David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

Welcome to Wacky Wednesday. While I love talkng about racing, I can't wait to spend the off weekend on my couch at the beach watching the Masters. Fire away with those questions.

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

I think it's just a damn shame that they had to shut down the #8 car.

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

I agree, and not so much that the 8 that everybody became accustomed to seeing on the track with Dale Earnhart Jr. but because of all the lives it affected. The ecoomy has taken jobs from a lot of people not only in this sport but every business. Seeing another 40 or 50 lose jobs is disheartening.

Thomas Lexington, KY

Hey David, love your stuff. What really sprung the concept of the "the King" to run the Indy 500 this year? By the way, I like the idea. Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

I'm not sure what sprung the thought,. The timing was just right. And it's great to see Petty involved so much again. He was almost lost at Petty Enterprises, but now he's back in the forefront where he belons, even if a lot of it is being a figureheat. George Gillett made a smart move here.

flynn sardis alabama

whats going on with shane hmiel do you know and can he ever race in nascar again?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

I heard he was running some nonsanctioned NASCAR stuff around the country. My guess is you'll never see him in the top three series again. He burnt too many bridges.

Larry (MI)

Theresa made a big fuss about keeping the 8 car at DEI and now it's going to be parked. Maybe she should of focused on running a sucessful race team instead of worrying about a number. This team has become a joke and I bet Truex is counting down the days.

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Wait a minute. Montoya is 13th in points, only a handful out of the Chase right now. He's running well. Truex has had a lot of misfortune, but they're working hard to turn that around. It's not a done deal that he leaves. He likes working with Montoya and if they can turn thins around who knows what the future holds. Of course, he'll have a lot of top teams pursuing him. If I were Roger Penske I'd make a seriously hard run at him and put him in the 12.

Casper

'nother good week for you with our 2 car bet if he makes the chase or not.. what has penske done to get better on the bigger tracks?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

You're right, they are much better at the mile and a half tracks. It is the result of countless tests before tests were banned and working hard with this new engine to get more power.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

Coincident or non-related. Dariun Grubb is the right hand man of Tony Jr and the #88 team last year. Up until halfway through the season, Jr was a fixture at the #2 slot and had an avg finish of 10th, including 7 top 5's in 15 races. Tony Stewart announces the formation of his new team, and Dariun is coming with him as his CC. Since then Jr's avg finish has been 17th with only 3 top 5's in 28 races...coincident, or non-related?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

Great observation, Devin. Or are you sure your name isn't Darium? I did a story last season on how Grubb was key not only to Junior's fast start but to Johnson's three titles. It took a while for the 48 team to get over losing him last year as well.

John (TX)

Why the slow start for the 26? They ended last year so strong and although he's had bad luck, he's 27th in the points.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

In case you haven't noticed, McMurray alway sseems to start slow and come on strong when nothing is on the line. I'm not sure why, but there is a pattern.

Joe (FL)

Do you think we'll see any improvement in the 19 this year? It's a shame how much Sadler's fallen off.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

He's been on a freefall for several years. I hate it for him because he's a nice guy, but I don't see anything stopping this one.

Larry (MI)

Sorry David, I can't give Theresa credit for Montoya's success this year. I know the teams merged but that car is run by Ganassi picked people.

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

It may be run by Ganassi people, but they are quite thankful for the DEI knowledge with the Chevy. And the Earnhardt Childress Racing engines Juan inherited also is a huge factor in his turnaround, which I'll be writing about on Friday. From what i see the relationship between Chip and Teresa is solid. He likes having her to run parts of the business that allows him to spend more time on competition.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

Do you see Kyle Busch improving his horrible flat track record this year? In races last year at Pocono, NH, Martinsville and Indy his finishes were 43,36,25,34,38,29 and 15th. Take those 7 races out and his avg finshes for the other 29 races was 7.89. Compare that with Jimmie, who finished 6,3,9,2,4,1 and 1st, and it seems like that is the only part, other than his temper, holding Kyle back. I agree he is a talent, but doesnt he need to improve that part of his racing if hes going to beat Jimmie, who as you can tell by the stats, owns flat tracks.

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

Those have been his Achilles Heel. But he hadn't won a road course race or a plate race before last season, and he turned that around. Give the kid time. He's only 23.

Joe (FL)

Do you think Sadler will be out of Cup next year?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

If that teams still is seeking sponsorship for AJ and AJ continues to run well it only makes sense to turn over what Sadler has to him.

Jimmy (SC)

Do you see the 83 rebounding and making the Chase?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

I certainly hope the Chase field isn't set yet, although not much typically changes from this point on according to past history. I figured Vickers would challenge for a spot before the season, but the edge he finished last season with just seems to be missing.

