ESPN

David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Welcome to Wednesday chat. Just finished with a house full of plumbers. Anybody want to start a charity fund? Just kidding. Ready to get to your questions. And by the way, I am smarter than Tony Stewart thinks.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

David, when do you think the RPM/Yates merger will be finalized? Also, if RPM has the tight knit relationship with Roush, do you think this lessens the chance he leaves after next year?

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

I talked to Richard Petty about it on Saturday. He said it's taken longer than expected but that it will get done. As for "he'' I suspect you are referring to Kahne. No, I don't think this lessens that at all.

Richie Mikemond (French Island. Wi)

I grew up watching Johnny Sauter's old man race and know his brother Jay a little bit and I like the guy but with the amount of starts he has in the Cup and NWS there's no way he should be considered a rookie in the truck series. I'm sure he'll cash the check and polish the trophy but he more than likely thinks it's a joke also.

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

Thanks for your insight. Not sure if there is a question there.

Steve C (Kentucky)

Why is it that we hold Hendrick is such high esteem? Has everyone forgot that he did time for his role in the Honda scandal of the early 90s? I haven't. Somehow the media can only tell what a saint he is.

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

That was all pointed out in the documentary. I was impressed that they told the bad with the good and didn't totally make this an annointment of Hendrick. And he's not the first to make a mistake and be held in high esteem. Look back at a few presidents.

Marion (SC)

David,There is something new and crazy with RPM everyday what is going on with the switch to Ford? now It seemed Iffy this past weekend and also this Gillett/Saudi deal whats going on? Is Kahne going to have a miserable 2010.I hope he has in mind who he is going to drive for in 2011.

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

Hey, the Saudi deal is just a marketing deal. Nothing to be concerned with. As for Kahne, it'll be tough to keep him. Do I hear the name Stewart-Haas Racing?

Adam (NC)

Kahnes contract must be an iron clad one. I would of thought he opted out by now but, one more season left.where will Kahne go?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Think I just answered that in the previous question. Check it out. And it is pretty iron clad as are most deals these days.

bob (ny)

David,Im a big MOPAR fan I hate that Dodge is losing its iconic face of Nascar Richard Petty and the current Dodge star of the modern day Kasey Kahne.You think Nascar and Dodge you think of Petty,Kahne and the legendary Dodge Charger.Whats is Dodges future in nascar theres been rumors of Dodge leaving since 2006 when Daimler owned them and they are still here.I think they will be in nascar as long as they are in business .They are on a smaller scale but they are in it they could have left this year and they didnt they stuck with it.Penske Racing-3CUP CARS/2 NATIONWIDE CARS Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

As long as they can keep Penske competitive that might suffice to give them what they need out of the sport. The good news for Dodge is Penske will have a car at every tire test since all four manufacturers are represented. No other organization can say that.

Dave (ks)

David,I think Dodge dumped RPM because Gillett tryed to screw them a couple times last year trying to go to Toyota and still under contract with Dodge,complaining about not getting its money and Chrysler was in bankruptcy!Penske treats Dodge like a partner not someone giving money and support RPM had to be patient .Dodge said heck with RPM Kahne will be gone after 2010 no since in wasting money .your thou.ghts

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

I don't think it was Dodge dumping them at all. RPM took the best deal out there. Can't blame them for that.

Mike O (Sedro-Woolley,WA)

I just think that when they get to Talledega the points will shake up because you never know what will happen. I know NASCAR will never do this but how about Talledega being the final race of the year instaed of Homestead. Thought on that one.

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

I like a plate race wrapping up the year. Would rather have it at Daytona, though. As for shakeups, I don't see Dega having a bigger impact than Martinsville or Kansas. They all count the same and bad things can happen at each.

sean (arizona)

is this hendrick movie going to be on abc?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

It is. Oct. 11, 1:30 p.m. I believe. A much shorter version than the 99 minutes I saw I am told.

