ESPN

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:02 PM)

Finished another fine episode of Around the Horn, let's get rolling with some Chase talk.

Tara (Peoria, AZ)

So they say Jimmies on a hotstreak, but I think so is Hamlin. You think Denny's gotta chance for a run the championship this year? I sure do! :D

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:03 PM)

This is a great first question, Tara. I just talked up Denny Hamlin on Around the Horn. I think once you get past the big three of JJ, Kyle and Carl, Denny is a great dark horse pick. Three straight thirds. Other than Kyle who has five top fives at the eight tracks they will be repeating in the Chase, Denny and Gordon are tied for next spot with four top fives.

TONY (KEIZER, OREGON)

afternoon Tim, lets go around the horn and debate the chase,,,,,,,,,,Jimmie Johnson is three time champ

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:04 PM)

And Jimmie would be my pick to win if someone was offering me a thousand dollars to pick the winner. I would rank Kyle second but I might go with my dark horse, hamlin, third, ahead of Carl Edwards. I think Johnson has everyone scared after winning the last two races, a repeat of how he went into the Chase in '07.

Robert (Shreveport, LA)

So should Richard feel dumb for pushing Bowyer out of his car and giving away his points? Clint is a contender for both the NNS and NSCS champioship. Not to mention that he is an emotional guy that might feel alienated by this move.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:05 PM)

I assume the way Childress runs things that he talked about this situation with Bowyer and that Bowyer was OK with it. Kind of silly that at the Bud Shootout in Daytona, Mears will be in the race and Bowyer won't be.

Greg (Richmond, VA)

So you are saying that on ATH today there is a NASCAR segment on ATH or you won today's show and chose to use your 30 seconds on it. I'm guessing you won since NASCAR is never on.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:08 PM)

You guessed correctly, Greg. They all made clever snoring sounds while I enjoyed my 30 seconds in victory lane.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:11 PM)

Here's a little update on the Chase. Kyle Busch is the only driver with more than one win (Atlanta, Talladega, Dover) at the eight tracks that have a second race in the Chase. Kyle also leads the points totals at those tracks. Here are the numbers (some surprising):1. Kyle 1,1862. Burton 1,1603. Johnson 1,1284. Dale Jr. 1,0715. Denny 1,0706. Gordon 1,0547. Biffle 1,0118. Carl 1,0039. Bowyer 97510. Tony 93911. Harvick 90112. Kenseth 872

Billy (KY)

Where would you think Almirola and Logano might finish at Loudon? Thanks

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:12 PM)

It's hard to predict finishes for these races for the non-Chasers, but I think Logano might get in the top 15. Not sure about Almirola.

TONY (KEIZER, OREGON)

out of the drivers not in the chase, who is your pick to be in it next season, my pick is David Ragan.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:13 PM)

I will say Tony and Bowyer don't make it, so we need two new Chasers. I will go with Vickers and Kasey Kahne.

Justin(DURHAM NC)

where do u think scott riggs will driving for in 09 ..what team do u think

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:14 PM)

I don't know, Justin. He doesn't have anything and spots are filling up. Not sure what lies ahead for him.

TONY (KEIZER, OREGON)

any rule changes to the cars for next year?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:15 PM)

Haven't heard of anything significant. Still like to see crew chiefs given a little more freedom where every single thing they do is not considered cheating.

quentin (wilmington, nc)

R u still sporting a moustache? I havnt seen ATH lately cause my cable was cut off

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:15 PM)

Would somebody please get Quentin's cable back on? Goatee, basically.

TONY (KEIZER, OREGON)

i agree with you on kahn, but picking tony in his first year in the new car/team, wow, thats a heck of a pick if your right

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:19 PM)

No I said Tony would not make it with Stewart Haas next year.

GLYNN (ATLANTA)

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE AN IDEA STRIKES ME AND I START CRUNCHING NUMBERS. TODAY ITS ARE KYLE AND CARL ACTUALLY DOING ANYTHING SPECIAL LIKE EVERYBODY KEEPS CROWING ABOUT. THE NUMBERS KYLE 140 STARTS 12 WINS IN CAREER, CARL 147 STARTS 13 WINS. AFTER 140 STARTS TONY HAD 15 WINS AND HIS FIRST CUP, KENSETH ONLY 7 WINS BUT A CUP, AND KURT 11 WINS AND A CUP SO MY ANSWER UNLESS KYLE OR CARL WINS THIS CUP IT MEANS VERY LITTLE. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:20 PM)

Excellent numbers crunching, Glynn. Only thing I would say is that Tony and Kenseth and Kyle had their wins more spread out. Kyle only won four races before winning eight this year with 10 to go. So Carl and Kyle have kind of exploded on the scene this season.

