Friday, March 25th 'What If' Question

Sometimes the mind wonders.

No more so than when watching a favorite television program and the commercials start. When watching NASCAR to break away to commercial is like stealing candy from a baby, if you were wise you wouldn't do it. If you were nice you also wouldn't do it, but commercials pay the bills and NASCAR fans have had a hard time dealing with that.

Commercials, commercials, commercials! They make everyone want to scream.

There are too many, they come on during inopportune times, whatever argument you can think of NASCAR has probably heard it when it comes to why the fans want to do away with commercials. Yet, that can't and won't happen, so they sit and watch and hope they aren't painful.

As drivers become bigger and bigger celebrities the more commercials they star in. During a NASCAR broadcast it might be safe to say that almost half of the commercials shown feature a driver and a sponsor. Everything from Dominos Pizza to Budweiser even Tums. There's been Viagra, Home Depot, Nextel, Sprint and car parts/stores. Of course, the Sponsafier commercials are in a league of their own.

Some are better than others and most are quite entertaining. Then there are some that have overstayed their welcome.

Since no one can control how many commercials are shown during a NASCAR broadcast it would be nice if they could at least give the fans some say in which ones are shown and how often. That however, can't and won't happen either. So, they'll continue to sit and watch and have certain jingles stuck in their heads as well as certain advertisements they wish they never saw.

But ...

What if you controlled the commercials during a #NASCAR broadcast, which ones would you keep and eliminate? (I'd get rid of Aarons)

@nascar200mph: Get rid of the comcast commercial

@ARosser14: I'd get rid of the Aaron's too, except where Lucky Dog dances. Also the Logano Sponsafier. So damned annoying.

@mikeymac5306: if I have to look at @mw55 shake his ass one more time...

@nathanmedic: Needless to say, I would rather blow my head off with a shotgun than hear Napa Know-How on repeat. :) Please, please put Danica and Jr. out of our misery by eliminating the Nationwide commercials with them.

@johnson1439: I would get rid of the Dale Jr commercials ( u and me both Jr ).

@Cruetten: i'd definitely get rid of the godaddy commercials. as far as which ones to keep, most of them are actually pretty good; but after you see them for the 30th time, they all get a little annoying. the "you and me both, jr" commercial comes to mind...

@Emily_488: Can you get rid of them all? If not, I'd go for everyone that has Danica in it and all the GoDaddy ones too.

@ollie1972: I'd get rid of commercials for trying to sell tickets to upcoming races

@WilliamCheerboy: Anything Nascar product commercial w/Nascar drivers. Just keep it with Nascar promos of the next race, Nascar.com, etc.

@RoushGirl17: I would get rid of all of our commercials because Canadian commercials suck and they have been showing the same ones for the last 3 yrs.

@hillbillyDem: I would get rid of all the "napa know how" commercials that includes singing first #nascar

@StrokerAce90: I'd get rid of them boner pill commercials. Nothin worse than hearing about a 4-hour erection while eating a BBQ'd hot dog.

Wednesday, March 23rd 'What If' Question

Next to Jimmie Johnson, no driver has made more headlines since 2008 than Kyle Busch.

Once he joined Joe Gibbs Racing and the Toyota camp, Busch has been unstoppable in everything he's sat in. He won eight races in 2008 and led the point standings for the first 26 races. In 2009 he won the Nationwide Series championship and in 2010 he started his own Truck Series team and won the owner's championship there.

He's now won 90 races across all of NASCAR's three series. Yet, besides the NNS title in 2009 he has failed to capture a Cup championship and has yet to be a real factor in the Chase fight. Last weekend he again swept the races at the Bristol Motor Speedway and put himself back in the spotlight as some are making him their picks for Busch to dethrone Johnson for the title.

Except the question has again been raised, is Busch outracing himself? Even at 25-years-old, running in all three series has it's downfall and Busch loves to race anything he can. Of course, being damn good at what he does makes that decision come easy, however Busch continually has more success in NASCAR's lower two levels than he does in the Sprint Cup Series.

During the off season the question was raised by yours truly on whether or not Busch would be a better Cup driver if he cut back on the racing that he does in the Truck and Nationwide Series. In doing so, his focus would be only on the Cup Series and who knows what his potential would be. You don't see Johnson running in anything other than the Cup Series and his success has yet to be matched.

Others though say that Busch should race while he can and that his success on Sunday has nothing to do with what he does on Friday and Saturday. That he could have, before NASCAR's new rules, become the first driver to win the championship in Nationwide and Cup in the same year. Then there are some Busch fans that just want to see him race and keep winning because that's where all the fun is at.

But ...

What If Kyle Busch was like Jimmie Johnson - raced/focused solely on Sprint Cup, would he already be a champion? #NASCAR

@Talon64: Probably not, Carl Edwards came close in 2005 and 2008 despite running full time in #NNS.

