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

Tuesday, December 26th 'What If' Question

The 2001 death of Dale Earnhardt changed the complexion of NASCAR in many ways. Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the Daytona 500 while running third, he hit the turn four wall head-on after losing control of his iconic No. 3 and making contact with other competitors.

Since that time the cars, some tracks, and a plethora of safety innovations have both changed and revolutionized the sport we’ve all come to know and love. For as much as Earnhardt did for the sport as he lived, he’s continued to do so in death. Except, it’s not just the sport that’s changed, those in it have as well.

When he was alive, Earnhardt and wife Teresa ran his own three car operation, Dale Earnhardt Inc., with drivers Steve Park, Michael Waltrip and son Dale Earnhardt Jr. After his passing the company was continued on by Teresa, who did her best to keep her husband’s legacy alive while putting a championship ran team on track.

Soon, as the racing world watched, everything fell apart. Earnhardt Jr., who raced with other family members such as his cousin and uncle, found himself at odds with his stepmother. Changes were being made that he didn’t agree with and prior to the 2007 season he put his cards on the table: give him some control of the company or he walks out of the door.

Teresa never blinked and Earnhardt Jr. signed with Hendrick Motorsports beginning with the 2008 season. Making it easier for her was the fact that Earnhardt Sr. had never had his will changed – perhaps because he either never thought about it or didn’t want to – leaving the company in her control and not with his children.

In any case, what Earnhardt may or may not have wanted, was never seen. Earnhardt Jr. went on to have a successful season: winning one race and making the Chase with DEI doing the opposite. They failed to win and his former car, the No. 8 was shut down because of a lack of sponsorships.

Starting in 2009 the company would be merged with Chip Ganassi’s, forming Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. They’re biggest season to date would be a year later, 2010, when driver Jamie McMurray won the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. They have yet, however, proven to be championship contenders.

Earnhardt Jr. meanwhile has experienced his own ups and downs at HMS. He made the Chase in 2008, 2011 and this past season. Yet, he’s won only twice and is working with his third different crew chief.

His Nationwide Series team, which he brought to HMS as well, has found themselves in a similar situation. They brought Brad Keselowski to the spotlight before he left for Penske and now a Cup championship, before struggling to fill their seats and find the winner's circle. Danica Patrick has come and gone, JRM bringing her to NASCAR and now setting her off to a Cup ride of her own.

And the family aspect isn’t as strong for Earnhardt Jr. anymore either. Both his cousin and uncle have left under difficult circumstances. Sister Kelley, who also owns part of JRM, remains at Earnhardt Jr.’s side.

But …

What if DEI had been left to the Earnhardt children - not Teresa - how different would everything/one be now? Including Eanhardt-Ganassi? 

@JamersonD I think EGR wouldn't exist. Still DEI with Jr stil in the 8. I think they'd be getting engines from Hendrick now though. 

@TomLglEdtr hard to say; by most accounts Teresa had great marketing sense (value of Dale Sr. brand); would his kids appreciate that?

@HD388 EGR never happens. Jr stays & DEI would be a solid 3 car operation with that puts all 3 cars in the Chase year after year

@SMofHRinHC It would have fallen apart even faster. 

Kenneth J Carlson (via Facebook) Dale Jr would still be driving the 8 car

Clayton Caldwell (via Facebook) Good question....All the Chevy teams are now second to Hendrick who is quickly becoming the dominate force in NASCAR. Would it have been different. Yes, but how much different. IDK. It wouldn't have been family run cause Pops and Jr got canned at JR Motorsports so .... 

Kelly Crandall (via Facebook - responding) But would they have been? Would things have gone on this far and like they are now? This can be a loaded question because it affects so many people and a few different companies. 

Clayton Caldwell (via Facebook) I agree. My thing is though look at a team like RCR. They are not even close to a team like Hendrick. Harvick left to drive for Hendrick's B team next year? As bad as a job Teresa did running the organization  would it be different? IDK. I mean Chip Ganassi had to merge and he has a ton of money. It's just a completely different sport than it was in 2007 and IDK if DEI would still be a powerhouse. 

Kelly Crandall (via Facebook) It's been a crazy few years since it happened. I think you also have to look at how many changes she made, and if Junior or Kelley being in charge, if they would have made the same ones. Such as moving around teams and personnel, like sending the 8 team to Michael beginning in 2005. Or how Jr.'s Nationwide team would be like now if he didn't have as close an association with Hendrick. And if he never goes to Hendrick, is Kyle still there? Many different ways to look at it, I guess. It's interesting to look back at how much has happened. 

Clayton Caldwell (via Facebook) Yeah and I'm not tryin to kill Jr but this is fact, I mean with the way he struggled so bad in the "COT" they woulda looked at other alternatives, which probably means merger. It is sad what happened to that team, and a lot of teams since 2007. I mean DEI made their own engines. Coming into next year we are going to have 5 engine builders! 5! In 2007 we had 12. It's just changed so much. 

Kelly Crandall (via Facebook) He never did figure out the COT, hated it, in fact. Wonder if he had worked with Pops if he would have done a little better?

Clayton Caldwell (via Facebook) You never know. I mean Pops coulda struggled in the COT too. I think Zipadelli couldn't get his arms around that car and that's part of the reason why the 20 struggled so bad and the 14 and 39 took a hit this year. Just my opinion.