NASCAR issued several changes to race formats Monday. What was your instant reaction to the changes? Clayton Caldwell, Contributor: I really like the new points format. I like how bonus points carry throughout the Chase — whoops, I mean playoffs — and that you actually get something for running well in the first two stages of …
The lingering storyline from Talladega turned out to be a trio of Joe Gibbs Racing teammates whose strategy was to run far off the pace all day, including at the finish. NASCAR says the three didn’t violate the spirit of the 100 percent rule. What say you? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: Hanging back at the …
NASCAR released it 2017 Sprint Cup rules package late last week. What are your initial thoughts on the changes, which include a smaller spoiler and different rear-end rules as well as safety and testing policies? Mark Howell, Senior Writer: The 2017 Cup rules will only make what’s going well get even better. The biometric data …
Austin Wayne Self is the second driver to feature Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on his truck. Should NASCAR make a rule about drivers using sponsorless entries to support a political campaign? If so, would it violate freedom of speech? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: It isn’t a First Amendment violation. NASCAR isn’t a government entity, …
After last weekend’s race at Richmond International Raceway, one thing on everyone’s mind was the on-track spat between Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman that continued in verbal sparring afterward. Did either driver go too far with their actions or words? Clayton Caldwell, Contributor: I respect the passion from both drivers and I understand why Ryan Newman …
NASCAR has run three different packages at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the last three years, and none of them has produced a memorable race. Is there anything else that can be done to make Indy live up to the hype? Mark Howell, Senior Writer: I have two suggestions: either 1) widen the racing surface so we can …
What variable from Saturday’s race at Kentucky stood out the most to you – the racetrack’s repave and reconfiguration, Goodyear’s conservative tire choice or the low-low downforce package? Bryan Gable, Staff Writer: I’ll go with the repave. Goodyear’s decision to bring the super-hard tires probably contributed more to the state of the racing, but the repave was …
A Hendrick Motorsports car hasn’t won since Auto Club Speedway, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is still winless and the organization was virtually wiped out in Daytona’s wreck. Is it cause for concern, or is it simply pouring all its focus on experimentation for the Chase? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: It’s silly to think that a four-car organization is …
Fifteen races into the 2016 Sprint Cup season, what’s the most memorable storyline? The biggest surprise? Vito Pugliese, Senior Writer: The most memorable story line thus far should have been Chase Elliott winning back-to-back races at Pocono Raceway and Michigan International Speedway, but rookie inexperience cost him two weeks in a row on the final …
The All-Star Race was met with mixed reactions. Should NASCAR try the same format next season or opt for one that’s easier to understand? Dustin Albino, Contributor: The concept was good, but the execution was awful. If it weren’t for Jamie McMurray cutting his tire causing a caution, I don’t think we would be having …
Three races into his return, Tony Stewart is making up some ground on 30th in points, the Chase cut-off for a driver with a win. How likely does that win look for Stewart in the next 15 races? Clayton Caldwell, Contributor: I hate to say it, but not very likely. I think Stewart-Haas Racing/Hendrick Motorsports …
After Sunday’s race at Talladega saw 35 of 40 cars involved in on-track incidents, does NASCAR need to reevaluate restrictor plate racing with the current rules? Vito Pugliese, Senior Writer: This kind of hand-wringing happens every few years when there is a big wreck. They’ve been launching them into the air since 1973, and had …
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