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SportsNation

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN.com NASCAR reporter David Newton will stop by to talk about all the latest news and notes from the track.

Newton covers motorsports for ESPN.com after a career covering the NFL, college athletics and NASCAR. Newton previously worked for NASCAR.com and covered NASCAR and the Carolina Panthers for South Carolina's largest newspaper, The State, in Columbia. He has also served as a correspondent for Sports Illustrated, covered seven Super Bowls, dozens of college bowl games and every major race on the NASCAR circuit.

Send your questions now and join Newton on Thursday at 2 p.m. ET!

More David Newton: Chats | Search | NASCAR index

JD (Gainesville, FL)


With manufacturers' cutbacks we've been seeing lately, do you think we'll ever see teams with no manufacturer affiliation at all?

David Newton
  (2:00 PM)


Welcome to a scorching hot Thursday in Charlotte, N.C. Thanks for stopping by. Onto the first question. There have been times when teams have competed without manufacturer support, but my guess is the big teams will always have some sort of connetion. These are strange times, though. We'll see.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)


David, I was wondering what do you make of the futures of the young Roush development drivers (Darnell, Stenhouse, Braun)? I can't see how they all end up driving for Roush, I assume two of them go to Yates and upgrade the talent on that roster?

David Newton
  (2:01 PM)


Roush is pretty strong with its current crop of drivers, so unless one of these guys looks like the Tiger Woods of racing they'll stay in the lower series or be moved ot Yates as you suggested. So far I don't see any of them hitting 330-yard drives.

Greg (AZ)


Good Thursday to you David. Why is nobody commenting on the recklessness that Boris Said drove with on Sunday? I've never seen him drive with that much stupidity in the Cup series. I've written in to every NASCAR chat this week and no one has given me an answer. Is this because he draws and ESPN paycheck too? If a cup regular who was no where as good on road courses as Boris drove that way, I won't belive there would have been no mention of it all week. The guy caused what, 5 wrecks? Thanks

David Newton
  (2:03 PM)


I'll be honest, I missed most of the race. I was taking a mini-vacation in Chicago, enjoying a litle baseball at Wrigley Field. I did hear he was wreckless and saw a few video clips where he caused some problems. But I didn't see enough to pass judgment on whether he was at fault or this was just hard racing. I assume you have made up your mind on this.

Spencer (Indy)


David will Nascar do something about these start and park teams, its really annoying?

David Newton
  (2:06 PM)


NASCAR has been pretty adament that this is not a problem, perhaps because they won't want to go to a track with less than 43 cars. Think they'll take annoying for the time being.

Chad (GA)


The first night race in Atlanta is coming up in three months with the Labor Day Classic 500. Is Goodyear doing anything to ensure they have a good tire for the race.

David Newton
  (2:06 PM)


They had a good tire for the last Atlanta race. I assume it'll be the same tire or something even better. I'm more curious to see if they can put more fannies in the seats.

RA YGORDON REID ( MOUNT PELIER VT 05609)


QUESTION TO DAVID NEWTON AT 2.15PM HI DAVID WHOS YOURPICK FOR LOUDON SUNDAY

David Newton
  (2:07 PM)


Jimmie Johnson. I know, easy pick, but he's on a roll.

Rick (MPLS)


Any silly season predictions? 3rd team for Stewart? McMurray to Yates? Truex to MWR? Harvick wanting out early? Keslowski to SHR? RPM folding up shop? I'm a RCR guy, any hope?

David Newton
  (2:09 PM)


My guess is that Keselowski will wind up at Stewart-Haas unless Hendrick moves JR Motorsports up to Cup. McMurray or Ragan are the most likely candidates to move to Yates. Truex to MWR I believe is a done deal. Harvick appears stuck, although if Shell pulls out then that could create a problem. RPM will not fold up. It likely willm ove to a new manufacturer, likely Toyota, but a lot can happen between now and signing on the dotted line. RCR hope? Looks dim right now.

