David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Welcme to another wet Thursday in Charlotte, N.C. Seems like a regular occurance. Hope it's sunny in Texas. Fire away.

Steiny (NYC)

Edwards said that you need a very powerful engine and great aerodynamics package to win in Texas. Do you agree with that statement?

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

I have no reason to disagree. He's the expert. No one else has won three there. But I did talk to Jeff Burton and his crew chief, Scott Miller, and they said getting off the corners with speed is key. Guess that could translate into power.

Steiny (NYC)

Is Bowyer using the lack of exposure as motivation?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

I really don't believe so. I talked to those folks before the season and after the fast start and all agreed there were "issues" with the old team. Whatever he and the new team are doing it seems to be working. He just needs to find a way to lead laps and win.

Steiny (NYC)

Bowyer is not surprised by the team's early success. Are you?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

Not at all. He made the Chase the last two years. He's a very underrated driver and he is with a solid organization. The surprrise would have been had he come out slowly.

Glen, Fla

David, what is it about Texas that has kept Jeff Gordon from Victory lane. not only has he not won their Jeffs worst average finish is their, with all of his wins at Lowes one would think he could translate that to Texas

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

Crossing the finish line first. I'm not being a wise guy, but he has more top fives than anybody there and finished second in one of the races last year. He just hasn't, for whatever reason, been up front at the end.

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

And by the way, after talking to crew chiefs, Texas and Lowe's may be similar in banking and length, but the setups are different because of the grip in the track. Hope that helps.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

David: You have covered many sports over the course of your career. Where does your NASCAR coverage rank relative to the other sports? Could you rank your top three in terms of being a reporter?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Wow. Nothing against NASCAR, but my top three would have to be Tiger Woods winning his first Masters. That was history. Second might be the Carolina Panthers' march to the Super Bowl that came up short against New England. This one may sound silly, but a high school track meet featuring Tim Montgomery, who later went on to become the fastest man in the 100 meters, and Stephen Davis, who went onto football stardom at Auburn and the NFL. Davis won that day in Columbia, S.C., and would have set a state record had it not been wind aided. What I remember is how everybody at the meet stopped what they were doing to watch. It was amazing. After that Earnhardt Jr. winning the Daytona 500 was special. A few Final Fours have been memorable, but not at the level fo the top three. The Punt Rooskie game between Clemson and Florida State in '87 or '88 was pretty cool as well.

Steiny (NYC)

What are your thoughts on Labonte and Smith getting inducted into Texas Motorsports HOF?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Both are deserving. I like the idea of a driver being retired before he gets into any Hall, but it's hard to deny the contribution both have made to the sport.

Jerry (Tampa, FL)

We're now six races into the season and David Reutimann is 11th in points. Are you a Reutimann believer? And when do you think this team might break through with a win? I'm thinking Texas, Richmond or Charlotte (all tracks he posted top 10s at last year).

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

I've done a big piece on Michael Waltrip Racing for tomorrow. Reutimann is for real, but having a strong organization behind him has been the difference. He's also one of the funniest guys you'll ever meet believe it or not. Iplan to write more about that in the future.

Ed, Hartford

Is this one of the fastest tracks for cup cars? Remeber back around 200 the CART indy cars tried to race at Texas. They went about 230 and the drivers were blacking out after 10 laps because of the G forces?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

It's not as fast as Atlanta, but it's pretty darn fast. Fortunately, there's enough tire wear on the surface that the speed falls off quickly and keeps things sane.

Steiny (NYC)

Isn't Mark Martin racing much better than his points position suggests?

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

You're darn right he is. Two blown engines and a blown tire are all that stand between him being in the top 10. Easily.

Cory (Tuscaloosa)

Hey David. How well can Bobby Labonte do this weekend at TMS with basically a Roush car?

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

Roush cars have performed well there. Just as Carl Edwards who swept the races there a yeare ago. Labonte should be decent, but that team still is a work in progress.

