SPEEDTV.com's Tom Jensen is the former managing editor of National Speed Sport News and earned the National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year Award in 1997.
Click here for Tom's columns.
Michigan pit selections
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Kenseth vs. Gordon III?
Q: What's the deal with Matt Kenseth spinning out Jeff Gordon? Was this racing or a personal vendetta? — Tom from North Augusta, S.C.
A: No, nothing that sinister. Gordon actually said after the race that it was his fault, as Kenseth was coming hard and he couldn't get out of his way fast enough.
Evernham's aero problems continue
Q: Why is it the Evernham cars seem to qualify well and then drop like lead once the race starts? Bobby Labonte has an Evernham engine doesn't he? Must be setup? — Imintomopars from West Valley City, Utah:
A: The Evernham cars have been fighting aero issues all year long.
Shark fin explained
Q: What the heck is a "shark fin"? Is that the camera mount on the top of the car? — Rick from Barstow, Calif.
A: It's a vertical fin that mounts on the rear window. It's designed to keep the car from spinning out.
One more round
Q: How many laps are the green flag runs going today? Seems that most of them should make it on one more stop now, doesn't it? — Paul A. from Ypsilanti, Mich.
A: The pit window is about 38-42 green flag laps, so, yes, there should only be one more round of stops.
No Junior sponsor news
Q: Is there an update on the sponsor situation for Dale Jr? — Jacob from Manhattan, Kan.
A: No update on Junior.
In the Long run
Q: I'm interested in finding out what Jim Long is doing these days? He was involved with the Hendrick COT business. Before that, he was with a Busch team, and before that, he was crew chief for Terry Labonte's 1996 championship. — Randy from Monroe, Mich.
A: Per Jesse Essex from Hendrick Motorsports: "Yes, Jim Long is still with Hendrick Motorsports. He's been integral to our research and development program."
Calling a caution
Q: What is a compitition caution? — Ryan from Cannington, Ontario, Canada
A: A competition caution is a caution mandated by NASCAR at a specific lap to let teams come in and check tire wear.
A Chevy revolution?
Q: Hi Tom. Thanks for your very informative column. I was wondering, with Gibbs maybe going to another manufacturer, how would Tony Stewart still have Chevy as his sponsors for Eldora and the other racing venues he operates or drives for? This seems a conflict of interest. — BrandiNichole from Greenville, S.C.
A: Obviously, it's something that all parties involved would have to discuss.
Researching green racing
Q: Is there any chance we'll see NASCAR try ethanol (or other alternative fuels) soon? I'm a huge fan, but I'd love to see them become more environmentally conscious. Go Casey!! — Brittany from Maryland
A: Yes, NASCAR is looking hard at alternative fuels, though they are still in the research phase.
All numbers on table
Q:Have there been any more discussions on whether Mears will stay with the 25 (Ricky Hendricks team) or go to the 5 (Mr. Hendrick's first team)? Given that Junior will get a new number, will the 5 or 25 survive? — Rick from Lansdale, Pa.
A: I just spoke with Hendrick Motorsports official who told me they are still evaluating all their options, now that the No. 8 is off the table.
Green-yellow is good
Q: Will NASCAR ever stop having a green/yellow? Nobody likes it! They can more warm-up laps. The only time a raceshould start under yellow is if something stange happening after the drop of the green! — Tom from Cincinnati, Ohio
A: NASCAR is trying its best to be safe. I can't criticize them for that. The one thing that surprised me is that they'd start at all with a visibility issue.
From No. 8 to No. 88?
Q: What is the chance that Hendrick doing a deal with Yates and getting the #88 for Jr.? — Don from Arlington, Wash.
A:I've heard no discussion at 88 about Hendrick and Yates doing a deal for the 88. I think a more realistic option might be the 81. Of course, it still could be the 5, too.
Private finances
Q: Hi Tom, enjoy your columns and answers. You're terrific. I can't seem to get an answer from anyone on why so much secrecy in driver's salaries when other athletes' pay is published in USA Today and other newspapers. Why is that? Is it because NASCAR drivers are not considered athletes? — Fritz from Oshkosh, Wis.
A: Thanks for the kind words. The answer to your question is simple. The athletes in the other big sports are in unions and governed by collective bargaining agreements. In most cases there are salary caps, too, all of which requires public disclosure. NASCAR drivers are independent contractors who do not belong to a union, so the teams and the drivers keep it private.
