Andy Petree

  (1:28 PM)

What a wild race we had yesterday, huh? Typical Talladega, but a great finish and a great win for Brad Keselowski.

Phillip, Houston, TX

What's the first step to preventing similar Edwards/Allison style accidents? Smaller holes in restrictor plates, track reconfiguration, increased fence height, etc?

Andy Petree

  (1:30 PM)

Probably the best way to keep them from getting off the ground would be to slow them down. They were running super-fast lap times, running over 200 mph the last two laps. That's just a perfect storm right there...to get turned sideways and catching that air just right, then you get picked up by the air, but any reduction in speed would help that.

Andy Petree

  (1:30 PM)

The fact that it didn't go over the fence signified that things that were in place safety-wise worked. It was really a success story.

jerame ridgecrest, ca

I think this is exactly what Junior needed, a "good" finish, you think he will turn it around? And where will he finish in Richmond?

Andy Petree

  (1:31 PM)

Richmond is another great track for Junior. He had a great race at Talladega. He made the right moves and put himself in the right position to win. I see some good things happening for them...it definitely could happen at Richmond.

Jeff, Brighton, MI

Will today's last lap crash cause NASCAR to rethink some of their rules about the yellow line? It seemed to me that Keslowski didn't want to give any room because he didn't want to be penalized. That's perfectly fair, and I don't think that he had any idea about the wreck that was about to happen. But that's what seems to have caused it.

Andy Petree

  (1:33 PM)

It is, that's fair enough. We can look at that yellow line on both sides. I've considered the possibility of opening up that inside lane for, say, at least the last lap. But that may cause the problem. It's a rule that NASCAR put in place because they had cars all over the trap. It does give the leader a slight advantage by narrowing the field, but it puts the burden on the leader not to trigger that wreck. If he goes down to block, he knows the car will not avoid him because of that line.

Nate, mountain home afb,id

Carl Edwards said that they are going to keep racing like this until someone gets killed.From the looks of it, its almost impossible to get hurt in the COT. what do you think?

Andy Petree

  (1:34 PM)

It's certainly possible. The sport is never going to be totally safe. Let's face it--the element of danger draws some fans to it. The car is very very safe though...Carl didn't just climb out of the car, he climbed out and ran to the finish line. The car is definitely doing its job.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Richmond is a good track for Harvick. Do you think the crew chief change could hurt his performance this weekend? After a crew chief change, how long do you think it takes to know if it was successful or not?

Andy Petree

  (1:36 PM)

That's a good question. That chemistry is an unknown--they could hit it instantly, but it takes some time for driver and chief to understand one another. Let's say the driver says the car is loose--it takes time for the chief to determine to what degree he means that. It can be successful, but it will take some time.

Chris (Wichita, KS)

Is a restrictor-plate race really worthy of being included in the championship chase? I don't feel it does anything to separate the better drivers and teams, but what are your thoughts?

Andy Petree

  (1:37 PM)

Absolutely there is room in the Chase for a restrictor plate. It's one of the building blocks on NASCAR..really exciting racing. The unknown factor adds to the suspense, but I can understand the drivers' frustration at the lack of control. It does add some entertainment to the proceedings.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

We all know Carl Edwards is a tough dude, but do you think his crash hurt him mentally?

Andy Petree

  (1:38 PM)

No, I don't. Jumping out of the car to finish the race...that just shows you how mentally tough he is. Most people wouldn't even think to jump out and do it. Carl is fearless and confident in his abilities and will be as good as ever.

Andy Petree

  (1:38 PM)

That'll do it! Thanks everybody!