Tuesday, February 18th 'What If' Question

It’s been 13 years since NASCAR’s darkest day.

When Dale Earnhardt died in February of 2001 in the last corner of the last lap in the Daytona 500, it resonated throughout an entire sport and its fan base. Earnhardt has been considered one the sports greatest drivers and his sudden death briefly crippled not only NASCAR, but also his fans and the organization he left behind, Richard Childress Racing.

In 676 starts Earnhardt won 76 times and captured seven championships. He dominated at Daytona and Talladega, rattled cages at Bristol and drove broken at Watkins Glen. He was the Intimidator; there was one Dale Earnhardt.

He and Richard Petty are the only men who have seven championships, both sit atop the NASCAR mountain that most drivers aim to join. They’re the men that fans place above all. In 2001 Earnhardt and RCR were locked and loaded to chase another championship, coming off a 2000 season in which he finished second in points.

Feeling better than ever, with everything in his personal life in order, Earnhardt looked prime to return to glory. Then, he was gone.

Sunday the #3 will return. Austin Dillon and Richard Childress ready to continue a legacy that was built by the man in black. Earnhardt will continue to be remembered, maybe more so now than ever. Not only when seeing the 3 on the track, but as Jimmie Johnson attempts to race into history alongside him.

But …

What if Dale Earnhardt Sr. had raced past the 2001 season, would he have ever captured that eighth championship?

@TheblondeTweets Yes!

@jackrlewis I always said that he would’ve won it in 2001. They seemed so prepared

@nascar_creation absolutely, after a few off years his 2000 campaign was sweet. He woulsve retired with TEN…..

@poptart_31 we would never be running a COT car because he would of never drove it

@MarshallGabell Possibly. However, he was out of his prime.

@JBJB68 odds were waning yet entirely possible.

@ARosser14 His intent was to retire in ’02 so it would have depended on if he could have run with Gordon in ’01 probably. So maybe.

@66MWRfan15 Yes I do believe so. I was not a fan, but he was just that good!

@kaylamotte Had more momentum going in 2001 than in a long time, was very hopeful

@MontysAmendment Without a doubt but his death changed the sport for better in terms of safety. Would have lost more drivers as well.

Saturday, February 8th 'What If' Question

The short and successful pairing of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and crew chief Steve Letarte comes to end following the 2014 season.

Letarte has taken a position with NBC to become a broadcaster in 2015 as the network begins their NASCAR takeover. He’ll serve as an analyst alongside Jeff Burton and Rick Allen when the second half of the season coverage begins. Yet in doing so that means he has to relinquish his position as crew chief and the only home he’s ever had in Hendrick Motorsports.

Letarte and Earnhardt Jr. have been paired together since 2011 and have made the Chase every season since. Finishing a best fifth in points this past year. In their three seasons together thus far, the two have scored one win and four poles.

Even more important however, was the chemistry the two had built. Something that appeared difficult for Earnhardt Jr. and the numerous crew chiefs who came before. After the announcement was made, the most popular driver talked about how much Letarte has done for him both personally and professionally, changing his personality and confidence.

The two now enter their fourth and final season together. With both firmly stating that nothing would change this year as they continue to prepare the same to win races and challenge for the championship.

The new crew chief for Earnhardt Jr. won’t be announced until late in the season or even after the 2014 season has come to an end. Earnhardt Jr., while he said he doesn’t want any part in deciding who gets the job, might not have a choice as team owner Rick Hendrick said that he among others will have input in the next man to take the hot seat on the 88 pit box.

But …

What if Hendrick Motorsports allowed fan input on who Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s new crew chief should be, who’s your first pick and why?

@BeeOhBeeRT_R Pete Rondeau. Because I like to laugh.

@jerracing10 It should be his race engineer. They should promote him up to crew chief.

@skeene1202 don’t matter-he is the most overrated driver ever. If his last name was diff he would be sitin at home watchin tv.

@RRP88 either Alan Gustafson or wishful thinking Chad Knaus! They have experience working with Jr and know how to handle the pressure

@JamersonD Darian Grubb. Already knows the Hendrick system how Knaus operates. Proven race and championship winning crew chief.

Wednesday, January 15th 'What If' Question

Ending your year by leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of fans and competitors is never what a major sport wants to happen.

Except the season finale for the NASCAR Nationwide Series at the Homestead-Miami Speedway did just that. The season and the championship came down to one final race with Austin Dillon and Sam Hornish Jr. separated by just eight points.

Much of the 300-mile event had Hornish in control of his destiny as he outran Dillon. Driver of the No. 3 struggling with his machine, even hitting the wall at one point as he wrestled to break into a top 10 spot. With less than 20 laps to go the final caution of the night came out after a hard crash off turn four.

As they ran, Hornish was still on control of the title. Until NASCAR decided not to red flag the race, running over 10 laps under yellow. During that time pit stops occurred, the running order shuffled and suddenly Dillon was in the position that he needed to secure the title.

