Wednesday, February 24th 'What If' Question

There are many things that come to mind when hearing the names Jennifer Jo Cobb and Danica Patrick. Most recently though what comes to mind are the accomplished the two pulled off at the Daytona International Speedway last weekend, both personally and professionally.

Personally, the two captured their career best finishes in their respective races. Cobb raced her way to a sixth place finish on Friday night in the NextEra Energy Resources 250, her previously best was a 14th at both Texas and Darlington last season. Cobb survived a race where she had to start at the rear of the field because of an engine change after having qualified in the top 10.

With six cautions for 24 laps, including the 'Big One' with four laps left, Cobb missed it all and brought her No. 10 home in one piece. Some called it survival but after a disappointing race in Talladega last fall, she ran in the top 10 all day until running out of fuel, it was more like redemption. Mark her down as a favorite on restrictor plate tracks.

Professionally, Cobb marked her name down as the driver who gave women the highest finishing position in NASCAR history.

Patrick on the other had also played her part. After nearly grabbing the pole for Saturday's Drive4COPD 300, she ended up fourth, Patrick went on to lead a lap, the first women to do so at Daytona, and finished 14th. Her previously best career finish was a 19th last season in the finale at Homestead.

Patrick's race was a little more challenging than Cobb's. Because of the new two-car tango, Patrick was having a hard time finding drafting partners until Clint Bowyer pushed her to the front. But then Bowyer became upset when Patrick didn't know how to the 'swap' and couldn't push him.

Bowyer would go on to finish second and said he didn't hold it against Patrick, but was upset with her spotter.

For fans, they relished in the fact that there was girl power this past weekend. Everyone has their own favorite and whom they believe deserves a shot over the other. Because Cobb races full-time in the CWTS and Patrick races a part time NNS schedule, it's rare that the two get to go head-to-head.

Even if they do it would never be a fair fight, Cobb does not have connections to a top NNS team while Patrick races for the well established JR Motorsports.

But ...

What if @DanicaPatrick & @JenJoCobb went head-to-heard in a Nationwide race in the same equipment, who would you put money on? #NASCAR
@JeffSmelser: Jen Jo Cobb!

@JTH88_7: Danica

@jlaracefan14: wow really I think I would put money on @JenJoCobb at least she can actually drive!

@Talon64: Danica Patrick, she's the more talented of the two IMO.

@NASCARJeannie: @Jenjocobb for sure

@ronsracing88: I would put my money on @JenJoCobb

@chuckallen2: I say Jennifer. That's right this minute. Probably different in a year.

@annaxcamille: I'd say Jen right now.. but thats because she's been around stock cars her whole life. With a few more years, Danica for sure. But if it comes down to it. Danica still has that upper-hand on speed. All in all it wouldnt be a fair battle though.

@danicaracing: Danica

@tamgil: Danica... it would be fun to watch! How would you answer that question?

@Laly114: Danica :) !!!

@StrokerAce90 Ok, on a decision I hate to make & after much consideration... I've decided that I'd put my money on Danica. Reason being: from my observation she has shown more aggressiveness on the track than Jen. I've seen Danica go back on the track & bump a car back that spun her. Where as I've seen Jen take crap from Kyle Busch & let him get away with it. Danica would pounce on Jens weakness by slamming, rubbing, nudging & bumping Jen to assert her way into Victory lane. Danica would smile proudly in Victory Lane & say: "Welcome to NASCAR! Where Rubbing is racin!

@StrokerAce90 and yes, I know... I'll go to hell for this answer. *guilt*

Stephanie Davis (via Facebook) Jennifer Jo Cobb

Matt Wenzel (via Facebook) Jennifer Jo Cobb

Tuesday, February 22nd 'What If' Question

On February 18, 2001 when Michael Waltrip won his first Sprint Cup Series race, which happened to be the biggest race of them all the Daytona 500, there was no celebrating. As the NASCAR world vividly remembers, Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr. raced toward the finish line but their car owner, friend, boss and father had hit the turn four wall behind them and died on impact.

Waltrip's win was overshadowed by a giant loss.

So, 10 years later Waltrip decided to enter the Camping World Truck Series race in Daytona, which was being held on the anniversary of Sr.'s death. In a black truck with the No. 15 painted on the side Waltrip again went out and won, this time in remembrance of Earnhardt.

