ESPN

David Newton

  (1:32 PM)

Welcome to Wednesday Chat. Thanks for putting up with the unusual starting time for me. I'm on the way to Gaffney for a funeral. One of the victims of the serial killer was a former roommate and I'm going to pay my respects. But for the next hour I am yours from the passenger seat of a Jeep Cherokee. Fire away.

brad (nc)

David, nascar is always trying to find ways to avoid the big one on the superspeedways. I know taking off the plates would increase the danger because of the speeds, but couldnt nascar create a certain engine package that has to be run on those tracks? A less powerful engine without plates would space out the field

David Newton

  (1:33 PM)

They have talked about taking away power, but drivers believe that wouldn't lessen the danger. In fact, they believe it will make them more aggressive. Jimmie Johnson said it best. There's really nothing that can be done.

Jordan (Candor, NC)

Newton, we usually agree on most racing stories. But I want to know why ESPN's stories stir up the idea that Tony dumped Kyle last week. Anyone who watched that race knows Kyle wrecked himself. I really think he would've won had he not gone for the 2nd block....though I'm glad he didn't.

David Newton

  (1:34 PM)

Who said Tony dumped Kyle. I believe I made it clear in mine that this was just a racing incident and nobody was really to blame. And I agree, had Kyle kept his line he likely would have won.

Wade (Jacksonville, FL)

Hello David, I just wanted to ask your top 5 finishers for Chicago.I think Kurt Busch will do very well, he just keep clicking off those consistent top 5's and top 10's quietly each week. Also Jeff Gordon, who has been decent as of late, and the Roush camp, which is great at Chicago.

David Newton

  (1:35 PM)

I like Kyle Busch, who won last year's race. Also look for Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart and Gordon. The usual suspects. It seldom changes.

Wade (Jacksonville, FL)

David, my picks for Chicago are Kurt Busch, who has been very consistent this year, along with Jeff Gordon, and the Roush guys. What are your picks?

David Newton

  (1:36 PM)

Just gave them. Next.

Ben (Ft.Myers FL)

Hey Dave, What shot if any does Jamie McMurray have of winning ever again? and do you think there will be a 26 team next year?

David Newton

  (1:36 PM)

He always has a chance. As for next year, I believe he'll be running for Yates Racing. Not sure if they will bring back one of the Yates numbers or keep the 26. Haven't given it much thought. Will check into that.

Matty (Miami)

Just a thought, but i would love to have seen Kyle and Tonys spots reversed on Saturday night OMAN would have been way more interesting! Every Joe Nascar in the stands would have been ranting and raving saying how they should throw that kid out of the sport, how dangerous he is, how he should be fined 200 points and his spot in the chase yada yada yada...However when Tony does it Kyle Petty makes up some block me once block me twice BS on Tv, everyone talks about what a class act Tony is and its all good HAHAHA, your opinon?

David Newton

  (1:38 PM)

Don't think that hasn't crossed my mind. Had the situation been reserved I am guessing we wouldn't have heard from Tony. But Tony appears to have mellowed out this year, so maybe he would have handled things better than he might have five years ago.

Chris (Stratford, CT)

First, need to say that you have the same name as my coworker, who also likes NASCAR.Why is everyone angry that Edwards isn't winning? I'm a huge Edwards fan, but I'm not going to complain if he gets top 5 every week. Isn't that what Kenseth did for them to change the points format a handful of years ago now?

David Newton

  (1:39 PM)

You're right, making the Chase is his first priority. He can get hot at the right time and still win the title.

chuck (new york)

What do you think are Jeff Gordon's chances at Chicago this weekend?

David Newton

  (1:40 PM)

Pretty good. Not great.

Tyler (Snohomish,Wa)

Hey David, Do you know who will be in the booth for Sprint Cup races when ESPN starts showing them?

David Newton

  (1:40 PM)

Pretty much the same crew as last year. You looking for changes?

Joe (Missoula, MT )

What has red bull been doing to help get Scott Speed well up to speed?

