ESPN

David Newton

  (2:00 PM)

What better way to spend a rainy day in Charlotte, N.C., than on the couch watching "Ferris Bueller's Day Off?" A classic. Of course. spending an hour of it on chat with you guys and then getting ready for a NASCAR Now Showdown with Ryan McGee is a pretty good options as well. Fire away with those questions.

chris (staunton virginia)

jeffery earnhardt whats the deal with this kid i think jr nation should put him in car and dales daulter too what u think

David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

The young Earnhardt is on the fasttrack for the Nationwide Series next season. A 24th at Watkins Glen wasn't a bad debut for a road course. As for Earnhardt's daughter, she's happy on the back of a horse, not in a car making horsepower.

jalky (dodgeville mi)

why was denny hamlin allowed to skip his spot in qualifying without incurring a penalty? if he had been forced to go out first (as scheduled) he would have been at an obvious disadvantage

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

I missed qualifying, but if you've got a legitimate reason for missing your turn they are forgiving.

steve (Lafayette,LA)

should nascar put more road courses in their schedule and should the new nationwide car be runned before 2010?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

I'd like to see a road course in the Chase. Make it a pure driver's championship. Maybe eliminate one of the mile and a half tracks. As for the Nationwide COT, they're easing it in in 2010, so that'll work just fine.

Richard (Bozeman,MT)

Do you think that Jeff Gordon can still win the championship?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

I do. And I don't believe his back will be a problem. It was stiff after the wild crash on Monday, but it would have been stiff after that regardless of whether he's been having problems. That was pretty violent.

RAY GORDON REID ( CADILLAC MI 48601)

QUESTION TO DAVID NEWTON AT 2.O5 PM PM HI DAVID WHOS YOUR PICK FOR BROOKLYN SUNDAY

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

It's Carl Edwards' turn to do a backflip.

mike (pa)

David, will Kyle make the chase and if so who is the odd man out?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

I like Shrub's chances. I'd be very nervous if I were Matt Kenseth.

MARK (DALLAS)

Does Kasey Kahne make the chase in your opinion?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

Most definitely. He's runnning more consistently than he has in two years.

James (Alabama)

any word on Gordon's back?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

Just stiff. Michigan won't be a problem. It's not hard on the driver. Mostly green flag runs.

Matt (Michigan)

Chances Tony wins two in a row after Michigan this week?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

It's always possible as well as that team is running, but I'm betting against it.

Chase (WV)

Dave, I caught the last part of the conversation on tv during the race about some changes on bowyer's crew. Could you update me on the situation? Thanks!

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Just a few switches on the pit crew. Nothing majors.

Oscar (Kentucky )

Hey David, do you see any changes to COT for next year? Double File Restarts has helped the racing, but it still doesn't solve the problem that the COT has to put on a better race for the fans.

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

They are looking at a few tweaks and the manufacturers would like to see a few as well to make passing at the front a premium. And you're right, double file restarts have helped.

Dennis (pa)

so, what drivers will make the chase after the race at the glen?

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

I like Kyle sneaking in, Kenseth or Biffle falling out.

mike (pa)

Any word if Ford is running the new engine this week at a track they're already good at?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Another false report. They won't use it until the Chase. Read the rumor mill on ESPN.com for details.

Tony G. (atlanta)

what driver who will not make the chase is the most likely to win a race during the chase?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

I feel like I'm beating up on Matt Kenseth, but he is the most vulnerable. That was a great run on Sunday, but the team isn't running well enough to hold on if Busch gets hot.

Tony G. (atlanta)

give us your top 10 predictions for this week

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Ten is a bit much. How about 3? A Roush Fenway car will win, either Edwards or Biffle. Kyle Busch will post another top five. David Stremmne will wreck somebody. The last is easy. He seems to wreck somebody every week.

Darrell (MS)

Speaking of rain. Does the pit crews get any extra $$ for staying on mondays. I know that a lot of them have part time jobs back in NC.

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Those that get paid by the hour certaily do. Not sure on the rest. Interesting question. I know I don't get any more for having to stay an extra day.

