100 Stock Car Racing "What Ifs": Joe's Judgement

Nascar has a long and storied history, but it also has a past littered with “What If?” questions.  Join author Mike Mackler as he takes a look back at stock car racing’s 100 most-intriguing hypotheticals in “100 Stock Car Racing ‘What Ifs’”, the book available on Amazon in both Paperback and Kindle formats.  Here’s a preview of one of the one hundred “What If” questions asked throughout the book:

65. What if Joe Gibbs Racing didn’t go to Toyota?

Building Toyotas into winners

Background: Joe Gibbs has long sought to be one of the “top teams” in Nascar, using manufacturer changes in order to do so.  After leaving Pontiac (where they were the top team) in order to run the more-competitive Chevrolet body, JGR soon found itself behind Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing in the Chevy pecking order.

What Actually Happened: In 2008 Joe Gibbs Racing officially switched to Toyota, with whom they have run ever since.  While Toyota Racing Development offered Gibbs both the chance to be their top team and lucrative R&D resources, the switch of a championship team to a manufacturer coming off a single dismal year was still a shock to most race fans.

What Could Have Been the Turning Point: What if Joe Gibbs decided that switching to Toyota was too much of a risk to take?

What COULD Have Happened: The most-notable change would have likely been Tony Stewart staying with JGR for the near-future.  While Stewart was given a “Godfather offer” by Gene Haas of 50% ownership for joining his team, this was made possible by Stewart’s unhappiness with running non-GM equipment.

Tony's final race in a Camry

And if THAT Happened…: Joey Logano’s progress in Nascar would likely have been stunted—perhaps for the better—had Stewart never left JGR after the 2007 season.  Logano’s move to Cup was questioned as too much too soon, and while he won a rain-shortened race in his first full-time season, he wouldn’t visit a Cup victory lane again for nearly three years.

What Else Could Have Happened: Would JGR have returned to championship contention without having switched to Toyota?  That remains to be seen, but they are unquestionably the top Toyota team, having outlasted Michael Waltrip Racing and Red Bull Racing, and providing support to Furniture Row Racing.  By staying with Chevy, they could have regressed to become just another race-winning team that was a longshot to win a championship.

Why It Had to Turn Out The Way It Did: Joe Gibbs wanted to be a lead team, and Toyota was where he had to go to get that.

Get it NOW at 100whatifs.com!

100 Stock Car Racing What Ifs: Carl's Conundrum

Nascar has a long and storied history, but it also has a past littered with “What If?” questions.  Join author Mike Mackler as he takes a look back at stock car racing’s 100 most-intriguing hypotheticals in “100 Stock Car Racing ‘What Ifs’”, the book available on Amazon in both Paperback and Kindle formats.  Here’s a preview of one of the one hundred “What If” questions asked throughout the book:

41. What if Carl Edwards didn’t retire early?

Obligatory back flip shot

Background: One of the most-successful of the so-called “Young Guns”, Carl Edwards won 28 points-paying Cup Series wins in a little over twelve seasons of Cup Series racing.

What Actually Happened: After another near-miss for the championship at Homestead, Edwards stunned the Nascar world by announcing on January 9, 2017 that he was stepping away from Nascar.

What Could Have Been the Turning Point: What if Carl had been convinced to give a championship run another try?

What COULD Have Happened: The most-obvious change would have been a log-jam at Joe Gibbs Racing, with both Erik Jones and Daniel Suarez looking to move up to Cup competition.  A likely compromise would have seen Suarez spend another year in Xfinity competition defending his title, followed by him moving into the 77 Furniture Row car upon it being vacated by Jones for the 2018 season.  Unless…

What role did Arris play?

And if THAT Happened…: What if Arris was so intent upon sponsoring Suarez in Cup that he was moved up anyways, either to the 77 car or to the 20 car of Matt Kenseth?  Would Kenseth have retired then and there, or have given it a go with another team?  And if so, would he still have retired after the 2017 season?

What Else Could Have Happened: Carl Edwards’ presence on the track wouldn’t have likely made much of a difference to stop Nascar’s ratings decline, but having another marketable, likable driver in a major ride would still have been a better look for Nascar, especially from a marketing perspective.

