Ever noticed how timing is everything? It practically sends a message. Learned that for the first time when I read the Hunger Games. Intense book, but timing was always important. Then there was Alien, where bad things always happen at the worse time. Pretty much sent the message that I was watching a movie of the horror variety. (You get so used to those movies where everything goes right, that it’s almost relief when there’s one where almost everything goes wrong. Know what I mean?) The fact I’m getting at, is that the timing of an event, whether it’s written, scripted, or unconsciously done, speaks volumes about the person who caused it. How they feel. So when you wait for three days before getting my review article, you know that means I’m probably ticked. Thankfully, you don’t have to listen to me vent frustration. At least, that’s what my sisters would say. (I have five, and no, I’m not kidding). Instead, I thought I’d do one of my little Q&A sessions with my old chums, Michael and Robert. (No, their real names aren’t Michaela and Roberta. We aren’t siblings)

Me: Alright boys. Good to have you back, because it’s been a while.

Michael: Good to be back.

Robert: Ditto.

Me: Ok, so, where to start? There has been so much happening this year, I don’t know what to think. so how about we begin with Texas. Jimmie Johnson wins by a hair over Kyle Larson. Any surprise in that?

Robert: Not really. He’s Jimmie Johnson in Texas. Not a bit surprising. And Kyle Larson finishing second is just the norm these days. Nothing weird there.

Michael: To be honest, the second I saw Jimmie start working his ways through the field, I knew it was his race to lose. And when Joey Logano delayed Larson, it was over.

Me: All right, for once you two have agreed on something. (Laughs from them) So, I have a question from a fan here. ‘How do you think the fans are perceiving the new segment racing?’

Michael: That’s a good question. For about 90%, I’m going to say they are loving it. For the other 10%, they probably think it’s to modern for Nascar. While it is unlike anything we have ever done before, Nascar has always had varying points formats. This is but the latest bit of a long evolution.

Robert: Ah, but in the words of Charles Xavier, ‘once every few centuries, evolution takes a giant leap!’ While I don’t believe in evolution, I do believe that this is more than a steady evolution of the system. This a is a giant leap for Nascar as a whole, turning this whole sport into something new. Hopefully it will continue to be competitive.

Me: We all hope that. So, after 7 races, we have six winners and have seen such a variety of drivers out front that we have no idea what to expect. Will this continue, and if so, how many winners will we see?

Michael; I don’t think it will change. The variety of drivers out front is what we have missed in the past. From 2016 to 2010, only one driver was out front. He is now mired in 11th in standings, 125 points out of the lead. That shows how different this is. People have to run well all race long, not just at the end. Kyle Larson is the points leader because he can do that. Chase Elliot is second because he can also do that. Jimmie Johnson is in 11th because he is a closer. He hasn’t even won a segment yet, even though he won the race this past weekend.

Robert: I have to agree with Michael. We are seven races in. That’s enough time for things to have been sorted out, and they are very similar to when the season started. I think that things are going to stay the same. New winners constantly, only slight shifts in the standings, and heated battles. It will all vary by track.

Me: So, here’s an interesting one. Trevor Bayne, in 12th. He has been quietly consistent, and was ahead of Jimmie Johnson for most of this year. How did that happen?

Robert: Unique. Like everything else about this season, it’s been a surprise. However, we saw flashed of this last year. I like seeing it. Somehow, Roush-Fenway has regained a little of it’s lost magic.

Michael: Trevor was always good. I never doubted that. You don’t win a Daytona 500 randomly. You have to be good. With better equipment, he has become a threat. I look at our next race (Bristol) and I definitely will watch him. He got a top-5 there last Spring. Now that he’s running better, could he even be a contender for the win.  I hope Trevor is able to carry this team to at least that. He’s earned it.

Me: Speaking of Bristol, that’s next. Coming off an off-week, driver’s will be itching to get into it. Who do you think will win?

Michael: You tell us! (Laughs) I reckon you’ll write the article to predict it-

Me: I still will.

Michael: But I do have some ideas. Bayne is among the dark horse contenders. But, also watch Clint Bowyer. He was always good here with Michael Waltrip Racing, so with a team like Stewart-Hass Racing, he will be a major threat.

Robert: I agree with those two. But I’m watching Chase Elliot and Ryan Blaney. The young guns are on the move, and both seem like valid threats at Bristol. Elliot was amazing at Bristol last year, and Blaney is just… on fire. The two are looking good.

Me: Like your picks, but keep an eye on Eric Jones. So far, we have six winner, and only seven races in. Kurt Busch, Kyle Larson, Ryan Newman, and Martin Truex Jr. are drivers who are not regular winners. They are becoming regular winners, but they are inconsistent. With the way things have played out, what should we expect for the next several races?

Robert: Very intriguing question, and I have no idea. There are several drivers I’m almost certain will win. Chase Elliot, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Jamie McMurray, Clint Bowyer, and Kevin Harvick are the squad. And the dark horse possibilities are very skilled with Eric Jones, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Austin Dillon, Kasey Kahne, and AJ Allmendinger in that group. With those thirteen added to the six we already have, we could look at a very intense stretch to the playoffs.

Michael: Very right. But don’t forget, Kyle Larson has been second in four of the three races this year, and he won another. Larson will win again. And Keslowski probably will to. And never, ever, count out Jimmie Johnson. So if that happens, we won’t have all those winners. But with the variety of driver at or near the front, we will see 14 winners, I think. The dark horses Robert listed will probably have difficulty finding victory lane. Even with the variety, dominance can still show through in drivers like Larson and Keslowski.

Me: So, last of all. When the season started, people had no idea what is to come. Based on what we are now seeing, what do you think will be the best race before the chase cutoff at Richmond?

Robert: Definitely not the All-Star Race! (All of us Laugh) Even the new format they unveiled will be sad. However, I can’t help but think that July Daytona will be awesome. The 500 was epic, and we saw such a variety out front. Can’t help but think we will see similar this time.

Michael: Seriously…? Have you been wacked in the head by a track bar? Talladega man! Talladega! If you think Daytona was good, Dega’ will be madness. And epic. And most likely have an unexpected winner who nobody sees coming.

Robert: I walked right into that, didn’t I?

Michael: Yes, you did you buffoon.

Me: All right you two, knock it off. Between the two of you, I do agree with Michael more.

Michael: Boo-yah.

Me: But, I do love Daytona. It’s like the place I wish I went every day… That came out weird, but I’m not taking it back. There is something about Daytona that I just love. And it is almost always the best race.

Robert: Boo-yah yourself.

Me: So anyway, I will see you guys later. And… hopefully neither of you will leave the other in a ditch.

Robert: Ha!

Michael: Like that would happen.

Me: But, assuming you are both still alive next time I need you, I’m looking forward to our next article together. Maybe a playoff preview. And to all my loyal readers, I look forward to next week in Bristol. And I am miserable right now. I hate off weeks.

Robert: Don’t worry, you’ll make it through this.

Me: Thanks bro. Now I’m just going to have to… Aw heck, I don’t know what I’ll do for a week… See you later everyone. I need a hobby…