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Hinton Archive: Columns
jr nation jrville ky
when dou think ron malec will take over for the 88 and become the crew chief
Ed Hinton (2:02 PM)
I don't think a change is coming anytime soon. I just hate it when these upstart web sites start throwing things around like that, and we at the professional sites have to debunk the stuff. We debunked the Jr.-Jr. split yet again a couple of weeks ago. My Hendrick sources say Eury is staying period.
norm, palm springs ca
Good afternoon Ed, Do you think the Roush cars will run better this weekend. Thanks
Ed Hinton (2:03 PM)
They should. Darlington for all its quirks is still an intermediate track. Biffle's won there twice and Burtons wins there came in Roush cars. But we've been waiting for Roush to get its act together in intermediates all year.
Ed, Hartford
Over on the IRL side they are saying that they won't be able to pay Danica Patrick enough to keep her next year and that NASCAR will snap her up for her promotion value. She's a pretty good driver, but I can't imagine her driving a COT. How do you thik she will do?
Ed Hinton (2:05 PM)
I'd love to see her in NASCAR because she'd have 42 feuds going within a month. When people hit her, she hits back. She once tested well in a Busch car, but she'd probably do an awful lot of complaining about a COT.
norm, palm springs ca
Ed, do you think the track will still have the grip like last year? Or will tires be an issue? Thanks
Ed Hinton (2:06 PM)
People tell me Darlington's chewing up tires again. Maybe not quite as bad as before repaving. Tires will be a problem, but teams are so used to it that it's hardly even an issue anymore.
TC
Hey Ed, great piece w/ Pearson and Hunter. Where will Brad K end up next year?
Ed Hinton (2:07 PM)
I'm think more and more that K will be the third driver at Hendrick's satellite team, Stewart-Haas . . .IF Tony can get sponsorship for him.
norm, palm springs ca
Ed, when of if do you think Nascar will give the teams a little more to work on the COT. As a fan for years, it is not very racey a lot of the time, your thoughts, thanks
Ed Hinton (2:08 PM)
Everybody's exasperated, including the crew chiefs. Something's gotta give. But it won't as long as Helton and Pemberton play stubborn.
Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)
What do you think of the Mountain Dew paint scheme on the #88 this weekend? How do you think it compares to last season's? Also, do you think it can find its way to victory lane this weekend?
Ed Hinton (2:10 PM)
I'm partially color blind, but even I can see that shade of green. I don't like it any more than when DW ran it in the '80s. Plus, see my general opinion on paint schemes in the column I just posted this afternoon.
Race fan
Hey Ed, loved your column about Indy. So just how much attention will you be paying to the Brickyard this month?
Ed Hinton (2:11 PM)
Sadly, I've been assigned to Charlotte this year. Indy will be in the able hands of Terry Blount.
Cory, Geneva, IL
Do unsponsored teams have to leave the hood blank? Why not put a picture or the driver or an american flag or just some crazy design?
Ed Hinton (2:12 PM)
They don't have to, but if they put something on the hood potential sponsors might not notice. It's easier if the hood is blank, and if a guy's running pretty good, maybe somebody says, hey, I might be able to sponsor that guy.
ray gordon reid long neck sc 29644
quuestion TO ED HINTON at 2.20pmHI ED DO YOU THINK BOBBY ALLISON CALE YARBOROUGH DAVID PEARSON OR RICHARD PETTY COULD HAVE WON DARLINGTON TODAY
Ed Hinton (2:14 PM)
Absolutely. It would take about one test session each for them to adapt to the COT. They'd think it easy.
Adam (Galax, VA)
Are we going to see the tire problems when we get to Indianapolis or has Goodyear fixed the problem?
Ed Hinton (2:15 PM)
I'm afraid it'll happen again, though maybe not as severe. Goodyear's been working on it. But the COT on that track is a bear to put tires on.
Rob (Colorado Springs)
Jr ran the retro Waltrip Dew car last year at Darlington. The new one is for Mtn Dew's new logo. If you're going to rant about something, get it straight.
Ed Hinton (2:16 PM)
All I knew is what Junior told us last week about it being what Darrell ran.
Mike, Chapel Hill NC
Lot of cautions last week in Richmond, should we expect more of the same this week? do you think that benefits any drivers or teams more than others?
