ESPN

David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

It's an off week in the Sprint Cup series, but not for me. We'll call this Happy Wednesday in honor of Happy Harvick who appears to be dominating the early questions. Fire away.

Mitch (Rochester, NY)

Two questions. First, will David Stremme or Paul Menard get a top 10 first, and two, where would you rank Frank Kerr (#47 Toyota)on a list of nascar crew chiefs?

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

But what better way to start the chat than with David Stremme and Paul Menard. Really? I'll go with David Stremme only because he is in better equipment. But my guess is neither will get one.

Garrick (Boise, ID)

If Harvick is really wanting out of RCR, what are the chances that Stewart brings one of his close friends into a 3rd car?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

I'd say right now the chances aren't good. Harvick and Shell have deals with RCR through 2010, and RCR says both will be under its umbrella next season. I know Stewart got out of his contract last season at JGR, but this is different. Stewart didn't take his sponsor with him.

Jordan (Candor, NC)

I enjoy the majority of your insightful columns, Mr Newton. Most of all, thanks for bringing some sense to the sensationalistic world of NASCAR. Okay. I'm an RCR fan. What's the deal with those folks? I know they're hurting. Bringing in Mears was dumb. Shell's has money trouble and Jack Daniel's is out after this year. Is RCR going to only be Bowyer and Burton? I really like both guys. Anyone with half a brain knows Harvick is gonna be gone. My sources tell me Childress and Harvick haven't been getting along for awhile. What do you think is gonna go down?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

My take is this. Harvick would like out. Childress isn't about to let him or his sponsor out under the current economic climate. Why should he? It's pretty sad that the drivers have gotten to the point they feel like they can control everything. My guess is that RCR will remain four teams in 2010. After that is anybody's guess.

L.J. (KY)

Do you really think Harvick would go to Stewart Hass and Richard would let him get out of his contract??

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Yes I believe he would go. No, I don't believe Richard will let him out.

Russ (WI)

David, Is the #17 team so completely lost that they won't even qualify for the chase much less be a contender of the cup? Also, any news on a new sponser for that team next year? Thanks.

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Matt's still in the hunt, and I don't see that team totally collapsing. As for a sponsor, they are looking for somebody to team with DeWalt. My guess is it'll be multiple sponsors as will be the case on most cars moving forward. No one sponsor can afford $15 million to $25 million today.

Kevin (Cleveland)

David, At the beginning of this season I noticed a different Kyle Busch (attitude-wise) in that he was more personable and friendly with the media, however that only seemed to last a few races and then it was like a switch flipped with him. Now he seems like he is intentionally going out of his way to paint himself as the guy with the black hat. Strikes me as an intentional attempt to build an image instead of just being himself. What is your take?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

You have great insight. I can't argue with anything you've said. There are times when he seems to, for no reason, make life difficult. A few weeks ago at Daytona he wouldn't even look at ESPN reporter Angelique Chengelis or the camera for a brief interview before the Nationwide race. He was almost rude, and she had done nothing to provoke him. Go figure.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

If Harvick leaves RCR, where might he go?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

Indications are Stewart-Haas to team with his good friend Tony Stewart. I suppose he could elevate his Nationwide team to Cup as well. Bottom line, RCR won't let him go. Of course, JGR made a similar stand with Tony last season.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

If Harvick was to go to SHR, who do you think will be his sponsor.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Stewart has a lot of pull right now with the success he's having, but if RCR keeps Shell to its deal then I have no idea. If McDonald's weren't taken I'd go with it. They could serve Happy Harvick Meals.

bubba (houston tx)

yes harvick wants out. i think he wants to start his own team.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Thanks for the tip, Bubba. Is that your real name?

Tim Lewis (Mtn Home Ar.)

Is Harvick's contract thru 2010 or 09. Do you think a 3rd Stewart team?

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

It is through 2010. Nope on the second part.

