Chat with NASCAR Now's Boris Said
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Said, one of auto racing's top road racers, joined ESPN as a studio analyst for ESPN2's NASCAR Now in January 2007.
Said broke into NASCAR racing as a fill-in on road course events, and he quickly established a stellar reputation. He has given advice to more than 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne and Kevin Harvick, as well as team owners, most notably Jack Roush and Ray Evernham who've asked for help in training their young drivers in the art of road racing.
He has run a limited Sprint Cup schedule the past several seasons and has won poles at Daytona and Infineon Raceway.
Send your questions now and join Said in The Show on Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET!
Buzzmaster (1:29 PM)
We've got Boris!
Ted (New Jersey)
How dominating of a performance was that for Johnson this weekend? He led for 339 total laps!
Boris Said (1:30 PM)
I think it was totally dominating and more in fact, I think Jimmie Johnson is becoming legendary to do what he's doing in this day and age.
Kevin (Virginia)
How big of a stumble would Jimmie have to have at this point to not win the title?
Boris Said (1:31 PM)
I don't think it would be a big stumble, but I think it would have to be a stumble for the other guys to have a fighting chance.
Gayle (CT)
Hwo great of a run is JJ on right now?
Boris Said (1:31 PM)
If you think back, he's been in the top 5 in points every year he's been in Cup racing, which I don't think anyone can say that. It's just amazing.
Ryan (ohio)
do you think we'll see Petty merge with another team?
Boris Said (1:32 PM)
I just think mergers are the invogue thing. It makes sense for race teams, because it will cut the overhead.
Brian (Swartz Creek)
I wouldnt calla stumble if he doesnt win the title because he has been there before.
Aaron (Florida)
Would you have to put JJ in the top 10 or top 5 drivers of all time?
Boris Said (1:32 PM)
I think absolutely. I would think in the top 5. To do what he's doing in this day and age, I think it's harder than in the old days.
Chad (Cascade,MD)
Will jeff win a race this year?
Boris Said (1:33 PM)
If you had asked me that a month ago, I would have said absolutely. He's too good to not win a race. I really thought Martinsville is his best chance. But I still think he can win a race.
Dan (Detroit)
It's been a few years now, what do you think of the Chase format? Has it been successful?
Boris Said (1:34 PM)
I think so. I think it makes it more exciting, similar tot he playoffs in football. The last race leading to the chase field being set makes it exciting. If it wasn't for Johnson, I think this year's race would be exciting, but he's in a place of his own.
Evan (Phoenix)
Was that a good deal for Rousch to re-up with Ford?
Boris Said (1:34 PM)
Yeah. In my opinion, Roush is Ford racing. They pretty much run the only competitive Fords out there. I think it's a good deal for both Ford and Roush.
Will (Oregon)
How hard will it be for Stewart next year in being both driver and owner?
Boris Said (1:35 PM)
I think the transition will be easy for Tony. He's hired really good people and he's aligned himself with Hendrick Motorsports. There might be some bumps in the road, but I think it will go very smooth.
JD (Boston)
Boris- From a driver point of view should these races be shorter or does it just not matter much to them?
Boris Said (1:36 PM)
I'm sure a lot of the drivers would like to see shorter races, but I think for the money the fans pay and how difficult it is to get in and out of the race track, I think the length is good for them.
Pete C (Newark DE)
Said Head here! What happen to Kyle Busch, when you end the season on such a down note, does it affect the start of the next season? And with Smoke moving on will the focus now be on the #18 car more then ever?
Boris Said (1:37 PM)
I don't think so. I just think he's wishing it was over now. To run that good for 26 races and to have all the bad luck he has had, I'm sure it's disappointing for him. I'm sure he just wants to start next year right now.
Chad (Cascade,MD)
Is jeff on a decline?
Boris Said (1:37 PM)
I don't think it's that much of a decline when you're in the top 5 or so of points. I just think the driver he hired and the car he half-owns is doing a great job. Jeff Gordon still has a lot of fight in him.
jake (orlando, FL)
What do you think DEI will look like next year? As in like number of cars, mergers, success.
Boris Said (1:38 PM)
Right now, I think they're probably regretting getting rid of Junior. They're in serious trouble. They need some sponsors for their cars. So, it's hard to tell how they'll look.
Mel (Houston TX)
Who would you rather have on your bumper at the end of a race Johnson or Stewart?
Boris Said (1:39 PM)
Jimmie Johnson. Tony Stewart's like a pit bull with a hand grenade in its mouth.
JD (Boston)
If Dodge gets out of NASCAR due to a GM merger- will NASCAR seek a new manufacturer to attract- or stand pat with Ford, Chevy and Toyota?
Boris Said (1:40 PM)
I don't know if they'd actively seek a new one. All they had for a long time were Ford, Chevy, Pontiac and then just Ford and Chevy. I don't think it'd have a big effect on them.
Franky (Chicago)
That's it Boris, JJ already won this. He's been tearing it up...in other words, he's been on fire!! Well, at leats if the BoSox can't come through I still have Carl to be on the top 5. By the way, did you knew the Rays were gonna make the World Series? I just can't stop thinking about it! LOL!
Boris Said (1:40 PM)
No team has gone from worst to first, but they beat the Red Sox, so I do think they can win it.
Ben (Wis)
Not to take anything away from JJ but I just think that the way NASCAR has set restrictions on today's car (you have to drive them loose..with very little adjustability) that only a handful of drivers can really be successful. A great example is comparing JJ to Jeff Gordon. If you put JJ in the cars from years past where more guys were running on the right front he would be successful but JG would be still dominant don't you think?
Boris Said (1:41 PM)
I disagree. They put so many restrictions on cars that they're equal that they really showcase the talent of the drivers more. It's really just showing you who's the best drivers now.
Billy (TN)
Any chance you will be in for more races next year? Thanks
Boris Said (1:42 PM)
We're working on it. Depending on sponsorship right now. I think for sure we'll be at the Daytona 500 to start.
Pete C (Newark DE)
Boris, what are your favorite tracks to drive?
Boris Said (1:42 PM)
My three favorite are Bathhurst, Australia, Daytona and Germany.
Dan (L.A.)
has the economy hurt NASCAR?
Boris Said (1:43 PM)
Definitely sponsors are cutting back. I've seen emptier seats and fewer motor homes at the track. I think the economy has hurt America as a whole. hopefully, and I'm sure it will, this county can bounce back.
Boris Said (1:44 PM)
Thanks for coming to chat and for your questions!
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