My answer's to ESPN's Turn 4 column with no insider knowledge, no political correctness and no holding back.
Turn 1: So much was made about the new aero package and the hopes it will "fix" the racing on 1.5-mile tracks. What was your first impression from Vegas?
We, the rest of Jr. nation and whatever the hell you call Keselowski fans (Deucers?) got plenty of excitement out of the race, but that's because Jr. was the fastest car for alot of it and Keselowski got lucky and stole a win. Besides that, the 1.5 mile track didn't strike me as much different than in past years. Track position is extremely important and once you get out in clean air it's very hard for someone to run you down.
Turn 2: A lot of gnashing of teeth over the racing at Bristol Motor Speedway in recent seasons, but will the new rules lead to some real bumping and banging on Sunday?
I think the top 5 or so drivers will be more aggressive late in the race trying to get the win. That doesn't mean I think there's going to be wrecking balls out there driving for the win. All things considered (basically if it's a fun track or 1.5 mile cookie cutter), this season is 3 for 3 on producing relatively to extremely entertaining races and I think this Sunday will be another good one.
Turn 3: Although Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he wouldn't have "gambled" under the old system, was it really a gamble when he was just half a lap short?
I am so sick of the gambling references. The amount that we heard on Sunday because the race was at Vegas was ridiculous. That being said, this was a gamble compared to if the old chase system was in place. Risking running out of gas and falling alot of positions last year would have been much more important in the standings last year than it was this year. Jr. definitely "gambled" this weekend because he took a chance on whether or not he would run out of gas, but it wasn't a risky gamble.
Turn 4: Is Tony Stewart's leg affecting him in the car more than he's letting on?
I hope that's what it is. That means as Tony's injury continues to heal, he'll get himself back into Chase competition. The Chase with Tony Stewart in it is definitely more exciting. I'm not so sure that's what it is though. Between him and Kurt Busch, Stewart-Haas racing has not looked good at all so far. Obviously Harvick has been great besides breaking down at Vegas, which gives hope that the team can figure it out and Danica could be put in a rocketship and would still come in 25th so you can't really judge the team based on her performance.
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