Steven (Ft. Worth, TX)

Being from Texas I'm a big fan of the track, and I know they've made some changes the drivers requested, namely the reshaping of the turn 4 exit. Overall, where does Texas rank on the circuit?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

My colleague Terry Blount would rank it much higher than myself because he was there when it began. I'm impressed by the fan support, although I hear it's only 40 percent sold right now. As for the racing, it's been OK, but i wouldn't put it up there with Darlington, Bristol, Martinsville, Indianapolis and a few others that I enjoy more. And I'm not as big of a fan of Tex Mex as Terry is, although it's awfully good there.

Paula, Texas

Why is the Texas NNS Qualifing (April 2) not televised?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

Didn't kinow it wasn't. Sorry.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think Patrick Carpentier will retire?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

Steiny, are you just bored and waiting for Tank to pop in? Exactly what do you want Patrick to retire from? He's already been retired from Cup, although not voluntarily.

Daniel VA

hi David. who you think wins on sunday?

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

It would be hard to pick against Edwards since he's won both races last year, but that car hasn't been performing quite to those standards yet. I wouldn't count Kyle Busch out, either. I'm going on a limb here and say Jeff Gordon will have only one track, Homestead, where he hasn't won after th is weekend.

Dalton (Vacaville CA)

David, I don't think Jeff Gordon can win the championship without winning a race. Do you agree?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

I agree totally. As consistent as he is, Jimmie Johnson is just as consistent, particularly when it comes to the Chase. Those bonus points in the Chase will be crucial. The ones leading into the Chase are key as well. Right now Gordon wouldn't be in first place if the Chase began today. He's be behind Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth with two w ins each, Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch with one each.

Crissy Corinna,Maine

Hi,how do you think Kasey Kahne will do in Texas.Does he make the chase?

Ed, Hartford

Bowyer always finishes well but, Dosen't it take wins to get recognition?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

I believe he already gets recognition. But to get the next level of respect it certainly takes wins.

Cory (Tuscaloosa)

Do you agree with me that Hamlin wussed out last weekend at Martinsville? I think having that passion is what has kept from Hamlin from not having at least 10 career wins right now. Thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Sorry, was diastracted for a second. Midway is on AMC and we're being bombed at the moment. As for Hamlin, no, he didn't wuss out. He raced the way he always has. In fact, I remember the first time I really appreciated him. It was his rookie year and he could hav ewrecked Johnson for the win but he raced him fairly. That doesn't make him a wuss. That makess him well respected.

John (MI)

David, who do you tthink has a better shot at the chase, the 26 or 83?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

Tough one. Neither has performed as well as expected this sesaon. I'll go with McMurray, but I'm skeptical either will make it.

Alec (OK)

What about JJ? doesnt seem like much that team hasnt accomplished. As a fan, i wonder and hope they keep that fire. Do you think thaey have a realistic chance of winning a fourth title this year?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Until somebody knocks him off the pdestal he's the favorite. i wouldn't bet against him.

T-berry

Are you going to the race this weekend? My daughter is flying some people from her company there. Lucky her! Too bad I don't live in Texas or I would go to the race with her.

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Sorry, but I won't be there. Hope they have a good time. What company?

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

David, heard awhile back that DeWalt is leaving the 17 or staying on in a limited role, do you see someone like NAPA coming over to sponsor him in 2010?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

DeWalt is looking to come back on a limited basis. As with most primary sponsors, they can't afford to carry the full load. I think you'll see a lot more sharing next season.

fake Steiny.

man Steiny gets tons of love. which Chevy team do you think has the best chance to dethrone Carl this weekend

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Jimmie Johnson should top the list. I like the way Gordon is running. Could be Tony Stewart's weekend to break through as well. That team is on its game.

Rich, Clearwater, FL

Did Kyle gain the weight that Denny lost?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Both a pretty thin. Wish I were so lucky.

devin howell michigan

do you like austin dilion nation wide schudle it is phoenix kentucky lowa richmond and homested but he also doing one truckr ace for talladega ?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

He's got the backing it takes to be a winner with his granddad, Richard Childress. I haven't watched him race but once, so I can't really judge him.

