David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Word of warning to anybody rushing to a chat. Be careful with those Crystal Lite water flavorers. My fingers look like a CSI investigation they're so red. My keyboard is starting to leave a trail. Oh, well, on with the questions. .

John King Of Prussia, PA

Mr. Newton in light of today's financial news on the GM front, if they do file for chapter 11 what effect will this have on Chevy teams?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

It can't be pretty if they lose factory financial support. It'll be very interesting to see how Rick Hendrick is effected if that happens. He makes a lot of money selling GM products on his car lots. Keep your fingers crossed it doesn't happen. We all need some good news.

Steiny (NYC)

How proud is Reutimann of his early season success?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

He's pleased, but not overly excited. He knows momentum can turn in a hurry and the important time to be in this position is after 26 races.

Eddy Ft Worth,TX

Why dont they have an old timers race right before the CUP Races. Petty,DW,Peason,Gant,Cale and any old great racer for a 10 lap shoot out. That would be cool. what do you think?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

You must be in PR. Great idea, except it would be too costly unless teams donated their old stuff. Speaking of the old timers, there's a late model race in Bristol in a few weeks that'll interest you.

Glenn, Fla

David. who finishes higher this year. Joey Lagono or Scott Speed ?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Logano. His equipment and the savvy of crew chief Greg Zipadelli will make him the top rookie. I still believe he'll work his way inside the top 20. And, no, Doug Rice, if you are reading, I have not given up on him making the top 15 and throwing in the white towel on our friendly wager.

Steiny (NYC)

How would you describe Bowyer's relationship with crew chief Shane Wilson?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Pretty good so far. From what I have gathered all things weren't great betweenhim and Gil Martin. Think they'd gone about as far as they could go together. And sometimes change is good. And I am not suggesting Tony Eury Jr. and Dale Jr. break up.

Rob-Lima, Oh

With Jeff dealing with all of those personal events in the last couple of years and now has a new life ahead with his new wife and his wonderful daughter in his life do you think that the chemistry with Steve has now even got better then ever before? Could we say Jeff's head is clear and has a better vision of things now?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

I wouldn't say he ever lost his vision. He and Letarte have always gotten along. Last year things just didn't fall their way. It happens. Jeff was learning the new car and Letarte was learning the new car. Their relationship as you'll see in the story being posted later never was the problem. but Jeff is focused more now than I've seen him in a while. Maybe he's afraid Jimmie Johnson will be known as Four-time instead of him if he doesn't get to Five-time.

Eric (Charlottesville, VA)

The 33 is second in points. Fluke, or has the new team just found something?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

No fluke. In case you haven't been paying attention the past few years, Clint is pretty good at what he does and Richard Childress is pretty good about giving him good cars.

Chris, North Augusta, SC

Has toyota solved their engine problems? What is the difference between the engines for JGR and MWR?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

The problem appears solved, but they'll go to Atlanta with a conservative approach just the same. As far as the technical difference between the Gibbs and TRD engines I can't tell you. I'm working on an engine story for one of the next few weeks that perhaps will shed some light on that.

Aaron (Alabama)

Do you think Jeff Gordon will get a win in the month of March?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Well, he's pretty good at Bristol and Martinsville, so I wouldn't bet against him.

Jeremy Radford, Va

As a life long Gordon fan I am excited to see Jeff running up front. How much of it is Jeff recomittment to the sport and how much of it is Steve Letarte.

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

His commitment never went anywhere guys and gals. He wants to win now as miuch as he did last year. Sure, he's working to stay in better shape, but every time he steps behind the wheel he's trying to win. Last year all the stars weren't lined up for whatever reason. It wasn't Letarte's fault. If it were Rick Hendrick would have made a change.

shaquefa (Williamsport)

hey who do you think is the best looking driver in nascar

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

You probably wouldn't believe me if I said David Reutimann, right?

Bill Albany, NY

Is Jeff Gordon still considered the best driver in NASCAR especially now that it appears he is getting back into old form?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

The best driver today still has to be Jimmie Johnson based on three straight championships. The best driver of the past 15 years still has to be Gordon based on his four titles and 81 wins. Another title Gordon easily could jump to the best today. We that rank drivers are easy that way.

Nick (SLC)

Whats the deal with Hamlin? Seems like his cars are never good enough to run up front. Ya he's finished in the top 15 and top 10 but it just seems disappointed. he has a lot of talent.

