Denny Hamlin pits during the Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway. (Todd Warshaw/Getty Images Photo) » More Photos

The real issue is why Denny Hamlin was allowed to stay on the track with a flat tire. NASCAR should have blacked flagged the 11 car when he didn’t come in to replace the tire. If NASCAR had done its job they would have ordered him into the pits and that could have saved the yellow flag that helped create the crash that took out the 88. It was clear that the 11 stayed on the track to try and assist the 18 to the win. Once again NASCAR makes up the rules as it goes along and then pour in some poor judgment and what do you get? Saturday night inconsistent results. — Joe Watson.

Joe: In defense of NASCAR, black-flagging someone in the final 10 laps of a race is a difficult call to make. But we can all agree that what Hamlin did was wrong.

Kyle only did what Dale Sr. did many times. He was TRYING TO WIN A RACE!! Go Kyle!!! He needs to be driving No. 3 car. — Steve

Thanks for the comment, Steve. I learned a long time ago to never say never in NASCAR. But Kyle Busch in the No. 3? I just don’t see it ever happening.

I really thought this was going to be Dale Jr.'s first win with Hendrick. I was so happy that it came down to about 3 laps and Junior was in the lead, until Kyle Busch stuck his nose in. I am sick of that Kyle racing too hard. He could have backed off of Junior, and of course, Junior could have backed a bit off too. Kyle Busch was like a yellow jacket just hanging around until someone swats him. He will get his just desserts. — Linda, Stamford, CT

Linda: I appreciate the e-mail, but I have to say, the time to back off is not with three laps to go. Neither man was going to do it, which is why there was contact.

1. I am/was a NASCAR fan for many, many years but after last night's (and only one more of many) dreadful display of rotten, nasty sportsmanship displayed by Kyle Bush in the 18 I have lost all respect for him and NASCAR.
2. I am a dog breeder and feed Pedigree food so I've fired off a letter to them to express my disgust with their sponsorship of such an unprincipled, crude and classless example of sportsmanship. I am sending a similar note to all of my Internet dog show groups.
3. Since NASCAR seems unwilling to clearly adjudicate dirty team tactics like Denny Hamlin stopping on the track and causing an unnecessary yellow flag and thus allowing the #18 unfair advantage. How very disappointing … just a two-lap hold! Ha! How about the usual $100,000 and 100-point deduction? That's more appropriate!
4. Shame on Joe Gibbs, JD, and shame, shame on Kyle Busch for his statement listed on your website today … no apology … of course not … no class! And this after Friday night's race KB said that he “didn't care how many cars he wrecked to win.”
5. Now, how about FOX, SPEED, and ESPN put the brakes on all the announcers slobbering all over KB! They are not adding color or excitement ... only a gagging response from the audience ... and TV is wondering why the dip?
Get real! — Marilyn Moore

Note to self: Don’t tick Marilyn off.

Why on earth would Bobby Labonte stay with Petty Enterprises? Has he lost his edge and skill as a driver? The Pettys are going nowhere and Labonte would be a great fit for RCR. Also why does the sport have so much hate for Kyle Busch, guys like him and Greg Biffle are the only ones that truly race every week with no matter what kind of car they have. I wish Junior had half the fire in him that they have week in week out. — Randy Zukowski

Hi, Randy! I’m not sure now that Labonte will stay with PE. As far as Busch, the reason people don’t like him is his attitude. There’s no question, though, the sport needs heroes and villains, and there’s no doubt that Busch draws attention.

Tom Jensen is the Senior NASCAR Editor for SPEEDtv.com, the former Executive Editor of NASCAR Scene and a contributing Editor for TruckSeries.com. He is the author of “Cheating: The Bad Things Good NASCAR Nextel Cup Racers Do In Pursuit of SPEED,” and has appeared on numerous television and radio shows to discuss NASCAR racing. Jensen is the President of the National Motorsports Press Association. The Answer Man is back at SPEEDtv.com. Tom Jensen answers your questions during every race week and looks forward to hearing from you - please e-mail it to

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