We’ll have a better realization on where’ll we stand with all of this by May 1.
Adam Niemeyer: I think the suspensions are the biggest part of this. There will be so many people missing from Penske Racing—if the May 1st appeal is upheld—during those six race weekends (plus the All-Star race I believe) that they may need to hire one of us to call the shots from atop the pit box. How Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano react to whoever the organization puts in charge will determine if they can remain in contention for the Chase. I think Brad is OK given that he’s already in the top five in points but obviously Joey is in a world of trouble.
AnnMarie Strawhand: Yes the penalties are stiff, and it looks as if NASCAR is sending out a very strong message here. With penalties effecting more team members this is a huge wake-up call – and for teams especially that are smaller and may not be able to pay these big fines – there will be more caution and attention paid overall to these potential issues and you may see some big changes in staff possibly on teams who may have hired innovative engineers. It is a good thing for the sport to be innovative, I do believe that, but you must always be cautious just for this reason – rules are rules.
Lori Tyler: You mess with the bull? At least that’s what comes to mind. I understand Penske’s desire to attempt to dispute the penalties. However, I think it may be a losing battle for them. They have admitted that they were working in the grey area of the rule book. When that happens, I really just believe you have to be prepared to deal with the consequences. While it is a stiff fine, penalty and suspensions, the rule book exists for a reason. If you did indeed modify parts, then it is a just and fair decision on the part of the sanctioning body.
• Denny Hamlin sparked off a tweet about Joey Logano including a smiley face and a hashtag #seeyousoon. Do you think their rival is over, or is it just beginning?
Ross Bynum: Rivalries are part of what makes NASCAR what it is. Somewhere NASCAR is hoping it’s just the beginning. Do I think a Hamlin vs. Logano rivalry is very dramatic and worth all the talk? Not really.
Erin Crocker Evernham: I think it will fade away or at least I hope it will.
Chris Knight: #GameOn. Honestly, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of the Denny Hamlin vs. Joey Logano rivalry. I think Denny was trying to “poke” at Joey a little bit to make him realize, he hasn’t forgotten, but it would be nice to put the two in the same room (we still could see that this year) and see how they react.
I do though think that the rivalry is good for NASCAR. It brings attentions, new fans and controversy to the sport and that’s what keeps people interested and ultimately all of us talking about it. Sometimes, it’s good to have “other” things to talk about instead of the race in particular. This is one example.
Adam Niemeyer: I’m going to say neither starting nor over, but in the middle. I think Hamlin’s intention was to poke some fun at Logano’s misfortune, and he was criticized by Brad Keselowski’s sister on Twitter for sending that tweet during the race on Sunday. We’ll see how Logano responds, and if it were me, I’d respond by out running Hamlin when Hamlin is back and healthy. There’s no better way to send a message than by beating him every week on the track.
AnnMarie Strawhand: First of all, these two are like two young bucks locking horns and we need to remember that they are really just two 20 something’s trying to be tough guys. However they are in the public eye and have sponsors to represent. The fans love this of course and I think that as long as it stays as twitter banter and does not get destructive on the race track they should have some fun with, it can build the PR. – and boys will be boys.
Lori Tyler: I think it may just be the beginning. There is absolutely nothing wrong with rivalry. It makes the sport more interesting, and drives those involved to compete to the very best of their ability. However, I never, ever want to see anyone injured as a result.
• Racing resumes on a short-track this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Are you looking forward to the race? Who are you watching?
Erin Crocker Evernham: Yes, I love Richmond. I think it provides some great racing. I am going with Kasey Kahne. He has been strong all year and he always runs well at RIR.
Chris Knight: How can you not love some good ole short track racing? Richmond is a great short track that provides a lot of good racing, some tempers and sparks.
