevor Bayne finally won his first career Nationwide Series race on Saturday afternoon in Texas as he beat out the dominant car in teammate and Sprint Cup Series driver Carl Edwards.

Bayne however, wasn't the big story. That came a few hours earlier when NASCAR President Mike Helton announced that Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch was being parked for the weekend following his actions in Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race. Busch would not participate in Saturday or Sunday's events. The news became the only topic of the weekend.

Denny Hamlin drove Busch's car to a second place finish on Saturday and Michael McDowell drove the No. 18 to a 33rd place finish on Sunday night. Bayne's win though, was popular enough and a long time in the coming. Driving for Jack Roush in the NNS series, Bayne quickly caught notice as a rising star and after he won the Daytona 500 for the Wood Brothers, that star got much brighter.

Yet, on Saturday's he started to struggle while his Roush teammates outshone him. Midyear Bayne was sidelined with an illness but after he returned he was better than ever and he inched ever closer to that first win. By beating the best in the business on Saturday Bayne again impressed many and his victory was welcomed with open arms.

But ...

What if Kyle Busch wasn't parked in Texas, would he & Carl Edwards have battled for Nationwide win or does Trevor Bayne still win? #NASCAR

@HotDog388 I say Kyle probably wins the Nationwide race, Carl finishes in top 5, Bayne top 10

@rcracer20 dont think kyle would have finished the race,hornaday would be in the race,he could have bought a ride ,easy you think

Stroker Ace (via Facebook) I'd say Kyle Busch would not be a factor at all because someone would have either put him into the wall or punted him into the infield and Trevor Bayne would still go on to beat Carl Edwards for the win.

Beth Robinson Bunch (via Facebook) Ditto.

Wednesday, November 2nd 'What If' Question

The paperclip track in Martinsville, Virginia is known for it's hard racing, great finishes and classic rivalries. Last weekend though, it became known as a junkyard that was run by Brian Vickers.

The official count had Vickers involved in five of the 18 cautions at Martinsville, but to viewers it seemed like a whole lot more. The No. 83 Red Bull machine always seemed to be where the action was, either starting it or being on the receiving end of it. It doesn't make it surprising then that Vickers played a role in determining the outcome of the Tums Fast Relief 500.

With less than 10 laps to go Vickers retaliated against Chase contender Matt Kenseth, bringing out the caution. Jimmie Johnson, a friend of Vickers, had been leading the race over Tony Stewart by over a second and was looking for his third win of the season and to close the gap in the championship. Instead, he would lineup side-by-side with Stewart and on the restart with two laps go, Stewart smoked him and went on to win.

Johnson finished second and only moved up one spot in points, gaining just seven points on the leader. Johnson was none too happy with his friend, saying that it was frustrating to see the same cars end up in all the cautions at the end. While it wasn't the only reason that he lost, Johnson did not want to see the final caution that Vickers caused.

Stewart on the other hand was the big winner, literally and figuratively. He moved to second in points after his third win of the Chase and sits just eight behind leader Carl Edwards with three races to go. In victory lane it caused Stewart to send a message to Edwards on national television, saying, "he better be worried, that's all I've got to say. He's not going to have an easy three weeks." The response got a rise out of everyone who heard it, except Edwards who said that Stewart was just wound up from the win and his biggest challengers are the ones behind Stewart.

A few days later, Vickers said four of the five accidents weren't his fault. He also said that he doesn't regret what he did to Matt Kenseth and that Kenseth was the one who took himself out of the championship. Kenseth, says Vickers, won't win the championship anyway. More importantly, Vickers believes that his performance of driving a beat up racecar will attract potential team owners as he searches for a ride in 2012.

But ...

What if Brian Vickers hadn't gone after Kenseth, causing last caution does A) Tony Stewart still win & B) still trash talk Edwards? #NASCAR

RT @cruetten Stewart would still have probably won--he was pretty fast at the end//Vickers will always talk trash, no matter what happens.

@14Patti14 He wouldn't have won but still would trash talk.

@HotDog388 Don't think Stewart wins without that last caution think Johnson was too far ahead, think Stewart still talks trash Edwards

Tuesday, November 1st 'What If' Question

It's never smart to count out the master of the Camping World Truck Series, Ron Hornaday.

The four-time champion entered the 2011 season looking to join Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson as a five-time title winner. But things got off to a rocky start and Hornaday and his No. 33 team have been fighting to get out of a hole ever since. Before the month of September he was sitting outside the top five in points, ninth, and was 68 points behind leader Johnny Sauter.

Even though he had a victory, which came after leader Sauter was black flagged on a green-white-checkered finish, it seemed that it might be time to remove Hornaday from championship talk. A fuel mileage win in Atlanta helped him climb to fifth in points and 48 markers out of the lead, momentum starting to swing. Except next two races Hornaday finished 10th and fifth and had only gained one point in the standings.

Then team owner Kevin Harvick made the decision to put Hornaday in the No. 2 truck in order to help that team win the owner's championship. Hornaday would still get the driver points during his stint in the 2 truck. Suddenly, Hornaday was unbeatable. He won back-to-back races in the 2 at Kentucky and Las Vegas. In Talladega he finished second to teammate Mike Wallace (who was driving the 33 in Hornaday's absence) before he took back over the No. 33 at Martinsville where he finished second.

Hornaday now sits third in points only 15 behind Austin Dillon. The season only has two races remaining, Texas and Homestead, and Hornaday has gone from longshot to one of the favorites. Don't look now, but that veteran might just school the young guns in front of him.