Ed Hinton (2:17 PM)
Darlington is very conducive to cautions but sometimes the drivers are SO careful that not many come out. Cautions are beneficial only to teams set up for short runs. few of the top teams intentionally set up that way.
Cory, Geneva, IL
I know Jr. takes a lot of heat for riding just his fathers coattails, but he is among active drivers he is 8th in wins, 8th in Top 5's and 8th in Top 10's. That just doesn't happen by accident. If his name was Rusty McGoo where would we rank him as a driver?
Ed Hinton (2:18 PM)
If his name were Rusty McGoo he'd have never gotten to cup in the first place, no matter how good he was. Odds are about 1,000 to 1 of making it to cup if you don't have a name.
becka,va
will reed sorenson ever win
Ed Hinton (2:19 PM)
I'm beginning to wonder . . .then again, I'm not sure he's been in winning equipment yet.
Patti, Wheeling, IL
Who is your pick this weekend?
Ed Hinton (2:20 PM)
Gordon. Like Schwarb wrote today, there are no surprise winners at Darlington.
Marc (Gulfport, MS)
Hi Ed, do you think Carl Edwards did more harm than good by complaining about the pack racing at Talladega and Daytona? His argument went beyond safety concerns and, in my opinion, seemed like sour grapes. Your thoughts?
Ed Hinton (2:21 PM)
He didn't express anything more than the others feel. I don't think he did any harm, but i'm not sure he did any good with NASCAR officials, who don't listen until the drivers go to them in a group as they did several years ago.
Adam (Galax, VA)
Who is the one driver that could derail Jimmie Johnson as far as the championship is concerned?
Ed Hinton (2:22 PM)
There's a lot more than one, in the chase format.
Glen, Fla
Ed, which rookie finishes higher saturday night? I cant see either Joey or Speed finishing higher the 20th in their first trip to Darlington
Ed Hinton (2:23 PM)
I'd pick Speed to finish higher because his F1 experiences teaches him 110 percent focus on the track itself. Joey's more likely to wreck out, but they both could.
John, Gainesville, FL
Do you think NASCAR will let Roush keep all 5 teams next year, or enforce the rule of 4?
Ed Hinton (2:24 PM)
I honestly have no idea when or if NASCAR will enforce that rule, which was made -- what? four or five years ago. Supposedly Roush was grandfathered through the remainder of his multi-year sponsorship contracts. But he's changed a lot and they haven't nailed him yet.
norm, palm springs ca
Ed, Who do like this weekend. Thanks
Ed Hinton (2:25 PM)
Oops! Wrong post. But i'll say it again: Gordon. The experienced drivers prevail at Darlington.
Willie Mac, Houston
If his name were Rusty McGoo he'd have never gotten to cup in the first place, no matter how good he was. Odds are about 1,000 to 1 of making it to cup if you don't have a name. Have you lost your mind? Is this not the guy who won a few Busch Series titles? Come on man.
Ed Hinton (2:26 PM)
You're not hearing me. Just an average Joe out there wasn't going to make it even to Busch, either. Certainly not with that kind of ride.
Jerry (Tampa, FL)
Great little story on Junior Johnson's son. Do you think he might have the talent to make it someday? It kind of goes along with riding a father's coattails, so having Junior as a dad can't hurt.
Ed Hinton (2:28 PM)
Junior believes Robert has the talent and the desire. I think Junior is looking objectively. I don't think he'd let the kid go out there if he didn't believe in him. And Junior Johnson, whom I've known for 35 years, is the best judge of NASCAR talent I've ever seen. Now don't somebody bring up his last few drivers, which he had to take because the team wasn't what it used to be.
Mike, Chapel Hill NC
Despite a rough couple weeks prior, Kyle Busch comes out of Richmond 1 win more than he had last year this time. Do you think he's going to get on another roll like last summer?
Ed Hinton (2:30 PM)
Maybe not quite as hot, but he'll have his two in a row spells, etc. Remember, he's defending champion at Darlington.
Jerry (Tampa, FL)
Junior's team sure was good in its prime. Darrell said in his book he never should have left.