Kirk (Indy)


Who do you think will be the next car manufacturer to enter NASCAR? When do you think that will happen?

David Newton
  (2:10 PM)


I speculated a few weeks ago BMW. Wouldn't that be cool. Wonder if it cost more to repair a wrecked Beamer? As for when, probably not for a few years.

Marion (SC)


David,What is this I hear about Kahne may be in Toyotas and the other RPM guys running Dodge.I know the original rumor was this year but now i hear it for next season. I dont see how that would work wouldnt that be a conflict between Toyota and Dodge.I would think that would hurt RPM Toyota and Dodge drivers sharing info.If they switch i hope they are one manufact.

David Newton
  (2:11 PM)


There was a rumor that Kahne would start using Dodge engines before the end of the season. That is not going to happen according to the folks I talked to at Toyota and Dodge.

adam (nc)


Any chance Kahne and Bud goes to stewart/haas next year if he starts a 3rd team?

David Newton
  (2:11 PM)


I don't see it. Kahne has another year left on his deal and I doubt RPM would let its most high profile driver get away.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)


I hope Ed didn't try and come into this chat room again!

David Newton
  (2:12 PM)


Too funny. Saw that happened yesterday. It's easy to do. And we're not rocket scientists. We're just lowly journalists.

Cane (Miami)


As bad as Jr. is doing, could this end up being the best thing that has happened to him? I mean, people are starting to lower their expectations. At some point, people's expectations of him will be rock bottom. Maybe then, when there's no pressure on him, he might be able to produce. Not like his father, but enough to be considered a pretty decent driver.

David Newton
  (2:13 PM)


I've never thought lower expectations was a good thing. If you lower them then you generally will perform to that level. Kind of like going into a baseball game figuring that if you can just hold the other team to four or five runs you stand a chance. If you're going to give up that many then you'll likely lose.

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)


Hey David.....How many Cup drivers, if were given a vote, would rather drive the old car opposed to the COT?

David Newton
  (2:13 PM)


Probably most would go with the old car.

TG (PA)


I read that Kyle Busch had a meeting sith Gibbs to see how they could make his team and car better. So, Its never Kyle!! He'd better quit talking about other drivers because it comes back to bite him!

David Newton
  (2:14 PM)


He did indeed have a meeting. The concern wasn't just for him, but all the JGR cars. They've not been as consistent as a year ago.

John (TX)


hey newt! it's kind of been a slow news week on the nascar front. any big stories coming up soon and not just rumors? when are they starting double file restarts in NW...Brad K sure could have used it the past few races. thanks

David Newton
  (2:15 PM)


I am sure things will heat up in the next few weeks. They usually do from Daytona to Indy. As for the NW restarts, look for Daytona. As for Brad K, look for a decision here soon as well, likely Stewart-Haas but don't rule out JR Motorsports.

Jerry (Tampa, FL)


Kahne, Reutimann, Burton Bowyer and Vickers are all on the outside looking in with 10 races left until the Chase. Do you think any of these guys gets in and who do they bump out?

David Newton
  (2:16 PM)


Kahne and Bowyer would be my picks to move in. Montoya and maybe Busch if he doesn't get more consistent to move out. I'm not saying either will happen. In all likelihood only one change will occur.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)


Do you really think there is as big a market for Kahne and Truex as we the fans and you the media have stated? Or is this just such a slow silly season compared to the past couple years that we have to create this atmosphere?

David Newton
  (2:18 PM)


First, Kahne is not on the market. He has a year left on his deal. Truex is the most high profile driver out there without a deal next season. So call it slow if you want. But I suspect you'll see a lot of crazy stuff soon. Could get real silly.

Joe (Missoula, MT )


Newt, Whats your prediction for the chase people are saying Kyle Busch is on the downswing, But he did win three out of the next five races last year. Whos out whos in??

David Newton
  (2:18 PM)


Already addressed that, but Kyle is on a downswing. I really don't understand how he can look like Superman one week and Gilligan the next.