Busch is a tough sell
Q:: I haven't heard anything in a while so I was wondering if NASCAR is getting close to a title sponsor for the Busch Series and is there a timeline of when they want or need to complete and announce the new sponsor? Thanks. — Alison from Flint, Mich.
A: The last time I checked, which was two weeks ago, NASCAR said they were having "meaningful discussions, but no announcement was imminent." Personally, the fact that it hasn't been announced yet tells me it's a tougher sell than they thought.
Wait for Wednesday?
Q: What happens if the race gets rained out on Tuesday? — Klint from Artesia, N.M.
A: If the race gets rained out today, they'll try tomorrow. Then Thanksgiving weekend.
Miami not-so nice
Q: Does Miami have any say in this whole thing? For the past few years, they have advertised their race as the "championship weekend." Now, they'll have two of the championships, but they'll be missing the big one. Here's how NASCAR can fix this to make everybody happy. Let's race Michigan next Tuesday. Teams can hustle back to their shops and get the cars and get up to Michigan. Since most teams use the same cars for Michigan and California, they can just pack them up and head out west. Yes, this isn't optimal, but it's much better than messing up the whole Chase and betting on November's weather. — Josh from Peekskill, N.Y.
A: No, Miami doesn't get a say in this. I can promise you they aren't happy about it and neither is Ford, who sponsors Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead. And it's not as simple as racing in Michigan on Tuesday, sticking the car in the trailer and qualifying Friday in California. Cars need a fair amount of minor work between races to remove minor dents, donuts, etc. Generally, it takes 24 to 48 hours to turn a car around for the next track, work that is done back at the shops.
Rescheduling for weather
Q: Has NASCAR ever postponed/cancelled a race due to snow or ice? I realize it could be a scheduling nightmare, but why couldn't NASCAR simply alter the weekend schedule for a forecast like this. For example, run Busch and Cup races on Saturday, cancel a practice if needed, etc. Hope you have your hip waders on. — Craig from Fairless Hills, Pa.
A: Yes, snow has postponed several NASCAR races over the years, including events at Rockingham, Atlanta and Richmond, to name just three. It's hard to alter a schedule based on a forecast because fans make plans months in advance to come to the race at a specific time and place.
Busch's crew should service Junior
Q: Will Kyle Busch's crew this year be Junior's crew next year or are they out of a job? — Pam from Cheyenne, Wyo.
A: Thanks for the question. Crewmen routinely change jobs, just like everyone else. I would suspect a substantial portion of Kyle Busch's crew will remain working on the car next year and the overwhelming majority will be with Hendrick Motorsports somewhere.
No Joe Nemechek rumors
Q: Any rumors of "Front Row Joe" ending up in a full-time ride? — Dan from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
A: Welcome. Joe Nemechek, like a lot of other drivers, is looking for his best situation next year. I've not heard anything specific yet.
Thanksgiving Chase finale
Q: Under what circumstances would NASCAR move Michigan's race to November 25th, and if so, wouldn't snow be an issue? — Diego from Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
A: Here you go. NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston confirmed what was first reported earlier today on SPEEDTV.com: If the race can not be run this week, it will become the final race of the season and run during Thanksgiving weekend. "The Chase field is set based on completion of the first 26 events. The Chase is comprised of the final 10 races of the season, so if this race were not to be able to be completed this week, it will be moved to that week of Thanksgiving and would then become the final race of the season," Poston said.
Racing in rain won't work
Q: With some racing series going regardless of conditions, by just running on rain tires, why can't NASCAR adapt the same idea? If these guys played football, they'd be playing. Can't these drivers demonstrate safe driving based on conditions rather than speed? How many rain-delayed/postponed races have occurred this year? — Richard from Tracy, Calif.
A: In theory, what you suggest could be done. But I guarantee you, if fans paid a king's ransom for tickets only to sit through a cold rain for five hours to watch drivers slog around at 60 mph on rain tires, there would a world-class uprising. Could it be done? Yeah. Would it be an acceptable show for fans? No way, no how. It would be awful to watch and worse to sit through.
Rain could move Michigan into Chase
A senior NASCAR official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told SPEEDTV.com Sunday morning that if the 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway is totally rained out this week, it could become the final race in the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup. Click here for more
'57 decals or nothin' on
Q: Hi Tom, I noticed that all of the major Chevrolet teams are running the special '57 Chevy paint schemes this weekend EXCEPT for one - Joe Gibbs Racing. Is this more proof that they're jumping ship to Toyota or purely coincidence? — Rob from Windsor, Ontario, Canada
A: Thanks for the question, but as we used to say, it has nothin' to do with nothin'. J.J. Yeley's Joe Gibbs Racing car does have the '57 Chevy retro scheme this weekend, while none of the Richard Childress Racing Chevys do — despite the fact that RCR announced a new deal with Chevy yesterday. A Chevrolet official told me the decision to opt in or or out of the program was strictly up to the sponsors.
