Based on the last three seasons, Jimmie Johnson has to be a favorite to win his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup title. The NASCAR world gets the championship fight under way this weekend in New Hampshire with the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup with 11 other drivers fighting to knock off the No. 48.
Can they do it? FanHouse writers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller chime in on that and plenty more as they go Wheel2Wheel about Jimmie Johnson: Will Jimmie Johnson make it four championships in-a-row? Geoffrey Miller: If you would have asked me, oh, four weeks ago the answer would be a resounding yes. But since Johnson took over and won at Indianapolis, he hasn't exactly lit up the Sprint Cup Series. There's been no Johnson just flat knocking 'em dead with top-fives and wins, and instead we've seen some chinks in the armor of the No. 48.
FH writers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller are taking part in both major American races this weekend. Here, they go Wheel2Wheel on some major issues facing each sport.
There's been lots of talk about Danica Patrick this week moving to NASCAR. We'll ask again: is this for real?
Holly Cain: While Danica is clearly enjoying her flirtation with NASCAR, I don't think it's a real option - yet as much as a bargaining ploy to land a good IndyCar ride.
Geoffrey Miller: I couldn't agree more, though a move by her would be a tremendous short-term gain for NASCAR in terms of a new character in the garage.
Jump in as FanHouse's Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller go Wheel2Wheel about Darlington, Kyle Busch's audacious goals and the oh-so-lovable Goodyear.
Does NASCAR need more tracks with unusual character like Darlington and what do you think about re-naming the spring event the "Southern 500"?
Geoffrey Miller: Frankly, I'm a little confused. It's not Labor Day weekend, tropical storms aren't brewing off the South Carolina coast and the heat index in Darlington this weekend won't be anywhere near triple digits. Why then, in the name of Richard Petty, is it time for the Southern 500?
Is Saturday night racing good for NASCAR? Holly Cain: It is a valid concern that Saturday night NASCAR Sprint Cup racing hurts ticket sales at local short tracks, NASCAR's grassroots. But it's a not an argument the short tracks will win. Going night racing is one of the best moves NASCAR has ever made and I think there should be more races under the lights.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s performance -- or lack thereof -- in 2009 has become a contentious debate, last weekend's Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway lacked the pizazz we're used to at Bristol and a few drivers have struggled to put forth results that'll leave you scratching your head.
Find out as FH's Wheel2Wheel takes a look at NASCAR's current stories and issues. Read on to see what we've got to say, and when you're done, tell us exactly how we're wrong. It'll be more fun than sneaking your family sedan on to Daytona's high banks for a late night joyride.
With the stars and cars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series set to take the season's second green flag Sunday afternoon, FanHouse bloggers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller debate the oh-so-touchy subject of NASCAR's presence at Southern California's Auto Club Speedway.
Welcome to the newest regular feature that FanHouse is proud to present: Wheel2Wheel. Throughout the season, motorsports writers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller will take a topic and toss in their thoughts on the issue.
This week, they'll debate two of NASCAR's biggest names -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart -- and discuss who they think carries the top standing in in four areas. Agree? Disagree? Join in below!
Q: Who will win first in 2009, Tony Stewart or Dale Earnhardt Jr.?
Geoffrey Miller: I'd say, barring a crapshoot win for Stewart in a restrictor plate race, this question is easily answered: Dale Earnhardt Jr.