Why It Had to Turn Out The Way It Did: Carl Edwards made his decision for himself and his family, and by all accounts wasn’t looking to be talked out of it by anyone.

Get it NOW at 100whatifs.com!

100 Stock Car Racing "What Ifs": The Harvick Hullabaloo

Nascar has a long and storied history, but it also has a past littered with “What If?” questions.  Join author Mike Mackler as he takes a look back at stock car racing’s 100 most-intriguing hypotheticals in “100 Stock Car Racing ‘What Ifs’”, the book available on Amazon in both Paperback and Kindle formats.  Here’s a preview of one of the one hundred “What If” questions asked throughout the book:

3. What if Kevin Harvick hadn’t taken Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s ride after the 2001 Daytona 500?

Nascar's biggest all-time feel-good win?

Background: Dale Earnhardt Sr. was tragically killed on the final lap of the Daytona 500.  Team owner Richard Childress, fulfilling a promise made to Dale years prior, decided to keep the team going.  But who would be the new driver?

What Actually Happened: Childress called developmental driver Kevin Harvick into his office, offering him the ride made famous by The Intimidator.  Harvick agrees, and goes on to win in his third race in the renumbered 29 car.

What Could Have Been the Turning Point: What if he had turned down stepping into the second-brightest spotlight in the sport this side of Dale Jr, choosing instead to stay in RCR’s developmental program?

What COULD Have Happened: As the legend goes, Childress offered Harvick an out, saying that Rick Mast (the only active “name” driver without a full-time ride in 2001) would get the ride if he turned it down.

THIS could've been Harvick's ride

And if THAT Happened…: Harvick would’ve likely moved up in 2002 to the 30 AOL car that Jeff Green would up getting.  Mast would’ve likely been a short-term solution in the 3/29, and perhaps there would’ve been an earlier attempt to break Jeff Burton—Dale Sr’s hand-picked successor—from his Roush contract.

What Else Could Have Happened: One would have to wonder if Kevin Harvick would’ve gained nearly the popularity (and sponsorability) he did if people knew he’d turned down a Cup ride.  Would he have gone on to win a Cup championship, or would he have faded into a career of mid-range equipment?

Why It Had to Turn Out The Way It Did: Cup rides don’t open up all that often, and prime rides like RCR’s primary car in 2001 open up less-so.  Harvick had to take the ride when he did, and his career is all the better for it.

Get the book NOW at 100whatifs.com!

Nascar Pick Challenge Winner & Postseason Preview

Well, the off-season is upon us here at Spade Racing, but do not fret!  I'll be posting previews from my book (available via 100whatifs.com!) and some long-form pieces, as well as updates on news and "news" as the situation warrants.  Be sure to check back as I try to keep up my thrice weekly schedule for the rest of the year!

Congratulations to Uncle Max on his season championship over Mystery Picker, claiming the title with five wins to Mystery’s four.  I’ll be giving Uncle Max the trophy at our annual Thanksgiving dinner—he brines a turkey, I bring a can of cranberry sauce.  Uncle Max WILL BE BACK in 2019, while Mystery Picker’s status remains up in the air.

Truck Series—4 wins

Xfinity Series—5 wins

Cup Series: MYSTERY PICKER—4 wins; UNCLE MAX—Favorite 5 wins, Next Favorite 6 wins; Dark Horse 0 wins.

Jimmie Johnson Makes First-Ever Trip to Home Depot

Just one day after his last-ever race with longtime primary sponsor Lowe’s, seven-time Nascar Cup champion made his first-ever trip to competitor The Home Depot earlier Monday morning.

“Oh, this isn’t any sort of dig at Lowe’s”, Johnson said from the Home Depot lighting aisle, “Lowe’s was a great sponsor of mine for many, many years.  Its just that the closest Home Depot to my place is less than a few miles away, while the Lowe’s is about a 20 minute drive.

“Its just easier all-around, and with my old quasi-employee discount being gone, its just way more convenient to go to Home Depot.”

Johnson appeared slightly confused upon walking into the Home Depot this morning, asking a greeter for help locating the items he needed.  Johnson then wandered the aisles for the next few minutes, seemingly trying to get his bearings.

“Wow, this place is NOT laid out like Lowe’s is”, Johnson said to no one in particular.  “I mean, they’re all different sizes but I can usually find what I’m looking for after a few minutes.  This place is a whole new ballgame.”