Brad Keselowski then charged through the field to earn the win, while Hornish lost more valuable spots. Dillon now protecting the position he needed for the final five laps.

Dillon, who went winless, captured his first NNS championship by three points over Hornish. It was the last race he ran for Team Penske and all admitted it hadn’t ended the way they’d hoped. Calling the situation, unacceptable.

But …

What if you were the NASCAR official in charge during the Nationwide finale, would you have thrown the red flag? Why or why not?

@BeeOhBeeRT_BUP Yes. There was a championship hanging in the balance, and every lap under green is vital to determining it.

@TheOrangeCone yes. 17 laps is too long

@jackrlewis yes; because it’s common sense

@StrokerAce90 yes. That was crazy.

@ARosser14 Yes. Because it was ridiculous not to. They had to have known how much fluid Clements’ car dropped.

Monday, January 13th 'What If' Question

For those who haven’t heard, Chase Elliott is now officially going NASCAR racing.

Earlier this month it was announced that Elliott had signed a full-time deal with JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series. He’ll drive the No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet with crew chief Greg Ives. Coming after Elliott won his first career Camping World Truck Series race last season but has yet to run a single lap in NNS competition.

The son of 1988 Cup champion Bill Elliott has grown up in NASCAR garages. Having the best to learn from as he’s made his way through the racing ranks. The younger Elliott becoming a legend in his own right on short tracks.

So with the name come the expectations. Before Elliott was even old enough to compete in NASCAR he was already being called the heir apparent to Jeff Gordon’s No. 24. Now that Elliott is signed to a NNS deal, as well as linked to Hendrick Motorsports as a development driver, the scenario could become quite likely over the next few seasons.

Right now his NNS deal is a multi-year one according to JRM. The trend seeming to be for young drivers that two full years in the NNS and then it’s time to move to Cup. Should Elliott follow in that direction, a decision will have to be made about where he ends up and if he does indeed end up replacing Gordon.

It’s all part of speculation, something that’s familiar in NASCAR. The 2014 season hasn’t even started yet and the future is already trying to be predicted. Yet, with Elliott that’s been the case since he could walk.

And let’s not forget the biggest part of this deal: Jeff Gordon. Many have been ready to attach the retirement tag to the four-time champion since about 2005. Yet he’s not ready to entertain such notions and hasn’t revealed when exactly he plans on stepping away.

But …

What if Chase Elliott is ready for the Cup Series in 2-3 years, and with being connected to Hendrick, how do you fit him in?

@MarshallGabell After Jimmie Johnson wins two more Championships then Elliott will become Hendrick’s franchise driver

@ABolt89 5 team or will they cut ties with whoever the weaker driver is!! Honestly that is a great question

@Talon64 If it’s 3 years, then at least any one of Gordon, Stewart or Danica will be gone to open up a seat within the HMS family.

@ThomasCHitch JR Motorsports emerges.

@jshaunAU2006 in reply to @Talon64 and @KellyCrandall I still think JRM will have a cup team in the future.

@Talon64 to @jshaunAU2006 Dale Jr. would have to leave HMS for it.

@Revvin4Seven48 I figure Gordon will be done after 2015.

@jshaunAU2006 to @Talon64 Dale Sr. didn’t leave RCR for DEI.

@Talon64 to @jshaunAU2006 4 car limit in Cup would prevent Dale Jr. for owning another team while he’s driving for HMS.

@MattWisneski Chase Elliott has been lined up for the 24 car since we first head his name. I sat 2015/16 all but signed #napa24

@jasonskow I think that Jeff Gordon retires or goes part time

@jackrlewis Gordon will retire. I don’t see any other instance, unless Kahne regresses

@AustinPollak8 Gordon retires

@MikeGraf2 Gordon will be retired

@R_Informative I think we’re seeing Jeff Gordon’s career come to a close, like it or not, and that is what will make room for Chase

@HarpAmyStabler He becomes the heir apparent to Jeff Gordon. Or, he goes to a satellite team like SHR until a seat opens up at HMS.

Saturday, November 30th 'What If' Question

Not since the championship battle of Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards in 2011 had two drivers gone into the Chase for the Sprint Cup so equally matched.

Stewart and Edwards ended up tying for that title with Stewart earning his third crown because he had more wins. This past season history very well could have repeated itself with Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth. The two drivers who all season and all Chase long, proved they were the cream of the crop.

Kenseth opened the Chase with two straight wins and quickly took commanding control of the point lead. Johnson stalked the Joe Gibbs Racing driver and racked up top fives and wins of his own. During the second half of the Chase they traded the point lead back and forth, setting themselves up for a fantastic finale in Homestead.

But before Homestead comes Phoenix.

