David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

It was exactly this moment a day ago when an instant message popped up as I awaited the Dale Earnhardt Jr. conference call. The message said, "David Poole is dead." I was stunned then and remain stunned now. David and I weren't great friends but there were few in the garage if any that I respected more. He always had an opinion and he stood by it no matter what. So I'll dedicate this chat to DP. Fire away guys.

Ed, Hartford

I was the most scared about Newman in "the wreck" what if the 99 hit him square in the face? Do you think the supports aroud the windshield are strong enough?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

Fortunately we didn't have to find out. I will say the shell of the new car is designed to handle just about any blow. That it basically was intact after the accident is a testament to the technology and everything NASCAR put into it.

ray gordon reid LEXINGTON va 24450

QUESTION TO DAVID NEWTON AT 2.05PM HI DAVID WHOS YOUR PICK FOR RICHMOND SATURDAY

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

I'll go with Kyle Busch. He was headed for the win last year before the wreck with Junior. He'll finish it this week.

Tank

Sorry for your loss.

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

It was a loss for all of motorsports, Tank. Thanks.

flynn (sardis al)

kurt busch>2009 sprint cup champ

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

Hey, he's done it before and there's no reason to think he can't do it again. Roger Penske has given him better equipment and Kurt with good equipment is as good as anybody out there.

Jake

Is there a moment that you have had with David Poole that you shared that defines David?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

There are several. As I shared on NASCAR Now last night, David was a passionate man, no matter what the subject. After the 2004 Daytona 500 he and my colleague Ed Hinton got into a heated discussion about the parking situation there. He was as passsionate about that as he was the race winner. The next year the parking was fixed. But my favorite Poole story is how he used to call me and a few buddies the "cool kids.," among other things. Alhough we are the same age, he thought we were all ganging up to rule the NASCAR garage when in fact we were just drrinking buddies. We invited David several times to be one of the cool kids. What he never knew was he always, in his own way, was very cool.

Johnny (New York)

Hey David, This weekend we saw something we never see at Talladega. Two packs of two cars literally being able to run away from the rest of the field on their own. Is anyone talking about this in your circle? What's going on? Is it because the COT punches such a big hole in the air that the second stays glued to the bumper of the front car?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Actually, the two-car draft has been common at plate racing since it was introduced last year. If you remember it was the two-car pack of Busch and Newman that got Newman a win in the Daytona 500 last year. It's more prominent at Dega for some reason. You saw it a lot in the fall race once everybody figured out they could do it. I don't understand all the aerodynamics of it, but it works.

Saul (San Diego)

We are passed Talladega that created movement in the standing. U have Ryan at 13spot, followed by Kahne, Earnhardt, Montoya, Vickers, Martin, Ambrose, & Harvick at 20th. With 16 races to go before the chase, who do you thing will be able to race into the top 12 and make the chase?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

I still like Martin to slide in. Maybe Newman. It's hard to rule any out yet, but those would be my picks.

shamster (chicago)

do you agree with jeff gordon

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

On what?

Jimmy (Dega)

I almost got hit by a scrap metal last weekend at dega, what do ya think about that dave?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

I'm glad you are OK first of all. So you were near the accident. What was it like? Email me later. I'd like to hear your story.

Darrell (Biloxi, MS)

Will Brad Kesolowski have a full-time ride the rest of the year after the win on Sunday.

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

He's only slated to run 16 races t his year, and that hasn't changed. He won't be in the Cup race th is weekend. His future remains uncertain. His best hope is that Mark Martin has a change of heart and decides he doesn't want to drive next season. I don't see that happening, though.

shamster (chicago)

who is your favroite basketball player and your favoit sport

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

My favorite player of all time was David Thompson. Man could he get up there. My favorite sport is the NFL to watch, golf to play.

Race fan

Hey David, what cup seat if any will Brad K end up in next year?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Stay tuned. Nothing on the horizon yet.

