David Newton

  (2:00 PM)

Greetings from the convention center at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Ray Evernham is a few feet away and there are almost as many tricked up cars as slot machines in this city. Fire away.

Chris( SanJuan)

U hear alot of teams merging..but u dont hear hendrick or gibbs or childress etc ....doin the same.... is it because sponsorship is more attracked to the big time teams ?

David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Hendrick is simple. He makes enough money from his auto dealerships and other businessess that he doesn't need the support. Childress has a partner. He was one of the first to get one years ago, but it went unnoticed. Gibbs is a family business and Coach made enough money in the NFL to keep them going.

Sallad (Manitoba

What is wrong with Harvick?

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

What do ou mean? He's about the same now as he has been the past four years.

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

By the way, if you have a question for Ray Evernham he said he'd be glad to walk over and answer it. Just make it clear the question is for Ray and I'll go get him.

steven (alabama)

will a road race ever be added to the chase?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

Jeff Gordon and a few others would like to see one, but NASCAR doesn't seem interested.

Jake (Buffalo, NY)

When will Dale Jr go back to his old self? He was a up and coming great driver when his dad was alive.

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

Not sure I follow what you mean by old self. He hasn't changed much over the years as far as I've seen.

Chad (Cascade,MD)

Jeff win this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

If he doesn't, don't look for him to win at Homestead, which means he is shut out for the first time since his rookie year I believe.

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Hold please while I get Ray to answer the next few questions. A line has formed for autographs and he is a bit preoccupied.

Rick (VA)

For Ray - Is GEM going to Toyota's next year? And how involved are you with the team still?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

OK, thi sis from Ray. I have no knowledge of a manufacturer change, but with that said I am a minorityy owner in the teram and involved on a consulting basis for competition. And with that said, I know that George/Gillete is a winner and commited to do whatever it takes to win races and championships.

justin (drham)

this is for ray.......and david...riggs in 09.....41 pending merger or nationwide or trucks...ur insight....thanks

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

As for Riggs, I don't know. My involvement with the team is not at that level. I do know that Scott Riggs is aclass guy and I personally would have no problem putting Scott in any vehicle that I own. Somebody is missing an opportunity if they don't put Scott Riggs in a car next year.

steven (alabama)

this is for ray evernham... It may be just me but it seems Kasy Kahne is a win or wreck driver is it because he is too aggressive or am I overlooking something?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

I don't know if it"s win or wreck, but Kasey is aggressive and that's what I like about him. Right now GEM has to give him cars capable of winning and when that can be accomplished you'll see him back in Victory lane.

chris (jersey)

hey Ray .....how about being the crew cheif for the #24 ?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

I have this fantaay that Jeff and I could finish our carrers together. Those were the best time of my life, but we all know it's nothing but a fantasy. It is neat to get asked about it a lot. .

Ronnie (Covington, LA)

Who will sponsor the #88 in nationwide next year?

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

OK, it's back to me. I had to let Ray go back to signing. No line fo rme. As for the No. 88, I haven't heard at this moment.

justin durham)

come on everyboy now we gotta show david love now...lol....

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Thanks for the love. I take no offense that Ray is more popular than I am. He's won three titles and owned a team. I've just made fun of him.

TG(PA)

Dave, I read that Junior's new Camaro is at the SEMA show. Is he there too and did you see his car?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Junior is not here, but the Camaro indeed is here. I saw it yesterday. Pretty cool.

Rick (VA)

Thoughts on what the 38 did/said on Sunday?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

First, he should have pulled over and given Montoya room. Montoya was racing for a top 10. Gilliland was four laps down.But Montoya sort of asked for it when he nudged the 38 to get it out of the way.

becka,va

why do you think gem picked reed over aj for their car

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

Because Reed is a more proven driver and A.J. I am not sure was available at the time when the decision was made.

becka,va

what did you see in reed sorenson that made you want him

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

Ray is gone guys. I didn't see a lot in Reed, so I can't answer that one.

Glen, Fla

for Ray. what part about not being on top of the box for Jeff Gordon do you miss the most

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

I'll speak for Ray on this one. He misses the competition and the winning. That's what drove him.

steven (alabama)

what is the future for kyle petty and petty enterprises?

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

He's all but done as a driver. He could drive a handful of races next seaon, but Petty Enterprises is preparing to move on without him.

Bill (VA)

For Ray...How about Elliott Sadler? We'd love to see him back in victory lane too..

