QUESTIONS & ATTITUDE

Compelling questions ... and maybe a few actual answers

Does it count?

Of course it counts, and not just in the books, but in all respects. You don’t have to be a grizzled and leathered fan to know one of the oldest facts of racing: The best car doesn’t always win. No other sporting activity matches auto racing for all the things that can go wrong. Among them: While you’re doing the “right thing” and pitting for new tires, someone else gambles on old tires and beats you. Ryan Newman’s team gambled and it paid off. Next time, he might finish 13th.

What about Junior?

Hey, he’s getting there. Sure, Earnhardt Jr. is sitting back there 23rd in the points standings, sandwiched between Ricky Stenhouse and Ty Dillon, but trends are in his favor. His finishes so far, in order, are 37th, 30th, 16th and 14th. Should be sticking his nose into the top 10 soon. We think.