ESPN

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

It's not and muggy here in Charlotte. Much better to be in the house chatting with you guys. Fire away.

David Stremme (Thunder Valley)

Watch out for that #40 trainwreck this weekend, i'm the "big one" this weekend.

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

You are on a roll. How many cars have you hit this season?

Shawn (MO)

What are the chances of Clint Bowyer making the chase with 2 of the last 3 races being short tracks?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

You're correct, he's solid at Bristol and Richmond. Atlanta will be the key for him. But he still has to rely on others ahead of him having a bad day, and that's never a great position to be in.

Doug (Bowling Green, Kentucky)

How could Jimmy run out of gas again on Sunday, after he ran out of gas last June at the same track?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

I've been arguing all week that it was Chad Knaus' ego that went for it, that they could have won the race without taking a gamble. He had the fastest car. If Junior can pit with about 40 laps left and make it to third with a car that was no better than 15th to 25th most of the day then Johnson could have won.

TIM (THOMASVILLE)

Bigger factor this weekend......David Stremme and his ability to take out half the field when he wrecks at a short track OR crew chief/pit road strategy??

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

That's a tough one. If I were Mark Martin and all the guys on the bubble I'd stay away from the 12.

Todd (Georgia)

Who do you think will win this weekend in Nationwide and Cup? Also how will Dale Jr. run this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

I'll go with Kyle Busch to sweep the races. Junior will be 15th to 25th as he usually is. Don't read a lot into last week's fuel mileage race.

Donnie (Al.)

Do the other drivers like Kyle Bush? Who are the most liked drivers in the garage?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

I don't think Brian Vickers or most of the drivers at Hendrick Motorsports are on his Christmas list, but he has friends. He hangs out with Denny Hamlin a good bit.

RAY GORDON REID ( HUNTSVILLE ALA 35801)

QUESTION TO DAVID NEWTON AT 2.20PM HI DAVID YOUR PICK FOR BRISTOL SATURDAY NIGHT

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Kyle all weekend.

Michael (CT)

David, pick two drivers you think can win the chase - one driver who has won this year, and one driver who has not won this year.

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Definitely Johnson. He's been my favorite from Day One. As for drivers who haven't won I'd go with Carl Edwards. I look for him to get on a roll at some point, and he's been really consistent the past few months. Wins aside, he may be having a better season than a year ago.

JC (Sacramento,ca)

are the schedule conflicts of harvick,kensth and kyle busch politically motivated or legit? turning down a white house invite is tough.

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

I'll have to take them at their word on this one.

Andy (Phoenix)

David- Who has the best chance to take the title back from the 48? I think if you look at the tracks in the chase, the 24 has been strong all year at those tracks and tracks similar to them.

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

Jeff Gordon definitely will be a factor, as will Carl Edwards. I like Mark Martin as well if he makes the Chase.

Neal (Dallas, TX)

C'mon David...the economy is not so bad that it warrants a last-minute sellout for NASCAR's most in-demand race. I think you're seeing fan support shrinking in part because the CoT is a dud on the track. Combine that with points racing and Bristol's variable banking failure and you have a recipe for disaster.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Good points, but the price of gas and a ticket I believe is more of a factor here.

Jeremiah (California)

now that dale jr has a top five, are all his fans going to start saying he's "back"?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

If they do then they would be misguided.

john c (north pole, ak)

whats the latest on Brad Keselowski?

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

Not a lot since I talked to him last week at Michigan. There were rumors he was at Penske Racing earlier this week. That he's talking to Roger Penske is no surprise. Roger wanted him last year.

Jason (ETN)

So if MM and KB miss the chase this year, how many will be included next year? Top 15? Eventually, we could just include the top 43.

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

My guess is they'll add a wild card, the driver with the most wins outside the Chase as I've suggested a few times.

Corey (Upland,CA)

As I see Kyle dominate the nationwide series, I wonder what his season could be like if he had 15 more horsepower

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

Funny. He's pretty good without it don't you think?

Tommy (Vice City)

With Ford using the Mustang in the Nationwide, Toyota should start making the Supra again and use that in the Nationwide series. They can put a V8 in it (using technological advances culled from TRD) and turn it into a competitor for the Corvette.

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

You've given this some thought I see.

Jason (ETN)

Is the Top35 rule a solution without a problem now? Could it just quietly slip away?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

It's doing what it was set out to. I don't see any changes there.

Layne (Kockelman)

Newton,A lot has been made of the comments made by jr about the new car and the response from Helton. Do you think NASCAR should take more consideration from what the drivers say?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

They already do. And for the record, Helton wasn't taking Junior on. He simply answered a few questions about Junior's comments and he made it clear he wasn't calling Junior out.

