Category Archives: Questions for Kristen

Questions For Kristen: Fighting, Wrecking, and Motivation

Posted on March 25, 2013 | Leave a comment

As you can guess, this week’s Questions For Kristen is all about fighting: Denny/Joey, Tony/Joey, and Dale Jr./himself. Unfiltered and bountiful, my thoughts and opinions are here. Enjoy!

Who was at fault, Joey or Denny? -@TheOrangeCone

There is no way I can attach blame to this wreck. Why? Because I don’t see it as important.

Yes, it is terrible that Denny is now suffering from a compression fracture of the L1 vertebra, but that fact is no reason to blame Logano. I highly doubt that he was thinking, “Oh, I’m going to wreck Denny and break his back, MWAHAHAHA.”

Here is what IS important about those closing laps: we saw great racing. Before Kyle Busch slid by and both crashes happened, door-to-door, tempers (and motors) overheating. Isn’t that what we all love, passion, hunger?

So, who am I to blame them for doing something wrong, when, in all reality, it was a refreshing rivalry?

Should Joey not have blocked Smoke? -@Aunt_of_5

If you read my recap from yesterday, I am not happy with the Tony/Joey confrontation, although it was fun to watch (many Gordon/Burton at Texas vibes). The reason I’m not happy is the basis of Stewart’s argument; as if he’s never blocked before, right?

Every driver blocks. It’s a solid defensive tactic. Joey wanted to win, which is why he dropped that block on Tony. If Tony was really upset, he would’ve spun Logano right then and there, but he didn’t.

Joey wasn’t in the wrong. End of story.

NASCAR has seen a lot of publicity this year, albeit a lot of it bad. Do you think it could still potentially boost ratings? -@TysonLaut49

Definitely. Publicity is publicity, no matter if casts bright light or a shadow on the sport.

Wrecks, fights, wars of words. It all brings outside attention. New fans who saw the final laps of Fontana will tune into Martinsville. No doubt.

It’s good no matter what, and that’s a fact, jack.

Do you think Dale Jr. can keep the strong start going? -@da_folz15

In all the crazy occurrences, it was almost unreported that the new points leader is the one and only Dale Earnhardt Jr. He’s racked up five top-tens, a very impressive start, and he seems to have more of a hop in his step.

This could be a very great year for Junior . . . Or not.

I am a firm believer in personal motivation. If you set your mind to something, then it can be achieved. That’s what I think in this instance; it’s up to Dale Jr. to put himself in high gear and keep himself atop the standings.

In my eyes, he seems focused.

He seems like a champion.

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#QforK: Stock Car Therapy

Posted on February 3, 2013 | 1 Comment

Bang, bang, bang.

Hear that? It’s the sound of me hitting my head against a brick wall.

Though this is NASCAR’s off-season, I haven’t slowed down. School work has picked up, time’s flying by, and life is barreling at me going about 200 mph. The only thing that has became a crawl is my Twitter feed. The statuses that do come through are irritable rants, for which I apologize.

I’m stressed. Plain and simple. The future is arriving six months early, and I’ve been stuffing dirty laundry into dark corners and speed-dusting my furniture. This includes ACT practice (I take the actual test this upcoming Friday) and looking at colleges.

NASCAR is needed. I never realized until recently how much it held me together. It gave me something to scream at. Stock Car Therapy, if you will. Doesn’t that sound like an unique venting session with high-speed results:

“You’re quite stressed. I suggest you take two weeks off work, take a nice bubble bath twice a week, and go fill your lungs with dirt at Eldora this summer.”

“You can’t get your coworkers loose and put them into the water-cooler, Jim. Go sit in the company hauler.”

“All these speeding tickets are going to make your ‘crew chief’ mad. You’ll be sleeping on the couch for about a week.”

Anyway, I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Hopefully answering your questions will make those feelings go away for a bit.

Do you thing EGR will show a huge performance improvement now that they have HMS engines this season? -@LiamRedford

When the news of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing switching to Hendrick motors came out, I was pleasantly shocked. Some brand-named equipment will be under their hoods . . . But not THAT high quality.

What everyone needs to understand is that there is a food chain. At the pointed top is the four Hendrick cars. They get the prime selection. Next is Stewart-Haas Racing, who receives sloppy seconds. At the bottom is now Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. The quality dwindles as it goes down the food chain.