JJD (Seattle)

Of course Gordon can win the championship without winning a race. He is 89 points ahead of Bowyer (also a nonwinner in '09) and 132 points clear of Kurt Busch. Even with bonus points, if this were the Chase he would be up around 100 points with four races to go, and guys don't gag away 100 point leads over four races.

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

But he would start the Chase in a hole because the top 12 are seeded equally and ranked accodrding to wins in the first 26 races. So no, he wouldn't be up 100 points.

RANDY INDIANA

HEY DAVID, WHICH DRIVER WOULD YOU GO WITH THIS WEEKEND OUT OF THESE FOUR 99,24,48,OR THE 2

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

99. For all the reasons I've already discussed.

Cory (Tuscaloosa)

Where does the TMS celebration rank to you among the best track celebrations on the circuit presently?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

I've never ranked celebrations, so that's a hard one to answer. Where does it rank for you?

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

I heard a little bit of the heated exchange between Roger Penske and Kurt Busch during the Martinsville race. It was one of the funniest things I have ever heard. Where can I get the full exchange?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

I missed that. Fill me in. As for where you get the whole thing I'm not sure any websites offer that. And I'm pretty sure NASCAR doesn't release the tapes. The team would be your best bet.

RANDY INDIANA

DAVID, ARE YOU GOING TO ANSWER MY QUESTIOS I SENT YOU 2 OF THEM.

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Sorry, Randy. I haven't seen them. Can you resend?

JJD (Seattle)

He'd only be in hole based on wins, though, DN. If Jimmie Johnson wins five races before the Chase, that's only 50 more points and he would still be 92 back with four races to go, right? The key to winning the title is no DNFs moreso than wins.

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

No, you're not listening. Let's say the magic number is 10. Everybody starts the Chase with 10 points. Then they are given 10 additional points for every win. If JJ has five wins, he would have 60 points. Gordon would still have 10 with no wins.

Saul (San Diego)

Dave, yesterday I asked Hinton and Garrow if they ever notice the craziest or strangest pre-race superstitions a driver went through? Hinton wrote, that in Junior Johnson's cars, especially during the Darrell Waltrip era, they would hang a -- er -- part of a raccoon's anatomy over the rearview mirror and Garrow wrote about Kyle Petty wearing the same underwear for each race of the entire season. Do you have any to share?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

it's not really a superstition, but I like the one by David Pearson. He or a crew member would tape pieces of gum to his dashboard. I forget exactly how it worked, but when he pitted or was riding around he would just reach over and get another piece.

RANDY INDIANA

DAVID WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS FANTASY TEAM THIS WEEKEND. 99,18,11,88,33,39,96 AND THEN NEED HELP BETWEEN THE 5 AND THE 14

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

I'd take the 5. Martin has run well, just had problems. Most of his bad luck has to be out of the way. As for the rest, that is a stacked team.

Felipe (Dallas)

Hey David, hope all is well. How do you think my boy Montoya will do this weekend and any chance he makes the chase?

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

He's starting to show some consistency, but he did this early last season and faded. Like I said with Kasey Kahne, the jury is still out. Sure would be fun to see him in the Chase, though.

JJD (Seattle)

I understand that - but if you took what Gordon has done in these six races with NO wins, it has been MORE than enough to make up 50, 60, or 70 bonus points and he would be WINNING if there were four races to go. That's a fact.

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

If everything played out the same way as it is now, he would be winning but not by the margin you suggested. I still think he'll need a few wins, but Kurt Busch won it with one win in 2004 so anything is possible.

M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]

Kurt was really pissed because he felt like his team did not make the necessary changes to the car to stay competitive. The whole thing was really ironic on a couple of fronts. First he was running competitively from my perspective. Secondly, he was mad as hell complaining over the radio and Roger (team owner) was spotting for him. The little bit I heard was hilarious. Penske was hot!

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Wish I'd heard that. Kurt comes off as Mr. Clean in the media these days, but when he's behind the wheel he can get down and dirty with the best of them.