Four teams for sure
Q: I was wondering if the number 8 has a sponsor for next year since the Bud sponsor is supposed to be going to the 9. So is there going to be an 8 on the track next year? — Bonnie from Maryland
A: Welcome to a soggy Michigan. I spoke with DEI President Max Siegel a few minutes ago and he confirmed that DEI will have four fully-funded teams next season, one of which will be the No. 8. Details remain to be finalized, he said.
CORRECTION: Poles given in rainouts DO NOT count in career stats.
Earning rain poles
Q: Tom, sorry for the long and multiple questions and comments, but they're all sort of connected and a bit of a sore spot with me. Though he did nothing at all to earn them, Jeff Gordon has been awarded the pole several times this year due to rain. Are these gifts counted in his career totals for pole wins? Also, do you think NASCAR should do more in trying to get a legitimate qualifying session done rather than just start the field as they stand in the owners points? Also, I find it very "convenient" that Jeff Gordon was selected to qualify last at Michigan. How random is the qualifying draw and is it monitored by anyone that is completely unbiased? — Kenny from Cabot, Ark.
A: Thanks for the questions — I'll try to hit them all. It is totally inaccurate to say Jeff Gordon didn't earn them. He absolutely did earn them by virtue of leading the points. He has led the points for most of the season, and by a wide margin. The way NASCAR sets the top 35 in the field in case of a rainout is by points and he has more than anyone else. I do think NASCAR should try to always get qualifying in and I think the high number of rainouts this year will lead them to revisit qualifying over the winter. The qualifying draw is completely random and monitored by a NASCAR official. It absolutely is on the up and up, no question about it.
Reuniting with Eury
Q: Hello Tom! How much truth do you think there is behind Steve Hmiel and Tony Eury Jr. leaving with Dale Jr.? I also think it would be very classy if DEI would stop using the number 8, sorta like RCR did with the number 3 and RYR with the 28. Jr. did say there is a possibility he will finish his career out with DEI so he can have his number back. That number is just gonna lose popularity and go down the drain if somebody else drives it. — Saif from Orlando, Fla.
A: Hello. I absolutely expect Tony Eury Jr. to move with Dale Earnhardt, Jr., though in what capacity remains to be seen. As far as the number goes, I'm not surprised it played out the way it did.
Tough divorce
Q: Hey, Tom, I'm a big fan of Juniors, but disappointed in how selfish he's being. I understand why he wanted the number 8, but since he can't get it, why doesn't he just respect Rick Hendrick enough to drive the 5 number already there? I think it'd be a fine fit for him and is a number he could make his own. — Shane from Madison, Tenn.
A: Welcome to FOX. Like every divorce or split, Dale Earnhardt Jr. breaking away from the family business is a volatile, emotional situation. There's obviously bad blood — years of it — between Junior and Teresa, and sometimes that's going to spill over in public. I can't blame Junior for wanting to keep the No. 8 or Teresa for keeping it, for that matter. Actually, the bad feelings might have been less had Teresa simply told Hendrick 'no' to begin with, rather than have negotiations that ended acrimoniously.
Talladega test
Q: Will the Cup teams test their CoTs before they go to Talladega this year? It would seem kind of stupid for NASCAR to watch every team pile up on the first lap of drafting practice in the first turn at 210 mph like they almost did last year. — Diego from Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
A: Thanks for joining us. There is a 2-day COT test at Talladega Sept. 10-11.
Business as usual for Busch
Q: Hi Tom! I'm surprised at the comments Kyle Busch reportedly made to Wendy Venturini about not talking to his crew chief and how he's "acting" like the team is getting along. Is this because Alan Gustafson et al didn't say they would leave HMS with Kyle or has the relationship been that bad all along? And will this affect the 5 car's chances in the Chase? Thanks! — Jo from Rock Hill, S.C.
A: Greetings from the flood zone in Michigan! Alan Gustafson has been a champion of Kyle Busch's and has supported him above and beyond the call of duty. But whenever there is a split, things never are quite as easy as they were. But at the track, I'm told by the Hendrick folks that it's business as usual. Will it affect Kyle's Chase chances? I don't think so, but I don't think he'll end this year as the series champion, either.