Johnson appeared to be buying an outdoor light bulb, a can of wood stain, and a new circular saw.  He also perused some other items as he walked around the store.

“There’s some things I’ll keep in mind for the old Christmas List”, Johnson said while eyeballing the selection of snow throwers.  “And I wouldn’t mind getting a new tool chest—the one I got from Lowe’s is nice but I unofficially promised that to my brother.”

Johnson appeared nervous as several customers pointed out his presence in the store.  Although he posed for a few pictures and signed at least two autographs, he obviously was uneasy with being in what was once “enemy territory”.

“I hope people realize that this is really just a matter of convenience”, Johnson said upon checking out.  “I’m not going to make this a regular thing—its just that when I need an item or two, its just so much easier.  And I’ll still choose Lowe’s over anyone else when everything is equal.”

Johnson said he has no plans to visit a Menards, saying that he plans to spend the bulk of his offseason transferring his bank accounts to Ally.

Your 2018 Nascar Cup Champion

Click to Enlarge

Nascar at Homestead: A Race of Goodbyes

Today’s season finale at Homestead isn’t just a strange, oddly-arbitrary way to name a season’s long champion—its also a way to say goodbye to some of the sport’s longest-running pairings and drivers.  Here’s a look at how most of these occasions are being marked.

(Note—this does not include Cole Whitt’s retirement from the sport, as that was important enough to be celebrated earlier on its own)

Jimmie Johnson’s split from Chad Knaus—both the Michael Jackson and Alien Ant Farm versions of “Smooth Criminal” will be playing in the 48 hauler.

Lowe’s leaving the 48 team—Jimmie Johnson will be making his first-ever trip to a Home Depot on Monday (no, not to find sponsorship—he just really needs a new circular saw).

Denny Hamlin’s split from Mike Wheeler—well, according to Denny he was going to retire with Wheels, so maybe its time to get the 11 car ready for Christopher Bell?

Ryan Newman departing RCR—Newman’s likely going to have a subdued affair before leaving for Roush Racing—the best move he could make……in 1998.

Jamie McMurray (most-likely) leaving Ganassi—just like one of his sponsors, he’ll ask for no onions on his triple cheeseburger—he’ll likely get what he expects, but you never know.

Daniel Suarez leaving JGR—joining the “Kicked out of Gibbs” club with JJ Yeley and Matt Kenseth—meetings are held at a local Dallas Cowboys bar.

Furniture Row Racing shutting down—final, last-ditch effort to see if team chemists can figure out how to formulate, bottle and market “37-Hour Energy”.

Last race for the Ford Fusion—collecting four-leaf clovers, rabbits’ feet, and lucky pennies that things go better with the Mustang than things went with the Chevy Camaro.

AJ Allmendinger’s last race for JTG-D—uh, I dunno, maybe they’ll give him some Clorox or something.

Kurt Busch possibly leaving the 41 car for Gannasi—celebrate another race in which he was able to run instead of getting shot by his vengeful ex-girlfriend.

Nascar Pick Challenge: Uncle Max vs. Mystery Picker—Homestead

Just one more week left, and this is it.  I hold a nice one race lead over Mystery Picker, and unless his favorite driver Ryan Blaney manages to crash the championship party, I got this one in the bag.

With that being said, I want to congratulate Mystery Picker on a heck of a year.  The two of us have had a great run against each other and I’d like to think that he’s even helped me raise my game a little.  Maybe its the fact that I’ve worked two straight double shifts or maybe its that I’m just happy to be dating someone again, but Mystery, if you’re out there, I’d like to buy ya a drink.

Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 (4 wins)—Johnny Sauter: The old-timer wins again.

Xfinity Series Ford EcoBoost 300 (5 wins)—Christopher Bell: AND he’ll be back to defend it in 2019.

Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400—MYSTERY PICKER (4 wins) PICKS Ryan Blaney.  Favorite (5 wins): Kyle Busch—Rowdy and I both sew up our championships.  Next Favorite (5 wins): Joey Logano—A Toast to Sliced Bread.  Dark Horse: Denny Hamlin—maybe he won’t even wreck the contenders this time.