Sandy, FL

Do you think that Tony Stewart will be prepared to do as much testing as necessary to get his team as competitive as they will need to be? Is he prepared to test as much as say Jimmie or Jeff have done?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:22 PM)

I talked to Tony for awhile two weeks ago when he was in Texas for a charity thing and I am certain he will do everything he can to make it work. He doesn't want to look like he just took the ownership money and was satisfied with that. So, yeah, he will do what it takes.

Greg (Richmond, VA)

What's the final running order at the end of this week's race at Loudon?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:26 PM)

For some reason, I see Kyle Busch back in victory lane. Just to upset everyone. Well, not everyone, but lots of folks.

Joe (Troy, NY)

There isn't a whole lot being said about the chances of Greg Biffle, but his last few races have have been solid leading up to the chase. If any of the top three falter, could he be there to pick up the pieces and steal the championship, or are the trio of Edwards, Johnson, and Kyle just too strong for him to overcome? His history at 1.5 mile tracks is very good, and the only track in the chase that he truly struggles is Martinsville.Thoughts?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:27 PM)

Good stuff, Joe. I don't have him that high because he didn't do especially well (seventh overall) at the tracks they are going back to. But he has been great at Homestead so you have to throw that in there, too, I guess. Not a bad dark horse, but my first pick after the big three is Hamlin. One of the big three will probably win it, though.

quentin (wilmington, nc)

Can I watch ATH online?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:28 PM)

I think they have it on espn.com, podcasts or something. I don't really know, sorry.

GLYNN (ATLANTA)

YEAH BUT IT'S STILL ABOUT THE CUP DO YOU THINK KENSETH THINKS MORE HIGHLY OF HIS 5 WINS IN '02 OR 1 WIN AND THE CUP IN '03? DO YOU THINK JIMMIE CARES MORE ABOUT 8 WINS AND 2ND PLACE IN '04 OR 5 WINS AND A CUP IN '06 I CAN GO ON AND ON/

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:28 PM)

Of course, it's all about winning the championship. I'm not disputing that.

Joe (Troy, NY)

Do you think the competition committee will ever consider five bonus points for qualifying on the pole? I'll bet Ryan Newman would be in favor of that rule change!

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:29 PM)

No, they have pretty much said they won't give points for the pole. And there's really no need to. If you've got the best pit box and you start on the front row, that's enough of an advantage. For everyone but Newman, I guess.

Kevin (Boston, MA)

Just saw a bunch of haulers heading up the highway. Smoke ran so well here in the spring that I am picking him to win this Sunday. IF, that happens could you see him heating up and winning this thing?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:30 PM)

I like Tony but I would be very surprised if that team got its act together enough to win the whole thing after going all year without a win. Last race didn't end too well with Stewart and Zippy barking at each other. Pretty funny if you listen to it.

Mi'Chaun's Man (Louisville, KY)

How strong are Carl Edwards chances at winning the cup?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:31 PM)

The man has won three of the last six events and has all the confidence in the world. If a Roush driver is going to win this thing, he's going to be the man.

Greg (Richmond, VA)

Denny Hamlin has made the chase in each of the last three years. He drives for a great team. Has an awesome sponsor. How come Hamiln isn't more popular?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:31 PM)

That's hard to say but I think he's pretty popular. He's very personable and he has become a very good interview. He's one of the guys I most enjoy talking to when I'm at a race for ESPN.

kelin malcolm (galesburg,il)

Even though jeff gordon is in 8th place, you cant count him out of the chase

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:32 PM)

I agree, Kelin. Galesburg, Illinois, home of Jim Sundberg. But Gordon has run well at the tracks they are going back to and one win would do wonders for his team.

Elaine (Austin, Texas)

Who do you think will win the whole thing?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:32 PM)

Elaine, I said earlier I would pick Johnson. My dark horse if one of the big three doesn't win is Denny Hamlin.

Joe (Troy, NY)

Is there any scenario that would shock you regarding the chasers? Who would you say is the longest shot of the twelve?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:37 PM)

Yeah sure. I would be shocked if Burton, Kenseth, or Bowyer won. I would be pretty shocked if Dale Jr. or Tony won. I would be mildly shocked if Biffle or Harvick won.

quentin (wilmington, nc)

What kind of gas mileage do these bad boyz get? Tell Elaine to pay attention

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:37 PM)

On most tracks they get about a whopping six miles per gallon. Not great cars for highway driving.

Tony (Keizer Oregon)

im sorry, i think i had the wron Labonte there, it was Bobby wasnt it, he's been racing

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:38 PM)

Yes, Bobby had the hard hit at the road race, but he is still racing. Actually moved up from 22nd to 20th in points last week at Richmond.