David Newton

  (1:41 PM)

There's not a lot they can do with no testing. Putting him in the Nationwide Series helps, but it's a totally different feel.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)

Mr. Newton as always it is a pleasure! I have a hard time thinking that the Gibbs team as a whole has a real shot at winning at the "cookie cutters" they just seem off their game from last year. I think they have the talent I just don't think they are where HMS and RFR are with their programs. Do you think the Gibbs will catch HMS by the end of the year?

David Newton

  (1:42 PM)

The gap isn't that wide. And don't forget Kyle has won three times already, Logano once and Denny has been real close.

Scott (Atlanta)

Who will replace Truex at EGR? Is a young upstart more likely, that a known name that can attract sponsorship (i.e., Amirola vs. K. Petty)?

David Newton

  (1:43 PM)

I'm told Almirola will remain in the No. 8, that they are looking for somebody else for the 1. I suspect they'll have to wait until teams start making changes later in the season to see who is available. I doubt it'll be a top name, mainly because there aren't any top names available. Maybe a Sadler if RPM releases him. What do you think of that.

Patrick (Agawam MA)

Should a blocking rule like the IRL be put into at least Plate tracks or is it just another gray area NASCAR has to make judgement calls on and a bad idea?

David Newton

  (1:44 PM)

How are you going to enforce it? Who's to say who is blocking, at what point they start blocking. I just don't see a solution. The drivers will have to enforce it themselves, and I don't see that happening.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)

Why does NASCAR not use a tapered restrictor plate one that if you got off the throttle and back on there is no lag or more pedal respounsive?

David Newton

  (1:45 PM)

If they thought it would work I'm sure they would go to it.

Matt (Charlotte)

Hey David, do you think the yellow-line rule might get lifted in lieu of the violent crashes at the end of these plate races? Everyone should remember the '99 Daytona 500 when Jeff Gordon dived below it to pass Rusty Wallace for the win.

David Newton

  (1:47 PM)

The yellow line really didn't play a role in this incident, although blocking has gotten a little bit crazy since Regan Smith went below the line at Dega last year.

Ed (Fort Worth)

With Truex moving to MWR, will EGR be a viable team in the future? JPM has done well, but the ship definitely seems to be sinking.

David Newton

  (1:48 PM)

They have a car in the Chase as we speak, so they are viable now. The cars are good. The problem is sponsorship and finding another driver.

Jon_jonis_HERE (Agawam,Ma)

Don't you think Smoke needed to move over for Crylee seeing that is how he got his Dega win last year from Smith?

David Newton

  (1:48 PM)

Heck now. Smoke did what he was supposed to do.

Matt (Charlotte)

David, why doesn't Chicagoland get talked about in terms of adding a 2nd race. They're just as attractive as Kansas or Las Vegas.

David Newton

  (1:49 PM)

Good question. A great place to spend the weekend. Ever had one of the Chicago dogs?

Nate (Richmond,VA)

David, if someone like Martin were to have his three wins and stil not make the chace would that force NASCAR to make a change or will it just be tough luck?

David Newton

  (1:53 PM)

I believe it's time to implement a wild card like they have in other sports. Give the driver with the most wins outside the Chase a spot. What do you think?

Joe Menzer (Nascar.com)

I believe M. Waltrip will end up being a better owner than a driver, and with the hire of Truex, he could end up being a top owner within the next five years. Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (1:53 PM)

That's why people read ESPN.com instead of NASCAR.com. They don't value your opinion.

Charles (NY)

Will Mayfield race at Chicago?

David Newton

  (1:54 PM)

It's not looking like it. They can't find sponsorship and they don't have enough money to go on their own.

Scott (Atlanta)

Hey, you posted my question and didn't answer...what gives?

David Newton

  (1:55 PM)

Must have been a gliche. Sorry. Please resubmit.

Ben (ATL)

WOW David, I feel some anger towards Nascar.com. Didn't you used to work for them?

