Opinion: My thoughts on NASCAR's Chase Grid

It's been two years since I was a starry-eyed hopeless NASCAR writer for Skirts and Scuffs. Though I've been busy writing a few different stories,  I haven't written a racing blog or an article in a long time.

This past year,  I took to Twitter and faced the race from the grandstands and watched the race from a fans perspective. It was a nice break to be away from all the deadlines and daily gossip, but I'm bored and I'm now ready to hop back in the writer's seat full throttle.

The 2014 Chase season was an unexpected success. I didn't think I'd like it, and I was wrong.

Once the sixteen drivers were locked in the Chase, it was time to make our picks for the grid. Choosing which man to advance into the next round was fun, intense and a little bit of a headache. I changed my mind a few different times before locking in my picks.

I believe this may have been an eye opening experience. I saw there was a new found energy amongst the fans, and the drivers. My personal love for racing was revitalized.

It gave fans a reason to cheer for drivers other than their favorite.

Don't get me wrong, there were disappointing moments. That's just racing though- nothing is perfect. There are heartaches. Each race proved its own set of challenges and drivers worked different and new angles to stay ahead- and at Talladega- the track drivers call "a crap shoot"- hearts were broken. Four drivers were eliminated and two of them had three season wins under their belt. I was confused, how could someone whom performed strong  all season miss out on the chance to win the over-all season title? 

Passion shined bright and emotions ran high after every race, leading up to fist fights. It became obvious whom rivaled who, though it seemed all were anti-Brad Keselowski.

The end of the season, for me, ended on a cliffhanger, and I'm left wondering, what will happen next season?

Will the boys reconcile with Brad Keselowski? Or will the fire blow higher?

Will Dale Jr.'s strong run continue?

Will Kyle Larson win a race?

Will Keith Rodden be the guy that brings Kasey Kahne back into a top ten finishing season?
Will I ever write about racing, or NASCAR again?

We'll all find out soon - the off season never seems long enough.