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

I'm not sure what's going on with that team right now. They had high hopes coming into the season. It can't be the equipment. Kyle Busch drives the same cars and he's got a win and should have won Daytona. It's early, though. Hamlin's in a lot better shape now than he was a year ago when he was 31st after two races.

cdubb (lexington Kentucky)

How far does UK have to sink before Billy G gets the boot?? Either Barnhardt goes or Billy G goes !!!

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Yeah, that blowout loss to S.C. a few weeks ago was enough to convince me a change is needed.

Bryan (Wilson,NC)

What do you think of the number 24 car of Jeff Gordon?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

It's a nice number. I have nothing against the number.. I'm partial to single-digits, though. Oh, you mean the team? I believe he'll be a factor all season.

Jacob (Oklahoma City)

Tony Stewart has had two 8th place finishes, yet Ryan Newman is ye to crack the top ten. Why is newman struggling while is teamate is doing okay?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

First, Newman isn't as good as Tony. Just look at their career stats. That aside, Newman has had issues with engines and wrecks that have held him back. If the cars are good, he'll show what he has soon.

shaquefa (Williamsport)

i don't know he is alright i guess. but he isnt like drop dead gorgeous

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

I was joking, Shaq. I may call you Shaq, may I? I don't usually rate men, but if you insist I'd have to go somewhere between Jeff Gordson and Carl Edwards. But here is a certain alure to Jimmie Johnson now that he has the beard. Do we hav ea fashion editor who can answer these questions?

Steve (St. Anthony, MN)

What is behind the early success of Michael Waltrip Racing?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

He hasn't made any Waltrip-like mistakes and the cars have been good. Pretty simple.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

If a driver changes an engine before qualifying, why on earth would he have to start from the back? Are you kidding me? Hallelujah - this B.S rule could not hold back the kid for he went on to win in his home town of Las Vegas. Go Kyle Busch!

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Because it's the rule. If you change the engine once you've gone through inspection and have begun practice you must drop back. I don' tmake the rules.

Eric (Charlottesville, VA)

I'm a huge Clint fan. But, everyone before the season was saying that this campaign was up in the air given that he was starting with the new team. Just wasn't sure if the early success was refuting the new-team concerns, or were just an abberation.

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

It's a new team, but a veteran staff building them. It's not like Gunselman Motorsports adding a second team.

Eric Raleigh

Who has the best looking life in NASCAR?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Surely you meant wife, but I like the life twist. I'd say most of the top 10 to 15 drivers live a pretty good life. Some just choose to live it better than others.

Nate, Nebraska

I think that Junior is more of a long term investment than Mark Martin is, how many more races to you give Rick Hendrick before he makes some crew chief changes on the 88?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

Ya think? You don't think Martin can drive till he's 60? Sorry, couldn't resist. If Earnhardt isn't in the top 20 when they get to Charlotte I say a change will be made.

Eric, Raleigh

I did mean Wife. What do you think?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Too late. You only get one crack at that one.

Saul (San Diego)

David: What should we expect this Sunday from the ATL track surface, current tires, and engines. Based on the last two races, what are the crew chiefs strategy?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

The tire situation that led to last year's disaster appears to be solved. The engines shouldn't be a problem because these tires will wear faster and high rpms that led to many engine failures won't be a problem. This race has produced some good finishes in the past. I'm hoping it's back to that.

Rayrayfashy (Williamsport PA)

yo my home slices nascar is the bomb David Newton knows everything listen to him hes a great guy

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

You're making me blush more now than when i was listing the best looking drivers.

chris (new york)

wats RCR thinking when he put Mears In the 07.....he is the next kyle petty

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

I wouldnt' go that far. Here's the deal. General Mills wanted a Chase driver, and Bowyer was that. RCR wanted to put Mears in a car that was guranteed to make the first five races, and the Jack Daniels ride was that. There are other complicated details that I won't go into, but so far it's worked out well for General Mills.

Aaron (Erie)

What is wrong with Casey Mears?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Is he doing something different than he has in other years? Not that I've noticed. He's a super nice guy. He just never has consistently shown the ability to be a top driver.

Frank (Chicago)

Will the 48 repeat again this year?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Until he doesn't I'm saying yes. As I said in a column earlier this year, you'd be stupid to pick against him.

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

Pardon, but we need to keep most of this session to racing, not name calling. I don't like having to use my delete button.

Nate, Nebraska

Im a BIG Scott Riggs fan, Im hoping that last week was his one mulligan, Tommy was on Sirus and said they bought more cars, will that help what happend out west not happen again, having to use the same car that didn't qualify well?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Can't blame it on using the same car. Gordon used the same car at Vegas as he used at California. It's a matter of getting quality cars, and that was what I feared when a lot of these start-up teams began. They got good used equipment, in some cases new, but nothing great.