David Newton

  (1:55 PM)

I did. And Duane Cross was a great boss. I just have no respect for Joe ever since I beat him three straight games in bowling at Pocono.

Ben (ATL)

On average, how much time does a driver spend in the garage the week leading up to a race? What about the crew chief?

David Newton

  (1:56 PM)

The crew chief is there most of the week before he leaves. The driver may pop in for a few hours once, but usually not much more.

Scott (Atlanta)

Was mayfiel liked by his fellow drivers before the failed drug test? It seems like he had some initial support from them immedately afterwards, but the mere mention of meth, and they have turned their back on him.

David Newton

  (1:58 PM)

For the most part. I never heard any real complaints. He did tick off an owner or two, namely Penske and Ray Evernham.

Jack (Brooklyn, NY)

David, will Talladega have a bigger impact being held later than usual in the Chase this year?

David Newton

  (1:58 PM)

I don't really see any more or less than in the past. It's simply a wild card.

Zach (Cleveland, Ohio)

Hey David, any chance my boy Dale Jr. will have some sort of turn around this season? Maybe a win or something? I know the Chase is out of the question.

David Newton

  (1:59 PM)

You are right, the Chase is out. Sure he can win, but he needs to get a few top 10s before thinking about Victory Lane.

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)

Hey David, do you see any chance of Jeff Gordon getting to 100 Cup wins, or anyone else for that matter?

David Newton

  (2:00 PM)

If it's not Jeff or Jimmie Johnson then I don't see it. Drivers won't hang around the sport long enough to get there anymore. Plus there's so much parity it's harder to win these days.

Ryan (Olympia)

Hey David, I thought that you kind of cheap shotted Ricky Craven Monday when you compared the uncertainty other drivers would have racing Mayfield with the uncertainty some drivers may have felt when Ricky drove with head injuries. Do you not think that there is a difference between someone who may be on drugs and somebody who suffered an injury but was cleared by doctors to race? By the way, Ricky handled it with great class, and kind of made you look silly...

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

It wasn't meant to be any kind of shot. I simply was pointing out that drivers won't give up driving in an event no matter what, head injury or the chance somebody is on drugs. That was it. If it came off as a cheap shot I sincerely apologize. Ricky is a great guy and one of my fondest memories in the sport was the Darlington race decided by inches.

AJ (Springfield, MA)

If Martin is out with 3 wins- and JPM is in with NO TOP 5's that is call for at least a tweak in Chase rules.

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

Agreed. But you and I don't make the rules.

Ryan (Olympia)

Why would Red Bull be looking to Chevy with all of its finanacial problems when Toyota is much stronger...or is Toyota looking to dump Red Bull in favor of taking on EGR?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

Because the financial support from all manufacturers has been cut and because Red Bull can get Hendrick engines if it switches.

jacob (Quincy, WA)

Hey David what other sports do you like besides Nascar?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

Love the NFL and college hoops. Am a big fan of golf as well. Sunday's Wimbledon finel reminded me why I used to love tennis.

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

Denny addressed that after the race. He didn't get his entire car below the line. He claims that his tires weren't completely below. It's a judgment call by NASCAR.

Mark T (Mount Airy, MD)

David, I like your idea about the driver with the most wins outside the Chase makes it in. Most folks have wanted anyone that wins to get in. This eliminates the drivers running a partial schedule from the chase. Don't you think it was better when we had 10 as opposed to 12 in the field????? I know there ios no turning back however.

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

I did like the 10-driver rule. And thanks for the wild card deal. It makes sense.

Andy (Cleveland, OH)

Hey David - Any thoughts if Keselowski would be interested in the No. 1 ride? I'd hate to see him leave the Hendrick family...

cactus jack (new mex )

will smoke and waltrip's current sucess bring any other drivers into ownership?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

It could, but both of those were unique. Stewart was given 50 percent of an established team with Hendrick support. Hendrick support is key here. Waltrip got a lot of help from Toyota and the timing was just right.