But ...

What if Ron Hornaday hadn't been put in the No. 2 KHI truck at the start of September, would he still have fought back into title contention? (He has two wins and second place finish in the No. 2 and went from 68 to 15 points behind in the standings...) #NASCAR

@Talon64 The way he was running with the #33 crew, never. CC Bruce Cook brought his season and title hopes back to life

@chuckallen2 It's Hornaday, so he definitely could've done it with his 33. This worked out well,whatever the reason.

Wednesday, October 26th 'What If' Question

A popular opinion in the NASCAR world currently is that the new style of drafting at Daytona and Talladega does more harm than good. In both racing and entertainment and now added to the list is competitiveness.

This past weekend at Talladega rumors circulated that there had been team orders in the garage that Ford drivers were only supposed to work with other Ford drivers on raceday. Roush Fenway drivers Greg BIffle and Carl Edwards teamed together while Matt Kenseth and David Ragan did as well. Even Chevy drivers and teammates like Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton stayed committed to each other all day.

Things were going smoothly and according to plan until the final two laps. Chevrolet driver Jeff Gordon was left without a partner and Ford driver Trevor Bayne said he would work with him. On the restart however, Bayne bailed on Gordon and went to work with Kenseth who also needed a partner. In another twist, Tony Stewart said that Paul Menard was told to dump him so that teammates Burton and Bowyer could go on to win the race.

Fans and drivers have been unhappy about the race all week. Team orders have no place in NASCAR they say. The problem though is not that there were drivers dumping each other at the race, the problem is that it was being categorized as team orders. See, drivers have always hung each other out to dry in plate racing. It's common knowledge that over the final few laps it is every man for himself and you go where you will be fastest and with whom you believe will give you the best shot to get to the front.

Except when fans and drivers heard that there were "team orders" of who could work with who, suddenly it became a sin to be dumped by your partner. Now going forward drivers are going to remember that day in Talladega and as long as the new stye of drafting is around, someone is going to be left without a friend.

But ...

What if there was no public knowledge of 'team orders' @ 'Dega, would fans really care as much about drivers being dumped @ the end? #NASCAR

@philenespanol I think if it hadn't been said on friday that people heard ford drivers were told to work together, no one would have found it suspicious when Bayne went with Kenseth. People get dumped all the time at superspeedways, but it's what surrounds the whole thing with sort of a black cloud.

@JoJo_6040 No. Before the tango, drivers were always movin n dumpin and prob with little orders. Let the drivers drive!

@NancyatStudioN Nope! The team orders are what makes it cheating. We might be mad at a driver for dumping our driver, but we would think they did it as "every man for himself" and we'd get over it. I agree with @TerryBlountESPN who said it has become a Jersey Shore episode on wheels.

Jose L Acero (via Facebook) Fans do not react the way we did if we have no knowledge of team orders BUT we would have had a said to the issue!

Wednesday, October 19th 'What If' Question

There's an age old debate that continues to rage on: Cup drives competing in the Nationwide Series.

This debate though isn't about should they run in the lower series but why would they. This past August when Brad Keselowski broke his ankle testing his NSCS car it forced him to sit out of his No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge on Saturday's. Incredibly though, Keselowski won two Cup races in August and skyrocketed from 21st to 11th in points and made the Chase.

His performance made yours truly and others again state that Cup drivers concentrating solely on Cup perform better than those who pull double duty. For instance: Jimmie Johnson has won the last five straight Sprint Cup Series championships, not just because he's a good driver and has a good team but because no one has tunnel vision like he does. Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch and Jeff Gordon all won titles before Johnson and they too run very limited NNS races if none at all.

Focus, it's all about focus. Winning a Cup title should be a driver's main focus, not just winning races in any series. Sure, drivers like Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch have competed and contended as threats for the Cup title while running the NNS, but they haven't won the title. And almost doesn't count in NASCAR. Ironically, Edwards, Harvick, Busch and Keselowski haven't won the Cup title but have all won a NNS title over the last few seasons.

Keselowski, even with a broken ankle, was on fire during the weeks that he was able to worry just about his Sprint Cup effort. Now that he's made the Chase and has gone back running on Saturday's, he's remained in the top 10 in points but hasn't won a race since and time will tell if he'll win the championship.

But ...

What if Brad K. hadn't broken his ankle & didn't sit out NNS, would he still have had month of August he did & made the Chase? #NASCAR

@RobBlount Wow. Tough question. I think he still could have had that August without the broken ankle though, but no way to tell.

Jennifer Lynn Tobin (via Facebook) For sure! :)

Jose L Acero (via Facebook) I still believe that BradK has the August he had regardless of the injury happening or not! It made it that special by having is ankle broken.

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) I'm not sure, that's a really tough question to answer. Could we have anticipated Denny Hamlin to have the season he had last year following ACL surgery? It's along the same lines. We didn't expect Hamlin to have that success, and certainly didn't expect Keselowski to have his success. My answer is simply no answer, because like Hamlin in 2010, it was the card he was dealt, and he dealt with it the best way possible...bring all the attention to him for good reasons, and not because of his injury.

Nancy Nuce (via Facebook) I think it's possible that the ankle injury woke BK up to the fact that if he didn't perform, he could be on the way out. I think it focused his attention and made him put forth a better effort. That combined with the fact that they started going back to tracks they had been to once already and had notes to go by, worked to improve his performance. It also didn't hurt that Kurt threw a fit over improving the equipment till Penske did something about it. I don't think sitting out NNS had much to do with it other than I think Brad realized that he needed to perform in Cup more than he needed to perform in NNS.