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Sorry, but you only get David the rest of the chat. I am sure Elliott would love to get back in Victory Lane as well.

chris (jersey)

2 laps 2 go in the 09 daytona 500....gordon fist ...jr second ...jimmie 3rd ...stewart 4th .....who u have ur money on?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Wow. That's a tough one. I'd go with Gordon or Junior, but it's hard to bet against Jimmie. Stewart hasn't won the 500, so I'll put him fourth.

Tom (cincinnati, OH)

What do you say is more likely to haoppen that Jimmie clinch it at Phoenix or Edwards win the championship?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Jimmie clinches at Phoenix. It is over. Just ask the bookmakers in Vegas.

Ronnie (Covington, LA)

Do you see Brad K. in the #5 part time in 2010 with Martin?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

No, I see him or Martin Truex Jr. in the 5 fulltime.

Donna( Augusta)

Do you think that DEI and Ganassi will merge? If they do who gets controlling interest.

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

Everybody is talking to everybody at the moment. As for who will have controlling interest, I do know DEI has no plan to move away from Chevrolet. Anything else would be pure speculation.

Jim (FL)

For David and Ray...out of the following young drivers, Almirola, Speed and Hornish, who do you think has the brightest future?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

I really like the potential Almirola has, but DEI's situation makes that a bit scary.

steven (alabama)

what is the future of randy moss motors?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

I haven't a clue.

lynn,va

will reed get better next year

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Only if the GEM cars get better.

Mark Martin (Arkansas)

Do I have any shot at a championship with Hendrick?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Only if you can find a way to beat Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. They still are better.

mike(new york)

do u see Jr. finishing his career at hendrick? do ever think we will see the # 3 on track again ?<-----sry if its a dumb question.......

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Junior has hinted more than once he'd like to close his career in the No. 3, which would put him at RCR. If the 3 comes back anytime soon it will be with Childress' grandson, Austin Dillon.

Felipe (Dallas)

Hey David, If the merger with DEI and Ganassi happens, do you think it would make the teams stronger and would it help JPM at all. I'm a huge JPM fan and he seems to be running very strong the last few weeks even if his ending place does not show it.

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

I do believe the cars at DEI are much better than those at Ganassi. The engines alone with the RCR-DEI relationship makes that a good deal for whoever partners with DEI. Give JPM a good car and he will be a threat.

haley,va

whatss your take on the election

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Went pretty much as I expected. I try to stay away from sharing my political thoughts on here.

Mark Martin (Arkansas)

Then what is the point

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Proving an old man can still hang with the young guys.

chris (richmond, va)

Jayski is reporting that Hornish Jr. may go back to Indy cars? Any word about that? Also, do you see Carpentier coming back to Sprint Cup in '09?

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Jayski puts a lot out that is speculation. I have heard nothing on that yet. As for Carpentier, i had him pegged for rookie of the year a while back. I'd like to see him get another chance.

Glen, Fla

for David,okay what do you miss about not being on Jeff box( hoping to get Rays answer ) seriously which 2 drivers do you pick as missing the banquet

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

Not being on Jeff's box? i miss not having to sit next to Jeff's beautiful wife and not giving advice to Rick Hendrick. As for which drivers I believe will miss the banquet, Hamlin and Earnharrdt Jr.

devin michigan

shoulde michigan get a night race becus eif they have i would go for sure why duse not roger penski have light around mis track

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Have you ever been to that track. I can't imagine having to maneuver through the backwoods at midnight.

Nick Rolando

David, wanted your take on the relationship between Roush Fenway/Yates? Is it technical/marketing/engineering and are they basically an eight car team?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Yes, they are basically an eight-car team.

devin michigan whitmore lake

david do you see mis ever getting a night race

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

I hope not. I enjoy driving by the putt-putt courses and being able to see them.

Josue (Dalton)

Do you see Tony Stewart rebounding next season

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

Since it'll be his first year at Stewart-Haas Racing, joining a Haas organization that never has won a race, it's not likely.

Tom (cincinnati, OH)

If the merger of GM and Cystler went through hoow would it have affected NASCAR?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

Not much. There would just be three manufacturers instead of four. And there would be three healthier manufacturers.

justin (PA)

u think hornish will go back 2 indy ? i hope so cuz its hard seeing a talented driver like him wreck almost every week....

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

Funny. Haven't heard anything, but I will check when I get to Phoenix.

