ESPN

David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Back in Charlotte after driving back from Duke University under a glorious Carolina Blue sky. Ready to spend an hour here and then off to NASCAR Now to discuss Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s woes. Let's get to it.

Jerry Coile (Warner Robins, Ga.)

Why is it that ESPN refuses to give Kasey Kahne his due? Man, at the end of the race they went straight to Jeff Gordon for comment instead of Mat Kenseth or Kasey! Kasey Kahne doesn't get the respect he deserves and I think he had the fastest car in the race. I feel it would have been more responsible to question why Kasey was losing ground to Johnson and ultimately had Kenseth make his pass. I wanted to know what was going on with Kasey's car to have let that happen. I'm sick of the good ole boys getting all the interviews. Kasey drove a hell of a race! Now I'll have to search some other sports network to see if they talked to Kasey.

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

As far as who was first on the air, I am guessing it was the first driver out of the car and available for interviews. As for Kahne, he does deserve props for what he has done. Take away a blown engine at Loudon and getting caught up in a wreck a few weeks later and he'd be right there. Both times he had a solid top 10 car. And you're right, he was one of the fastest if not the fastest car on the track much of the night. Had it not been for the late caution he might have run away with it.

Tyler (Arkansas)

Ok I feel as if Jimmie Johnson is hurting the sport more than he is helping it. I get tired of watching him win every week and every year. I often find myself turning the race off late into the race. My suggestion is that they pick ten tracks at random to represent the chase races and they just go from there. What are your thoughts on that?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

Seriously? How can a guy doing what he's supposed to do hurt the sport. Does Tiger Woods mess up the PGA Tour when he wins half the tournaments he enters? Were the Steelers stinking up the show when they won four of five Super Bowls? Or the Celtics or Lakers when they dominated? Appreciate it for what it's worth. Twenty years from now you likely will be telling people how you saw one of the best in the sport at his best.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

If Dale Earnhardt Jr. leaves Hendrick Motor Sports and goes to Richard Childress Racing probably in 2011, Who do you think will replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motor Sports

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

First, Dale Jr. has a five year deal that runs through 2012. Assuming your theory is correct and he leaves early to presumably drive the No. 3 on the 10-year anniversary ofd his father's death, I can't tell you who would step into that ride. Danica Patrick, even if she is successful in a partial Nationwide schedule for a couple of years, still would have a year left on her Andretti Green contract. Brad Keselowski is tied up for three years at Penske. Lots can happen between now and then.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will be up for Rookie of the year in 2010 in the Sprint Cup Series?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Unfortunately Brad Keselowski won't be eligible, otherwise he'd be the easy pick. I haven't heard of any hot young driver that will get a full run in Cup next year yet. Stay tuned.

MARCUS (VA)

One of the many things that the COT was supposed to do was create better side by side racing. Clearly it has failed. Is anyone else noticeing that the racing is way better in both the Truck and Nationwide series? If you put the big names in the Truck series that would be the most exciteing racing of all.

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

I can't argue there has been great racing in the Truck and Nationwide Series. But I do beg to differ that the racing in Cup has been dull. There's still a need for more passing for the lead, but back in the pack there's plenty of good action. And I believe you'll see a great show this weekend at Martinsville, particularly with double file restarts.

Doug (Maumee, Ohio)

What does NASCARhave to do to slow HMS? Am I the only one sick of Johnson, Martin and Gordon fighting for wins every week? Thank God they have the over-rated Earnhardt in their stable.

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

It's not NASCAR's job to slow HMS. It's up to the other organizations to catch up. What was it that Bobby Bowden told Lou Holtz when Bobby was at West Virginia and Lou was, oh, I forget? Lou accused Bobby of running up the score. Bobby basically told Holtz it was his job to stop him.

RyanJeffery (Texarkana,Arkansas)

Who do you think is going to win the Nascar Sprint Cup Championship.

David Newton

  (2:11 PM)

Same person I said a hundred or so weeks ago. Jimmie Johnson.

Tyler (Arkansas)

I feel like Jimmie Johnson is hurting the sport more than he is helping it. I know several ppl, me included, that are turning the races off because we get tired of watching him win everyweek. What can Nascar do to change something and let somebody else win for a change?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Again, you're watching history. Why can we watch Tiger Woods win by 10 strokes and not watch JJ win by seven seconds? I understand what he meant now on Saturday night when he said he didn't understand that.