Joseph (Detroit, MI)

Any more news on where McMurray will end up next year?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

Nothing yet. The Silly Season will go deeper into the fall than normal because sponsors are waiting longer to make commitments.

Raymond (NC)

Several big name drivers have struggled this season. Do you see Dale Jr/Harvick/Burton turning it around this season?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

No. No. and No.

Steve (St. Anthony, MN)

Do you think Jamie McMurray will be driving next year. If so, with who?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

Yes I do. My guess is he'll come to his senses and go to Yates Racing. But don't rule Earnhardt Ganassi and the No. 1 out.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey David, early Top 3 for Michigan this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Edwards, Biffle and Johnson.

John (Illinois)

Any updates on the crewmember that got hit on Monday (I think it was from the 6 car)? It looked like a nasty hit on TV.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

It was from David Ragan's car. I haven't heard any updates. I'm assuming that means it's not serious.

Rick (Pa)

With Lowes bowing out as sponsor of the Charlotte track is there any discussion about their renewing their sponsorship for the 48 team after 2010?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

They are fully committed to the 48 longterm. They also likely will have some sort of deal with what may now again be Charlotte Motor Speedway that doesn't include naming rights.

Jerry (ALABAMA)

Is a roush car going to win this weekend? Who is going to be debuting this new Ford motor? I'm assuming the 6 team will.

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

Yes. Nobody this weekend. And don't assume Ragan. McMurray could get it as well, or maybe Kenseth or Biffle if they miss the Chase. And it won't be used until the Chase. Read the rumor mill. It is accurate.

Jeremy (Philadelphia)

Ford Racing in the sprint cup as a whole seems to be struggling this year? Whta's your opinion on what might be wrong?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

They're off just a little, but last week looked pretty strong at the Glen. Michigan is a track they own. Look for things to turn around soon.

mike (pa)

If anyone,who do you think will lose a spot in the chase?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

Let's see, for the third or fourth time, Matt Kenseth. And it's a shame. He started the season with two wins.

Adam (NC)

Newton,Any word on RPM manufact,lineup ETC....

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

Everything continues to point to Toyota in 2010.

Kristen (sc)

will ragan turn things around this year? he was doing really well last year, its like he took a step back instead of going forward.

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

He took a huge step backwards. And if he hasn't turned it around by now it'll be tough to do so without testing.

Jessie (MN)

In your opinion, who is the best looking driver?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Wow, a stretch for me to pick. I asked my wife that question the other day and she didn't have a simple answer. I'd go with Johnson, Gordon and Edwards. Well, I wouldn't go with them. I'd just say they are relatively good looking.

Scott (Atlanta)

Any new word on RPM possibly switching to Toyota next season, and ANY peeps or whispers about Kyle Petty finding a Cup ride next year, or is he, as they say, "officially retired" from race car driving?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

As I said earlier, all signs point to Toyota. I know Kyle is looking, but I believe his time has passed.

Ben (ATL)

If Sorenson is out at RPM, can he replace the wreck machine Stremme at Penske?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Not this year. We'll have to see how next year shakes out. I'm not sure putting him at Penske is the answer though.

mike (pa)

if the fords aren't running new engine till the chase, can Biffle(assuming he's in the chase) do a repeat of what he did last year during the chase?

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

He can, but it won't be with the new engine. They'll give that to a driver that is not in the Chase.

Cactus Jack (New Mex)

i think hamlin skipped his qualifying spot becasue he had been in nationwide practice just before cup qualifying.

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

Thanks for that information.

mike (pa)

Will Mark Martin be out of Hendrick Motorsports before Dale Jr.?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

You'd think so, but he's come back more times than what's his name from Halloween.

Toby (KY)

how will old man martin do this week?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

He should be good at Michigan. Suits his style nicely.

Cactus Jack (New Mex)

are the roush boys on the rise? no wins yet but biff and carl are looking better

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

I'd be a little nervous if I were the competition. You know they won't go winless all season long.

Steve (St. Anthony, MN)

With Tony Stewart praising Hendrick every week for supplying engines why doesn't Robby Gordon buy/get his engines from Hendrick? I love the fact that he still owns his own race team and I think that would help him in the long run. Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Good question for Robby. He's tried everybody else's engines.

