What Lincoln is Thinkin’ - NASCAR ramblings before the 600

What Lincoln is Thinkin' - NASCAR Ramblings before the 600

Before we get into what's happening on the track, we have to discuss the off-track issues.

Q: HOW FAR WILL JEREMY MAYFIELD PUSH IT?

A: The maligned driver refuses to admit that he used a banned substance. Dr. Black, the man in charge of determining such things, refuses the fact that anything could've provided a positive test other than this "mystery" drug. So, Jeremy, what now? Apparently the Mayfield team is contemplating legal action against NASCAR, however I can't think of what good that can do. And I'm putting my money on NASCAR's lawyers, over Mayfield's lawyers.

Also, if Mayfield is so innocent, then why is he not proclaiming such things on ESPN, SPEED and WBTW News13 every night? Not only that, but NASCAR has told Mayfield what he tested positive for, but Mayfield won't tell us. Why not? Maybe it's just cynical America, and other drug-stained sports have made us immune to this sort of thing, but there is not one person out there who believes Mayfield over Dr. Black and NASCAR. So how can Mayfield win this fight?

To answer the question in all caps above, Mayfield has gone too far now. He's going to keep fighting, and because Dr. Black has to clear Mayfield to come back to the sport, his suspension may last a very long time. Possibly years. And that's not good for anyone.

Q: WHAT IS WITH THE CARL LONG SUSPENSION?

A: I understand that NASCAR wants to crack down on teams for engines that are too large, but what they did to poor Carl Long is just ridiculous. Double the usual points penalty, triple the usual fine, and a 12 race suspension for the driver, crew chief and owner. First off, he had zero points to begin with, and now he has -200. Secondly, a driver almost never gets a suspension for an infraction under the hood, nevermind a season-crippling suspension. And to top it all off, the engine that was supposed to be giving Long an advantage, qualified him dead last. The engine was .17 cubic inches too big. And now Long's season is ruined, and his career is in jeopardy.

Of course, the biggest issue is that this punishment would never happen to any major driver. If the 88 car was caught with the same infraction, Dale Earnhardt Jr, would not be pulled from his car for one race, never mind twelve. Jimmie Johnson has never had to sit out any race for Chad Knaus's many difficulties. The fans would be furious, and so would Mountain Dew and Lowe's. But when some struggling driver gets caught, he gets the firing squad. I hope he wins his appeal.

Q: SPEAKING OF JOHNSON, IS HE THE FAVORITE THIS WEEKEND?

A: No question. Johnson owns this track and this is usually the part of the season when he turns it on. Also, the 48 car has a new flag-inspired paint scheme for Memorial Day weekend, which you have to think helps him in the karma department. Remember when Casey Mears won in the army camouflage car?

Q: WE'RE A THIRD OF THE WAY THROUGH THE YEAR, WHO WOULD YOU PICK TODAY TO WIN THE CHASE?

A: I think the sky is the limit for Tony Stewart this year. That team is going to get better and better. That being said, I'm saying Kyle Busch reverses last year, and is strong at the end after being weak in the beginning.

What are you thinking about going into the Coca-Cola 600? Who do you think will win this weekend?

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