Mike (New Jersey)

Newton - why are you such a Junior hater?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

I don't hate him at all. I like him. In fact, somebody asked me last night what drivers you'd like to hang out with away from the track and he was one. Just because I am critical of his performance doesn't mean I have something personal against him. I think he gets that.

T-berry (J-town)

Hi Dave, I won't be home for chat so I'll post my question early. How was the Hendrick film? I'll make sure to watch the film on Oct.11.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

It was good. What made it work was that they didn't hide the bad stuff. They told it like it was. Check out the story when it's posted and you will get a better feel.

Johnny (Texarkana)

Whats the chances of Jeff Gordon winning a few races and winning the chase this year??

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

He has several good tracks coming up, so winning isn't out of the question. I still say it'll be tough to pass his two teammates, although it would be fun to watch.

sean (arizona)

Doesnt the r6 engine require the cars to be built different in the engine area and since kahne is using the r5 do you think that is not allowing them to bring cars to the track that arent as good as the ones that fit the r6 engine? Im pretty sure i heard that you cant just take out the r5 and put in the r6 without doing a lot of modifying to the car.

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

There are a few slight modifications that have to be made, but nothing that they can't adjust to on the fly.

Wade (FL)

David, the #2 team of Busch has clicked off finishes of 6th, 2nd, and 5th since the news of Tryson's departure. Do I see a threat for the title?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Sounds like his 2004 championship season doesn't it? I still think he's going to need to win a race to win the title.

RAY GORDON REID ( MANHATTAN KANSAS 66502)

QUESTION TO DAVID NEWTON AT 2.20 HI DAVID WHO DO WHO YOU HAVE FOR KANSASCITY SUNDAY

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Hard to pick against Johnson. He's the defending champion and on a roll after Dover.

John (KY)

So David, is the "Hendrick" documentary that you were able to view a good film? What did you take away from the story? Thanks for the weekly insights.

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

It is a good film. What I came away with is just how much the organization is about people, teamwork, pulling in the same direction instead of against each other. To me it shows why Hendrick has had the top organization the past 15 years and will continue to be that way for the unforseen future.

RAY GORDON REID ( TUSCALOOSA ALABAMA 35487)

QUESTIONTO IVAN MAISEL AT 2.20PM HI IVAN WHO DO YOU HAVE SATURDAY IN ATHENS TIGERS OR BULLDOGS

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

Well, I'm not Ivan, but I can tell you LSU will win. Georgia's defense is not good enough. Could be a fun shootout to watch.

Emily (Virginia)

How many minutes of the Henrick movie is dedicated to Henricks federal, felony, conviction and pardon by Bill Clinton?

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Just a few, but you have to give them credit for putting it in at all. As he told me, if he didn't it would be a phony.

Thomas (NJ)

Does Together, go into the details of Henrick's "gift" of $5,000,000 to the Clinton library in exchange for his pardon on federal, felon, criminal convictions?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Not in the 99 minutes I saw. Do you think you would put that in your documentary?

Megan (NC)

What was the result of the lawsuit filed against Henrick by the wife of Tony Stewart's pilot for neglience and wrongful death in the Martinsville plane crash?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Last I heard nothing came of it.

John (Gilbert, AZ)

Has anyone at Hendrick setup one car at a track and let each or their drivers drive that one setup and see who is quickest. That would be pretty interesting to see. What do you think David?

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

They have swapped drivers into one car at a test before. Not sure it was all four, but at least a couple. My money would be on Jimmie most of the time.

Michael (Washington DC)

As a pardoned, convicted, federal, felon criminal does Rick Hendrick have to right to vote and is the IRS monitoring his personal and business tax returns as part of his conviction?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Don't know on the voting, but I'm sure he's monitored. I sense some Hendrick backlash here. Nobody ever said the guy was a saint. I'm not sure I know anybody who is. I've seen other athletes get in trouble before and come back to lead very productive and solid lives.

