David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

Welcome to windy Lowe's Motor Speedway for a second day of testing. It doesn't get more exciting than this. Please fire away with questions to distract me.

Chris, Atlanta

What do you think about Scott Speed turning the second fastest lap last night? Was it a fluke or a sign of things to come?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

Going fast is one thing. Running fast against an entire field is another. Speed for Speed is a good sign, but it's way too early to say he'll be a success at this level.

becka, va

is it true that since sorenson is going to gem next year, the 41 is being driven not by reed at the LMS test

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

Where have you been? Yes, both are true. But Sorenson is expected to be in the 41 the rest of the year.

Tim(Mobile, ALABAMA)

you're late lol, what kind of racing can we expect at kansas this weekend? a lot of side by side or will it continue to be more 1.5 mile track single file minimum passsing like we have seen so far this year. And what is your top 5 for this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Sorry about being tardy. Was going through my interview with Steve Addington and time slipped away. As for Kansas, the racing should be decent. It was at Chicago, a similar track. As for my top five, it's hard to pick against Biffle these days. Johnson and Carl Edwards also should do well there. If Kyle Busch can avoid mechanical problems he should be a factor. Don't count Jeff Gordon out either.

Jake (Indy)

whats up david? We knew it was only a matter of time before Rick Hendrick was going to give Keselowski a shot in a cup car, how do you think he will do in first two races and when do you see him filling a seat in the Hendrick stable full time?

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

He'll do OK because he' got good equipment. My guess is he'll replace Mark Martin in the 5 in 2010, that is if Martin Truex Jr. doesn't become available.

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

He'll do OK because he' got good equipment. My guess is he'll replace Mark Martin in the 5 in 2010, that is if Martin Truex Jr. doesn't become available.

andy(Durham nc)

give state water heaters will go with scott riggs ..do u see him langing n a new yates ride or where do u see him landing

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Haven't heard much about Riggs lately to be honest, Most of the Yates talk is centered around Menard. As for the sponsor, do you really care? Just curious.

Tim(Mobile, ALABAMA)

and who were the fastest cars at yesterdays test sessions?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Greg Biffle, Scott Speed and Carl Edwards topped the charts last night. Thank Jeff Gluck of NASCAR Scene for that assist.

Omar (Utuado, Puerto Rico)

Hi David, So after reading your Wednesday column about Jeff testing in Charlotte and assuming you are down there.. What is the word for today? Are they showing some improvements so far or will they struggle in Kansas?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Gordon was about where he's been all year during last night's session. He was 12th. Haven't seen any speeds today.

Tim(Mobile, ALABAMA)

I saw you mentioned an interview with Addington, does he believe his team is out of the contention, even if he doesn't it will be hard for them to have any chance with the piss poor attitude Busch has about it

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

He's much more positive than Kyle was after the race. He figures if they can lose 240 points in two weeks then so can other teams. Not likely the top three all will fold, but you never know.

Jeff (Concord, NC)

I hear a lot about dress codes at the track. Are you allowed to go bare-footed?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Only in the media center if your feet are hot and sweaty and don't smell. Closed-toed shoes are required in the garage.

lynn, va

whatz your take on the new marty

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

The mustashe is downright ugly, but it was for a good cause. A bunch of friends bet him $500 at a charity event that he wouldn't go on the air with it. He accepted if htey donated the money to the charity. Good for the charity. Good for Marty for being able to grow a stache in six days. It would take me six months.

Chad (Savannah, GA)

Does Biffle continue his hot streak and win the chase or will Johnson's consistancy pay off with a 3rd Cup?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

He certainly has momentum and he won at Kansas last year. But as long as Johnson is lurking I still say he is the driver to beat.

Michael (Dallas)

Does Kyle Busch have a chance to win the cup

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

I'd say slim to none, but Johnson came from 165 points out after three Chase races in 2006. A win on Sunday could get Kyle within that range, but he'll have to get on an unbelievable roll to make it all up.

Omar (P.R>)

David, I dont know why but I got the feeling that Keselowski will be driving the #24 in near future. Heck, he is even testing with that team right now. I think Mr. H and Jeff know something that we dont know yet.

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

There have been rumors that Gordon will setp down after his deal with Dupont expires following the 2010 season. You never know.

becka, va

just was wondering about your opinion on reed

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

He and Kasey both will miss the Chase next season.