Ed Hinton (2:32 PM)
In his farewell speech to his personnel when he sold the team, Junior said, "If we'd been able to keep Bobby Allison, we'd have won 200 races and Richard Petty wouldn't have." Yes, Junior had some magnificent years with Allison, Cale and Darrell.
M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie: Get ready......I wanted to share a hilarious joke. It is the funniest thing you have ever heard. It goes like this: Rick Hendrick fired Kyle Busch to make room for Earnhardt Jr. Are you laughing as hard as me? I can't quit! Go Kyle Busch!
Ed Hinton (2:32 PM)
Real old joke. Worn out.
John, Gainesville, FL
Do you think its a done deal that Atlanta loses a date to Kentucky next year?
Ed Hinton (2:33 PM)
May not be done yet, but Bruton sooner or later is gonna have to give up on Atlanta. It drives him nuts because it's such a big market and can't draw.
Marc (Gulfport, MS)
Ed, also just read your newest article. I completely agree that drivers are losing their identity somewhat with owners playing musical paint schemes. Is this a bigger issue than the average fan realizes?
Ed Hinton (2:35 PM)
I think it's much bigger than the average fan realizes. The fan may be all up on the paint scheme of his favorite driver -- maybe looking for the new scheme on Jayski or wherever -- but consciously or unconsciously is getting very confused by the various schemes drivers show up with, one week to another.
Willie Mac, Houston
How long before a super star name in NASCAR is busted under the substance abuse? Or are they given a little leeway in the testing program?
Ed Hinton (2:37 PM)
I think the big names just know better. Big sponsorship is what keeps drivers squeaky-clean, and has done so, many years before drug problems among sports figures emerged.
Rob; Johnstown Pennsylvania
Hi Ed, What's up with Bobby Labonte? He started the season looking like a legitimate chase contender who could win a race or two this year, and now he looks like an "also ran" week in and week out.
Ed Hinton (2:38 PM)
Resources may not be enough for that team to keep up. And, Bobby's in the twilight of his career.
norm, palm springs ca
Ed, I like Jr. as is good for the sport and Hendricks. Do you them start to turn it around this weekend?
Ed Hinton (2:39 PM)
Junior runs decent at Darlington, and a win there would be huge for him. But I doubt he's going to get it there. Too many savvy previous winners in his way.
Larry (MI)
Ed, I got an even funnier joke for you. It goes like this: No matter how many races Kyle Busch wins, he will never be as rich and will never make Joe Gibbs the kind of money Dale Jr is making for Rick Hendrick. Now that is hilarious.
Ed Hinton (2:40 PM)
Just giving JuniorNation its rebuttal to the other one.
Matt (Chicago)
Ed, as a fan of the 9, I'm of two minds on your paint scheme piece...I hated it a few years ago when he was running the crazy Dodge and "Click" (movie) schemes, but nowadays, I wouldn't mind seeing say a Black Bud Dodge just to mix it up. Are you against special schemes all together, or against that they're usually not "special" anymore with so many?
Ed Hinton (2:41 PM)
Yes, I'm against paint scheme changes altogether. I'm with Humpy Wheeler: cars should be required to keep the same dominant color all season, regardless of sponsorship. Just makes it easier on the spectators.
norm, palm springs ca
Ed, I think it they did away with bump/slam drafting at the plate races, and let them use the whole track, you would end the wrecking, your thoughts?
Ed Hinton (2:43 PM)
Using the whole track wouldn't end it. They could go five wide down the back, and the entrance to 3 at Dega is only three wide. So there'd be a jam down there for sure.
Mike, Chapel Hill NC
Nashville seems like a great track, when do you think we'll see a cup race there?
Ed Hinton (2:44 PM)
Guess it depends on when Bruton wants to buy it, and what he's willing to do to get a race there. On its own, sadly, Nashville's chances appear to be slim.
John, Gainesville, FL
Do you see Kyle Petty driving in the truck series with some of the other Cup castoffs? (ie Bodine, Skinner, Musgrave, Benson, etc)...or too busy with Victory Junction?
Ed Hinton (2:45 PM)
I know he wants to get back in, really bad, but I haven't seen that his prospects are very good. Kyle's future is in broadcasting, and the sooner he settles in the better.
Ryan (Villanova)
If you had the yellow line at Daytona and Talladega since they've had restrictor plates then you would have negated the best pass in Restrictor Plate history: Gordon in the 1999 Daytona 500. I KNOW you feel the same way about that pass.