And again his win was overshadowed.

After Waltrip crossed the finish line following a slingshot move of Elliott Sadler coming to the checkers, it became obvious that part of Waltrip's back spoiler was broken. It sent nearly everyone in the NASCAR world into a tizzy, hissy fits were thrown by many about the legality of it and how the win should be taken away.

Even Waltrip's brother, who was calling the race for SPEED channel, couldn't help but chuckle when saying, "I think we're going to have a problem there." When asked about it afterwards when speaking to the media, Waltrip said that if his spoiler had bent back before the checkered flag then NASCAR would most likely have black flagged him.

When exactly it occurred no one knows. The only thing that is known is that it happened out on the racetrack and was not done by the No. 15 team intentionally to gain an advantage. Either way it has caused quite the uproar and NASCAR official stated they would investigate further into the matter, however it appeared it was a part failure.

Either way, Waltrip's win will stand but it could have been a much more emotional and bigger story had it not been for controversy.

But ...

What if Michael Waltrip's spoiler didn't break/fall/bend backwards, does he still outrun Elliott Sadler to checkers in Truck race? #NASCAR

@KYTAB: No

@88myjr: Has anything else been said about the spoiler? I don't think her would have won.

@Nascar47Fan: I dont think his spoiler breaking had anything to do with his passing sadler & winning.

@Nascartwodozen: Not one bit.

@cruetten: I'd like to think Mikey still would've won, but that half-broken spoiler sure did help his lap times...

@NCL55: YES!

@StrokerAce90: No, Eliot would have been able to hold Mikey off. That missing rear spoiler gave Mikey more of an unfair advantage than Clint Bowyer's 60 thousant's of an inch issue did at New Hampshire Motor Speedway back in 2010.

Wednesday, February 9th 'What If' Question

Scott Speed made a few headlines earlier this week but it wasn't that he'll have a ride in the Sprint Cup Series this season. Speed and wife Amanda announced via Twitter that they're going to be new parents this year.

While that's the happy news, Speed will be unemployed after losing his ride at Red Bull Racing. It came from a result of musical cars that sees Kasey Kahne come to Red Bull for one season before heading to Hendrick Motorsports. Speed was released from his contract and is currently in a lawsuit with Red Bull over his termination.

The argument can be made that Speed was never given time to fully develop, he was thrown to the wolves very early on with little stock car experience. As a result he's finished 35th and 30th in Cup Series points, with a best career finish of 5th at Talladega in 2009 and only has two top 10s to his name. It was also during that season that Speed battled the 'bubble,' the top 35 in points and failed to qualify for the Texas spring race.

Speed can say though, that he has led laps in the Daytona 500. Last season, he stayed out on older tires and held off the field for about 12 laps, impressing many. It just wasn't enough to carry over into a season worth of success to see Red Bull keep him around. Something that was quite a shock considering Speed is a Red Bull child.

He came from open-wheel where he drove Red Bull machines starting in 2002. But once he left that world and came to NASCAR it was straight to the Sprint Cup Series after only running a full-season in ARCA (he won four races), and he could have won the championship. He did run 16 Truck races and won at Dover in 2008 and has run just a handful of Nationwide Series events.

But ...

What if Scott Speed drove Trucks or Nationwide full-time before entering Cup Series, would he be out of a ride today? #NASCAR

@Talon64: The extra experience would've helped him have a better rookie season and progress at a faster race. So yes.

@dougthethird: yes he would. He raced for two full years and only showed marginal improvement. The real question is, w/o Kahne would he be?

@cruetten: no. also, it's sad that he was dumped after only two years. teams dump drivers too quickly IMO...except for David Ragan

@TJIngerson: Ya, he would..Red Bull sucks when it comes to handling the talent, and do much worse on the F1 side

@chuckallen2: I don't believe he would. He ran well in trucks, and won a race. He tried to move up too fast, with an impatient team.

@Racergirl83: I dont know, but in a way I feel he got cheated anyway out of a ride for this year.

Monday, February 7th 'What If' Question

Before Brendan Gaughan became the driver of the No. 77 Kodak Dodge in the Sprint Cup Series or driver of the No. 62 South Point Toyota for Rusty Wallace, Gaughan was making a name for himself in the Camping World Truck Series.