Tim(Mobile, ALABAMA)

i was also curious on your take with biffle, do you think he can have a chance to win every week, obviously hats off to the guy for being able to top guys like Jimmie and Carl the past two weeks but you have to believe sooner or later either Jimmie or Carl will go on a tear of their own and possibly pass Biffle by

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Biffle is one of the most underrated drivers in the garage. He has a Truck and busch tittle, and lost the Cup by only 35 points in 2005. Give him good equipment and he'll drive the wheels off of it.

Rick (VA)

If Riggs or Menard were to go to Yates, would they go to a 3 car team? Or would Kvapil get kicked back to the truck series? I'd rather have Kvapil than Gilliland...

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

Good question. My guess is three teams if sponsors are available. Ford needs more teams.

BB (Mpls)

What would you need to see from the 24 team to say "I think these guys can win the chase yet this year" and when would you have to see it (meaning, when would it be too late for them)?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

A good race at Kansas would be a good sign. Not necessrily a win, but a top three. He can't win this with fop 10s the way Edwards, Johnson and Biffle are driving.

Bo (FL)

If you were starting a 2 car team and had to choose between Hamlin, Mcmurray, Almirola, Hornish and Speed, who would you choose and why? Thanks.

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Hamlin, Hands down. He's won more rades than all three combined and proven to be championship material. McMurray has had plenty of time to prove himself. The others are projects.

Danny( Michigan)

What is happening with DEI? They have 4 cars in the top 35 but cant seem to keep sponsors.Will they survive?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

They'll survive, but they are taking their lumps. I hear they have a few things in the works that will get them through the sponsor crisis. There also are rumors that Robby Gordon Motorsports could merge with the company, but I've been told nothing to substantiate that.

Georgie/Manchester NH

This is a "Tank" sort of question (I won't even attempt his mastery of the english language, he's the expert there)...anyhow, what is the process for the teams to get/pick their colors, numbers, and font styles? Like, do they (the drivers get to choose or what?)

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Funny. You used correct spelling, so this is not Tank-like. As for the question, NASCAR has to approve everything. The teams pick what they want _ numbers only if they are available _ and present it to the governing body for approval. Sometimes the drivers get involved. Dale Jr. was heavily involved into his car and uniform design.

Big Mama (Yazoo City)

the hunky Carl Edwards will win this week. mark it down, baby.

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Marked.

Rick (VA)

If DEI only fields 3 cars next year, and NASCAR doesn't allow them to sell their points, will only 34 cars be guaranteed spots to start next year? Or will the guy 36th in owner points be guaranteed a starting spot?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

The car in 36th will move up I believe.

andy (durham

in actualy it should be a big deal when a sponser wants to stay with the driver . its sys the type of representitave scott riggs is to the copamny so yes it shoudl be a big deal

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

I am sure Scott and his sponsor appreciate your loyalty.

Randy (Ohio)

Have you heard anything on what kind of schedule Landon Cassill will run next year?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

They're trying to set up a full Nationwide schedule, but nothing has been announced yet.

Shannon( Richmond)

IS Aric Almirola gonna be sponsored by Army next year? Hadn't heard who his sponsor was for 09.

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

I've been told Army will move to Ryan Newman at Stewart-Haas. They are waiting to finalize a secondary sponsor before announcing.

lynn, va

why is it that when it rains boris does better then whe nit is sunny

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

Cause his hair repels the rain better.

Scott (Minneapolis, MN)

With Kyle Busch being so far behind, are others afraid of what his driving style and the "nothing to lose" attitude will bring to the track and their chances at a championship?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

No, they're not afraid. And I believe Busch has matured past the out of control driver he was a few years ago.

Kyle (Trenton, New Jersey)

If it comes down to the last 5 laps at homestead and it is jimmie vs carl and they have even cars who would you pick to win the race and the title on the line

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

I don't know, but it would be a helluva show.

Brett (Cleveland TN)

So back to the Keselowski to the 24 after 2010. which is a better line up, Johnson, JR, Gordon, and Martin or Johnson, JR, Truex, and Keselowski?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

I'd go with the first until Keselowski proves himself.