The 2018 Xfinity Series Grand Finale at Miami—Non-Fatal 4-Way

This Saturday four men will enter, but only one man will leave victorious.  Four trained combatants will do battle in the 1.5 mile squared-circle with thirty-plus lumberjacks prepared to throw them into the wall if they get out of line.  Here’s a look at the championship contenders in this non-fatal 4-way:

Christopher “Ring My” Bell—from Norman, Oklahoma (so you just KNOW JR is gonna push him to the moon).  Member of the TRD (Tyrannical Racing Dudes) Faction.  Finishing move is the Bell-Ringer (flying headbutt).  Catchphrase is “And after that we want the gold—Denny Hamlin, we comin’ for YOU, FedEx!”

“Young King” Cole Custer—from Ladera Ranch, California (and its a planned community, so don’t put a cowboy hat on him).  Youngest member of the SHO (Stewart Haas Order).  Finishing move is Custer’s Last Stand (bearhug).  Catchphrase is “Don’t cross the boss…because he’s my dad!”

Daniel “The Kannon” Hemric—from Kannapolis, North Carolina (nickname runner up was HemRic Flair).  Valet to the track/ring is Kenzie Ruston.  Just inducted into The Dillon Family stable.  Finishing move is the No-Win Situation (sharpshooter).  Catchphrase is “Who’s Next?  I hope its me…”

Tyler “Big” Reddick—from Corning, California (do ya think that’s next to a town named Owens?).  Recently defected to The Dillon Family stable from The J.R.M. Squad.  Finishing move is the Tyler Defiler (camel clutch with theatrics).  Catchphrase is “Red…In…Peace.”

Nascar Truck Series Championship 4: A Closer Look

Friday night will see the best of the Nascar Camping World Truck Series compete for the final NCWTS championship, as the series transitions to the cool-looking NGOTS championship in 2019.  Before we move on, let’s take a Gander Outdoors at the four drivers who can win it all this week (sorry for that pun):

Next year's logo.  The rectangle is
likely to convey squareness.

Brett Moffitt—#16 Toyota for Hattori Racing Enterprises (5 wins).  Brett’s made his mark this year by scraping together enough sponsorship to take this small team all the way to the final race, simultaneously making himself look good and Ryan Truex look bad.  Moffitt enters on a high note after winning last weekend at ISM Speedway, formerly Phoenix International Speedway, formerly Stan Barrett’s Demolition Derby.  Another win for Moffitt could finally sew up that elusive Curds & Whey sponsorship.

Noah Gragson—#18 Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports (1 win).  Noah has put together a consistent season for KBM, which has become the preeminent developmental team for Hendrick Motorsports.  Gragson, who will be leaving for the Xfinity Series in 2019, would be able to leave on a high note, joining such luminaries as Austin Dillon and James Buescher.  If it rains and he’s in the lead, prepare for 40 days and 40 nights of Noah’s ark puns.

Johnny Sauter—#21 Chevy for GMS Racing (6 wins).  Johnny’s the only former champion in this quartet, having won it all in 2016 in his first year for GMS—no joke here, that’s just really impressive.  A seasoned veteran, Sauter is a good reminder of the series’ roots as a place for longtime short-track aces to ply their trade, as well as a good reminder that AOL used to be a thing.  Fun fact: 1 out of every 12 Wisconsinites is related to a Sauter.

Justin Haley—#24 Chevy for GMS Racing (3 wins).  The nephew of NBS 24/7 legend Todd Braun, Haley has proved to be a friend in the draft and a FOE on the hood (again, sorry for THAT pun, too).  He is not to be confuses with J.J. Yeley, Cameron Hayley, H.B. Bailey, or Hailey’s Comet.  The youngest of the four at just 19 years old, he is not, despite popular belief, just there to make you feel old.

Wanted: Race and Alive

Good afternoon citizens. As members of NASCAR Nation it is our civic duty to be on the lookout for crime. This Sunday a quartet of quarrelsome criminals will attempt to pull off the heist of the year—apprehending the NASCAR Cup trophy!

These men have been dubbed “The Miami Four”. Also known as “The Big Three Plus One”, “The Homestead Hoard”, and “Brian’s Kids”, they’re easily spotted by the distinctive “Winner” decals on their getaway vehicles. Here’s their dossiers:

Kevin “The Spoiler” Harvick, aka “The Bakersfield Basher”— sought in conjunction with 8 counts of illegal modifications to race cars against their will. 