Lindsay of nowhere

Hey David, what's the best track or race weekend for a fan to attend?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Most will tell you the Bristol night race in August. It's pretty spectacular. The night race at Darlington on Mother's Day weekend would be my choice because of the rich tradition that track holds. If you're simply looking for a fun weekend at and away from the track I'd pick Vegas.

TC Mt. Vernon, KY

Will Casey Mears be with th 07 next season? Does this kid have "it"?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Well, he hasn't succeeded at Chip Ganassi Racing or Hendrick Motorsports, and he's not overwhelming them at RCR. There comes a time when you have to say he's just not Chaes material.

Larry (MI)

What are the chances we see a driver change in the 20?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

None. Nada. That report was totally wrong. JGR has invested too much time and money into Joey Logano to give up on him after seven races. Now if he"s struggling seven races into next season they may consider something, but they still see him as a big part of the organization's future.

casper

because of the chase format and how important getting in is, is there somewhat less of a stress on winning versus running the top 10? i feel like if teams werent worried about the top 12 they may race a little harder for the win.. but i guess thats stating the obvious.

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

That's ludicrous. They all race as hard as they can every week to win. Now if they realize they have no shot at winning they may focus on keeping the car together for a solid finish. Did you see some of the moves Johnson made late last season when all he needed to do to secure the title was to finish in the top 10? I hate it when people make that assumption these guys don't try to win each week.

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

What will Martin Truex Jr's situation be at year's end?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

He'll be a free agent, but I doubt he'll get to the end of the season without signing a deal with another team or re-signing with EGR. I'm guessing he'll have it done by mid-summer, maybe sooner. You have to these days with the way sponsor deals are constructed.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

I asked Terry yesterday, and wanted your opinion. Do you think the only was Dale Jr will come to the conclusion that a CC switch is the best thing for the success of the team is if he misses the chase this year?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

He won't have to. If he misses the Chase Henrick will make the decision for him.

casper

woah there... sorry for bringing it up...

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

No, it was a fair question. I just don't understand that logic.

Larry (MI)

What's the word on Jeffrey Earnhardt's ability? Just seems like if he was thought to be a talent he could of landed a better nationwide ride.

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

I didn't get to see the race, but you're right, if the talent were there he'd have a better ride. He certainly has the name.

Nick Rolando

David, the Ford's had some bad luck at Texas, ecspecially Ragan and McMurray. Does McMurray have the worst luck of all the drivers?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

I'm a believer you make your own bad luck. And a Ford won the last two Cup races there prior to Sunday.

Kathy

How many years do you think J. Gordon will race?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Let's see. he's 36 and will be 37 this year. I'm guessing 40 would be a nice round number.

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

Hey David, just seen on the tabloids this morning that Dale Jr. is having heart issues or something that runs in the family. Any truth to that?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

Please share what tabloid you are referring to. I haven't seen it.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

What was your take on Kyle trying to rub the 34 off of his quarter panel, thus blowing his own tire and placing him 2 laps down for the majority of the race?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

My initial thought was why would a guy of Kyle's talent mess with Andretti. Those are the things that keep you from winning titles.

Coop (Orlando)

David, no more asking if this will be the week Jeff Gordon ends his streak! Can you believe he did it in Texas?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

If you were on my Thursday chat last week you'll remember I picked him to win the race. So no, I'm not surprised. He's had great finishes at Texas. He just hadn't won there before Sunday.

Larry (MI)

You didn't miss much, Kerry didn't even make the show.

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Not a good sign.

casper

i'll go with a safe question this time haha.. past and present you get a day to hang out with a racer. ('racer' being owner, crew chief or driver)

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

I've spent a day with Junior Johnson at his farm for a fish fry. Quite enjoyable hearing all the old stories, and the fish was great as well. But i'd really like to spend an entire day with Dale Jr. to get a feel for what he goes through. I can't imagine.

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

Honestly I seen it was on the cover and I took a gander, but I don't remember which one it was. It said his friends were worried about his physical shape and also his grandfather Ralph died of a heart attack. You'll have to check it out.

Larry (MI)

Anything new on whether Mark Martin will run a full-time schedule next year? If he does what does that do to Brad Keselosksi's Cup future?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Hendrick wants a final decision by mid-summer. From all I know it will happen. They just have to nail down things with sponsors. That's the way it works in this business.

John (FL)

When all is said and done who will finish higher in points, the 83, 26 or 6?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

Your guess is as good as mine, John. I'll go with the 26. No real reason other than job security.

T-berry

(you don't have to print this) From last week when I told you my daughter was flying people to the race. While she was at the airport she didn't get to see any of the drivers but she did have a brief chat with Jnior's pilot so I thought that was cool.

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

Thanks for sharing.

Amber

top 5 all-time drivers 10 yrs. from now?