No. 8 ride loses cache
Q: Hey Tom! Good fan insight on your commentary. Could you expand a little more on your previous comment regarding the lack of interest you see in the garage for the No. 8 ride? Could it possibly be more to do with an absentee owner or the possibility that Tony Eury Jr. and other key members of the team might join Dale Jr. at HMS? Enjoy the race and here's hoping Jr gets a good finish as it looked like he had some pretty consistent lap times. — Ron from Midlothian, Texas
A: Thanks for the comments. I think there are a whole host of issues here. Purely in terms of popularity, whoever replaces Earnhardt will have only a fraction of his fan base. Then there's uncertainty about a sponsor and who will be left at the team. Clearly, it's a ride that drivers don't feel has the cache of Hendrick or Gibbs.
No. 81 or No. 5 for Dale Jr?
Q: Now that we know Dale Jr. won't be know as the Bud team No. 8, and he said that he will be looking into the 80s for a new number, why doesn't he consider using the No. 81 that he used in the Busch races? Are they allowed to use the same numbers from Busch to Cup? Just a thought... Have a great weekend and keep the news flowing. I enjoy your columns very much. — Patti from Texas
A: Thank you, too, for the kind words. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Earnhardt end up with No. 81 at Hendrick, though the No. 5 has value to the team, too, and they could opt to simply keep it.
Details of Dale Jr. deal?
Q: Hi Tom, I have a question about money and NASCAR teams. Does Hendrick pay Jr., or does Jr pay Hendrick? And who gets all the money for sales of merchandise? — Nick from Montrose, Pa.
A: Welcome to FOX. Every driver-team-sponsor deal is different and are closely guarded secrets in the garage. I feel confident in telling you that Hendrick Motorsports will be paying Dale Earnhardt Jr. and paying him quite well. The merchandise sales money is split among drivers, teams, sponsors and NASCAR. Again, these deals are all done individually, but you can bet that Earnhardt will have a more lucrative cut of the pie at Hendrick than he had at DEI.
Bristol's new concrete
Q: How is the racetrack at Bristol holding up? We had some friends race in the UARA race last weekend and told us that the race surface was coming apart at the joints and when the cup cars get on the track it will tear up worse. Heard anything about this? We have not. We did not attend so its all hearsay! — JR from Asheville N.C.
A: Thanks for the question. I've not heard anything about the Bristol surface, but I'll put some feelers out and let you know.
Red Bull to Chevy?
Q: I've heard rumors of Team Red Bull switching from Toyota to Chevy next season. Is this true? — Cody from Huntingburg, Ind.
A: Thanks for the question. One Toyota official and one Team Red Bull official denied the rumors last week, but at least one Chevrolet engine supplier told me they had received inquiries about getting engines from a Nextel Cup team not currently racing Chevrolets. What does it all mean? My best guess is they won't switch, but the way things have gone this season, not much would shock me.
King of Beers held up over royalty?
Q: I'm sorry but Kasey Kahne doesn't fit the Bud image. He is too timid, and his commercials don't make a lot of sense. Is Budweiser continuing its search or will they sponsor Kahne? — Sue from Dickinson, Texas
A: Hello again and welcome back. Budweiser is still talking to a couple of teams, sources told me. I was told today that the hangup might involve royalty sharing between Bud and a team/driver on souvenir sales.
No rules against champion driver changes
Q: How can a driver get into a race using a previous champions provisional, and them turn the car over to another driver before the race starts like Bill Elliott did with Boris Said last week? — R. Clary from Huntersville, N.C.
A: Good question. Here's the rule: In order for a past champion's provisional to be used, NASCAR has to receive a team's entry blank two weeks in advance of the race, with the past champion listed as the driver. But there's nothing in the rule book that prevents a driver change on the weekend of the race.
Getting the lead out
Q: Here is a topic that no one talks about any more. How do you see unleaded gas working this year? Is NASCAR calling it a success? Is it any harder on the teams? — Tom from Cincinnati, Ohio
A: Another good question. The unleaded fuel change seems to have worked well. The teams had to make some changes initially because of the different characteristics of unleaded gas, but so far, so good.
No. 8: Never a realistic deal
Q: I know that Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his fan base are extremely disappointed that the No. 8 isn't following him to HMS. When his sister Kelley said that options weren't viable, do you have any idea what Dale Earnhardt Inc. wanted in order to give up the No. 8? — Betsy from Stuart, Va.