Kyle “Rowdy” Busch, aka “Chocolate Thunder”—charged with 8 counts of bowing without a license. 

Martin “Jersey Boy” Truex Jr. aka “The Colorado Connection”, wanted in connection with 4 counts of operating a notorious “Clam Scam” without the proper kickbacks. 

Joey “Sliced Bread” Logano, aka “Double Deuce”, jumped bail on 2 counts of stealing steering wheels in a cloud of tire smoke. 

If you spot any of these men at Homestead Miami Speedway notify the authorities immediately. No reward is being offered for their capture other than being criticized endlessly online for ruining their season, Denny. 

Do your part—and we’ll see YOU on Sunday!

Furniture Row Racing: A Look Back

Next weekend will be the final race for Furniture Row Racing, a team which rose from obscurity to become the 2017 Cup Champions on the backs of driver Martin Truex Jr., crew chief Cole Pearn, and team owner Barney Visser.  Here’s a look back at the team’s major highlights:

From ugly paint scheme...

2006: The team competes full-time for the first time.  While a team running out of Colorado was seen as bizarre at the time, they did manage to fit in by doing what all first-time teams do—failing to qualify for about half its races and running a hideous paint scheme.

2008: FRR runs with a single driver for the entire season for the first time as Joe Nemechek pilots them to a 42nd place points finish.  Highlights include three top 20 finishes and resisting the urge to hire Kevin Conway.

2011: Furniture Row has a breakout year with driver Regan Smith posting the team’s first-ever win at Darlington.  He beats out Carl Edwards for the feel-good win, something it seemed like EVERYBODY did that year.

2013: The hiring of Kurt Busch provides clear dividends as the team posts several top-five finishes, contends for wins, and comes home 10th place in points.  Furthermore, Busch provides plenty of laughs around the sport with repeat viewings of “The Outlaw” documentary.

...to no paint scheme

2015: Martin Truex Jr. returns the team to victory lane at Pocono and finishes an amazing fourth in the final points standings.  Fans have to be reminded constantly that, technically, FRR was a satellite team of Richard Childress Racing, and not the other way around.

2017: Furniture Row Racing peaks as Martin Truex Jr. wins the Cup championship on the back of eight wins.  Meanwhile, Erik Jones shows promise in a second car, coming home 19th in points in his rookie campaign.  Equipment provider Joe Gibbs Racing, embarrassed at being outperformed by a “satellite team”, ominously puts “Project Kvapil” into effect.

2018: 5-Hour Energy announces it will depart FRR, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the team’s demise.  Nascar experts pretend to be surprised that something as small as losing millions of dollars in outside sponsorship would cause a team to shut down.

Overhauling Nascar’s Penalty System: Pros and Cons

Nascar’s recent penalty of Kevin Harvick for using an unapproved spoiler setting has, as usual, set up a firestorm of criticism towards Nascar.  Oddly enough, some are claiming that Nascar was too strict in penalizing Harvick 40 points and not allowing his win to count towards playoff advancement, while some felt that Nascar didn’t go far enough.  With Nascar reportedly looking at changing its penalty system for failing inspection next season, here’s a look at the different ways the sanctioning body could go, with the associated pros and cons of each plan.

STAY THE SAME—things stay exactly as they are, with drivers being penalized points and wins not being allowed to be used for playoff advancement, while race victories stand in the record books.

Pro: A measured response allows for nuance and understanding amongst the fanb—sorry, I can’t even type it anymore.

Con: Reminds everyone of the year of encumbered wins (shudder).

GO LENIENT—wins by cars that fail inspection are still not counted for playoff advancement, but with no points being deducted, a driver in Kevin Harvick’s situation would still be able to easily “point” his way in.

Pro: Awesome when its your favorite driver who’s innovating in the gray area to gain a competitive edge.

Con: Horrible when its your most-hated driver who’s blatantly cheating to gain an unfair advantage.

GO STRICTER—wins are taken away when a car fails inspection, no exceptions.

Pro: Excitement of tuning into Nascar America on Wednesday to find out if the winning car made it through Nascar tech.

Con: Being reminded a dozen times each post-race “…now these results are unofficial”.