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

Petty, Pearson, Gordon, Johnson, Kyle Busch

Dean (MI)

With the standing of JPM, how do you feel the open-wheel drivers will fair this year?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Outside of JPM I odn't see any having a huge impact. Your thoughts?

T-berry

The Junior article was in the Globe. I saw it yesterday.

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

I will have to check it out. Thanks

Matt (Chicago)

With the announcement that the 44 team is now running through race #26, what are the chances RPM will stock that pit crew? That team always seems to lose spots on pit lane, no doubt due to a lower level of funding.

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

I'm sure they will give AJ the best they can. I'm not sure how much the sponsorship will free them up to beef up the pit crew.

casper

remember last year when mikey waltrip suggested to bank up california and make it plate racing? was there ever any serious consideration with that? you think nascar would want another plate track?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

No consideration at all. I'd personally love to see another plate race. I'd like to see the season end at Daytona for that matter. Wouldn't that be fun?

Mike (OH)

Seriously, how can people continue to stick up for Theresa? When DEI closes it's doors will people act blindsided, because it seems to be right around the corner.

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Look, Teresa didn't ask to have all of this thrust upon her. She iddn't plan on her husband dying at a young age. And Earnhardt left the company to her, not Junior, so blame him if you want to blame somebody.

Joe (Boston)

Steiny: Is he a great chatter or just sends in so many questions that he has to get something posted?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

I take them as I get them. No favorite here.

Dean (MI)

I like how JPM came up to contend this year, I don't see the hype for Speed and Sam could surprise the field for a top 25 if Penske gets all 3 teams on the same page...by the way Stewart is doing great and remember he too is an open-wheeler.

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Yes Stewart is an open wheel driver. But he's been in Cup a long time and I don't look at him that way now.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

David, does McMurray have the wrost luck in the series I mean he's on the verge of getting in the top 10 at Texas and then his transmisson blows up.

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Maybe he needs to carry a rabbits foot in his uniform or tape a four-leafed clover to his dash. Bad luck has followed him for some time. Not sure why. Sometimes it just happens that way.

Matt (Chicago)

Thanks for the thoughts on Dinger. Any idea how much longer TRG and the 71 team will last without sponsorship? I'd sure like to see them make it--definitely the feel good story of the first 7 races.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

it is a great feel-good story. i just hate that Kvapil is out of a ride. He worked hard, along with Gilliland, last season to put Yates cars solidly in the top 35. Now one is without a ride and the other fighting for survival.

casper

as long as ive been reading your chats and blogs... i cant say i know who your favorite driver is..

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

I don't play favorites as a writer. I'm totaly impartial. As a kid I was a Bobby Allison fan. And I believe David Pearson is the best driver of all time. That help?

Gary, (Hartford CT)

dAvid good afternoon. Is it safe to say that EGR is getting close to being pretty much done? The dollars that were there for the original DEI seemed to have gone away with Dale JR. I mean Martin Truex isn't exactly lighting it up out there and while Huan montaya is up and coming and running well. It does not seem to be enough to keep this ship afloat long term.

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

I wouldn't say that at all. Montoya is having a solid year and Truex will turn things around, although probably not well enough to make the Chase.

Colleen Ottawa

Hi David, DW was ranting last week about drivers not showing their emotion. He was referring to Denny at Martinsville. Now if Denny ran over to Jimmie after the race and pushed him, there would be an uproar. What do you think?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

People made a big deal about that incident. I didn't think much of it. Denny showed the respectful driver he is as a rookie at Martinsville when he didn't crash Johnson for the win. What Johnson did to Denny was good hard racing.

Mike (OH)

I hear you there David, it has to be a tough situation. But, if running a race team wasn't her thing then why didn't she sell it when it was a hot, rather then steadily drive Dale Sr's legacy into the ground?

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

Because she truly enjoys the business side of racing and wants to maintain the legacy of her husband. I can't get inside of her head, but you can't blame all of this on her. Dale Jr. easily could have re-signed without demanding the house and kept things afloat. They were building good cars. Don't you think he forced this issue to a degree?

Devin (Johnson City TN)

Why do you think KB will be one of the great drivers? Are you assuming that he will win multiple races and titles. I say this to only say be careful about assuming. Kyle has 14 wins in 157 races. Dale Jr had 15 in his first 183...and weve seen how hes struggled since then...by the way Im no saying your wrong in your assumption

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

You asked me to look into a crystal ball. I did. I easily could be wrong, but that is the beauty of prognostication.

Tom (MI)

Do you think Scott Speed can keep a ride in the Cup series? Or will he get gored by RedBull?

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

Patience. AJ struggled during his first two seasons. They invested a lot in Speed, so they won't abandon ship.

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

Guys, I'm over my time limit. Thanks for the time and have a great Easter weekend.