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Welcome to The Show! On Thursday, Tim Cowlishaw will stop by to talk about the NASCAR season.

Cowlishaw puts together ESPN.com's weekly NASCAR Sprint Cup power rankings and is a columnist for the Dallas Morning News and a contributor to ESPN's NASCAR coverage.

Send your questions now and join Cowlishaw in chat Thursday at 3 p.m. ET!

Cowlishaw Archive: Chats | Columns

Olney MD


What do you think about Jeff Gordan?Do you think he is any good?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:00 PM)


Here's a good place to start. Is Jeff Gordon any good? Hmmmm. 81 wins. Four championships. Yeah, I think Jeff has had a decent career. Now if you're asking what's left I still think he has something. Thought for a minute he was going to break his victory drought at Martinsville. He has wins left in him and at least one more good competitive run at a Chase. Right now no one is competitive with Jimmie Johnson.

Sid (Atlanta)


Tim, looks like another freebie pole/1st pit for the 48 - their 3rd in a row! forget about the car, NASCAR needs to inspect the hauler - how big a fine/suspension do you think Chad would get for building a device to control the weather? I'm just saying he's not allowed to work on the CARS anymore so he gotta be doing SOMETHING in those 80+ hr weeks with that blank Hendrick check, right?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:01 PM)


Love it, Sid. It's not PacMan Jones making it rain any more, it's Chad Knaus! I don't know why NASCAR refuses to let them qualify on Saturday when it rains on Friday. There's time to get it done. Setting the field by points just too much of an advantage for Jimmie and the top drivers. I will explore this notion of Knaus causing it to rain.

Courtney (Concord, NC)


Hey Tim, I love getting on here to chat with you, your insight is quit intriguing. Where do you find AJ Allmendinger ending up in 2009? Also, which Roush team will shut down after 2009? Thanks Timmy

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:02 PM)


Thanks for joining us, Courtney. AJ is giving it a good run here at the end at Kansas and at Martinsville. Why doesn't DEI scoop him up? Gosh, they need someone who can drive. Makes sense to me. And I think McMurray's team will be the odd one out after 2009 when they have to get down to four teams.

William (Chattanooga, TN)


What is the greatest Winston Cup race you have ever witnessed in person? What is your favorite moment from a Cup race?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:05 PM)


Great question, William. I will expand it to include worse and best. Worst was obviously the end of 2001 Daytona 500. I just sat there. Hardest night to write a column I have ever had. I guess in some ways for the best, l have two. My dad seeing his first NASCAR race at TMS last fall at 81. He was never a fan until I started appearing on NASCAR NOW for espn. He had a great time even if it wasn't a great race. The other might be the end of the '07 Daytona 500, Harvick coming from around seventh on the final lap to get past everyone, then holding off Mark Martin in a controversial finish. Good stuff.

Courtney (Concord, NC)


You don't think the 6 team will be the one to go? I thought McMurray has improved but Ragan has been runinng well. I'm sure one of them will be under the Yates banner

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:06 PM)


McMurray was great last week at Martinsville and he's had some decent runs but Ragan is 22 and nearly made the Chase. Roush won't let him get away.

evan (orlando)


If JJ wins three straight, just how great of an accomplishment is that?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:11 PM)


I think it's huge because the Chase puts a different spin on it. Cale Yarborough did it in the 70s in a different era. You didn't have 30 drivers starting every race. In fact, in 1977, only 11 drivers were in the field each week. Not nearly as competitive then and that's no knock on Petty, Pearson and the great drivers of that era. It just wasn't as deep.

Craig (Toronto)


Does JJ become a top 10 driver of all time if he wins three straight? Top 5?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:12 PM)


I think so. I would go Petty, Gordon, Earnhardt, David Pearson and Jimmie. I realize that's leaving out some all-time greats but I think you can project a little with Jimmie and get him in there.

Rick (Annapolis, MD)


How ticked is Kyle Busch? He had a great pre-Chase season and now this?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:13 PM)


It's mind blowing. He's the 2006 Mavericks of NASCAR (67 wins, first-round loss to Golden State). Inexplicable. Will look back later and realize he won a ton of races at all levels and it was a good year. But it could have been great.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)


Do you think anyone will get to 100 career wins? Gordon maybe, Johnson, Kyle Busch?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:14 PM)


No. Gordon needs another 19. If he had had three or four this year to get to 85, I would say maybe. Just too hard to be on top for that long. Not even Jimmie. Definitely not Kyle.

