Terry Blount

  (2:00 PM)

Good day everyone. What's eating at ya today?

Cody, Lugoff, SC

Everyone is coming to SC this week. Who do you think will win in Darlington?

Terry Blount

  (2:00 PM)

Jeff Gordon

John (KY)

Terry, thanks for the weekly info. What is the talk about Jeff Gordons back? I assume he does not see it as a performance issue?

Terry Blount

  (2:02 PM)

Jeff does have some pain from back spasms, but he doesn't have a major injury. I don't think it bothers him to the point that it impacts his driving.

Stu (Madison, Va.)

Do I agree with NASCAR about wanting to see Cup guys run roughshod in the minors? Would I pay to watch Chipper Jones take BP off the Columbus Clippers pitcher? I pay 95 bucks to watch that on Sunday, on Saturday night I want to see some people run that have something to prove, some passion (like a local track), not someone just turning laps to get a couple bucks or make a sponsor happy.

Terry Blount

  (2:03 PM)

I think a lot of people feel the way you do Stu, but some don't.

Felipe (Dallas)

With Montoya staying close to the top 12, what do you think his chances are of making it and how would you rate his season so far?

Terry Blount

  (2:04 PM)

Felipe, I think you ask this question every week. I think he's having a strong year, but I still would rate his Chase chances a little less than 50/50. He needs to post top-3 finishes on both road courses and stay out of trouble elsewhere to give himself a real shot at it.

Sean (Philadelphia)

Hi, Terry. Do you think Scott Speed is in trouble with his performance (or lack thereof) this season? Do you think they will do for him what they did for Allmendinger and put a veteran like Skinner in the car? And how much do you think they regret letting A.J. go? Thanks.

Terry Blount

  (2:06 PM)

Scott isn't in trouble at this point. I don't think the RB folks look back with regrets on the AJ decision. What's done is done.

Adam nc

Will RPM use the new Dodge engine soon ? Since Kahne has fallen to 17th in points will he make the chase.

Terry Blount

  (2:08 PM)

The original plan was to use the new engine inhe all-star race at Lowe's. Assuming everything goes OK, they would use it in the Coca-Cola 600. But they might wait one more race because you have to be certain on reliability for the longest race of the season.

John (KY)

If, Kentucky gets a Cup race, which other SMI track will give up one? Thanks

Terry Blount

  (2:09 PM)

Probably Atlanta, but Kentucky won't get a race next year unless the lawsuit is dropped. The clock is ticking.

Saul (San Diego)

Mears & Harvick switched crew chiefs because of under performance. They felt a change had to be made. I have to ask if after another poor performance by the 88 team, due to a ill handing car, any feelers out there if the RH organization going to make a Crew Chief Change? It just seems as if something has to get done. Its the same story thing over and over.

Terry Blount

  (2:10 PM)

I believe this should have happened already, but Hendrick folks say they have no plans to switch. That will change at some point unless we see major improvement.

Cody, Lugoff, SC

Who will be better when they are both retired? Gordon or Johnson?

Terry Blount

  (2:11 PM)

Excellent question. I'll stick with Gordon, but JJ could prove me wrong. And Kyle may end up better than both of them.

John (KY)

Lugnuts, Lugnuts and more Lugnuts. I know the issue with the lugnuts has been blamed on the change in length of the studs, but Jeez every week. I have never seen a recurring issue week after week. Your thoughts.

Terry Blount

  (2:13 PM)

It is surprising. The problem is the crews are trying to do it as fast as they did before, but they can't. They need to slow down a little rather than make a mistake.

Patrick (NC)

What are the chances Darlington is Tony Jr's final race as Junior's crew chief?

Terry Blount

  (2:13 PM)

Highly unlikely.

Scott (Indy)

Are you surprised by Penske coming along like they have this year (Big Brother is 2nd...what does he need to do to get out from little brother's shadow?). Hornish has been coming along the last few races, too.

Terry Blount

  (2:15 PM)

I'm a little surprised, but everyone knew Roger wouldn't stay down for long. Kurt doesn't have the edge-of-your-seat skills that Kyle has, but he also doesn't make as many mistakes.

Cody, Lugoff, SC

After the Edwards wreck, why was everyone saying the track needs more safety stuff. It did the job by stopping the car. Would they rather have a few people with minor injuries, or 50 dead people??

Terry Blount

  (2:17 PM)

The point is they were lucky people weren't killed.And incident like that is a wake-up call to make sure they don't come that close to a tragic moment again.

Marion SC

what is the future of Dodge? what do you think since they are in bankruptcy. well what will Fiat do?

Terry Blount

  (2:18 PM)

It isn't Fiat's decision to make at the moment. I have my doubts about Dodge remaining in NASCAR beyond 2010.

John (KY)

Have there been any stats compiled to show how attendance compares to last year through the first 10 races?

Terry Blount

  (2:19 PM)

It's down slightly, but not off a far as many people thought it would be. Most of the races still have huge crowd of well over 100,000.

