Marty Smith

  (1:29 PM)

What's up everybody!! I'm up in Bristol today for the NASCAR Now Roundtable with LaJoie, Craven and Mikey. Let's get it on!

steven clan bloomfield ky

when will crew chief change come on the 88 team soon i hope

Marty Smith

  (1:31 PM)

I've said it 100 times, Steven -- when Junior is ready. Rick Hendrick will give him that leeway. Now, if it gets too bad, I'd venture to say Mr. Hendrick would strongly suggest it to Dale. But I still believe it won't happen until Junior says so.

John Standberg

Will Ryan Newman make it into the chase and will he win a race this season?

Marty Smith

  (1:33 PM)

Newman certainly has the potential to win a race this season, John, but I don't consider him a Chase contender.

Rick (Pittsburgh, PA)

Why does NASCAR feel the need to try to do Saturday Prime Time Races? It totally messes up the Sunday Afternoon Nascar! And not to mention I can never remember which races are at Saturday vs Sunday.

Marty Smith

  (1:34 PM)

Come on, Rick! I love Saturday night races! Cold beer and racecars on a Saturday night. Can't beat it.

Kaleb (Athens, Georgia)

Marty, I saw an interview with Greg Biffle after the race and he said if he weren't in such a hurry to get home to see his dogs, he would go to victory lane to congratulate Mark Martin. I'm all about animals, but doesn't that seem a little disrespectful?

Marty Smith

  (1:37 PM)

Naw, it's not disrespectful. How nice is it that Biff even THOUGHT about going to VL to congratulate Mark? It was wonderful to see all those guys go over there and congratulate him, though. Amazing.

Matthew (Boone, NC)

What will it take for tony stewart to win the championship this year?

Marty Smith

  (1:41 PM)

Matthew! Boone, huh? Saw my boy Eric Church Friday night at the Coyote Joe's in Charlotte. He's the baddest cat in country music. ASU should be proud. Anyway, about Stewart -- he needs to keep doing exactly what he's currently doing. He's going to win some races this year and contend for a title. I wish I could say I expected it, but I'd be lying. I thought it'd take longer, not based on equipment or talent, rather on chemistry. They're stout.

TC of KY

Hey Marty, Dega predictions?

Marty Smith

  (1:43 PM)

Stewart wins his first as owner/driver. Book it.

Scott Lugoff,SC

Any panic for the 24 team after Saturday

Marty Smith

  (1:44 PM)

None, Scott. Jeff's back was killing him all night, and he struggled to focus as a result. They also had a pit stop issue. They're fine.

Glen, Fla

Marty. man you're articles are top notch, keepem coming.question.has the pressure finally wrapped its arms around the 88 team and putting the squeeze on them?man they can't get anything right lately

Marty Smith

  (1:49 PM)

The pressure is certainly mounting. No question. As well as his teammates are doing, it only escalates.

Ole Big Red USA

How does that McGee fellow like playing second fiddle or are you really just the opening act? Thanks.

Marty Smith

  (1:50 PM)

It's McGee's world, Red. I'm just payin' rent.

Ronald, Jacksonville

Do you expect Kyle and Denny to take up where they left off at Daytona and dominate at Talladega?

Marty Smith

  (1:52 PM)

I do, Ronald. I still think Stewart wins, but the Gibbs cars will likewise be very strong.

Taylor, Lugoff SC

so do you think vickers will block jr this week :)

Marty Smith

  (1:53 PM)

HAHAHAHAHA! Indeed I do, Taylor. Blocking is part of the game. That was funny.

Doug

Marty, "I don't doubt Jr.'s desire," but how much would it mean for him to get a win this weekend. Do you really think Stewart can be him?

Marty Smith

  (1:55 PM)

The 88 needs a good finish, Doug. A win would be huge, sure, but they need to start finishing better in general.

Luis, Orlando

Did you see the Lee Spencer article on Earnahrdts eating habits? Is his overall physical condition a factor in the 88 poor performance?

Marty Smith

  (1:57 PM)

Right now, there are two drivers -- the 14 and the 18 -- that aren't killing it in the gym and truly excel. Never before has fitness and diet been as important as it is right now.

Lindsay of KY

Marty at the track, tell us about your expensive motorhome. You have one don't you?

Marty Smith

  (1:59 PM)

My motorhome looks a hell of a lot like a Marriott, Lindsay.

Jordan (Candor, NC)

How often do you read the comments from readers on NASCAR articles?

Marty Smith

  (2:00 PM)

Every. Single. One. Seriously.

Pete(Red Rocks) Mooresville NC

Hey Marty..Long time no see...when will we see Tony Stewart and his first win as an owner/driver-the 600 would be great!!

Marty Smith

  (2:02 PM)

Petey! What's up man! Stewart wins at Dega this weekend.

Adam (syracuse)

First off Marty I wanted to thank you for being a class act... I got to work with you as a runner for a couple races last year and you were one of the nicest people to work with keep it up. Do you think Jr will rebound and get his season on track with dega coming up...He is good at the plate tracks.

Marty Smith

  (2:04 PM)

Thanks, Adam. I appreciate the kind words very much. As for the 88 -- he really needs a good run at Talladega. Not necessarily a victory, but a good complete race, with a solid finish. He's been faster than people realize, but there have been so many mistakes from all over that team this year.

Alexis, Dallas

I've read comments that Chad needs to share his notebook with Tony Eury. Do you think that would make a difference in Jr's performance?

Marty Smith

  (2:06 PM)

Whomever is saying that doesn't know how Hendrick Motorsports works, Alexis. There are no information secrets in that place. There's even a database from which to pull other teams' information, which is input after every practice.

Marty Smith

  (2:06 PM)

Whomever is saying that doesn't know how Hendrick Motorsports works, Alexis. There are no information secrets in that place. There's even a database from which to pull other teams' information, which is input after every practice.

Erik, Texas

At Texas Sterwert called Gordon and Johnson his "teammates" Isn't that Stert-Haas team really the 5th and 6th Hendrick team cars?

Marty Smith

  (2:08 PM)

Same cars. Same motors. Former HMS crew chief on the 14. They share information. The short answer is yes, Erik.

Marty Smith

  (2:11 PM)

Okay guys, I'm sorry but I gotta blast off! I have to prepare for NASCAR Now this evening. I really appreciate you guys hangin out -- I should do this more often. If you have questions, PLEASE send them to me: ESPNsider@aol.com. I'll use them in my Door to Door column!