GO STRICTEST—if a car fails pre-race inspection, that car is not allowed to race that weekend.

Pro: Well, qualifying coverage would finally be interesting again.

Con: Just think of how angry sponsors like Tennessee Shine Co, Bully Sticks, and Dustless Blasting would be.

Nascar Pick Challenge: Uncle Max vs. Mystery Picker—Phoenix

Haha!  I have taken the lead over Mystery Picker!  It just goes to show you that if you stick anything out long enough with grit and determination, you’ll wind up winning in the end!

Its just like at work—I had to work a bunch of overtime last week that I *DON’T* get paid for thanks to my management position.  There seemed to be no end in sight as I was stuck putting the seemingly endless finishing touches on our holiday setup.  And then, there it was—I eeked out a win in my fantasy football league to earn our halfway point bonus!  Then, right after THAT, I come home and realize that I didn’t have to pay my rent—I already paid it a few days earlier by mistake!  Yep, its a pretty good run lately for ol’ Uncle Max, and I hope to see it keep going right through to the championship weekend next weekend!

(and yes, my win last weekend with Kevin Harvick STILL STANDS)

Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 (4 wins)—Johnny Sauter: Gonna keep riding the Sauter wave.

Xfinity Series Whelen 200 (5 wins)—John Hunter Nemechek: Staking his claim for a full-time ride in 2019.

Cup Series Can Am 500—MYSTERY PICKER (4 wins) PICKS Martin Truex Jr.  Favorite (5 wins): Kurt Busch—Why outpoint a guy when you can just win the race?  Next Favorite (5 wins): Joey Logano—Keeps the Playoff drama back in the pack.  Dark Horse: Jimmie Johnson—Power of Pride.

Unboxing and Unwrapping: Parts 23 & 24

23. Limited Edition “Pole Position” and a war of attrition

OVERVIEW:  I’m not gonna lie—its been pretty tough coming up with 24 different rhymes for each title in this series.  Guess I made the right move by not pursuing that free-style rap career.  Anyways, another nice combo of current talent here…and Reed Sorenson.

BACK OF THE CARD BONUS:  “BK” apparently went to the cliche store for his quote here—“They’re 500 miles, and a lot can happen”.  Guessing he said how he’d take it one race at a time shortly afterwards.

PICK OF THE PACK:  How do you write about a backmarker driver for a backmarker team?  Well, in Reed Sorenson’s case, you talk about how friendly you are with the team owner.  Really—what was he going to say?  “I can’t stand that guy, he never buys the kind of soap I like for the raceshop bathrooms”?

BONUS:  Dale Jr’s pole position at Daytona in July 2017 gets a fitting “Pole Position” card—one of only 99.  I wonder if this set was around when Ryan Newman was winning every-other pole—would they have about ten different cards for Mr. Friday?

FINAL RATING:  8 paint schemes out of 10

24. A middling run, some Menardburn fun, and we’re DONE

OVERVIEW:  The last pack is nothing special, though its nice to see Hershel McGriff get some love.  Both Dillons get some attention in this pack, as well as twice the Jamie Mac.

BACK OF THE CARD BONUS:  Casey Mears’s card includes an Auggie Vidovich reference—what are the odds?  Let me see…ah yes: 1 out of 1,434,509.

PICK OF THE PACK:  Paul Menard’s Daytona performance in 2017 is nothing to sneeze at with a pair of top-fives.  So there’s no explanation why his facial expression on his card could be best-described as “witnessing your favorite car get run over by a tank”.

FINAL RATING:  3 primary sponsors out of 10

Driver on 107 Race Winless Streak Mulling Nascar Career

Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso is wrapping up his illustrious F1 career this season with an interesting wrinkle—a “ride swap” with Jimmie Johnson before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  This has sent the Nascar world into a tizzy of speculation on if the driver on the 107 race winless streak could be coming to stock car racing in 2019.

“Just think of the global attention Alonso could bring if he came to Nascar”, a member of Nascar’s media corps said, ignoring Alonso’s five consecutive winless seasons in F1.

“That’s just what this sport needs—some new blood”, he said, simultaneously ignoring that Alonso is twice the age at which most drivers begin in stock cars.”

Alonso has flirted with shifting his career to the United States in the past, ramping up efforts in 2017.

