ESPN

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:01 PM)

Another disturbing loss on Around the Horn is in the books. Will try to snap out of it tomorrow. Let's talk racing now!

Courtney, NC

Hey there Timmy, who will win the 13th spot in points this year? Any drivers outside of the chase that you think will be title contenders next year?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:02 PM)

I think Ragan is going to keep running strong. He's got three straight top 10s, he's driving as if he's in this thing. I think the five to watch trying to make the Chase who failed this year, would be, in order: 1. David Ragan; 2. Brian Vickers; 3. Kasey Kahne; 4. Martin Truex; 5. Kurt Busch; 5.

justin (hillsborough nc)

hey tim...with an announcement next week or this week,.,where you think scott riggs has decided to drive for in the near future in 09 andf beyond....ur thoughts,.....and great job on your coverage of nascar...u do great man

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:03 PM)

Thanks, Justin. Makes sense to me that he ends up at DEI. They need drivers there for sure. He's kind of moved into that "He's not a hot young driver'' list but I think he can still get the job done.

Robert (Shreveport, LA)

So Tim, don't tell anybody but I put money on Jeff Burton or Clint Bowyer to win the Chase. What do you think are my chances for a return on my "investment"?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:04 PM)

Your "investments'' will not pay off but at least Burton is giving you a nice run for your money. Hey, anything's possible, but when Jimmie Johnson has a lead and we're going to tracks where he has won five of 10 races the last two Chases, I just have to like Jimmie's chances. A lot. monI

Rick, SC

At what point will Nascar step in the anger management classes for Carl Edwards. Tony Stewart said on his show on Tuesday night, if it had been him, there would have been a fine.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:05 PM)

Well, that's because Tony's got a little longer history with this stuff, but between his incident with his teammate Matt Kenseth last year and this Harvick deal, Edwards does need to have someone get him to settle down.

Dalton (Vacaville, California)

Why hasn't Jeff Gordon had a season this year like he had last year?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:06 PM)

If I knew that, Dalton, I would tell him and Jeff would thank me. Maybe Ingrid would too. Last year so many things went right. They had great cars right from the start and he did a great job of driving. That's how you set a record with 30 top 10s. This year they have had an awful lot of bad luck and Gordon is just very frustrated at the new car that doesn't handle well when it's back in traffic. I was around him after the race Saturday night and even though he was happy about getting from 43rd up to 8th, when he was asked about the cars in traffic, you could see all the energy go out of him. He's just sick of it.

Tyler, GA

Hey Tim, i'm in quite a pickle here. I have the 31, 17, and 6 cars but I can start four drivers on my fantasy. Should I go with Waltrip or Almirola? Ahh decisions decisions....

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:07 PM)

Take a chance with Almirola. There wouldn't be many occasions where I would advise someone to go with Waltrip, I'm afraid.

William (Chattanooga, TN)

Who will be the other sponsor for Newman's ride at Stewart-Haas in '09? I heard the Army was only on for 23 races. I hope it is not Burger King, because I can hear the jokes already.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:08 PM)

It seems like they have already said Burger King is in the mix. Pretty sure of that.

Nan (Boston)

As the season winds down, just how many available cars and drivers are still out there?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:09 PM)

I can't even count them. There are teams that need drivers and drivers that need rides. A bunch of them. And I can't imagine what this economy is going to do for teams' plans going on into 2010.

Dave (Denver)

How different are the track conditions between the two races a lot tracks have? In other words should Goodyear be testing for both seasonal races at each track? Seems like a logical decision to me.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:10 PM)

Yeah, there is significant difference between summer and fall races at tracks with the temperatures maybe differing by 20-30 degrees. They have to do a lot of testing.

Rick (Pa)

Tim - Further on Edwards anger issues. It is not like these issues flair up immediately. With Kennseth he went to the hauler, got changed and then had to find Kennseth. With Harvick it was several days later. What is even worse is his lack of public presence when he does this. In both case with video and still cameras present. This has to cause concern for both Roush and NASCAR. Have there been other times besides these two very public ones that he has had problems?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:14 PM)

Those are the two big ones. Other things have just been typical driver squabbles, nothing physical.