Larry (MI)

Very sad to hear about David Poole, I loved reading his columns. Are these next couple of weeks make or break for Dale Jr? He seems to run well at tracks like Richmond and Dover.

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

If he doesn't do well at those tracks it will be tough for him to close in time for the Chase. But he's been steady for the past six races with the exception of the hiccup at Texas. He's still right in the thick of things.

Rick (Buffalo, NY)

With Mark Martin talking about undertaking another full-time season in the #5 do you think Mr. H will work out some type of deal with SHR to get Brad K. a full time ride next year? If Logano and Speed were deemed ready for a full time ride then Brad is way over due.

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

That would be a good plan. I'm sure Hendrick has given it some thought.

Jerry (Virginia Beach, Virginia)

Hello Mr. Newton. Who do you think has the better upside, Brad Keselowski or Joey Logano? Personally I think Keselowski remaining relatively unknown to NASCAR (except Junior Nation) has helped him progress faster than Sliced Bread.

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

I'd still go with Logano. He's seven years younger and by the second half of the season you'll see more finishes like the one at Dega.

Jake

Could Junior move his Cup team up with Keslowski next year with Hendrick equipment possibly co-own with James Finch with the Go-daddy sponsor as well as the Miccosukee sponsorship?

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Junior has hinted in the past he'd like to move to Cup. It's actually cheaper considering he can come up with sponsors easier for that than Nationwide. I'll ask him this weekend about that.

Tank

You always say that restrictor plates are necessary for super speedway racetracks and dictionaries are needed for intelligible messages...I am starting to see your point on both...

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

You are priceless Tank.

flynn (sardis al)

Is phoenix a good indicator of whos gunna be good at richmond this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

It's as good as any. The way the car reacts and handles is very similar.

Rick (Pa)

JJ was more vocale than usual about the race and the track after Sunday. He certainly has the cache as a 3 time champ but you do not often hear from him. Behind the scenes is he leader in representing the drivers with NASCAR officials?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Glad you noticed that. He's starting to feel comfortable in that role. Good for him. He's done more in the last three years than most will in a career. His voice should be heard.

Sheldon (Nova Scotia)

Rest peacefully Mr Poole - you will be missed. Regarding the 2-packs running away, I thought it was funny that Fox broadcasters made a big deal about it and said they'd never seen it before... Denny Hamlin was doing that all of last year.

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

Ditto on Poole. And ditto on your noticing this was nothing new. Maybe you should be the analyst this week.

John (Champaign, IL

Hi David, Dont you think the races at Daytona and Dega would be more compectitive without the restrictor plates ?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

How can they be more competitive than they are right now? It's some of the best racing we see all year. Take away the plates and you invite death.

Saul (San Diego)

I caught a little of the Dan Patrick Show, ESPN Radio and seemed he was critical of NASCAR current decision not to change anything at Talladega and is placing fans and drivers at risk. Do you have any sensing of the general feeling out there that NASCAR should make changes or is it a dead issue?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

I should invite Dan to the track to talk to the guys. The feeling in the garage is mixed. Most don't believe they need to blow the place up, but they do believe the speeds need to be controlled. Averaging 199 is too fast at that track.

JD

Is there a particular reason why Harvick's wife wears a firesuit? Is she a backup tire changer?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

She may be the crew chief if he doesn't start running better. She just feels that if she's going to be inthe pits she might as well be as safe as everybody else.

Rick (Buffalo, NY)

Any chance Rick convinces Tony S. to add a third car next year for Brad- switch his owner points to the new ride and bank on his past champ provisional as he did for the first 5 races this year? Also, if something like this doesn't happen do you think Brads development will be hampered?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

You're one of several to suggest this already. We'll see. Stewart has said he won't start a third team until he and Newman are championship caliber. Think they're getting close now.

