David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Welcome to a special Tuesday-instead-of-Wednesday chat session with me. Terry needed a break. Said something about time on or at a golf course with his wife. Not really sure. Anyway, I'm here and ready to go. Fire away.

Evan (Richmond)

Hey David, Huge Red Bull fan here....I was wondering do you see Vickers making the chase this year? He has a lot of good tracks coming up, as well as a lot of good tracks leading up to the chase. Thanks

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

It's not looking good. He's really struggled the past month and fallen back in the standings, and the problem is there are some good drivers between him and the top 12. I'm not sure what's happened to that team, but it's definitely lost the early-season momentum.

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

Who are your picks for the two races this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

Oh, geez. I like Allmendinger for the fan vote. Have you seen the T-shirt his wife is wearing to promote it? Definitely should get him a few votes. As for the prelim I'll go with Marcos Ambrose. Not sure why, just like the way he's been running. In the main event I like Denny Hamlin. No real reason other than I'm tired of picking Johnson at LMS.

Joe (Fleetwood PA)

Hey Dave, who will have more wins before the Chase Smoke or Bratty Busch, I say Smoke giving his performance so far and the upcoming summer tracks.

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Bratty Busch. Easy. He already has three and should get at least a couple more before the playoffs begin. Smoke is running well, but he's yet to win. Kind of tough to catch Busch when you spot him a 3-0 edge.

derrick (g'berg,iowa)

do you think Tony Stewert has a real shot at winning the championship this year?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

You'd be crazy to say no the way that team has performed. He still needs to find a way to turn some of those top fives into wins. Bonus points could be key.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

So David, are you and your colleagues going to follow Pat Patterson's fantastic advice and boycott KB after he has his success again? Seems to me like that might be the only way to teach him a lesson that you gotta take the good with the bad...long overdue if you ask me.

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

I'd like to, but unless it has unanimous support in the media center it won't make an impact. And from what I gather some members of the media aren't willing to fight on this one.

Anthony Tony Ringo Joseph Paul Reali (PTI Studio)

Over or under, .5 wins for Junior this season?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Funny. I'll say over. He'll get one somewhere.

Jerry (Tampa, FL)

Any insight as to where Brad Keselowski may land next year? Most rumors seem to indicate a third car at Stewart Haas or a brand new team with JR Motorsports moving to Cup. What do you think might happen?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Those are the rumors I'm going with. If he doesn't stick with a Chevy team I look for Roger Penske to make a run at him. But Roger told me he believes Keselowski has a home with Hendrick, or at least one of Hendrick's satelitte teams. Not much else I can offer on that.

lynn,va

what did you get for your wife for mother's day

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Got my mom a beautiful basket of flowers. Don't ask what kind. We haven't figured that out. But she says they are beautiful and just what she wanted. Also, my wife and I made her Sunday lunch. If you knew how hard it is to kick her out of the kitchen and get her to relax you'd know that was something good.

Joe (FL)

David, any truth to the rumor that the 19 will be parked?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

None whatsoever. Pure rumor. Sadler will be in the car the rest of the season.

chris (LA)

do you ever see Dale JR., winning another race?

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

Never. Not in this lifetime. Seriously. He has great equipment and is more than capable as a driver. H e'll win again.

steve (indiana)

whats up with Jr. missing his pits... do him and Mayfield have the same dealer?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Bad joke, Steve. We still don't know what NASCAR suspended Mayfield for, and to insinuate somebody else is on drugs is a no-no.

becka,va

can a driver be on the suspnded list in 2 different serries

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

I supposed he could. Jeremy is suspended from all NASCAR-sanctioned events, including Natiowide and Trucks, I believe.

sean (chandler az)

I wanna know what mayfield tested positive for. Nascar needs to tell us, was it crack or was it some cough syrup?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

I wanna know as well. One side says it's Claritin D, 24 hours. The other said says no. Curiosity did kill the cat you know.

Joshua (Carnesville, GA)

Why were tires not an issue at Darlington? That is unheard of. You always pitted for tires during a caution. I have never seen Darlington become a fuel mileage race.

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

With the new surface and compound Goodyear has developed the wear isn't there. Last year cars actually got faster as a run went along. I suspect in five to 10 years we'll see more of the old Darlington where tires show bad wear 10 laps in. But it'll never be totally like the old track

Stu (Madison, Va.)

Any truth to the rumor on Jayski that Sadler and the 19 will be parked?

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Again, no.

Ken (AZ)

do you think that Jimmy Johnson's beard is bad luck?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

No. I like the beard. I would have kept mine had it not driven me mad when the heat rose.

Joe (FL)

Any idea where Sadler ends up next year?

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

I haven't a clue. Until he's released by Petty Motorsports he's got a ride.

Stu (Madison, Va.)

Glad to hear Sadler will be able to finish up the year... he had a good run at Darlington. Third top-20 of the year! Who do you think will get the new dodge engine at RPM?

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

I'm guessing Kahne. He's the marquee driver and they want him to make the Chase. If the engine helps, they'll give it to him.

