David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Welcome to a special 2:30 p.m. Wednesday NASCAR chat. Sorry to have pushed it back. Had a call with Greg Biffle that took priority, although there are no more important people than you guys. Let's get to it.

Mel (Houston)

Should Johnson apologize for building a points cushion? I'm so tired of reading/hearing how Jimmie is ruining the Chase. Just give the driver/team credit for preparing the racecars, not making mistakes, and being heads up both in the pits and on the track. The 48 more than had their fair share of troubles pre-chase in 2008. Numerous cut tires, pit mistakes, and an engine failure at the first Lowe's race put them behind from the start, not even considering poor outings at both Las Vegas and Atlanta. They pulled it together and are now reaping the benefits, while others like Kyle, Carl, and Burton have had their issues more recently. Even by the "old" standings, Jimmie would be leading now. Wasn't the point of the chase to make the drivers go out for wins? Jimmie has come through winning 4 of the past 8 races, 2 in the chase so far.

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

First, there are more words in this question than most of my stories. OK, my editors might disagree. But no, Johnson owes nobody an apology. He's the two-time defending champion. Nobody should be surprised he's running away with this thing. He easily could have five titles by now with a little luck.

Jan (Philly)

Hi Dave, lots of talk about mergers between some pretty independent individuals. Do you really think any of the team owners mentioned for possible merger, Ganassi, Earnhardt, Boston Ventures, will really be willing to give up controlling interest?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

That's a good question. Robbie Loomis of Petty Enterprises said it best when he said a lot of potential deals sound good behind the truck, but when you get into the nuts and bolts of them the sides get further apart. There are a lot of nuts and bolts in all of these talks.

Kevin (Boston MA)

Newt, with 9 qualifyings getting rained out why not adopt make a small change to benefit the go or go home guys. Set the top 35 with owner points. Then find a time to let the non locked in guys qualify. The best position they can get is 36th, yet it is still better than traveling sometimes across the country to just pack up and gohome. If there are 10-12 cars, this could be accomplished in 30 minutes max.

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

I agree totally. Let the non top 35 guys qualify on Saturday if the weather permits. It would take only a few minutes. We're talking about a lot of expense just to get to some of these venues. Seems unfair not to at least give them a chance to make the field.

Becky (PA)

Do you think there will be ANY Dodge teams in 2009?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Yes, I don't believe Dodge is going away that fast. Even if a deal is worked out with General Motors, it'll take many months to finalize it.

Chase (Atlanta)

I heard Tony Gibson is leaving for Stewart-Haas to become Ryan Newman's crew chief. This true? What do you think about the moves/hires Smoke has made so far for his new team?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

If he's looking for job stability, I wouldn't blame him. As for the hires thus far, he's gone after the best people. Grubb is a spectacular hire. Jay Frye would have been as well had he not stayed at Red Bull.

Joe (Troy, NY)

Per your first comment about Biffle; was that call social or for work? If work, when can we read about it?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

All work. Needed to ask him about Carl Edwards for a story running on Friday.

Howard, VA

The 83 car penalties were not enough. They should have been disqualified from the race and finished 43rd - the infraction is the most serious to date in NASCAR. This car ran the race and finished 11th which is why my feelings are like this. The only reason they were caught was because they were the car NASCAR spot checked.

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

You make a good point. If NASCAR really wants to hit the teams hard take away their finish and ban the entire team for a week or two. I bet that would stop cheating immediately. Teams, especially those battling to stay in the top 35, can't afford to miss a race. Of course, NASCAR will argue a good team could simply make a mistake and the penalty would be too severe. Too bad. These teams pay guys lots of money not to make mistakes.

Cal (Timonium, MD)

Do you agree that Nascar has to re-evaluate the Chase point system. I believe they should have their own point system to keep the "Chasers" a lot closer and competitive. Not being a JJ fan, I have tuned out after my drivers are pretty much out of it. They will not be able to compette with football and every other fall sport if things don't change soon.