YAR8pack (Figs of Newton)

Newton, how's it going? Hey. How random and strange is the Richard Petty, Saudi Prince deal? I'm still guffawing over that.

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Got to admire them for branching out.

JD (Boston)

David, Who makes this Chase interesting if 48 stays hot...can anyone run with them, perhaps that other Hendrick driver Mark Martin?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Martin is the only one I consider a serious threat, although I still believe Edwards has the talent to go on a run like he did last year.

Rick (PA)

David - We keep on hearing that no one is out of it and the 48 teams 2006 is cited as the reason why. First, there are very few 48 like teams and second with the COT there are less DNF's then in the past. Realistically who do you think still has a chance?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Personally, I believe it's Johnson's to lose.

Simon (Boston)

As Gene Haas is a Hendrick customer and was convicted of federal, felon, criminal crimes like Hendrick, does Nascar keep a close eye on the business dealings of these two convicts?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

Teams are independent contractors, so NASCAR really doesn't get a chance to peak into their books.

Jeff P. (Maryland)

What's worse Jr's driving or you Panthers?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

First, they aren't my Panthers. I did cover them for 11 years, but that is it. As for which is worse, all I know is both are winless and both are better than their record.

David (Salt Lake City)

Would the NFL permit convicted felons like Hendrick and Gene Haas to be owners in the NFL?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

I can't think of an example right now, but I know there is at least one. As long as the owner has paid for the crime the league won't stop him ownership.

JD (Boston)

How about this format? Qualify as usual- pick pits stalls as usual, but put the Chasers in the first 6 rows to start the race....I don't like the idea of a separate points system for Chasers- but putting them together up front makes them race the chasers- and still penalizes poor performance/luck.

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

How about putting them all at the back and earn their way to the front?

David (Salt Lake City)

If there is a movie about Hendrick, when will we have Rev it Up: The Roush Story or Give me More: The Joe Gibbs Game Plan or Push Down the Gas: The Penske Play?

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Sounds like you auditioning for a job of writing movie titles. I do know Petty is working on a documentary that should be released next year. Haven't heard of any others.

Sid (Atlanta)

Jimmie seemed a little uncharacteristly cocky in some of his post-race comments ("I hope our performance today scares people", etc) - is this just mind games he/Chad are playing or is his head finally starting to swell from his success?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

He was just answering a question. What was he supposed to say. I hope our performance gives everybody confidence? But he does play subtle mind games.

Moncho (Hatillo)

No class for Biffle this wekeend need to be a gentleman in dark hours.

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

He did sound a bit whiny.

TG (Maryland)

JJ(superman) i think maybe 135 wins and 10 championships before he retires about 2025, whats your take?.

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Let's see. He's won 40 races and three titles in eight plus seasons. That's at least five a season, so 135 might be a little high. Maybe he'll be like the UCLA Bruins in hoops and win like nine or 10 titles in a row. I doubt it though.

Lois (W. Va. )

We know George Steinbrenner was pardoned so he could own the Yankees. Is that why Nascar let's Henrick own Nascar teams? What about Haas? He hasn't been pardoned.

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

Haas served his time. I don't think NASCAR let's Hendrick own. Hendrick simply owns. He owned when he was under house arrest.

Dalton (Vacaville, CA)

Where do you see Jeff Gordon in the next 5 years? Any championships? How many wins? How about retiring?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

One title and retired.

Ted (IL)

How soon will we be seeing Danica in the #14 Office Depot car?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

Uh, never.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Hello David, Any more word on who will take over for Truex in the #1????? Jamie Mac, Bobby Labonte, Paul Menard?????

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

If full sponsorship is found I still have to believe it's Jamie. If not then maybe Labonte.

Barb (Tenn)

Why have all of Nascar's convicted, federal, felon criminals (Hendrick, Haas and Morgan McClure) been Chevy owners? Does Chevy only want convicts for owners?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

You sound like a Ford fan.

