Saturday, March 30th 'What If' Question

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

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

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

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

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

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

But …

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

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

@WilliamCheerboy No because it'll be impossible

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

Tuesday, July 10th 'What If' Question

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But ...

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


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

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

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


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

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

Tuesday, January 31st 'What If' Question

The social media sphere exploded earlier this week when it was announced that Danica Patrick had a guaranteed starting spot in the upcoming Daytona 500.

Patrick, who has never completed a lap in the Sprint Cup Series, is embarking on her first full season in stock cars. She'll be back behind the wheel of the JR Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet while doing a partial Cup schedule in the No. 10 for Stewart-Haas Racing. The Daytona 500 later this month will be her first race and she won't have to worry about qualifying on speed.

Stewart-Haas bought the points of Tommy Baldwin's No. 36 which had been driven by Dave Blaney last season. Further part of the deal was that in the 26 races that Patrick isn't running for Stewart-Haas the No. 10 car will be run by David Reutimann. Patrick's cars will be prepared by Stewart-Haas and Reutimann's by Tommy Baldwin Racing.

Those around the NASCAR world haven't taken to the news kindly. Then again, whenever it comes to Patrick, whether she's right or wrong, the news is normally meet with a chorus of boos. This was no different, many saying that the deal shouldn't have been allowed by NASCAR and buying or swapping points needs to be stopped.

What's interesting is that it's something that's occurred for years. In fact, the Wood Brothers did the same thing in 2011 in order to get rookie Trevor Bayne in the Daytona 500. No one said a peep and instead went crazy over Bayne when he won the race and since then they haven't gotten enough of the young driver.

Patrick isn't getting the same warm welcome, opinions being that she doesn't belong in the sports biggest race. Others have said she got a free pass and should have had to race her way like many others will attempt to do during the Gatorade Duel races on Thursday, February 23.

The hate isn't anything new. If Patrick appears on TV many yell for her to get off, she's not worthy of airtime. Should her commercials air or she does another photo shoot, there are those changing the channel and saying they don't take her seriously as a racecar driver. And heaven forbid her from voicing her opinion because she hasn't accomplished anything in NASCAR that allows her to complain. When she asks questions or voices her honesty about not knowing the rules or ways of NASCAR, she's ripped for that.

From her sunglasses to sponsor and performance, everything is up for grabs. There was even backlash from Patrick saying that she was going to embrace the Honey Bader attitude. She was accused of stealing the nickname from college football player Tyrann Mathieu.

And this chick better not hit the wall, hit another driver, speed down pit road or do anything else besides win or finish top 10 because she'll never hear the end of it. Let's not mention though that Patrick hasn't done anything any other driver or celebrity hasn't done. The rules are just different when it comes to what she can and can't do.

Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't. Patrick just isn't very popular and she hasn't done much to deserve it. That's what didn't make the latest round of negative comments that flew around and caused Twitter and Facebook to nearly explode much surprising. But whether they like it or not, Patrick will race in the Daytona 500 and that's a good thing for her and for NASCAR.

It kicks off the 2012 on a good note. The Sprint Cup Series will get a lot more attention and so will Patrick. There are a lot of expectations on the GoDaddy driver in her first full season. Her learning curve and improvement have begun to show, now she'll look to contend on a weekly basis in the Nationwide Series and bring home a top 10 points finish. On the Cup side she'll get a better taste for what the big boys of racing can do as she dips her toes in the big end of the pool.

And of course along the way she'll blow up the Internet, annoy those watching the TV broadcast and give many media members plenty of material. For Patrick knows all too well: Haters gonna hate.

But ...

What if @DanicaPatrick had had more success in #INDYCAR before coming to #NASCAR, would opinions and criticism of her be different?

@mcanchola2 yes they would.

@BuckyButler Yes. All anyone has ever wanted was for the performance and results to match the hype.

@thebigshmoog most definitely. The hype would be backed up with results.

@chuckallen2 opinions may be different, but I believe her success in INDY will pale in comparison to her NASCAR career. Shes a winner.

@StrokerAce90 Certain NASCAR fans and media would still and always will have the same opinions and criticism of @DanicaPatrick even if she had more Indycar success than she already has.

Thursday, June 9th 'What If' Question

One of the biggest stories in NASCAR the last year has been IndyCar star Danica Patrick trying her hand in the world of stock cars. Talked about more than her performance has been Patrick's media hype as fans feel that every broadcast she's given more airtime than other drivers on the track.

There's no denying though that with her in the field the rating and attention focused on the sport increases. Fans of IndyCar have tuned in just to see how 'their' driver is doing. NASCAR fans are interested to see if another open wheel star can make it in a completely different world. Since her debut in February of 2010 speculation has run wild on whether or not Patrick will one day make the move to NASCAR full-time with the a report late last month saying that she's already working on a deal for 2012. But the Patrick camp hasn't commented or make any announcements.

Meanwhile another racing star has come to NASCAR: Kimi Raikkonen. He too has brought much hype and attention after he announced he would be competing in a Camping World Truck Series race at Charlotte. A week later he competed in the Nationwide Series race and has also tested a Sprint Cup Series car. Currently there is no other races scheduled for Raikkonen in 2011 but it hasn't stopped the buzz.

