Monday, May 11th 'What If' Question

The monkey is off Jeff Gordon’s back.

After weeks of leading the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points standings only to have it mean nothing, Gordon finally got his much wanted and needed win Saturday night in Kansas. In doing so the 42-year-old made it known that he feels 25 again and his Drive to End Hunger team are more than ready to chase a championship.

Gordon’s last championship came in 2001, under the Winston Cup banner. Since NASCAR has changed the format and title sponsor, the four-time champion has tried repeatedly to earn a Sprint Cup championship. Here again in 2014, Gordon has a solid foundation underneath him in order to make that happen.

And then there’s what it would mean. Just a few years ago many were ready to send him packing into retirement, mostly because Gordon had begun to acknowledge the toll racing was taking on his body. Specifically his back and how much pain he was in during competition and after climbing out. Except Gordon has gone through a transformation the last few years and with how competitive his Hendrick team has been, suddenly it doesn’t appear he’s going anywhere anytime soon.

“I just feel so competitive out there, and that makes me feel young again. I just see how hard these guys are working. It’s making me work harder,” Gordon said on Saturday. “I’ve been really working harder on my fitness, which I think is helping me mentally and physically be more prepared out there. When the cars are that good, my back just doesn’t seem to hurt as much.

“The whole retirement thing I think is thrown out there too much, and I’m probably somewhat to blame, but there’s no secret, I’m going to be 43 this year, but, man, if 43 is like this, I can’t wait for 50. This is all right. I’m having a good time. That’s why I feel young, because I’m just having a great time.”

But …

What if Jeff Gordon goes on to win his fifth title, should he / would you like to see him retire by going out on top?

@John_Sikora my guess is that he will do 1 more year and then give up the seat to Chase Elliott…

@Lance_sells I would like to see that but I can’t see him doing that.

@TomLglEdtr nah, never a huge fan but have developed lots of respect for Jeff over the years. He should race as long as he wants.

@justin24hr as a fan since I was a kid, I’d say that would be a perfect, knowing his retirement is sooner rather than later anyway.

@CraigMintz09 would love to see that! Spend time with his daughter and show her the ropes!

@GERI1324FAN Ummm…pardon the intrusion but who the hell says we have to limit Jeff Gordon to just one more?

@ecfr1978 he’s a company man, he’ll race one more year and then turn his seat over to Chase Elliott no matter what happens, #respect

@jrm1219 he’s earned the right to races as long as he wants & as long as he is competitive could see him race 3 more yr 

@Chase_Wilhelm No better way to go out than on top.

Tuesday, May 6th 'What If' Question

Brad Keselowski is a Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series champion who makes more good moves than bad.

His peers will admit that, like Jeff Gordon did, and some of them did Sunday in Talladega. But only because they were left trying wonder about the move that Keselowski made to race with the leaders while six laps down in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.

It was fine for nearly the entire event. Keselowski believing he just needed a few cautions and he could take his car that was certainly fast enough, back in to contention. And then with 51 laps to go he spun in front of the field and took out 12 cars behind him. The subsequent reaction was anything but friendly, with Matt Kenseth (whom Keselowski had a problem with racing a week ago in Richmond) saying that if roles were reversed, Keselowski would be lecturing others.

The accident since sparked a debate about whether Keselowski should have been running where he was. The No. 2 Miller Lite Ford was indeed one of the fastest cars in the field, however he found himself multiple laps down after he spun from earlier contact with Danica Patrick. While restrictor plate racing is known for its large and numerous wrecks, Keselowski was playing the hoping game of having just enough that he could get back on the lead lap.

And it was certainly possible. Jamie McMurray, who was also numerous laps down, did get about five laps back and finished 29^th after running dead laps for much of the event. Unfortunately for Keselowski, he didn’t have as quiet a day with the first big wreck, which many admitted they knew was coming, occurring because of a driver who was multiple laps down and was racing with the leaders.

But …

What if Brad Keselowski had only been a lap or two down when he spun in front of the field, does furious reaction towards him still hold?

@MooreNASCAR Don’t agree with it, but I say it’s definitely still highlighted by lots when expressing their opinion.

@88isDaleJr One lap I can see. But Not 6! It was shear stupidy!!

@jrm1219 If your one lap down you still only need to race any other cars one lap down & wait for a yellow 

@jackrlewis if he was battling for the free pass fine, otherwise he didn’t belong there

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