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Moderator

  (2:04 PM)

Newt is having technical difficulties, but will be here shortly!

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

Sorry for being late. On the interstate to Daytona Beach and my computer locked up. I'm up and running now with a very large dog in the backseat. Fire away.

Johnny (NYC, NY)

Maybe its just me, but I feel less of a buzz this year about the start of the season than I normally do. Seems like its hard to find a story about the Shootout and I hear little chatter about the duels next week and the 500 in just 10 or so days. I am excited, but everything seems subdued to me. Do you sense it, or is it just me???

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

The economy has everybody on pins and needles. Once everybody gets to the tracdk and gets a race under their belts I believe, or hope, the optimism will turn around.

Tank

Now that you is maried, I need too ask som relatonship advise...how do you think I shood convvince my wfie to watch the CAMPing world 300 on Valantine's Day? I think a bucket of KFC, some wine(to be romantic), and a race is a great romantic event...not sure she does agree? Thought?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

You need Dr. Phil, not me. My advice would be to buy her jewels and promise an expensive dinner that doesn't include roadkill and maybe she'll let you watch the race around that.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think Gordon will compete this year?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

Jeff or Robby? If it's Jeff, I believe he'll make a serious run at a fifth title. He's hungry.

K. Lee (Bristol, CT)

Let the dog chat! And what does he think of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s chances?Signed, The Boss

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

The dog says Junior won't make the Chase. He's a Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle fan because they love dogs. Bow Wow!

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think J.R. Fitzpatrick is going to be a great driver for years to come?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

To be honest, I haven't given it a lot of thought. Do you?

Steiny (NYC)

Is it true that NASCAR could be racing on new tires in 2010?

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Goodyear is working on a wider tire. They wanted to introduce a wider tire before the new car was introduced, but NASCAR wasn't patient enough to let them finish the process so they stuck with the old tire. The problem is they have to put in entirely new equipment to build the new tire, so NASCAR has to commit, which I believe it has.

Bristow

Last year Penske switched the 77 points with the 2 so Hornisch made the first 5 races this year he buys the 22 so the 77 makes the first 5 races - NASCAR needs to end this garbage of buying points. What a joke.

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

I agree. If Penske wants to put Hornish in a car then he needs to have the confidence of letting him fly without an umbrella.

Steiny (NYC)

Kurt Busch is Looking For More Consistency In 2009 NASCAR Season. Do you think he will achieve that?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

It all depends on the equipment he's given. It's not Kurt. He hasn't forgotten how to drive. The Dodge and Penske program has just fallen behind.

Ray (Willis, Virginia)

How do you predict the racing to be this year with no testing? Does this give Hendrick the edge or does this level the playing field?

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

It definitely gives the large teams an advantage, but I believe Roush Fenway Racing will give Hendrick a run for the money. The organization arguably had a better year last season _ title aside.

dave(durham nc)

how do u think riggs will do in the duels and this season.....have a great speedweeks

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Riggs has to be nervous, as well as excited. He's qualified well at Daytona, but this is a new team that we know little about, and that's not a great recipe for success.

Larry (MI)

Newt, What do you think about all the point swapping that is going on? Seems pretty ridiculous to me.

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Teams are finding ways to get around NASCAR's rules, and it's time for NASCAR to step in and stop it. You are right. Ridiculous.

AL(INDY)

With economy making sponsers harder and harder to find will we see even more lopsided results the haves get stronger and the rest just fading away?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Actually, I believe we'll see more teams with a chance to win than ever. I don't think you'll see three drivers win 25 or whatever races like we did last sesaon when Edwards, Busch and Johnson dominated Victory Circle.

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)

Any buzz or scoop out of the Stewart-Haas bunch yet? Do you have your darkhorses for the 500 and the season yet?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

No new scoop from Stewart-haas. As far as darkhorses, none to win the title outside the usual favorites. You might see a Mears or McMurray make the Chase, but otherwise I believe you'll see the same cast as the past few years. I do believe Stewart will be a contender though.