Rob (Philadelphia, PA)

In the wake of the Mayfield drug suspension, there's been critics saying that NASCAR should release their banned substances list to the public. Now I understand that this is a very new process for a notoriously secretive and autocratic organization in NASCAR, but do you see this happening anytime soon? Is this truly a case of an honest mistake on Jeremy's part?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

I don't see that happening. NASCAR is convinced this is the way to go. We'll see how it works. As far as Jeremy I can't say it was or not. All I know is the NASCAR driver has every opportunity to ask if something might be a risk. As far as I know that wasn't done.

Rob (Philadelphia, PA)

Tire testing supposedly has not gone as planned at Indy. Are we in for another debacle like last season?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

I wouldn't be that drastic. Testing hasn't gone great, but it hasn't gone badly. I believe Goodyear will have a handle on it by June.

ray gordon reid davidson nc 28036

QUESTION to david NEWTON AT 2.30 PM HI DAVID NEWTON COULD MARK MARTIN WORLD 600 charlotte NEXT SUNDAY CHARLOTTE

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

I suppose you're asking if Mark could win the 600? You're dang right he could. The guy has won two of the last four races. He's amazing. I said before the season he would be a contender for the title and I still believe he will be.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

Whats the story behing Dale Jr at Richmond. Read on NASCAR.com that he wanted a wedge adj and Tony Jr made a trackbar adj instead and after that things went all to hell.He was asked about it at Darlington and got pretty heated with the reporters...whats the story?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

I didn't hear the exact radio transmission you're talking of but I am aware. I wasn't at Darlington for Junior's presser so I can't say why he was so heated. Bottom line in my humble opinion is the two need a change. Not they can't work together, but sometimes a change helps. And where they are in points now they have nothing to lose.

Dave (Iowa)

do you think Nascar needs to bring back some better drivers... it seems like they are to many 20 year olds with no time in the seat.. racing to hard to early!

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

It's not that simple. I'm writing a story for tomorrow that hopefully will better explain. Stay tuned. How's that for a tease?

devin howell michigan

david good stuff on logano where is he in the fan voteing

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Haven't seen the fan vote. Heard my colleague Ryan McGee says he'll win it. That's only because has kids at home about Joey's age. And what does he know, anyway. He has Smoke atop the standings. I'd have to go with Kyle Busch with three wins or Mark Martin with two. Can't put a driver on top that hasn't won a race. Sorry, Ryan. Couldn't resist.

Tomkey (Ohio)

Nacar is smart for not telling... leave the guy be, its bad enough he got caught, not everybody is perfect

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

You're right. Everybody is not perfect.

Derek (MO)

Jeff is still doing well despite the back issuses. Will he make it the whole season or is this something to look out for?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

It's definitely something to keep an eye on. He wouldn't have an MRI if it weren't hurting bad. And I noticed him walking up some stairs two weekends ago. He looked like me after a long day in the yard.

Aron (Las Colinas, Tx)

Every week I read people asking where Martin Truex is going to land next year and I can't figure out why? Other than having a great relationship with Bass Pro, he's only won one race his whole career. He was billed the face of EGR, but has been outpreformed all year by Montoya. Why are there consistant rumors of him getting the opportunity to land at Gibbs or Stewart-Hass? He's Casey Mears with facial hair!

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Well, he has won a race and he did mak e the Chase once. Both are good for the resume. And he's young, so there is potential. I wouldn't call him Casey Mears just yet. Casey had an opportunity in great equipment at Hendrick and didn't succeed. He's got great equipment again at RCR. Truex has been with a second-tier, maybe third-tier organization.

Dalton (Vacaville, CA)

How many more wins will Jeff Gordon need to have to be a serious contendor for the championship?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

None. He's a serious contender now. Last I looked he led the points.

John(KY)

What is the significance of the All Star races?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

It's a chance to entertain the fans with a race that has no bearing on points. A fun night for all. Just like any other All-Star event.

Jr. (Juniorville)

do you think Jr. nation will form up an angry mob and go after Tony Jr.

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Nah, that group is starting to crumble. Not enough unity to form a mob. And please, my wife says, don't burn an 88 in our front yard because I said that. It was only a joke.

Mike (New Jersey)

Hello David. I know people miss the "old darlington" surface, but I think it's great this new surface doesn't wear tires, it gives teams the chance to do 2 tires, no tires, etc. The old darlington, if you run 2 laps, go get yourself 4!

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

It did make for a great race and great strategy.

Dave (iowa)

oh david you big tease...

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Hardly.

Dan (Huron, OH)

With all the success that Hendricks related drivers have been having, what do you feel could be the issue in the Jr. camp???

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

As I've said in the past, if I knew the answer Rick Hendrick would have hired me and I wouldn't be doing this. Actually, I'd rather be doing this. I don't know. As I said earlier, I believe it's time to break up the Juniors.

Jerry (Tampa, FL)

Ryan's rankings always seem to be about current momentum rather than a body of work over the season. But that's just my opinion.

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

I believe you're right. And I really like Ryan and think his comments are very funny. I also believe he should be tested . . . for his IQ.

Rocky (ILL)

What is Ricky Rudd up to...I always thought he would be great as a racing analyst.

