Wheel2Wheel -- Nascar and Racing FanHouse

Wheel2Wheel: Johnson Goes for 4

Posted: Sep 18th 2009 1:19 PM ET by Geoffrey Miller (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Jimmie Johnson, Sprint Cup, Wheel2Wheel

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.

Wheel2Wheel: Indy, Danica & 600

Posted: May 24th 2009 9:52 AM ET by Geoffrey Miller (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Sprint Cup, Wheel2Wheel, IRL

2 COMMENTS

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.

Wheel2Wheel: The 'New' Southern 500

Posted: May 8th 2009 10:02 AM ET by Geoffrey Miller (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Kyle Busch, Sprint Cup, Wheel2Wheel

5 COMMENTS

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?

Wheel2Wheel: From 'Dega to Richmond

Posted: Apr 30th 2009 11:59 AM ET by Geoffrey Miller (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Sprint Cup, Wheel2Wheel

76 COMMENTS

Jump in as FanHouse writers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller try to put a cap on the weekend that was Talladega and look ahead to the always exciting spring race in Richmond with a little thing we like to call Wheel2Wheel.

NASCAR Feuds

While Carl Edwards' wreck stole the show at Talladega, two of NASCAR's biggest stars will be thrust into the spotlight Saturday. Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. traded paint at both of last year's Richmond races. Click through to see their two dustups and other top feuds.

Getty Images

Race: Crown Royal presents Dan Lowry 400 Date: May 3, 2008
Feud: Kyle Busch spins out leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. with three laps to go.
Memorable Quote: Kyle Busch: "The deal with Jr. ... man, it was racing."

Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

Race: Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Date: Sept. 7, 2008
Feud: Dale Earnhardt spins out leader Kyle Busch on lap 212.
Memorable Quote: Dale Jr.: "I really ain

Shawn Chamberlin, AP

Race: Subway Fresh Fit 500
Feud: Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashed with 11 laps to go after he and Casey Mears made contact. Earnhardt then spun Mears on the cool-down lap and Mears retaliated by bumping into the back of Earnhardt's car on pit road.
Memorable Quote: Mears: "I guess he was a little bent out of shape about it, because he spun me out after the checkered flag."

LEFT: Jim McIsaac, Getty Images RIGHT: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Race: Subway Fresh Fit 500
Feud: Robby Gordon, left, gets upset with Michael Waltrip after contact with Waltrip's No. 55 Toyota sends Gordon into the Phoenix International Speedway wall.
Memorable Quote: Gordon: "I

Getty Images

Race: Daytona 500
Feud: Dale Earnhardt Jr's clip of Brian Vickers triggers a 9-car accident
Memorable Quote: Earnhardt: "What the hell am I supposed to do? ... If he wasn't so damn reckless, we would have never had that problem."

Getty Images (2)

Race: Gatorade Duel 150 Date: Feb. 12, 2009
Feud: Ryan Newman wrecked by David Reutimann
Memorable Quote: Newman: "Reutimann is a good name for him -- because he rooted a man right out of there and sent me up into the wall."

Steve Johnson, Orlando Sentinel / MCT

Race: Amp Energy 500 Date: Oct. 7, 2008
Feud: Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick clash four days after race
Memorable Quote: Harvick after race: "I know that [Edwards'] fans won't be very proud of him sitting back there riding around like a pansy."

Race: CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 (Nationwide) Date: May 24, 2008
Feud: Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski mix it up under a caution
Memorable Quote: Hamlin: "If he throws a rock, I'll throw a concrete block back."

Jason Smith, Getty Images

Race: Food City 500 Date: March 17, 2008
Feud: Kevin Harvick wrecks Tony Stewart with two laps left
Memorable Quote: Stewart: "I thought I left him plenty of room. I was far enough ahead of him that I didn't see where he hit me or when he hit me. But I'm sure, somehow, it's my fault."

Jason Smith, Getty Images

Q: What was your first reaction to all of the events and drama that Talladega produced this weekend?

Holly Cain: The accident began only a few yards below my seat in the Talladega press box. At most tracks, the press box is an elevator-ride atop the grandstands, but at Talladega it sits only about 15 rows up.

The last lap was sensory-overload, but that's what you expect at Talladega.

Wheel2Wheel: Saturday Night's All Right, Helio's Impact & Phoenix Favorites

Posted: Apr 17th 2009 12:19 PM ET by Geoffrey Miller (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Sprint Cup, Wheel2Wheel, IRL

2 COMMENTS

Jump in as FH's Holly Cain & Geoffrey Miller go Wheel2Wheel on a variety of racing topics.

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.

Wheel2Wheel: Dale Jr., 2009 Duds

Posted: Mar 25th 2009 1:15 PM ET by Geoffrey Miller (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bristol Motor Speedway, Wheel2Wheel

49 COMMENTS

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.

What, you ask yourself, does FanHouse's Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller have to say on these issues?

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.

Well, almost.

Wheel2Wheel: California Dreamin'

Posted: Feb 22nd 2009 1:10 PM ET by Geoffrey Miller (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Sprint Cup, Wheel2Wheel

8 COMMENTS

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.