Terry Blount

  (2:00 PM)

Hello folks. We're down to the Final Four. What's on your mind?

becka,va

if a driver's wife goes into labor while the driver is racing, can they put in the replacement driver and continue the race

Terry Blount

  (2:01 PM)

Absolutely. They can switch drivers on a pit stop, but the driver who starts the race is the one who gets the points for that event.

Elaine (Austin)

I have never seen so many articles wanting to change the Chase because Jimmie Johnson is so good. Why don't we just tell him that he cannot participate in the Chase - that way everyone else has a chance. I don't care what you throw at the 48 team, they will figure it out and be better than everyone else. When is that team going to receive the credit that is due them?

Terry Blount

  (2:02 PM)

They are the best team in Cup, no question. But it's a natural response to revolt when someone dominates things.

William (Chattanooga, TN)

Do you have any idea the time frame from which Tony Stewart is unable to recruit team members from Joe Gibbs Racing? I would love to see him reunited with Greg Zippadelli, Mark Cronquist, Ronnie Crooks and the rest of the gang. Is something like this possible? Thanks, man.

Terry Blount

  (2:03 PM)

Greg's not leaving. There's isn't a speciic time frame, but Tony doesn't want to steal guys from JGR.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Is there anyone with worse luck than McMurray? Also, how do you think he'll do with Wingo again next year?

Terry Blount

  (2:04 PM)

Jamie's had some tough breaks this year and they need to shake things up, but one problem is his uncertain status, probably switching to Yates after next season.

becky,va

is reed really going to drive the 10 car

Terry Blount

  (2:05 PM)

Reed alrady has said he's going the GEM next season.

Keren (Maui)

Is Cale Yarborough going to act like the '72 Dolphins? I know he is a tough old bird yet records can be tied and eventually broken. Your thoughts?

Terry Blount

  (2:07 PM)

No, Cale is OK with it. But he can always say he's the only one to do it in the full-season points system. Really, you can't compare the two now. It's apples and oranges.

Saul (San Diego)

Under tough economic time I hear rumors of how car manufacturers (Ford, Chevrolet, etc) struggle with providing support to race teams. What type of support do they provide? Do race teams have to pay the manufactures for anything?

Terry Blount

  (2:08 PM)

Manufacturers financially support teams and also provide R&D data and things like wind tunnel time. But everything will get cut back next year.

Dave (Denver)

Are Jimmie and Chad what Jeff and Ray could have eventually become?

Terry Blount

  (2:10 PM)

Jeff and Ray did become it. They won a lot of championships together. But Chad and Jimmie can move into Richard Petty/Dale Inman territory if they stay together.

Justin (Lumberton, NC)

Do you see race fields shrinking due to the economic crisis

Terry Blount

  (2:10 PM)

Not in Cup. We'll still see 43-car field next year, but we'll also have races where only 43 cars show up.

Aaron (Bangor, ME)

Hey Terry, I find it amazing how Jeff Gordon can stay so composed and calm every week, when Jimmie Johnson out-drives him at every turn. If I were him, I'd be getting pretty irate, wondering what I could do to catch up. Is it just a testament to the class Gordon has or because he owns his car or what?

Terry Blount

  (2:12 PM)

Jeff is true class act. Sure, he's frustrated, but he's also happy for his friend and teammate.

Brett (Mass)

You honestly think Johnson can move into Petty territory, and challenge him for 7 titles?

Terry Blount

  (2:14 PM)

I doubt it, but Jimmie and Chad could win four or five together.

Mel (Houston)

Do you think Carl Edwards running both series is hurting his ability to focus on the Cup title, especially with this weekend's events in Nashville/Atlanta?

Terry Blount

  (2:15 PM)

I don't think it hurts him now because he's pretty much out of it. But I do think running the full NW sked when you're trying to win the Cup title is the wrong thing to do.

Pete (Dubuque)

Johnson is well on his way to pass up Petty and become the best champion there ever has been. And so much for Rowdy winning a Championship huh!

Terry Blount

  (2:17 PM)

That's a big statement Pete. I don't now that any driver in this era can win seven championships.

Christian (High Point, NC)

Requisite RCR question(s): what's the outlook for 2009? All three drivers back? And when is the fourth coming in, 2009 or 2010? And who's the frontrunner for the spot?

Terry Blount

  (2:18 PM)

Casey Mears was announced as the fourth driver for 2009 long ago.

Darion (Tallahassee)

Is Jeff going to go winless?

Terry Blount

  (2:19 PM)

Probably, but I think he has a good shot to win at Phoenix.