Tuesday, October 18th 'What If' Question

When Kevin Harvick made the announcement that he would be merging his Nationwide Series program with Richard Childress Racing and disbanding his Camping World Truck Series operation, it put Nelson Piquet Jr. and Ron Hornaday on the market.

Both are now searching for rides for 2012, with Piquet Jr. a hot, young talent with sponsorship and potential. And Hornaday is the wily old vertan who just happens to be a four-time champion and the winningest driver in CWTS history. However, Hornaday hasn't been snatched up by a team yet and said last weekend in Vegas that part of it is because everyone is waiting to see where Piquet Jr. goes.

Said Hornaday, "You ain't going to do it on your talent," about owners calling him, knowing that needs to bring something more to the organization. Like money and sponsorship, which Piquet Jr. has but, "Nelson thinks it's a big game, he's going to learn that this isn't open wheel anymore. People are depending on jobs and everyone's waiting for Nelson to take his $3 million and see what he's going to do to land a job."

It leaves Hornaday waiting as well as he tries to win more races this season and contend for his fifth championship. Time might be running out and when the 2012 seasons starts many hope that the driver who has been with the series since it was born, will be there behind the wheel. While there will be plenty of young drivers to watch and even veterans like MIke Skinner and Todd Bodine to cheer for, the CWTS needs Hornaday.

But ...

What if Ron Hornaday doesn't have a truck ride next year, a) how would you feel and b) who becomes the face if the series? #nascar

@ARosser14 If Ron doesn't have a ride, it is a huge, huge blow to the series. Hard to imagine anyone taking over for him as the "face."

@HarpAmyStabler I would be sad. I think that maybe Ty Dillon or Parker Kligerman might become that face. Or, Todd Bodine? Johnny Benson?

@CCaldwellSM It's interesting how Harvick has him in the 2 truck now. He has a shot at the Championship in that truck! 2 for 2!

@Talon64 It'd be a shame that Ron would be out after proving he's still got it. There's nobody else to replace him as "the guy" either

Jason Remillard (via Facebook) Unfortunately, I think Kyle Busch becomes the face to the uneducated public. To the racing community, it's gotta be Todd Bodine.

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) It would be a crime if Hornaday doesn't have a ride for 2012 in the Trucks. He may find some success in Nationwide, as he's been competitive there before, but Trucks are where he's comfortable. If not, the lead "driver" to this series is Kyle Busch, despite not getting any points for wins. The lead driver that does earn points, well that's a toss up. I'd say Todd Bodine, then even Austin Dillon possibly. It's hard to say right now.

Nancy Nuce (via Facebook) Todd Bodine might not have a ride either. Sponsors don't care what you've done in the past. If they did, Johnny Benson would have a ride. Kyle can't even run a truck the full season cause the sponsors won't pay if he's not in it. As much as I hate to see it, I think both the truck and nationwide series have major problems and will be gone soon if something doesn't change.

William Hildebrand (via Facebook) The series would die if no Hornaday. Hornaday to Trucks = Dale Jr to Sprint Cup.

Monday, October 17th 'What If' Question

Reed Sorenson's bid for a Nationwide Series championship ended earlier and differently than he had expected. Sitting third in points behind Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Elliott Sadler, Sorenson was released from his ride, the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota for Turner Motorsports, before the Kansas weekend.

No exact reason was given by either team owner Steve Turner or Sorenson. The dismissal shocked many in the NNS garage as it appeared out of nowhere and with no immediate reason. Sorenson has won a race this year and was only 49 points behind in the championship with five races left before the end of the season. At Kansas and Charlotte Sorenson drove for MacDonald Motorsports.

Had the release come at the end of the season the backlash might not have been as severe. Many have expressed displeasure with Turner for releasing the championship driver without warning or explanation. And when he's in the middle of the championship fight and the highest running Turner car, it seemed some were wondering why a different driver wasn't released. But, it's also no secret that sponsor Dollar General isn't returning to Tuner next season and many more layoffs at the company are expected.

Perhaps the Sorenson would have been released anyway. The timing though just knocked everyone for a loop as Turner looks towards getting ahead for next season and Sorenson looks for a decent ride for the future.

But ...

What if Turner Motorsports had waited til end of 2011 to release Reed Sorenson, would you have agreed w/ it or felt better about it? #NASCAR

@betseybydesign i think i would have felt a little better about it!!

@antsgirl97 I Know what i want..I want to know why reed was let go like that.

@RobBlount Had Turner announced he was being let go at the end of the year it would have made sense because Dollar General is leaving his team. But firing him with 6 races left just didn't make sense and it left many people confused.

@rcracer20 Reed would have drove for free if he could finish out the year.only looks bad for Tuner .need more drivers like reed,

@hotdog388 would of have agreed with it more if it had happened after the season especially if he didn't have any sponsor lined up for next season or if Reed had finished way down in the points, it was not right to let Reed go this late in the season especially when he was the highest in the points of all the Turner cars

@chuckallen2 They volunteered to give up a possible drivers title. Lots of prestige there. Must've been a bad situation for both.

@denver2u I would have still questioned Turner motorsports for their decision to release a 3rd pl guy... but would have not thought him as much as ass as I think Turner is now... but I guess business is business ...