Larry (MI)

What do you think the reaction will be from Earnhardt Nation when Austin Dillon runs the 3 car?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

I would hope they would be happy for Dillon. It's RCR's number, not Dale Jr.'s.

Annette, N.C.

David, You should lock your phone when you're gambling. If not, you end up calling people and leaving voicemails where the only sound is the noise from whatever slot machine you're playing. Are you up or down so far for the week?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Ooops. I noticed my phone had dialed your number. Sorry about that. And I haven't been hitting the slots, much. Did win $43 while in the airport while waiting for my luggage and turned a buck into $6.25 while waiting for a friend to use the bathroom. Otherwise I've been at the SEMA show most of the time. Think there are more people here than were at the race at Lowe's Motor Speedway a few weeks ago. Just kidding.

Harry (kentucky)

hey guys...if you use a sports pick service you should try www.qualitysportspicks.com...they have been great for me this month

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Thanks for the tip.

Josue (Dalton)

I think the Daytona 500 should be the final race in the season

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Not sure if it should be called the Daytona 500, but I agree the season should end in Daytona. I know drivers would complain about it being a plate track, but that would at least add drama to the Chase. Don't you think Jimmie would be worried the title more if he knew Daytona was ahead?

Josue (Dalton)

When will Dale Jr win the Sprint Cup

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

I'll let /Ron Cook from 3M answer this since the 3M folks have been kind enough to let me set up in their booth at SEMA. Ron says, definitely before 2011. I think his team is building. Now for my smartbutt answer, I'm not sure he'll ever win one. .

Glen, Fla

moving the july Daytona race makes sense, man is it hot going to daytona in July. David just wanted to say thanks for taking time to answer our questions each week

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Hey, my pleasure on answering questions. Sorry Ray Evernham couldn't hang around longer. And it is hotter than you know what in Daytona in July. If you're a fan though it's great because you can hang out at the beach or go to Disney World.

Pete C (Newark DE)

Is NASCAR discussing any changes to the BAnquet at the end of the year , like adding awards catagories that we dont know who is the winner and stuff like that. Are they developing a better format?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Gosh, I hope so. The banquet is more boring than a 500-mile race at Pocono. Not sure how you would spice it up. The comedian jokes get old after a while. Maybe if they only honored the top three drivers instead of 10 that would work. Does anybody really care to applaud the season of the 10th place finisher. That would be like inviting the runner-up in the NFC South to help the Super Bowl champion celebrate.

Josue (Dalton)

Jimmie Johnson has dominated the past 3 years how many sprint cups will he win before he retires?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Ten. There, I said it. Not just win ten, but 10 in a row. Impressed? I am just making this up. I have no idea, but five would be realistic. The thing is, you never know. Jeff Gordon has been trying to win his fifth since 2001.

Pete C (Newark DE)

A few suggestions would be: come backdriver of the year catagory, rookie of the year, most improved, fan voted awards, industry/peers voted awards, sponsor awards, Life time achievement awards, and hall of fame stuff can be incorporated too...

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

They do have those awards. 'They just give them out at a Thursday luncheon that is even longer than the banquet on Friday night.

Pete C (Newark DE)

David, Kenny Wallace suggested that maybe NASCAR should require two tears for Nationwide racing for drivers before they can go full time on the Cup series. Giving the example of Harvick and Junior battle for the title many years back. Do you think with the drivers being so young now and the Nationwide series hurting in attendance this my breathe new interest and blood into the series. He suggested a more developmental approach so teams can showcase the young talent on an even playing field. Thoughts on that suggestion and is that a possibility?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Kenny also said Rusty Wallace was returning to Cup a few weeka go. I don't have a real good answer. I know the Nationwide Series needs the Cup drivers to survive, and Cup needs a good crop of young drivers as well. How you make all that work I am not sure.

Jerry (Chicago)

You mentioned that Reed Soreneson was a more proven driver than AJ Allmendinger. What has Sorenson ever proven and has it become obvious yet that Allmendinger is going to be the more competitive driver come next year?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

Interesting observation. Reed hasn't won a race or really proven he might win one, so you got me with that one. Having said that, he's not had the best of equipment or time to be with the same crew chief for an extended time. We'll see what happens next year.

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

Well, that's it for me. Have to give up my spot in the 3M booth before they think I've laid a claim. Time to go look at a few more tricked up cars and get past the slot machines without making a contribution.