Ben (South Carolina)

Why does no one get upset at Kasey Kahne for wrecking Sam Hornish? I know it was not intentional but imagine if Kyle had caused it! The uproar!

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

You answered your own question. Kyle gets blamed regardless of whether he's right or wrong. Kahne gets a pass because he doesn't have a history of wrecking people.

mike (pa)

Is it just me or is Kasey Kahne the only guy with a 4 car team that really doesnt get much help from his teammates?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

I'm not sure anybody from Richard Childress Racing is getting much help.

alex (fla)

I was just wondering what is the avg cost to fully sponser a sprint cup car?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

It's dropping fast. The high end is #25,000 to $30,000, but you won't see much of that moving forward. It's getting more to the $15,000 range as average.

mike (pa)

If Kahne goes toToyota will the #9 and Budweiser be going with too?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

Yes, this Bud is for any manufacturer.

Cactus Jack (New Mex)

is the 39 car on the decline? or was this last 5 races or so just not good tracks for their car/driver?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

The performance has dropped for some reason. Part of it has been misfortune. Newman needs a good finish or two to get comfortably inside the Chase line.

cody j. (ohio)

i know its a week ahead, but i wont be hear to ask next tuesday. Who is your top 5 for bristol? i'll be high up in turn 2 watching the action (hopefully double file restarts will bring some of the old bristol back)

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Double file restarts will help. I miss the old girl. As for my top five, I like Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards and Mark Martin.

Jeremy (Philadelphia)

How come Bobby Labonte has struggled this year. He was predicted to be at least inside the top 20 in points. Is it the equipment?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

I don't have a good answer for you. It shouldn't be the equipment. He gets the same stuff the Roush drivers have. Maybe he's just having trouble adjusting to Ford.

JC (sacramento)

was mark martin's win at the last Michigan race a fuel milage fluke?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

It was a fuel mileage win. Not sure I'd call it a fluke. They played the right strategy.

cody j. (ohio)

in your opinion, which driver would win a "royal rumble" style wrestling match lol

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Tony Stewart. If he got on top of you it would be hard to get up.

Stu (Madison, Va.)

What does it mean for Sadler at RPM that they were switching crews around on the other two teams?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

It means they are satisfied with the performance of the other team teams. They aren't going to give Sadler Kasey Kahne's crew chief.

Joe (Missoula, MT )

Newt, do you think Newman may be in danger of falling out as well? He has been plummeting like a rock as of late.

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

He's definitley on a free fall, but he started the season that way and righted the ship. I believe he'll get things turned around.

Craig G. (Fairfield, CA)

My girlfriend is alright with my man crush on Carl Edwards.

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

As long as she approves.

Deuce (Denver)

Do you think Roger Penske would have Stremme split the 12 later in the season to give Allgaier some seat time and experience?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

Not a bad idea. He'd like to get Keselowski in that ride for next season as well.

Maxx (reno)

if stremme is so bad why not bring algiar up already?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Wow, two Stremme needs to be replaced questions in a row. See below.

Michael Waltrip (Michigan Int'l)

Am I still the worst driver in Nascar? or have I been passed by Stremme? And who else in in the conversation for worst driver??

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

You're at Michigan a bit early. Too funny. And Stremme is stealing Waltrip's limelight, so to speak.

Shawn (Gastonia, NC)

Good article about Clunkers. Instead of incorporating new and different COT's for the Nationwide series in this economy, why not CFC the Cup cars, like the old Fords being replaced this week by Roush and the old Dodges replaced this year by Penske and Petty and send them down to the Nationwide series?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

I'll pass that along to the governing body. But I like the idea of running muscle cars down there.

Sean (Buffalo)

Where did the nickname Shrub come from?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

Because he's a Busch, which sounds like bush, which is a shrub.

mike (pa)

Johnson ran out of gasin the spring race, as did Biffle, Is Johnson the favorite to win especially with looong Michigan green flags?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

Johnson could be the favorite almost anywhere.

Maxx (reno)

my wife and most women seem to agree that the best looking driver is kasey kahne.