Glen, Fla


Tim, i'm starting to get alittle bummed about whats happening on ATH, any chance of you getting a mute button of your own and muting the host? second not counting Daytona how many cars do you think will show up at Cali and vegas in 09 to attempt to qualify, I know 43 will make it but how many go or go homers do you see early in the year

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:15 PM)


Glen, I had a glorious victory on Around the Horn tuesday, I hope you saw it. Today -- fun show, not so much of a victory. I think we will see a number of races with only 43 cars attempting to qualify. I'm not sure we will even get to 43 at some tracks if the economy hasn't made a serious recovery.

Dan (Milwaukee, WI)


If there were no Chase, would Jimmie Johnson still be as dominant as he is?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:16 PM)


Well, that's hard to gauge. You can't just say Gordon would have won last year and Kyle would have won this year because it was a different set of rules. Jimmie and Chad know what it takes to get into the Chase and how to perform there. They have a magic formula right now no one can duplicate.

Tim (NY)


Tim, Gordon in front of Earnhardt? Wow.. for some reason I have 7 championships in one hand and 4 in the other, which one is lower? Please explain.

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:17 PM)


I know, I have fought this battle in chats before. And I'm perfectly fine with anyone ranking Dale Sr. above Gordon. In my opinion, Gordon piled up his wins a lot faster. The Chase changed the landscape for winning championships. He might have reached six or seven if not for the Chase.

Michael (Bethel, CT)


Using your best guess Tim, is there anyone who can challenge Jimmy Johnson?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:18 PM)


Assuming you mean Jimmie and not my man Jimmy on Fox, answer is no. No one can challenge him. But he can have bad luck (for a change), get caught up in a wreck as has almost happened to him twice. Let that happen one week where he finishes down around 35th and the door is back open. But it has to happen like now.

bill (Allentown,PA)


tim, why does tony always hate on you about hockey and nascar on ATH?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:18 PM)


Now that Reali is into fantasy hockey he doesn't hate on it so much. NASCAR still a tough sport for a kid from Staten Island to grasp. It's all just fun.

William (Chattanooga, TN)


I was at the 2007 Daytona 500, what a finish. I took my dad to his first race this year at the 50th Daytona 500. I am a big Smoke fan so it was my best and my worst all at once. Fathers and sons is what the sport was built on. Keep up the good work Tim!

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:18 PM)


thanks, that's good stuff.

Jake (AL)


Where are the power rankings man? Top 12 still chase drivers? (I hope not, ha ha)

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:19 PM)


Sent the power rankings in last night, they should be on the site. Yeah, I kept the Chase guys in the top 12. I haven't decided on whether or not I should start dropping Kyle. Maybe after another bad week.

MIKE (CLEVELAND)


IVE NEVER CONSIDERED CAR RACING A SPORT CONVINCE ME IT IS

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:21 PM)


Ok, here goes. It's physically very stressful (I rode in a car with Tony going about 180, trust me, and that was just three laps, not 300). It takes fearlessness. It takes a ton of teamwork and requires a lot of strategy. If I am racing 100 yards with Usain Bolt, I pretty much know what's going to happen. That's not really a competition. But if 43 skilled drivers are put in equipment that is as close as NASCAR can mandate to identical, then the best drivers, best crew chiefs, best pit crew, best teams will rise to the top. It combines speed and power and is an amazing spectacle in person. There. I tried.

Adam (daytona)


Should I start Logano or Waltrip on my fantasy team this week?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:22 PM)


The day you see me advising anyone to start Waltrip is the day I need to move on. Even if Joey doesn't have a car, I would take Logano on foot.

Michael (Bethel, CT)


There is a possibility that he may be suspected of something fishy I think....I can't imagine someone being this dominant....could you?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:22 PM)


No one gets scrutinized more closely than Chad Knaus. if he is cheating, it's masterful.

George, Glendale,AZ


Hearing Tony Gibson going to Stewart/Haas as Crew Chief for Newman. Do you think it will be a good fit?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:24 PM)


From Kulwicki to Gordon to Mark Martin, Gibson has a lot of experience with top drivers. Should be a good addition, I would think.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)


I think people hate on Jimmie for being so good, but in a few years, we can all look back and respect his accomplishments, I am not a fan of his, but respect what he does each week and watch in amazement.

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:26 PM)


I think that's a fair assessment. I have only talked to him a few times, I know he's a funnier guy than he shows. He's pretty vanilla in his press conferences although he gives honest answers. He's just so dominant that he sucks some of the life out of the sport right now.

