David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Welcome to a rainy day, at least where I'm sitting in Charlotte. Let's add a little sunshine to this afternoon. Fire away.

Steiny (NYC)

Should Hendrick consider getting Dale Jr. a new crew chief?

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

Geez, you guys just don't give up on this one. Here are the facts. Junior wants Eury, and if the driver doesn't want a change it"s hard to justify one. Hendrick says he believes Eury is best for Junior, so you can't argue with him there.. He runs the show. My take on it, though, is that a change can't hurt. If it doesn't work, put them back together. The thing is, we'll never know until he tries it.

Rob (Philadelphia, PA)

Hey David, love your articles. Have a bit of a toss-up question for you: Who finishes the season higher in points, Scott Speed or Joey Logano?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

Thanks for the compliment. And it'll be Logano. He has better equipment and is a better talent. I'm betting Speed doesn't make a race or two and that'll set him back so far it'll be tough to get back in the top 35, much less get ahead of Logano.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think Kyle Busch is great for NASCAR?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

Heck yes I do. People complain all the time that the sport has become vanilla. Kyle is as colorful as all those M&Ms he has on the hood of his car. By the way, I like the chocolate covered peanuts best.

Matt P (London, ON)

Whats your favorite cereal?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

When I was a kid it was Captain Crunch. Now I like the Quaker Oat Squares, but only because my body can't handle all the sugar in the Captain Crunch. Plus, those things rip the roof of my mouth up.

Todd (richmond VA)

Hi Dave, what do you think of this lineup for SCC this week? 48,11,5,9,00 ?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Better put the 24 in there. He's great at Martinsville and long overdue a win. Not so sure about the 00. If you can get Kyle Busch in that mix do it.

Phil (tenn)

Fast forward 5 years and tell me who makes the chase?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Wow, i barely can think ahead five days, much less five years. Let's go with Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Carl Edwards, Brian Vickers, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne and Mark Martin. I know it's only eight, but I want the Chase trimmed so I don't have to come up with four more. And I know Martin will be 55, but if anybody can do it at 55 Martin can. .

Cal (GA)

montoya or newman this week?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Montoya. He's pretty darn good on short tracks, and Martinsville runs more like a road course.

Gary (fla)

Im going to martinsville this weekend. Are we going to get rained out?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Sunday looks good. Friday and Saturday are pretty iffy. I'll be at the beach hoping a few rays peak through.

Ed Hartford

Dosen't Allmendinger have a lot more experience in the nasty COT than Speed? EVERYONE has trouble getting it to handle. The more experience the better...Speed has hardly any.

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Yes he does. Think I made that point, although I didn't call out the COT speficially. Allmendinger simply has more Cup experience period. I agree, give Speed time before making a snap judgment.

CP

Hi David, I read your article - The Jury's still out, I am extremely happy that Speed is out of top 35. From now we can judge who can do a better job in qualifying, Speed or AJ, the game is on. I wish AJ all the best and luck.

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

I'll pass that along to AJ. And this definitely is a battle worth keeping an eye on. We can't talk about Junior all the time. Or can we?

Andy (Toledo, OH)

David, my man - Do you ever see Brian Vickers returning to HMS down the road after JG retires and the landscape of Hendrick (although JJ still has a long time left) will change? I'd love to see BV back at Hendrick someday.

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

I've never thought about it, but he's young and still maintains a great relationship with Rick Hendrick. There's always that chance. Maybe when they revive the No. 25 that Vickers drove for Ricky Hendrick before the plane crash took him from us. Vickers was extremely close with Ricky and may still be in that ride if he hadn't died.

Cory, Geneva, IL

Why would it be bad to give crew chiefs much more leeway in modifying the car? For instance, give them max engine specs and let them do what they want with the frame. Why does NASCAR need to be so tight with what they can do?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Because the more leeway they give them the more they bend the rules and the more of a competitive advantage one team gets. Maybe one day they'll loosen up, but they are hunkered down in this mode for the time being.

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Because the more leeway they give them the more they bend the rules and the more of a competitive advantage one team gets. Maybe one day they'll loosen up, but they are hunkered down in this mode for the time being.

Marion Florence SC

DAVID,How do you think RPM will progress over the season and do you think AJ will end up driving the 43 or the 19 in 2010.

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

How are things in Florence? I was born ithere. As for RPM, RPM is off to a good start, but then Gillett Evernham started well last season and faded. As for AJ, if it were my call he'd be in a car with full sponsorship. Which one that is I don't care.

Terry (Minn)

any chance mark martin can rebound enough to make the chase? and is he serious about wanting a full-time ride next year?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

I hate to say it, but it'll be tough. And yes, he's serious about wanting to drive another full year. Once the sponsor deal is worked out I think you'll see that announcement.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

David: Great piece - Junior has popularity; Kyle has wins! Keep?em coming. On a similar note ? I have a hilarious joke to tell. You will die laughing. It goes like this: Rick Hendrick fired Kyle Busch to make room for Earnhardt Jr. I am rolling on the ground laughing uncontrollably. I can hardly type! Go Kyle Busch!