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

I'm still hitting the delete button a lot. Geez, there is Tank. Let me bring him into the session.

Tank

I hears you aksed about me last week! Sorry!!! If Vagas can get 150 thous fans @ $110 per tiket and up...they shood get 2 races! Take one from dover or new hamsure??? Seems crazy!

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Yep, Tank. You're always missed when you're not here. I agree, Vegas deserves two races. I'd like to see it in the Chase. Maybe make it the finale and hold the banquet there they next day. So where were you last week?

Danny (pa)

i love david newton he is sooooo hot and he knows everything about my fav sport NASCAR!!!

alec (Williamsport)

Dave i appreciate where you are coming from. thanks for being a responsible person.

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Responsible? Now that's a new one for me. Usually I'm just responsible for doing something I shouldn't.

Kaleb(Fargo)

You know Mears only signed a 1 year deal. You would have to think he may be just a stop-gap to make a run at Truex or someone of that nature

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Hmm. Think it was more than 1 year, but I'll have to check. As for Truex, I'd look for him to wind up at Hendrick or Stewart-Haas. I know Keselowski was pegged to replace Martin in the No. 5, but he's off to a horrible start. I would think Rick wants somebody in the 5 that can perform now for sponsors.

Steve (St. Anthony, MN)

Man, that last guy has no respect. Early on this season the field to get into races has been high. Do you think when we are in about 10-15 races that total will be lower or the same?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

The size of the field already has exceeded my expectations. I figured there would be a lettown at California or Vegas. I believe we'll have full fields all year now.

scott (toledo, oh)

after a rough start, do you see mark martin making the chase?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

If anybody can come back and do it Mark can. He's had great cars. He usually reliable Hendrick engines have just let him down. Maybe he's getting all of his bad luck out of the way now.

Tank

I knows you doesn't belive I am attorney, but I was at continuing legal educaton course...then went to Vagas!!! What a RACE!!! Sat in turn1...wached Keselewski neerly fishtail 232 times...hes got a way to go!!!

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

And why would I question you on that, Tank? As for Brad, I totally agree.

devin bachman howell michigan

how did you like the way sam hornish jr did at veges to me he look like a keeper in nascar

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

Nobody ever said he didn't have talent. He just has to show it consistently.

Sue, Shorewood, IL

Mr. Newton; I think that Steve Letarte deserves much of the praise for the improvement in the 24 teams performance. He has taken way too much heat last year and he has shown especially at last weeks race that he is one of the best crew chiefs in the garage. I guess we can tell the fans who were demanding Steve's head we told you so.

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Exactly. Did you write my column for today?

Marc (Malden, MA)

When did NASCAR first tell Goodyear about the COT and why is it taking this many years for Goodyear to make a COT tire?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Don't blame it all on Goodyear. From what I'm told Goodyear said from the beginning that NASCAR needed a wider tire for this car. NASCAR I'm told didn't want to wait for Goodyear to develop that tire before unveiling the car.

Kyle (Chippewa Falls,WI)

Do you think that Jeff Gordon not winning the title in 2004 and 2007 has hurt his legacy? His last championship being in 2001?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Hurt? Not at all. Everything he does from here on out is gravy. He's always going to be remembered as one of the greatest ever. It's just a matter of how great.

Saul (San Diego)

So Is Jr expected to be competitive and win and win a championship because he is an A driver? or has his popularity manifested into a popular belief that his is an A driver, but he is not really, he is OK, and don't expect to much?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

I had to read that one several times to get your point, which I assume was meant to be funny. Bottom line,Earnhardt has 18 wins. That"s more than most of the garage. He has talent, I believe good enough to be among the top 12 today. He just hasn't been able, for whatever reason, to turn up the heat when it counts.

Cory, Geneva, IL

Assuming I had the money and the want to, can I enter a car into a race? Are there liscenes the owners need to have teams?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

As long as NASCAR approves you for ownership and your driver is OK'd to be on on the track you can.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Newt...the performance discrepancy between Stewart and Newman so far this year? Just bad luck for Newman, or a preview of how they will perform relative to each other on this new team?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

I addressed that earlier. Part of it is bad luck. Part of it is Stewart simply is better than Newman.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

David, did Hall of Fame Racing and Yates Racing basically merege in the off-season? That would explain early succcess of B. Labonte.

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

That's exactly what they did. Yes, give Labonte good equipment and he'll prove he can still drive.