Nick Brincks (via Facebook) Definitely

Dave Zimmerman (via Facebook) Absolutley

Monday, September 12th 'What If' Question

(This question was a fan submission)
Last week in Richmond Kevin Harvick made what some view as a shocking announcement.

Starting in 2012 his Nationwide Series team, Kevin Harvick Inc, will be merged with Richard Childress Racing, his Sprint Cup Series car owner. Further, there would be no more Camping World Truck Series teams out of KHI, they're shutting down. Harvick and wife DeLana would be stepping back and focusing on other opportunities and areas.

KHI has been a fixture in the CWTS for years with wins and championships collected like state coins or memorabilia. Ron Hornaday has become the driver with the most championships in CWTS history while at KHI and drivers like Elliott Sadler, Clint Bowyer and others have all won races behind the wheel of a KHI truck. No matter who or where they are, KHI has been a company to contend with.

Lately though they've had stiff competition from another Sprint Cup Series driver who has a CWTS team of his own, Kyle Busch. Last season it was the Kyle Busch Motorsports team that took home the owner's championship in just their first year of competition while a non KHI or KBM driver took home the driver's championship.

In the win column, that was KBM with eight and KHI with seven and most notably Hornaday struggled a year after winning his fourth championship. When KBM was formed, Busch hired Rick Ren who before then had worked for years with KHI and became the winningest crew chief in CWTS history as well as a champion. Ren left his crew chief duties for a management position with KBM.

The two teams have put on a show the last two seasons, going head-to-head nearly every weekend. They've made no bones about wanting to beat each other and drivers want to be behind the wheel of either team's trucks. Now, that won't be the case next year, as KBM will be front and center without their rival and current KHI drivers like Hornaday and Nelson Piquet Jr. are searching for rides.

But ...

What if Kyle Busch hadn't started a truck team, stole Rick Ren & regularly beat KHI trucks - would KHI still be disbanding? #NASCAR

@ARosser14 I doubt KBM has anything at all to do with the Harvicks' decision. If anything he'd be reason to keep going.

@zebmonkey idk what caused KHI to disband. Or if it was abt Kevin putting more into Cup and maybe he & Delana having more private time

@wijrsmokefan I think Kevin's focus is on championship; costs going up; and...I think they may feel it is time to start a family!

@ladybug388 probably not as they'd still probably be a total front running package team & not have the sponsorship issues. Also, there'd be sponsors available in the pot as Kevin could've picked up the people who r choosing to sponsor Kyle #NASCAR

@TJIngerson Yes - Hornaday is a champ and had trouble drawing sponsors. Sponsors want Harvick, but Harvick's time is valuable to him as he wants to win Sprint cup and wants all focus to be there. Ren was just a piece of the overall puzzle, but his departure didn't have any impact in this decision, in my opinon.

@cruetten K&D aren't people to accept failure&trying to beat KB would be a reason to stay-not quit. KB can't be the reason for selling.

@Racetake Ahh, Kyle's team is struggling for sponsors too. The future will tell just how hard that will be on the team.

@jlaracefan14 I doubted that KHI would be disbanding if KBM wasn't around! Let's face it KBM is on a level of their own that has KHI doing what is best, leaving the series to prevent more humilliation from KBM!

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) Whew. Tough call honestly. My mind is saying yes, but it still would be a hard decision no matter what. Maybe it could be the fact the KYLE is beating KHI and not Kyle Busch Motorsports. We know Harvick hates losing to him, so that's my thinking.

Jeff N Amy Stabler (via Facebook) I think that that is a tough one to answer. Who knows really.?. I tend to agree with what Dustin said too. But, I also think that maybe Kevin wanted out cause he wanted the focus to be on a championship too. That question is a very tough one to answer.

Nancy Nuce (via Facebook) Thanks for using my question! My short answer is "No". I think KH is all smiles and fun as long as everything is going well, but can't handle it when the going gets tough. He's in it for the fun and Delana gets stuck with the hard work. I think she got tired of doing it all while he & "Mother Function" acted like irresponsible schoolboys.

Thursday, September 1st 'What If' Question

It may be hard to believe but Jimmie Johnson only has one win thus far this season. That's one, single, uno, coming at Talladega in April when teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. pushed him past their other two Hendrick teammates and a Richard Childress duo on the last lap.

This time a year ago Johnson had five wins heading into the Chase and he would pick up his sixth victory at Dover on his way to a fifth straight championship. Such has not been the case this season as the anti-Johnson fans have been pleased with his shutout of victory lane. Although Johnson is currently tied for the point lead his overall performance hasn't been very Johnson-like.

It's almost like his golden horseshoe, which Kevin Harvick alluded to last year, is gone. Johnson hasn't been dominating races, he's experiencing more bad luck during races, some of which he wasn't able to overcome and at racetracks that he has become known for his performance, he wasn't even on the map. He's appeared more frustrated this year and has gotten into spats with the likes of Kurt Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya.

When the Chase starts however, Johnson will be the favorite to take home yet another title. Yet, right now it's Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch that are mentioned as the favorites. They're the ones with the most wins this season and who are climbing in the point standings. Winning has been great to them and they hope to continue to do so right into the Chase.

Should they or any other driver win races in the Chase, they could take home the title. Many drivers have already said that winning races will be what wins the championship. If that's the case, Johnson and company need to get going because once the Chase does start they'll be amongst the lowest seeds.

But ...

