Terry Blount

  (2:00 PM)

Hi everyone. Only a few days to go to the 500. What has surprised you so far?

RAY gordon reid neptune beach fla 32266

question to TERRY BLOUNT A T1,10 HI TERRY WHO YOU HAVE DAYTONA SUNDAY

Terry Blount

  (2:00 PM)

I'll pick Mark Martin, just because I'm a sentimental guy and would like to see him do it in his Hendrick debut.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

Terry, long time no speak. Anyway, saw Qualifying and was impressed by the Yates Conglomerate and of all people the Wood Bros...that car looked georgous and should have been front row had Bill not bobbled the wheel. The limited schedule thing doesnt bug me (I mean it worked for David Pearson ;)) Can you see them sneaking some top 10s or even a win this year in their limited schedule? It looks like no testing and limits on technology allowed them to go back to their good old days of building cars to RACE not be miracles of science.

Terry Blount

  (2:03 PM)

It looks promising for The Wood Bros. and Yates, but I wouldn't read too much into Dayona qualifying. And you can't really judge the rest of the season on Daytona because it's such an anomaly. As for winning once or twice; Yates maybe, Wood Bros. I'd be shocked.

TIM SYRACUSE, IN [via mobile]

DO YOU THINK IF JIMMIE JOHNSON WINS A FORTH CHAMPIONSHIP IN A ROW, HE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED THE GREATEST OF ALL-TIME

Terry Blount

  (2:04 PM)

I don't think he will win four in a row, but if he does, I'm not ready to call him the greatest ever, Let's wait and see on that one.

Johnathon Yezierski (Fredericksburg VA)

Do you think that Jeff Gordon will rebound after the dissapointing year that was 2008?

Terry Blount

  (2:05 PM)

I expect Jeff to win a few races, maybe even the Daytona 500. But I don't expect him to win the championship.

Steiny (NYC)

What are your thoughts on the fact that NASCAR will not set ticket prices for member tracks?

Terry Blount

  (2:07 PM)

That's not realistic. The NFL doesn' set prices for it's team. And each track has different requirements based on market size and seating capacity.

carl raleigh nc [via mobile]

will bobby labonte crack the top fifthteen

Terry Blount

  (2:09 PM)

He will finish in the top 15 several times this year, but I don't see him ending the season ranked in the top 15 in the standings.

TIM SYRACUSE, IN [via mobile]

DO YOU THINK JEFF GORDON WILL TAKE OVER HMS WHEN RICK RETIRES FROM OWNERSHIP

Terry Blount

  (2:10 PM)

I think Jeff will be involved in some capacity, but I don't know about taking over. Rick has family members in some prominent positions.

Larry (MI)

Of the new teams that were started 1-2 months ago, do you see any of those teams making through the whole year?

Terry Blount

  (2:11 PM)

As for as competing in all 36 events, no. A lot depends on whether they make the field for the 500 and get some sponsorship out of it.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

I know the big guns are still near the front but the middling teams looked really good...do you think banning testing has finally cracked the parity Bubble NASCAR has been looking to get into?

Terry Blount

  (2:13 PM)

I wouldn't go that far just yet. The big teams still have a huge advantage in equipment and personnel. But maybe we'll see a few mid-level teams have more success.

Jesse (Ohio)

How good do you think Tony Stewart will do being a owner/driver?

Terry Blount

  (2:15 PM)

Tony has surrounded himself with some quality people. He'll do well in the long run, but they may have some tough days early this season. Remember, Daytona is no reflection on how the rest of the year will go.

Steiny (NYC)

Is Logano the future of NASCAR?

Terry Blount

  (2:16 PM)

It's part of the future, no question. Joey is as talented a teenage driver as I've ever seen, but he's still a teenager with a massive learning curve.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

Talk about can't tell a player without a program (or nascar's equalivent, qualifying)...Which merged team is here to stay and who are just recession busters.

Terry Blount

  (2:18 PM)

I think Earnhardt-Ganassi and Petty Motorsports will weather the storm. Both have to hope their respective auto manufacturer survives.

dustin(halifax va)

how do you see casey mears doing this year? He seems to have more chances than anyone in the garage but yet can never really doing anything...will that trend continue this year?

Terry Blount

  (2:20 PM)

Casey says he feels more comfortable at RCR than any place he's ever been, And he's inheriting a darn good crew and crew chief from Bowyer's old team. Maybe the chemistry finally is right for Mears.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think this is going to be Mark Martin's year?

Terry Blount

  (2:21 PM)

I think Mark will do well and win some races, but I don't see him winning the championship at 50.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

Of the drivers hanging around with either a Jerryrigged ride or without a ride may be looming in the water should a big team name struggle out of the gates?

Terry Blount

  (2:22 PM)

I don't see any big rides opening up any time soon.

Steiny (NYC)

NASCAR owners want a franchise system. Do you think they will get it?

Terry Blount

  (2:23 PM)

Not a chance in you know where.

Pete C Newark DE

Terry, any dark horses for this year, who do you see with an outside chance of making the chase outside the usual suspects? McMurry, Ragan, Vickers etc.

Terry Blount

  (2:25 PM)

Those are the obvious three. If I had to pick beyond that, I might say Montoya.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

With the return of Mickey D's to NASCAR...a solid driver and already good racing minds not to mention being Evernham in Sparkling Hat and Shades, do you see the 43 back near the front or even in the winner's circle in the near future.

