Ed Hinton

  (2:00 PM)

Welcome, all. Green green green green!

Todd (NY)

Do you think Joe and JD Gibbs should fire Addington for Kyle's right front being too low at Loudon?

Ed Hinton

  (2:01 PM)

Absolutely not. It's a crew chief's job to be aggressive. That's what it's all about.

Jeremy (Mansfield,OH)

Does Edwards have a chance and do you think Kasey Kahne will do any good as a Ford?

Ed Hinton

  (2:02 PM)

I don't think so. The Roush cars are just done-for this season. They're woefully behind and it's too late to catch up.I think RPM is going to be tumultuous next year, Ford or not, so Kasey better get 'er done now, while he has the chance.

Becky (PA)

Did Dale Jr show us at Loudon that not only can't he race the COT but now he can't handle double file re-starts either?

Ed Hinton

  (2:03 PM)

I don't think so. Reutimann and crew chief both said up front it was all their fault.

Kasey (Emuclaw )

Ed, what do you think of The budwiser team at dover and how will the r5 be different for "me" Kasey Kahne

Ed Hinton

  (2:05 PM)

Now, Kasey, what would your high school civics teacher say about spelling your hometown wrong? I think you and Kenny Francis are fine; it's what's going on above you that troubles me. And I think it troubles you as well. Remember how you hemmed and hawed last weekend when Marty Smith asked you directly about the mess at RPM?

Ethan9 (kaseyville)

ed, what do you think when i say Kasey Kahne comes back and wins the sprint cup??

Ed Hinton

  (2:05 PM)

I think it's entirely possible. Not probable, but possible, if the Gillett bunch will leave him and Kenny alone.

RAY GORDON REID ( NEWARK DELEWARE 19711)

QUESTION TO ED HINTON AT 2.20PM HI ED WHOS YOUR PICK FOR DOVER SUNDAY

Ed Hinton

  (2:06 PM)

JJ, Tony, even Jeff Gordon . . .Dover's a weird place, and who knows who's going to get a handle on it this time?

Todd (Ga)

What do you make of Jr's run in Loudon? It was good to see some sign of life out of him when Reutiman wrecked him and not be mr nice guy all the time. He needs to get fired up.

Ed Hinton

  (2:06 PM)

That's a good point, Todd, so I'll let it speak for itself.

Fred (al) [via mobile]

Mr. Hinton do you think we could see Ron M. from the 48 come to be brad k. crew chief or kurt bush's

Ed Hinton

  (2:07 PM)

Penske's a great place to work, but HMS is better. We in the media joke that once people go into the HMS campus, they never come out. It's just the best place to work in NASCAR, even if you have to wait years for a promotion.

Moncho (Hatillo)

Hi ED you think Montoya statistics in the past two years is the result that we can expect in the sunday Dover race.

Ed Hinton

  (2:08 PM)

I think Montoya's in a whole new zone right now, and he can win anytime, anywhere.

flynn (alabama)

First ed, i think your a great writer and i have no beef with you but E$PN Insider is trash, why would sports fans want to pay to read rumors? I want to read the article about Kurt Busch but not bad enough to pay for it. All it does is make me mad at E$PN. Will you please pass this on to the people runnig the show for E$PN.

Ed Hinton

  (2:10 PM)

I'll pass it on. Thing is, ESPN.com tries to be one-stop shopping as a Web site, with many, many features. Other sites do Rumors too. Some people want just the facts, and others love Rumors.Plus, there are other bonuses to Insider.

Brett (KS)

Ed- Is Irwin sponsoring a Roush car next year, or is it possible Irwin could partially sponsor McMurray in the 1 car? Thanks.

Ed Hinton

  (2:11 PM)

Roush and Geoff Smith are very, very good at holding onto their sponsors.

Marcus (Virginia)

Ed, I have asked your colleagues this same question, but im trying to get one more opinion. Clearly Jr's Mistake was taking Eury with him to Hendrick. I said that since 2007 when they announced that was the plan. Hendrick is known for promoting within, using guys that have bought into the system. Do you think given an offseason to essentially rebuild and start over with a Hendrick crew chief whether it be McGrew,Malec, or someone else that we will see the 88 teams real potential? Or is Dale Jr really just that bad at giving feedback with this car that he may never return to glory?