Justin (Lumberton, NC)

With the motor issues earlier in the year( Toyota losing horsepower in the nationwide series), Will NASCAR be quicker to approve changes to the current automakers to help catch up to the Toyota advancements?

Terry Blount

  (2:20 PM)

No. NASCAR wants to stay out of that as much as possible and let the teams sort it out..

BB (Mpls)

Terry, if we all agree Chad Knaus is so good....and if the Hendrick motto is all-for-one, one-for-all...then why not take Chad and have him work with all 4 crew chiefs (replacing himself on the 48) to figure out how to build the best cars for each driver. In theory you would have 4 cars perfect for each driver (like the 48 is to JJ) rather than only one dominant car. Ya think?

Terry Blount

  (2:21 PM)

It may come to that someday, but they aren't going to break up the best combo in NASCAR right now.

Mark (Mount Airy, MD)

Hey Terry, thanks for the weekly chat. There are so many merger rumors flying about, it makes my head spin. What is the latest on Petty Enterprises??? Is it DEI, Ganassi, or someone else????

Terry Blount

  (2:22 PM)

Still undecided, but Robbie Loomis said today they are very committed to Dodge. The problem is Dodge may merge with GM, so that could change things.

Darion (Tallahassee)

Even if Jimmie makes a mistake in a race does anyone have a decent shot at him for the cup?

Terry Blount

  (2:23 PM)

Yes, if JJ blows and engine or wrecks and has a DNF while Biffle or Burton win the race.

Rick (Pa)

Terry - A lot is being written to change the tracks during the chase because of the 48 success. My take is if Bristol becomes a chase track then Knaus and Johnson will make a real effort to figure it out. It appears that Johnson is the best at adapting his driving style to who is the best on the track. He has been able to learn from a variety of drivers with different driving styles. Will he finally get the recoginition he deserves if and when he gets the three peat?

Terry Blount

  (2:25 PM)

I'd like to see some different tracks in the Chase, but I agree, I don't think it would hinder Johnson. The reason they are so good is Knaus' ability to make the most out of any situation.

chris (richmond, va)

Who would make the best SNL host, and why? Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Johnson, Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, or whomever else?

Terry Blount

  (2:26 PM)

Gordon has done it and he was OK. But Tony easily would be the best.

Casper

so we've seen guys sandbag at the beginning of a race before and win it in the second half.. but are we witnessing a team sandbagging the first half of a season?

Terry Blount

  (2:27 PM)

Absolutely not. The 48 team did what good teams do _ got better as the season progressed.

brooke,va

where in atlanta is the best place to eat omiting the ovious

Terry Blount

  (2:28 PM)

There's an old rundown bar-be-que place right by the airport that's outstanding, but I can't think of the name of it.

Mike:(Binghamton NY)

With Kansas set to get a 2nd date which track do you think will lose out?

Terry Blount

  (2:29 PM)

Yes, Kansas will get a seocnd race in 2010 or 2011. Martinsville is the obvious choice to lose a race, but that's not etched in stone.

Dave (burlington nc)

news on where scott riggs is headed for 09...he sid a competivie ride...ne ideas and ur thoughts

Terry Blount

  (2:30 PM)

Still no word on Riggs, but we;re running out of rides. And some teams won't have as many cars as they had last year.

Mike (St. Louis)

Any chance JJ won't win the Cup?

Terry Blount

  (2:31 PM)

Sure there's a chance. Not a good chance, but crazier things have happened. A couple of DNFs like Kyle Busch had and someone could steal the title away.

Darion (Tallahassee)

Will J Gordon make it to 100 cup wins

Terry Blount

  (2:32 PM)

It's looking less likely now. Had he won five of six this year I would have said yes. But now I doubt it.

casper

what makes you say martinsville will lose a race? martinsville is too entertaining to give up for another 1.5er

Terry Blount

  (2:34 PM)

It's about money and sponsor exposure Casper. Martinsville is a very rural area. Sponsors want big-market races. But Martinsville has tradition going for it and the fact that it's one of the few short tracks left.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Terry, Scott Speed seems to be having better success than the other open wheel guys in adapting to NASCAR. He has won races, poles and had a chance at the ARCA championship. Does F1 experience give you an advantage over Indy car experience???????

Terry Blount

  (2:35 PM)

No, but Scott's learning curve was handled the right way. Red Bull didn't have him jump to Cup immediately. He got a chance to learn in ARCA and Trucks.

chris (richmond, va)

Why isn't California the obvious choice to lose a race? They haven't sold out the stands for a while now.

Terry Blount

  (2:37 PM)

Folks, it not just about seats sold. It's about market size. The Cali track is in the nation's second largest market. Sponsors like that. But I agree, Cai has to show it can increase attendance now that it has a Chase race next year.