Jay (ohio)

dave, im traveling to brsitol and martinsville here in the upcoming weeks. Yes, im living the short track dream. But what race will I enjoy more?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Based on the last few races Martinsvlle has been the better sh ow. Nothing beats stepping into that fishbowl at Bristol, though. It's like walking into the Swamp or Death Valley for the first time in football.

Wayne (Minneapolis, MN)

I'm a huge Kyle Busch fan. Just wanted to be the first to admit it today ... or, ever.

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

I heard there was one of you out there. Thanks for stepping forward. Hope you don't get hate mail because of it.

Matt (Central, NY)

What do you think about Smoke's performance so far this year? Seems pretty consistant...I know, I know, only three races.

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

People, he's got great equipment. And he's a great driver. Was anybody expecting him to flounder?

Dave (Atlanta, Ga)

David, I like your name. I know you have already given out your top 30 in another chat, but give me three dark horses that could finish in the top 10 this weekend at Atlanta?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Bobby Labonte, David Ragan, Joey Logano. Atlanta is Home Depot's headquarters. Maybe Joey will start a relationship with that track even though this is the Kobalt 500 and Kobalt is a Lowe's product.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

If you like value - you can get Bobby Labonte at 100:1 or 30:1 to finish in the top three. Not bad considering his history at this track and run last week.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Not bad. I'd be in, but my paycheck hasn't arrived.

Dennis (Atlanta)

Dave, I remember in Bobby Labonte's prime, he absolutely OWNED Atlanta. After a top 5 last week, can we expect him to have a strong run this week?.

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Good memory. This is one of his best tracks. He's got the horses to make it his best again.

scott (toledo, oh)

do you believe Dale jr has lost the passion for the sport as much as i have? i remember when his interviews use to have enthusiasm, now he is distant, seems to always pause when asked a question like he has forgotten where he is.

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Interesting observations. But I think the problem is he wants to win more than ever and realizes time may be running out.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

My bad Newt...got to the chat late and put in my question before I read through!

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

You're allowed a slip, Jeff.

Kacie (kansas)

Im a huge mark martin fan. Will he get over his engine woes this week?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

He should. When's the last time a Hendrick driver lost an engine three straight weeks.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Allow me to try to atone...who is your surprise of the year so far? Bowyer? Allmendinger? (kind of) MW?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Allmendinger. We all knew Bowyer could drive. He's been in the Chase the past two seasons.

Rick (VA)

Newt, Which car outside the top 35 now has the best chance to be in the top 35 at the end of the year?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Geez, I don't have time to check the standings with only three minutes left to chat. Who do you think it will be?

Carl (florida)

Since T.O. was cut, should someone in nascar grab him? I bet he'd be a great tire changer.

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

Like that idea. And I heard somebody say on Sirius radio this morning that ESPN would make too much of a fuss over T.O. being released. He obviously hasn't paid attention to the number of peole following the NFL vs. NASCAR. Fans will eat up T.O.

Johnny (NYC, NY)

Are you getting paid by the question? Kudos on answering twice as many questions than the Tues and Weds chats combined!

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

No, my salary isn't based on how many of you I get to. I just like to give as many of you a voice as possible so if that means typing my fingers to the bone for an hour I'll do it. Thanks.

Matt Kenseth (Concord) [via mobile]

Newt, are you picking me this weekend?

David Newton

  (3:03 PM)

If you can keep your engine in the car I will.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

Did you see where Greg Biffle called out Mark Martin regarding his eternal optimism? I happen to agree with the Biff - Martin sounds like a broken record: "This is the best car I have ever driven.....I have the best crew chief in the garage." Give me a break Mark and hang it up.

David Newton

  (3:03 PM)

Hey, Biff better hope Martin doesn't rally. He'll be a threat in the Chase if he does. Maybe Biff just has wishful thinking.

Tim (Maryland)

Thank God T.O is gone. I now can watch Nascar in peace.

David Newton

  (3:04 PM)

News flash. T.O. just signed to drive the sixth car at Roush Racing. New Flash II. NASCAR won't let Roush have a sixth car.

Sweet Lou (TX)

Dave, I know its early, but what 12 drivers make the chase?

David Newton

  (3:06 PM)

Good one to end it on. Gordon, Johnson, Stewart, Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth, Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, David Reutimann, Biffle, Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards.

David Newton

  (3:06 PM)

That's it for me, guys. I've already gone a few minutes beyond my time and cut into the 3 o'clock Bonanza rerun. Enjoy the Atlanta race. Until next week.