RAYGORDON REID ( CHARLOTTESVILLEVA 22902)

QUESTION TO DAVIDNEWTON AT 2.20PM HI DAVID WHO HAVE FOR MARTINSVILLE SUNDAY

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

To pick anybody but JJ would be ludircous. I do have a sneaky suspicion that another HMS car will win, though. Like the 24.

PJ (East Moline Il)

Any word on where Bobby Labonte will be driving next year?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Not a word, although I wouldn't rule out the 1 at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. I'm told McMurray is not going there and that past champion's provisional would be nice after the first five races.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

First of all David, hope your Dad gets better. What are your thoughts on RPM in the future? I think the move to Ford is the first step to bring some stability and maybe repacing some of their drivers after 2010 will help?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Thanks on Dad. Hey,Kahne has been awfully strong the second half of the season. If Yates power improves that, watch out.

Kevin (Indiana)

Is Ray Evernham still a part owner with George Gillet? If not why doesn't he go back to Hendrick and help Jeff win his Drive for Five?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

He does own a small percentage and would like to get out of it. Until that happens, his hands are tied. And if he helps Jeff go for five, it won't be as a crew chief. He's already made that clear. Then again _ see Mark Martin _ people can change their mind.

Marcus (NC)

What has become of those 1,000+ people in and around Charlotte who lost jobs working in Nascar?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

Many remain unemployed. I honestly haven't checked lately, but the market hasn't gottten any better. Sad.

Kevin (Indiana)

I still think Gordon/Evernham was the best driver/crew cheif combo ever. They could take Jimmie and Knaus down.

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

It would have been a good match to watch. Jeff and Ray were awfully strong and easily could have won four in a row, maybe five, with a little luck.

Mike (CT)

Which is a bigger lock - Kyle Busch winning the Nationwide Championship, or Jimmie Johnson winning the Chase?

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Kyle for the simple reason he has an insurmountable lead even with a little bad luck. Johnson may be there after Martinsville where he rules.

Frank (Pa)

While it is tough for 48 haters right now it must be real difficult for the press. How difficult is it to come up with articles that are not related to JJ is great, how do you chase proof the 48 team, even writing about Jr. is getting ol.. Oh I guess it isn't

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

You're right, it does make it tough. I thought the Mark Martin story I told last weekend offered something different to the fans. I'm constantly looking out for the off-the-wall angle. If you have something you'd like to see let me know and I will consider it for the weekend or next week.

Marcus (NC)

Do you think Childress will ever merge with Henrick to form 1 singe super Chevy team like Roush has done with Yates and RPM?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Hmmmm. Never say never. But I don't think so. If he does the sport may be ruined.

tom (montauk)

in your article, what does gibson mean that not everyone on board with junior. is it is pit crew or other at hendricks and whom

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

For sure members of his direct team, which would include the pit crew. I've seen evidence of that. It's tough when you bring in an outsider, as Earnhardt was, who doesn't necessarily fit the Hendrick mold.

Billy (TN)

David, how is your dad? I spent a lot of nights in the recliner in the hospital when my dad was ill, it does not get much lonelier.

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

He was getting bossy this morning, so that was a good sign. He still has one more surgery to go in about three months so I appreciate your thoughts.

YAR8pack (Candor)

How are you today, Mr Newton? Listen. Tell Mr Hendrick to call Kate Hudson to see if she has a friend for Junior. It's working for A-Rod. Seriously. The majority of the problem is in Junior's head. He obviously not relaxed out there. Go Yankees.

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Junior, like myself with my wife, would be playing above his head with Hudson.

Jeffrey (Ft. Lauderdale)

If Earmhardt drove the #3 at Childress wouldn't that only increase the pressure and if he can't get it done at Henrick wouldn't he perform even worse at Childress?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

The difference at Childress is Earnhardt would be the show. At HMS he is fourth best at best. Not sure if that would make a difference, but there wouldn't be the pressure to be as good as your own teammates.

kevin (new jersey)

hey besides for jimmie johnson, denny hamlin, tony stewart, and jeff gordon, do you see anyone else having a shot at the win this weekend

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

You picked four good ones. Throw in Mark Martin and Kyle Busch. It's time for Kyle to flex his muscles in the Cup series again.

