ESPN

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

Sorry a few minutes late. I'm getting swamped by new Twitter followers after the Twitter story posted. Crazy cyberspace. And I'll apologize up front for having to leave you five minutes early. NASCAR has a conference call at 3 to announce more consistent start times for 2010. On that note, have at it.

terrylee vaughn (ware shoals,sc)

hey david who is your top 5 at california start with the winner if u will. and how u think jimmie's performance last week at kansas u think he will have a better chance at california

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

I'd go with Johnson, Martin, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon and one of the Roush cars, Edwards or Biffle. So yes, I do think Jimmie will improve. He easily could have won last week had he not gone with four tires at the end.

Kyle Spengler (CT)

Is NASCAR boring?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Not at all. You probably get bored in the first three quarters of an NBA game. Or during a nine-inning baseball game. Every sport has its lulls.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

David, is Ragan on the hot seat next year and do you expect him to have a new crew chief next year as well?

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

He should be after his performance on the track and after being one-upped by Michael Waltrip on "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth-Grader?'' last night.

Tyler (Snohomish,Wa)

Hey David, with Jack Daniles dropping out of nascar, will Casey Mears be dropped from RCR?

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

If they don't find a sponsor, and even then he may be gone. I'm told they'd like to move in a different direction with a younger driver.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Which race did you see 3 women racing in 1 Sprint Cup Series race and what year?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Good question. It would take me too long to look it up. How about give us the answer.

Chris Fiegler (Latham.NY)

Which NASCAR team do you think that Danica Patrick will drive for in her limited NASCAR race schedule?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Looks like JR Motorsports or Waltrip Racing. I keep hearing Waltrip may have the upper hand. Sure seems like it would be tough not to go with a car with Hendrick support though.

sean (arizona)

Is it true danica patrick wants 8 mil. for 8 nationwide races, if so it is very clear that she is in it only for the money. And do nascar drivers make more than F1 drivers?

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

I've heard that, but nobody has verified it. Seems a bit steep for eight races unless a sponsor wants to pay it. I can't see an owner doing it.

Fred (al) [via mobile]

Mr.Newton, what team do you think will have danica p., i say MWR.... and is KHI still going after her.

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

Haven't heard much about KHI and Stewart in a while, so it makes me think it's down to MWR and JRM.

Greg (VA)

After Denny Hamlin's fifth place showing last weekend. Do you think that he'll be able to improve on that this week at Auto Club and gain back some points on the leaders?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

It was an encouraging run on a track where he hasn't excelled. I still believe Denny is a darkhorse in this race and this could be the race that makes or breaks him.

Sean (DC)

Will Junior ever get a favorable break towards the end of a race? It seems like the better he runs, the worse the luck...

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

Ever heard the phrase you make your own luck? I feel your pain, though.

Woody (Boston, MA)

David,I wish there were more stories about it, but I am angry about NASCAR telling BK to tone it down specifically against the chase drivers. Last time I checked, 43 race cars are on the race track, not 12. if that is NASCAR's opinion, then just have the chasers race and forget about the rest. It also looked like Montoya was the aggressor and BK was the victim, yet BK gets blamed? (nothing against Montoya, he just happened to be the driver)Also, this just fuels any conspiracy theorist's fire. Thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

I didn't hear NASCAR give Keselowski the message because I wasn't at the track, but I've read about it. If true, then NASCAR should be ashamed. Unless they're going to make the same warning in Week 1 then let the drivers settle this on the track.

ray (alabama)

i like your recent post about danica doing the double. Do you really think its possible?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

Should be. It's not like the double on Sunday with the Coke 600 and Indy 500. This would be the Saturday Nationwide race and Sunday 500. Kind of stretching the double standard, but it would get a lot of attention.

RAY GORDON REID ( FRENSNO CA 92371)

QUESTION TO DAVID NEWTON AT 2.20 PM HI DAVID NEWTON WHO DOYOUHAVE AT SONOMA SUNDAY

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

As I said earlier, I like the usual suspects, Jimmie, Jeff, Kyle Busch and Mark Martin.

Marion (SC)

David,Anything new on RPM?Yates deal? and how does Kahne really feel about being with Ford again.

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

They're still working on it. Richard Petty says it will be soon, so hold tight.

Moncho (Hatillo)

Forget statistics Montoya comes strong this weekend with a great chassis.

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

I won't dispute you. He's been strong for a few months now. No reason to think that will end. And you're right, they have hit on the chassis.

Bob (LA)

Gillett did not say anything about his drivers other than Kahne and AJ is Sadler possibly out?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Sadler and his sponsors have another year left on their contracts, so unless Gillett can find a way out of that I'd say it will be status quo.

Moncho (Hatillo)

Nascar needs to continue checking Hendicks cars in evry race.