Aaron (Maine)


Do you think Jeff Gordon will be a frontrunner for the Cup next season, as he was last season? His 1.5 mile program has made some strong gains as of late, dating back to right before the Chase began, and he seems to be gaining some momentum. How good will he be next season?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:27 PM)


I think he will be right back in the top five. I think he will come back extremely motivated by the critics who say he is done. Some have even said that having a kid has taken away his competitiveness. As Jeff Burton said in Charlotte, "That's just insane.''

Larry (MI)


Dale Sr's last Cup win was a great race. Coming from like 15th with only a couple laps left at Talladega. Now to my question, with Dodge and Ford pulling funding from the Truck Series, do you see this happening in the NNS and maybe even the Cup Series

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:28 PM)


It's only going to get tighter, Larry. Ford has said they will stick with Roush but they pretty much have to do that if they want to use NASCAR as a marketing tool. But all of them are going to have to cut back, their stocks are at 25-year or all-time lows. It's a horrible time for the auto industry.

Aaron (Maine)


Just following up on your response, on how people can still say his child is taking away from his drive to compete. He had his child midway through last season, and he still won twice with 15 top-10s down the stretch. He still wants to win.

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:28 PM)


Correct. Good point.

Adam (daytona)


Ok, Tim. Logano on roller skates or Waltrip with his 2007 jet fueled Daytona car?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:29 PM)


Waltrip will find a way to put it into the wall. Take Joey on skates.

Daniel (IL)


any chance that they will qualify on saturday? I think they have plenty of time in the AM on Saturday. NASCAR has to do something, it's getting ridiculous and is playing right into the hands of Johnson as far as pit selection, 5 points, and clean air to begin the race. Your thoughts....

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:29 PM)


I agree, that's what I said a bit ago. I don't know any track where they have qualifying the day after it has been rained out. They have to rethink that.

Justin (Lebanon, VA)


Tim what do you think of the new cot car for the Nationwide Series and seen the pictures of the car it looks better than the Sprint cot and it has a spolier than a wing on it. what do you think of it?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:30 PM)


My bad for not having seen it. Will try to find a picture of one here when I get a break. But I think what they have learned at the Cup level with the COT over two years is supposed to have helped them design a better model for the Nationwide. Only makes sense.

Bill (Mass)


About the qualifying deal, a few races have already been rained out this Chase. Johnson has been able to rack up bonus points for leading laps because of that, which doesn't make it any easier for anybody else. NASCAR wants to prevent a runaway like Gordon and Johnson last year and JJ this year...stop making it easier to happen.

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:32 PM)


Exactly. Makes all the difference in the world at Martinsville when you start out front and get that first pit stall.

Adam (daytona)


Thanks for the opinion, maybe NASCAR will have a roller derby so I can use Logano. Unfortunately Q is going to be cancelled so I might start Waltrip despite his wall magnet they have installed. Or should I just pick up Nemecheck?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:34 PM)


Front row Joe!

John (KY)


Tim, who is your dark horse for Hotlanta? Thanks

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:35 PM)


Juan Pablo. He had one of his best races there, was strong there another time although he didn't get a good finish, and is coming off a nice 14th at Martinsville.

Scott Hagerstown,md


With the rise of NASCAR has also increased fan response at local dirt tracks. Do you ever see the motorsports giant trying to start a dirt series since so many of the drivers came from and still do run on dirt? by the way love ATH

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:35 PM)


I would say that's more likely in better economic times. I think NASCAR will be happy to maintain what they have for now. But I like the idea.

zach (indiana)


hey what are the chances of anybody beating jimmie johnson?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:36 PM)


There are no chances of anyone "beating'' Jimmie. There is a remote chance of him having awful luck, maybe twice in four races to let the field back in. That's about it.

Cody (Iowa)


Tim, people can't possibly be thinking that rescheduling qualifying would slow the 48 team down...can they? This is as dominant a team as the sport has seen in years, and let's face it: They Own The Chase. To think a few bonus points here or there would change that is rediculous...right?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:37 PM)


It's not just the bonus points. If he qualifies 15th, he's still going to finish in the top five most likely but it's going to be harder for him to win. Starting first every week just doesn't feel right. It's not tainted or anything. His team is dominant and he's the best driver. Just would like to see them do everything in their power to get qualifying in.

Woody Paige (Around the Horn)


I'm taking you out Friday Cowlishaw!

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:37 PM)


Good luck with that. I'm driving to Austin for UT-Oklahoma State. Sorry Woody.

Patrick (WI)


Will nascar change the chase over the next few years to stay away from JJ fav. tracks

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:38 PM)


Now there's a thought. problem is he likes it just about anywhere and would adjust. Now they have added California to the mix. Another place he likes!