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

Rudd is living in the Charlotte area, hanging with his family. Not sure what else. I'll check though.

Joe (Fleetwood PA)

Ryan power rankings show consistency, Smoke has been that way the last 7-8 races. do you love Busch as much as DW does sounds like you do

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

I think Busch is a great talent. I also believe he'll never win a title until he finds a way to be more consistent. As I noted in my Logano blog Logano has a better average finish the last three races than Shrub.

Joe (Missoula, Mt)

Seriously Newt whats the problem with Hamlin? Is he forever doomed?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Not at all. I believe he'll be a contender once the Chase rolls around.

Luis (TX)

Who's going to win it all?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Jimmie Johnson. Until somebody knocks him off the hill he's still king of it.

Jimbo (S.C.)

why do all the cars look the same?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Because NASCAR made them that way.

Mike (New Jersey)

Hello David, I think the all star race is too early in the season. Wouldn't it be better to do it in the middle of the season, we are 11 races in wouldn't it be better around the 1st or 2nd Pocono? I know it's a chance for drivers to get 2 consecutive weeks at home?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Only if they eliminated the first and second Pocono. Otherwise, I don't have a big opinion on this.

D.W. (florida)

what happend to "rubbins racing"

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

It went away with "Days of Thunder."

tim (texas)

i would like to see D.W. back in the seat. with Hammonds as a crew chief...

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Did you see D.W. at the end of his career? My mom could get around the track faster. No, he's in the right place.

Mike (New Jersey)

Hello David, saw an interesting stat today, Kyle Busch does not have a finish between 4th and 16th all season! Amazing!

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

It's all or nothing for him it seems. Thanks for sharing.

Rocky (ILL)

Very general question...what is NASCAR's biggest problem/issue, in your opinion, at this time?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Easy. The economy. They've got to find a way to make it cheaper for teams to race so they don't have to demand big money from sponsors and sponsors will hang around.

Larry (Hickory, NC)

With all of the recen safety additions to the cars, will the restrictor plates ever come off?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Nope. If they did then it really would be life-threatening at Dega and Daytona.

shannon (ohio)

Hendrick doesnt reallly need Jr. to win, i'm sure there is plenty of money with endorcments.

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

Bingo.

mike (tenn.)

put D.W. in a Hendrick car, bet he gets around just fine..

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

Maybe you need to be tested.

Michael (Tulsa, Oklahoma)

How's it goin? What do you think of Joey Logano. You think he's getting close to that first win?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

I really do believe he'll win one the second half of the year. That car and Zippy are too good.

big mike (the big apple N.Y.)

do you think there are to many young drivers in Nascar?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Nope.

Aaron (WV)

David, here's a change up from the normal "Why hasn't Jr won a race yet" question for you: What race are you really looking forward to? A little 4th of July celebration at Daytona, or are you waiting for some right hand turns at Watkins Glen and Sonoma?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Sonoma tops my list. Right hand turns are much better when there's wine tasting waiting on the other end.

Dan (Huron, OH)

Does Hendrick have anyone strong enough in house to handle Dale Jr's personality if he did make a switch?? Surely he wouldn't take someone off of the other three teams???

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

That's the problem. Does he mess with the chemistry on the other teams. Yes, he has people he could turn to. But at what cost?

Joel (mississippi)

do you think Carl Edwards is a cry-baby.. rubbin's racing

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Not at all. And racin's not rubbin.

sean (chandler az)

Im sending a lot of ?s because i got a lot of nascar on my mind and i dont like this hendrick superteam thing it could turn into 12 cars 4 hendrick 4 stewart-hass and 4 jr motorsports cars that would be very bad for the sport do you agree?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Think it already has turned into a six-car superteam. But that's what we all expected when Stewart took over Stewart-Haas. Just not this quickly.

sean (chandler az)

I think tire strategy makes for bad racing the best car would win more often if the had to slap on four every time they pitted.

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

It would, but then you'd be complaining about having only a handful of cars on the lead lap.

Joe (Missoula, Mt)

Do you think if you made a bet with all of junior nation that if he dosent get in the top 15 this year, that they are not allowed to ask anymore annoying Jr questions, Would they take it?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

I'd be willing to risk it. Nah, I like the Junior questions. Keeps it fun.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

Terry thinks Ron Malec will be the cc on the 88 next year, do you agree or is there someone else you have in mind?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

He'd be at the top of my list. Just not sure Malec wants that.

allen wright (AZ)

WHAT DO YOU THING ABOUT JERMENY MAFIELD IS GONE FOR GOOD OR WILL HE BE ABLE TO COME BACK WITH HIS OWN TEAM AGAIN?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

He'll be back. It may take some time, but he'll be back.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

David, Do you see any of the drivers currently not in the top 12 getting in the Chase???

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

I'm sure one, maybe two will slip out, but that's about it. As for who will slip in I can't say. I still like Bowyer.

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Folks, hate to call it quits a few minutes short of 3, but I have a conference call to get on. Thanks for putting up with me on a Tuesday instead of a Wednesday. Enjoy the All-Star race. Until next week ....