Tim Narber (Central indiana)

IMS needs Nascar more than Nascar needs IMS?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

I would agree, but it wasn't that way in the beginning.

andrew (west chester, pa)

D yo think the harvick to shr will happen with shell or will he bring khi up? Also, if he goes to shr, will it damage the relationship between him and childress? If he leaves childress dosnt go to shr or bring khi up, where could he go?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

I've answered most of this a few times. As for his relationship with Childress, if what we're hearing is true there already is some damage. But Richard is a smart businessman. He won't let personal feelings get in the way of success.

C.J. (Indiana)

What are the odds this gets done? Praying hard for this to happen. Childress has made some horrible decisions with Casey Mears and swapping crews.

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

According to RCR, 0 percent.

Ellen (Canada)

How much fiction is there in the rumour that Kevin Harvick may leave RCR after this year?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

That he'll leave is totally fiction. That he would like to leave isn't if the people I talk to are correct.

Phil Andes (Christiansburg, VA)

Look, Harvick has seen the ups and downs since he arrived in Cup in 2001. Never a true contender for the championship, he is being realistic. It's time to move on. He and Stewart both have the owner bug. It wouldn't surprise me to see him run his own satellite with S-HR/Hendrick or be the third S-HR car, with his own ownership clause, so e can have a piece of the pie and continue his Truck and Nationwide programs. It also wouldn't surprise me to see he and Jr. put their stuff together on the Cup side and run a 2 car Hendrick satellite. Anything goes, these days, and HMS is the best horse racing, for the time being.

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

You left out that Keselowski will drive his second car next season.

johnathan barrett (dalton ga)

i just want to know when do the drivers know when to get started geting up to speed when the green flag comes out is it spotter or can they see the flagman or what.and kyle bush is a baby and how do you keep from stomping his guts out

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

There are two red lines on the track near the start-finish line. They have between those lines to restart the race. The leader always has a slight edge coming to the line.

Darrell (Petal, MS)

Wow David, it looks like Tony is in a great spot. It seems like drivers will be fighting for that third Stewart-Hass car. I knew Brad K might would be a choice. Now Kevin wants in. And i am also hearing Danica visited the shop. Is there any truth to that??

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Danica did visit, but I don't put much stock into it. If it was a serious recruiting visit I doubt it would have been so public and I bet Tony would have been there.

Frank Tolbert (Zanesville,Ohio)

Do you think that Stewart-Haas will be a good fit for Kevin Harvick, if Richard Childress lets him opt-out next season?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

A good fit, yes. But that is a huge if.

bob (mexico)

david, will harvick go to stewart haas racing in 2010 or even in 09 and will he have the 29 car with shell?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Are we sure this isn't Junior. I keep asnwering the same questions. According to RCR, Harvick will race there next season.

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Are we sure this isn't Junior. I keep asnwering the same questions. According to RCR, Harvick will race there next season.

sean (arizona)

How do you think the musical cars will play out. Where will Harvick and Keselowski be and I know the 12 will probably be up for grabs. Is it too early to even figure this stuff out.

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

I'm told Stewart hasn't even talked to Keselowski, which is interesting. How it will play out is anybody's guess now. That's why they call it the Silly Season.

Skyler (Orange, Ca)

Will Jeff Burton be able to make a run and get into the chase? He is a solid driver but has had some bad luck in recent weeks.

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

Finally, something other than a Harvick question. No, he won't make a run. I wish he would becuase he's a first-class guy. But I believe it is too late.

Tim (AZ)

How did Roush fall off so quickly? The 99 seems to be the only one getting cars even remotely close to being decent. Will someone please give Kenseth and Biffle a Hendrick ride!

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Funny. They have dropped in performance. But they still have two drivers in the Chase and a third not far off the mark. Let's ask this question again in eight weeks.

Ed (Chesterfield, Virginia)

David, do contracts mean anything in any sport these days? If so, can you name some for me? This story about Harvick to me should be pointless, doesn't Childress hold all the cards, or atleast shouldn't he, since he holds the contracts?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

They don't mean as much as they once did. Over the past five years we've seen Kurt Busch, Jamie McMurray and Tony Stewart get out of deals. You'd think Childress holds all the cards, but if Harvick wants out and wants to make life miserable for the rest of the organization if he stays is it worth keeping him?