Debuting in 1997, Gaughan got his feet wet. He only ran two races in 1998 before racing full-time in 2002 where he won Rookie of the Year. Then the wins started to come in a truck that many will never forget him in: the No. 63 Orleans Dodge which was owned by his family. In 2003 he came one race and one wreck short of winning the championship.

At Homestead he was wrecked by a teammate to Ted Musgrave, whom he was racing for the title. After that season Gaughan moved to the Cup Series then down to the Nationwide Series, while dabbling in the Truck Series. And it's his time in trucks that won't soon be forgotten and where he's had the most success.

He has eight career wins, three poles and 55 top 10s. He also has four consecutive wins at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Gaugan will return full-time to the Camping World Truck Series in 2011 for Germain Racing. He'll drive the No. 62 South Point Toytoa and be teammates with the 2010 CWTS champion Todd Bodine.

But ....

What if Brendan Gaughan had never left the Truck Series, how many races and championships could/would he have won? #NASCAR

@ARosser14: The way he failed to produce wins or titles after going back after his Cup run in '04, I doubt it would've made a difference. Toyota changed the game in '04, of course maybe his team woulda changed over, in that case, he mighta been strong and won a title or two.

@Talon64: Not many if he stuck with his family-owned team, struggled even when he came back in 2006 and 2007. #NASCAR

@chuckallen2: Probably a few races, but no championships. He's a great second tier driver.

Thursday, February 3rd 'What If' Question

Almost doesn't count in racing but for Richard Petty Motorsports driver AJ Allmendinger there have been a few occasions where he almost won his first Sprint Cup Series race.

Driver of the No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion has developed into quite the little racer as they say and through all the internal problems that have plagued RPM, he hasn't lost focus of his main goal. Last season in Dover, Allmendinger again came close to victory, contending with the likes of Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson until troubles found him.

As the new season looms the predictions start and Allmendinger has made a few lists by those (including yours truly) who believe he will win his first race in 2011.

A driver winning their first career race is a big story but a driver winning in a car with the No. 43 on the side and owned by Richard Petty is also a big story. The number was made by Petty back in his heyday, when he won 200 races and seven championships. Forever dubbed the 'King' of the sport and elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame last season, fan support will never waver for himself or his company,

It just hasn't been easy for the company. Petty though, is back in control and said during the annual media tour 'Welcome to the new Richard Petty Motorsports.' The team will field two cars, Allmendinger in the 43 and newly hired Marcos Ambrose in the No. 9. Both have something they want to prove to the NASCAR world and Petty doesn't want to be the laughing stock of the sport anymore either.

See, there will always be stories. Just maybe none so more then anyone who drives the No. 43, much like another driver that is connected to one of the most famous names in NASCAR history. Allmendinger is indirectly in the same boat because of whom he drives for and what his car number is and both fortunately and unfortunately, not having won he hasn't had to deal with more Petty talks than he's already heard.

But ...

What if AJ Allmendinger is to win his first race this season, bigger story his first win or his car number and owner winning? #NASCAR

@racecrazy: AJ winning-at least to me

@Talon64: Probably his car owner and number winning, #43 hasn't won since 1999. I'd hope it would be AJ though.

@Brandon_MGraves: it would be both

@Matt_Kacar: AJ winning would be bigger because of all the uncertainty he had to go through last year.

@nascarjaj: the bigger story will be the car number winning again

@cruetten: AJ's first win will be the bigger story--i dare say the majority of #nascar fans started watching long after Petty retired.

@Nascar47Fan: My thought is his car no and team owner will overshadow his 1st win.

@Tmac2824: The King will always prevail. Even in headlines.

@MattEmbury: Probably the latter, it's been since 1999 at Martinsville that car has won. #NASCAR

@NancyatStudioN Bigger story would be AJ's win. RP made me sick when he practically pushed KK out of victory lane in Sonoma so he could hog the spotlight

Jose Acero (via Facebook) Trick question Kelly? Obviously we the fans would like for it to be big news AJ winning but as we all know the infamous "media" will put aside AJ's first win and focus on the the owner and the car number going back to victory lane. But from a fans point of view AJ winning no doubt the kid is as talented of a driver than anyone out there

Wednesday, February 2nd 'What If' Question

When two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart announced in 2008 that he was going to be leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to start his own team many weren't surprised.

