Cronrath always will have burning desire to race (cont'd)

Here are some of my favorite responses of the week regarding how this scenario might play out ...

From Hank in Cottageville, S.C.
Dale Jr. should go with RCR. If Richard Childress and Teresa Earnhardt were smart, they would negotiate a swap of car numbers -- 3 for 8. Teresa could capitalize on running Dale Sr.'s number and Dale Jr., along with Budweiser, could take the car he has made famous with him. It would be a win/win situation for everyone.

I like where your head's at Hank, but DEI's recent record in negotiating is slightly worse than Michael Waltrip's racing record on the year.

From Scott in Fantasyland
Mr. NASCAR will end up at RCR, with a different number but same sponsor. Teresa will prove the distaste she has for Jr. by keeping the No. 8 and eventually will struggle the way the Petty's do now. Jr. will win a few championships over the next few years and plenty of races, make millions, get married, have kids, buy his father's company at a rock bottom price and live happily ever after.

This may be a first; a NASCAR fairy tale. On a similar note ...

From Chris in Seattle
Once Teresa Earnhardt runs DEI into the ground Dale will be able to buy a controlling share on the cheap and move back to his dad's company where he belongs. It's just a matter of time.

Say what you will about the head of DEI, but I've always understood her to be decent in business. Still, Chris hit on a popular theme.

From James in New York
Dale Jr. going to Hendrick would be like Derek Jeter going to play for the Red Sox ... can't happen.

Yeah, or like Roger Clemens pitching for the Yankees!

Whilst sitting atop the NASCAR 24/7 Live truck at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, these were the two comments that caught my eye.

From NASCAR MOM-50
I don't think Teresa has it in her to support her drivers. You never see her in victory circle. I don't even see her on TV like you see the other owners in the pit boxes.

I see what you're saying, but wouldn't it be a little disingenuous if she started showing up trackside as the biggest DEI cheerleader now? Imagine the eyes that would be rolling on pit row if that happened.

From Jeff in Michigan
How about Johnny Sauter? He had a great night and is really running well this season!

Great point, Jeff. After starting 20th and finishing second in the Nextel Open just to qualify for the All-Star Challenge, here is a partial list of drivers Sauter beat in the night's biggest race: Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin and the Busch brothers. If the 70 team keeps beating that list we will be talking more and more about Johnny Sauter.

Finally, here are a few storylines to watch as the season unfolds.

1. Can the Ford guys of Jack Roush and company get some momentum going if for no other reason than to satisfy the furious e-mailers who've ranted about ...

2. Hendrick Motorsports' domination: Can they make a run at the greatest season an owner has ever had in the modern era? They'll have to win eight of the final 25 races to do so and you can bet the rest of NASCAR will be banding together to stop them.

3. Every driver with a win this season has won in the past. Will we see any first time winners on the circuit this year? Paging Mr. Bowyer. Mr. Clint Bowyer.

Enjoy the race everybody.

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.