Tyler (Ohio)

Isn't it in the media's interest to only spin positive on the #48 and Nascar's problems instead of telling the truth about the negative issues?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

I don't look at it that way at all. I try to tell the best stories I can and report the news as it happens.

Scott (NC)

What kind of change do you think would be necessary to get Jr back on the right track again.

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

I kind of like what Tony Gibson told me. Change everything. Give him a completely fresh start. As for the crew chief, I can't say for sure who that might be, but I'm sure there is an older guy that would fit what Earnhardt is looking for.

Jeremy (Port Angeles, Washington)

When do you think we will know what are Danica's nascar plans will be announced.

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

I hope within a few weeks. Or maybe she is waiting to make a big splash at the season finale or the banquet to give us something different to write about. Get the most bang for the buck from the sponsors, one might say.

Jake (Irving, Texas)

Why would Hrvick being talking about leaving Childress when he still is contractually obligated to run the next 41 cup races with Childress?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Because he's tired of not winning. Fed up. Frustrated.

Wade (Florida)

David, after seeing how consistent Kurt Busch has been (8.0 avg finish in chase), is he and Gordon the only contenders left? That #2 team has surprised me lately, if JJ has a mishap, it seems like they'll be right there. Thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

The problem is JJ has to make a mistake. He hasn't made one at Martinsville in seven or so years. If he has another top three and one of those closest to him makes a mistake then he'll be so far ahead that he can afford a hiccup or two in the final four races. And the problem for everybody else is a hiccup might be a 20th, which wouldn't close the gap a lot unless one of those close wins the race.

Mark (Charlotte)

Junior's whinning is getting old, when are people this guy has no talent and he got by on what advantages his dad left him.

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

I don't look at it as whining. He's just being honest about how he feels. You can't blame a guy for being honest. And if he didn't care he wouldn't even do that. I disagree he has no talent. The guy has won 18 races. There are a ton of drivers who would die for that.

T-berry (J-town)

I saw the new sponsor for Kyle Busch's car next year is Doublemint. What happened to MandMs?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

You've got me on that one.

Lisa (Scottsdale)

Do you think Kyle Busch is the heir apparent to succeed Jimmy Johnson as our next dominator?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

We've been waiting for that to happen for about a year now. Jimmie is in his prime, so Busch or whoever will have to really pick up his game to knock Johnson off his pedestal.

JAMMER (UTAH)

David, what place are you looking forward to eating at in Martinsville?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

Not the hotdog stand at the track for sure. They are quite tasty, but I can't get past the red coloring. I usually stay an hour away in Greensboro and there are a few places I love to hang out, one with great pimento cheese.

Mike Mitchell (Jacksonville, Fl)

any new info on a sponspr for kelly Bires whne he runs for JRM next year?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Nothing yet. Sorry.

kevin (new jersey)

the only reason everyone is tired of jimmie johnson winning is because its not their favorite driver. if their favorite driver was winning they wouldn't be complaining. so i think nascar shouldnt do anything to slow down jimmie johnson and our drivers have to step up to beat them

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Agreed.

Lisa (Scottsdale)

Does a driver with Kyle Busch's natural talent motivate drivers like Johnson and Carl but have a demoralizing effect on weak minded drivers like Dale jr?

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

I wouldn't put it that way. Every driver thinks he's the best, otherwise he wouldn't be out there. Right now Johnson is the best. Not Busch. Nice try to slam Junior, though.

kevin (new jersey)

how does ray gordon ried have a question for dave at 2:20 when its 2:13

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

Got me on that one. We'll leave it to the experts on the website to figure it out.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Afternoon David, Last week it was rumored that McMurray would not be in the #1. Now it is rumored that he will be as most everyone assumed. What is your take on the situation?????

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

I was told emphatically he will not be. Unless the person that told me was misled, I'll have to stick with that.

Ed (Hartford)

I am truly glad to see so much hate growing for Jimmie Johnson. That'll make it all the more exciting when someone finally knocks him down!!