What if @JimmieJohnson doesn't win another race this year, only win being at Talladega in April, can he still win the championship? #NASCAR

@ARosser14 Absolutely. That team can win titles in just about any scenario. Even if he didn't have that inch on Bowyer in Talladega.

@canebrake_123 i hope not we need a new driver to win cup like Carl Edwards

@Talon64 he's won the championship every other way imaginable, just needs to do it with 1 win. So yes!

@VerloreneSohn32 Yes. Of course he can.

@cruetten just saw this. I have to say yes as well.

@14Patti14 He's superman! He can do anything. No really, if he wants it bad enough it will.come

Billy Fellin (via Facebook) I think he's proven that no matter how he does during the regular season, he's capable of winning a championship

Melissa Bauer-Herzog (via Facebook) I believe he can. Even with his "bad" season he's still tied for 1st and they really know how to turn up the heat when the Chase comes around.

Friday, August 19th 'What If' Question

Just like the many before him and the many more that will come after him, Jacques Villeneuve has been trying his hand at NASCAR.

It's been a pretty good hand too, Villeneuve has been fast and competitive in most of the races he's competed in. In some he's had the chance to win before he went and became the Jacques Villeneuve that many know and love and took himself out. Regardless, he keeps coming back and team owners keep wanting to put him in their cars.

He's driven for both Turner Motorsports and Penske Racing. Driving for Penske he was in contention for the win at Road America before he drove down into turn one and over his head. He ran into Max Papis and others as the leaders got away. The race would eventually end under caution and many of the leaders ran out of fuel. Villeneuve finished third and maybe should have won the race.

The same happened again this past weekend when he qualified on the pole in the Penske No. 22 as he filled in for the injured Brad Keselowski. Even after leading early and often Villeneuve would again take himself out of the race. On a restart he drove into turn one and locked the brakes up and slid into the grass. He decided to come back onto the track and right into eventual winner Marcos Ambrose, damaging both of their cars and sending them to the rear of the field.

While Ambrose was able to rebound Villeneuve was more of a bull in the china shop and finished 27th, again in a car that should have won the race. That seems to be the theme of Villeneuves NASCAR career, at least to this point. He'll no doubt be back in a car soon enough and will again to be one of the best drivers in the field the question just becomes, when can he put it all together and win? Everything he needs is right in front of him.

But ...

What if Jacques Villeneuve wasn't in Penske equipment when running in #NASCAR races, would he still be as competitive & fast as he's been?

@ARosser14 He was fast in the 32 car as I recall, so yes.

@ladybug388 no as you need the equipment to therefore match well with a good ability to drive. no matter the driver, they need the car & top notch team behind them to win.

@HarpAmyStabler No, cause the equipment covers at least 50% of the results w/ the exception of Kyle Busch. KyBu can make anything look good.

@mjmpgh Probably in Montreal all at least, the track's named after his dad.

Nancy Nuce (via Facebook) Well, he won the 1995 CART Championship, the 1995 Indianapolis 500 and the 1997 Formula One World Championship, making him only the third driver after Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi to achieve such a feat. Granted, he is getting older (he's 40) and probably losing some of his oomph, but you have been on him like he's some idiot who never learned how to drive. He hasn't had as many wrecks as some others we could mention.

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) I'm not sure about that. I think because he's in familiar equipment, it helps out because he knows what he's got. At the same time, as a road course specialist, we've seen drivers like Ron Fellows run different equipment practically every year and still run near the front. I'm not saying he won't be competitive and fast if he's in say equipment from Gibbs, Roush, or even MWR. But, I think it's more about being familiar with the equipment, not so much the driver.

Wednesday, August 17th 'What If' Question

There doesn't need to be a road course involved for NASCAR drivers to have road rage. But it certainly helps the excitement notch go up a bit when one is involved.

That's been the case this season in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series with drivers either driving over their head and causing trouble for their competitors or payback coming fast and furious on the right and left handed turns. This Saturday the NNS will be making those turns for the final time in 2011 and feelings are going to get hurt if the first few road course races were any indication.

Entered in this Saturday's events are favorites like Ron Fellows for JR Motorsports, who still believes he should have been in the winner in Road America. There's Fellows teammate Danica Patrick making another NNS start before what's expected to be an announcement next week about her 2012 plans. Indy 500 pole sitter Alex Tagliani is also entered for Roger Penske but all eyes will be on the driver of the No. 22 Penske car, Jacques Villeneuve.

Not only because the track is named after his late father but because Villeneuve has ruffled some feathers in the NNS. At Road America Villeneuve again was his aggressive self and again didn't make it to the checkered flag first, he did though ruin a few of his competitions day. Notably that of Max Papis who didn't hide his anger with Villeneuve and neither did team owner Kevin Harvick.

The not so happy Harvick tweeted that he hoped Papis punched Villeneuve in the mouth, that he had no sense and that there was no respect for Villeneuve in NASCAR and it was the same reason they kicked his "dumbass" out of F1. Aftewards Villeneuve seemed unapologitic in his comments about the incident with Papis,

Unfortunately for those who were hoping for the second chapter to be written this weekend, Papis is not entered to compete in the race. Instead Scott Speed will be behind the wheel of the KHI No. 33 and unless Villeneuve upsets anymore individuals, shouldn't have to look over his shoulder on Saturday. No road rage here.

But ...

What if Max Papis was entered in the Nationwide race on Saturday, how long before he took out Jacques Villeneuve? Or would he? #NASCAR

@MattEmbury I don't think the boys have at it thing would be covered there, although JV was quite reckless at Road America.