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Thanks, I think. My point in the story was Kyle has earned the right to say whatever he wants about Junior as long as he's dominating him. Glad to see Kyle has some fans that don't boo him.

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Thanks, I think. My point in the story was Kyle has earned the right to say whatever he wants about Junior as long as he's dominating him. Glad to see Kyle has some fans that don't boo him.

Glen, Fla

David, I noticed the other day you said something about doing a 64 team NASCAR tourney. Any news on when and if your might take that on?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

We are talking about it for next season. Apparently it takes several months to put together brackets and graphics and sell ads for a project like that. I came up with the idea over dinner with my wife. If you like the idea, spread the word and send messages to my boss. He'll like that.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you believe Kasey Kahne is going to have a better finish in 2009 than he did in 2008?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

You know, he was in the top 10 last year around this time and faded. The jury still is out. He's not leading laps or winning races, so I'm not convinced that team is back.

Marion Florence, SC

Cloudy David,Do you think Kahne will stay at RPM or is his career destined at another organization

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Well get to work on that sunshine as I pass through tomorrow afternoon. Maybe IU'll stop at Cains BBQ. used to love that place. Oh, you asked about RPM. Sorry to get sidetracked on BBQ. Easy with me. Kahne has another year left on his deal. It wouldnt' surprise me to see him move on unless that team gets good real quick. Too much instability there and with Dodge.

Hank (Lake Tahoe, CA)

Obviously Joey Logano get a pass this season, but at what point does he need to show he can run in the top 10?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Pretty soon if he wants to stay in the top 35. I've been somewhat disappointed in his performance so far. I had higher expectations.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

How many Martinsville hot dogs can Terry Blount fit in his mouth at one time? My guess is three or four. Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

I don't believe Terry is a huge fan of the Martinsville dog, which by the way is tasty despite all the red dye. But there are quite a few in the media corp that can put away more than I can fathom. Might be a good question for my colleague "Ed Hinton next week. He'll be there and can give first-hand dog information.

Cody, Gtown

Will Jeff Gordan win another championship

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Yes.

Saul (San Diego)

I have read several articles since Bristol were they highlight Kyle B taking a shot or shots at Dale Jr. Is there anything to this, or is Kyle B just having fu, stirring the pot, at Dale Jr expense.

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

I believe stirring the pot is a very good description of what young Mr. Busch is doing. Love it.

Matt (Chicago)

Don't you get tired of all Junior questions asked? What do you see out of the RPM boys (specifically Kahne and the Dinger) this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

Junior questions are fine. It's no different than in golf where all the questions are centered around Tiger Woods or baseball where ARod gets a lot of attention.

Aaron (Chicago)

What is your favorite mid-morning snack?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

What? Iis my diet under review? I know my cholesteral is high, but c'mon. As for the snack, I prefer jelly beans or wheat thins. Sometimes I stack the jelly beans on the wheat thins.

Jose Goncalves (Charleston, SC)

Any shot for Jeff Gordon to win this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Have you not looked at his stats there? Heck yes he can win. Wouldn't surprise me if he did.

Jason (neb)

i was at the bristol race last week and rowdy is gaining a LOT of fans. although he isnt my favorite, he is outstanding for the sport

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Ditto. Hope you enjoyed your time there.

Saul (San Diego)

You have Jeff Burton sitting in the 13 spot and a bunch of driver all the way down to the 64 spot. From that lot, who get will make the chase?

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Wish I had the list in front of me. Burton could get in. He's made it the last two years. Martin has the equipment and ability to rally. After that I'd be afraid to gurantee anybody.

Cory (west virginia)

dave, do you think the penalty was correct that was given to the crew member who ran out to get the tire a few weeks ago?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

Yes I do. He not only put his safety on the line but the safety of others. NASCAR had to make a point, and I believe it did.

Ray (Kansas)

I just want to give a tip of the hat to my home-state boy clint bowyer. I think he is doing great considering the team change, especially with no testing over the off season

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

He is off to a good start. Did you read the article on him last week? Think it summed up things pretty good.

Dennis (Atlanta)

whos your top 5 this week and give a few sleepers

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Gordon, Johnson, Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin. Sleepers: David Gilliland. Who knows? What exactly is a sleeper, somebody who doesn't have a chance?

josh (nj)

where will truex end up next year?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

If Martin winds back in the No. 5 as I suspect he will, look for Stewart-Hass to make a run at him.