Saul (San Diego)

6 races completed, 20 races to go before the chase.. The top 12 drivers with the exception, perhaps, Reutimann are top drivers w/owners (Gordon, Bowyer, Busch, Johnson, Hamlin, Busch, Stewart, Edward, Kahn, Harvick and Kenseth. Then from 13 to the 20th place, you have Burton, Montoya, Allmedinger, Earnhardt, Waltrip, Newman, Labonte, Vickers. From these 13-20th, do you think will get in and make the Top 12/the Chase?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

I like most of the top 12 now but think Kahne and possibly Reutimann could fall out. If i had to pick one of those out that jumps in I'd say Burton. If I had to pick another it would be ....dang, tough, but Earnhardt Jr.

Tank

At the rac last wekend I spoked to guy from North Dacota...as suposed to South Dacota...did you know there was two of them??? Ya think Juan pable can make the chase...would be fun to see him getin in peoples way!!!

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

I did. And I knjow how to spell them as well. As for Juan, you are right, it would be fun to have him in the Chase, but not bo be in the way. Because he's a genuine guy who loves to race and is a great story. Will he mak eit? Not ready to go that far _ yet.

Woody (Denver)

Wow. Glad to see a couple of people can dominate a chat. I can go google instead...get more response.

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Soprry, what was your question. Will be glad to answer it.

TBone, at Da Beach

Dat der Jr. will be ah-ight if dey get hiz car setupz rite...he haz da HP and da skillz. Whut do U tink, Mister Newton?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

He definitely has the car to make da Chase. Da not know if he will get past himself to do it, though.

Scott (Kansas)

What driver is disliked most amongst his peers in the garage? It must be one of the Busch brothers. Conversely, who is the most popular with his peers?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Can't think of anybody who doesn't like Jeff Burton. As for most disliked, I don't know if any of the drivers truly hates another. Edwards and Busch seem to get crticized the most.

RANDY RITCHIE WHEATFIELD INDIANA

DAVID I TOOK EDWARDS TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR WAS THAT A GOOD PICK OR A REALLY BAD PICK.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

You and most of the NASCAR Nation picked him. Just because he's off to a slow start doesn't mean he won't win it. JJ started slow last year and came on strong. It's still hard to pick against the three-time champ, though.

Rich, Clearwater, FL

I have to agree with Woody...I've sent a question several times only to see the same couple of folks answered here.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Fire away. I take them as they come.

Woody (Denver)

Creeping up on 10 races, are there any rumblings and grumblings behind the scenes pertaining to RPM possibly making a switch to the new engine package?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

No rumblings yet. They are working through the old engines and not in a rush to fully invest in a Dodge engine that may not be around next year if Dodge isn't. Thanks for being patient, btw.

Johnny (NYC, NY)

Not a big Jr. fan, but he is creeping towards the top 12...so he's off to a mediocre start, but he's right in it...people are making too much of a fuss...we are just 6 races into things...lets see where the chips fall before going crazy!

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Good point. The problem he has if he has a bad race now he slips further away from the top 12 and it's harder to mak eup ground than slip.

Chad (Harrisburg, PA)

Hey Dave....Do you think 88 can get a non strategy win with Tony Jr?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Yes. But he needs to lead a few laps first.

Felipe (dallas)

Have to represent for Montoya one more time, How is his relationship with other drivers especially the big dogs like gordon, johnson, stewart. etc...

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Haven't noticed any resentment from any of them. He's a real likeable guy. Once they're around him, particularly off the track, they see that.

RANDY RITCHIE WHEATFIELD INDIANA

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL FINISH 1ST THROUGH 5TH @ TEXAS THIS WEEKEND?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Gordon, Kyle Busch, Jonnson, Edwards and Bowyer.

flynn sardis alabama

carl edwards wont win your gunna see another backwards victory lap this weekend.

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

Could happen. That would be a long trip backwards on those high banks.

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

My time is up. As usual, it was a pleasure. Until next week, c-ya.