Terry Blount

  (2:26 PM)

McDonald's is only one the car for a few races, not that it matters. That car is a long way from winning.

Pete C Newark DE

Mark Martin is on record saying this is the best team he has ever worked with, is he ready to run this full schedule for the first time in years at his age?

Terry Blount

  (2:29 PM)

Mark's in great shape for 50, far better than most people at 35. But he is 50 and the reflexes aren't quite the same at that point. The full schedule won't be a burden on him, but I don't see him racing aggresively enough to win a title. If he does, he can tell me I told you so and I'll be happy for him. He's a wonderful man who NASCAR should name a sportsmanship award after when he retires.

Steiny (NYC)

Is it true that GM and Dodge may be forced into bankruptcy?

Terry Blount

  (2:32 PM)

It's true, but Chrysler may be on a little more shakey ground than GM.

Pete C Newark DE

Think we will see a new and improved Casey Mears with a new team? I know he is not great but I think the poor year was due to the situation more then anything?

Terry Blount

  (2:33 PM)

It's never good to be a lame duck, but a first-year with a new team also can be a transition period.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

With the fear around chrysler...does NASCAR/Dodge teams have a backup plan should Chrylser bite the dust midseason?

Terry Blount

  (2:34 PM)

If they do, they aren't discussing it. I asked Penske president Tim Cindric that question and he said they would cross that bridge when and if they get to it.

Billy(TN)

Terry, The Dodge cars looked really slow. No speed. Any inside info on why? Thanks

Terry Blount

  (2:36 PM)

They had an adjustment on the nose in the offseason (a very tiny adjustment) so they may be working through that. The new Dodge engine looked good at the end of last season.

Steiny (NYC)

Tony Stewart has a big challenge now that he is an owner and a driver. How do you think he will handle the pressure?

Terry Blount

  (2:37 PM)

Pressure never has bothered Tony. In fact, he thrives on it. But we will see if he can separate Tony the owner from Tony the driver on race weekends.

John (KY)

Any thoughts on Jr, Bowyer and Truex making the swimsuit issue of SI? Looks like free marketing.

Terry Blount

  (2:38 PM)

I'm afraid Danica has them beat on that front.

Pete C Newark DE

For Pete's sakes, will Kurt Busch have better equipment this year?

Terry Blount

  (2:39 PM)

Too early to say. Kurt would like to see the two Dodge teams share an engine program, but that won't happen.

Pete C Newark DE

With the likes of Ray Everham awat from Dodge after a tough year, will we see Peneski or another Dodge group improve manufactures results from last year?

Terry Blount

  (2:40 PM)

I don't think Ray had anything to do with Dodge's performance last year.

david westmoreland. tn [via mobile]

how is mark martin's chances at winning the 500

Terry Blount

  (2:43 PM)

as good as anyone this year. He has a great car at Hendrick. If his crew doesn't make a mistake on pit road, he should be in the hunt at the end.

Larry (MI)

How many teams do you think will close shop after the 500?

Terry Blount

  (2:45 PM)

Maybe three or four. Any of the independent new teams that don't make the field are in danger of not making the trip to California, a very expensive proposition.

Pete C Newark DE

Look forward to Thursday, who do you expect to have strong performances and start Sunday in the front of the pack?

Terry Blount

  (2:47 PM)

It's always hard to say because teams have different agendas. Some are in a testing mode to see what they have for the race. But I think we'll see Gordon, Earnhardt, Edwards, Kenseth and Stewart near the front of the grid on Sunday.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

Excluding the Jokers and Has beens and those in on time which of the go or go home guys impressed you the most going into the 150s

Terry Blount

  (2:51 PM)

I like Nemechek and Keselowski in the first duel. Allmendinger and Said would be my picks in the second race.

Mark Detroit, MI

OK..OK...big one...will Jimmie shave that semi-beard before Daytona?

Terry Blount

  (2:52 PM)

His wife really likes it, so he may keep it.

Tom MI

Can you promise me that Jeff Gordon will win one race this year? Please??

Terry Blount

  (2:53 PM)

I've learned not to make foolish promises, but I'd be very surprised if he didn't win a race.

Scott(Toledo, OH)

Jeremy Mayfield seems to have the ball rollig for this new team. how do you see his team starting out this season?

Terry Blount

  (2:55 PM)

Jeremy is just hoping to make the races and get laps in while he builds his organization. It's a long road ahead.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

Who's going to race their way up the field in the 150s, and who will race their way down?

Terry Blount

  (2:57 PM)

Answered that earlier, but wouldn't it be fun to have one duel race with only go-or-go-homers?

Scott (Toledo, OH)

I know its a little early for 2010 talk. But given the comments he has made this offseason about this upcoming season, do you see Michael Waltrip in a car for the 2010 season?

Terry Blount

  (2:57 PM)

I would say it's less than 50-50.

glenn (Netcong, NJ)

Of the teams wearing white (although black seems to be the new color of the unsponsored, fitting kinda) who may be the best to pull a Wally Dallenbach, that is show up with an unsponsored or temporarlly sponsored ride and do so well that they get sponsored for most or the rest of the season.

Terry Blount

  (2:59 PM)

I'd say Baldwin's team with Riggs driving.

Ronnie (Covington LA)

Who do you think the big free agent will be in 2009?

Terry Blount

  (2:59 PM)

Truex Jr.

Terry Blount

  (3:00 PM)

Gotta run folks. Have a great week and enjoy the race. Peace.