@Talon64 Jacques would use up all his brakes and wreck before Max would get a shot at revenge.

@rcracer20 if he could catch him he would

@cruetten I would like to think that Max would've spun him as soon as he got to him.

Thursday, August 11th 'What If' Question

Thursday afternoon Joe Gibbs Racing announced that starting in 2012 they would be partnering with Toyota Racing Development, TRD, to produce engines.

Gibbs engines have taken a beating this season with many failures and drivers upset about the performance. Up until this point JGR had built their engines in house and while that won't be the case next season, they say they'll keep their engine shop for other projects. Along with their Sprint Cup Series program the team also runs a Nationwide program with their three Cup stars and other development drivers.

In Nationwide JGR has won many races and owner championships and recently a driver's championship with Kyle Busch in 2009. They've had drivers behind the wheel like Kelly Bires, Michael McDowell, Drew Herring, Brad Coleman and many others. The company has been successful with all their drivers in Nationwide and Cup as well as in the developmental series they run with drivers like Darrell Wallace Jr. and Max Gresham.

During their engine announcement though, president J.D. Gibbs said they could expand their Nationwide program and add a Camping World Truck Series program. Currently JGR driver Kyle Busch has his own CWTS team, Kyle Busch Motorsports, which has been very successful in the series by winning races and the owners championship last year.

If JGR creates their own truck team it would be doubtful that Busch would drive for them but can the same be said about Denny Hamlin or Joey Logano? Time will tell if JGR is serious about this adventure and who they have in mind for their driver lineup. Right now their focus is on making the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup and taking care of their engine issues and future deals.

But ...

What if Joe Gibbs Racing does start a CWTS team, who would you like to see them put in the driver's seat? #NASCAR

@tcmcdave Doug Williams.

@cruetten Cole Whitt

@rcracer20 i think @DWallaceJr6 would be a good choice he already drives for gibbs

@cmleedy Awesome choice! RT @cruetten: Cole Whitt

@smokinace88 McDowell

@The_Bumpdrafter who will they? Logano and Hamlin. Who should they? Try to pick up the Kenseth boy or the younger Dillon.

@jsmith123nv: @JustinJohnson51 would be a great choice and has proven he can drive

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) I'd love to see Johnny Benson drive for Gibbs. Proven winner, proven champion...perfect fit.

Tuesday, August 9th 'What If' Question

David Ragan, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards, that's the current lineup for Roush Fenway Racing. At least for the next few years.

Right now those four drivers are under the watchful eye of Jack Roush, or the Cat in the Hat as he's known. Edwards, who is currently leading the Sprint Cup Series points, is often said to be the face of the organization with Kenseth being the veteran and champion. Three of the four drivers have won races this year and all four still have a shot at making the Chase one way or another.

While Roush is still working on sponsorships for some of the teams, things are set at the Cup level with those drivers in place. On the Nationwide Series side there are two other drivers waiting in the wings, Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Bayne might for all intents and purposes be set with the Wood Brothers should he ever decide to come to Cup full-time. He won the season opening Daytona 500 with the team but he races for Roush in the NNS where he has yet to win.

Stenhouse Jr. on the other hand is having a dream season, at least so far. He's won two races and is leading the points. Coming off a year where he was taken out of the car but then came back to win Rookie of the Year, Stenhouse is making the most of every opportunity that's sent his way. This week both Bayne and Stenhouse said they are set for 2012 by most likely staying where they are.

Except, it's never too soon to start thinking about the future. Not just for Bayne and Stenhouse Jr. but for the entire RFR organization. Yes, with the four still signed for years to come it's always fun to wonder what RFR will one day become. Stenhouse and Bayne could very much move up with the company and become Cup stars or they could move to other teams and curve their own path that way.

After winning his first career race earlier this year in Daytona, the driver of the No. 6, David Ragan, is still trying to show people that he belongs in the Cup Series. When Biffle, Edwards and Kenseth move on he could become the face and future of the organization. Will he be teammates with young drivers who make their way into the series or with whoever becomes the biggest free agents in years to come?

But ...

What if Roush Fenway's lineup one day was Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Trevor Bayne, David Ragan & Ross Kenseth, top performer/driver is? #NASCAR

@HendrickGuy Ricky Stenhouse Jr. probably.

@JJohnson51Fan David ragan. He has the most expierance and would be a veteran by then

@mikegieseler Stenhouse Jr or Trevor Bayne....they're both hot new talent and getting better...edge to Stenhouse

Tim Kaufman (via Facebook) Big $$ @ Ross Kenseth! :)

Andy Marquis (via Facebook) Stenhouse.

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) Hmmm, I'd say I'd give the advantage to Bayne as far as top performer. If you think about it, his toughness to come back from illness after having the biggest win of his life, coupled with Roush's constant commitment, he'd be hard not to bet against.

Andy Marquis (replying) Toughness doesn't win races. Talent does. Stenhouse has had less time in Nationwide than Bayne and has won more races. Bayne has one NASCAR win in a race that pretty much anyone in the field can win.

Tim Kaufman (replying) Bayne's pretty smart, though. He's earned the respect of Bobby Labonte, Jeff Gordon and other stars, while Stenhouse is already rattling cages w/ his teammate, Carl Edwards. I think we all know Sunday is the "BIG SHOW" and if ur not good @ give/take, you'll get taken alot more (See: Juan Pablo Montoya, Ryan Newman, numerous others).

