David Newton

  (1:01 PM)

Whew! just made it back from walking the dog to join you guys. Speaking of dogs, what did you think of the move Kyle Busch made on Edwards after the race. Kidding, you know. Busch is a Shrub, not a dog.

Keren (Maui)

Early in the day question. Has Nascar decided to do anything about the post race Kyle and Carl show from Bristol? Usually all their announcements are on Tuesdays and so far nothing this week. I will check your chat session later when I get back home.

David Newton

  (1:02 PM)

Both of them were placed on probation for six weeks in case you missed it. That is fitting. It wasn't that big of a deal. NASCAR actually should have given each 20 bonus points for spicing things up.

Bre (Seattle, WA)

What is going to happen with Montoya?! Ganassi looks like it is falling apart. Will he be driving next year?

David Newton

  (1:03 PM)

Yes, he will be driving next year. While things do look bad, they probably aren't as bad as they appear from the outside.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Thanks for doing the chats Mr. Newton. This helps me get through the week at college. When do you expect an announcement with regards to sponsorship for Ragan and Yates Racing?

David Newton

  (1:04 PM)

It looks like UPS will join Ragan. Not sure what will happen with Yates, but they're working hard on that one. And thanks for the nice introduction. I've got a kid in college and I doubt my chats help him get through the week.

Keren (Maui)

Saw the "probation" report. Does not sound like much for either driver. Is this a PR punishment from Nascar? Meaning gotta do something yet really do not want to since the fans are so up about these guys.

David Newton

  (1:04 PM)

You got it.

Tank

I has good question: I watch Olimpics everyday for two week (sad no car racing) and everybodys says Phelps is the Jordon of swimming. Cool! So my budy and me takl about who be the paralel other athletes (Tyson Gay is the AROD of track)...we got to gimnastics...woudl you say Kevin Harvick is the Nasti Lukin of NASCAR? Fair...right?

David Newton

  (1:06 PM)

If you're talking gynmastics, you have to go with Carl Edwards. Nobody else can do a backflip better. I actually talked to the Olympic coach in the spring and he gave Edwards high marks. And Tank, I'm glad to see you are expanding your horizons and watching the Olympics. Didn't think you watched anything that didn't have a steering wheel.

Jim Las Vegas

David can jimmie johnson or jeff gordon still be a threat come chase time or do you think they will be non factors?

David Newton

  (1:07 PM)

I've said this a thousand times lately, but my money still is on Johnson to win the title. And yes, I do believe Gordon can make it interesting.

Collins:(Louisiana)

Last week you said Harvick would miss the Chase, still feel that way?

David Newton

  (1:08 PM)

I'm starting to believe Kasey Kahne is the odd man out now. He's had a disatrous two weeks. Fallen six spots I believe. Harvick seems to be getting his act together.

Joe (MA)

What's your take on Jamie Mac turning his season around?

David Newton

  (1:08 PM)

Seems to coincide with the kick in the pants Roush gave him at Indianapolis, which coincided with the timing of him not being in the running for the 33 at RCR. What do you think?

Kevin (Boston, MA)

Newt, I like the chase format yet hate the points racing that we get as a result. Tell me why this wouldn't work. Instead of the top 12, if you win you are in. Win more than once and you get bonus points, like they give now. Have a year with less than 12 different winners, then look at points or most seconds etc. I think it would produce better finishes to races instead of teams being happy with a third place points day. In your opinion would it work?

David Newton

  (1:10 PM)

Not a bad idea. I'll pass it along to France.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Is it just me or is this Busch-Edwards thing EXACTLY what NASCAR needs. If theres anything the sport has been missing these last few years, it is a high-profile, ultra-competitive rivalry between two stars who genuinely dislike each other. I'm a huge Ryan Newman fan...and let me tell you...if there's anything to keep me glued during the last 10 races when he's out of contention, it will be to watch what happens with those two!

David Newton

  (1:11 PM)

I agree totally. This is the best thing NASCAR ever got without manufacturing it. I'm writing more about that for Friday, so read then.

Gary (Indiana)

I would like to Write-In the Florida Marlins, but they seem to have pretty good history with a Wild Card spot. I Think they deserve a mention on the Poll!

David Newton

  (1:13 PM)

You seem to be lost. This is NASCAR. But if you want to start a write-in campaign I'll go along with it.

Jim (Las Vegas)

will jimmie johnson or jeff gordon be a factor in the chase? And should Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon be looking for a new crew cheif to replace steve letarte because it has seemed like nearly every race letarte fails to prepare and maintain a solid car for Gordon.

David Newton

  (1:13 PM)

This is the same guy that led Gordon to one of his best seasons ever a year ago. Be patient.

