A NA$CAR Perfect Storm........ Or Let's See How Brian Would Spin This

[dawg]

OK, we all know Tony is leaving JGR next season, that's fact.  The rest is fiction, but theoretically possible.
 The Old Coach, decides to bench his departing Star, in order to get the new guy a jump on '09. By getting him some advance seat time. The 20 is qualified for the chase.  Tony is not happy, but he needs the 66 to be in the top 35 so he can transfer points so he can see enough benefit not to put up much of a fight. Besides, the Chase was expanded to 12, in response to Tony, Jeff, & Jr missing it. So they have no problem expanding it to 13 allowing Tony in with the 66\14.
 You with me so far? Tony's out of the 20, Joey "Sliced Bread" Logano, is in for the chase.
 Let's say Shrub wins the first Chase race. Climbs up on his roof to do his mocking bow to the crowd. Some fan of another driver, pegs him in the head with an adult beverage. He loses his balance. Falls off the roof. Breaks both wrists. Bingo he's out for the rest of the season.
 Sliced Bread puts all those testing miles to good use. Goes on to win the Chase.  Long story short, Now NA$CAR is crowning a Champion who has run a total of 10 races.
 NA$CAR wanted drama, they would get it. They wanted publicity, they would have it in spades.  The traditional fans wanted something to show how Hokey, & contrived this So-Called Chase is, We'd have it.
 As I said, likely? not on your life. Theoretically possible, you bet!

[FS_Amy]

Interesting scenario! While it would be technically possible for JGR to win the owner's title (I think-what provision did NASCAR make for two drivers in one car making the Chase?), Logano could not win the driver's title-driver points go with the driver, and Logano would have zero.  Tony could also win the driver's championship in the 66 in that scenario, he would not win the owner's championship because he could not make up enough points. 

So in essence, the 20 as a whole could win the owner's title and Tony could win the driver's title in two different cars.  Logano could not win the championship and the 66 could not win the owner's title because of the way points transfer between cars. 

While an early switch could happen, and would even have some benefits, I don't really see it happening.  I also see either the 48 or 99 being the ones in position to caitalize on the 18's mistakes in the Chase, because the other JGR cars simply aren't as good as the 18.  Whether that's JGR putting all their eggs in one basket or Kyle really being that much better than Tony, I can't say.  I'd guess the former.

[20forLogano]

This is going to happen and no I am not saying I have the information but i have thought this out.  Most likely Stewart is going to make the Chase.  With him in the Chase Home Depot will want Tony to run for the championship because that is what brings the sponsor most publicity. 
Now the 66 has to get into the top 35 because Tony will have his champions provisional to fall back on next year for the current 70 car.  Newman is going to Tony's teammate and he is not going to make the chase.  Tony will buy Newman out of his contract with PRS letting him come over those last 10 races to make sure the 66 is in the top 35.  This also will allow Stremme to get a headstart with the 12 team next year and learn with his CC Roy McAuley.  That is how I see things playing out those last 10 races. 
BUT, if Tony doesn't make the chase then I agree, he will leave the 20 team to come over and Joey will jump right in with zippy and HD.  Doubt this happens but anything is possible.  I think the first part is more realistic.