Panel of experts debates the hot topics in NASCAR
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1. After 35 races, nine Chase battles and three rounds of elimination, we're down to just four drivers battling it out for the championship. Gentlemen, in the succinct words of Mr. Albert, "Who ya' got?"
Zack Albert: Without trying to overthink, I'm going with Kevin Harvick just based on how solid his team's performance has been, everywhere they've unloaded.
Alan Cavanna: I'm sticking with my pick from the NASCAR.com Preview Show. Joey Logano is winning the championship on Sunday.
Kenny Bruce: If I were wagering, and just for the record I'm not (yet), I'd go against Kevin Harvick, the favorite of most folks, simply because I like to bet the upsets. I'd go with Ryan Newman, who said Wednesday that it's not a big deal, he only has to beat three other guys right? Who also happen to be among the best in the series. The smart money is on Harvick, though, and I think it's his to lose. I think Joey Logano is equally strong, but Harvick's riding a dominant Phoenix victory, so that's got to be worth something. Don't want to dismiss Denny Hamlin, but I think he and Newman will need the race of a lifetime, or troubles for Logano/Harvick, to walk off with the title.
Cavanna: Harvick is the safe pick. He's got all the speed and performance. But I'm thinking yellow flags and restarts toward the end. That's where I think Logano will separate himself from the field.
Albert: Nice plug, by the way, Alan. I think Hamlin is a strong second favorite -- he prevailed here last season and has had a rock-solid pit crew all year long.
Cavanna: I've heard strong cases for everyone but Newman this week. And Newman's made it clear he doesn't really care what everyone else is saying.
Bruce: Hamlin's pit crew has certainly gained him plenty of track position this year, Zack. But I think the rule changes in the offseason pretty much negated any success, or problems, teams had here in the past.
2. Now that we've nearly completed the first Chase under the new guidelines, what, if anything, would you change about the format for 2015?
Albert: This is above my pay grade, but given the keys to the postseason system, I'd like to see the rotation of tracks shaken up a bit. Probably still best that we're in the warm-weather climes of sunny South Florida for the finale, but I'd be open to shifting up the 10 races.
Bruce: As much as I agree with those who think one season is too soon to start tinkering, I do have an opinion. Of course. I like the win and you're in, then win and you advance aspects. I like that points can keep you going, too. A nice mix. My biggest issue with the format? I think the "must be in top 30 in points to be eligible" is way, way, way too loose. Who fights for 30th place? Who even runs back there? Make it top 20 for those with or without wins. There are usually some pretty decent teams battling around that neck of the woods and I think it would put a little pressure on those teams to step it up. As it stands, you can just show up and be in the top 30.
Cavanna: I'd love to see some sort of reward for winning during the Chase that comes into play during Homestead. I fully understand why the rules are the way they are. "Make everyone equal, first one to the finish is the champ," no doing math during the race. BUT, fans are able to deal with that stuff the rest of the year. I think they can handle it during the finale. Harvick and Logano won in the playoff, and while they've been rewarded handsomely, they should be separated from Newman and Hamlin if only by a point or two
Bruce: I like your thinking, Alan. Maybe if a Chase driver wins a Chase race, he is locked in final? That would give us a heck of a field. But I haven't thought about the potential problems there. Still ... sounds good on the surface.
Cavanna: That's one step further that I thought, Kenny. Not a bad idea.
Bruce: I'm putting it in the suggestion box now, Alan.
Albert: And is a Chase field of 16 too many or too few? All interesting points, but believe it might be best to let this new format simmer for a while, rather than keep throwing too many tweaks at it in its infancy.
Bruce: Agreed, Zack. Pretty easy to say, "Well, you should have done this" after only one year. But who knows how different it might play out in future years if left alone.
Cavanna: Good call, Zack. The best thing that can be done is to leave it alone. A change we can all agree on.
3. After Chase drivers dominated the first two rounds, non-Chase drivers took two of the three Eliminator Round wins. Which driver outside the four qualifiers stands the best chance to end the season with a victory?
Cavanna: Safe money is on Jimmie Johnson. He and Chad Knaus were down here testing a few weeks ago, said they learned something that helped them dominate Texas. I see it helping here. A not-so-longshot has to be Kyle Larson. This track rewards those who run as wide as possible. That's got Larson written all over it.
Bruce: The list of potential winners sure got a lot deeper when we booted Brad Keselowski, Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth to the side last week at Phoenix. I wouldn't be surprised to see Brad or Jeff win this week. If everyone on the outside is still in 2014 mode and not looking ahead to '15, I think Gordon's the guy. I picked him to win the title, missed it there, so I'm hoping to look less wrong with a win by the 24 team.
Albert: I'm with you there. Wouldn't be surprised at all to see Keselowski in Victory Lane come Sunday, especially with the Blue Deuce's or White Deuce's (or whichever color is it this week) performance this season on 1.5-mile tracks. Even though they're not in the title hunt, it would be a fairly convincing exclamation point.
Cavanna: "Very wrong" is a great way to describe my Chase grid.
Bruce: Sounds like a book title: My Very Wrong Chase Grid. We keep mentioning Larson, Alan, and I'm as guilty as anyone. While I think it would be a great story, I think they've leveled off for now.
Cavanna: I don't know, guys. This seems like a great environment for someone (cough ... 24) to get some revenge on the (No.) 2 car. Little on the line for those guys now.
Bruce: Revenge? Surely not. Maybe NASCAR should have a "payback" race before Sunday's Ford EcoBoost 400. The Settle Your Score 150 perhaps?
Albert: Or the Eco-Boot, where your rivals are efficiently punted out of the way.
Cavanna: Winner gets a spot in the Chase? Ha!
Bruce: Maybe someday Alan. But remember, we agreed to leave the Chase unchanged. For now at least.
Cavanna: Deal!
Bruce: Eco-Boot. Love it Zack.
Albert: Where the rivalries have drivers shaking in their Eco-Boots.
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