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

I did leave him out. He's so boyish looking I consider him more cute than good looking. Did I just say that? Let's move on to something else.

Cale (TN)

bowyer gets top 10 this week, top 5 at bristol, top 10 at atlanta, and WINS richmond. he will be in the chase, you heard it here first!!!!

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

That would be a great storyline, and not entirely out of the question. But then we'd have to knock two drivers out because Kyle Busch will make it. You heard that here.

Chris (TN)

who do you think wins the 2009 sprint cup championship?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Same driver I picked before the season, Jimmie Johnson.

mike (pa)

lol Ben from SC how many times has Hornish and Stremme both wrecked Kahne last year? Short memory i guess

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

Be with you in a minute. I need another set of hands and toes.

T-berry (J-town)

Yes, no one was upset with Kasey for causing the wreck but if it had been Junior, they would have been running after him with a bucket of tar and some feathers!

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

Hardly. They would have expected Junior to wreck.

JC (sacramento,ca)

can jpm keep his hot streak going? lots of ovals ahead

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

He's been solid at Michigan, so no reason to think otherwise. Momentum is a beautiful thing.

Jeremy (Philadelphia)

Do you see any positive progression from yates racing going in to 2010?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

If they get a fully sponsored driver from Roush I do.

kirk (indy)

Don't be too hard on the same question showing up multiple times, there is a long wait between submitting a question and it showing up.Good article today, what is YOUR opinion of how NASCAR will look in 5, 10 years - tracks, manufacturers, drivers...

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Thanks, and I'm sorry if it sememed I was being hard. Not the tone at all. Just wanted to save time and move on to new questions. As for the sport, I see a few new tracks, all smaller than most existing ones, fuel injection and a more diverse field.

seth (westvirginia)

newton how much do get paid

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

They give me 10 cents a question. Why do you think I try to answer so many?

paul (nc)

how do crews keep track of how much fuel is in the cars, how much the car is using, and how much it has left?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

They actually do fuel runs in practice, running the car completely out to get an idea of how far they can go. They also use a lot of mathematics that I never learned as an English major.

Deuce (Denver)

btw, when you tell people to "see below" for answers to questions that have already been asked, it is actually above on our screens, so you need to say, "see above"

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Well I learned something today. I'm always backwards anyway. Thanks for the advice.

MICHAEL WALTRIP (MICHIGAN INT'L)

yeah i'm here early. not so i can get in the practice that i so desperately need, but rather to film another awful commercial.

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Just say something silly. It's gotten you this far.

mike (pa)

Juan Pablo Montoya has 1 top 5 and like 12 top tens and is still in the chase, should more emphasis be on winning?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

NASCAR has attempted to do that. If Busch or Martin get left out I believe they'll have to tweak the system to put more emphasis on it.

Ozzie Smith (St Louis)

I think it's about time for Carl to do another back flip!!

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

So do I. Have you ever done one off a car door?

TERRYB42 (GA)

WHAT HAPPEN WITH JR AND HIS CREW CHIEF AND THE WRECK SUNDAY

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

I didn't see anything. What did you see or hear?

phantom (yuma,az)

kyle busch wins bristol and richmond.

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

He's done it before.

jamie (ky)

my favorite drver is jamie mcmurray (yes, because we have the same name). how will he do this week? i hate to see him leave roush

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

So does this mean you're leaving your job?

paul (nc)

Tony Stewart wins the 2009 cup, retires his NASCAR career, and runs for president in 2012. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Not. You heard that here first.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

David, Is Carl Edwards going to be the only full time Cup driver to run the entire Nationwide Series schedule next season??????

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Could be. Kyle is backing down, Harvick has backed down. You might see Bowyer return, but not sure for a full schedule.

Gary (walla walla)

would nascar ever use daytona or other tracks as road courses?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

They have a road course at Daytona, Indianapolis and a few others. So the answer is yes.

devin bachman (whitmore lake)

david when will jimmie get his win at mis to me it could be Sunday if bring that spring car back .

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

I wouldn't bet against it if you gave me a choice of Jimmie or the field.

alex (fla)

even though the car doesn't have the writing the 12 is sponsored by verizon right?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Correct.

