NASCAR Mailbag - Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. make the playoffs?

With racing this year being impacted by clean air at most tracks. Does NASCAR think about trying an even lower downforce package before the playoffs begin to prevent this in 2018? 

Kevin, at this point, the only way it appears Earnhardt makes the playoffs is if he wins a race. While his performance so far this season has been very erratic, that is by no means impossible, particularly with the increased role race strategy has played in wins this season. I wouldn't count him out until the end of the regular season. – Jim Utter

I thought it had been stated no jumping on the hood or roof after a race. Do you know what will happen to Ricky Stenhouse Jr.? 

Chris, there is not a rule per se, but if you damage the car by doing so or the car fails inspection as a result, the team would still receive a penalty. However, NASCAR announced earlier this week no cars received penalties from the Daytona race weekend. – Jim Utter

Do you think Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make the playoffs? 

Mark, at this point, the only way it appears Earnhardt makes the playoffs is if he wins a race. While his performance so far this season has been very erratic, that is by no means impossible, particularly with the increased role race strategy has played in wins this season. I wouldn't count him out until the end of the regular season. – Jim Utter