I’m afraid of overproduction occurring. If all these teams want Hendrick engines, the quality of said engines will disappear. More mechanical failures. Just what all three teams need, right?

All in all, it will help EGR for a little while, but, in the long run, the success will overheat and blow -just like the Hendrick engines will end up doing.

Is there a surprise candidate for The Chase this year? Who do you think that driver is? -@da_folz15

I’ve been working on my 2013 Chase lineup for a few weeks now, and one person I’m certain will make a shocking appearance is Aric Almirola. I just have this feeling about him. Last year, he made so much progress, and I think it will all come to a head this year. His top ten runs will become more common, and he’ll learn to handle that special pressure much more effectively.

Another person that may make a long-overdue presence will be Jeff Burton. He knows he’s on the hot seat, and, by the way he’s been talking, 2013 is Operation: Getcha Some Wins. The Mayor will make a run for The Chase, but I’m still uncertain if he’ll make it.

How much do you think the Gen 6 cars will change racing? -@Lovinbayne21

Two words: better racing.

Simple as that, folks. Get ready.

Children in racing: in the past, they’ve seemed to decline the father’s performance somewhat. Will it happen to Denny [Hamlin]? -MissChris52_11

Before we go any further, I want to take a moment to lament that fact that Ms. Taylor James Hamlin is the cutest thing I‘ve ever seen in my entire life:

Via Denny Hamlin's Twitter

Via Denny Hamlin’s Twitter

This is where we interject the collective AWHHHHHHH.

However, with a new bundle of joy comes a heavy burden if you’re a racecar driver.

We’ve seen it happen to most fathers in racing, excluding the Superman that is Jimmie Johnson, but I don’t see Denny faltering. Why? Because he’s been through so much already, that this should be a piece of cake. He’s come so close to the championship and lost it a handful of times.

This year, he’ll make a great run at becoming the 2013 champion, but he won’t win it all.

Hey, I never said he would fly to the top, did I?

For my full prediction of the 2013 Chase field, you’ll have to wait until later this week. Don’t die from anticipation!

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#QforK: Happiness and the 2013 Season

Posted on January 4, 2013 | 1 Comment

I feel that, in whatever you do, you must be happy.

Many others preach this philosophy. Yet, how many actually walk the walk after they’ve talked the talk? Very few, I’ve figured.

I’m content in saying I am in that minority. Writing makes me happy, and so I shall write. NASCAR is my passion, so that’s my subject matter.

When things get difficult or strained, I try to look at the good. What I end up looking at is our champion Brad Keselowski.

Yes, that cocky, opinionated, heavily-intoxicated driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford. He is actually the perfect role model, against popular belief. Case in point, that press conference at Loudon after his then-teammate AJ Allmendinger was busted for that fateful drug test.

Out of the huge rant he produced, a single quote stuck out.

“You should just man up and drive the damn race car.”

I look at that statement by itself, and a light goes off. Shut up and drive.

Why? It makes you happy.

The surrounding world may be black and white, but that shouldn’t stop you from being the splash of color it needs.

Brad Keselowski helped me realize that being yourself is the best thing. He doesn’t believe in playing the media game. The façade you see is pure and genuine. It makes him, and everyone else, glad when he can speak his mind.

So, with this epiphany in mind, 2013 will be my year of bravery, no regrets, and more sarcasm than ever. Because feeling good about myself and making people laugh makes me smile.

Without further ado, here’s the first edition of #QforK of the new year!

With drivers such as Kilgerman, Pastrana, Smith, and Vickers moving to Nationwide, who will be the most successful? -@Kese_Penske_2

As Parker Kligerman goes to run for Kyle Busch Motorsports, and Travis Pastrana straps in the #60 full-time for Roush, it’s looking like the Nationwide series is going to be even more stacked with talent. Regan Smith already showed some muscle with his win at Homestead, and Brian Vickers is a proven talent in the Cup series.

In my mind, Vickers will be unstoppable, especially with the alliance he has over at Michael Waltrip Racing. He’s a victim of slim pickings on the Cup side of things, but that won’t stop him from making the best out of this next opportunity at Joe Gibbs Racing.

With the change of manufactures, do you think this will help or hinder Brad Keselowski’s 2013 championship challenge? -@LiamRedford

It would take a bellowing freight train slamming into Brad Keselowski to make him even flinch. Switching manufacturers will be a piece of cake. There will be growing pains, as there is with any sort of change in this sport, but Brad’s mind is a steel trap. Anything he grasps will not be lost.