James (New York)

Did you happen to watch Speedtv Victory Lane? If so, did you see the face (specifically the way his mouth moved) Stewart made when they asked him about expanding to a three car team? That's the definition of a 'tell." KH and KHI, welcome aboard.

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

I missed that. But Tony has said a third team doesn't seem likely and Harvick has a deal. And even if he did get away he would need a sponsor to make it work.

mike (pa)

do you think Nascar should implement some type of draft to bring in new drivers, like start and parks replaced by guys who want to race the whole race?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Not sure how that one would work. It's the owner that starts and parks the cars, not the driver. The drivers prefer to race.

TG (PA)

Oh you're back to being mean to Junior this week. Now stop that.

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

paul (nc)

another technical question: there's a guy on every crew that reaches a long rod out from over the wall and does something to the front of the car... what is that?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

He's cleaning the windshield. Don't you get the same treatment at your local gas station?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

He also may be cleaning debri off the front bumper.

John (Corona, CA)

When is Jr going to win a race. He just doesn't look like he is in to it. He needs to start racing with an edge like his father.

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

I had forgotten Charlie Sheen was in Ferris Beueller. Sorry, my mind wandered. Anyway, maybe next year. Or the next. Or never.

Barry (AK)

Sooooo, I kinda of think Brad Keselowski is kinda good looking. Thoughts? Do you think he's as dreamy as Carl?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

I will pass on that one.

mike (pa)

When will Old Skool vs. New Skool be on Nascar Now again, thats good stuff

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Not sure who they are. You'll have Old Me vs. Not Quite As Old McGee today. Are you ready to rumble?

paul (nc)

carl's edwards car came and visited the ford dealership in my town. the driver window provides a suprisingly good platform from which to do a backflip.

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Better you than me. I would land on my head.

John (Corona, CA)

When is Jr going to stop being a push over and drive like his father?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Like his father? That truly will be never. He was one of a kind.

mike (pa)

is Reutiman out of the chase yet?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Pretty close. That wreck at Pocono was costly.

rod (nc)

lets have a contest. pick any 5 drivers for this weeks race. I will have mr. garrow do the same. Whoever scores the most points can be crowned "the supreme, chief, head honcho, big kahuna, espn chat, grand puba, champion"

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Edwards, Biffle, Johnson, Martin, Kyle Busch. I win. No contest.

TG (PA)

Do you like the movie Dirty Dancing?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Loved it. Filmed right here in North Carolina. Beautiful spot.

Ernie (Calif)

Do you think they'll cut down the fields next year,due to all the start and parks

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Nope.

Sid (Atlanta)

if there's a tie for 12th after Richmond do both drivers get in or do they tie-break on wins, etc?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

The first tie-breaker I believe is wins. After that I believe it is top 10s, but I won't swear to it without looking.

Craig G. (Fairfield, CA)

How much do you think the Busch brothers talk about Kyle's struggles and Kurt's success this season?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Not as much as the Baldwin Brothers talk about who's the best looking.

Jeremy (Philadelphia)

Are there any Race teams under the four-driver cap that are looking to add a new one next year?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Joe Gibbs Racing would consider it if a sponsor were there, but it's getting late for anybody to make that move now.

Gary (walla walla)

are there any off track friendships between drivers that are surprising?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

The Newmans and Harvicks, although when you consider what they have in common it's not as surprising as you might think.

MICHAEL WALTRIP (MICHIGAN)

I just wrecked my personal car too.

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Again? Geez.

paul (nc)

if you could be a fly on the wall at any of the following, which would it be: busch family dinner, petty family dinner, or the miss sprint cup dressing room?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

I'll go with the Busch family dinner.

TG (PA)

Oh Dave, I thought you might say Junior and Kyle are BFF's

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

That would be a great story.

T-berry (J-town)

Swing, batter, batter, batter. Jennifer Grey looks totally different since she had her nose done. But from a different movie: nobody puts baby in the corner!

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

On that note, I'll get on with the rest of the day. Remember to tune into NASCAR Now to watch me rumble with McGee.