Stewart had accomplished nearly everything a driver can in the 10 years he had been with JGR and branching out on his own was the next step. He certainly wasn't going to pass up the opportunity be his own boss and with a team that was already existing (he wouldn't be starting from the ground up) and be partnered with Hendrick Motorsports.

He hired Ryan Newman away from Penske Racing to drive his No. 39 US Army Chevrolet, as Stewart took the reigns of the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy. In their first year Stewart led the point standings through the first 26 races and looked to be headed toward his third championship before troubles in the Chase did him in.

At years end he had won four races and both Stewart-Haas cars had made the Chase even with Newman going winless. Last season Newman picked up his first victory since the Daytona 500 in 2008 but it took Stewart until late September to find victory lane at Atlanta. He also won California in the Chase.

Ever since the team formed however, there have been rumors of a third car being added into the group. Stewart had stated in the past that when the time comes he would have no problem expending, but was comfortable with how the team is currently structured. That hasn't stopped the talk though and as a new year looms so does that the speculation.

While the 2011 season is set with driver lineups, heading into the offseason in November will see many big name drivers become free agents. Where will they land? With three years under their belt will Stewart feel more comfortable and ready to add another driver and team into his stable?

So ...

What if Tony Stewart decides to start a third Stewart-Haas Racing team, who would you want as the driver and why? #NASCAR

@kartracer3886: John wes Townley. I like to see yellows sometimes

@smokinace88: I'd want Junior I think those 3 together would do wonders. Also think Tony could tips from Junior in the owner department in ways

@Dizneydreamer: I think SHR should get a young up and comer like @J_Allgaier or even @aric_almirola to drive for them #NASCAR

@Talon64: For 2012 and among free agents, Mark Martin and Justin Allgaier split the season. Allgaier full time in 2013. #NASCAR

@Emily_8388: Kenseth. He needs a change.

@cruetten: i would try and snag one of the RFR drivers whose contracts are coming due because each is a winner and always competitive.

@ChurchGr8Oval: Kevin Harvick. Just because it would be the RIGHT thing to do!

@Nascar47Fan: I would hope that it would be his former teammate @bobby_labonte.

@MisanAkuya: Bobby Labonte he deserves 1 last chance at a 2nd championship

@TJIngerson: Mark Martin next year..enough said

Rich Bohr (via Facebook) I would like to see Tony Stewart get either Scott Riggs or Regan Smith to drive a 3rd car for Stewart-Haas Racing. Both drivers have great talent, but things just haven't went their way the past few years. If I had to pick one of of those two drivers. I would like to see Tony pick Regan Smith just because he is better than Scott Riggs.

Tuesday, February 1st 'What If' Question

Most of those who are reading this will probably never get to sit behind the wheel of a stock car and compete in a NASCAR event. And that event would probably never be the biggest race of the season, the Daytona 500.

That, however, has most likely never stopped them from thinking about it. Thinking about what it would be like to be a racecar driver for one day and live the lives of those who seem to have it all and get to it all. At least on TV it looks like being rich and famous can be fun.

Being able to trade places with another human though isn't possible. What is possible is to live vicariously through others and each weekend that's what NASCAR fans do with their favorite drivers. When the driver wins they win, when the driver loses they lose. Every emotion is felt in both the driver and the fan.

Some feel it even worse if they engage themselves in Internet fantasy racing games, or stock car challenges. Every week they set their lineup and hope that the guys in real life can get the job done for them. For a few months during the year these fans get to be the owners of a race team and put their hopes and dreams on their driver's shoulders.

What makes the challenges so much fun, or frustrating, is trying to predict which drivers are going to have success at which track. For some it's easy: Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin are always going to be at the front in Martinsville. Others, like maybe Las Vegas and Charlotte it's a little more difficult.

Games aren't real though and sometimes being off by one driver wont' ruin your fantasy standings. NASCAR team owners though have more on the line and every one of them feels they have the driver, the only one that can win at that racetrack. They have the driver that everyone thinks about when wondering who is going to be their biggest challenge

He's the guy that every team owner marks down as being the one they would pick to either win the race or want them driving their car. The fans can only sit back and hope to feel the pride in hearing their driver's name called.