He will be fine. No worries here.

One to watch for in 2013? -@CeCefiedAldean7

There are many drivers that will either flounder or flourish this upcoming season, but I will focus on three names many eyes should be locked on for various reasons.

Danica Patrick. Of course everyone will be focused on her. The announcers, the NASCAR media, fans, ect. To be perfectly honest, watching Danica will be quite entertaining. You’ll see why.

Clint Bowyer. He won’t suffer from the Runner-Up Curse, since he became runner-up in The Chase due to Jimmie Johnson’s issues. That MWR team is booming. Great things are coming for them, especially after a fantastic first season together.

Aric Almirola. Last season was a great starting point for him. His appearances in the top ten will soon turn into top fives, then . . . Well, you know how that goes. His progression will show this year. Don’t be surprised to see him win.

Do you think we will see 50 Cup cars entered at a race this year? -@Cody_Masse

I highly doubt we will. With sponsors falling away and the equipment getting more expensive, I don’t see that many cars attempting to get into a race, which is very depressing.

The off-season is halfway done, guys! Hang in there!

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#QforK: The Kurt Busch Move, Allmendinger, and More Danica

Posted on September 29, 2012 | 8 Comments

On Monday, it was revealed that Kurt Busch would be driving the #78 for Furniture Row Racing full-time in 2013. Surprisingly, Busch’s first race with FRR is Charlotte’s Chase race this year, meaning that Regan Smith is being removed almost immediately.

As bad as it sounds, I don’t think this deal is right at all.

Busch has had too many chances to prove himself, and I don’t think he’s deserving of this one.

The way he handles himself in the racecar is just unacceptable in my eyes. Yes, that’s a tension-filled environment, but you don’t hear all the other drivers exploding like he does. What makes him more fragile than others?

You can say his divorce shook him up. You can argue that he has changed. But, in my honest opinion, people rarely change. Kurt’s no exception.

Oh, trust me, I see why he’s been given opportunities. He’s a former champion, and no one wants to see champions fall. Kurt Busch has been descending for a long time.

I hope Regan Smith gets a good ride. After moving all the way out to Colorado for that team, this is a harsh decision that’s not in his favor at all.

Yes, I understand that NASCAR is a big business, and a decision being ‘not fair’ isn’t a solid reason why Kurt shouldn’t be in that car, but I’m just thinking through this differently than everyone else.

Anyway, I will stop there and go on. Here are some questions you sent me think week!

Do you see AJ Allmendinger mentally ready to come back in a racecar this early? -@stephen_kelsey

Not in NASCAR, at least.

There won’t be a team in NASCAR willing to risk their professional image to fund Allmendinger. Even if he finished the Road to Recovery program, it takes time to build those connections and partnerships back up.

Honestly, who’s going to sponsor a driver who failed a drug test? Nobody in NASCAR.

With that, he should look into IndyCar. That’s his best bet right now. He might have to start from the bottom up, too, but it’ll reveal if he really wants it or not.

[What are] Princess Sparkle Pony’s chances next year? -@NASCAR_Wonka

In my eyes, ‘Danica Patrick’ and ‘Cup series next year’ shouldn’t be mentioned in the same breath. She needs more time in the Nationwide series before she even thinks about moving up, get a feel for her competitors and learn how to toughen up. Running around in 26th every weekend certainly qualifies her for a ride, doesn’t it?

But, Tony Stewart’s bringing her in, and the rumor is that she’ll have Ryan Newman’s crew.

None of this makes sense to me. However, that doesn’t matter: I don’t make the rules.

So, to answer your question, she won’t be competitive. She’ll probably ride around in the back, gaining some experience and snag good luck here and there. Whatever happens, I know she’s not ready.

Should drivers be allowed to drive in more than one series? -@The_EVP

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: Cup drivers shouldn’t be allowed in the lower series. I get that it draws crowds and attention to the Nationwide and Trucks series and that the young drivers like the challenge, but it’s wrong.

How do young guns show their stuff when the Cup guys are stealing the spotlight? Those younger drivers need the exposure and money more than the elders do.

I understand that it will never happen: there’s no possible way NASCAR can stop the older guys from dipping into the younger drivers’ swimming pool.

How many races do you have to win to win The Chase? -@NascarandWoo

To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure. What I am sure is that, to win The Chase, you must balance racing for wins and racing for points.