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

No, not yet. Let this shake out first. Do you really believe Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin deserve to have a chance with some of their finishes in the Chase? If you revamped the system they might. You might up the points for winning a race, but that wouldn't make this much tighter. Hey, do you not watch the Super Bowl because your team lost in the first round or didn't make the playoffs. If you enjoy the racing, then watch. If you don't, then don't.

Ken, Middletown CT

Do you think Nascar should rotate the Chase tracks around. They can plan ahead with their scheduling. The Chase is getting real stale and nobody cares anymore.

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

My only beef with the track sused now is there should be a road course. And, of course, I'd like to see Darlington in the mix. It's only stale becuase Johnson has a big lead. But the finishes in the first five Chase races were pretty darn good.

Jeff, KY

Will the truck series shut down now that Dodge and Ford are out and they still dont' have a series sponsor.

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Well, Ford isn't out. It just pulled funding. You'll still see a few Ford trucks. But do I think that series in trouble? Definitely. Mainly because people aren't buying trucks iwth high gas prices and it serves the manufacturer no purpose to advertise in that series.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)

What rules does NASCAR go by when assessing penalties like they did to the #83, is this one more severe than others?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Actually it's pretty consistent. Mess with the integrity of the COT and you're going to get burned.

Joe (Troy, NY)

If any of us have ANY kind of hope that one of Biffle, Burton or Edwards can make this chase respectable, which of the next four races can those three make up ground?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Only if Johnson has a major hiccup, which he's not prone to do. Hey, why is everybody so surprised. Didn't I tell you guys four months ago that the 48 would win this thing?

Mark (Mount Airy, MD)

Hey David, Of the final 4 tracks, which two do you think JJ has the best chance of winning????

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Atlanta and Phoenix. He's very good at both. He's not bad at Texas or Homestead either. That's the problem. He's good everywhere.

Saul (San Diego)

David, yes Tony Jr got DJR into the chase, but does Jr need a different Crew Chief to get Jr over the top, to become a Champion? would you pull the trigger or give Tony Jr another year?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

I'd give him through half of next season. If we haven't seen an improvement, then maybe it's time to make a change.

Sid (Atlanta)

Dave, I've only ever been to Talladega besides Atlanta and that was a Monday post-rain (spring '06) - how would you rank AMS post-race traffic compared to other tracks? far worse/better/about the same? I've had it take me as long as 4 hrs to get home (Marietta) after which isn't so bad when Jimmie wins but felt like torture this spring...

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

There are a few shortcuts that would help you, but I'm not going to give them because I need to keep them clear for a quick get away. And I'm not the best person to ask. I usually don't leave for two to two and a half hours after the race. Have to write for you guys, remember?

Glen, Fla

David. the 83 and ACID-GATE. 150 points, do you believe this is too much of a penalty, personally I am amazed at what teams do to shave ( no pun intended ) a few 10th of a second off times

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

The penalty is in line with others, so I do believe it is fair. As I said earlier, I wish they'd take the finish and another race away.

Joshua (Ferguson, KY)

Okay My question is this. What nickname can we give Jimmie Johnson? I mean there are a lot of drivers that have nicknames (Smoke, Rowdy, etc.) or used to. (The Kid) So we need to give the best driver today a nickname.

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

I guess JJ isn't a nickname. How about Chasonator? Or Ten, since he's always great over the final 10 races? Or Junior so he could pick up a few more fans?

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)

When will NASCAR come to its senses and put Daytona as the ending race? How would the drivers feel about this?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

They say they don't want a plate race at the end because it's such a wild card. But wouldn't that spice things up since you never know what's going to happen. It would give guys 100 points back some hope that the leader gets involved in the big one. I agree totally. Start and end the season at Daytona.

Brandon (cincinnati,ohio)

you see any new car types coming into Nascar like Honda?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Not under the current economic conditions. But down the road, definitely.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)

I got a nickname for JJ Mr. Consistent, he is consistent racing, consistent paying the bills, consistent at everything and better at everything or so it seems.

