David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

Welcome to another wacky Wednesday. Sorry I missed last week, but had a few personal things to handle. So what did you guys think of the Joe Gibbs Racing Nationwide penalty? Wow. Fire away.

GLYNN (ATLANTA)

THIS QUESTION DOESN'T APPLY EVERY WEEK BUT I'VE BEEN WONDERING, SINCE ANY MAJOR CHANGE LIKE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION, AFTER QUALIFING WILL GET YOU SENT TO THE BACK OF THE FEILD AND THERE IS SO LITTLE THAT NOW IN THE CREWS CAN REALLY ADJUST WITHT THE NEW CAR ARE IMPOUND RACES REALLY NEEDED? WHY NOT JUST LET EVERY TEAM USE THERE FASTEST SETUP AND LET THEM TWEAK WHATS NEEDED FOR RACE SETUP AS LONG AS THERE IS NO EQUIPMENT/ COMPONENT CHANGES AFTER QUALIFING?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

Teams that begin a race with a qualifying setup run the risk of blowing an engine if they don't pit and change to a race setup quickly. From a different oil to taping up the front end, the quailfying setup puts a lot of strain on an engine.

Rick (Pa)

I will be in meetings at 2 but have a question on the topic dejure. The penalties on JGR, are they severe due to the nature of the infraction or is this the latest in a series of ratching up the penalties by NASCAR?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

They are severe no matter how you look at it.

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

They are severe no matter how you look at it.

Joe (PA)

Do you think Hamlin makes the chase?

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

He didn't sound so optimistic after Michigan. Said he didn't deserve to be there based on the way they were running. But I believe he'll rally these next three races and safely make it.

John (Spokane WA)

Okay, So Tony Jr and Dale Jr gambled again this last weekend, this time they lost. Is Dale Jr really that different from his father, it seems i always remember Sr would pit any chance he got.. i think its obvious that they are racing to win, which i like, but they are failing to come up with the results.. whats the solution?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

First of all, yes Dale Jr. and his father are different. His father was one of the best talents the sport has ever seen. He'd already won a handful of titles at the same stage of his career. Junior has been no better than a B-tier driver. If you're thinking of blaming last week on Eury, however, think again. It wasn't the crew chief that got into the wall. It was a good gamble. David Ragan made the same one and finished third.

Chris (Richmond, VA)

I have no problem with all of the points penalties and suspensions on JGR. However, why did NASCAR put Stewart and Logano on probation? The car was legal for the race and the blatant infraction most likely happened after they exited the car for the day. Unless someone says they were in on it, they had nothing to do with this at all. Thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

The driver typically is penalized whether he has a role in the violation or not. Dale Jr. didn't mess with the rear wing last year at Darlington, yet he lost points. NASCAR simply wanted to make a point. It's not like Stewart and Logano are running for a Nationwide title, so the points are a wash. It hurts most in the owner points, knocking the 20 out of first. And there are those that believe the driver had to play a role in putting the magnet under the pedal. So maybe NASCAR knows something we don't.

Sandy, Hawaii

Do you think JGR will dismiss anyone from either of the Nationwide teams?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

I do. Wouldn't surprise me if seeral people lost jobs. Don't you think they should?

John, Covington GA

Hey David! Is SHM not announcing a sponser for Newman a sign of difficultly finding 1 or is it taking time to decide from several? Just seems like they would have wanted to announce the whole package like they did with Stewart.

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

They're trying to put a whole package together since one sponsor hasn't stepped up for the season. They also have Haas Automotive as a backup if everything doesn't work out. I wouldnt' sweat it. The car will be on the track.

John, Covington GA

How long do you think the JGR members will be suspended? I know they said indefinately, but I'm sure there is a time frame right?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

I'd say longer than six weeks, the typical length for major infractions. It wouldn't surprise me if it went through the rest of the season.