Rick (Pittsburgh, PA)


David,Montoya is in the Chase (if it ended today), in a car that by all accounts, is vastly inferior when compared to what the big dogs are running. Do you see JPM and Ganassi working something out, to get JPM into a real car and see what he can really do?

David Newton
  (2:19 PM)


The EGR cars haven't been all that bad. Truex has had a lot of misfortune and Montoya has shown great improvement. They are getting more out of the engine program with Richard Childress Racing and DEI than RCR.

Ben (ATL)


Why is their no speculation that RPM goes to Chevy or Ford? All I hear is Toyota

David Newton
  (2:20 PM)


Chevy has enough problems with the bankruptcy and Ford from all indications is not looking to bring in more teams. That leaves Toyota.

Chris (Pennsylvania)


Why is it assumed RPM will go to Toyota? I would think Ford could possible be in the mix as well since they are only with Rousch and Yates

David Newton
  (2:21 PM)


Again, I don't believe Ford is in the market.

TG (PA)


Dave, you never post my questions. I want to stir the pot with Kyle's meetingwith Gibbs to make his team and car better. But its never Kyle himself.

David Newton
  (2:21 PM)


Yeah, I understand they are bringing Tony Eury Jr. in as a consultant. See, I can stir the pot as well.

Charles (FL)


Once Truex Jr leaves EGR what do you see happening with that organazation.

David Newton
  (2:22 PM)


You'll likely see EGR go back to Ganassi Racing and DEI as separate organizations with Ganassi merging with another organization.

Marion (SC)


Hey David,You mean Toyota Engines right?

David Newton
  (2:22 PM)


I do. If I said something else I apologize. Was multi-tasking with a plumber who has to repair a leak from the tub through the downstairs ceiling. See what a glamorous life we live.

Jay (Miami)


With the general level of annoyance with how the Cup drivers answered their standard Danica questions last week in Sonoma, shouldn't that be a sign to Team Danica that she isn't really wanted in their sandbox?

David Newton
  (2:23 PM)


I've always said it would take several years for her to have a chance to compete.

CB (Atlanta)


David,I think Truex would be a much better fit at SHR given that they run Chevys and the affiliation with Bass Pro Shops. My question, what happens to the Bass Pro Shop sponsorship when Truex leaves?

David Newton
  (2:24 PM)


Interesting. I am guessing that Bass Pro Shops is the second sponsor for Ryan Newman. Army only wants to do about half the races, so they need to fill the rest with another sponsor.

Mike (North Augusta,SC)


Hey David, When do you think we will see Austin Dillon in NNS fulltime?

David Newton
  (2:25 PM)


Maybe next year, but Richard Childress has a lot to deal with now that Chevy has pulled financial support. That could impact the timeline.

Marion (SC)


If RPM is taking Red Bulls place would RPM have to cut back to 2 or 3 cars ?

David Newton
  (2:26 PM)


Not at all. Toyota wants its fair share of the field compared to the other manufacturers. That would be 10-12 cars in Cup.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)


Do you actually have a driver you route for week in and out?

David Newton
  (2:26 PM)


No, I just cheer for fast races and a little drama to write about.

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)


OK David........Everyone seems to have different opinions on whether Danica will come to NASCAR........Do you think she will come over?? I know the sponsor $$$ will be there, but I assume she would need to run in the NW series and possibly some ARCA as well........What % do you give her of running full time Cup in the next 5 years??

David Newton
  (2:27 PM)


I've said this time and time again, I believe Danica is using NASCAR to get more money out of the IRL. If she stays in the IRL now I believe she's there for the duration.

Jake (Manhattan, KS)


Is the Nascar hall of fame only for Sprint cup drivers, or will Nationwide, and Truck careers be included in the thought process of voters?

David Newton
  (2:27 PM)


All three are in NASCAR, so it is for all three.