Andy Marquis (replying) I've seen lots of drivers come and go who have "earned the respect" of veteran drivers early on in their career... very rarely have those guys put up wins or championships. Drivers giving and taking and not racing hard is the reason the racing in the Sprint Cup Series generally sucks just about every race. I seem to remember veteran drivers not liking Gordon, Stewart, Kurt Busch and even Jimmie Johnson in their early careers. Those guys all have championships. How many YEARS did it take David Ragan, David Reutimann, Brian Vickers, Casey Mears, Paul Menard, Jamie McMurray (excluding Charlotte 2002) and Regan Smith to win races? And how many wins to those guys have a piece?

Tim Kaufman (replying) Jamie had his first win in his 2nd start @ Charlotte, subbing for the injured Sterling Marlin.

Andy Marquis ‎(replying) "excluding Charlotte 2002". How many years did it take for him to get a win after Charlotte? Answer: Five years.

Tim Kaufman (replying) Only time will tell..

Monday, August 8th 'What If' Question

In order for any team to be successful they need to have the right combination. People, parts and everything in between.

For Brad Keselowski and his Penske Racing team that seems to be the case this season as he's won two races and sits 18th in points, but most importantly he's in the first wildcard position for the Chase. Ask anyone this time last year if they ever thought Keselowski would be in this position they might have thought you were crazy.

In 2010 Keselowski's team struggled to put it mildly. They finished 25th in points and only had two top 10 finishes. Before the halfway point of the season team owner Roger Penske was already making an announcement about the company's future. Sam Hornish Jr. would be out of a ride, the No. 77 shut down for lack of sponsorship and performance. Kurt Busch would move from the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge to the No. 22 Shell / Pennzoil Dodge.

It moved Keselowski from the No. 12 team into the 2 car and Paul Wolfe was eventually promoted to be his crew chief. The two had just won the Nationwide Series title and Keselowski and Jay Guy weren't clicking. Heading into 2011 expectations were high for the newly reconfigured team.

It started with Busch winning two of the three races during Speedweeks in Daytona before Keselowski won a fuel mileage race at Kansas. Busch than answered back by winning at the road course in Sonoma before Keselowski won again this past weekend in Pocono.

Both drivers are looking toward the Chase and Keselowski has suddenly become a serious contender in the Sprint Cup Series. A driver that is not to be overlooked, even when he has a broken ankle.

But ...

What if Brad @Keselowski wasn't switched into the 2 car & Paul Wolfe wasn't promoted, does he still have the same success this year? #NASCAR

@ARosser14 No. Brad and Paul have "it."

@mikegieseler good what if... I'd say no, he probably wouldn't have same level of success

@smokinace88 Well... thats tough lets be honest here must first time cup drivers don't have the greatest seasons... Its not easy to tell If Brad would have had the same success had Jay Guy stayed or not.... I like to think it doesnt matter.. But.. Paul and Brad had great success with the nation wide program winning the 2010 Champion ship.. Hard to say... Sorry i wrote novel

@Talon64 Robert No way, the #12 team last year was total crap and big changes were needed. Guy/Keselowski didn't work at all.

@racecrazy what talon said haha

@MattEmbury The thing that's helped Penske? Downsizing the organization, keeping Hornish, dragged both Kurt and Brad last year. #NASCAR

@hillbillyDem I give @KurtBusch22 most of the credit for @Keselowski success this year, without his tirade this would've been a lost season

Thursday, August 4th 'What If' Question

It wasn't the first time that it's happened but being one of those rare occurrences it became a big story.

Saturday night at Lucas Oil Raceway Brad Keselowski went to victory lane in the Nationwide Series race, how he got there though was a little more complicated. On the second to last restart Justin Allgaier's No. 31 caught on fire, he was running second at the time and would had lined up to the outside of race leader Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

After finally deciding to pull off of the racetrack, NASCAR did not order him to, Keselowski was moved into the second position. Except, he was running fourth at the time, on the outside of the second row. Elliott Sadler who was running third believed that he was going to be moving up a position, however NASCAR ruled that because the cars had already doubled up for the restart, it's the line that moves up, not the position. In this case, the outside line that Allgaier had been in moved up when he dropped out.

That's where all the trouble started. Should NASCAR have allowed the cars to double up when Allgaier should have been pulled off the track long before he was. There was also what some called the problem of NASCAR re-issuing the caution for Allgaier when they had already been given the one-to-go sign from the flag stand.

Either way, Stenhouse Jr. and Keselowski were on the front row and Sadler stayed third. On the restart Keselowski and Stenhouse got into a shoving match that Keselowski prevailed on, putting the NNS regular and dominate car on the night back to second and battling with Sadler. That's when Sadler got loose and spun and was the hit by the No. 33 of Austin Dillon, ending both their nights.

Keselowski went on to win another race for the Cup regulars, Stenhouse Jr. finished third and Sadler finished 16th. As Keselowski celebrated, foul was called by Sadler and others who said that Keselowski shouldn't have been able to restart where he did and because of it, the NNS regulars suffered. Sadler lost more points in the championship fight and Stenhouse Jr. was the strongest car of the night and most likely should have been celebrating his second win and earning maximum points.

NASCAR didn't back down from their explanation that once the cars lined up drivers may not pull out of line. They also referred to last year when Kyle Busch won a Nationwide race the same way. He was lined up fourth when Keselowski ran out of fuel, he then moved to second and won the race. Going forward this is a rule that some have said they would like to be looked out.