Ted (Ohio)

Is Stewart Haas expanding to 3 teams next year? Do you know anything new about Danica Patrick or Brad yet?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

I look for Brad to be in the third car at SHR. Danica as I've said before is just playing NASCAR for more money in the IRL.

Ryan (Olympia)

Toyota and Juan Pablo Montoya have a relationship. What are the chances of seeing Juan in a Toyota next year?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

I don't see it as long as EGR has the relationship with Childress' engines. You can't put a Chevy engine in a Toyota chassis. Well, you could but neither side would like it.

Jason (Mobile AL)

Id wait off on anymore "Kyle is mature" articles ol buddy. You write a article about his maturity after the NH race, and then he turns down reporters at Daytona after he casued yet another wreck.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

I didn't say he'd completely grown up.

Jack (Brooklyn, NY)

Do you put any stock into these "Dale Jr is the new Kyle Petty" comparisons that have popped up because of Earnhardt's struggles over the last year?

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

That's harsh. Last I looked Dale Jr. had 18 wins, including a Daytona 500. Kyle wasn't close to that. Give Junior a break. Kevin Harvick is having a bad season and nobody is all over him.

Scott (Atlanta)

What are the chances of Kyle Petty landing a ride next season?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

About as good as mine. Well, slightly better.

Scott (Atlanta)

Due to Truex's departure, who is in at EGR next year and where does the Bass Pro sponsorship go?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

The folks at EGR say they have another year left on the deal. I also have heard Bass Pro Shops will be a second sponsor on Ryan Newman's car at SHR. Stay tuned.

Nate (Richmond,VA)

has the double file restarts solved the "line racing" in NASCAR?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Sorry for the delay. My machine froze. As for the double file restarts, they appear to be working. Still not as exciting as I thought they might be, but unless it's a green-white-checkered finish they won't be.

T-berry (PA)

Dave, I'm glad you stood up for Junior in comparing him to Kyle Petty. Yes Harvick is having a bad season too and people aren't complaining about him. Hope they both have a better 2010.

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

My pleasure. Don't usually get credit for standing up for Junior.

Scott (Atlanta)

Kyle Petty will be full-time in Cup next season. he will take Truex's ride and EGR with Bass Pro and Coca-Cola splitting the major sponsorhip. You may noot care for him, but the sponsors love him. You heard it here first!

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

You heard it here first. I do agree the sponsors love him. And what's not to love. He has a great personality.

Eric (VA)

David speaking of Regan Smith, why can't that guy get a ride? His average finish when he gets to race seems to be pretty good, but his name is never mentioned.

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

He did finish every race last year at DEI. He just didnt' finish all that high. I like him, but I'm not sure he's earned a top ride.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Newt! Huge Newman fan here...I'm starting to get worried here...should I be?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

He's had a few rough weeks, but he's still solid in the top 12. I wouldn't worry that much. That he's here after a disastrous start is rather miraculous anyway.

john g (sacramento, ca)

what are the chances Kasey Kahne joins Stewart-Hass racing next season.?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

First he has to get out of the final year of his contract. Then Stewart has to convince Hendrick that Kahne and not Keselowski is the way to go. Just a few hoops to jump through.

Dave (Boston)

About the tire situation at Indy- i haven't heard anybody address the real problem, which i feel is the track surface. The diamond grinded surface doesn't produce good 500 racing, either. The past 2 years, any car the smallest bit on the high side goes straight to the wall. And let's not get started on last year's Brickyard debacle. Is there ANY talk of re-surfacing the place, usually they are on the cutting edge of motorsports technology there, but i feel it's safe to say the diamond grinding is a failure (see: Charlotte). Thanks!

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

The problem is the heavier car and the way it runs on the surface. It's a combination of several things. But I talked to Goodyear today and they are confident they have found the right solution.

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

It's time for me to bug out. Sorry for the delays due to technical problems and for being unusually slow. It's really hard to see with the sun on my laptop screen and type going 80 on a road course. Have a good rest of the week and be sure to watch the race.