Thursday, February 24, 2011

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

1 comment:

  1. As of right now, I'd put my money on Cobb because she has more experience in NASCAR-sanctioned vehicles than Patrick. However, given more time, I think Patrick will eventually surpass Cobb as the more successful driver in NASCAR and would beat Cobb head-to-head every time.

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