Steiny (NYC)

Is the Kentucky Speedway deal with NASCAR in jeopardy?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

There is no deal with NASCAR. Nothing will be done until the lawsuit Kentucky has threatened is settled or dropped.

Steiny (NYC)

Is Ambrose NASCAR's underdog?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

Glad you mentioned him He had an impressive run last week. He could be a darkhorse this week.

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Excuse me, somebody asked about my Mt. Rushmore for NASCAR. The question somehow was deleted into cyberspace. I'll just say Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Bill France Sr. and David Pearson.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Newt...Your surprise team of 2009? RPM? MWR? Stewart-Haas?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

I'm not really surprised by Stewart-Haas, so I'll go with Michael Waltrip Racing. I am stunned to see Reutimann in the top 10 still. Nothing against him. I just didn't believe MWR could give him equipment good enough to stay there.

Scott (Kansas City, MO)

Any chance of Kyle Petty jumping in the 28 if he is able to bring some sponsorship and try to get it in the top 35? I hate it for TK, but the 28 is a decent ride.

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

There's always a chance. And I hope that doesn't happen. I'm not sure it's good for the sport to put a lesser driver in a car just because he has some backing.

Arry (columbia)

can juan get a top 5 this week?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Possibly.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

It is a misconception that Kyle Busch is unpopular across the entire NASCAR landscape. Sure he is among Junior Nation but Kyle has a strong contingency too ? myself a proud member. This is not based on opinion, but by merchandise sales. Kyle?s sales have been steadily climbing and will continue to do so. I think he was fifth last year. Not bad when there are 40 some odd drivers!

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

It is a misconception that Kyle is hated across the board. There are pockets of people who like him. The more he wins the more people will jump on his bandwagon. He really can be a nice guy. Remember, he's only 23 and he acts like a 23 year old sometimes. OK, most of the time.

Marion Florence,sc

David,speaking of Dodge do you think they will leave the sport and where do you see kahne at if he moves on

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

My gut says they're done after this year, next year at best. Kahne would be a great fit anywhere. Maybe he could go to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and take Budweiser back there and drive the No. 8. That would be cool.

Larry (VA)

what ever happened to Mr. Buckshot Jones? i loved that name........

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

It was one of the great names in the sport. Not sure where he is. Sorry.

Tracy (WY)

Thanks for the AJ vs Scott article. I've been an AJ fan since 07, and I agree that the jury is still out. When AJ first got in a Cup car, he didn't even know which way was up. I have followed his scanner every weekend, and it amazes me how far he has come. Scott has advantages that AJ didn't have when he started in that the team at least knows better where it needs to be. When (not if) Scott gets the car figured out, he will still have AJ to thank in part for where they are at. How long do you think it will be before we see one of these two in Victory Lane? Maybe not this year, but I think they will both be there eventually.

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Very well written. Sounds like you are an authority on the two.

Andy (Toledo, OH)

Thanks David, seeing BV back in the bright green No. 25 Garnier Fructis Chevy would be awesome! What happens with Keselowski after this year?

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

Good question on Keselowski. He's been the victim of some bad luck, plus he's made some bad breaks. That makes Hendrick's decision to put Martin in the 5 for another year easy. Unless Brad falls completely apart I'm sure they'll keep developing him in the Nationwide Series. Or maybe JR Motorsports will turn into a Cup team and he'll drive there.

Joe Pa

Hey Dave, any chance Smoke can make the top 5 after his finish at Bristol

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

Not sure exactly where you are heading, but yes.

Derek Clearwater, FL

Do you think Mark Martin can get to 100 total NASCAR wins (trucks, nationwide, and cup combined)? He is pretty close and I would love to see him get some more nationwide races. What's the deal with that?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Why not? He'll probably be driving when he's 65.

Kevin (Bostn, MA)

If we were allowed to take one of these cars out for a ride, other than how fast they go, what would we notice the most about them? Tough to get them to go straight, loud, uncomfortable?

Ricky (VA)

what are the chances that Mr. Sadler can have a good run in his home state?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

What are the chances of rain for Sunday? Twenty-five percent. Somewhere below that.

Ryan (WV)

Who your top 5 this week David?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Think I've already done this, but Johnson, Gordon, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Mark Martin. Decided to be different and add Martin this time.

flynn sardis alabama

Is there a possibility roger penske is involved in the helio castroneves thing and could he be getting in trouble too?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Haven't heard that one. Maybe we can use it for rumor central.

Joe Pa

Dave sorry a top 5 finish at Martinsville in what I ment

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Top five at Martinsville is what I gave. NP.

Drew (Buffalo)

Other than it being darker, obviously, what are some other factors between racing during the day and at night? I feel like most drivers are against night racing.

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

The cooler track temperatures provide more grip and allow the cars to go fsater. The overall racing isn't much different if any.