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

Look, they have checked them twice in the Chase and not found a violation. They have checked them most of the season since they've won over a third of the races. This all sounds like something to stir the pot, manufactured publicity. And what other sport do they issue a warning before they penalize?

Adam (NC)

Newton,Any rumor on Kahne where he might go in 2011 any talk?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Same one as I've heard for months, Stewart-Haas.

Dave (NY)

With Gillett saying theyre going to be at least 3 cars is Menard going somewhere else also is Sadler out? there was no mention of him.

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Reed Sorenson is the guy that is out. The lineup is Kahne, Sadler, Allmendinger and Menard.

Marion (SC)

David,Kahne said 2 weeks ago that he did not know who was the go to guy at RPM and and didnt know what was going on. the other day Gilletts comments souned like he was all but calling Kahne a liar Your thoughts.(I dont think Kahne and Gillett like each other )

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Gillett better like Kahne. He's his bread and butter. As for who's in charge, Robbie Loomis will remain the go-to guy but Jones likely will have a big role when the teams combine.

Adam (NC)

david,Do you think Dodge is commited?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

They've said nothing to make me believe otherwise. They are just committed to a smaller number of cars than everybody else.

Scott (Kansas City)

Great article, two quick questions, how was your experience at Kansas last week, and did you happen to ask Kyle Petty about his prospects for landing a Cup ride next year?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Thanks, but I wasn't in Kansas. If I were there's a rib place that escapes my memory I would have been at. As for Petty, no, didn't ask. I really believe his career is over unless he gets in a few races a year.

Charae (Irving, Texas)

How soon do you expect to see Danica and Dale jr team up on a 2 car sprint cup team for Jr Motorsports?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

She has a three-year deal with Andretti Green in the IndyCar Series, so the earliest she could get into Cup fulltime would be after that. Now she could try a few Cup races during that span, but my guess is most will be spent in the Nationwide and Trucks. And don't forget MWR is in the mix here.

Mike (CT)

Do you think any of the non-chasers will win one of the remaining races?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

I do. Do you remember the name Kyle Busch? He could win two or three.

Leo (NJ)

How come the #88 crew is the only Henrick team making pit stop mistakes and blowing engines?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Seems that way, doesn't it? Guess when it rains it pours. Nobody is sabataging that car.

Moncho (Hatillo)

JJ legal or barely

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Does it matter? As long as he's legal, he's legal. Nothing wrong with pushing the gray areas. That's what crew chiefs are supposed to do.

Bryan (Hickory)

What up with rumors about paul merard leaving yates? What new in rumors mill? 1. Car, and were jamie mac going

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

Menard said two weeks ago he was going nowhere. As for Jamie McMurray, he's waiting for a ride with full sponsorship. It appears the No. 1 at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, but sponsorship could be a problem.

Fred (SC)

With all these F1 guys like Salo, Piquet jr, Glock plus the IRL guys and Danica looking to get into Nascar, what current drivers will get kicked out?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

Danica and the F1 guys are years from making it to Cup, so don't pack the bags of any current driver for one of them.

BEN (ATL)

If Casey Mears is dropped, what potential young drivers could take his seat?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

Must be the dust from cleaning the bsaement, but the name I was told escapes me at the moment. If I think of him I'll let you know.

Juan Carlos (Phoenix)

Juan Pablo seems to be more consistent than either Martin or Johnson. When they have their muligans and JP stays consistent could JP win the championship without ever winning a race?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

If he does then people will scream the system is flawed if he doesn't win a race. And I wouldn't say he's been more consistent, otherwise he'd be ahead of them. But he's been pretty darn close.

JD (Boston)

NASCAR is slow to change its schedule- and the standardized start times is overdue. Would it really cause havoc if they just realigned the schedule any way they want 1 time- or do they have to let contracts expire with individual tracks before they make changes? (I realize they already control a good number of thracks though!)

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

It would cause some havoc to realign anyway they wanted because tracks need a year in advance to prepare for the next year's race. But I'd love to see the Chase tracks rotated if at all possible.

Tony (Indiana)

Could we ever see a track like Iowa or maybe another road course added to the schedule in a few years?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Not likely. The next additions will be Kentucky Motor Speedway and a second race for either Kansas or Vegas or both. And yes, that means somebody is going to lose a race or two.

Heather (PA)

Why doesn't Henrick hire Danica to drive the #88 full time? She can't do any worse than Dale Jr.

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Not likely. The next additions will be Kentucky Motor Speedway and a second race for either Kansas or Vegas or both. And yes, that means somebody is going to lose a race or two.

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Like I haven't heard that one before. Thanks for making me laugh again though.

