by Larry McReynolds

Comment

Larry McReynolds: NASCAR is treating all drivers equal. They docked Stewart 25 points just like the took 25 points away from Dale Earnhardt Jr. after his post-race profanity following the 2004 Talladega fall race. We knew that was going to happen. (Editor's note: In addition to the point penalties, which were the same, Stewart was fined $25,000 while Dale Jr. was fined $10,000.)

Kyle Petty did not say something bad on national television; it was a mistake on the network's part. Obviously, the network sat down with NASCAR and explained the whole situation. What you heard was a replay that was run two or three laps after that incident. Unfortunately, someone played the audio with the replay. For that reason, you're comparing an apple to a green bean. A bad word went over the air, but it wasn't live. It was totally a mistake on the network's part.

The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard was on cable, and there are a lot of rules and regulations about cable that I don't understand. But I don't know that the FCC had a problem with it because it was on cable, but NASCAR doesn't care whether it's on over-the-air television or cable. They're just trying to stay as consistent as possible. Points are a moot point right now for Stewart. If he ends up missing the Chase by less than 25 points, we'll realize that it was pretty important. The way the Chase for the Nextel Cup and the bonus points system are structured, Stewart just needs to stay in the top 12. He's safely in there, and he's seeded 3rd because he's got two wins with 20 bonus points.

Chase seeding

Tanya from Palatka, Fla.: Could you please explain how the top 12 will be seeded when the Chase begins? I was under the impression that drivers would be ranked according to number of wins and then by where they finished in the standings. For instance if the season were to end now, Jeff Gordon would be 1st because he has four wins, and Jimmie Johnson would be ranked 2nd. While Johnson has the same number of wins as Gordon, he would have finished lower in the standings. Is that right?

Larry McReynolds: That's exactly right. They all get 5000 points, and then you get 10 bonus points per win. If the season ended today, Jeff Gordon would be first with 5040. Jimmie Johnson would have 5040 points, but he would be second because he finished lower in points. Stewart would be 3rd with 5020 points. Then all of the other drivers in the top 12 with one win would get 5010 points and be ranked by how they finished in the standings. Denny Hamlin would be 4th, followed by Matt Kenseth in 5th, Jeff Burton in 6th, Carl Edwards in 7th, Kevin Harvick in 8th, Kyle Busch in 9th and Martin Truex Jr. in 10th. Then Clint Bowyer and Dale Earnhardt Jr. would be 11th and 12th with 5000 points and no bonus points because they haven't won a race yet this year.

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NASCAR happy with 'Happy'

Dave from Clemmons, N.C.: What happened with Kevin Harvick going to the NASCAR trailer? Have you heard any news regarding it? Was it a slap on the wrist or just to talk to him regarding slapping the side of the No. 20?

Larry McReynolds: What I picked up from NASCAR VP of communications Jim Hunter's comments was NASCAR was happy with what they heard from Harvick, and the conversation closed the deal. Harvick rubbed on Tony Stewart after the win, but several cars did. NASCAR just wanted to determine whether it was an attaboy type rub on the car. "You're my buddy. You're my pal. You drive for me in the Busch Series. Even though I wanted to win this thing, if I couldn't, I'm glad you did type." Or was Harvick driving into him because he wasn't really happy about what had happened. Even though NASCAR may have raised an eyebrow and questioned it, when it was all said and done, they concluded it was just bump that said, "Hey, good job, man. I wanted to win this thing probably as bad or worse than you did, but good job." NASCAR just wanted to find out where Kevin was at on this deal.

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FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds has more than 25 years of NASCAR experience as a mechanic, crew chief and broadcaster. He and his fellow Crew Chief Club members take you behind the wall at www.crewchiefclub.com.

"How to Become a Winning Crew Chief" is on bookstore shelves, or you may order your own autographed copy from www.DWStore.com.