Skyler (Orange, Ca)

Why is Kevin Harvick looking to leave Richard Childress Racing? Childress is one of the top racing teams and seems like a great partner for Harvick to potentially buy a percentage of the race team from. I know Harvick wants to own a team, but how will he get that done at Stewart-Haas?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

The why you'd have to ask Kevin. My guess is he wants to challenge for a championship and doesn't believe he can get it done at RCR.

dayau augusta ga [via mobile]

i bet i have a question u cant answer. when will rick hendrick see that dale will never be half tha driver his dad or grandad was? he is a marketing tool thats it

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

I think he may already have a clue on that one.

Steve (ND)

Chances Harvick actually gets out of his contract? better than 50/50

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Again, RCR says 0 percent. But things change, so stay tuned.

Ed (Fort Worth)

Newt, how serious are the rumblings about Harvick wanting out at RCR, and can Childress convince him to hang around? If Harvick is released, do you think Stewart would want to sign Harvick or Keslowski?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

The first part is on the broken record below. The second part is Harvick if given the choice. He's proven. Keselowski is not.

the rick (missouri)

Hey Newt you do a great job reporting way to keep it real. If Harvick signs with SHR where will Keslowski go?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Thanks. As far as Keselowski, I'm starting to lean toward Red Bull. If Red Bull goes to GM and teams with Hendrick and Keselowski re-signs a Nationwide with JR Motorsports that would keep him in a Chevy all the way around. If manufacturer weren't an issue I'd go with Penske.

sportsman88 (King ESPN)

so with kevin reportedly wanting out who do you believe will have the better ride if all things go to plan, Kevin H or brad K.

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Since it doesn't appear Kevin is going to get out of his deal and Brad K doesn't have a ride yet, I'll go with Kevin.

RAY GORDON REID ( ALBUQUERQUE NM 871O3)

QUESTION TO DAVID NEWTON AT 2.15 HI DAVID WHOS YOUR PICK FOR INDIANAPOLIS NEXT SUNDAY

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Haven't given it much thought this far ahead, but I'll go with the two hottest drivers, Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson. Both have won there and know what it takes.

Brian (Philadelphia, PA)

As sad as it is, I think it's time for Kevin to make a change...sometimes a shake-up is all that can be done to find new motivation to give it 110% every lap from practice to the white flag. Harvick on a team with Stewart and Newman could prove deadly, and finally a team could compete with Hendrick. I would love to see a new dynamic in NASCAR where Tony and Kevin take on Gordon and Johnson! Harvick will make sure it makes sense for him and maybe this could be a catalyst for some Kevin Harvick Inc. involvement in Cup...Stewart/Haas/Harvick Inc.

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

All good points. Thanks.

Johnny D (Atlanta, GA)

Seems like when you get a little bit behind it becomes a lot behind - any hope for RCR? Do you think they will go to 2 teams next year?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

You're right, and with no testing it's hard to catch up. I said earlier they would remain four, but three isn't out of the question. Childress, however, intends to go with four if sponsorship is available.

Ryan (Minnesota)

David, I keep reading articles that there are 15 people that have a chance at the championship. I believe when the chase starts its going to come down to about 4 drivers that have a real chance.. how do you feel about it

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

On the surface I agree, but you never know. Carl Edwards could get hot over the final 10 races and make s run at it. Anybody could for that matter. Look at Greg Biffle. He won the first two races of the Chase last year and had everybody turning their heads. But my picks would be Johnson, Stewart, Gordon and Martin.

Spencer (Indy)

David, a lot of talk about Stewart 3rd team, is it possible if they got a combo of Keslow, Danica, and or Harvick they could run 4 full time teams next season?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

That would be a stretch. I can't imagine Tony putting Patrick into a car for a full season without experience and I can't imagine Keselowski agreeing to share a ride.