Wade (FL)

David, the #2 team is still getting good finishes...Kurt is horrible at Kansas and finished 11th, your thoughts on their title hopes?

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

Kurt knows how to win a title under the Chase format. Now that he has good equipment again there's no reason to think he won't hang around until the end.

Keith (NC)

Jack Roush seems to believe that both the 48 and 5 are cheater cars, what do you believe?

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

I believe Jack should focus on getting his own cars better because that's what they're doing with the 48 and 5.

Mike (CT)

Hey David, what is your favorite Tarantino movie?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Kill Bill. All my friends loved Pulp Fiction, but I couldn't get into it even though Travolta was great in it.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Can you give us a heads up on the news about the starting times?

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

From what NASCAR officials told me several weeks ago it'll be 1 pm for East coast, 3 pm for West coast and 730 for night races.

Rafa (Orlando)

Brad K almost killed Carl and 8 spectators at Dega and can only pass cars by running them over. Didn't Nascar do the right thing in warning him before the drivers take matters into their own hands?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Unless they are going to make the same warning for the first 26 races then no, I don't believe it was the right thing to do. Brad has just as much right to go for the win or position as a Chase driver.

Moncho (Hatillo)

You forget Montoya again

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Hardly. Just don't see him as a top five car this week.

Bill (Charlotte, NC)

David, do you think NASCARs popularity increase around 2000-2001 was a fad? Obviously the economy has contributed to some attendance falls, but I feel like a lot of people jumped on board, and jumped back off the sports bandwagon the past few years. Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

No, not a fad. It just hit a peak. The slip has been like a perfect storm, the introduction of a new car, the economy (particular gas prices) and Dale Jr. slumping all have played a factor.

Jeremy (Port Angeles, Washington)

Do you think that Honda would allow Danica to race for MWR in a Toyota.

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

I'm a bit skeptical, but whatever Danica drives in NASCAR will be something other than a Honda unless the manufacturer jumps into the sport. Toyota makes it more interesting, though, since it is a big rival. I did ask Michael Waltrip that and he doesn't think it'll be a problem.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Any news on how the tire test at Richmond id going?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Not a word. Was going to call after the 3 pm NASCAR conference call on starting times.

Billy (TN)

So, Biffle wanted 4 tires and his CC wanted to only go with 2 tires. Biffle got the 4 tires. My question, as an owner (Rousch) do you always give the over riding vote (when driver and CC dont agree) to the driver? Probably cost him the race. Thanks

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

That was a tough call. If the crew chief was convinced two tires were the way to go then my guess is they'd have stuck with that. But if the driver was confident enough to believe he could win with four tires then there's no reason to argue with him.

Rolando (Florida)

Do you expect to see Kasey Kahne in the Bud sponsorship running the #88 anytime soon?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

No.

Wade (FL)

You didnt answer my question haha! David, the #2 team is still getting good finishes...Kurt is horrible at Kansas and finished 11th, your thoughts on their title hopes?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

I did answer. Said he knows how to do this and has a good car, or something like that, so I expect him to remain a factor till the end.

Caleb VanZee (Fowler, MI)

Will Jeff Gordon ever win another title? He seems to be past his prime, only winning one race this year, and not yet leading a single lap in this year's chase.

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Two years ago he had a great season and would have won the title had Johnson not had a great Chase. He's not past his prime. He's just not as good as Jimmie. Does that mean he won't win another title. No. It'll just be tougher.

norm (palm springs ca)

If nascar was smart they could save money by doing the races in regions. Instead we go from daytona to califfornia, seems you could do more of the south, then come middle to west. They seem to catch rain in the 1st cali race.

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

They've looked into that, but really it makes no difference because the hauler has to come back to the shop after each race anyway and reload with new cars.

Eric (Raleigh)

Who is a better driver (in their best years), Gordon or Johnson?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Good question. I'd have to flip a coin on that one. When Jeff was dominant he won 10 or so races in a season and beat the likes of Earnhardt and Martin.

John (Mass)

How many crew chiefs has Dale jr had since he has raced in cup and do you think firing Lance for another cc on the 88 will make a difference?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Let's see. He had Tony Eury Sr., Tony Eury Jr., Steve Hmiel for an interim basis and another at DEI that escapes me on an interim basis, then Eury Jr. again at Hendrick and now Lance McGrew. I believe that is it. And the Eurys really were interchangeable, so count them as one. Maybe you can add another name to the list next season.

norm (palm springs ca)

Any word on the new ford engine? it was earlier said it would be out for the chase with some of the non-chase drivers using it.

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

It'll be introduced at Charlotte next weekend by a Roush driver, likely Ragan, who isn't smarter than a fifth grader after what I saw on TV last night. On that note, I've got to jump on this NASCAR conference call. Thanks for all the questions.