Johnny (New York)

Yeah, being a Newman fan, I definitely remember last year's Daytona and always will. What we're seeing now are cars breaking away and pulling away, instead of breaking ahead a little and coming back to the pack eventually. On the last restart Sunday I was watching Kurt Busch in third who was right there behind Junior. When Junior locked onto Newman's bumper, Kurt couldn't hang with those two, even though he was right there. It was a weird thing to watch.

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

What I didn't understand was why Hamlin and Logano didn't hook up near the end. I saw one opportunity, but I guess Joey isn't experienced enough to take that risk. Can't blame him for taking the safe way for a good finish. He needed one.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Isn't it about time NASCAR prohibits and penalizes blocking, like the IRL does?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

If it gets out of hand, but isn't blocking part of racing? I mean, there has to be some.

just in NH

I think that it is a hoot, that week after week you're asked who your pick is for the race...after Sunday's race they shoule realize that even the drivers with the checkered flag in view haven't a clue!!!! What a finish!! BTW who's your pick this week and while I'm asking how about the power ball numbers??!! hehe

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Didn't I pick Brad last week? Guess I didn't. Already made my pick for this week. Kyle Busch.

David Fuller (Marion, NY)

Any news on the Nationwide COT for next year?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Nothing since the last time when NASCAR said it would begin phasing it in.

David Fuller (Marion, NY)

Kinda funny that an occasional start and park team won the Cup race, huh?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

I wouldn't call it start-and-park, but it is a bit ironic. Says something about the Hendrick support as well.

casper

alright.. so im feeling less confident about kurt busch not making the chase this year... hes done a great job running well at every kind of track this year. last few years hes started fine and then faded.

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

I agree. Still waiting on my case of Miller Lite, though.

Scott (Atlanta)

Will Kyle Petty run some races for Stewart-Hass this year as a preview for a possible full time ride in the teams's third car next season?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

Where the heck did you hear that? Nothing against Kyle Petty, but I think Stewart is smarter than to go down that road.

Tank

You see tickets at Yankee Stadium cost $2610 per seat (wonder what they charge for a hot dog...must be at least $500)??? what is the most expensive ticket in NASCAR?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

Good question, Tank. I haven't purchased a ticket in a long time. I'll ask around next week and find out. What's the most expensive ticket you've purchased for a race.

hunt (vienna)

how many pppl gopt hurt

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

Seven. None serious thank goodness.

Jake

It would be good business move for Jr. to go in with Finch in my opinion he has a 10 race sponsorship, and cars with Hendrick. You should put it in both their heads.

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

I'll definitely pursue. I like the way you think. I bet Junior does as well.

Joe (Fleetwood PA)

With the way Smoke ran at Phoenix, I think he might be able to pull out the win at Richmond

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

He'd be my second pick behind Busch. He always seems to run well at Richmond. Well not always. Think he missed the Chase a few years ago with a subpar run. But he is strong there.

Cody (Santa Barbara CA)

JJ said earlier int he week that NAscar should penalize more often on bump drafting..shouldnt that first step come from the drivers themself? WHy wait for nascar? It should start from the drivers on the track! Dont you think?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

The drivers want to win. Bump drafting is the fastest way to the front at plate tracks. Now do you think they're going to settle for just riding around? Even JJ admits that.

Friend, Detroit

Mr. Newton, do you think Michigan will lose one of its two NASCAR dates?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

I hope not. The putt putt courses near the track need the business. Plus my friend Angelique with the News and ESPN needs the work.

Scott (Atlanta)

Heard it from DP's radio show last week as a rumor. Remember, Kyle Petty brings sponsoship dollars, and he is great friends with Stewart. I think he could be successful in decent equipment.

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

I'd put Brad Keselowski in the car before Petty. I know they are friends and Stewart does wonderful things for the Victory Junction Camp. But it's time for Kyle to retire. Nothing perssonal, mind you. I really like the guy as well. I just believe Brad has more upside.

Jake

Any other track besides Kansas require season tickets? if not I would consider Kansas the most expensive...