Ed Hinton

  (2:11 PM)

By this point, the only common denominator in the whole thing is Dale Jr.

Mitch Chance (Brandon, Mississippi)

Ed,In your professional opinion; what do you attribute the lack of success for Dale Jr. to?I personally think that the death of Dale Sr. keeps him from being as agressive as he needs to be in racing. The other part of me, just wishes he would shut up and drive.Thanks!

Ed Hinton

  (2:13 PM)

I don't think his dad's death had anything to do with it, if you mean skittishness about driving the car. Junior knows what happened, and how those risks have been corrected.

Heath Hinton (Laurel, Ms)

When will NASCAR Kick Extends out, I mean they are making a mockery of the sport. Every time I get home late, I see one of those damned infomercials. I understand the Viagra sponsorship, and yes many good commercials could have been made about it, but you never saw that because they did not make a mockery of the sport. Please speak to the powers that be and make them stop. They even have a woman driving in INDY with a pink car for their woman's product, sheesh!!

Ed Hinton

  (2:14 PM)

We'll post this and see about the reaction.

Stan (Iowa)

Do you think Penske should get rid of Pat Tryson now rather than wait until the season is over?

Ed Hinton

  (2:16 PM)

It sure is a mess over there. He probably should pay off the full salary and benefits, and promote the next best guy on that unit.

Mojo (Houston)

Tired of the whats wrong with Junior questions. Many better drivers have entered the sport in recent years. Kurt

Seth (CA)

Do you expect to see Joe Gibbs hire Alan G to re-unite Kyle Busch with his crew chief from his days on the #5 team?

Ed Hinton

  (2:18 PM)

Are you kiddin'? Alan G's not going anywhere, any time soon.

Ed Hinton

  (2:18 PM)

Are you kiddin'? Alan G's not going anywhere, any time soon.

Cory (Geneva, IL)

Do non-chase chiefs try to push the envelope even farther now, since they really have nothing to lose and everything to gain with a win, even if it gets taken away, as any publicity is good publicity?

Ed Hinton

  (2:19 PM)

That's about the size of it. That's why you see teams come out of the gate unexpectedly strong in February. They've been experimenting all fall.

Ed Hinton

  (2:19 PM)

That's about the size of it. That's why you see teams come out of the gate unexpectedly strong in February. They've been experimenting all fall.

Darrell (MS)

Ed, you gonna watch those rebels tonight??

Ed Hinton

  (2:21 PM)

You bet your Hotty Toddy! I'm all uptight, because I gotta go to Darlington tomorrow for a weekend-long TV shoot, and if the Chickens win, that's all I'll hear about.

Darrell (MS)

Whats up with all the people jumping on Jr for speaking his mind. Isnt that why they love Kyle.

Ed Hinton

  (2:21 PM)

Good point. It was refreshing to hear him speak up for a change. And he had a right.

Ironhead forever (Long Island)

How many races has Teresa Earnhardt attended this year?

Ed Hinton

  (2:22 PM)

Haven't seen her at any of them. Surprise, surprise, surprise! Better check in the Bahamas, or Palm Beach.

Scott (Manchester, NH)

With sponsors leaving the sport due to economic measures, will we see smaller fields or just more start and park teams next year? And if so will Nascar finally do something about s

Ed Hinton

  (2:24 PM)

You'll see a few less sponsorships next year. NASCAR always lags behind the economy due to the contract expirations. I don't think they'll drop the field size, but I wish they would. 36 is plenty. Maybe more start and park, but they won't stop that. If they did, they WOULD have to drop the field size.

Darrell (MS)

How bad would have been if JPM would have hit AJ on the last lap. That was dangerous!!

Ed Hinton

  (2:25 PM)

It would have been real bad. NASCAR messed up big time and dodged a bullet. Hopefully the three guys in the tower -- Hoots, Darby and Helton -- will file that away in the very front of their brains.

Hans (NH)

Do you think Harvick should be penalized for attempting to fix the truck race last weekend, just like in F1?