Joe (Biffle's Bandwagon, NY)

Given Biffle's history of struggles with Martinsville, what can we expect out of him this go 'round? Is there ANY place he can make up ground....Homestead?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:15 PM)

Homestead for sure, but Biffle's had good cars and I don't think it's a done deal he loses a lot of ground at Martinsville. Although the 48 is very very good there.

Mike (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Tim, do you see NASCAR making any changes to Fontona if the track continues to struggle with attendance and lack of excitement?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:16 PM)

Well, they continue to do everything they can for that track. Now they have given Fontana a Chase race which I find ridiculous. So we'll see. They want to pretend they are tapping into the LA market but having made that drive many times, Fontana is not a suburb of LA.

Kyle (VT)

Hey Tim, what do you think of Denny Hamlin and the 11 team's chances to grab a Martinsville season sweep, Hamlin qualified and raced well in the spring? Who else do you see as a major threat, maybe the 24? He was fast as well

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:16 PM)

I like both those drivers' chances. I think Denny bounced back pretty nicely at Charlotte after the big scare the week before. And Gordon's time has to come soon. Doesn't it? I still think he wins a race this year.

Jan (Philly)

Hi Tim, so, you think Riggs will most likely end up at DEI. Any thoughts on Jeremy Mayfield will be next year?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:17 PM)

I have not heard anything new on Jeremy. He might be a Nationwide or truck driver next year, don't know. But I haven't seen anything where he is close to getting a Cup ride.

jeremy (knoxville, TN)

Tim, in your opinion, who do you think will win the championship?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:18 PM)

I'm still driving the 48 bandwagon. I wish i could give you something more exciting, tell you how Burton or Biffle are going to get it done but I don't think it's realistic. Johnson and Chad are just tough to beat.

dan (minneapolis)

will gordon ever regain any kind of dominance again, or is all of his off the field stuff made him soft and lose that fire he once had..

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:19 PM)

I don't buy the off-the-track stuff changing him at all. In fact, Jeff Burton was talking about that notion after winning at Charlotte and he called it "insane.'' I wouldn't be surprised if there is a crew chief shakeup, and that's not to blame all of his problems on Letarte. They won six races last year and nearly won the Chase.

Steve (Boonestown)

If the economy keeps going bad, maybe NASCAR and IRL can merge and run races like the Grand-AM series

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:20 PM)

I don't think that's going to happen but I really can't imagine what will take place. If you saw the Felix Sabates interview on the espn website, he said he wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years they are back to 36 cars like the old days. Amazing stuff. And sad.

Joe (Troy, NY)

If one of the other eleven was going to beat Jimmy Johnson, how close do you think they'd have to be going into Homestead?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:21 PM)

I think you have to be within 50 to have a shot. Hope that somehow he doesn't get a top 10 and you win the race. That's about the only way.

Tom (cincinnati, OH)

I have two queston about the impact of the ecomney have on NASCAR. What are the odds after Dayonta 500 that there would not be a full field? Do having less crowds affect the purse?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:23 PM)

I still expect 43 cars in next year's 500. Don't ask me about 2010, I think that's when we will see dramatic changes. Teams and sponsors are already committed in a lot of cases for '09 even if the downturn of the market the last month makes them wish they weren't. I think the big stuff happens in 2010. As for purses, they are set by NASCAR and done in a somewhat mysterious fashion. I don't pay a lot of attention to them because it's all about the points. But clearly at some point if there are fewer dollars coming in, there will be fewer going out.

Greg (NY)

Ragan, Montoya, Newman, Kahne, Mcmurray. What order do they finish this week at Martinsville?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:24 PM)

I love questions like this where I have no shot at getting it right. But here goes: Ragan, McMurray, Montoya, Kahne, Newman. Montoya actually has driven well at Martinsville.

Dan, IL

I was convinced that UPS would've signed with Newman at SHR, what did they see at roush that they didn't see at SHR?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:24 PM)

Roush is one of the big players, Dan. will take years for Stewart Haas Racing to get there if they ever do.

other Chris (Richmond, VA)

Aside from the larger tracks (Daytona, Talledega, Indy, Pocono), it seems that a significant portion (at least half, say) of the field is a lap down or worse by the end of the race. Is this a good thing or bad thing? Is this a function of the COT or simply a function of team funding/sponsorship? Is this a cause of concern to NASCAR or not?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:26 PM)

I don't think it's a big concern, you have always had cars laps down. You used to have drivers winning by several laps in the old old days. It's still competitive at the front most places.