When it gets down to the end like this, guys tend to drive over their heads and push it too much. This isn’t the way to go. You can’t gamble this late in the game and expect for it to work out smoothly.

If the car isn’t a winning car, don’t panic. Breathe. Think. Adjust. Then drive smart and get as many points as you can.

If we are going by wins, I’d say three wins or more while in The Chase seems like the magic number.

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#QforK: Emotion

Posted on July 29, 2012 | 1 Comment

Emotion is something I can’t escape. It’s something I encounter everyday, whether it’s my own or someone else’s. It’s a part of human nature that’s very fickle.

I dislike showing emotion; after that, it usually takes over the rational part of my brain. The most prominent example is the week leading up to my grandmother’s funeral last year. How it still haunts me today.

Being a young girl, the stereotype defines me as having uncontrollable emotional swings. Sadly, this is true at various points. When I heard that my grandmother passed, it wrecked me. Literally. It ruined my composure. There were times I wanted to get up in the middle of class and scream my head off. Other times, breaking down was the escape.

Laying in bed and imagining my grandmother’s voice. It took me back to those times when I was little, when it all made perfect sense. Over time, logic unravels. I was spiraling out of control as I thought of her stories.

Hearing her describe her baptism as a young woman was a prime moment. “It was like the gates of Heaven opened, and everything was white. I felt alive.”

That weighed me down like it was a sack of bricks. I would give anything to hear her tell that tale one more time. I would give anything to have her sit next to me one more time.

I wrote about her passing earlier this year, and it wasn’t enough to make me feel okay. Sometimes, I feel it’s impossible to seem content with her passing. This is why I hate emotion; it’s a monster that strangles you until you can’t breathe, and then it lets you fall to the floor, gasping for air. As soon as you feel strong again, it attacks again.

But, earlier this year, it all made sense again. Sonoma. Clint Bowyer captured his first win with Michael Waltrip Racing. That wasn’t the biggest story to me, however. Kurt Busch’s post race interview was the focal point. His third-place run was practically a win for Phoenix Racing. With tears in his eyes, he talked about his team and how much he wanted to win, never giving up even after something broke in the car.

You could say he faked the tears, but I believed they were real. The picture of Kurt hugging his girlfriend is there in my head. Although some don’t believe it, he has a heart. Emotions.

Seeing Kurt that grateful didn’t make the pain of losing my grandmother go away, but it numbed it a bit. It isn’t my favorite moment of the season because it was so moving. It’s my favorite moment because it made me understand the human nature, MY nature, more.

Since I got those thoughts off my chest, I will now answer your questions.

What your favorite track would be to visit and why? -@xxdalejrxx88

Darlington is the one place that enchants me. It’s known as the track Too Tough To Tame. I want to see its wild side in person. A part of me, though, wants to say Indianapolis because of the history.

Those two are special, but if I had the opportunity to go to any track, I’d be forever grateful.

How long can Dale Jr. hold onto the points lead? Inquiring Jr. Nation minds want to know. -@Racinallout

Simple answer: as long as he can keep his head in the game. He’s a different animal this year, and what he has done is impressive; completed every lap, snapped a winless streak, gained confidence.

If he can keep his energy going and good finishes, he will hold that points lead until The Chase rolls around.

Do you think Sam Hornish will be in the 22 car next year? -@KVP_10

I think so. Sam was moved to the Nationwide series to gain more experience in stock cars, after a rocky transition from IndyCar to NASCAR. To me, he’s ready to give Cup another try.

In my head, this will lead to Ryan Blaney filling the #12 in Nationwide, since Penske is getting him seat time in the #22 this year. Many are saying Parker Kligerman should be in that seat, but I feel that Brad Keselowski will cut back and let Parker to fill his #22.

How is NASCAR going to get the fans back to the track? -@tim_rfr_rpm

It’s obvious attendance is lacking this year, and that’s due to our slow economy. It breaks my heart to see empty stands. It even hurts more when I would gladly fill one more seat. (Hey, every bit counts, right?)

But, truthfully, the racing isn’t as ‘exciting’ as we’d expect. I don’t think that’s something we can change, though. Not with intentional cautions, or getting rid of the Top 35 rule. That’s just how it is.

Making deals with local hotels to cut down prices on race weekends could help. Maybe give fans a special stub to show the hotel clerk, and they get 30% off a room? That could boost things a bit.

Have a good week, folks!