Mojo (Houston)

Who does Johnson remind you of, out of the old school NASCAR drivers? Personally, I think he's a lot like "Gentleman Ned Jarrett". He doesn't make a lot of noise off the track, but goes about the business of winning races and championships.

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Maybe David Pearson. He doesn't smoke like Pearson, but he sure smokes the competition.

Ed (Here or there)

Newton - why are you such a Junior apologist?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Not an apologist at all. What makes you say that?

Wade (FL)

David, how do you like Kurt Busch's title hopes after theyve finished 6th, 2nd, and 5th the past 3 races?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Not as good as I would have liked had he gone 1-2 like Mark Martin.

Jason (Florida)

For cheating, Chad Knaus is the most $$$ penalized and most races sat out crew chief in Nascar history. Does Hendrick-with his lack of respect for the law-encourage cheating?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

Not that I'm aware of. He's come down pretty hard on Chad publicly in the past.

Taylor (San Dimas)

Why does the media pay any attention to the 22nd place driver in points who hasn't won a race in 16th months who got beat by Paul Menard last week at Dover?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Hmm. Wonder who he is talking about?

Marcus (Va Beach,VA)

Hey Dave, Hendrick Motorsports is supposed to be so big on Note sharing. I remember that battle 2 years ago between Jeff and Jimmie at Martinsville. Have you ever known of Jr to take the setup from Jimmie, Jeff or Mark after struggling all weekend?

Alfredo (San Antonio)

Does the media pay attention to Earnhardt just cause the old fans remember his father?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

We pay attention because the fans demand that we write about him. Supply and demand. If we wrote all these stories about Paul Menard nobody would read them.

Wade (Jville)

David, what do you think the final standings will look like after Homestead? Give me your top 5

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Johnson, Martin, Hamlin, Busch, Gordon

Mojo (Houston)

Why all the outcry over Rick's indictment... Yet, you hear nothing on Gene Haas - recently went through essentially the same thing. Yet, nothing being said - by fans - over Stewart-Haas team about it.Rick served his time, under house arrest then got a pardon from President Clinton - Big deal, its history, move on!

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Thank you MoJo.

Megan (Denver)

Everyone seems to agree that racing goes in cycles. Will we, hopefully, see the Henddrick down cycle begin in 2010?

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Not based on what I've seen.

David (Washington DC)

David-Last week I gave you an opportunity to declare JPM as a legit threat for the Cup and you respectfully declined. Want to take another shot at it?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

I still don't think he's a threat to win it all. I believe he's a threat to be in thee mix for the top five. He has to win a few races to become a threat to win it all.

Jake (Texas)

As Hendrick was pardoned by the Democratic President Bill Clinton does that mean that Rick Hendrick is a democrat and supporter of the policies of President Obama?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Nope. I've never asked, but I'm guessing he is Republican.

John (Illinois)

It appears that Mark Martin is the most talented driver in NASCAR, but he has been with an inferior team for most of his career. If Mark had been with Hendrick since the '90's and Jeff Gordon had been with Rousch, do you think Mark would have 82 wins and Jeff 40?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

I wouldn't say inferior. The 6 at Roush was pretty good. And I wouldn't say he's the most talented. I still give a nod to Jimmie. But Martin is doing things at 40 few imagined.

Matt (Madison)

Did anybody notice Allmendinger finished 7th? He passed Kahne (both using the older R5 motors at Dover) with a few laps to go. Perhaps he is gearing up to a repeat of the last 5 races of last year when he was hired by Gillette?

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

As Kahne said earlier this week, there's not enough power difference between the new and old engine to worry about.

Marcus (Va Beach,VA)

Dave, listening to Jr's scanner the past 2 weeks, he has been critical of some cautions that were called. He said the Debris was non existent on one Debris Caution at NH, then last week I heard him say a Debris Caution was called for boredom. What happened to the networks trying to let us physically see the debris that caused a debris caution?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Didn't realize they weren't being shown. I typically listen to NASCAR on the scanner and they seem to go to great pains before calling a caution for debris.