But ...

What if you owned a team & you wanted to enter the upcoming Daytona 500, which driver (only one) would you hire to drive your car? #NASCAR

@Dizneydreamer I'd hire Harvick... Think he's going to be the man to beat this year

@ts14lady: Hands down, Tony Stewart!!

@BigBankHank18: I will copy AJ Foyt's and Junior Johnson's answer to that question: @KyleBusch I want to win races, and KB goes for it

@amarquis32: Chase Elliott... he's the real deal.

@smokinace88: Dale Junior

@Talon64: Kevin Harvick; most points scored in last 10 Daytona Cup races, 7.6 avg fin in last 5 Daytona 500's. #NASCAR

@Daniels_Caudill: I'd put @MPRacing in my car just to see how it would go. If I had unlimited funds of course.If not I'd go with @BrianLVickers

@Racergirl83: Thats an easy answer for me my driver would be Mark Martin, and if not him, Denny Hamlin

@TJIngerson: Ryan Newman...stays in contention, doesn't put himself into bad situations, and is always at the front for the finish

@Ks29Fan: I would hire @BrianVickers

@cruetten: Dale Jr.-- Regardless of how he finished, I would make a killing in merch sales!

@felipegana: Kevin Harvick, because he is the best in restrictor plate racing. Running up front should attract sponsors for our team!

@gareth_mott: I would put @Kenny_Wallace in my car cuz he absolutely drives the wheels off a car at @DISupdates and @TalladegaSuperS!

@MattEmbury: If you go by who's available on the market right now, I'd pick either Mike Wallace or John Andretti.

@NancyatStudioN: I'd hire kevin Harvick this year

@StrokerAce90: If I won the Lottery and wanted to hire someone to drive a car in the Daytona 500 for me I would offer first dibs to my favorite underdog in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The driver of the No. 90, Renee Dupuis.

Tim Simmons (via Facebook) Me

Sunday January 30th 'What If' Question

Two days after Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson won his fifth consecutive championship and as many still tried to wrap their arms around the concept, team own Rick Hendrick decided to grab some more headlines.

Hendrick announced major changes in his organization for the 2011 season. Three of his four drivers - Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin - would be picking up their driving seat and moving to different teams. Earnhardt Jr. would now be paired with Gordon's team led by Steve Letarte and be driving old 24 cars. Gordon would be moving to Martin's old team led by Alan Gustafson and would be driving old 5 cars. And Martin would be moving to Earnhardt Jr.'s old team led by Lance McGrew to drive old 88 cars.

Everything but the drivers and the sponsors stayed the same. While many were quick to try and point out the change was made because of the continuing struggles of Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick made it clear that he was not satisfied with the performance of any of his teams in 2010. Johnson was the only HMS driver to win a race and in May Hendrick said he felt that Joe Gibbs Racing had caught and passed his organization.

For Earnhardt Jr. he hasn't won a race since June of 2008 and missed the Chase in both 2009 and 2010. Gordon has been winless since April of 2009 but did make the Chase in those two years. Martin has been winless since September of 2009 when he made the Chase but then he too missed it in 2010.

Hendrick decided he wanted to do something fresh, something to give the company another shot in the arm. In doing so he rocked the NASCAR world and made sure there was plenty to talk about during the offseason and heading into the 2011 Sprint Cup Series season.

From the drivers themselves to the media and down to the fan, the opinions of what's in store of HMS this season have been widespread and widely documented.

But ...

What if Rick Hendrick didn't make changes to 3 of his 4 teams, what would you be expecting from Dale Jr, J. Gordon & M.Martin this year?

@cruetten: a mediocre year for Jr, an impressive final year for Martin, and possibly a championship for Gordon.

@StrokerAce90: I'd be expecting Jr to argue with his crew chief, Gordon to give Burton payback & M.Martin to help JJ win a 6th Championship.

Adam Amick (via Facebook) What if Dale, Jr. was worth a crap as a driver? What if Steve Letarte didn't make so many bonehead calls over the past few years? What if Mark Martin had quit when he said he was and someone else (Brad Keselowski) was in the seat? What if Jeff Gordon hadn't hired Jimmie Johnson in the first place? What if? What if? What if? But to answer your question: If there hadn't been any changes, there wouldn't be any changes... (See above)