ESPN

William (Chattanooga, TN)

You made the transition from crew chief to car owner and have been pretty successful. Do you think Tony Stewart can do it? Why or how? What advice would you give him? Thanks.

Ray Evernham

  (1:32 PM)

Thanks for that compliment. Some days you don't feel so successful! Tony can do it, I think. He's been involved in racing and knows what he's facing. It will be difficult, and he needs to be patient. That success will come slowly and will come in smaller steps than he was able to achieve as a driver. He's got a lot of determination, so I think he'll make it.

May

What does Gordon need to do here to catch up to Jimmie?

Ray Evernham

  (1:33 PM)

I think they're working on that. Jeff and Jimmie have a completely different feel from a racecar. As Stephen is getting experience, and he and Jeff work together, I feel as though they will be a very successful combination--they just have some catchup time on the CoT. They've made some steps in the past few weeks that tell me they're going in the right direction.

justin (durham nc)

hey ray. great job on espn man...where do you see scott riggs driving in 09...announcement this week?..ur thoughts

Ray Evernham

  (1:34 PM)

Thanks Justin. I enjoy it here, so it means a lot to hear someone thinks we're doing OK! I think (my guess) is that we'll see him at Ganassi, back in a Dodge. Scott is a great guy and will hopefully find a home soon. He'll do a real good job for any team he drives for.

Chris Tennessee

Ray, who should we keep an eye on in the Chase right now, who most experts may be counting out?

Ray Evernham

  (1:35 PM)

Boy, one thing the Chase has shown is you can't count anybody out. Obviously we were expecting the top three--Johnson, Biffle, and Edwards, but a lot of us assumed Harvick or Gordon would be the dark horse. Right now it seems to be Burton. I still think our championship winner will come out of the top 4, but Stewart and Harvick are not yet out of it.

James; Cincinnati Ohio

Ray,How true are the rumors that GEM is going to Toyota next year?

Ray Evernham

  (1:36 PM)

I can't really comment on any of those rumors. I know that Mr. Gillette is focused on whatever it will take to get to victory lane and win races. I'm a minority owner and primarily an advisor on the competition side.

Mike (Texas)

Thoughts on the Edwards-Harvick dust up?

Ray Evernham

  (1:37 PM)

Boys will be boys. As long as it doesn't carry over too long. Stuff like that happens, and the best players in any sport play with a lot of emotion. They are both high-level emotional guys, so they can't carry that from week to week. It's over and done with, so let it go.

becka, va

whats more fun, being a owner to kasy or being crew cheif to jeff gordon

Ray Evernham

  (1:38 PM)

They're both fun. Really, two completely different rules. I've been fortunate to have worked with a lot of great people on both teams. I've gotta tell you, I probably had more FUN as a crew chief, especially with the Rainbow Warriors, but I've also had a great experience and met a lot of people as an owner.

Noel Andrew Iowa

Do you thionk Nascar enjoys the attention that the Harvick edwards scrap generated

Ray Evernham

  (1:39 PM)

I think they do. Every sport has a little something. It's a professional sport, and sometimes when two teams have a big rivalry, it's OK as long as it's kept within reason. there will be some pushing and shoving with some high emotion. If it sets the example that all they do is fight, it's bad, but I believe they should be held in high regard as athletes with good rivalries.

Ray Evernham

  (1:39 PM)

I appreciate your questions, and we'll do it all again soon!