Brent (morgantown, wv)

Im sure you have seen the movie Days of Thunder. Which current driver would you compare to Cole Trickle?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

I guess Kyle Busch is the obvious choice. Cole drove on the edge just like Kyle. But Kyle does a better job of taking care of his tires.

meghan adams (ma)

how do you think logano is going to do in the 02 at richmond?/ other cup races he may run?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

It'll be tougher to get top 10s like he's getting regularly in the Nationwide Series, but he'll be fine. And he's supposed to run some races for the JGR satellite team of Hall of Fame Racing.

Eddie Villard (The Car)

I am a longtime NASCAR fan, but I always wondered how much more horsepower NASCAR cars have than say...a police car?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

Good question. I wish I knew the answer. I haven't been in a police chase lately so I can't tell you how much power those cars have.

Arcot Ramathorn (Spurbury, Vermont)

Does the COT force the drivers to race for points instead of wins? I think the excitement of NASCAR has suffered because of the way racers go for the points instead of the W.

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

No, the COT doesn't induce points racing. Look back in history. More cars are finishing on the lead lap than ever and more cars are finishing races than ever. Did you really like the good ol' days when Richard Petty was two laps up on the field?

John (TN)

Early thoughts on Bristol? Thank you

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Too much passing. Not enough banging. Kyle Busch wins again.

David (Jackson, KY)

When do you expect an announcement on Petty's 2nd driver for '09? Is it for sure McCumbee? And, any word on sponsors for either the 43 or 45?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

I'm told by early September. McCumbee seems to be the front-runner with Mears going to RCR. No word on sponsors.

Jill (FL)

What are your thoughts on the resurgence of two struggling Cup teams, the 19 and 26?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Call me when they are a threat for the top 12. Otherwise, they've had a few nice runs but I wouldn't call it a resurgance.

Midland NC

Why would they rapave bristol when the racing there was so unique and better

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

Well, it needed paving first of all. Plus it's not all the surface. The race with the old cars was thrilling. The problem and good thing with the COT is the bumpers align so well that it's hard to wreck them.

Billy (Indiana)

Do teams change their aggressive styles once the Chase begins? Thanks

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Some do. It depends on where you are in points. If you have a big lead then you may race more conservatively to avoid engine blowups and such. But if you fall behind like Johnson did two yeras ago you go all out.

joe (pa)

do think jimmie is good....

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

No. I believe he is great.

Daniel(NY,NY)

What track is Iowa most similar 2?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

I've never been, but have been told Richmond.

Nick (charleston, wv)

Since you compared Cole Trickle to Kyle Busch, who would you compare Rowdy Burns and Russ Wheeler to?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

I'd rather hear your comparisons.

Brian (CA)

Who do you think has the best shot of rocketing up the standings b4 the end of the season, the 26 or 19?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

I wouldn't classify either as rockets. But I'd go with McMurray. Roush equipment is awfully good right now and there are a lot of 1.5-mile tracks.

Therese Sills (Frog Pond)

Can Tony Eury Jr. get his act together before the chase or should Dale Jr. just bag this season and wait for next year?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Geez, people. Lay off Eury. It takes two to tango.

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Geez, people. Lay off Eury. It takes two to tango.

Patrick (Agawam, MA)

Stewart gave back the #4, so will Morgan McClure actually get to use it next season, meaning, are they ready for a comeback?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

They are looking at o ptions, but way too early to tell. But I believe Stewart was more interested in giving Newman a number that meant something to him than helping McClure.

Wes (North CA)

Not to many people seem to be talking about the resurgence of Jamie McMurray. He has been very consistent over the past couple months and has shot up the standings. I think this is what Roush was looking for when they signed him. Agree?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

OK, it's official. This is themost Jamie McMurray questions I've ever gotten on a chat. Yes, he has improved. And I'd have to agree Roush had great expectations for him when he signed him.