@smokinace88: Yes I dont want to sound mean here but the more he focuses on Tracks and Nation Wide he'll never win a Championship

@RoushGirl17: Not yet, he still has some maturing to do. He needs to find patience. He needs to find that cool under pressure Jimmie has. Once he finds that, he could be though. Once he gets all of that, he can settle into one series and do it.

@denver2u: No, I don't think he had the maturity to pull off all the wins that JJ has.Moving forward,I think he's a real good contender

@StrokerAce90: No. He's a driver other drivers refer to as an ass, say he races like a clown & claim to owe him payback. It'll never happen.

@cruetten: yes. the same goes for harvick too. they have a lot going on, whereas JJ drives mainly cup and doesn't own truck/NNS teams...

@csigmon12: KY is definately a great driver, but JJ makes what KY does look EASY...Wish BOTH their clutches slipped a little more often

@NancyatStudioN: Nah, While extremely talented, Kyle has not been mature enough to focus on the big picture. All he could see was THIS race, right NOW. This may be changing. If it does, look out. If you think ppl have hated having JJ win all the championships, imagine how it would be if Kyle started winning them.

VOTE For Your Favorite 'What If' Bumper Sticker Design

Recently, NASCAR's What If Moments blog was approached by Megan from Build a Sign.com for the opportunity to have bumper stickers made for our followers.

Upon realizing that I have no creativity at all and didn't want to give the fans something they might not like, I decided to open it up for the fans themselves to design the bumper sticker. After a week of submissions it's time for the voting to begin so that the bumper stickers can be made and sent out!

Here the designs that were submitted. Please vote for your favorite by leaving a comment in the comment section below! For a larger image of each design just click on it ...



Above design submitted by Klarissa Mitchell





Above two designs submitted by Jose Luis Acero Jr.



Above design submitted by Corey Ruetten

Wednesday, March 16th 'What If' Question

It is a topic that is approached every so often and has been before here in our 'What If' blog, just in a different way.

Everyone who is a fan of some sport or maybe even television show (dear CBS you have royally destroyed Criminal Minds) has had a moment where they sat and thought about something they would change. NASCAR has a rich 60 plus year history and pages among pages of history have been written. Some good, some bad. Others memorable, some to be forgotten.

However, it's all there and can revisited at any time. It can't be changed and whether the results were what was wanted or not, it happened. It just doesn't stop anyone from wanting to have changed the outcome or the event. We wouldn't be human if we didn't.

In NASCAR there have wrecks or unfortunate deaths. There have winners both liked and disliked. There have drivers that have come and gone. To sum it up - there has been a lot that has occurred in one of the biggest sports in America and there is a lot more to come. Which, again won't be changed.

But ...

What if you could go back and change something from the past 60+ years of #NASCAR history, what would you change and why?

@dougthethird easy. I'd have Dale Earnhardt win the 1989 Winston Cup instead of narrowly losing it to Rusty Wallace

@Talon64 I'd only change one inch; the difference between Kurt Busch hitting the pit wall barrels at Homestead in 2004.

@NascarIntern24 2001 daytona 500....I miss seeing the black #3 on the track.

@fuckjimmie48 I would go back in time and make sure Jimmie Johnson's father had pulled out the night of his conception. #NASCAR

@robwright11 Every gwc finish that wasn't allowed to be decided under green at the finish line.

@18Winning I would have Davey Allison's helicopter not crash

@cruetten i would go back to '98,'99,'00; and change NASCAR's safety regulations (HANS, safier barriers, etc.). If the post-Sr death regulations would've been in place for the 2001 Daytona 500, it's possible that Sr wouldn't have been killed in that wreck.

@Tradertoms I would change the way they gave Richard Petty better cars than everybody & he just piled up wins because of it

@denver2u ..I'd for sure change the safety req's..maybe Dale Sr would still be racing today..

@ronsracing88 Acting too slowly on safety issues; they waited until we Dale Earnhardt before they acted on anything #NASCAR

@ladybug8848 would've worked on safety innovations sooner so we could save lives

@Lady31RCR #3...Do I really need to say why?

@lecroy24fan I can't top the Jimmie Johnson answer

@phathead I'd keep Brian France from eating lead paint chips as a kid. Kind of would explain a not, no?

@kkjlluver Dale Earnhardt dying safer cars back then

@NancyatStudioN I'd like to go back & reverse the deaths of DE, AK, DA, KI, but most of all - AP. I still get choked up when I think of him.

@TJIngerson Prob popular answer but the Day Earnhardt died..sport would be so much different today if he was still alive, no question

@TominBristol Bobby Allison would officially have his 85th win and would forever be ahead of DW.

Robert Pritchett (via Facebook) pit row speed on green flag stops

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) I'd do what they did this year...change the point system. Its easier to follow, simpler to understand, and means each position matters even more. There's no "good points" finishes, just balls to the walls racing.