Larry (MI)

I know Brad K has a good relationship with Dale Jr. and Mr. Hendrick but could you see Brad taking over the 55 next year? Brad would have a very committed sponsor and NAPA would have a very likeable young gun to put in their commercials. Also the 00 has been running a lot better. Obviously, this all depends on whether Mikey is ready to hang it up.

Terry Blount

  (2:21 PM)

Brad will have some option for 2010, but I doubt the 55 is one he would consider, especially if he has a future at Hendrick. .

Larry (MI)

Read that Regan Smith is close to signing a deal for a full-time ride in 2010, any idea with who?

Terry Blount

  (2:21 PM)

Don't know, but I think he's a talented young driver that deserves a chance.

Aron (Las Colinas, Tx)

Do you see Burton Smith really moving a date from a SMI track to Kentucky in '10? If so, where from?

Terry Blount

  (2:22 PM)

Atlanta, but this all hinges on the Kentucky lawsuit going away within the next couple of months.

Rick (Pittsburgh, PA)

F1 has allowed alot of customization with the Cars this year (rear diffuser especially), and Competition is very strong. Do you see NASCAR ever lessening the restrictions on how much teams can do with the Car?

Terry Blount

  (2:23 PM)

The crew chiefs are all for it, but NASCAR has held firm on this, not wanted to alter the new car. The CCs want minor changes to add downforce.

Saul (San Diego)

Ok, going into Darlington, sitting in 13 spot is Reutimann, followed by Montoya, Martin, Vickers, Earnhardt and at 19th Ambrose. What does your eight ball say Who will race into the chase.

Terry Blount

  (2:25 PM)

If I'm picking one of that good it's Martin. JPM still has a shot if he smokes the field at the road courses.

Scott (Indy)

Will Goodyear get the tires figured out for the Brickyard race? I've been reading where they are still having troubles. They have me a little worried right now.

Terry Blount

  (2:25 PM)

Everyone is worried. They still can't get a full fuel run out of the tires. But a big test is coming next month that should help find a solution.

daniel (ga) [via mobile]

when will dale jr get his first win this season?

Terry Blount

  (2:27 PM)

They just need to worry about running well, but if I had a pick a victory, I'd say Daytona in July.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Hey Terry, Do you think Tony Raines will be able to keep the #34 in the top 35 in points until Andretti returns????

Terry Blount

  (2:30 PM)

I think Tony is just as capable as John. They could stay where they are because there aren't many cars below them that can move up.

Stu (Madison, Va.)

What is the coolest thing you have ever seen at Darlington? I'm making the trip down with a bunch of people this weekend. The last time we went, there was a small monsoon and they didn't run the race until Sunday. Not ideal, but still a great track, even from the chicken bone section.

Terry Blount

  (2:33 PM)

The amazing sheet metal banging finish with Ricky Craven and Kurt Busch in 2003. One of the best finishes ever.

Larry (MI)

If we see another Indy disaster maybe Nascar should drop Indy and give Kentucky that date.

Terry Blount

  (2:33 PM)

Not gonna happen Larry, as I'm sure you know.

Steve (St. Anthony, MN)

Hi Terry Love your stuff. What is behind the success of Ambrose? He is doing great even though he has not raced on most of these tracks. Waltrip Racing or talent?

Terry Blount

  (2:35 PM)

Ambrose is a much better driver that most people realize. He's also benefitting from the improvments this year at MWR. It's good for the series for a guy like Marcos to race competively. The future is bright for him.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Terry, Should NASCAR allow the maximum amount of teams to be 5??? That way, Roush could keep his group together and Hendrick would have a spot for Keselowski.

Terry Blount

  (2:36 PM)

I don't see NASCAR going back on this rule now. Plus, teams have managed to get around it by aligning and forming partnerships, like RFR and Yates.

Jeff (Springfield, VA)

I think that NASCAR needs to put a time limit on how long you can run in the Natiowide series after you become a fulltime cup driver, I'd say 3 years, after that no more Nationwide races for you. I think that the Cup guys just take the spots form guys who are coming up in the sport and it may in the long run effect the future of NASCAR. The Cup guys should create their own teams and hire young drivers if they want the extra money.

Terry Blount

  (2:38 PM)

As I wrote in the column, it's reallyup to the fans. I don't have a problem with Cup guys racing ina few NW events to help see tix. I do have a problem with them racing for the championship

Aron (Las Colinas, Tx)

I'll try another question since my last was already asked and answered... Give me who will be in the Top 12 in September?

Terry Blount

  (2:39 PM)

I don't see it changing much with the possible exception on Mark Martin. That means someone has to fall out. Maybe Newman or Biff.

John(Grand Rapids, MI)

Am I the only one that thinks Steve Letarte's strategy decisions are hurting the #24 team? No tires for 120 laps????

Terry Blount

  (2:42 PM)

Many people questioned Letarte's decision last year, but Gordon got off to a great start in 09 and everything was good. Every CC makes a wrong call sometimes, just like a MLB manager makes the wrong move every now and then. Success comes by making the right move most of the time.