Scott (Kansas City)

David - quick follow-up. Is Kyle Petty a "lessor" driver, or was he simply in crap equipment at Petty Enterprises? Seems to me he had a decent career and I would like to see what he could do in a car with some potential. I don't understand the complete disregard for Kyle...?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

At this point in his career, I believe Kyle is less skilled than Travis Kvapil. At Kvapil's age I woulidn't have said that. Petty actually has won some races.

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

And I don't mean to disregard Kyle. I really like him. He's one of my favorite people in the garage. I just think he's beter off now with a microphone in hand instead of a steering wheel.

jeff (iowa)

do you know what my fellow iowan and nationwide rookie of the year Landon Cassill is doing this year. Thanks. JEFF

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

I keep getting questions on Cassill. I really need to catch up with him and find out. Send me a reminder this week to do so.

Adam Darlington ,sc

Who do you think will drive the 77 car for penske next year?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

You're assuming that there will be a change there. Maybe Truex Jr. Penske made a run at him last year.

Andy (Toledo, OH)

As far as popularity goes, does it seem to be 1. Jr, 2. Gordon, 3. Johnson, 4. Stewart, 5. Kahne at the tracks this year? Seems like that's how its been when I've been at the races the past few years, but I would have to imagine KB is either at or close to No. 5 on the list.

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Johnson may have moved to No. 2, but your top five in general is pretty safe with Kyle coming on fast.

Karl (Bel Air, MD.)

Hey David, Why do you think NASCAR team owner's have become sop anxious to move young, prospective talent to the Cup ranks before a two or three year matuartion process in the Nationwide Series? Some examples that come to mind are David Gilliland, Scott Speed, Joey Logano, etc....?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Because there aren't enough veteran drivers that attract sponsors now. If you're going to take a chance, why not on somebody with appeal to a young audience and potential.

Tank

I knows you ain't a former driver, but I'd a liked to seen you in the legends race...too bad!!! Has you driven a car ever...for fun?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Not a stock car, but thanks for the vote of confidence, Tank. I'd have been a disaster at Bristol. I tried it in a simulator and spun out leaving the pits. Put me at Daytona and I can handle that.

flynn sardis alabama

Question about the drug testing thing i bet there were a few drivers that puffed the magic dragon like scott speed and brian vickers do you think nascar told all the drivers to quit smoking the reefer because theyre about to get tested?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

I don't think they had to say anything to anybody. Not that I am suggesting any did pot.

Drew (Buffalo)

Thanks for answering. Another NASCAR chatter reference there being differences, just curious. Thanks again. Have a good day.

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

No problem You have a good day too. If you can have a good day this time of the year in Buffalo.

Tank

has you even been to Europe? I have a friend from there and he says to me that F1 is better than Nascar...I says he is stupid??? Thoughts???

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

I have. Haven't been over there for an F! race, though. If you want to pay my way we can go together and check it out.

Tank

Me THinks this is the hart of the season...good old suthern tracks!! I love bristol, the rock (i know itsgone), darlington, etc...does the drivers like these tracks? i guess everybody have favrites...but as whole does they like these?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Tank, you are getting way too much chat time here. I like all of those tracks, particularly Darlington.

John (CA)

Will Mark Martin be driving the 5 car in 2010? Man he might be driving in his 60s

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Unless something happens sponsor-wise or otherwise, yes he will be.

John (Bloomington, IL)

How long will JPM stick with NASCAR? He's showed improved results this year, so I'm wondering if he feels that this is where he wants to be for the long-term.

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

He's determined to make this work. I h hope it does. He's great for the sport. Fun to spend four hours on a golf course with as well.

Johnny (NYC, NY)

I see your list of the top 5 most popular drivers...I went to Vegas this year and was amazed that I saw almost no JJ paraphanalia in the stands...the guy has won 3 straight and just can't seem to pick-up a visible fan base...maybe I missed it???

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

You didn't miss it. Despite the titles he still struggles on the popularity meter. It's really a shame. People would like him if they got to know him better.

Tracy (WY)

Landon is running a few ASA Late Model races and probably lamenting the economic situation that has sponsors not wanting to look at a young up and comer. I loved that kid.

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

Hey, thanks for the update. I don't really know him, but he sounds like a great guy.

Scott (Kansas City)

With a continued dry spell and never achieving a season title, do you think Junior is in danger of being perceived like Kyle Petty is to the "King", when compapred to hsi father?

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

Not hardly. Junior has won 18 races. He's proven to be a very good driver. He jsut hasn't achieved greateness, but there's still time. The time has run out for Kyle.

David Newton

  (3:03 PM)

And speaking of time, my time has run out as well. Thanks for all the questions. Sorry I couldn't get to all of them. T-berry, just saw yours about Captain Crunch. And the answer is yes, I saw the SNL skit. Enjoy the race this weekend. I'll try to enjoy the beach.