Tony (Indianapolis)

With the rumors going around, do you honstly think Tony Stewart could afford to add another race team right now. Let alone two. With Danica Patrick and Kevin Harvick being one if not both of those teams. What do you think the chances of that happening are?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

First, I believe Danica was just for show so she can get more money in the IndyCar series. I may be wrong. Just my belief. But I do believe the timing is right for Tony to expand. With sponsors looking for solid teams he needs to jump while the iron is hot.

Ed (Hartford)

Used to be you'd have your heart in your mouth when you saw a crash like we've seen at the finish line the past two restrictor plate races. Now it is almost expected....When will Nascar decide putting flame throwers and rocket launchers on the cars will make the racing more exciting LOL

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

Thought they already had those. Seriously, plate racing has always been this way. This is nothing new except the great crashes have come at the end instead of earlier.

Brian (Albany, NY)

Hi David,What would be a time table for Happy Harvick if he wanted to leave RCR and join SHR? And could you see maybe BK take over Harvicks ride?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Burger King might want some of that action, but unless something changes I don't see it. Besides, Harvick already looks like Ronald McDonald in that yellow Shell uniform. Think Stewart said that first.

Christian (High Point, NC)

The question of the hour, if not the week: what's going to happen with Harvick?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Please see below.

Kevin (Brownsburg, IN)

Besides the Stewart-Haas rumor, are there other options out there for Harvick?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

He could form his own team. He could replace Junior in the 88. He could retire and go into the television booth. He could become a Cup owner and give Mayfield a ride. Lots of options don't you think?

GoHuskerz (Florence, KY)

Stewart Haas Racing was visited by Danica Patrick this week, and now Kevin Harvick would like to drive for them. What are the chances that SHR starts a 3rd cup team to accomdate Harvick and works out a deal with Harvick to get Patrick into a Nationwide car next year?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

That all sounds great in an ideal world, but the contracts don't appear ideal for that happening.

Jimmy (New Hampshire)

Do you think Kevin Harvick will wind up on another team other than RCR and the end of the year?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

I guess if he ticks off Childress enough he could.

rick (mpls)

Is RCR going to survive with 4 cars? Lots of questions to be answered...will Jack Daniels be back, will Harvick be back, will Shell be back? I'm an RCR guy and thought the expansion would really help them this year, but things just aren't working. Even if they turn around the rest of the year is it just a case of too little too late? C'mon Richard..I know it's not all your fault, but something has to change other than pit crews.

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

There are sponsor concerns for four, but Childress seems optimistic things will work out. Funny, they went to four teams to improve and they've only gone backwards.

Ken (cincy)

will Lance McGrew stay with Jr?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Too many races left to say so just now.

Rick (Buffalo, NY)

Childress would have to be out of his mind to let Harvick free with one year left. With their performance this year I would not suspect that another top flight-chase qualifying driver will be eager to jump into that seat... whats your take?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

I agree totally.

Pete (London,Ontario Canada)

Dave, it seems SHR is looking at a 3rd team in 2010. Do you see them moving to a 3rd car or staying put at 2.

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Everything points to a third team. Stewart said he would when both current teams were championship contenders. They are now.

Chris (Richmond (VA))

If Danica Patrick were make the switch over to Sprint Cup, why shouldn't we expect her to have the same fate as say Carpentier, Villeneuve, and Franchitti?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

No reason not to think that. They had better credentials than Patrick before making the jump. Her advantage will be sponsors will want to be on her car.

Matt Miller (FL)

What do you believe the odds of Harvick moving to Stewart-Haas for next year are?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Not good according to RCR.

brian h (bristol, tn)

is this the beginning of the end for rcr? (please dear Lord, don't say its over)

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

It's not over. Just a bump in the road. Remember they were pretty bad four years ago and turned things around. Most teams run in cycles.