A: Thanks for the question. No, I do not know what DEI wanted to get the No. 8, but my best guess is the two sides never even got close. I don't think there was ever a realistic possibility this deal was going to happen.
Montoya: It's a good thing
Q: I am tired of seeing so much negativity surrounding Juan Pablo Montoya. He is a rookie, give him a break. At The Glen, sure, Martin Truex Jr. was faster than him with just a few laps to go. Who cares if he was faster? Every driver's job is to protect his position. Blocking was the option there. Montoya did not wreck anybody. He got wrecked. Last thim I remember, we call that racing hard. What do you think? — Saif from Orlando, Fla.
A: Welcome to FOX. Montoya is an awfully talented driver. There's no question about that. Is he too aggressive? Some of his peers think so. But there are plenty of equally aggressive racers out there, including the Busch brothers and Tony Stewart. I think Montoya's brought interest, passion and excitement into the series. And that's a good thing.
Toyota will take time
Q: I've heard tons of people saying that JGR will lose a ton of success with Toyota. I disagree! The three big Toyota teams are new, in huge deficits and lacking skilled drivers. I think that Hamlin, Stewart and Busch as well as a championship organization — combined with the COT skill that all three Gibbs drivers have — will push Toyota to the top. Do you agree? — Diego from Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
A: Good observation. To expand on a response to an earlier question, there is no debate or doubt whatsoever that Hendrick, Gibbs and Roush have been the most successful organizations in Nextel Cup in recent years. The numbers prove it. And I have no doubt that all three of those teams would enjoy success if they campaigned Chevys, Fords, Toyotas, Hyundais or Kias. But anytime you change a variable as important as the car manufacturer, there is a learning curve. And if Gibbs goes to Toyota, there will be a learning curve. The question is, will it take one race, one year or three years? My guess is it would be sooner rather than later, but we won't know for sure unless and until it happens.
No buzz for the No. 8
Q: Now that Dale Earnhardt Inc. will not release the No. 8 to Dale Jr., who will drive it next year? My guess is that should be Mark Martin since he is driving part-time next year anyway, and that way, probably Junior Nation cannot be too upset. — Larry from Shelby Twp., Mich.
A: Great question. The single oddest thing about Silly Season this year is that there's absolutely zero "buzz" in the garage about who wants to go to the No. 8. Usually, people are trying to talk themselves up for rides, but not this one, which is odd. J.J. Yeley might be an option, Regan Smith, or as you suggest, Mark Martin. But I don't think there's a blockbuster free-agent out there anymore.
Jacques to RCR?
Q: I read yesterday that Richard Childress is still contemplating about a fourth car next year. Responding to a question about the possibilty that the driver could be Patrick Carpentier: "He's not on my list...but you're getting in a good area." Seems to me Jacques Villeneuve! What do you think? — Martin from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
A: Very observant! I've not had a chance to talk with anyone from RCR yet, but your suggestion popped into my mind when I read that quote, too.
Toyota coming
Q: Is Joe Gibbs Racing still considering the move to Toyota? In my opinion, this would be a big mistake. Goodbye championship for about 3 to 5 years, and Tony Stewart won't like that. He's not getting any younger. With Chevy, JGR will be in the hunt until Toyota gets its act together enough to seriously contend. I like Toyota, but they are nowhere near title contention yet. The allure to be a #1 in something is strong, but that won't translate to the #1 "plate" for a good while. Too many questions without realistic answers. — Gordy from East Point, Ky.
A: Welcome to FOX. From everything I'm hearing, Joe Gibbs Racing is still very much mulling a move to Toyota, although nothing is official yet. There's no question, that taken as a whole, the existing Toyota teams are improving. And the addition of JGR would raise the level of performance across the board. But I agree with your assessment that initially it would be a step back. The question is, for how long? One year? Three years? Five years? It's a complicated decision, which is why it's taking so long.
Roush winning combination
Q: Hey Tom, great articles heading to Michigan Friday! Could we expect to see more of what we saw at The Glen now that the Chase is drawing near, and will Chevrolet break the Ford cycle of wins at Michigan? Start your engines! — Michael from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
A: Thanks for the props. On paper, the Chevy teams are much better than the Ford, Dodge or Toyota teams this year. But it's hard to bet against history, so I think the Roush Fenway Racing gang might win another one here.
They're baaaaaaack!
Q: Is the regular crew chief for the No. 24 car back this week? — Garnzo from Tucson, Ariz.