Ed Hinton (2:46 PM)
Great pass, and part of the single greatest plate racing performance I have ever seen. Gordon was coming off his 13-win season and NOBODY wanted to work with him that day. It was him vs 42 other drivers, and he beat them all.
M. Cook [Atlanta, GA]
Eddie, is it really true Rick Hendrick is a convicted felon? Was he involved in drugs?
Ed Hinton (2:48 PM)
Nothing like that. It was a year of house arrest on a money laundering charge related to the Honda dealer kickback scandal in the 90s. Just about everybody in NASCAR considered him innocent, and picked on by grandstanding U.S. attorneys.
sean (chandler az)
I was at the phoenix race and didnt notice hamlin all night because of his white paint job. I think different wall paint is cool though darlington this weekend and the yellow walls for the all star race is pretty cool.
Ed Hinton (2:50 PM)
Wall colors I guess would be OK occasionally. It's keeping up with the cars on the track that's the problem. Your missing of Hamlin makes my point.
Marc (Gulfport, MS)
Ed, sadly I think Rick Hendrick, Joe Gibbs, and Jack Roush disagree with your view on various paint schemes.
Ed Hinton (2:51 PM)
Not necessarily. They're doing what the sponsors want. That doesn't mean they want it.
Matt (Chicago)
You're a classic man and I respect that, Ed. Given the theme of the day, what are your top-5 paint schemes of all time?
Ed Hinton (2:52 PM)
Petty's blue and red, Pearson's red and white, Earnhardt's black, Donnie Allison's candy-apple red No. 1, DW's Budweiser red on white.
Joe (Fleetwood PA)
I like the Gordon but Smoke is due for win even though he has never won at Darlington, but Gordon never won at Texas see where I am going with this
Ed Hinton (2:53 PM)
I see where you're going, and if there's a new winner at Darlington, it'll be Smoke.
Willie Mac, Houston
I guess any fan of the 9 should expect one win a year and 20th in points
Ed Hinton (2:55 PM)
Oooh! a first on this chat! A Kasey Kahne detractor! Willie Mac, all the ladies of this nation -- and all the college students, for some reason -- will be after you for that.
Mike, Chapel Hill NC
It seems like we are seeing more and more of Chad Knaus doing PR things (Which is great, he's personable, knowledgeable, and articulate). Do you think we might to see others starting to add some PR focus on other crew chiefs?
Ed Hinton (2:57 PM)
Chad has managed to make himself a household name with his brilliance and his . . .er . . innovation. Plus, the commercials he's in usually are about Kobalt tools, a Lowe's brand. He's a big name with precisely the right product connection. Other crew chiefs might follow, but would need a similar set of circumstances.
Ryan (Villanova)
If you're giving DW credit for the Budweiser car then you gotta throw some love to Bonnett as well. Budwesier had some sponsorship money to burn that year. 2 cars?
Ed Hinton (2:58 PM)
Bonnett was probably the nicest guy who ever ran in NASCAR. He even put up with DW as a teammate one year . . .hope DW is out there reading . . .I owe him one or two from the last time we did NASCAR Now together.
Andrew, KY
Should I be worried about the slipping results for Clint Bowyer in the 33?
Ed Hinton (2:59 PM)
I think so. Terry Blount has learned that Bowyer is a lot more of a complainer inside the hauler than I realized. If you're constantly growling to crewmen, that never helps.
Johnny (NY)
Ed, how about Cale's Hardees #28? That car could be seen from a mile away and looked pretty damn sharp if I say so myself
Ed Hinton (3:00 PM)
That was a nice one, for sure. But I always sensed Cale was out of place when he quit driving Junior's blue and white Busch No. 11.
Mike, Chapel Hill NC
What about the Tide Ride? I miss that one!
Ed Hinton (3:02 PM)
We're out of time, but I'll close with a great Waltrip Tide Ride story. At a short track, think it was Wilkesboro, Rusty was trying to do a payback on Waltrip in the Tide car. Rusty spun out himself. Waltrip told me a few minutes later, "We've put him through his spin cycle. Now we're gonna hang him out to dry." Thanks for visiting, all.
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