Jamar (Lawrenceville,GA)

What will Dale Jr. do this weekend?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:39 PM)

He has a chance to do well. He was fourth in the first Loudon race a year ago so it's not like he doesn't know his way around the track.

Jason (Michigan)

Do you think NASCAR needs to chill out on the fines? I love watching those guys go at it on and off the track, keeps me tuned in all the time.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:39 PM)

As long as they stick to fines, which have no impact on the drivers, I'm OK with it. I would hate to see drivers get suspended for altercations, but NASCAR is pretty smart and knows people like it.

Josh (Sheboygan, WI)

Does NASCAR have a plan to deal with the declining gates at some of it's tracks?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:40 PM)

I don't know if you can call it a plan.The economy is in the toilet and gas, well, it's come down from $4 a gallon but it's still pretty high. So there are going to be some empty seats at some of these huge tracks.

Tony (Keizer Oregon)

wow, 37 minutes in before the first JR question, must be a record

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:40 PM)

You are right on that one, Tony!

Jason (Michigan)

Do think Carl Edwards looks like Mr. Ed???

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:41 PM)

Kyle Busch does and that's all that matters. Great line.

Bob (Lancaster Pa)

Penske Nascar success is disappointing. Why??

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:42 PM)

That's a good question. Looked like they had it together last year after making the crew chief switch that got Kurt Busch into the Chase and Ryan finished 13th. But it all went south after Daytona. Don't know if they pay too much attention to their open wheelers or what, that sounds like an oversimplification. The fact that no Dodges are in the Chase and Dodge is pulling out of the truck series and Dodges aren't selling well is a bad sign for the future.

Jason (Michigan)

I know Woody use to ride you all the time but is NASCAR really a sport?? I am a fan just have a hard time putting it in that catagory.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:43 PM)

Just to echo that commercial they used to have...for those who say NASCAR isn't a sport? Those 200,000 people at the track can't hear you.

quentin (wilmington, nc)

Do people in Dallas really watch hockey?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:44 PM)

Absolutely. Three weeks til it cranks up for the almost Western Conference champs!

Joe (Troy, NY)

Do you think that the international races in Montreal and Mexico have helped NASCAR or hurt them? Does NASCAR plan on expanding out to any different tracks in the future?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:47 PM)

I think it's good to race in Canada and Mexico. I don't see Sprint Cup races moving there any time soon, too much fighting between tracks for the 36 races we have now.

Greg (New York)

I recently realized that the chasis on the COT are at an angle to the right. Why is this?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:48 PM)

NASCAR had to cut down on that earlier in the year, people were setting up their cars in a way it looked like they were crabs going sideways down the track to get more downforce into the car.

Jason (Michigan)

What has NASCAR done to make sure the episode at Indy with the tires never happens again??

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:49 PM)

They haven't done anything yet. They need to do more testing closer to the race next year, but i've said this before. Indy is almost always a terrible race. Not as bad as this year's abomination but I don't think they should run there. But the people come and the money pours in so NASCAR doesn't care.

Bob (Lancaster Pa)

Is Pocono in danger of losing 1 of their Races?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:50 PM)

I think one of them will end up in Las Vegas or Kentucky in the near future.

Mike (Dayton OH)

Why is auto racing commonly done in an oval. Horses and dogs make sense. Go one lap we gotta a winner. Autos determine the winner after multiple laps not drivers cause of wear and tear. Ergo. not a sport

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:50 PM)

I am just posting this because I don't believe we've ever had anyone use the word "ergo'' in a NASCAR chat room.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Tim, I agree about Indy. I am just glad there isn't a Chase race there.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:51 PM)

It's bad enough they have a chase race at Fontana next year. Indy would be even worse.

Jason (Michigan)

Lagano the real deal, the next Tiger Woods?? Cmon??

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:52 PM)

He's not Tiger because he's not going to dramatically change the sport and how many millions watch it and increase the competition level. But he's pretty darned good.

Jeff (Rochester NY)

Who cares if something is considered a sport? If you enjoy watching it, that is all that matters.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:52 PM)

that's the point I always try to make. You call all of those things they had in the Olympics sports?

Brian (Roseville, Michigan)

Whats the one track you would want to be added to the chase and the one taken out?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:53 PM)

I would take out Fontana and put a road course into the Chase. Either one.

Jesse (Portland OR)

Hey Tim, when if ever do you see NASCAR finally getting us a nice track in the Great Northwest?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:54 PM)

There's been an ongoing battle over that but it won't be in the next couple of years. Gotta run after the next one, will be back next week to discuss the first week of the Chase with you.

Bob (Lancaster Pa)

Any chance Teresa will realize she won't win squat and sell it to Jr??

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:55 PM)

I don't think Junior wants any part of it at this point. he's happy where he is. Thanks, everyone.