Rick, Pa

I like the concept of the new Bud Shootout but not the execution. As it stands now the 55 team makes the shootout but not the 8 team. If they are going to showcase the manufacturers they should at least give them proportinate representation.

David Newton

  (1:14 PM)

Yeah, that hardly seems fair to have Waltrip in and Martin out. I havne't studied it as closely as you have obviously if this is true. If it is, some tweaking needs to take place.

Ben (Fayetteville, GA)

From watching Nascar over the last three years, I have notcied I significant drop in competition and an increase in dominance by three teams (JGR, Hendrick, Roush-Fenway). What effect does the COT have on the smaller teams gaining ground on the competition?

David Newton

  (1:15 PM)

I don't think it's really that much different. Those three teams have pretty much dominated the last dozen or so years.

Will (Atlanta Ga)

David, who do you think are the leading candidates to replace Sorenson in the Ganassi 41 car?

David Newton

  (1:16 PM)

I'd have to go with Franchitti, but I've really gotten no strong indication.

TYLER (OREGON)

DALER JR WERE DO YOU THINK HELL WILL FINSH AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

David Newton

  (1:17 PM)

Somewhere in the top 12. Good enough?

David (Boston)

Hows it going Mr. Newton? I want you opinion on whether or not Junior is overrated. Last week i could not help but notice how much more time the camera was on Dale Jr. in 17th than focusing on the top 10 where there was some very solid and competitive racing going on.

David Newton

  (1:19 PM)

That's the way it's been almost since the day he entered Cup. Overrated? I will say he gets more attention than any driver that's never won a title. If that's overrated, you be the judge.

AJ (MD)

Why do people find NASCAR so exciting - the only thrills I get from it are the crashes.

David Newton

  (1:20 PM)

A lot of people feel the same way. But if you've ever been to a race the pageantry and everything around it is pretty cool. If you've only watched on TV, I suggest you take in a race. Maybe Dover in the Chase since you're from Maryland.

Lewis (S.D.)

Hey david, i was wondering if you had an opinion on who you think will share the 5 with martin in 2010 and who will drive it full time in 2011, my guess would be cassill or keselowski

David Newton

  (1:21 PM)

That Keselowski turned down a job offer for Cup at Penske tells me he's been promised something by Junior.

Fred (Atlanta)

Will we see Reed tank the rest of the year so that he falls out of the top 35 and the 10 car can move in the top 35?

David Newton

  (1:22 PM)

Interesting perspective you've got there. My guess is Reed would like to impress the rest of the year and build momentum for next season.

JD

A similar insident occurred with JPM and Bush as it did edwards this past weekend. Montoya ended up up being benalized two laps. Shouldn't Edwards receive the some sort of penalty for doing that to bush especially if they could have hit the cars waiting to enter pit road for post race inspection. If Montoya was penalized, I think it would only be fair if Edwards does aswell.

David Newton

  (1:23 PM)

The differerence here is that incident occurred while the race was still underway. The race was over at Bristol. The punishment was fair.

Frank (Colorado)

What happened to your tux photo? You don't look nearly as sharp in your new one.

David Newton

  (1:23 PM)

I'll pass that along to the powers at ESPN. Always want to bring class to the website.

William (Detroit, MI)

What's more likely: Kyle Busch wins two championships in the next five years or Junior wins one?

David Newton

  (1:24 PM)

Kyle Busch wins two in my humble opinion.

Bo (FL)

Anyone figure out how Elliott Sadler's seatbelt came loose? Very odd....

David Newton

  (1:26 PM)

I must have missed that one. Perhaps he was looking for his wallet and forgot to buckle back up. Heck, fill me in. I want to know more about that one.

Chris (Richmond, VA)

Gibbs mentioned that he was going to discuss Stewart and Logano's probation with NASCAR. He never used the word "appeal." Have you heard anything more since he made that statement?

David Newton

  (1:26 PM)

They may appeal the penalty against the drivers, but it's really no big deal. Neither one is driving for a title.

JD

will Dario be in the 41 this season?

David Newton

  (1:27 PM)

There aren't many better choices that I see.

Chad (Cascade, MD)

Do your think jeff gordon can will it all?

David Newton

  (1:27 PM)

He's won four, but none under the Chase, but it would be just that he won it this year after not winning it last year when he would have under the old system.

Paul (Toledo, OH)

How do you do this "right turn" thing I hear people talking about?

David Newton

  (1:28 PM)

Sure would like to see them in that position. My guess is they wouldn't park them, but they'd give a hefty fine.

Kerry (Tampa)

How has Jr done in Cali? Also can you please explain to me what he was thinking at the beg. of last weeks race?