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#QforK: Ranting, Road Courses, and More Ranting!

Posted on June 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

Well, to open up this Questions for Kristen, I will rant a little bit. Bare with me.

One of my pet peeves is when someone thinks they know everything. I don’t care what your prior race history or background is, I highly doubt you know all there is to know about NASCAR. You aren’t special, especially if you try to predict The Chase 13 races in advance.

I recently watched this on NASCAR Now, and it was pointless. Look at what has happened in the first half of the regular season? Drivers have come back from adversity, and they’ve dug themselves into a deeper hole. Anything can happen this year.

Don’t try to tell me who’s not going to make The Chase when they can barely predict if it’s going to rain or not. As our sport grows and changes, it’s hard to keep up with the times.

Let whatever happens happen. That’s what I love about NASCAR, its unpredictability. It’s like gambling. (But I’m too young to gamble, so . . .)

Anyway, I’ll step off my soapbox and answer your questions now.

Do you think the Cup series should add another road course race? If so, where, and should one be in The Chase? -@folyzbear16

I do think the Cup series should add another road course. Why not, right? Personally, I love road course races; it’s much different than the ‘Go Left, Only Left’ mentality we watch every weekend. Montreal comes to mind, and so does Road America. As for in The Chase? There should be one. A champion should be diverse and talented on all levels.

But, I’m a writer. I don’t make the rules.

You think Jeff Gordon will have a crew chief change soon? -@scottaltimaman

Jeff Gordon’s luck isn’t a crew chief issue, it’s an issue with the entire #24 team. My solution? Get the team together and talk. Hell, get some notes from the #5 crew. They need to turn this season around as soon as possible, but a mid-season crew chief change probably isn’t going to help.

Bristol is working with local hotels to help fans. Do you see this becoming a trend or a one time thing? -@Millahlite2

This needs to become a tread. Fans can’t spend $300 per night on a hotel room on top of race tickets. What Bristol is doing is something I’ve touched on before, and I’m glad they’ve stepped up. I know the owners of other race tracks aren’t stupid, so they’ll most likely follow suit and make a race package deal.

Who do you think will get a full-time Cup ride first, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. or Austin Dillon? -@kevin_vanpelt10

Stenhouse or Dillon. Hmm.

This is quite a tough one, but I’m going with Austin. Pop Pop has the money to do so. I don’t see Roush doing anything but focusing on his Cup team right now, which breaks my heart; he has two young talents, Stenhouse and Bayne, just waiting for an opportunity. I wish he’d help them more, but you gotta go where the money is, I guess.

Both are talented beyond belief, but it’ll be Dillon.

How’s your writing career going? -@abullins

Things are definitely speeding up since the summer began. I’m now a writer for Speedway Media, which I just started. I’m also the first NASCAR writer over at Independent Sport News.

The craziest thing is going to happen this Monday, the 18th. The local newspaper, The Mansfield News Journal, has asked to interview me for a story. Mansfield is a decent-sized city I live on the outskirts of, and I’m really excited for this.

Awesome stuff is happening, one day at a time, but it’s happening! I’m just chipping away and trying my hardest. I’ll post the link over here when the interview is up!

Catch you guys later, and enjoy the race weekend! :)

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#QforK: All-Star race, Jeff Gordon’s luck, and pancakes

Posted on May 21, 2012 | Leave a comment

This week’s edition of Questions for Kristen is here! Let me tackle the All-Star race, Jeff Gordon’s luck, and pancakes!

Do you think Mr. Jeff Gordon will get his miserable (to be nice) luck out of the way and, if so, when? -@folzybear16

This is an issue that puzzles me. Jeff Gordon is, no doubt, a future Hall of Fame inductee. A sudden streak of bad luck has plagued him, though. It’s hard to see him struggle, but he isn’t bitter about it. If you watch the post-race interviews, you’ll notice he just says it’s bad luck.

Everyone gets a black cloud over their heads, like Kasey Kahne did earlier this season. I can’t tell you when it will stop, but Jeff’s luck will come around.

How to fix the All-Star race? -@ourpoppy

The All-Star race has been changed a lot over the years, but there are still flaws. We saw them Saturday night; Jimmie Johnson winning the first segment, hanging back, and then being placed to the front and getting the win.

I think NASCAR should make the final stop require a four-tire change and extend the last segment to 25 laps. That should solve some issues.