Sean (Philadelphia)

I have a Nationwide Series question for you. In your story, you talked about the 27 team saying that if they had the resources that the cup teams had that they could beat them. So I guess my question is do they object to the cup teams or the cup drivers? I'd understand the objection to the cup drivers but what about the teams that have Nationwide-only drivers like Allgaier? Do teams like Baker-Curb not like having them around too, since they still have more resources?

Terry Blount

  (2:43 PM)

I think they're fine with Cup teams if they run developmental driver like Justin. Yes, they stll have more money, but at least they are using it to help a young driver get better.

clay ( vegas)

Do you see the Aussie running well over the next several races (given his recent success plus his road course skill) ?

Terry Blount

  (2:44 PM)

I think Marcos could kick some bootie on the road courses. But he may struggle at a place like Darlington.

Dan, SC

Terry- You do see Gibbs expanding to 4 teams next year? And what about Michael Waltrip, will he be back next year?

Terry Blount

  (2:45 PM)

My guess is yes on JGR going to four teams next year and no on Mikey running full time in 2010.

Stu (Madison, Va.)

If you can only get an quote from one driver about a hot-button issue, who would you ask?

Terry Blount

  (2:46 PM)

Jeff Burton, hands down. A future US senator.

sean (chandler az)

For some reason ive missed the darlington races since its been repaved are they still falling off 4 seconds a lap and sliding around like the old pavement?

Terry Blount

  (2:47 PM)

No, not even close. New pavement always changes a track, but a driver still can get the famous Darlington stripe coming off the turn.

Geno (florida)

are owners allowed to run different makes for each race? i noticed the 09 car was a chevy at dega and a dodge at RIR

Terry Blount

  (2:48 PM)

They can run any make they want if they don't have a deal with a manufacturer.

Marc (Gulfport, MS)

Terry- If they flattened Talladega and reconfigured the banking, what kind of racing would we see then? Seems fishy that Edwards and Roush want to see this especially considering the lack of success on plate tracks and resounding success on the somewhat flatter intermediates. Daytona and 'Dega offer the most exciting racing of the year. Hate to see that go away.

Terry Blount

  (2:49 PM)

It would force the drivers to let off the gas in the turns and probably spread out the field. But it's a moot point. It ain't happening.

Nick (Hastings, NE)

While we are on the Nationwide series, I want your opinion. I remember back in the day where it was only the Nationwide drivers racing that series and it seemed a lot easier to see the future talent, Take Earnhardt Jr., Harvick, Steve Park and Vickers for example, but with all the Cup drivers racing in it do you think its tougher to see the talent considering they are in the good equipment compared to some of these other teams? I would like to see how these drivers would do coming up through a top notch program like Roush or Childress.

Terry Blount

  (2:51 PM)

Cup guys always have raced in the NW Series (formerly Busch Series) but they didn't compete in all the events and race for the championship. So the NW regulars earned some name recognition and people started following them. The series had an identity for the up-and-comers.

Zach(Maryland)

Terry, what is your top 5 this week?

Terry Blount

  (2:52 PM)

Gordon, Johnson, the Busch brothers and Biffle.

Chris (Richmond, VA)

Who do you think will be driving that fourth Gibbs car?

Terry Blount

  (2:53 PM)

If I had to say today, Truex. But I wouldn't count out Kahne, even though he's signed with RPM through 2010.

David (NC)

What's goin on with Kenseth, and the Roush teams as a whole? Thanks Terry

Terry Blount

  (2:55 PM)

They've been racing at some tracks where historically they haven't been so hot, but look for the Roush group to pick it up as the series goes to move intermediate ovals.

Zach(Maryland)

What? no love for smoke?

Terry Blount

  (2:56 PM)

Tony is a contender everywhere. He's also a contender for the title, something I wouldn't have believed possible when the season started.

Larry (MI)

If a crew chief change does happen with the 88 team, Do you think they do a swap with the 5 or does Tony Jr take a step down and we see someone like Ron Malec take over the 88 team.

Terry Blount

  (2:56 PM)

I'd go with Malec. I don't think Gustafson is leaving the 5.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Late again! How about that Stewart-Haas? They have become the new model of consistency! Do both teams make it in the chase?

Terry Blount

  (2:57 PM)

Stewart for sure. Newman is a maybe for me at this point, but they have improved dramatically over the last month.

Steve (St. Anthony, MN)

Hi Again Do you see Kyle sweeping the road course races again this year?

Terry Blount

  (2:58 PM)

No. Lots of good roadies out there with JPM, Gordon and Stewart, to name a few.

Marc (Gulfport, MS)

Terry- A question my buddies and I always go back and forth over. What defines talent in racing? When people say that Kyle has the most talent they've ever seen, how do you quantify that? I've always been of the mindset that if you don't have the equipment, talent only gets you so far. Thanks.

Terry Blount

  (3:00 PM)

That's true. The best car isn't good in bad equipment and the worst driver isn't good in good equipment. So it is tough to judge. But one big thing is car control. Kyle can keep the car moving forward when he's on the edge of crashing.

Terry Blount

  (3:01 PM)

Gotta run folks. Off to do NASCAR Now. We'll be talking about my column on the Cuppers dominating the Nationwide Series. Have a great day. Peace.