Marion (SC)

Whats going on with Sadler and the 19 that thing is off the pace about every week.AJ is starting to show more speed and Sorenson even has speed .I would have thought about keeping Sorenson vs sadler but I know its about sponsorship but I would think Best Buy and stanley would like a change

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

No matter what you think of Sadler as a driver he's a sponsors dream for everything else.

Amber (Texas)

Are you really smarter than Tony Stewart thinks?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Maybe it was just the pot calling the kettle black. I don't think I've ever questioned the intelligence of a driver.

Julie (PA)

What happened to the close racing and competiton the COT was supposed to give us? Seems like the Henrick cars with 5 in the top 10 at Dover are way better than the others?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

It was that way before the new car.

Mojo (Houston)

It seems like Michael (DC), Emily (VA), and Thomas (NJ) have a lot of similar syntax, grammer, and punctuation. (split-personality?)Same thing happened to Gene Haas... Where's the outcry over that?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

I'll let that stand on its on.

Stu (Powhatan, Va.)

David, Do you follow any of the NASCAR All-American Series stuff? They've got a big one down in Martinsville this weekend... Who is your pick for that one?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Sorry, I don't follow. Catch me up.

Carlos (SO CAL)

Does JPM need to win a race to win/contend for the cup?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

YES!

David (Washington DC)

It seems like you're still thinking JPM isn't a legit contendor for the Cup. Not sure how many more top 5's he needs to put up for you to come around. Hopefully by Homestead?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

I am very impressed with his performance. I am more impressed with what Jimmie JOhnson and Mark Martin are doing.

Sean (Socal)

Is Addington on the hot seat? Post-race inspection penalty at New Hampshire, blowing a tire at Dover with Coach on the box. It seems like he's feeling the pressure

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

You make very good observations.

William (Virginia)

Did Dale Jr have any excuses for getting beat by Paul Menard and dropping to 22nd in points after Dover?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

Think he said everybody in front of him needed to brush up on their driving, or whatever he told Reutimann. No, nothing was said.

Tom (CA)

We are happy to see David Gilliand getting a Gibbs Sprint cup ride. How did David manage that?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

He was the best available.

Marcus (Va Beach,VA)

Take a way Chad Knaus and how many championships does Jimmie have? And would be called Superman?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

We'll never know, but I believe he'd have at least one or two. He's really good people.

Natalie (Texas)

What are you hearing about Kyle Busch getting rid of Addington and getting a better crew chief?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Nothing lately. I am sure all are under evaluation. Let's not forget though that they won eight races together last season.

Dennis (Arkansas)

Does Bobby Labonte have a ride for next year?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Not yet, although Hall of Fame wants him if it can find a partner.

Mike (Atlanta)

Gotta love how you get called a Junior hater and Junior apologist in the same chat. Unbiased journalism at its best if you ask me

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

It is a bit ironic, but I can assure you I am totally unbiased.

TG (Maryland)

Can hendrick teams sweep the last 8 races?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

No other organization can, so why not?

Marcus (VA)

I was supposed to go to the Charlotte race, but now my parents are in town for out air show at Oceana Naval Air Station. Any tips on how to convince my wife to let me go to the Martinsville race?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

I see who wears the pants in your family. Let's see. Tell her you'll dine and wine her at a few fine restaurants in downtown Greensboro on Saturday night. I know a great place where you can sit outside and get great pimento cheese.

Harvey (NJ)

Do you think Nascar will be going green with ethnol, fuel injection, smaller engines, lighter cars etc in the near future?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Eventually I do. I'm hearing 2011 on fuel injection.

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Guys, I hate to end this a few minutes early, but I have to clean up after the plumbers and get to East Lincoln Speedway tonight for a charity race involving Kasey Kahne, AJ Allmendinger and a few others. Thanks for the questions. Great as usual. And yes, I am smarter than Tony thinks.