The downturn in the economy has gained national headlines. Can NASCAR do something to help teams survive the tough times? SceneDaily's Jim Duff lobbies for franchising, while Lee Montgomery thinks the marketing arm of NASCAR should aid teams.

Richard Petty and Dale Inman won seven championships together. Ray Evernham and Jeff Gordon won three championships together. Dale Earnhardt and Kirk Shelmerdine won four titles together. Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus have won three titles. SceneDaily's Mike Hembree, Jeff Owens and Kenny Bruce discuss who tops their list.

Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman join the newly formed Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009, a team that Stewart will co-own. How will the group fare in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition? SceneDaily's Bob Pockrass and Jeff Gluck discuss the organization's potential.

NASCAR has just completed the 2008 season, but what issues does the sport face next year? SceneDaily's Kris Johnson, Jeff Owens and Kenny Bruce discuss the potential for short fields because of sponsorship issues as well as the potential impact of the testing ban on competition, among other issues.

Roush Fenway Racing's David Ragan and Jamie McMurray looked strong in 2008. Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing has joined forces and now has Martin Truex Jr., Juan Pablo Montoya and maybe even Bobby Labonte ready to strike. SceneDaily's Rea White and Jeff Owens discuss which drivers will improve the most in 2009.

/scenedaily

/scenedaily

Jimmie Johnson tied Cale Yarborough's long-standing record in winning three consecutive championships this season. Can he win a fourth straight? And can anyone contend with Johnson, Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards and Joe Gibbs Racing's Kyle Busch next season? SceneDaily's Jeff Gluck, Jim Duff and Steve Waid discuss the strengths of each group entering 2009.

How much of a driver's success depends on his relationship with, and the strength of, his crew chief? And can a lack of a strong crew chief hold back a talented driver? SceneDaily's Mike Hembree and Kenny Bruce discuss the issue.