Who do you like better? Kyle or Kurt? -@Nascar_Jason_

No contest: Kyle Busch. The guy may not be that likable, but he’s too talented to ignore.

Who was your first favorite NASCAR driver? -@BKmillertime2

When I first got into NASCAR, I listened to my dad to learn. Trying to be like him, I cheered for his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. Of course, I still cheer for him, but he’s not my favorite.

Since 2008, my favorite has been Kasey Kahne. I was only twelve, but I was amazed by his ability to run the high line so well. He has the mindset of a future champion, and he will get there one day.

As a girl, how do you feel about all the overexposure of Princess Sparkle Pony? -@jesse6524

For those who don’t know, Princess Sparkle Pony is what I call Danica Patrick on Twitter during the races. I don’t mean any harm by it; it’s just funny to shout at the TV sometimes. Besides, it’s catchy.

Patrick is subject to a lot of spotlight, which I think is dangerous to her image, as I have written about before. Just because she is a woman doesn’t make her special. I get that it’s historical, and I’m proud to have a female racecar driver out there, but do we need to talk about her when she’s running four laps down? Nope.

It especially hurts with the sexually-charged Go Daddy ads. We get it, she’s pretty, thirty, and ‘marketable.’ What about the other women coming through the ranks, like Jennifer Jo Cobb, the Cope twins, and Johanna Long? Are they expected to sashay around on TV, wearing nothing? I don’t like that it may force other female drivers to go to that level just to be noticed. But, since I’m a girl, it doesn’t appeal to me as it does to male fans. Men make up a chunk of the NASCAR fandom, so I guess that means sexy commercials and Princess Sparkle Pony stay.

If you were a driver’s wife, what do you think your routine would be for a race weekend? -@KaitlynKait

Three words: chocolate chip pancakes.

I can make some pretty good chocolate chip pancakes, so I would make those every morning before a race, with some bacon. Who doesn’t love bacon, right?

After breakfast, I’d give him a pep talk to get his confidence up. Then I’d hold a Twitter chat because I’m addicted.

Other than that, I’d just pray he would be safe. The rest is really out of my hands, right?

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#QforK: Ricky Bobby, sarcasm, and Danica!

Posted on May 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

Here is this week’s installment of Questions for Kristen, which Ricky Bobby, sarcasm, and, of course, Danica! Danica, Danica, Danica!

Excuse me for that little lapse. I’ll try to contain myself as I answer your questions.

As always, I thank everyone for their submissions! I enjoy answering each and every one of you!

If you were a driver or owner, what number, sponsor, colors would your car be? -@Nascar_Jason_

First off, I would be a driver; for the longest time, I wanted to drive Sprints. Dad didn’t endorse that idea, so I went with writing. The number wouldn’t really matter to me, as long as I had a ride, but I like the number 40 for some odd reason. My sponsor would be Hawaiian Punch; that stuff is crack for me. Every since I was a kid, I drank it as if it was water. Then, the colors would be blue and red to go with the product.

If you got to interview Brian France, what would you ask him? -@scottaltimaman

Just the thought of conducting that interview is mind-blowing, but I hope to do it one day.

What a tough question, I must say. If I ever got to interview Brian France . . .

A few things I would ask: Is NASCAR being policed too strictly? What are your thoughts on female drivers coming through the ranks? Did you realize that ‘Boys have at it’ was too dangerous, or is there another reason it isn’t endorsed as much? Who do you think is the standard in today’s competition?

What did you think of Kurt Busch’s Ricky Bobby paint scheme, and do you think someone else could’ve pulled it off? And I know you refrained for this when it happened, but what is your take on the Hornish/Patrick thing? -@KaitlynKait

“I wanna go fast!” You don’t know how many times I said that Sunday during the race. Talladega Nights is one of my favorite movies, and it was cool to see the ‘ME’ car actually on the track. We must thank Kurt’s girlfriend, Patricia, for making it happen. It was especially funny to hear Kurt recite lines from the movie on the radio. Maybe they should script his lines more often.

If anyone else could pull it off, it would’ve been Brad Keselowski. The guy has a great sense of humor, and he’d carry the charade over onto Twitter, most likely. But, Kurt was perfect. You know, until he hit the wall.