Jose L Acero (via Facebook) I would do what they did after Dale Sr. passing away. Install SAFER barriers, implement the HANS device. That way we would still have The Intimidator with us. RIP #3

Thursday, March 3rd 'What If' Question

For all that Mark Martin has accomplished in his career there are still some major parts missing on his resume.

They include things such as the Daytona 500, the Brickyard 400 and a championship. He's come close a few times. In 2002 he battled Tony Stewart but wasn't able to beat the No. 20 team. It also didn't help that just days before his team was penalized by NASCAR for an illegal part.

Then in 2007 Martin was leading the points early in the year but stepped out of the car to keep to his part-time schedule. That was one of the many years in which he said he was retiring. At the time he was driving for Bobby Ginn. And of course the year that will be most talked about is 2009 when he drove for Hendrick Motorsports and finished second in points. He won five races that year and was the sentimental favorite to capture the title.

The 2011 season is another final for Martin. He will not be returning to HMS next season but has said that he will race somewhere. One can only imagine that he's hanging on for as long as he possibly can in hopes of winning those prestigious races and the championship. But he struggled in 2010 and missed the Chase and has a new team this year, a team that struggled with Dale Earnhardt Jr. last year.

A championship just hasn't been and isn't in the cards for Martin. Just the years of coming oh so close and wondering what might have been. Many though will continue to talk about what he accomplished in 2009 as his greatest year.

But ...

What If M.Martin ran full 2007 season after leading points early on, would his 2009 season have been as impressive or successful? #NASCAR

@Talon64 Don't think 2009 would've been affected. Bsd on avg points per race, would've made Chase but finished 12th in 2007.

@BigBankHank18 nope, don't think DEI could of maintained that for 36 races

@cruetten tough to say.with so many team swaps (cup and NNS) in two years, it would've been tough to hold on to any momentum from 2007

Toby Christie (via Facebook) Not only that, but had that been the case where would Aric Almirola be right now? Remember he was the guy splitting time with Martin those seasons.

Patty Wells (via Facebook) a great journalist always provides us with "food for thought" thats you my girl :)

Tuesday, March 1st 'What If' Question

It's hard for NASCAR's most popular driver to go under the radar, no matter how hard Dale Earnhardt Jr. tries.

Heading into 2011 it will be even harder now that team owner Rick Hendrick has again made changes to his No. 88 AMP Energy / National Guard Chevrolet team. In a widely discussed and publicized move, Hendrick took Earnhardt Jr. and had him pick up his driver's seat and head over to the shop that used to be the 24/48 shop. Earnhardt Jr. inherited everything that used to be Jeff Gordon's.

With that move came the move for Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin. Gordon now has everything that was once the 5 team and Martin has everything that was once the 88 team. Hendrick denied all claims that the move was made solely for the purpose of Earnhardt Jr., instead saying that he wasn't pleased with any of his team's performance in a year where Jimmie Johnson was the only HMS car to win a race.

When the combination of Steve Letarte and Earnhardt Jr. hit Daytona it was instant chemistry. By luck they sat on the pole for the Budweiser Shootout, but ended up wrecked in the garage. The next day, by speed, they won the pole for the Daytona 500, but again ended up wrecked in the garage after a practice session.

Never one to panic, Letarte told Junior not to worry they had another car. The two got to work and went out and ran strong all during the 53rd running of the great American race. Only, to once again, end up wrecked. While many will say that's nothing to be proud of, others will say looking at their performance as a whole they did everything right.

At Phoenix it was more of the same. All of the HMS teams struggled in practice and qualifying but were able to fight their way to front come race time. Earnhardt Jr. in a surprising turn of events never really lost too many spots on the racetrack and instead was fighting all day long to crack the top 10.

When the checkered flag flew he had done so and came home with a 10th place finish. Again, some will say it's nothing to be excited about but for a team that has a long season ahead of them it was a step in the right direction.

But ...

What if Dale Earnhardt Jr. did not have a flat tire at Daytona and a loose wheel in Phoenix, does he still end up with same results? #NASCAR
@mbauerherzog: No, he would have been at least a contender in both races. He may not have have gotten the win but would have been up there.

@Talon64: Top 10 at Daytona but not at Phoenix; forced Phoenix pit strategy gave him fresher tires at the end. He'd be top 10 in points

@cruetten: absolutely not--Jr's final results would've been much better! I still think before his wreck, Jr had a legitimate shot to win the daytona 500. This year Jr has the crew chief, the cars, and the confidence to win races and possibly make the Chase. He just needs a little luck...

@Jim_Yoak: What if? At Daytona YES. At Phoenix, NO. He wasn't a top 10 car until everyone else had bad luck. he was top 10 by default.

@The_Bumpdrafter: doubtful. Prob top sox or seven at Daytona. About the same at phoenix. Maybe ninth.

Stephanie Davis (via Facebook) I say no...atleast in Daytona

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