Devin (TN)


Ive solved silly season David. Brad to SHR with Bass Pro. They already deal with Stewart for his Eldora sponsorships so it would be a natural fit. Danica to NASCAR driving the 88 JRM Chevy with GoDaddy.com as a sponsor which is perfect bc they already sponsor her. Then she can be in the nationwide series fulltime, and Rick can give her 7 cup rides in the 25 next year as a rookie, then in 2011 she'll be in the #5. Ive solved everything!

David Newton
  (2:28 PM)


You seem to have it all figured out. Makes sense. I just don't think Danica will make the jump.

Bob (nv)


My feeling is RPM will not be 4 cars soon i heard Soreson might be out of the 43 in august and AJ jumps in the 43 any truth?Who might get let go

David Newton
  (2:29 PM)


I've heard nothing to substantiate that yet. There are a lot of moving pieces. As I said, the next month will get crazy.

Tim (Az)


David, among the other racing series', is Nascar racing seen as a dinosaur, or just traditional and it's own breed . Also, what do drivers from other series' think of the tank they drive in Cup?

David Newton
  (2:30 PM)


Most consider it the top series in motorsports because of its popularity. I can't say what other drivers say about the so-called tank, but I do know the ones that come from other series have more respect for Cup drivers than they did before.

Mike (Co)


Do you see anyone besides Jimmie and Smoke making a legit run for the cup, or is it a two man race?

David Newton
  (2:30 PM)


Sure. I see Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon, and maybe even Carl Edwards if he gets his act together.

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)


Who designs the majority of special paint schemes for drivers?

David Newton
  (2:31 PM)


Some are designed by the drivers, some by the sponsors and some by the teams themselves. Junior, for example, designs a lot of his.

Juan ((Ohio))


Will Dale ever win another race?

David Newton
  (2:31 PM)


What year?

David (Washington DC)


David-Any idea where Truex is leaning at this point? Does he pretty much have a deal solidified and they just haven't made an announcement yet? I'm starting to get a little nervous over the lack of news lately. He obviously needs out of EGR...it looks like he's already packed it in.

David Newton
  (2:32 PM)


As I stated earlier, I believe the MWR deal is done and will be announced at Daytona next weekend. Could get wrong about announcement date, but that is what I am being hinted may happen.

Devin (TN)


I have to disagree with you on your Monday Rundown. Take matt kenseth for example...once he won the Daytona 500, he can basically sit back and run safe races/setups for the remaining 25 races to the chase just to make sure hes in the top 15. What needs to be done is keep the chase format how it is, but give 50 bonus points to each driver who wins in the first 26, and in the chase, make each win count as 25 pts instead of the current 10. Putting a win and your in spin on it would hurt the competition, but adding overall value to the win would be great for the chase and regular season...

David Newton
  (2:34 PM)


I think it would help the competition. Imagine how aggressive Edwards and Biffle and some of the others would be these next 10 races trying to get a win. And as I said, you have to stipulate that they are in the top 15 or within a few hundred points of 12th so you don't have a fluke win and a driver in 25th in the Chase.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)


Do you think a lot of Crylee success comes from Addington? I mean every time that car is fast off the trailer he wins. Never is it slow and they work on it for a win.

David Newton
  (2:34 PM)


I wouldn't go that far. He gets a lot out of cars and trucks in other series without Addington's help.

Jon (Durham, NC)


Scott Riggs, where will he end up? He just needs some good equipment to work with.

David Newton
  (2:35 PM)


He does need good equipment. Unfortunately there's not a lot of options. I talked to him last week. He's working hard to secure something but again there aren't many options.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)


Well played Mr Newton well played indeed sir!

David Newton
  (2:35 PM)


Thanks, I think.

Joe (Missoula, MT )


Newt, are you drunk your posting and not answering and then making multiple posts or is the heat just getting to you?

David Newton
  (2:36 PM)


I am answering each question as it comes up. Mabye there is a glitch in the system. I will check. Hey, anybody out there in ESPN land checking on this?