Bill S. (High Point, NC)

Danica, Red Bull, Brad, and Hendricks, are the big stories right now. How do you see them falling out?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Danica stays in an IndyCar. Brad finds a Chevrolet, maybe with Red Bull.

rick (mpls)

Does it seem funny to you that both SI and ESPN have the Harvick story circulation before NASCAR.COM even whispers a breath of it?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Didn't give it any thought.

derrick (g'berg,iowa)

who do you like at the Brickyard?

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

A little bar/restaurant across the street from my hotel called Bourbon St. Distillery. And the Angry Lobster at Oceanaire, although my boss didn't like the $195 pricetag. As for the track, the racing isn't great there in this car, but the atmosphere is pretty cool. Check out the museum. And I love the golf course going through the track.

Drew (Minnetonka)

David, where do you see Jason Leffler finishing in the overall standings? He doesnt have a poll or a win this year yet he is still contending with the Sprint Cup series drivers

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

He has done well. He'll probably finish 5-10 somewhere.

Glenn (Harrisburg,pa)

Did RCR hurt themselves by adding a 4th team? Just looking at the numbers 3 chasers to 0

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

It's hard to say. The lack of testing hurt and something else is missing. I can't blame it on expansion.

michelle (az)

as an owner/driver ever won a championship before?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Yep. Alan Kulwicki.

Rich (LA, CA)

David, where do you predict Elliott Sadler and Jamie McMurray will end up next year?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

McMurray to Yates Racing. I had a dream that Sadler wound up in the 1 at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Not sure what to make of that.

Deuce (Denver, CO)

Sometimes it seems like rumors pop up out of nowhere. How often are these based in reality (re: actual team sources) and do drivers ever create rumors themselves to create buzz and possibly better deals? I hadn't heard anything about BK going to Penske since last year but all of a sudden it's a hot rumor.

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Many do come out of nowhere. Drivers do create them sometimes, but I'd say 75 percent of them have some truth to them.

chris (charlotte)

chase spots 8-14, who gets in, who stays home?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Geez. I'll say the standings stay the way they are with one exception. Biffle slides back in and Kyle Busch falls out. How's that for throwing fuel on the fire?

David (Denver)

If you set aside the fact that Harvick has wrecked several times this year, the RCR cars have been showing improvement the last few weeks. He had top 10s going at both Sonoma and New Hampshire. The Daytona car was good enough to win, and he's been in an incident everytime.Is Stewart Haas that much better than RCR or is Tony just a good driver? If you took the wrecks out of the equation, Kevin would be running about the same as Newman.

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

I haven't figured in the wreck equation, but the biggest difference appears to be power. Stewart-Haas has more of it.

Jake (Irving, Texas)

What makes Harvick think he could even get a ride like Waltrip gave to Truex? Harvick hasn't done anything for more than 4 years.

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Well, he did win the Daytona 500 in 2007.

D. WAGNER (STANTON, MI)

When will any of these drivers be greatful for the chance they have been given? I mean, Childress puts him in the car after Dale dies, and stood behind him when he would mouth off, wreck cars, his or other's cars, and he turns his back on Childress.

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

I couldn't agree more.

derrick (iowa)

do you think Kurt Busch as a ligit beef with J.J. or should he just chill out. seems like there just racing hard to win!

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

There was contact and it began with Johnson. I don't see that entitles Kurt to slam Johnson in retaliation, but it does make for good stories.

keith (Mountain View CA)

Is this statement just posturing from RCR, or is there some merit to it beyond the obvious:Richard Childress Racing has a multi-year contract with Shell-Pennzoil that includes the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Shell-Pennzoil remains a great partner for RCR and Kevin Harvick as well as our sport overall. RCR also has a multi-year contract with Kevin Harvick that includes the 2010 season. That said, Shell will be the sponsor and Kevin will be the driver of RCR's No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet Impala SS in 2010.

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

I think they were making a statement, and I'd take it for what it says. Nothing more or less. It sends a message to Harvick at least.

Brian (Albany, NY)

If Harvick somehow does get let go, could you see BK taking his seat?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

It would keep him in a Chevy, but doesn't fulfill his goal of staying with Hendrick. Guess it could happen if Shell agreed to go along with an unproven driver. Of course, Brad does have more wins than Harvick the past two seasons.