Ed Hinton

  (2:26 PM)

Oh, I don't think it's even in the same league with F1's deal.

Jake (Irving)

Why don't Kurt and Roger just be done with Tryson and fire him immediately?

Ed Hinton

  (2:26 PM)

Well, they should just pay him and end it in a friendly way, but quickly, yes.

BB (Mpls)

There are some who think the 24 team can win the Cup this year some who don't. I just haven't seen him REALLY strong in any race this year (most of top finishes are circumstance results rather than muscle). Do you think he can win it still? If so, please tell us how?

Ed Hinton

  (2:28 PM)

I think you're right. He's just not as aggressive and forceful, and the least little thing wrong with the car sends him backward. Maybe a hypnotist to convince him he's 24 years old, hasn't won a championship, and loves to drive a loose race car? That oughta do it.

Cory (Geneva, IL)

Who actually calls for the caution at a race?

Ed Hinton

  (2:29 PM)

It's pretty much the first guy to speak. Oh, and I meant to add Robin Pemberton to the tower group. Somebody should have called a caution earlier.

Saul (Sacramento)

36 or 43? Ed, how would the races be different with a 36 field as to a 43 field?

Ed Hinton

  (2:29 PM)

There's be fewer backmarkers out there getting in the way of the good cars.

Rod (Georgia)

Do you rank The Busch Brothers as the greatest brothers combination to ever race in Nascar?

Ed Hinton

  (2:30 PM)

Lord, no! Not yet anway! Bobby and Donnie were spectacular.

cactus jack (new mex )

any opinion on Montoya's walk out on an interview last week?

Ed Hinton

  (2:31 PM)

I've actually sat in on those NASCAR TV "satellite tours," with Tony Stewart, and the things drive drivers crazy right when they need to be out with the car. Don't blame JPM a bit. But it was NASCAR's fault, not the TV guy. By the same token, the Sacramento TV guy took it too far in airing the segment like it was a personal thing against him.

Michelle (AZ)

Do you agree that Nascar would have liked to see Montoya win at Indy for diversity and newness and if so does Nascar feel the same way about the Sprint Cup Champion?

Ed Hinton

  (2:32 PM)

Yes and yes.

Ellen (Texas)

I agree with Heath about the Extends infomercials. This says a lot about a station who will identify with this product and the people who lower themselves to make the infomercials.

Ed Hinton

  (2:32 PM)

There you have it, from both male and female chatters.

Stacy (Omaha)

Have you ever done an interview with Carl Edwards before? If so isn't he one of the greatest interviews ever. I like how he takes off his sunglasses to talk to a reporter. Thanks

Ed Hinton

  (2:34 PM)

Carl's stepfather is a journalism professor at Mizzou, one of the best communications schools in the world. Carl is totally professional in his interviews, very courteous. Still, I'll take some of the bashing from Tony Stewart, too, if it means a good quote.

Eztenze User (Down Under)

Do you mean to imply that those little blue pills don't work??

Ed Hinton

  (2:34 PM)

Australia weighs in.

Mike (Miami)

Why does fire come out of the car's exhaust sometimes?

Ed Hinton

  (2:35 PM)

It's an overload of unburned -- wasted -- gasoline. Lee White of Toyota brought that up in lobbying for fuel injection, which wouldn't waste as much gas.

Jacob (SF)

Remember earlier this year when Biffle said he was sick of Martins horse manure over and over? Is the media sick of Mark Martins boring, un-original same thank you, best car, best team, best, best crap?

Ed Hinton

  (2:36 PM)

Ah, we have Mark Martin bashers! And last Sunday Montoya criticized his tactics! How refreshing all the way around. And I've been kidding Mark about it too.

Scott (Indy)

Not sure if flynn knows, but insider comes free with a Mag subscription. Just sayin.

Ed Hinton

  (2:38 PM)

There ya go. Not to mention all the football "scouting" you can read. (Even if I'm beside myself over the bad scouting report on Ole Miss tonight.:-)

Woody (Denver)

With RPM going to Ford next year, how likely..in your opinion..is it that Kasey will make a move to SHR?

Ed Hinton

  (2:39 PM)

Slim to none. I think if Tony had a third car in the works for next year, we'd know by now.