Chris (Claremore,Oklahoma)

Will Tony Steawrt Win A Race This Year?

Terry Blount

  (2:38 PM)

Already has. He won at Dega earlier this month.

steve (orlando)

Is David Ragan a Chase Contender next season?

Terry Blount

  (2:39 PM)

He was a contender to make the Chase this season and he's going to continue to improve.

Sid

have you seen the forecast for Hampton on Friday? more rain (70%)... how late do you think they'd try to qualify to avoid a three-peat of pts starts (since AMS has lights)? btw you're thinking of BBQ Kitchen but I'm pretty sure they had a fire...

Terry Blount

  (2:40 PM)

This qualifying thing is a pet peeve of mine. Do it Saturday morning if you have to, but make a real attempt to get it in. And I really hope that place didn't burn down. It's a wonderful place with great folks working there.

Glen, Fla

Terry, I guess I will ask again, of all of ther other ESPN nascar writers, who would you most likely go out after a race a have a beer with?

Terry Blount

  (2:41 PM)

The one who says he will pay my tab.

Mike (Binghamton NY):

Do you think Tony Eury Jr is hurting JR's career? Do you think Jr needs a new crew chief?

Terry Blount

  (2:41 PM)

If it were up to me, I would make a change there.

DJ (atlanta)

Besides JJ who is a faviorte to win the Cup next season

Terry Blount

  (2:42 PM)

Edwards and Kyle Busch

jess(nc)

Hi Terry thanks for doing the chats. Is there any news on Jeremy Mayfield?

Terry Blount

  (2:42 PM)

I think he's still in the hunt for the 41 car.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)

Will Carl stop running the full NW schedule and will Roush get involved if he feels its affecting his preformance on the cup side?

Terry Blount

  (2:43 PM)

I hope Carl concentrates on Cup next year and races a limited NW sked.

Pete (Dubuque)

How will Ryan Newman fare next season racing with Stewert?

Terry Blount

  (2:45 PM)

Probably about how he did this year at Penske, but Newman feels it has a much better upside potential.

Glen, Fla

good point, I didnt think about it that way,okay what if you had to pay. Marty, David or Tim

Terry Blount

  (2:46 PM)

if I hang with Marty and can pretend I'm young and hip. The other two guys are old like me.

chris (richmond, va)

Who is a good "dark horse" pick to make the leap to Chase contention next year? (Vickers, Ragan, Kahne, Truex Jr., and Kurt Busch don't count.)

Terry Blount

  (2:47 PM)

Of all those I would say Vickers.

John (tampa)

Who would win in a fist fight harvick or stewart

Terry Blount

  (2:47 PM)

Harvick unless Tony sat on him.

Saul (San Diego)

I bet the Cali's Chase Fall race attendance will see a boost. It ain't hot, it aint Labor Day and having a Fall Chase Race will excite the masses. The subject will turn to how boring it is. Question, do you see Rich Hendricks making any crew chief changes for next year?

Terry Blount

  (2:50 PM)

Rick is not one to change things on a whim. He believes in consistency, but it really depends on what his drivers want. If he feels Gordon and Earnhardt need a change, but neither driver wants it, I don't se it happening.

zac (concord)

Which vet would you like to see champ the most Burton or Mark Martin

Terry Blount

  (2:52 PM)

Martin would be an amazing story that the fans would love if he won the title now. He also could prove me wrong on something that's in my upcoming book.

Rick (VA)

Any news on points swapping? Will Bowyer get to keep his points or will they go to Mears?

Terry Blount

  (2:56 PM)

Looks like it's going to Mears. RCR may try to buy points from another team.

Randy (Camden County)

Which muppet does Tony Stewart most remind you of?

Terry Blount

  (2:56 PM)

The Cookie Monster, of course.

Christian (High Point, NC)

Whoops, sorry, I forgot about that. First question still stands: what's the outlook for RCR? It seems like they're doing a good job of making the chase but not making much noise once there. What are they missing?

Terry Blount

  (2:57 PM)

Just a little more horspepower at some tracks.

Jeremy, Durham, NC

How is '09 looking for AJ?

Terry Blount

  (2:59 PM)

Undecided, but I know he has spoken to Chip Ganassi about the 41 car.

Justin Lumberton, NC

Do you think that the chase points system should be changed to keep drivers involved more?

Terry Blount

  (3:00 PM)

I would like to see more points for winning, as I wrote in today's column.

Terry Blount

  (3:01 PM)

Gotta run and get ready for NASCAR Now. Have a great day. Peace.