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Yeah, but that is boring, and Johnson wants to get away from boring.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

David, Do you think Carl Edwards needs to cut back on his Nationwide commitment and concentrate more on the chase???? I just think he may be spreading himself too thin.

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Interesting. I don't believe it hurts him. I also don't believe it helps that much anymore. I really have no strong opinion.

nathan pa

what ride do you think aj allmindinger will be in next year and how do you thing jr will do

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Haven't a clue on A.;J. A lot of stuff to unfold over the next month. As for Junior, he'll be another top 10 driver, win a race or two.

Mike

Why do racers go counter-clockwise?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Because otherwise it would be counter productive.

Keren (Maui)

How predictable that fans of drivers are concerned about the chase format; yet race fans do not complain about the format. To use an old quote: "Racing is Racing".

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

It is what it is. I hate that saying, too.

Saul (San Diego)

For 2009, what teams do you see having to cut backs the number of cars they field because they lack sponsors?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

DEI for sure. Ganassi already has gone to two. That's about it.

Elaine (Austin)

Hey Ken and Cal - speak for yourselves. I happen to like watching. I think we are watching history in the making and I would not miss it for the world. It has been 30 years since another team has had three championships in a row. How awsome is that. Give the 48 team their due and go on. They are just better than anybody right now. Maybe next year, some of the other teams will catch up. What do you say Mr. Newton?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

You made my point better than I could have. Same as last year. People compalined when it was jeff and Jimmie. But they put on a great show. Bottom line, you can't satisfy everybody.

Charlie (Milwaukee)

How have the economic hardship that just hit us effected NASCAR? Or will we not see that until the future some time?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Teams and manufacturers are making cutbacks wherever they can without hurting performance. It's seen most in sponsor deals. Sponsors are paying less than they did a few years ago, and no new ones are coming in so organizations such as DEI have to cut back on the number of cars or be pretty dang imaginative.

Dan (Detroit)

Best of the four remaining races?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

I'll go with Atlanta. it usually produces some good finshes.

Larry (Charlotte)

Do you think NASCAR will cringe if JJ has this thing wrapped up before the final race?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Maybe, but more than likely they would just promote it as history in the making. Hey, nobody complains when Tiger Woods runs away and hides in a major. Enjoy the moment.

Evan (Phoenix)

If JJ wins three in a row, how do you think that stands up against some other feats in sports?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

I'd say it's right up there with winning consecutive World Series or Super Bowls. It's not an easy thing to do.

Harry (Days of Thunder)

No, rubbing is racing.

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

Thanks, signed, Cole Trickle

Aaron (Florida)

JJ has to be in the top 10 drivers of all time already, no? If he wins three straight, are we talking top 5 of all time?

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

In my humble opinion, yes. Others may disagree. But Richard Petty never won three straight. Dale Earnhardt didn't.

Keren (Maui)

You seem to be in a good mood today. And that is good.

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

I am always in a good mood. Sometimes I'm just more edgy than others.

Cherie (Nebraska)

My theory on Allmendinger - GEM & BDR merge to four teams and AJ takes the 10 car with Reed running the 22, locked in. Plausible?

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

At this piont anything is.

Joe (Troy, NY)

Newt, we all know Johnson is going to win. Nobody is surprised. Fans of eleven other drivers, however, want to hold onto some kind of hope. If McMurray wrecks Johnson at Atlanta? Is Biffle ready to step up? Does Edwards have enough time? Does the Mayor have enough support?

David Newton

  (3:03 PM)

It would take two failures for Johnson to lose this lead. Do you really see that?

Lindsey (OH)

In bowling, three strikes in a row is a turkey. What's three championships in a row in NASCAR?

David Newton

  (3:03 PM)

An additional $18 million over that span.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

David, Besides Jimmie, which drivers do you expect to run well at Atlanta???? Is this a track where Roush can make up some ground?????

David Newton

  (3:04 PM)

It's a great track for Edwards and Biffle. And don't forget Kyle Busch won here in the spring.