But ...

What If Elliott Sadler restarted second instead of third, would he still have wrecked & does Brad Keselowski still win from fourth? #NASCAR

@Lady31RCR Can't really say who would have won..or wrecked..I will say I HATE the move up rule..Elliott earned 2nd..BK did not!!

@ronsracing88 Sadler would have won and not wrecked. I still do don't understand how the 31 was allowed to line up for the restart on fire.

@cruetten Sadler would not have wrecked, and he would've gone on to win that race.

@MattEmbury Stenhosue wins the race, Sadler had nothing for him before the yellow. #NASCAR

@smokinace88 I think Brad could have or to be honest it could have been a duel for the win Ricky and Brad had the best cars IMHO

Monday, August 1st 'What If' Question

It will be dubbed the debut that never was.

After months of talk, hype and excitement Travis Pastrana was set to make his NASCAR debut in the Nationwide Series event at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. That was until 48 hours before when Pastrana broke his right foot and ankle while attempting a trick at the X Games in California. Pastrana pulled out of the NNS event but still raced a Rally car on Sunday with hand controls.

The driver announced at the end of last season that he was going to be working his way into NASCAR for a new challenge. The Red Bull athlete lives his life to the extreme on both two and four wheels. A champion in motocross and supercross, Pastrana isn't afraid to go all out, trying new tricks or doing the impossible.

Moving to NASCAR would be the complete opposite, the goal being to keep all four wheels on the ground and learn the art of being smooth and steady. Pastrana has been serious about his intentions and goals though, he even became part owner of the NNS team. It's now called Pastrana-Waltrip Racing and has Boost Mobile as a sponsor.

Should Pastrana heal he's scheduled to run in six more NNS races, the next being Richmond on September 9. Until then, the longest wait until a debut continues, as does the hype and the talk.

But ...

What if @TravisPastrana had made his Nationwide Series debut on Saturday, what should we have expected from him? #NASCAR
@jlaracefan14 we could've witnessed a very awesome multi talented athlete run an awesome race! So bummed he did not debut!

@MattEmbury early bath for Pastrana, he would've DNF'ed (crash)

@Jim_Yoak Travis hitting the wall, Travis hitting other turcks. Travis hitting everything but the Indiana Lottery

@ronsracing88 He would of finished mid pack. It's going to take him a little time to get used the cars/tracks.

@Tmac2824 Top 10.

@NancyatStudioN We could have expected TP to go all out

Jason Remillard (via Facebook) if he learned anything from his last K&N East start at Loudon, the big thing would be to not be so aggressive early. he probably would have tried to take care of his equipment like he did at Irwindale in January.

Chuck Tolsma (via Facebook) Take care of race car and get as much seat time as possible.

Wednesday, July 27th 'What If' Question

The NFL isn't the only place where free agent frenzy is taking place.

NASCAR has their own big names on the line this season including who has had all the buzz around him, Carl Edwards. The Roush-Fenway driver, who is currently leading the Sprint Cup Series points, has always been a championship contender and race winner. Whether he stays at RFR or moves to a new organization it'll be a benefit to all.

Edwards has won 19 career NSCS races as well as the Sprint All-Star race. While has yet to win a Cup championship, closest being second in 2008, he has won a Nationwide Series championship and 34 career wins. He's great with the fans and the sponsors and has plenty of bring to a company regardless of how he may be viewed on the track.

The question just becomes where is he going to land if he does indeed do what some are saying is the unthinkable and leave RFR. The biggest rumor for most of this season has been Edwards joining Joe Gibbs Racing. That would set up a few different scenarios, the first being the replacement of Joey Logano. The Home Depot driver hasn't been horrible but the team could be better and some are already putting Edwards in the 20 car.

Another possible scenario should Edwards join the already strong JGR team with Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, would be the addition of a fourth car. JGR has never ruled out the possibility, in fact they ran a fourth car in select races a few seasons ago. If JGR really wants to add Edwards to the fold it wouldn't be surprising if they just expanded the organization.

That's the possibilities should Edwards leave Roush, which as mentioned seem a little far off. The Missouri driver has been with the Cat in the Hat since he debuted in the sport, running Trucks, Nationwide and Cup cars for him. It's the only home he's ever known and it's been a great home for him, one that provides a good opportunity to win a championship. Not many would leave that situation.

But ...

What if Carl Edwards does leave Roush-Fenway, who should they be looking at as a replacement? Or should they bring up @StenhouseJr? #NASCAR

@jasonskow no brainer @Tbayne21

@NancyatStudioN I can't believe Ford will allow Carl 2 leave Roush. They'd B left with no *star* driving a Ford. Can U say "BIG BUCKS"?

@StrokerAce90 They should hire @JenJoCobb if Carl leaves.

@AllHorsepower I don't know if you could find a replacement. If anything, I'd possibly like to see Bayne get the ride. If Roush does in fact lose Edwards, it is going to hurt in many aspects. Right now, he is the face of that organization, and is the guy for RFR in the points. Personally, I don't think Stenhouse is ready for a Cup ride, not yet at least. I'd love to see Bayne get the ride though, it'd be a great reward for the Daytona 500 champion.

@Lady31RCR I think they would bring up @Tbayne21 and @StenhouseJr for a split ride..Part time for both, both stay full time nationwide.

Michael Hirschbein (via Facebook) Well with what Fenway paid to acquire Liverpool FC and then pay Lebron...Its no wonder why they can't afford a guy who does backflips with precision..