Making a name for himself in Formula 1 and Rally Cars, the Finnish driver has proved to be very versatile. When he arrived on the NASCAR scene and before he even hit the track there was already buzz circling the sport. What was he going to be like? How was he going to handle himself? Will he be any good? Again, attention was on NASCAR and the Truck race in Charlotte became a very popular viewing choice.

Yet, for all the fun they might have had in NASCAR, both Patrick and Raikkonen have gone back where they came from so to speak. Still running in IndyCar, Patrick will continue with her limited Nationwide schedule. Raikkonen has since dropped from the discussion and has gone back from Rally Car and until another announcement or race is put on his schedule, he might be quickly forgotten as quickly as he came.

But ...

What If Kimi Raikkonen came full-time to Trucks and Danica Patrick came full-time to Nationwide, which series would get the ratings? #NASCAR

@racinwithjason Nationwide by far. The mainstream sports fan has no idea who Raikkonen is, and neither does the NASCAR-only race fan.

@48hollywood depends on the fallout of people who aren't fans of theirs who turn away because 85% of coverage focuses on 1 driver...

@Racergirl83 I would have to say the Nationwide series would, only because she has a lot of followers. Danica Patrick will be good FT.

@MissNASCARNews Nationwide definitely... though rumor is that she is

@Ryan__OHara nationwide for sure. most foreign fans probably would go with trucks.

@jerracing7 The Nationwide Series.

@cruetten without a doubt, the Nationwide Series.

@Kimiforme both series.

@Cdn_CadGuy I think it would be great for both series. #NASCAR needs more women racers.

@StrokerAce90 Nationwide. If this really is @Kimi_Raikkonen he's not even close to @DanicaPatrick's 389,833 twitter followers w/his 37,497

Tim Kaufman (via Facebook) N'wide!!! :D Though, if there is an international market for NASCAR (dunno how regularly NASCAR is shown overseas), Kimi has the potential to blow it outta the waterr (heh @ pun) :)

Camille Jones (via Facebook) Nationwide would definitely get the great ratings here.... but like Tim said, with any international market, Kimi would boost that like crazy.

Matt Wenzel (via Facebook) N'wide. I'd venture to say that 90% of American NASCAR fans never heard of Kimi Raikkonen. I bet 50% have never heard of Formula 1.

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, January 18th 'What If' Question

Without the media it would be hard for celebrities and athletes to get the attention they do. Known as a media frenzy, every sport has an athlete or situation that ignites months if not year long coverage of every possible detail.

This past season NASCAR had their own media frenzy when Danica Patrick made her NASCAR debut. Entering the stock car world from that of open-wheel and the IndyCar Series, Patrick became the biggest story of the year. Every move, every word, every action on the racetrack, commercial or appearance was broken down and covered.

Fans were turned off by the constant coverage of 'Danicamania.' It was often heard that she wasn't the only driver on the track. She wasn't good enough to warrant the attention she received. Or that she shouldn't even be in the sport and should have chose just one sport.

Others sat back and enjoyed watching the female try and hang with the big boys. The first half of the year was frustrating as the learning curve was evident. The second half, when Patrick returned to tracks for the second time, change and improvement were evident. One of the biggest days in Patrick and her fans lives from 2010 came when she was spun out at California.

She was running in the top 15 with less than 20 laps to go. James Buescher appeared to have not been pleased with how Patrick was racing him or how close she came to him. Going down the backstretch he turned left and sent her head on into the wall. Her day ended with another 30 something place finish instead of a career best.

Again, the story was fully covered and broken down. Her side, his side, fans side, other drivers side. Everyone had an opinion and got their 15 minutes. Patrick was the top story in NASCAR for 2010.

But ...

What if Danica Patrick had not come to #NASCAR in 2010, in whose direction would the media frenzy been aimed at this season?

@Talon64:They probably would've focused on Denny as the JJ-killer, especially after his run of wins after the ACL surgery. #NASCAR

@BigBankHank18: different media member have their own favorite targets Junior, Kyle, JG, JJ or Smoke, depends on media member

@WhateverJoel: No one. The media just wouldn't have cared about Nationwide.

@cruetten: I think Jennifer Jo Cobb would've gotten a lot more attention and air time.

@MattEmbury: Kelly...do we really want to know that? I hope not. hehe

@StrokerAce90: um, that's a nice "What If" question, if I may say... Was there even a media frenzy in or around #NASCAR before Danica? If so, I never noticed... It was because of the media frenzy that Danica created by coming to NASCAR that I went to Time Warner & got a cable box just so I could get the Speed channel to see her race, assuming that was the channel to view Nascar races on. [I never watched her Indy races] That being said, with out Danica, the 2011 media frenzy would most likely be aimed at the other Jimmy Johnson & his Extenze car because that's what I hear about the most from my non Nascar friends.

Andy Marquis (via Facebook): It'd be endless Jimmie Johnson worship.

Ty McClain (via Facebook): Jr. Who else?

William Duane Cox (via Facebook) I guess the Dale Jr fans would hear about Jr's problems ... again and again... *sigh* I hope he does better... not a Jr fan, the the young guy needs a break... the fan pressure is enormous... And it appears Jennifer Jo Cobb may get a ride in the "B" Series... I'm rooting for her... and I don't hate Danica... just hope she does well as well... she has built a great publicity machine, but that has put a lot of self-inflicted pressure on her.