Glenn, Fla

David. can the musical points get any crazier? can RCR get ahold of the owner points from EGR for Bowyer?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Think most of the craziness is done. Sounds like Bowyer will get his points. The worst thing about all this is Mark Martin through all the craziness won't be in the Bud Shootout. If they can work it for Tony Stewart to get in, Martin should get in as well.

Patrick (Hoop Hall City)

Lack of testing will mean fewer cars per race with good track setups and will reduce competition for race wins this year...say 5 cars with a chance to win instead of 10 or 15..you take or the take of those in the garage?

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Wrong. Fifteen to 20 will have a chance to win. The no test rule won't be that big of a deal. Teams gained all the information they needed last aeason.

Billy (TN)

David, do you know when the new Ford engine will be tested by the Nascar teams? Thanks

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

They won't introduce it until mid-season, and probably only in the Wood Brothers cars. Roush isn't going to be a test rat for the engine as much confidence as he has in it.

Ray (Willis, VA)

How do you think the racing will be without any testing? Will this give Hendrick an advantage or level the playing field?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

Answered this already, so check out that answer. If you can't find it, the Big 4 will continue to be stronger than everybody else just as they always have been.

Ace(INDY)

Are the lower series going to be able to survive,if cup teams can't get money how can the truck series teams even get a nibble from sponsers?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Good question. If I were the Truck series I'd be nervous. Some believe it could be replaced by the Grand-Am Series that NASCAR recently purchased. The Nationwide may struggle with sponsorship, but NASCAR won't let it die.

JD (Boston)

I'd say Roush benefits more from no testing than Hendrick- Big teams benefit no matter what the rules it seems.

jeff(keokuk,IA)

You stated earlier that is stinks that Mark is not in the Shootout. (i totally agree) Then you said if they could get Tony in they should get Mark in. Is this possible or is it a done deal. Thanks.

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Sorry. The drive to Daytona has started off rocky. Hit a few areas with no service for my laptop. I will stay on a few minutes after 3 to make up for some of the lost time. As far as the question, maybe we should start a petition.

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Sorry. The drive to Daytona has started off rocky. Hit a few areas with no service for my laptop. I will stay on a few minutes after 3 to make up for some of the lost time. As far as the question, maybe we should start a petition.

Jeffy D (Feeding Hills MA)

Would the old provisional system work better in the current environment than the top 35?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

No, I still like the top 35 rule. Just because times are tough doesn't mean we need to reinvent everything.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Newt...great to have the chats back for another year. How much do you think the change of scenery will help Newman this year? Do you think he performs better or worse than last year?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

The change has to help. He has better equipment now and I am looking for him to challenge for a Chase spot.

Larry (MI)

With all these new teams being formed is it safe to say we will have 43 cars at every event?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Not safe to say, but I don't think we'll have the shortage many have predicted.

devin michigan whitmore lake

it is logano vr brad for Rockie of the year whit brad doing 17 race ten in the 09 and 7 in the 25 if it is i am taking brad for this

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

You will lose. Joey will be better than he showed at the end of last season. Wouldn't surprise me if he was in the top 15 to 20, maybe higher.

Mark (Mount Airy, MD)

Hey David, Glad to have you back for the weekly chat. How do you see Yates doing with Labonte and Mennard added to the fold??????

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

I really like Labonte's move. He will greatly benefit being in the Yates cars, which are the Roush Fenway cars. When people talk about darkhorses, he's one to look at.

Pete C Newark DE

Do you see them changing the point system to emphasize winning races a little more?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

They did that last year. No changes are expected this season. NASCAR wants to leave it alone for a while.

Saul (San Diego)

Does J Mayfield have sponsorship for the entire year? If so, that must have been some catch with other current teams struggling to get sponsorship.

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

He say she wants to run the whole season, or plans to, and he introduced a sponsor. My guess is the money isn't $15 million to $25 million that it takes to run a full year.