A: Welcome to FOX. Yes, Steve Letarte (24) and Chad Knaus (48) are back at the track this weekend. Neither of their drivers won during the time they were out, so it will be interesting to see how quickly they get back in victory lane.
Not surprised the 8 wasn't freed
Q: Personally, I felt there was a possibility that Jr would get to take the 8 to HMS. I am, as are all Jr fans, extremely disappointed that this won't be the case. Did you ever feel Jr taking the #8 was a possibility? Why do you think DEI is hanging onto it? The next Earnhardt driver (Jeffrey) won't be in Cup racing for sometime. — Susan from Newington, Conn.
A: Excellent question. From the very beginning of this situation, I have said that if Teresa Earnhardt wouldn't let Michael Waltrip take the No. 15 when he left DEI, she sure wasn't going to let Junior take the No. 8. I'm not surprised that a deal wasn't struck.
Seeking fair solution
Q: Tom, with the latest on NASCAR vs AT&T, it looks as though NASCAR is putting itself in a positon of kicking out any sponsor they do not want in the sport. I think big-time sponsors -- whether they be in the telecomminications business or not -- will shy away from being a part of this sport. What do you think? — Chris from Opelika, Ala.
A: You raise a good point, but NASCAR is in kind of a no-win situation here. On one hand, if it doesn't vigorously defend Sprint's title sponsorship, it might scare off other potential category exclusive sponsors. On the other hand, it's bad PR to be embroiled in a lawsuit with a big company and it's bad PR with the fans, too. I'd like to see some way for a fair and sensible resolution to this.
Wallace didn't talk way out of job
Q: Hello again, Tom. I seem to recall Kenny Wallace making some slightly disparaging remarks about his car on NASCAR Victory Lane on Sunday. Does that have anything to do with the announcement that he is stepping down as the driver for the Furniture Row car? — Steven from Cambridge, Ohio
A: Thanks for the question. Kenny Wallace is a sponsor's dream and a team owner's dream. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible for a small, independent single-car team to compete. But, no, his comments didn't have anything to do with him leaving.
Kicking out Kyle?
Q: So now that Kyle Busch has signed with Gibbs, will Hendrick Motorsports isolate him from team meetings etc. like they did Brian Vickers? Is this a common practice with teams during Silly Season? — Kelly from Americus, Ga.
A: Thanks for the first question of the week and a good one it is. I've talked to folks at Hendrick, and they said Busch is still attending most meetings and is welcome at all of them. My guess is that with Hendrick and Gibbs already the top two teams in NASCAR, there's less concern about Busch being able to share something with Gibbs that's going to help them then there was with a new start-up team who could really benefit from the knowledge Hendrick has.
War of words
Q: Hey there, I can understand why neither Harvick nor Montoya were fined for their little shoving match in Turn 1 at The Glen. But don't you think NASCAR needs to be consistent with its penalties with the choice of words from Harvick? They penalized Tony Stewart for a bad word earlier this year, and they penalized Dale Earnhardt Jr. a couple years ago for his word. NASCAR, I love ya but BE CONSISTENT. — Blake from Sioux City, Iowa
A: Good point. I guess the word Harvick used is considered less offensive and/or obscene than bull----.
Is Snickers satisfied?
Q: Hey Tom, anything further on where Snickers will end up? I understand the souvenir trailer at the track is selling everything 40 percent off due to Snickers leaving. What do you think the chances are of Snickers getting out of the contract that forbids them to sponsor Elliott Sadler before 2009? — Billy from Stockbridge, Ga.
A: Hello. Still hearing mixed messages about Snickers. I'll see if I can get an update once I get to Michigan on Friday.
No track rotation
Q: Has NASCAR thought of the possibility of rotating racetracks on and off the schedule instead of leaving a track for good? — Scott from Chapel Hill, N.C.
A: Hey, there. NASCAR periodically changes its schedule up, but as far as rotating tracks, no, I've never heard that suggested. There aren't many existing tracks that have the combination of infrastructure, market and facilities that NASCAR would want where they aren't already racing.
COT is a good thing
Q: Hey Tom, I love the articles you write! I was just wondering what your opinion on the COT is. I love it, and all the races this year with it have been great! — Cameron from Windsor, Ontario, Canada
A: Welcome to FOX and thanks for the kind words. While the COT hasn't been perfect, most of the COT races have been really, really good. The only stinker of a COT race was Dover, where Martin Truex, Jr. clobbered the field. So, it has resulted in closer, better racing so far and, ultimately, it should prove to be a good thing.
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