Trevor (Ohio)

Do you expect Joe and JD to promote Jason Radcliff from Kyle's Nationwide team to be Kyle's sprint cup cc for 2010 because of Addington's failures?

Ed Hinton

  (2:40 PM)

Now that's an interesting thought. Actually I think Addington has had his hands full, and might be fine if Kyle really does settle down. But Addington's an awfully nice guy, and if he gets TOO patient, Jason just might be a thought.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Ed, how well do you think Tony Stewart has adapted to the driver/owner role? How much do you like him to win the Chase?

Ed Hinton

  (2:42 PM)

Oh, I'd rate him maybe fourth, behind JJ, Martin and Montoya.Actually he hasn't had much to adapt to. Brett Frood runs the business, Bobby Hutchens runs the race team and Darian Grubb runs the 14 team.Tony will tell you in a heartbeat that he has nothing like the "owner" responsibilities Alan Kulwicki had in '92. Basically, from Friday through Sunday, Tony's just the driver in the seat.

Mojo (Houston)

Why all the speculation about Ron Malec heading to the 88? He has always been with Jimmie, since ASA days... You keep your driver happy, especially in light of the 48's performance. Lotsof other brains in the HMS stable, perhaps another will fit if Lance does not.

Ed Hinton

  (2:42 PM)

I'll say this: If Malec is transferred to the 88, Dale Jr. is flat slap out of excuses. As I said earlier, the only common denominator in all this has come down to Junior.

Barb (Boston)

We are sick and tired of Dale jr's excuses and blame game. Does Dale jr ever accept responsibility for his actions?

Ed Hinton

  (2:43 PM)

Well . . .sort of . . .sometimes . . .

Wyatt (Detroit, MI)

Ed, what do you think is more impressive for JPM? The season he is having this year or winning the CART championship in his rookie season?

Ed Hinton

  (2:44 PM)

Hmmm. Probably this year. He was in superior equipment when he won the CART championship. Now he's with a mediocre team and running with the big guns.

Erik (Houston)

Stewart and Newman seem to be more of IRL guys than Nascar people. Do you think Stewart should make his team into an Indy car only team and go back to his roots?

Ed Hinton

  (2:45 PM)

No way, no how. And Newman NEVER had his sights on IRL. Since he was a kid in sprinters, his goal has been Cup all the way.

Saul (Sacramento)

I hope Martin wins the Cup, so that he can look at the camera and offer all of us to include RH, his crew and teammates a big apology because he could done a better job at winning.

Ed Hinton

  (2:46 PM)

That's pretty funny. And very likely.

Anna (Toronto)

Looks like Sterwart's summer fuel mileage wins were just luck. Do you expect him and Newman to finish around 10th in final points?

Ed Hinton

  (2:46 PM)

No, I think they'll be up there in the middle.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Ed, do you think Kyle will add another win or two before this season is over?????

Ed Hinton

  (2:47 PM)

Yeah, I think he'll take another bow or two before Thanksgiving.

sean (Arizona)

Have you heard if the real daytona 500 will return in 2010, the one that ends during the day. It doesnt look right to see the 500 winner holding up the trophy at night.

Ed Hinton

  (2:48 PM)

I think we're stuck in the dark for now. But it sure would help if you folks in Pacific time would keep pounding on everybody reminding them that you don't mind getting up early for a sports event.

Jeremy (Philadelphia)

What are the chaces that old timer Bobby Labonte gets signed an actual GOOD team next year?

Ed Hinton

  (2:49 PM)

Very, very poor, unfortunately. It's all about money and pitching products.

Matt (Chicago)

With Indy owners in favor of changing the time, in your opinion (sponsorship pending), who will attempt the double next Memorial Day?

Ed Hinton

  (2:50 PM)

Indy owners favoring it doesn't mean it'll happen. But if it should, they might need a charter flight. Chip might do it with Montoya (and actually have a chance to win both races), Penske with Hornish, then Stewart and the usual suspects like John Andretti.

Marion (Virginia)

Where n hell did Jeff Burton ever get the idea that he is qualified to be a US Senator from Virginia or that the people of Virginia would ever support him?