Jean (Jersey)

KC is being promised a second date. Where will that most likely come from

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:27 PM)

Would make sense for it to come from Loudon, Dover or Pocono. That's just being logical, those tracks don't need two races. Have never figured out why they go to Pocono twice in about eight weeks.

Mary (PA)

Evernham's suggesting he might sell out his ownership in GEM. If so, how likely would it be for him to be hired as a GM for another team

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:28 PM)

Ray's expertise can get him any kind of job anywhere I would think. I'd also like to see him used more on ESPN's coverage. I only got to work with him once in the studio, kind of regret that, but he's very good.

Tom (cincinnati, OH)

Who do you thank would win the grandfather clock this weekend?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:29 PM)

I've got Kevin Harvick making news in a good way, ending that 66-race losing streak. How does that sound?

Kyle (Ottawa, ON)

Did you watch the Canadiend home opener last night? Pretty special stuff

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:29 PM)

I did not. I know Montreal is celebrating 100 years of NHL. I was very very fortunate to be in the Forum for the final game there. One of the coolest celebrations I have ever seen and the roar for Rocket Richard was unforgettable.

Jean (Jersey)

ISC would have to acquire Pocono for that to happen and the Mattiola family has said it isn't interested in selling

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:30 PM)

I know Bruton doesn't own Pocono, I was just saying where it makes sense to lose a race. Also Fontana obviously but that's not going to happen, either.

Joe (Kevin Harvick's Hood, VA)

Did the distraction from "The big one" and following circus take up residence in Cousin Carl's psyche? And to follow up on that, what can we expect out of Carl in the following five races?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:31 PM)

I expect Edwards to get back to driving and have some good finishes. Probably a couple more clunkers, too, because it has to disturb him that his championship hopes have vanished at Talladega and Charlotte.

Earl, VT

One question about your power rankings. If a driver is in the top 12 in points, does that mean they are guarenteed a spot in the top 12 in the power rankings? I would've thought the 6 would easily been infront of the 17 in power rankings, he is infront of him in the classic points standings.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:32 PM)

I guess I could do it the other way, but I keep all the Chase drivers in the top 12. Seems like it makes sense. Maybe it doesn't. One correction I am trying to get in there. Kenseth finished second at Dover. I had him finishing no higher than third all year and forgot the Dover race when I was typing. My apolgies to the fans of the 17.

Tom (PA)

ray's expertise hasn't stood him in good stead since his very public break up with Mayfield. Any chance the two could kiss and make up and restore karma to their universes

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:33 PM)

don't know about that but there is still a lot of respect for Ray Evernham in the garage.

other Chris (Richmond, VA)

Who are the current NASCAR equivalents of Manny and A-Rod? The former is a flake when it doesn't matter but shows up in a huge way when it does. The opposite is the case for the latter.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:35 PM)

This is such a good question I am going to post it although I do not have an instant answer. I will go with Edwards as A-Rod based on this year's Chase. I can't come up with a Manny. In a way, it could be Tony Stewart, but not this year. Anyone else has suggestions, I will try to post them.

TG(PA)

How much does luck play in winning races. Some days drivers are running really well and look like the may get the win but they get caught up in other driver's accidents and just can't get a break.

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:36 PM)

Luck is a big part of it going both ways. You can get taken out in a wreck that' s not your fault (Kenseth last week) or you can find yourself in Victory Lane on a fluke (Kurt Busch after the rain at Loudon). Over time, though, the good teams are going to win.

dave (st. Paul)

How do you think Tony stewart will fare with his own team next year?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:37 PM)

I think it's going to be a struggle. I don't know how it wouldn't be. I think he's prepared for that, too. They have had some setbacks not getting the people they wanted (Jay Frye) and so it will take time to find consistency.

Mike (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Tim, looking ahead do you see any surprise teams for next year to make a run at the title?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:38 PM)

I think the guy with a chance is Brian Vickers. Seems like he's had a lot of good equipment this year and hasn't been able to finish the job. Getting closer, though.

Glen Fla

Tim, wouldnt Kyle make a better A-Rod?blister the regular season and drop offf the face of teh earth in the playoffs

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:38 PM)

OK, Glen, you are right. Just had Edwards on my brain from so many questions about Carl.