The Hornish/Patrick issue: I had to bite my tongue pretty hard after that happened. We had just seen Eric McClure wreck, and, then, Patrick knocks Sam into the wall on the last lap. So, I immediately blamed her. I looked back at the clip and realized Hornish hit her first. Danica just retaliated. Many were upset with her, but it was just a racing deal. Now, should she be sent to the NASCAR hauler first thing at Darlington? No. It was her first offense. Besides, if they don’t bring her to The Hauler right after the event, why wait a week? I hope she survives her bout in The Cave of Crushed Dreams, and maybe NASCAR will just slap her on the wrist.

What do you think about Tony’s post race . . . Aaaaaah . . . “comments”? -@Halebent

If you haven’t seen Tony’s post-Talladega interview, look it up. My sides hurt so much afterwards. The summary? With the most serious face, Tony stated he loved wrecking cars, losing money,  and he suggested splitting the field and sending them in opposite directions. Since it is what the fans want.

A lot of people wondered if NASCAR would fine Mr. Stewart, but I just shook my head; it’s classic Tony. He was obviously upset; he had a great car but was caught up in someone else’s mess. There was no way the media wouldn’t hear about his displeasure, but the way he did it was pure gold. Some people don’t appreciate sarcasm (like my Danica spasm at the beginning of this article). Conclusion: it’s just Tony.

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Introducing a New Segment: Questions for Kristen!

Posted on April 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

I am introducing a new segment to the blog called Questions For Kristen. As the name suggests, all you have to do is ask me your NASCAR questions, and I’ll respond! If you’re on Twitter, use the hashtag #QuestionsForKristen, or just ask in the comment section on here! On to the inquires!

What is your favorite track? -@VTDebi88

Charlotte Motor Speedway has to be at the top of my list. I always look forward to both races there because I know it will be a good show; it’s the center of the NASCAR world, and many drivers want to win there. Even with multiple grooves, nobody can get away from each other. That ensures sparks and rubbing tires.

The track that’s a very close second is Darlington; that’s the place that gets my adrenaline going. It has a weird shape-an elongated egg, sort of- that makes turns one and two tighter than three and four. It was never mean to be so fast, but that can’t be stopped. I definitely think Darlington deserves another race date, which they had but it was taken away, because The Lady in Black is always Too Tough To Tame. (Pardon the pun; it was too hard to resist.)

Who is your least favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup driver? -@Nascar_Jason_

AJ Allmendinger just grinds my gears. I don’t say that because he’s a bad driver; he’s had some good races lately, and there’s no doubt he’ll get his first win shortly. It’s his personality that bugs me. There’s a fine line between confidence and cockiness, and he is on the cocky side. Every time he finds a camera, he’s combing his hair and saying he’s pretty. People like that, in general, bother me, and he’s no exception.

When do you think Kasey [Kahne] will get his first win this year, and who do you think will get Hendrick’s 200th win? -@KaitlynKait

The strand of bad luck Kahne has experienced let many down, since they expected him to come out with guns blazing. The last two races have been kind for him, and I believe the monkey is off his back. He has fast cars. He’s a proven winner with the potential to be a champion. I predict he wins at either Darlington, where he’s won in Trucks, or Charlotte, where he’s won at multiple times.

As for the 200th win for Hendrick Motorsports, I think it will be achieved at Talladega by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Junior is hot right now, and he has an arrogant swagger. He’s found his love for racing again. He’ll break his winless streak, as a gift to himself, his fans, and Mr. Hendrick.

What does NASCAR have to do to fill the stands? -@gatrfedcmbread

The economy is to blame for poorly-filled stands. People are cutting back, and splurging on race tickets is the first to go. Combat that with gas prices and hotel rates, it’s a deadly combination. I don’t see why the tracks can make deals with hotels in the area to cut their prices. Then again, I think that gas needs to be $2.00. I’ve never been to a race, but the experience has to be incredible. To have gas stations and hotels ruin that for a race fan is criminal.

Do you think Kurt B. has been able to prove his ‘attitude change’ yet, and will he ever be successful again? -@sixpack52_11

Kurt Busch had on a happy face for a while, but that disappeared when ‘fun’ was taken out of the equation. That means he started to wreck and have issues with his #51 team. So, no, Kurt is still the same old Radio Sweetheart we have grown accustom to hearing.

I think his time may have passed. With all the young talent coming up, like Austin and Ty Dillon, Trevor Bayne, and Chase Elliott, James Finch will most likely think over his decision of choosing Busch, even though he says he’ll stick with the driver. You have to go with the driver that is more marketable, and Kurt isn’t that as of now.

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