Adam (NC)


If it happens when do you think RPM will have a Toyota announcement ?I also read that some negotiations have turned in another direction and could keep RPM in the dodge camp?

David Newton
  (2:37 PM)


Like I said, there are a lot of twists and turns left in the road. Talks about a manufacturer change for the Pettys has been going on for over a year. So far Dodge remains.

Jake (Manhattan, KS)


What's the future of JR Motorsports?

David Newton
  (2:38 PM)


Looks like there is strong consideration to move up into Cup.

Mike (Co)


Are Kenseth and Blick starting to understand each other and in turn will we see progress out of that team?

David Newton
  (2:38 PM)


They did pretty well winning the first two races. I'm not sure why that team dropped off lately, but I've heard of no problems in communication.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)


Do you think that Mr. Methfield's welcome has worn itself so thin that even if he some how wins the court case he won't even be welcome in his own equipment?

David Newton
  (2:39 PM)


I wouldn't go that far.

Wheels (Maryland)


David Good Afternoon, can you please emphasize to the fans to enjoy what JJ and that team is doing over the last 3 years. We are seeing history made and will probably never happen again. Second I am a Big Kyle Busch Fan and people need to just enjoy his go for broke attitude (that is old school). We dont see many drivers that are like that anymore. I enjoy watching him every week because you never know what is coming next. Its like MJ,Tiger Woods,Larry Bird, Manny Rameriez,Micheal Vick you never know what great things they will do next. Thanks and keep up the great work.

David Newton
  (2:40 PM)


I've preached to jump on the JJ wagon for a few years. He truly is amazing. As for Busch, he's amazing too. He just lacks the consistency that JJ has found. And consistency wins titles. I wouldn't compare him to Woods or Jordan quite yet. Those guys have won titles. Michael Vick, well, Busch does have his dog days.

Tim (AZ)


David, with all the economical issues nascar has to deal with now, in 5 years will each maker have one main team and satellites that feed off of it. Like Hendrick and SHR, but with Hendrick supporting all GM teams, Roush with Ford, Gibbs-Toyota?

David Newton
  (2:41 PM)


I wouldn't totally rule that out. The satellite teams give people like Hendrick ways to supplment money lost when GM pulled financial backing.

David (Washington DC)


DEI and Gannasi seperating?? Really?? So DEI would go back to racing with two teams..but who? I guess they have Amorilla still but he didn't exactly set the world on fire. Maybe Scott Riggs in the second car? Curious to see if you could elaborate.And enough Danica questions...its getting worse than JR at this point!

David Newton
  (2:42 PM)


I didn't say that. I am not sure what would happen to DEI. It is grooming Jeffrey Earnhardt for the Nationwide Series and down the road the Cup series. Other than that, a lot remains to unfold.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)


If Reed is released and Sadler is not I am refusing to watch NASCAR!!!!!

David Newton
  (2:42 PM)


So Reed has a fan out there? Good to know.

JJD (Seattle)


Any word on which Cup drivers are going to run the 2010 Nationwide sked full-time? I read that Roush Fenway is going to have Darnell and Braun in Nationwide, so does that mean Carl is out of the 60 next year?

David Newton
  (2:43 PM)


I don't see nearly as many Cup drivers in the Nationwide Series moving forward. Without manufacturer support the money is not there to pay those guys.

Jake (Manhattan, KS)


If Brad K. goes what will be the future of JRM?

David Newton
  (2:44 PM)


I'm sure they have somebody else in mind if they decide to stay in Nationwide. I like the Danica GoDaddy.com idea for Cup, but that team could make Junior's struggles look like paradise.

rick (Mpls)


I know that you writers are being honest with your opinions about races being too long, on drivers, on owners, etc. Does this ever come back to bite you a little when crossing paths with some of the people you've called out or do they get the same dose delivered here? Honesty is honesty after all.