Jake (Manhattan, Kansas)

If Harvick goes to SHR where does that leave Brad K?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Looking.

Jake (Irving, Texas)

Why is that Henrick-Stert-Haas is the dumping ground for every driver? Brad, Danica, Labonte now Harvick

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Because top drivers want to be with top teams.

Gwyn (chicago)

beings the 88 team is out of it this year, are they just trying to "test" for the rest of the year for next year?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

That and win and improve communication.

Richard (TX)

3 questions...Will Kasey Kahne make the chase this year? Will Kahne be in the no.9 car next year? Will RPM field Dodges or Toyotas?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Yes, yes, Not totally sure but it appears Toyota.

Adam (Live Oak)

With all the rumored drivers and sponsors to SHR, is there any chance that they could be a 4 car team next year?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

I don't think so.

Juliet (Jefferson Parrish)

Hasn't the performance of Childress proven that the old school belief that only 4 car teams can succeed been proven false by 2 car teams like Red Bull and Henrick-Stert-Haas?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Not sure about Red Bull. All it has won is poles. But Stewart-Haas has proven it can work, although it's really a six-car team with the four from Hendrick.

Aron (Las Colinas)

David please tell me there's no way, even if they are buddies that Tony would choose Kevin over Brad for a 3rd car next season.

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Sorry, he would.

Rick (Buffalo, NY)

Any word on Red Bull's plans for next year? Vickers extention a done deal? Switching to GM backed by HMS? Speed out for Brad K?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

General manager Jay Frye is in Austria this week ironing out all of those details. Vickers will get his deal. HMS likely will get Red Bull. I can't see Speed being kicked out. Expansion more likely.

rick (mpls)

How far behind do you really feel RCR is? A couple guys sort of close to making the chase, plenty of guys in the chase previous years...do you think it's something big? Burton seemed to indicate they have the horsepower, but they just get the cars through the corners with speed.

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Pretty far looking at the standings, but not so far they can't turn things around.

derrick (g'berg,iowa)

do you think Mark Martin will make the chase? hard to think with 4 wins he could miss out>

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Yes, but if he misses then NASCAR should immediatley add a wild card driver, say the one with the most wins that doesn't make the Chase.

Chris (St. Louis)

With SHR using Hendrick Equipment and Reb Bull wantting to switch to Chevy so they can get Hendrick equipment, how long until we have half of the cup garage driving Hendrick cars??

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Seems like it's getting closer, but I don't think it'll happen.

AJ (Las Vegas)

Doesn't Nascar really need Danica more than Danica needs Nascar?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Exactly.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Isn't Tony Stewart the complete opposite of Kyle Busch? When Stewart came into NASCAR he seemed a bit brash and hot headed like Kyle Busch is. Now Stewart seems like the most likeable guy on the curcuit even before this year.

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

I wouldn't go that far. Tony hasn't had anything really bad happen this season. Let's see how he acts after five straight finishes of 25th or worse, not that there appears a snowballs chance of that happening. But I'll withhold judgment until then.

Will (Maine)

I think that if Harvick could get out of his contract and he gets in with SHR, then he will definitely be a championship contender and possibly win one within the next 3 years...

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

Your words, not mine.

Chris (Richmond (VA))

Hey wait, didn't Stewart say last year that if he could field a third car that he'd put Scott Riggs in it? Well, isn't Riggs out there?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

If he did say that I'm sure he'll retract it immedaitely.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Danica races 17 races a year in IRL and is 5th in pts. Why would she want to go to NASCAR and race 36 races a year and be a middle of the pack racer?

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

You're getting warmer.

Ronald (Ft Walton Beach)

Do you see Paul Menard joining Robby Gordon at Robby's team?

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

Wow, where did that come from? On that note, I'll end this. It's been a blast answering all the Harvick questions over and over and over. Enjoy a weekend off from Cup. I know I will. And start getting pysched for next week's race at Indy and ESPN returning as network of record. Later.