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)


Who would be faster in NASCAR, Obama or McCain?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:39 PM)


I'm going to go with Palin. With a gun rack in place of the rear spoiler.

Cody (Iowa)


I agree, it needs to be fixed, but when Johnson has won something like 30 percent of the total chase races like...ever, it makes me think they'd find a way to use it as motivation. Knaus is scary when he's against a wall.

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:39 PM)


Absolutely. Their Chase dominance is ridiculous.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)


Oh great hockey mind, where does Gaborik end up and how soon?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:40 PM)


Would like to see him end up in Dallas, Stars dead in the water right now. Don't think that will happen. Look for Montreal to find a way to add to one of league's best teams.

Matt- so. cal


Who has the best chance at finishing 13th in points? and can they win a race before the chase is over to play spoiler?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:40 PM)


I think Ragan has a lock on 13, he has Kasey by more than 100 points. I can see him running up front, not sure about a win, though.

zach (indiana)


do u think nascar will change the way the chase is run from the way jimmie dominates the chase like he has the past couple years?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:41 PM)


I don't know of any changes that would stop that. They could reduce it to one race, put it all up for grabs, I guess. Don't think that will happen.

Larry (Mo)


No Junior or Carl questions, can't let that happen. This is a very good season for Jr, not a championship season but do you agree he has the championship potential? Who is Carl going to push around this week?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:42 PM)


I think Carl is just content to drive and do as he did a week ago, getting third. Yes, it's been a good year for Junior. Not what his fans want, I am sure, but he is back on the map as a top driver. He'll be in the Chase again next year, just needs to catch fire late in the year instead of early like he did this season.

Elaine (Austin)


Coming to Austin to bleed Orange? Hope to see ya at the game. Hook 'em Horns. By the way, I think everyone should just sit back and enjoy history being made this year. JJ has it in the bag. He and his team are awsome and I can't wait to watch.

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:44 PM)


Should be a decent game, I think. And, yes, his dominance is impressive and I look forward to being at the races in Texas and Homestead to see him wrap up a title. It's like when i was at Pebble Beach seeing Tiger win by 15. You knew by Thursday night he was going to win the Open, there was no drama left. But it was an amazing achievement.

Glen, Fla


Tim, why is RCR leaving clint out to dry and giving Casey his points next year? also I mist tuesday's ATH because of dad duties, any chance of talking a interm into changing woodies message board to "if this fool can get a job whats your excuss"

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:45 PM)


Good suggestion for the board. Bowyer is Ok with what they are doing although it seems dumb that he won't be in the Bud Shootout next year because of a number change.

zach (indiana)


do u thing jeff gordon has a chance to win a race the rest of this year?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:46 PM)


I think he has a chance this week and in Phoenix where he won for the first time last year. Not at TMS, not at Homestead. Probably a long shot that he gets it done now.

Cody (Iowa)


Any chance the other Hendrick drivers can learn something from this 48 team and figure the chase out? I know Gordon came close last year, but could Junior maybe learn how to get hot at the right time?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:46 PM)


They're all trying to figure that out, but it comes down to teamwork and driving styles and other variables. Gordon can't just duplicate what Jimmie does, they like to do different things with their cars.

Patrick (WI)


will JJ hold of Burton and edwards?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:47 PM)


Unless lightning strikes his car from that rain that Chad Knaus is producing...yes.

John (Mt. Vernon, OH)


What is most important factor in a championship season, the driver or his equipment?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:48 PM)


I have to say equipment. Jimmie would be good if he drove for the Wood Brothers. But he wouldn't win championships. Good drivers that maybe aren't the best (Kurt Busch? Bobby Labonte?) have been able to combine very consistent years with good fortune and win titles.

Mike (Dallas)


Where do you see Jr. ending up?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:49 PM)


Ha. I think I get the joke. this was asked about 10 times in every race chat i did a year ago while Junior was searching for a new team. Unless you mean where does he end up in the standings in which case I will say 8th. Gotta run do "NASCAR NOW'' after two more.

zach (indiana)


im just curious....who is your favorite driver?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:50 PM)


I don't really cheer for any particular drivers in my line of work. The main three I have gotten to know just a little from doing my work are Tony, Jimmie and Dale Junior. I like all of them.

Scott (Minneapolis, Mn)


To follow up on a previous question who is the best driver but has bad equipment?

Tim Cowlishaw
  (3:52 PM)


Good one to go out on. I'll say Martin Truex who suffers with DEI and Travis Kvapil who went unsponsored for Yates forever. Thanks, everyone. Talk to you next week before the Texas race.

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