David Newton
  (2:45 PM)


The worst I've been bitten is when I suggested to Jeff Burton that Bristol had become boring with the new surface. He nearly took off my head, but after I explained my point of view he was cool. He didn't agree, but he was cool. Or seemed to be.

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)


If you could play Brian France for a day, what 3 changes would you make?

David Newton
  (2:46 PM)


Eliminate Pocono, add a road course to the Chase and begin the Chase at Vegas with it ending at Daytona. And I'd put Darlington back in the Chase. Sorry, that is four. Or five. Heck, if I can be France I can do whatever I want.

Jake (Manhattan, KS)


So with Jrs. Nationwide credentials and His Cup career together can he make the HOF?

David Newton
  (2:47 PM)


Probably so, although I am not certain what category. He has a long way to go to catch Bill Elliott in the Mr. Popularity vote.

Marion (SC)


Everybody always say Kahnes on a hot streak how long will it last.Like last year when he won those races and so close to the chase.I difference I see from last year to now is when kahne fell off after those victories last year thats when Ray really didnt do any thing anymore now they have learned to be fast on their own without Ray I see them getting better or maintaining

David Newton
  (2:48 PM)


Good observations. I'm sure he hopes you are right.

Devin (TN)


In response to your monday rundown, dont you think it would be better if they put more value on winning, i.e. 50 bonus points and 25 bonus in the chase instead of win and your in. I think with your theory, people who win early, like Kenseth for example, could ride along for the final 25 races of the reg season and maintain his spot in the top 15 rather than actually battle...what do you think?

David Newton
  (2:48 PM)


It's something to consider. I just like the idea of WIN BABY!

Jeff (Lafayette, LA)


Newt, can you explain how Hall of Fame voting works? Do you have a vote?

David Newton
  (2:49 PM)


I do not have a vote. And the process is fully explained online if you just google Hall of Fame voting process. I want to get to as many questions as I can and to explain would take too long.

Rex (NC)


If Dale Sr. could look at nascar today, what would he think of what he saw? In your opinion of coarse.

David Newton
  (2:50 PM)


He'd been shocked that Dale Jr. isn't at DEI and amazed that Kyle Busch is getting booed for doing the same things that made him great.

David (Washington DC)


David you posted my Truex question and didn't answer it...no hard feelings if you answer this one instead.DEI and Gannasi seperating?? Really?? So DEI would go back to racing with two teams..but who? I guess they have Amorilla still but he didn't exactly set the world on fire. Maybe Scott Riggs in the second car? Curious to see if you could elaborate.And enough Danica questions...its getting worse than JR at this point!

David Newton
  (2:51 PM)


I answered the second, and I believe I answered the Truex one as well. I don't ignore unless the questions cross the lines of the Disney code.

Scott (Manchester NH)


If Nascar is looking for credibility, why is the owner of 3 Start and Park teams in a broadcasting booth, (Phil Parsons) calling races? He brings nothing to the table as far as credibility goes.

David Newton
  (2:52 PM)


You'll have to ask NASCAR that one.

Jake (Manhattan, KS)


usually if we refresh the page it all works out fine

David Newton
  (2:52 PM)


Thanks Jake. Hope that helps.

Dan (NC)


Any chance RPM works something out with Dodge or is Toyota the direction they will go

David Newton
  (2:52 PM)


Until the contract is signed there's always a chance, although I'm told Dodge is out of the picture.

JJD (Seattle)


Is Scott Speed in trouble at Red Bull? He was FLYING on his qualifying lap at Sonoma until he went off, then he couldn't do anything with the inferior NEMCO machine, which didn't even get Red Bull's branding on the car.

David Newton
  (2:53 PM)


They've invested too much in Speed to bail on him after one season. If he's struggling this time a year from now then there are problems.

Joe (Missoula, MT )


Newt, any word on who drives the fourth car for Gibbs this year in its limited races? Whats the probability of them having that car full time next year and who's in it?

David Newton
  (2:54 PM)


They are still considering options on a fourth car for next year. They do feel they made a mistake in not giving Hall of Fame the kind of support that Hendrick gives Stewart-Haas if that tells you anything.