Michael (CT)

David, What is your favorite beer?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

If I'm watching calories Miller Lite or Ultra. If not a Blue Moon with an orange is pretty refreshing. How about you?

Mason (Iowa)

Who is your pick for winning the championship this year? and will Kyle make the chase?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

Jimmie Johnson and, yes, I believe Kyle will find a way to rally.

Jack (Brooklyn, NY)

Actually Newt, Bristol was won of Jr's better races in the early part of the season. Finished 14th after starting deep in the field

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Think I said he'd finish 15th to 25th. Fourteenth isn't far off of that.

Jason (ETN)

I think the schedule has more to do with the tame racing at Bristol than the car or banking.

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

The schedule. I'm confused by that, but then again I'm always confused.

Ben (ATL)

Has Bristol moved down the rankings in most exciting track since the repaving and the COT?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

It has in my book. I like the racing at Martinsville and Richmond much better.

Jack (Brooklyn, NY)

I think Junior does have a chance to build some momentum here. Bristol, Atlanta, and Richmond are traditionally 3 of his strongest tracks.

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Maybe he'll crack into the top 20 soon. Maybe he'll get past rookie Joey Logano.

Greg (Bristol)

Do you see Denny Hamlin taking the checkered flag on Saturday night?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

He should be a factor.

Danny (Bowling Green Ky)

so how is jeff gordons back going to do for this weekends short track bumping

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

He'll likely be uncomfortable, but as Mark Martin told me last week when he talked about his '98 and '99 back troubles, he'll have to grit it out.

Andy (Phoenix)

If you could make changes to the tracks in the chase, which ones would you take out and which ones would you put in?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

I'd take out Kansas and Texas and put in one of the road course and Darlington. We need the toughest track on the circuit in the Chase regardless of how many fannies you can put in the seats.

TG (PA)

Root beer!

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Not a fan. Sorry.

Mike (KY)

Whenever there is a rainout for qualifying, how do you feel about reversing the starting order? Put the leaders starting in the back. How do you feel about Bud Light Lime?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

First, I like the Lime? As for reversing the order, it would make things interesting. Maybe a bit extreme for the governing body, though.

NCFUBAR (Huntersville)

A little bird saw Brad K and agent at Penske on Monday ... any knowleegde on this?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Just what I read. Nothing to substantiate it.

Danny (Bowling Green Ky)

why isnt bristol fall race a part of the chase for the cup

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

They already have a short track race on the schedule at Martinsville, and honestly the racing is better there now. It just doesn't seat 160,000.

Eric (Raleigh)

How well is Steve Letarte regarded as a crew chief. Is he top 5, top 10 or worse?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

He's definitely in the top 10, maybe in the top five. He's regarded very highly. It's the fans that give him the most grief.

Jeremy (West Des Moines, IA)

Really? Miller Lite? I expected better of you...

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

I said when I was watching calories, which unfortunately I have to these days.

T-berry (J-town)

Oh Dave I figured you as a mint julep guy and quit picking on Junior.

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

If I were a mint julep guy I wouldn't have the nerve to pick on Junior.

Layne (Minnesota)

Dave,You seem like you're in a bad mood today. Any reason why?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Really. Why so? Maybe the heat here is getting to me.

Awayne (INDY)

Is the truck series doomed?Even if the economy picks up has the fan interest gone?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

It's not on great footing, but the manufacturers like it even though they quit supporting it. It helps them sell trucks. I'm guessing it will survive somehow.

Occupant (Planet Earth)

Do the sponsors have any input into what races drivers enter. My guess is no since Kyle continues to race in all series and it appears to be affecting his ability to make the chase. You would think the primary sponsor would be most concerned about the ride they sponsor, not the other classes drivers race in. Thanks.

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

They do have input, but not to the point they control what other series the drivers enter. At least I haven't heard of that. Now if M

Jason (ETN)

The fact that the Bristol night race is so close to the Chase cut-off has changed the amount of risk driver's are willing to take

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

It's really contributed to making Bristol less exciting. Drivers are more conservative and unwilling to take chances.

Danny (Bowling Green Ky)

i hope we dont see crybaby hamlin win the race saturday night because its my 1st nascar race

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

So who would you like to see win?

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey David, are you going to watch the Indy race in Sonoma this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

If I do, only a few laps.

Norm (Palm Springs CA)

David, Do you think the bread slicer will be better at Bristal this time around? He has lloked better at tracks the second time around.

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

You're right, he is gaining strength. Hope so. I still have a wager that he finishes in the top 15 in points.

Michael (CT)

I like Miller Lite and Blue Moon. Dos Equis with lime is very good. When not drinking beer - gin

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Gin? Can't handle that.

Chad (GA)

Do you think Hornaday has a shot at getting a record 6 wins in a row tonight?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

He does, but Kyle Busch likely will have something to say about it.