Waterloo (Canada)

So with all the fines going to the JGR Nationwide teams, could it be that this same technique was being used by the No. 18 Cup Car as he seems to always have more horesepower than the rest?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

No, no, no. The engine difference was in Nationwide, not Cup.

niv blah (crater,ma)

do you think the nationwide race will be more exciting this weekend, seeing as they arent using the COT?

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

It was a year ago. I have nothing else to go on.

Eddie (Charlotte, NC)

1 lap, Lowe's Motor Speedway, you and Tim Colishaw, who wins??

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

I lap him twice.

Luke (Indy)

Do you have any information you can share on Roger Penske's health? Some folks at recent Indy car races say he doesn't appear to be recoverying very well from his surgery early this year.

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

I was told he is doing fine, but i'll be nice to see him around the garage on a more regular basis. He's got his hands full now finding a replacement for Newman and rebuilding his team.

David (Jackson, KY)

The gap between the big 4 owners and the rest of the field seems to be widening. Texaco dropping the 42 is just the latest blow to the other teams. Is this 'big 4' domination good for the sport, or would NASCAR be better served by more on-track parity?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

It's not much different than any other sport. Take the Patriots last season. They and a few other teams were the classs of the regular season in the NFL. Then there were the Jets and a lot of other teams that couldn't buy wins. Nobodycomplained about that.

Jon, Dem-ver, CO

In reviewing the reader comments below NASCAR columns on ESPN.com and other sites, it is readily apparent that fans are extremely frustrated with the state of affairs in the sport. How long can the NASCAR brass keep the blinders on? I understand they can't please everyone and knee-jerk reactions aren't wise but people really HATE the CoT and the lack of good, ole fashioned racing. Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

It's funny h ow people forget h ow one-side racing was 20 years ago. The good ol' days had Petty and Pearson dominating, winning races by a lap or more. The cars also were boxier like the COT. Not sure why there are so many complaints, accept people like to complain.

Ryan (NC)

Russ Wheeler is definately kyle busch, both drive the 18 both win, and are not well liked. Rowdy Burns i would say is kevin harvick, and i would say that carl edwards is more of the cole trickle type. How do you think they match up?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Good with all of that. Guess you have watched the movie more times than me.

M. Cook [Atlanta Georgia]

David: I appreciate your opinion on Eury Jr. Junior Nation is so naive. When something happens to the #88, it's always someone else?s fault. The last race he won was on fuel mileage, not strength of driver. And to think that Kyle Busch was fired to make room for such a mediocre driver......I can't quit laughing! Rick Hendrick has pride and won't admit it, but he made the mistake of a lifetime! You don't sell a stock at $10 dollars per share only to watch it soar to $70 and not kick yourself in the ass. That?s a fact. Go Kyle Busch!

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

I wouldn't go that far. The money Junior brought in from sponsors and associate sponsors is something you can't value in wins and losses.

Felipe ( Dallas )

Hey David, How would Montoya do for another team and do you think he will ever get the chance to drive for a better team. Seems Chip's team is on the way down instead of up?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

People ask that all the time. Casey Mears went from Ganassi to Hendrick and the results weren't great. So you could say he would be better, but there are no gurantees.

Courtney (NC)

David Ragan, in or out?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

It'll be close, but I believe he'll make it.

Jake Indy

whats up david, does my guy Jimmie Johnson still have a shot at his 3rd straight title or did last weeks bad luck mess up his solid momentum that he had put together?

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

If I were a betting man I'd say he wins a third straight title.

Grant (Washington)

Judging by all the recent chats how come so many people ask about Reed Sorenson? You would think he's Junior

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Hey, somebody has to give Reed some love.

Greg (Richmond, VA)

So if Ragan's in, who is out?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

I'm going with Harvick.

Keith (Miami)

Does anyone throw their team under the bus more then Denny Hamlin?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

You've been paying attention. I'm sure others do but just aren't as public about it. He's young. He'll learn. And Gordon was pretty harsh on his crew after an early stop at Michigan.