Tiff (San DIego, ca)

You mentioned earlier that the Penske team had fallen behind. Is it really Penske or is it Dodge? None of the Dodge teams seem to be all that good.

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

You can put some of the blame on Dodge, but the individual teams ultimately are responsible.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

Are you driving or riding?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

The dog is driving. I am just along for the ride. Actually, my wife is driving and she's no dog. Ernie the dog is in the backseat asleep at the moment. Perhaps I am boring him to detah with my answers.

AL(INDY)

Is there any talk of maybe capping how much a team can spend to try and keep up some sort of competitive balance?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

I've suggested that in the past, but so far NASCAR hasn't moved in that direction. Good idea, though. Great minds think alike.

Larry (MI)

Why would a sponsor like All Sport go with a new team with Jeremy Mayfield when so many established teams are looking for sponsors? Did All Sport get a discount for being with a start up team?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

First of all, Jeremy's partner runs All Sport. And I'm sure it is heavily discounted.

Pete C Newark DE

I read the craftman series may eliminate pit stops, won't that effect the quality of the races?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

They won't eliminate pit stops. They're just limiting the number of over-the-wall people to five, which means you can't pit for gas and tires on the same stop. It'll be the same for all and I believe entertaining. Thank Kevin Harvick for getting NASCAR and team owners together to come up with this cost-saving measure.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

David, How much pressure to perform is on Sadler this season???? After all, they all but replaced him in the car about a month ago.

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Think you said it all. And he was replaced, but the threat of legal action changed some minds.

Charles(Pineville, NC)

The Daytona 500 is a hard race to predict. I'm not asking for a winner, but give me 4 cars that you're positive will run strong.

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Johnson, Gordon, Earnhardt and Martin. Wait, that's all Hendrick. Throw in Martin Truex Jr. and Tony Stewart.

josh (denver)

I know there is no formal testing, but teams are still testing on their own- anyword as to what teams seem to be testing the best and will be tough early on?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

They are only testing at places such as Rockingham and New Smyrna, non-sanctioned tracks. Not sure you can really judge anything by that.

Kerstin (Bloomington, IN)

I noticed on the Team Lowe's website that Danny Emerick is no longer listed as the engine tuner of the 48. I believe he has been with the team since it's inception. Any word on where he went?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

Heard he went to another team, but not sure which one. Will look into it. Ask me again next week.

Saul (San Diego)

What is the skinny on the 82, Scott Speed. How do you think he will do driving Red Bull equipment. Do you think he's got the skills?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

Skiills, probably. Will he make the Chase, not likely.

Pete C Newark DE

Seems like Harvick never got it going last year and found his stride, have they made some changes to get him going more toward the front of the pack.?

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

He was very consistent. He just needs more horsepower. All of RCR does.

Saul (San Diego)

With sponsorship woe?s, new teams added fun to the new paint scheme?s. So does the 24 win his first 2009 race driving the Dupont or N-Guard. 24 races the Guard scheme in Atlanta, Texas, Darlington, Michigan, Chicago, Richmond, New Hampshire, Martinsville

David Newton

  (3:03 PM)

Last I was told National Guard will remain with the 88 and not join the 24. That was the speculation last season, but was told that won't happen.

Ed, Hartford

Once and for all you tell them where Reed Sorensen went. Average Finish : 35

David Newton

  (3:03 PM)

Sounds like you already know where Reed is.

David Newton

  (3:04 PM)

That'll do it for today unless there are more questions. Sorry about the technical problems. I'm doing all I can to get to Daytona and the dog just isn't a good driver. Not sure I can even take a nap with him at the wheel. Enjoy the start of the season. Later.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

David, Will the teams gain any information from running in the Budweiser Shootout Saturday night???? Or is it simply an exhibition.

David Newton

  (3:05 PM)

OK, bonus answer. I believe it will be a very valuable test for the teams, particularly new ones such as Stewart-Haas.