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Others have season ticket packages and require you to buy Nationwide tickets with the Cup tickets. I'd have to research further the cost issue.

Jake

Do you know how pastors get the chance to do the opening prayer at Nascar races?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

I suppose the track invites them. I'm a PK (preacher's kid), but I'm not an expert on that.

Jim, Cleveland

Any recommendations on good restaurants/bbq in Richmond? Going to my first Richmond race Saturday and I can't wait!

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

It's a great town. I love the bar/restaurant area downtown. The Tobacco Company and a few places around there has good food. If you find a great BBQ place let me know. I start a diet on Sunday and need a last fix.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Hey David, what have you been hearing in regards to Truex for next season??? RCR, Penske, Gibbs, etc.?????

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

It's been pretty quiet. All three would be candidatses and were after him last year. RCR might be a reach since it has a full stable. I like Gibbs or Penske, and possibly Stewart Haas.

Jake

I am in school to be a Chaplain in the Air Force, and have always wanted to the Opening prayer at a race. Anyways. Thanks for all that you do for the sport.

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

Why don't you contact the PR department at the track closest to you. Also send me an email and I'll see what I can find out. I am sure the tracks would love to have both a Chaplain and military person.

Stu (Madison, Va.)

Switching gears on you, but do you get to go to any local short tracks during the season? Due to finances and poor scheduling by my fiance, I am only going to make it to one NSCS race this year. South Boston, Bowman Gray, Southside all do it for me. What is your favorite?

RANDY RITCHIE WHEATFIELD INDIANA

HI DAVID! YESTERDAY WAS A VERY SAD DAY FOR THE NASCAR FAMILY, I HAD JUST LISTENED TO MR.DAVID POOLE ON THE MORNING DRIVE RADIO SHOW SO I WAS EXTREMELY UPSET AND STUNNED WHEN NASCAR NOW CAME ON YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AND ANNOUNCED THAT MR. DAVID POOLE WAS NO LONGER WITH US. ANYONE WHO FOLLOWS NASCAR RESPECTED MR. DAVID POOLE AND I WAS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO HE ALWAYS MADE MY MORNINGS BRIGHTER JUST BY HIM MAKING ME LAUGH LISTENING TO HIS SHOW. I AM TRULY VERY SAD AND FEEL FOR ALL OF YOU IN THE MEDIA WHO LOST SUCH A GREAT FRIEND . SINCERELY, RANDY RITCHIE

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

He was a hardass as a writer, but a softy below the skin. He will indeed be missed. Thanks.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

Youve given your winner, what about your top 5 this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhart Jr. and Brad Keselowski. Oops. Not in the race. We'll go with another rookie. Joey Logano.

RANDY INDIANA

DAVID, THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHT AND THOUGHTS EVERY WEEK

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

It's my pleasure. The highlight of my week, outside of spending time with my wife and kids.

Stu (Madison, Va.)

Tell Jim that Extra Billy's on Broad Street has the best BBQ. Banditos (burrito lounge) has the best mexican food and bar scene in the city!

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

I'm staying at the Marriott on Broad St. I may have to check that out. Sure it's all healthy for me. I do know if a place on the back rout to the track that sells good fried chicken. I do know that is very greasy and not good for me.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

David, first of all my condolences to everyone about David Poole, he was a great journalist. When we going to start hearing news about silly season with sponsors/drivers?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

It should crank up very soon. Many sponsors are seeking to get out or bring on associate sponsors. That will impact the driver deals. Stay tuned. And thanks for thinking of DP.

David (Valenca, CA)

Hello David. Though it's been a few days any word on how Casey and Todd are doing? Thanks!

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

No word. Anybody out there hear anything.

Erik, Houston

Isn't it likely that Brad K will now join the ranks of the 1 win wonders like Truex, Park, Lake Speed, McMurry, Mears, Phil Parsons, Sacks etc.?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

I wouldn't call several of those one-win wonders. Truex was in the Chase last year and would be a threat again this year if he'd stop having such bad luck. McMurray has won more than once. Park's career changed when he was injured. Etc.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Also, Chicagoland requires you to purchase tickets to all the races there.