Keren (Maui)

I know others will not like this... If JJ wins 4 in a row that would be setting a new record and definitely history in the making. Yet, let's see if he gets 3 in a row first.

David Newton

  (3:06 PM)

I won't hate you. I'm in a good mood, remember. I slept in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Roger Spring hill Forida

When it's all said and done where do you feel Jimmie will place in the top rankings?

David Newton

  (3:07 PM)

Too early to tell. Jeff Gordon has been trying to win that fifth title since 2001.

Saul (San Diego)

You see Cale Yarborough handing over the trophy to JJ?

David Newton

  (3:09 PM)

We're going to 330 today, not 3 pm as usual. So keep firing.

Matt (TX)

I had an odd siting a couple of races ago at Talladega. During a caution the in car camera showed Carl Edwards squirting down his pants with his water bottle - in a place you normally prefer to be dry. No quesiton really, just hadn't seen that before. Any thought?

David Newton

  (3:12 PM)

Sorry I missed that moment. Gives a whole new meaning to hot pants.

Keren (Maui)

Holiday Inn Express? No wonder you are in a good mood. Are you traveling this early in the week?

David Newton

  (3:13 PM)

I was just kidding. I'm a Marriott guy. But since the chat is slow, I wlll share a story. My cousin recently had to birth his son in the back of a rental van on the way to the hospital in Charlotte. When they got to the hospital nobody was waiting. When they finally got around to him they told him what a good job he did. His response, "Yeah, I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Scott (Indy)

I hope the water wasn't too hot or too cold for Carl.

David Newton

  (3:13 PM)

Ouch.

Elaine (Austin)

How do you see Mark Martin doing next year? Of all the drivers that have not won a championship, he is the one that I would like to see hoist that trophy. Any thoughts?

David Newton

  (3:14 PM)

I expect him to be a top five driver as he normally is. Speaking of water, you've got to wonder what's in the water he drinks. He's amazing for his age.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)

I think the Chase works, you can't control certain things and if not for a bad start by Busch and a wreck by Edwards at 'Dega we could have a three way race. It is better than the old way and just give the 48 his props for bringing up his game at the right time.

David Newton

  (3:15 PM)

Ditto.

Roger Florida

Dave, you da MAN! Anyway I hear that Jeff G is going to take Knaus as his crew chief next year? any truth to that?

David Newton

  (3:15 PM)

First I heard of that one. Can't imagine Jimmie or Knaus wanting to separate.

TG(PA)

Last night on Nascar Now, Dale Jarret picked Junior to win the race. I like his pick.

David Newton

  (3:15 PM)

Junior's not bad at Atlanta and the sport could use a ratings boost, so why not.

Joe (Troy, NY)

I disagree. Jimmie is ONE disaster away. The thing is, Biffle or Burton would have to be Darn near perfect. If Johnson DNF's at Atlanta, and Biffle and Burton go 1/2, 1/3? You're talking about a hundred point swing going into the last three? Biffle at Homestead? Am I being too optimistic?

David Newton

  (3:18 PM)

I understand your enthusiasm. But to have JJ finish last and one of those guys win is asking a lot.

Roger Florida

Do you think JJ is the best Driver of this Era?

David Newton

  (3:18 PM)

No,I sstill give that to Jeff Gordon. But JJ is closing the gap fast.

Roger Florida

Is it possible to jimmie-proof the chase?

David Newton

  (3:19 PM)

LOL. Run all the races at Bristol. He struggles there.

Jim (Las Vegas)

give me a potential top 5 for this weekends race

David Newton

  (3:19 PM)

Johnson, Edwards, Biffle, Earnhardt Jr., Kenseth

Jeff Macomb, MI

When do you think Gordon will call it a career and go into retirement? Hes said before he's not going to be like some drivers and drive into his 40's.

David Newton

  (3:20 PM)

I wouldn't be surprised if 2010 is his last year, and then he does a part-time schedule like Mark Martin.