David Newton

  (1:30 PM)

He's been average at California. Don't have his finishes in front of me. As for what he was thinking at Bristol, think the correct answer is he wasn't thinking.

Bo (FL)

Sadler had to come in and re-fasten his seatbelt during this weekend's sprint cup race. He went 8 laps down....he was running top 10 b4 that happened...

David Newton

  (1:31 PM)

Thanks for filling me in. I was listening to a lot of teams, but his wasn't one of them.

Chris (Richmond, VA)

I agree that probation does not matter with Logano. But doesn't probation apply to every series? Tony will be in the Chase.

David Newton

  (1:35 PM)

I am checking on that for you and will send the answer as soon as I get a reply. My first inclination is to say it is strictly for the series that it involved.

TONY (Keizer, Oregon)

morning David,,do think any time soon that we might see a road coarse in the chase?

David Newton

  (1:36 PM)

I'd like to see that if they're going to continue to use road courses during the season. Would make things interesting. But my guess is it won't happen. If they wanted a road course they would have it by now.

Larry (MI)

If Carl and Kyle have a similiar incident in the Chase will Nascar dare park them, after all they are on probabtion?

David Newton

  (1:40 PM)

Please see below.

jeff (keokuk, ia)

David now that Mears has signed on with RCR any chance that Mark runs some races in the 5 car this year like earlier rumored. Thanks. JEFF

Phil (LA)

What do you think of the tracks in the chase? Good choices?

David Newton

  (1:41 PM)

I would add Darlington, take away California. If Darlington is the toughest track on the circuit then it should help decide the playoff. I'd also add Bristol and take away Kansas or Atlanta. The tracks are too similar. I'd also add a road course, maybe Sonoma, and take away Dover. How's that?

Boston Tom

With the news that Darian Grubb will be the new crew chief for stewart, do you see the performance of the 88 team suffering next year since Grubb is the guy who makes Jr's cars so good at the start of the race.

David Newton

  (1:42 PM)

He'll definitely be a loss, not only for Junior but the entire organization. But HMS is deep and they'll find somebody to replace him.

James (Chicago)

Everyone talks about Joey's talent, but how long do you think it will take him before he's routinely running top 10s, top 20s?

David Newton

  (1:43 PM)

It wouldn't surprise me to see it happen early and often. He's in great equipment and the talent appers to be there. He also has a great temperament.

Larry (MI)

See below?

David Newton

  (1:43 PM)

I'd already answered that question.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Hey David, With Sorenson joining GEM, does that mean Carpentier is out??? Or (if sponsorship can be found) will they expand to 4 teams?????

David Newton

  (1:44 PM)

You answered your own question. If they find sponsorship for Carpentier he'll keep the ride and they'll go to four teams. If not, Reed is in the 10.

Kevin (Virginia)

Kyle Busch entered the Cup series when he was 19, but it's taken him 4-5 years to get to have a season like this. Will we see a similar learning curve for Joey?

David Newton

  (1:45 PM)

Kyle wasn't nearly as mature in the car or out of it at 19 as Logano is at 18. Heck, he may not be as mature at 22. It wouldn't surprise me to see Logano win one or two races in his first season. Maybe three or four.

Kevin (Boston, MA)

Newt, how does Waltrip not go down to Bowyers garage and wail the tar out of him for that comment? Do drivers get past that type of stuff? I like Bowyer but that was out of line.

David Newton

  (1:46 PM)

First of all, Bowyer was wrong to blame Waltrip Mears' spotter caused the wreck. Of course, Bowyer could have made the same comment without the wreck and few would have found fault with it.

Ryan, Chicago

So what driver is the dog named after?

David Newton

  (1:47 PM)

Ernie Irvan. Perhaps that's why the dang dog won't sit still.

jeff (keokuk,ia)

david my question got put up there but no answer!! Any chance mark in 5 car this year. Thanks. JEFF

David Newton

  (1:47 PM)

I was told earlier in the year that wouldn't happen and nothing has been said to change that. Sorry.

Larry (MI)

Looks like some of the answers got mixed in with other questions but I found it. Anyways, who you got this weekend?

David Newton

  (1:48 PM)

I've got a towel on the beach and a few cold ones in the cooler at Myrtle Beach.

Sean (Spokane)

Do you think Kahne has a chance to get back into the chase? He has disappointed lately

David Newton

  (1:49 PM)

He has won at California and Richmond, so he's got a shot. But the last two weeks aren't very encouraging, and he's got some good drivers to pass.

Jason IL

How long after 2009 does it take for DEI to become nothing more than a musuem?

David Newton

  (1:50 PM)

Don't bury them yet. Their cars are running good. It's just a matter of upgrading the driver talent or at least getting them more experience. Martin easily could have won a couple of races this year and Truex simply isn't have things go his way, but he's an above average driver.