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Thanks. Any more? And I understand the madness there, but think it is totally unfair.

Chelsea (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

With Kasey making it known to RPM that he needs to have competitive equipment in order for him to stay there past 2010, do you think they're going to do whatever they can to give him that in order to try keep him? Where do you see Kasey going if he were to leave at the end of his contract?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

They'd be crazy to do anything else. He is the cornerstone driver of that team. If he leaves several teams, the same we mentioned for Truex earlier, would be in line.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

Wow, no Gordon, no Kurt, not even Denny? He woulda won last year if it wasnt for that tire. Didnt he lead like 350 out of 400 laps?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

My bad. Denny should be there. He just has horrible luck there. He dominated last year's race when the tire blew. Gordon will be top 10. Who knows.. He could threaten to win as well. I don't have a crystal ball, although that would be nice.

RANDY INDIANA

HEY DAVID! DO YOU THINK HAMLIN WILL FINALLY WIN @ HIS HOME TRACK SATURDAY NIGHT?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

I talked to him about it last week. He wants to so badly he can taste it. He's pictured it for so long now he's almost numb to how it will feel.

Stu (Madison, Va.)

You posted the question but didn't answer! What is your favorite local short track? Are there any outside of South Boston, Southside and Bowman Gray that I need to check out?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Sorry, Never saw the question. Must have been a gliche in the system. As far as favorite track among those,I'd go with South Boston.

Jay (Paducah, KY)

That was an impressive finish for Scott Speed on Sunday. Was that a fluke, or does this kid really have stock car talent?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Combination of impressive that he avoided all the big wrecks and fluke that if you hang around at Dega and are in the right place at the right time you can post a great finish. It happens there as much or more than anywhere. It was a great finish for him. He needed the boost. Remember, he doesn't have a lot of experience in these cars.

Mayra, Orlando

Isn't bad luck the most overused excuse in Nascar? I thought that drivers created their own luck, good or bad?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

I tend to agree for the most part. But occasionally bad things happen out of your control. Like Mark Martin blowing two engines.

Trevor, Salisbury, NC

Hi DN, I'll catch up reading all this in a little bit...but, just wanted to say we'll miss a NC and NASCAR treasure with DP's passing. We LOVED debating him a little on the thatsracin.com forums after many races. He was a GREAT professional and even better person. He will be sorely missed...hope he's having a good time with Dale Sr. and Bill France, Sr. !!!!

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Matt (Oxford, MS)

David, What are the chances of Kevin Harivck Inc. moving up to cup. It seems Harvick, or whoever is driving for him on the given week, is doing alot better in the KHI car than RCR. Can he financially back a cup team or would he need to merge with someone like Stewart-Haas did?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Kevin has squashed that notion several times. He likes competing in Truck and Natiownide. Maybe late in his career you'll see him move to Cup and maybe drive for himself. But for now he understands how tough it is to be an owner and he doesn't want the headache of being owner/driver. Although Stewart is doing a pretty good job with it. So who knows.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Woah, Newt! Sorry I'm late...What do you think about Newman's chances to actually make the chase again this year?The team looks great and nobody can doubt the Stewart-Haas equipment.

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

You made it just in time. As for Newman, he's coming on strong. No doubt he has the equipment and no doubt he can driver. That he qualifies well also is a plus. Being up front in this car iss key. The next few races will be key for him.

Ryan Anderson (Fargo, ND)

Is Jeff Gordon's back going to wreck the rest of his season?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

No, he'll be fine. It hsan't wrecked his season so far.

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

Well, my time has run out. Thanks for all the questions and notes about David Poole. NASCAR lost a great ambassador and being at the track this weekend without him in his usual spot at the end of my row will be sad. As somebody suggested, maybe they should leave that seat open to honor his memory.