“Did you see what he did at the Indy 500”, a fan said, seemingly not referencing his 24th place finish.  “The attention!  The media coverage!  The global flair!  He’s got it all!”

Alonso has been rumored to be exploring a race or two in one of Nascar’s national touring series in 2019, now that his F1 career has finally petered out after five years without a single podium finish.

“Well, he could step into a Cup car for Sonoma or Watkins Glen, boy would THAT be interesting”, said Nascar insider Scott Wilson, ignoring that a “road course ringer” hasn’t won a Cup Series race since 1973.  “Of course, he COULD give it a go on an oval like Kimi Raikkonen (finished 15th and 27th in only two oval starts) or Jacque Villeneuve (top oval race finish of 14th)—just look at how great THOSE champs adapted!”.

Johnson, for his part, was quick to ‘pump the brakes’, so to speak, on Alonso’s Nascar prospects.

“Fernando’s a great racer, there’s no denying that.  In fact, I can see some similarities on our careers—both of us are former champions, both of us have dominated, and both of us now seem to be hurtling towards irrelevancy.  But you can’t just come into Nascar and win right off the bat.

“Besides that, he’s had a bit of a rough go of it lately with that uncompetitive McLaren car”, Johnson continued.  “Although, to be fair, that might prepare him for racing a Chevy.”

Top 10 Martin Truex Jr Excuses for Not Exacting Revenge on Joey Logano

Today's regular Burnout article: https://spaderacing.blogspot.com/2018/11/driver-on-107-race-winless-streak.html

Checking out early from today's vibrationthon--check in early to this hot rumor

10.) Going to try to beat him in Kevin Harvick’s charity softball game instead

9.) Don’t want to disappoint team owner. Well, NEW team owner, who technically hasn’t been announced yet...

8.) “Oh yeah? Well you’re just lucky my chick’s here!”

7.) Revenge is a dish best served cold—let’s see how Joey reacts when he gets punched in the back of the head in 2027!

6.) Nobody got to see the actual revenge—calls from a burner phone asking for Mike Hunt. 

5.) Every time he got to the 22’s bumper, he just, uh...aero push? Yeah, that’s it—just couldn’t put the bumper to him. 

4.) Trying to uphold the good name of New Jersey’s drivers nationwide. 

3.) Seeking revenge through legal means instead—that Shell logo looks a bit too big on the hood, doesn’t it?

2.) Already challenged Joey to a battle no Logano has ever won—a beard-growing contest. 

1.) “I think we got in their heads” (to be said as the 22 crew hoists the championship trophy in Homestead. 

Nascar Pick Challenge: Uncle Max vs. Mystery Picker—Texas

I spent most of my Monday off of work investigating the mystery of, well, Mystery Picker.  Just who is this person?  What’s their secret?  And why won’t my nephew reveal it to me?  In honor of this weekend’s tripleheader, here’s my three biggest deductions into the identity of Mystery:

(note: for reasons of flow, I’ll refer to Mystery as “he” even though Mystery could very well be a woman)

1.) He’s an expert.  I give credit where credit is due—Mystery knows his stuff.  I was pretty new to the sport when I started making picks here, and while Mystery MIGHT be new to the gambling game, he obviously knows the sport inside and out.

2.) He goes with his gut.  Mystery will seem to go with the obvious pick (like this weekend), then pick someone completely out of left field.  How the heck does he make some of those picks, anyways?  Is he just picking names out of a hat?

3.) He’s rich.  Why else wouldn’t he want people to know who he is?  My theory is that Mystery’s toying with me (and, by proxy, you, the readers of this site) and is making bank with his Nascar picks in Vegas.

Truck Series Jag Metals 350(k) (3 wins)—Johnny Sauter: Sorry I didn’t pick ya last week, Johnny.

Xfinity Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 (5 wins)—Elliott Sadler: A long wait ends at one of the longest races of the year.

Cup Series First Data 500—MYSTERY PICKER (4 wins) PICKS Kyle Busch.  Favorite (4 wins): Kevin Harvick—Shifting to another member of The Big 3.  Next Favorite (5 wins): Brad Keselowski—Time to spoil the party.  Dark Horse: Erik Jones—Wish I could count last week’s Jimmie Johnson sponsorship announcement as a Dark Horse win.