Fanhouse You Ask 'Em, We Answer 'Em: Busch Points, Restricting & Black No. 3's

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Q: Hey guys! The winter break is very boring and it's good to see someone trying to do something about it. My question is: Do you think NASCAR would be the heading in the same direction if Dale Earnhardt was still around? It seems to me, with the Car of Tomorrow and the open-wheel guys, that all of the emotion and fun is gone from the sport! -- Tim (Iowa)

A: The Fanhouse certainly appreciates your question, Tim! And you're right, the winter break from NASCAR action gets a little tedious at times, but Daytona testing is here, so no worries!

As for Dale Earnhardt, I think that this sport would be in a very different state without his tragic death in 2001. Would that state be better or worse? I don't really know.

One thing is true, we lost one of the most recognizable and heroic figures of a sport. But with his tragic death, look at all the innovation that has come as a near direct result. HANS devices, SAFER barriers, and safer cars have all come out of the tragedy. In that sense, the sport has improved.

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As for emotion? Was the Daytona 500 finish a year ago not pressure-packed? Have there not been any good races since 2001? I think NASCAR has remained one of the most entertaining sports to watch just for the sheer fact of anything can and still does happen. I say, Tim, give NASCAR a chance with an open-mind in 2008 to see if you can spot some emotion and good racing. It's still there.

Q: Why is NASCAR so locked into using only restrictor plates and not other means of restricting speed? There's a mathematical formula for miles per hour, RPMs, wheel diameter, ignition boxes, and gear ratios. The present 'plate races are a wreck looking to happen and they become downright boring when you multiple lead changes in one lap. -- Reese (Augusta, Georgia)

A: Reese thanks for the question, but I've got to disagree with you right from the start. I think that you would find yourself in a very, very slim majority by calling restrictor plate races "boring" -- especially because of the multiple lead changes each lap. Isn't that a basic premise of racing, to have cars battle for the lead?

I have a feeling that if someone goes out and leads all 200 laps at Daytona in February that there will be a lot of complaining about boring racing. Lead changes are a necessity to keep racing entertaining.

Now, about the restrictor plates. Are they the best way to race? Probably not. But they are the only solution that NASCAR can come up right now. Now, the math you threw at me is way over my head and I'm glad you can comprehend stuff like that. But keep in mind, there's a lot of smart people in the NASCAR world, so if your suggestion is a possibility, I'd bet they are working on it. Thanks for the question!

Q: Since NASCAR has allowed Penske to give Kurt Busch's points to Sam Hornish Jr., how will this affect Dale Jarrett since he was planning on running the first six races on the champion provisional? -- Cindy (Canyon, Texas)

A: Great question, Cindy. If nothing else, the move by Penske (which was completely legal under NASCAR rules) was incredibly smart. Sam Hornish Jr. will now be locked in the field for the first five races of '08, which will help him tremendously.

As for DJ? It should light a fire under his and Michael Waltrip Racing's rear end. Hopefully, with the addition of Joe Gibbs Racing to the Toyota camp, MWR has been able to find -- if nothing else -- a little bit of speed on Friday for qualifying.

If not, Jarrett better hope that Kurt Busch can qualify well enough on speed for the first five races. If not, Jarrett will have to do the same, or face going home during his five-race retirement tour.

In reality, although not realistic, Dale Jarrett just needs to put his No. 44 on the pole for each race and all questions will be null and void as to if he can make the first five races. Thanks for the question!