Matt (TX)

I know he's getting up there in Nascar years, but i've never understood how come Boris Said hasn't been able to get a ride. Doesn't sound like he's up for any of the few remaining rides.

David Newton

  (3:20 PM)

It's the hair. Heck, if he were that good outside of a road cousre he'd have a ride. Owners aren't stupid.

Roger Florida

do you think JJ is beter then Tony Stewart?

David Newton

  (3:21 PM)

As the complete package, yes.

Rick (Pa)

How quick would Knaus figure out Bristol if it were in the chase?

David Newton

  (3:21 PM)

Pretty dang quick.

Saul (San Diego)

With 4 to go, who got an outside chance to catch the 48? 0f the 4 remaining, is their a track were the 48 has problems?

David Newton

  (3:21 PM)

Nobody and none. Sorry, but the truth hurts.

Roger Florida

If Jeff retires in 2010 who would you put in the car?

David Newton

  (3:23 PM)

Hendrick says Brad K is the future of Hendrick Motorsports. And he's been working with the 24 crew when he tests.

Rick (Pa)

Best team of this era. 24 or 48?

David Newton

  (3:23 PM)

Think I just said the 24. But of the last five years definitely the 48.

Roger Florida

When it comes to pure skill as a driver(not equipment,crew, etc.) does jimmie rank in the top 5?

David Newton

  (3:24 PM)

Heck yeah. Gordon recently noted how impressed he was with Johnson in the Nationwide Series in bad equipment before Hendrick signed him. You always hear Johnson say how bad he was since he didn't win over there, but to be in the top 10 in bad equipment is a big statement.

Tim (El Cajon, CA)

David, they talk about these new Nationwide cars and call them 'pony' cars. Now, that to me is like mustang and camaro and firebirds and such. What kind of cars are they really? Just Impalas and such only with smaller engines?

David Newton

  (3:26 PM)

I haven't studied the new Nationwide car enough to give a good answer. My guess is you're right. The biggest diffrerence is there's a spoiler and not a wing.

Rick (Pa)

I guess I was differentiating between the driver and the team. JG better driver but it sounds like you would still rank the 24 team over the 48

David Newton

  (3:27 PM)

I would still give JG the edge as driver and team in this era. Nobody has won more. But as I said, JJ is closing fast.

Saul (San Diego)

What would the 48 have to do so that you can say he has become better than the 24?

David Newton

  (3:27 PM)

Do this for 10 years and be cloase to the four titles and 81 wins Gordon has. And JJ still isn't a master of road courses as JG is. Gordon has been great at all venues throughout his career.

Joe (Troy, NY)

When Jeff finally does retire, would it be more likely that he finds himself in the booth, a la Rusty or DJ or even DW, or is he going to invest in the sport and become Rick Hendrick or Jack Roush?

David Newton

  (3:28 PM)

I don't see him in the booth. He would want to watch the race on TV with his daughter, not spend it at the track.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Well I guess I'll ask the obligatory Scott Riggs question. Any word on where he will be in 2009????

David Newton

  (3:28 PM)

Not yet. Sorry.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)

Will Casey Mears do better at RCR than he did at Hendrick, its hard to believe that he will.

David Newton

  (3:28 PM)

I agree, hard to believe. But he's not bad in those telephone commercials.

Roger Florida

o you think Jimmie has a decent chance of reaching 7 titles if he poles this one off?

David Newton

  (3:29 PM)

Seven is a long way from three. Just as Gordon.

David Newton

  (3:29 PM)

Seven is a long way from three. Just as Gordon.

Roger Florida

With Jimmie success do you feel he will sign a BIG contract money wise in 2010 when he resigns with Hendrick?

David Newton

  (3:30 PM)

his deal already is pretty big. Jimmie's problem is popularity, which sponsors that foot some of the bill want. Despite his success it hasn't translated to the fans. Not really fair to him if you ask me. He's actually a cool guy.

David Newton

  (3:30 PM)

Well, guys, That's it for the week.Thanks for waiting until 2:30 p.m..Until next week.