Savannah (Atlanta)

10 years from now when we look back, which driver running today will we say made the least of their potential?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

That's a loaded question. I'm sure you're looking for me to say Junior. I won't do that. You could put several drivers in that category though. But since they have 10 years to prove themselves I'll wait to give you an answer.

Tommy (Vice City)

Actually, I just made up that question about Toyota and the Supra in like a minute. But I do think it would be interesting.

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

How about mini-van races?

Norm (Palm Springs CA)

David, Out here for some reason the Blue Moons have a problem with the Cap seal and I have stopped drinking them because of it. Its like they are skunked, but good choice when not watching the carbs, cals!

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Hate to hear that about the Moon. Have you checked to find out why?

paul (nc)

i agree with putting a road course in the chase, but if they did that, do you think they would add a 3rd course such as vir, or would they just run infineon twice? i'd love it if nascar put a road race that close to my state. and by the way, miller high life rules!

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

I'd go with Infineon, but VIR might not be bad. Or they could use the road course at Daytona or one of the other large tracks that have one.

Scott (Rougemont NC)

How bad do you think the #5 is after running out of gas? Martin is a pro but luck can be mean.

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

I'm not sure Martin was sold on going for broke. He didn't sound happy about it on his radio.

Mike (STL, MO)

Who do you think the best driver is outside the top 35?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

Bill Elliott. He's won a title.

Neal (Dallas, TX)

How about just get rid of qualifying altogether? It's fairly pointless with the Top 35 Rule in place. Just put 1-43 in a hat, let the top 35 draw a starting spot.After they're done add spots 44-however many entries there are into the hat and have the go-or-go-homers draw from that.It saves resources by not having the dog-and-pony show that is qualifying has become.

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

It wouldn't bother me. If they are going to qualify I wish they'd offer some bonus points for winning the pole.

Andy (Phoenix)

Will Ray Evernham ever be a crew chief again?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

If he does it will be for maybe one race, perhaps an All-Star race, with Gordon. But a regular, no way.

todd (columbus)

Will Jr. win a race this year and make the chase in 2010?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

No and maybe.

Norm (Palm Springs CA)

David, Edwards has won the last 2 sharpies, after running 15ish in the first race there, I know you like Kyle, but what yours thoughts on the 99. Do you think his new marriage has any thing to do with the off year. He was alot of pre-season picks to keep going where he left off last year, 9 wins. Or is the engine?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

No, you can't blame the marriage. The cars have been off, not his relationship. He'll still be a factor. He could start with a win this weekend.

Larry (Wilson)

Will Hornaday ever get a chance to race a few Cup races?

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Unfortunately, probably not.

Chris (Richmond, VA)

Biggest surprise so far this year: Edwards with no wins; Logano/Reutimann each with a win; or current standings for Jr.(21st)/Harvick(23rd)/Ragan(30th)

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Harvick at 23rd. Never saw that coming. Excuse me for one minute while I go to the fridge for a bottle of water.

Danny (Bowling Green Ky)

do u every think kentucky motorspeedway or nashville motorspeedway will every get a nascar race

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Kentucky will get a Cup date in the next year or so. Nashville doesn't stand a chance. Too many races in this area already.

Layne (Minnesota)

Sorry to hear about the heat, pretty pleasant here in Minny. I'm thinking optimistically today and saying Favre brings us a Super Bowl and jr takes Bristol! Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

I like your thoughts on Favre. I grew up a Vikings fan despite my Southern roots. The People Purple Eaters impressed me as a 7-year-old and I became an instant fan. I do miss games in the snow there, though. The Metrodome is just too loud. I've covered a few games there and ear plugs are needed more than they are at Bristol.

TG (PA)

Beer barrel polka. Geez, the heat is getting to me too.

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

Too funny.

Brad (Wilmington)

Of base question - What do you think of Farve being back and what Tarkenton said about him being a circus?

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

First, Tarkenton was my all-time favorite quarterback. Loved to watch him frustrate defenses. And Favre is a circus, but it's the circus that drives sports these days. No problem at all with him saying it. Michael Vick is a circus too. So is Dale Earnhardt Jr.

paul (nc)

how come they don't move the spring martinsville race to may or june? it gets really cold in those mountains

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

C'mon. It's not that cold in Martinsville in the spring. I find it quite pleasant.

Emily (Jersey)

David, do you think that Ryan Newman is being smart by running 4 races this week at Bristol, considering his spot in the Cup standings?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

He's a big boy. He can handle it. It may help him get a better rhythm at the track.

Greg (Richmond)

Why is Denny a cry-baby? Cause his grandmother died?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

I was wondering why he said that as well. If that was his reference, then shame.

NCFUBAR (Huntersville)

Great shot on the Kyle bashing Hornaday! If he just shut up and drove with respect what would happen with tmedia and fans?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

It would be a lot less exciting for us.