M. Cook [Atlanta Georgia]

David: Who will be the crew chief for the #18 in the Nationwide Race Friday night? Could it be Addington. I saw him pitching in when Kyle raced at Watkins Glen.

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Not sure they want to bog Addington down with that. JGR is pretty deep. I'm sure they can move somebody over equally talented.

Luke (Indy)

Do you have any thoughts on some of the close friendships some Nascar journalists have with the guys the cover. At least one of them even makes money off hosting a radio show with his friend. Isn't that a bit too cousy?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

I live downtown Charlotte so I don't see drivers and crew members every time I go out to dinner. As for others, I can't really comment.

Jeff (Lafayette, LA)

I think Scott Riggs is a good driver. Is he showing any interest?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

He is good. But owners and sponsors are looking for great. No word on where he might land yet. Maybe Bill Davis Racing or Petty. I really don't know.

Mike (OH)

Is Tony Stewart A Legitment Contender for the Title this year. And how well do you think he will do next year

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

I am skeptical about next season. I believe that organization will be a top 20 one, but not top 12.

JJ-WAKE FOREST, NC

I do not beleive that the Gibbs were not aware of this--I am discussed with all the pretence

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

As long as I've known the Gibbs they have been upstanding people, so I'll have to disagree. But you are right that few t hings go on in the garage without top management being aware. I mean, do you believe Waltrip didn't know about the substance in the engine last year at Daytona?

Darion (CA)

I wont ask about McMurray, i promise. But where do you see the UPS sponsorship going?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Ragan Smith is what I'm hearing.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Any news on the Yates sponsors for next year?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Nothing concrete.

Keren (Maui)

So it is a communication issue between Junior and Jr? Meaning is Junior capable of explaining what the car is doing? I would think after this much time together they could communicate. What are your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Like I said earlier, it takes two to tango. If Junior were explaining everything perfectly then anybody could make the changes. But I don't believe communication is as bad as many believe.

Michael (Flathead Valley, Mt)

M. Cook, quit hatin' on Hendrick, he is a class act.

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Nobody is hatin' on Hendrick.

Joe (FL)

REgan Smith or David Ragan is getting the UPS sponsorship?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

RAGAN.

Eric (Iowa)

New schedule's out...changes made for Cup good/bad/indifferent? What changes do you make if you're solely responsible for scheduling the entire year?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

I like the changes, although I wouldn't have rewarded California with a Chase race. I'd have given Labor Day weekend back to Darlington, given Atlanta a night race during the Chase and given one of California's dates away.

Billy Brubaker (Chatham, MA)

Besides Daytona, if you could only go to one race what would it be? I though Bristol but what do you think?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Simply for historical reasons I'd go to Darlington. The night race there is super and it's still one of the toughest places to drive. For the track, maybe Martinsville. It gets a lot of flack for being in the middle of nowhere, but the racing may be better there now than Bristol.

Georgie /Manchester NH

Who would you drive for?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

Interesting question. Probably Gibbs. I don't like the button down shirts they wear at Hendrick.

other Chris (Richmond, VA)

Closest track to the three most populated cities (in reverse order): 3-Joliet ~40 miles to Chicago 2-Fontana ~40 miles to LA 1-Long Pond ~100 miles to NYC???? How can NASCAR not try to better tap into the largest city/market in the US?

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

Because few in New York reallycare about NASCAR and you might as well be in China when you're in Long Pond.

Big Mama (Yazoo City)

Kevin Harvick wins this week. mark it down

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

Marked. But it'll be one of the Busch brothers.

Georgie/Manchester NH

...and what track would you want to be at?

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

Daytona. I've been in the simulator and can get around that place all right. I wreck every lap at Bristol.

David Newton

  (3:03 PM)

Well, guys and gals, my time is up. Enjoyed it. Chat with you next week. Hope I'm wrong about how boring Bristol will be.