Tom (cincinnati, OH)

Would NASCAR ever say that during regular season the worst finish would not count towards the point total or a DNS?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:39 PM)

I think they are OK with the points system as it is. You don't want to give zero points to a driver. You want points for being there. Otherwise, you could create a scenario where drivers don't run every race. That would be a nightmare for NASCAR.

Rory (NC)

What happened to Busch? Nobody could beat him in the regular season, then BAM, we hit the chase and he can't get a lap complete without struggling

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:42 PM)

No explanation for it. Ridiculous bad luck with cars. I bet he wins another race, though it won't matter.

Glen Fla

dont worry about it, any of us that had to work with Woody on ATH would have brainfreeze also afterwards

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:42 PM)

Losing to Woody will do that to a person.

Joe (Troy, NY)

How long will it take Tony Stewart to be competitive in the 14 car, and how quickly will JGR panic if Joey Logano doesn't meet Tony's standard in the 20 car?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:43 PM)

I don't think Gibbs will panic with Logano. They understand that he doesn't turn 19 until about 10 races into the season. They can't expect too much. As for Tony, it's uncharted territory. I would pick him to miss the Chase next year but one never knows.

Ben (Fayetteville, GA)

Dale Jr is more like A-Rod. Big money, big talent, underachiver. I would say Carl Edwards is more like Manny

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:44 PM)

More thoughts on Manny and A-Rod.

Mike (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Tim, I would have say Kyle is Man Ram.. He's been able to do crazy things in the COT this year that nobody else has. First Dega race should have spun out kept it stright and won the race. He's had plenty of races like that this year?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:44 PM)

And more.

Kyle (VT)

As a quick follow-up to Joe's question, at the end of next season which team is higher in the points standings, the 14 or the 20?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:45 PM)

That's going to be a good one to watch. I will say Tony is higher -- 14th to Logano's 21st.

Tina (VT)

What's the hold up with Ganassi announcing a driver for the 41 car

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:45 PM)

I don't know, I saw where Felix said he would put Kyle Petty in it. That's not going to happen though.

Cedric (Oakland)

Will there ever be an African American nascar driver?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:46 PM)

Well, they have a diversity program but it's not easy if you don't grow up around the sport and you don't have considerable financial backing. It will happen, they have some at lower levels, but not sure how soon.

Daunte (Dallas, TX)

any darkhorse drivers you see crackin top 10 this week in martinsiville? a menard or regan smith anyone like that?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:46 PM)

I will give you Montoya and Reutimann.

Glen Fla

who gets a win in 2009, tony or lagano?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:48 PM)

I think both will win a race next year.

Kyle (VT)

How do you see the new testing policies will affect the points standings next season? Will it simply magnify the dominance of the big four teams who have the extra money to test endlessly?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:49 PM)

It's not going to hurt them any. We don't have drivers from any other teams in the Chase and we might see more of the same next year with Penske and DEI having taken a step back and GEM not there yet.

Roger (LA)

I am a big fan of Kasey Kahne and hope he can get to 13th in points since he didn't make the chase, but Ragan has been so strong lately. Your thoughts?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:50 PM)

I think Ragan probably has a little better frame of mind since Kahne looked like he was in the Chase after those wins and fell out of it. But Kasey was solid at Charlotte Saturday night. Two more and I have to run.

Kyle (VT)

Hey Tim, which track do you think has taken to the new car the best. It seems like the plate tracks Talladega and Daytona produced some pretty exciting racing with the new car, while some 1.5 mile cookie cutters have produced snoozers. Your thoughts?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:51 PM)

I think the restrictor plate tracks produce the best racing now. Hardly ever get a bad race there. And there's no question that on some of the 1.5s, you just cannot catch the leader on restarts. That doesn't make for very entertaining finishes.

Joe (Troy, NY)

Okay...last question: If Jeff Burton is the "Mayor" of Nascar, (the most liked) Who is the least liked? Can we give that person a ceremonial title like "The Creep" or "The Felon"?

Tim Cowlishaw

  (3:52 PM)

I don't know about "least liked'' but I think there has to be a special category at the opposite end of jeff Burton for Robby Gordon. Thanks, everyone, see you next week.