Ed Hinton

  (2:51 PM)

Oh, he's been talking about that for years. Richard Petty, years ago, used to think he could get elected to state office in NC. Then he ran, and took a statewide whuppin'.

RJ (Chicago)

Mark Martin said on ESPN that he can't see the gauges in his race car. Doesn't that make him ineligible or does he wear bi-focals?

Ed Hinton

  (2:52 PM)

If that's actually the case, I don't think it would necessarily be dangerous. Oil temp, fuel pressure, etc., are more for his benefit. Now if he gets to where he can't see the tach, that might get him nailed for pit road speeding.

Jason (Mobile AL)

Gotta love these Junior haters...when Junior was struggling, it was all Tony Jrs fault and all the bashers came out in groves to point out it was that Junior was just a bad driver. Now that Kyle missed the chase, those same bashers are goin to the same ol well Ed....FIRE STEVE ADDINGTON!!!!! hahaha

Ed Hinton

  (2:53 PM)

Hey, Jason, are the races still good at Mobile and Pensacola on Friday and Saturday nights?

Yvonne (CA)

Does Kurt and Kyle's dad, Mr. Tom Busch, attend all the races to help out his boys?

Ed Hinton

  (2:54 PM)

He goes to a lot of races, but he's also off running Kyle's late-model team as well.

Joe (Arizona)

Any chance the Chase point system will change? Have the Chasers on their own point system?

Ed Hinton

  (2:55 PM)

I keep hammering NASCAR on that issue, and Tony Stewart has long been an advocate.They don't seem to be budging. Maybe someday . . .

Mark (Oregon)

What do you think Dale SR would think about Dale JR being the laughing stock of Nascar?

Ed Hinton

  (2:56 PM)

Now that's one to ponder. Hmmmm. Never thought of that. Frankly, he'd probably be putting the heat on Junior to be more aggressive, which would only get Junior even more confused and frustrated.

Jason (Mobile AL)

These bashers are so blind Ed, they actually got on the chast yesterday and said the wreck in Loudon was Jrs fault becasue he slid up into David....hard to slide up into someone when your on the OUTSIDE!!!

Ed Hinton

  (2:57 PM)

That's the whole thing about Dale Jr. Syndrome, one way or another. It's no longer a racing issue. It's a -- I don't know what -- worse than Republicans and Democrats.

cactus jack (new mex)

do things like the montoya interview happen frequently and we never see it or is this an isolated incident?

Ed Hinton

  (2:59 PM)

It's fairly isolated. But I've seen Stewart lay into distant TV sports anchors who ask dingaling questions.

John (Illinois)

Re: changing the points... Be careful what you wish for. It seems that changing the points would just magnify the possibility that a mediocre/winless driver could win the championship. If there is no difference between a driver finishing 12th or 43rd in a race (assuming both positions are the last chaser), there could be multiple mulligans in the chase.

Ed Hinton

  (3:00 PM)

Well, actually, I think there should be mulligans in a 10-race chase. What I'd really like to see is five drivers, five races and their own interior points system. Call me radical, but there it is . .. true, and urgent, playoffs.

Turtle (CA)

Are you a Miami Huricanes fan?

Ed Hinton

  (3:01 PM)

Used to be, back when JJ was coach and Mike Irvin was a WR, but that's years before your time. Now I'm all SEC, all 12 of 'em. (I know, I know, SEC is overrated if you live in CA).

Jason (Mobile AL)

You mean the track in Irvington?

Ed Hinton

  (3:01 PM)

I do indeed.

Mark (Oregon)

Do you think Dale Sr would be a bigger supporter Kyle Busch or Juan Pablo for their aggressive driving styles?

Ed Hinton

  (3:02 PM)

Oh, I think he'd get a big kick out of Kyle Busch. Montoya too.

Ed Hinton

  (3:03 PM)

Oh, well, the clock on the wall . .. thanks to everyone for stopping by. This has been a good and lively one. See y'all next week.

Ed Hinton

  (3:05 PM)

Belated thanks to Jason about the Mobile/Irvington track. I'm gonna try to get back there some summer.

Ed Hinton

  (3:05 PM)

Take care, everyone.