Jim (Las Vegas)

Talladega could ultimately end up being the race that makes or breaks someones chase run with being caught up in a big one scenario, if it is still johnson, edwards, and biffle and the top 3 dogs which one do you think would most likely take a hit in that race?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

They always say that about Talladega. Much to much made of it. Having said that, Edwards is the only one of the three that hasn't won on a superspeedway. But under your theory that doesn't really matter since it is the so-called "Big One" that would be costly. You can't predict that.

Saul (San Diego)

David: Yesterday I read: Dale Jr. ran the fastest lap in the afternoon leg of Tuesday's opening day of Sprint Cup Series testing. Do you think that he is muttering to himself...as soon at Cousin Eury touches the car it will go flat.

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Funny. And No.

Justin (Sacramento)

any chance of NASCAR venturing into reality TV? like finding a new driver (idol)or following a team (hard knocks)

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

I thought this was a reality show.

Kirk( nc)

If Army is leaving DEI and Menard may be leaving that leaves one sponsor and 4 cars how do you make that work? I guess atleast they are all in the top 35.

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

A lot of people want to know the answer to that one. Being in the top 35 does have value, though.

Jeff - MD

Is Tony Eury Jr. back with Little E next season? Or does Rick put someone else in there?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Rick will do everything he can to make Jr. and Jr. work, but if he believes the relationship is keeping Earnhardt from excelling he'll make a change.

Keren (Maui)

Good afternoon David - What changes do anticipate being made to the COT after the season? And will we see much different racing next year after this "break in year"?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

There may be tweaks to get more downforce, maybe even a wider tire, but I don't see anything major.

becky, tn

what is the rules of being able to race at tracks

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

You have to be approved by a NASCAR committee.

cactus jack (new mex)

can you give me one word to describe each of these 5 teams? gibbs, hendrick,roush,childress,dei

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Feel like this is a therapy session. I'll do my best, though. Gibbs _ Classy. Hendrick _ Driven. Roush _ Businesslike. Childress _ Throwback. DEI _ Turmoil.

Tim (Hayesville NC)

Do you think that Junior has any input or say on wheather or not Hendrick goes out and gets Truex, cause if he lands Truex Hendrick Motorsports will start to look alot like JR motorsports with Keselowski in there as well?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Keselowski is in the mix because Junior recommended him, so the answer is yes.

Bo (FL)

What has happened to the GEM cars of late?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

You mean other than the month that Kasey Kahne was hot? They've really performed about the same all season. Average.

Jill (Chicago)

If you had to take a flyer on a young guy possibly becoming a championship contender one day, whowould you pick out of Hornish, Speed, Almirola, Ragan and why? Thanks.

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Easy. David Ragan. He's on the cusp of winning a race and becoming a contender in the future.

Steve (St. Anthony, MN)

Hi David Do you collect die cast cars? If so how many do you have and which one is your favorite?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Uh, no. Sorry.

Chase (Atlanta)

Why does the 20 team never seem to start good unless qualifying gets rained out?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

Why does Matt Kenseth never seem to qualify well? What you do on Sunday is what counts. That's where the focus is.

Justin (sacramento)

C'mon David, you wouldnt want to see a hard knocks style show about Dale Jr's crew? or Kyle Busch? or Smoke?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

Sure. I never refuse good stories.

Rick (VA)

Who will be in the 21 and 41 cars next year?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Not sure on the 21 yet. Looks like Allmendinger in the 41, but nothing is official.

Cheeks Boston, MA

I think the Dinger didn't get a fair deal at RBR. What are your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

What you have to remember is this is a business, and if somebody wants Scott Speed in that car instead of Allmendinger then that is their preference. Do I think he could develop into a good driver and make them regret the decision? Yep.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Hey David, What is the latest news on Marcus Ambrose in a cup ride next season?????

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Last I heard he was going to drive for Brad Daugherty's new team, but you hear his name crop up for other rides as well.

Saul (San Diego)

Speaking of sponsors and the economy, are the the two sponsors for the 88 go to go for next year?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Amp was a multi-year deal. I believe National Guard renews annually. Have heard nothing there. Also have heard no reason to believe it is gone.

JJ (el paso)

is robby gordon a "cancer" for teams? ive heard bad things

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

I wouldn't say that. He's got quite a following worldwide in all of his ventures. He's just never had the best of equipment to prove himself in Cup.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Well guys, seems as though we are out of questions and I have testing to return to. Enjoy the race at Kansas this weekend and chat with you again next Wednesday.