Michael (Lynchburg)

There have been several times this year where Kyle has refused to talk to the media following a bad race. Why doesn't NASCAR force it's stars to address the media, similar to the NBA?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

It does require the top three to come to the media center and the top five to stop on pit road. If the NBA had 43 players on a team I doubt the league could force them all to hang around after a game.

Emily (NJ)

Is it wise for Newman to be running 4 races this week, considering that his position in the chase is far from secure?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

As I said before, he can handle it.

Chad (GA)

Hey dave I bet you are sad that you didn't get invited to the white house to share a beer with the president.

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Been to the White House before. And I dressed as Obama for Halloween and had a beer. So I guess I'm covered.

Chris Bruce (Harlan, KY)

What are Tony Stewart's chances at Bristol this weekend? He struggled a little in the spring.

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

That was one of the few tracks he struggled. He should be around the top 10 as he has been all year.

rich (la, ca)

David, any truth to the rumors of sadler going to RCR and McMurray going back to ganassi?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

You need to read the Insiders rumor mill each day. Sadler isn't going to RCR. McMurray I'm told is close to a deal with EGR, but it's not done yet.

Occupant (Planet Earth)

Modelo is a smooth drinking beer

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

I'm not much into dark beer, but it's not bad.

Savannah (Atlanta)

I wasn't even thinking junior because I am not sure his potential is as high. I was thinking your answer might come down to, Hamlin, Logano or Biffle?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

I wouldn't predict that for any of those guys.

Jason (ETN)

Road Atlanta

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Think they can get as big of a crowd as they get for the oval?

John (Illinois)

The "Legends" race that Bristol held in the spring was a lot of fun to watch. Was it as successful as they hoped, and is there any talk of holding more such events?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

It was fun. I had a great time watching Cale Yarborough and Junior Johnson again. They will try to do it again. Maybe we can start a Senior Circuit.

Awayne (INDY)

On the least out of potential catagory wouldn't you have to Mayfield at the top of the list,it's almost like he has done evrything possible off the track to ruin his career?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

He has lived a soap opera life.

JJD (Seattle)

Put Junior in the top-10 Sunday. If he finishes worse than 18th it will be his worst finish at Bristol since spring '01. Got to think he might make a little momentum for himself over the next three weeks on some of his favorite tracks.

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

That would make you Hopeful in Seattle.

Chris (Richmond, VA)

When ESPN posts an article recapping either a race or qualifying, it would be nice to have a link on the page linking the article to a top to bottom rundown of where all 43 cars finished or qualified. When one of my drivers is not in the top ten or doesn't do something notable, I am forced to go to other competing sites to find out where they finished or qualified.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

I'll pass that on to the bosses. Hey bosses, see this?

Michael (CT)

Jeff Gordon Joey Logano = Wonder Bread. Can't really think of anything clever to add to that.

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Me either.

Eric (Raleigh)

If Bill Elliott was in a Hendrick car running full time right now, would he be in the top 10?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Probably not, but he would be ahead of the 88. Oops, did I say that.

YAR8pack (Newton's Apple Tree)

Mr Newton, how excited are you to watch the Whelen series race tonight? I think that's gonna be good to watch. Hope Hornaday makes it a 6-peat.

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

I hope to catch a few minutes of it. I have a dinner date that may pre-empt that.

paul (albany ny)

david...why do you dislike junior so much?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

I don't dislike him at all. I really do like him. He's a straight shooter and I respect him for that. He's just having a bad season and there's not much good I can say about it.

paul (nc)

what if they just did pole positions based on the finishing positions of the last race? and if they did the wild card rule to get into the chase like you were talking about earlier, would both kyle busch and mark martin make it in if they were tied for wins and outside the chase, or would they have to choose just one based on points?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

You'd have to take just one wild card and base it off points if they were tied. As for the pole position, that would make winning worth more at least.

John (Illinois)

Does Ray Evernham make more money as a commentator than he could as a crew chief?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Sorry, not privy to his salary with ESPN. But he did pretty good as crew chief, good enough to afford to start his own race team.

Michael (Lynchburg, VA)

Why does NASCAR let it's drivers decline to be interviewed after a race? With JR sucking wind, all I have to look forward to at the end of most races is Kyle complaining about how someone raced him too hard.

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

They do the best they can, and we stay on them the best we can to make sure they do.

Tommy (Vice City)

Would it be wrong to suggest that mini-van races would be the perfect place for Danica to start?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

You said it, I didn't. Wish I had, though.

YAR8pack (Newton's Apple Tree)

Water=beer. I like how you think.

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

Can't drink and type, at least not while on the clock. Speaking of the clock, my time is up. As usual, you guys kept me on my toes. Talk to you next week.