Adam (NC)


So what ever RPM decides there will be no Dodge and Toyota?

David Newton
  (2:54 PM)


No mixed marriage I am told.

Rich (Clearwater, FL)


It's becoming pretty obvious, though, Krylie is only as successful as the equipment and the cc. He's no more special than the other top 15 drivers. When's he step out of the truck and/or Nationwide?

David Newton
  (2:55 PM)


Not everybody would agree with that one. Me included.

Devin (TN)


Come on Dave, if your gonna stir the rumor mill when he asked what the future of JR Motorsports is you needed to reply: 1 word, D-A-N-I-C-A!

David Newton
  (2:55 PM)


Think I mentioned her.

Deuce (CO)


Isn't Andretti's 34 a DEI car?

David Newton
  (2:56 PM)


It us supported by EGR, but that is all. Not like Stewart-Haas and Hendrick.

Chad (GA)


Do you anticipate any schedule changes for the 2010 season? I have heard Bruton Smith say he may move a date from one of his tracks.

David Newton
  (2:56 PM)


He wants to move a date, I am guessing Atlanta, to Kentucky. Until the lawsuit is settled that won't happen. It appears it won't this year.

CP (New Jersey)


Talking about Boris Said, I don't understand why most of the team owner would hire him for road course? He maybe an excellent road course teacher to some NASCAR drivers and yet, he really can't drive. Each time he was in the car, he did not get a good result, don't these team owners wake up and realize that Mr. Said just can't drive and why ESPN still have him on to analyze the race? That bug me big time.

David Newton
  (2:57 PM)


But you've got to love his hair, right?

Chris (Pennsylvania)


If Kahne gets into the chase does he have any chance at winning the championship?

David Newton
  (2:57 PM)


Anybody that is there has a chance. I still say Jimmie is the man to beat.

JJD (Seattle)


Wait - so you mean the "problem" of Cup drivers dropping down to Nationwide might actually clear itself up without any radical (and by "radical", I mean "stupid") changes being made to the Nationwide Series? What a concept!

David Newton
  (2:57 PM)


It could indeed.

Samantha (Busch, MO)


Kyle's underperformance is getting old. Do you think I should leave Kyle if doesn't finish higher than 22nd?

David Newton
  (2:58 PM)


If he finishes 22nd or worse he'll leave first.

Chris (Pennsylvania)


Based off of Marion's questions...do you think Kahne being fast without Ray has to do mainly with Kenny Francis....the best crew chief in NASCAR!

David Newton
  (2:58 PM)


Kenny is quite good. I wouldn't say the best. Chad has three titles and Mr. Darian Grubb is turning heads. But Kenny definitely plays a role in thos.

SC (TN)


Are you able to answer personal questions about drivers? I'm not trying to make this a gossip column, but I was wondering, is Michael Waltrip still married? Never see Buffy around the track...

David Newton
  (2:59 PM)


No, he is not married. I believe the divorce was finalized last season or early this season.

Devin (TN)


I know you werent at Sonoma this weekend, but in the past, does Dale seem to get down around fathers day weekend or does he act normal...I know the win at Michigan last year meant a lot to him bc it was on fathers day...

David Newton
  (2:59 PM)


I've seen him around Father's Day before and haven't seen any difference.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)


David, are you going to be in Daytona next week? Also, could Bass Pro end up with Kenseth next year with DeWalt?

David Newton
  (3:00 PM)


I'll be at Daytona. Should be wild. Haven't heard anything about Bass Pro Shops to Kenseth. But DeWalt definitely doesn't want to shoulder the full season.

Clay (Charlotte)


Okay, you answered the France question. Now if you could be Bruton (with ALL his money) for a day....

David Newton
  (3:01 PM)


I would probably not be chatting here, but then life wouldn't be so grand. Money isn't everything. On that note, I'm outta here. Enjoy the race this weekend.

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