Sam (Boston)

I always hear a lot of talk about the road courses. What do the drivers think of them? Do they like the different type of racing?

David Newton

  (1:50 PM)

Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and those that are good on road courses love them. It's a nice change of pace. Those that aren't good typically don't like them.

Johnny (Newark, NJ)

You skipping Fontana? Racing there at 110 degrees seems about as exciting as a 50 lap race at Pocono...how could you miss it? Who do you like in the AFC this year...you think Farve will take my Jets anywhere???

David Newton

  (1:52 PM)

Before I get to Fontana skipping, the person that asked about the probation, it applies only to Cup as I suspected. As for California, which would you pick. A beach, beer and beautiful girl by your side or 110 degrees on asphalt? As for the AFC, I like the Chargers and Broncos. As for Favre, he'll take you to an 8-8 record.

Jason IL

Is the ARMY going to the 99?

David Newton

  (1:54 PM)

Well, there's one I haven't herad. NO! The 99 is sponsored by Aflec. Army will wind up at either DEI, Stewart-Haas.

TONY (Keizer, Oregon)

As usual, some good information today,,,,live draft coming up, gotta go,,,,,,thanks again david

David Newton

  (1:55 PM)

Thanks. I draft next week and haven't done any homework.

Catfish

I am heading to Richmond and might be able to get a pitpass. How much can you see? I;d be givingup tailgating with my buddies...so I need to consider whether its worth it...thoughts? Any idea whether I can take my ticket out and give it to my buddy so he can sneak in (we have different names, but look pretty similar).

David Newton

  (1:56 PM)

A lot actually. I sat in my car with a Sprint Vision scanner and watched most of the last race there because the media center was freezing.

Rick (VA)

Aflac is in talks to sell off some races next year to a couple different groups.

David Newton

  (1:56 PM)

Yes, as most sponsors are, But I haven't heard it selling that many. Army, unless things have changed, wants to be a primary for a majority of the races.

Jason IL

You don't read Jayski? Aflac was said to be selling off races.

David Newton

  (1:57 PM)

Most sponsors sell off races this year. And I do read Jayski from time to time.

Johnny (Newark, NJ)

Seems people are saying Martinsville is gonna lose a race in a year or two. Seems ok, so long as they keep one. My only concern is we're gonna get another race on a 1 1/2 mile track. What, if anything, is NASCAR doing to get more interesting and perhaps more short track races? Seems like they don't really care about the quality of the track/racing so long as there are fans in the seats (which I guess is ok bc they are a business)?

David Newton

  (1:59 PM)

I would hate to see Martinsville lose a race for another mile and a half of boredome. I enjoy the half-mile to mile tracks more than any other.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

David, Have you heard anything on where Scott Riggs will end up???? Doesn't the State Water Heaters sponsorship go with him to a new team????

David Newton

  (1:59 PM)

Geez, I almost forgot him if that tells you something. The bottom line, I've heard nothing. Maybe Bill Davis Racing.

Larry (MI)

That sounds like a good way to celebrate Labor Day weekend. Who was lucky one to get send to Cali this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:00 PM)

Terry not so Blount [pronounced Blunt]

Brian (Belding mI)

The Giants will not have a winning season this year. Last season was lucky this year they wont be so lucky. They will be lucky to win 5 games at most. Eli still sucks and the Defense wont be as aggressive even if they did have 72 on the field. The Giants are a lot like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish OVERRATED!!! Also the Jets will too suck they also will be lucky to win 5 games Brett is great but he is 39 and you cant build around a 39 year old QB!!! Green Bay needs to fire their GM and their HC especially if they have a losing record. Rodgers will not live up to the hype, McCarthy can you say bye bye for being such an IDIOT!!! Blah blah blah about how good the D is! You want to win now Favre could have done it, but you RETARDED STUPID ORGANIZATION chose to be losers instead. IF you rely on the D to win you games then the Ravens would be the CHAMPS year in and year out!!! They have a top 5 defense consisntly over the past few years and they have yet to win a championship game since 2002!!! Same goes for the CHARGERS they have a Offense and A DEFENSE but yet they cant win either!!!!!! Mike McCarthy is the DUMBEST human ALIVE!!!!!!

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

Was getting ready to sign off, but had to read and post this. You seem quite passionate about your team, which is good. Not sure McCarthy will be your friend after this. Can't wait to find out if your predictions are right. Planning to get back from Richmond next weekend in time to sit in front of the couch on Sunday and watch football all day and night.

Rick (VA)

Can Carl win again this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

YES!!! And with that, Im outta here. Have a good Labor Day weekend. I know I will.