It was Johnson on the pole with Kenseth starting deep in the field. While the 48 Lowe’s team from Hendrick Motorsports had a solid top five day – escaping what could have been two major incidents – Kenseth struggled mightily. The No. 20 team never hit the setup and were only able to salvage a 23rd place finish.

Suddenly the exciting championship battle was out of reach. The point lead for Johnson heading into Homestead was an insurmountable 28. A top 25 finish in Homestead would (and did) seal his sixth Sprint Cup championship.

An anti-climatic ending to a Chase that had been shaping up as one of the best in its 10 year history.

But …

What if Johnson and Kenseth had gone into Homestead a lot closer in points, in a winner take all, who'd you put money on and why? 

@Revvin4Seven48 Johnson, been in championship situations more often that not. Plus Knaus would have been the X Factor. 

@kbr81911 Wow...thats a hard question. They are both great under pressure! I cant say Id even want to bet on either one! 

@MC412 Easily 48. They've been through this enough that the pressure wouldn't affect them. I think the JGR crew could choke. 

Josh Jones (via Facebook) Even though I am not a fan of his, I would still say Jimmie, just because Chad and him always know what to do during the chase races

Marshall Gabell (via Facebook) Jimmie, because he's Jimmie 

Brian Cullather (via Facebook) I'd say Jimmie too because of the Chad factor 

Tuesday, July 9th 'What If' Question

Halfway through the 2013 Sprint Cup Series season, two drivers have already set the benchmark for the championship.

As well as setting themselves up to be the favorites when the Chase begins in eight weeks. Matt Kenseth has a season high four wins after 18 races, as does Jimmie Johnson. Both drivers have hit their stride with their respective teams and can dominate a race on any given Sunday.

Many have blamed Kenseth, the 2003 Cup champion, for being the reason the Chase exists. Johnson, the 2006-2010 champion, is continually shot down even in the midst of the history and milestones he continues to break.

Whereas Kenseth has seemed to find himself the right home with Joe Gibbs Racing, winning early and often, Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team just keep getting better. Finding new ways to improve either their team or their performance. One Sunday it’ll be Kenseth the favorite, the next it’s Johnson.

Then there comes the days where the two go head-to-head and it looks like the perfect preview to the 2013 Chase title fight. Entering New Hampshire Johnson leads the points, Kenseth sits sixth, mostly in part to DNF’s that haven’t been his doing as well as a early season point penalty after a failed inspection.

Regardless, these two drivers and their respective teams appear to be the best in the series right now. A lot can change before the Chase and many more drivers can silently creep into the picture when the 10-week playoffs begin. After all, it wasn’t expected for Brad Keselowski to take home the title last year, or Clint Bowyer to finish second in his first season with his new team.

But …

What if the championship comes down between Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson, who'd you rather see win another title? Matt get #2 or Johnson get #6

@chreister89 Kenseth! 

@srs1159 Matt for sure

@kathyrmoore I'd much rather see Matt get #2!

@HD388 no question @mattkenseth. The guy is due for a 2nd championship

@Daniels_Caudill absolutely @mattkenseth, I haven't watched him win a championship. I watched @JimmieJohnson win five.

@JamersonD I'm probably in the minority, but I'd rather see @JimmieJohnson win #6. I think its cool seeing him make history.

@tpt0413 JJ for sure!

@Nascarnoll Matt

@mkdowd definitely @mattKenseth 

@Gman1439 Kenseth! 

@PenskeRacin1fan Kenseth 

@wwespnascar2924 I rather see... Johnson win his 6th actually 

@scubazuke I'm going to go against the grain and say @JimmieJohnson. It's history every time he gets another and closer to 7.

@hookemhorns51 Definitely @mattkenseth for #2

Joe Shepherd (via Facebook) Kenseth, without a doubt

Craig Taureck (via Facebook) Kenseth

Rebecca Turbeville (via Facebook) Kenseth

Josh Genthe (via Facebook) Kenseth, but if I had my druthers I'd prefer Truex Jr.

Stroker Ace (via Facebook) Normally I'd say JJ and Team Chevy. However..... I would so love to see Kenseth win it just so he could be the Top Dog at JGR

Dustin Parks (via Facebook) Despite Johnson's fast start, Kenseth has not made mistakes to this point. Just had some parts fail him. My bet is on the 20

Josh Jones (via Facebook) Kenseth

Dawn Emery-Watson (via Facebook) Kenseth!

Barb Dawson (via Facebook) don't even have to think about that one...Kenseth

Ellen Trdina (via Facebook) Def would rather see Kenseth get it. Johnson's bunch push the envelope a little too far to suit me, kinda like Ferrari did with Michael Schumacher. Yeah, they're great drivers but don't cheat (not exactly cheating, just bending the rules) to get the extra edge

Dan Sanger (via Facebook) In a battle of the Home Improvement stores I have to go with Kenseth and Home Depot 

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