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

I just don't understand why it has to be hatred. You can be jealous that he is winning races and your driver isn't, but that's no reason to hate him.

Occupant (Planet Earth)

Be interesting to see what happens to Jrs. driving skills if he teams up with Danica. He'll spend even more time cutting commercials with her. At this point he might want to consider giving up driving and become a full-time owner.

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Sounds like something Teresa Earnhardt suggested he decide between a few years ago that escalated the feud.

Claire (Dayton, Ohio)

In terms of pure race car driving skill do you rate Jimmy, Kyle, Kurt, Carl and Stewart as our top 5 in Nascar?

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

You can't leave Jeff Gordon out of that pack. He should be ahead of several of those you mentioned. And why does everybody insist on spelling Johnson's first name with a y? No respect.

JAMMER (UTAH)

what are your thoughts and reason why Landon Cassil isn't running the nationwide series this year and next?

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Honestly, I haven't researched that one.

Mojo (Houston)

What kind of true fans tune out before race is over ... races are won at the checkers - ask Bobby Labonte/Bill Elliott at Homestead 2003. Or Carl Edwards @ Talladega, or Kyle @ Daytona.

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Right on.

Doug (Maumee, Ohio)

ok David I understand that but alot of teams have money and resources how can it be HMS is heads and shoulders better than everyone else could they be getting away with something??

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

If you're insinuating they're cheating, four or five straight trips to the RandD center for the 48 and 5 proves that's not the case. In my humble opinion HMS simply has more resources to do more. Look at what Hendrick said about Earnhardt breaking a valve spring at California. He flew eight engineers there to change the valve springs in all of his cars to make sure it didn't happen again. Not everybody can afford to do that. Or would do that.

Rick (North Wales, Pa)

My theory about why JJ gets no love is that he entered the sport at the wrong time. Petty was there and then Dale entered the picture, as Petty letft Jeff came in as the foil to Dale but when JJ came into the sport you the white knight Jeff, and the good ol boy, Jr. There was no void to fill. It is funny how that even though JJ has clearly been the best since the start of his career people still talk like Gordon is still the champ or that Jr is a crew chief away from winning 36 races every year. I think Ed Hinton's comparision of Pearson to JJ was correct. No one was looking to challenge Petty during Pearson's career and no one was looking to challenge Gordon or Jr.

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

You make some interesting points.

Claire (Dayton, Ohio)

How come Kyle Busch wins with whatever crew chief he as in all 3 series and Dale jr can't find a crew chief to work with him?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Well, Dale Jr. does have two Nationwide titles and Kyle is looking for his first. As far as I know neither has a Cup title. So it's all kind of relative. Hey, Junior is having a bad year. So did Kyle. Carl Edwards hasn't won a race this year. Nobody is over-analyzing him.

Mojo (Houston)

Why has Ford/Roush/Yates waited an entire season to run the new engine...

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

They didn't want to put it on the track until it was fully tested and ready. These things take time. Every manufacuter eases into these situations.

Casey (Santa Clarita, CA)

David could Shumaker the formula one driver drive Nascar and how well would he do?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

I'm sure he could, but like we saw with Montoya it takes two or three years to adjust.

Marc (Malden, MA)

If Bobby Labonte goes to the #1 car, where is Truex going?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

You must have been asleep. Truex signed with Waltrip Racing to drive the No. 56 with NAPA as his sponsor months ago.

29 floors above sea level (NYC)

Can you recommend a good track down south to see a classic style figure 8 race. The ones in NY are lame, traveling only 15 mph. Wife enjoyed DD this summer want to take her to a Figure 8 race. Thanks.

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

Hmm. Will have to research that one.

JAMMER (UTAH)

Jeff Gordon's comments as of late have been interesting. He seems a little frusterated with JJ. Is it because he's finishing behind him or is there going to be some turmoil in the Hendrick camp soon?

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Wouldn't you be frustrated? And I'm sure it's deeper than Gordon lets on. He's too classy to really express his frustration with that.

Eddie (San Antonio)

It was reported that 3 crew chiefs declined the offer to cc for Dale jr before McGrew accepted the job. Who were the 3 who didn't want to cc for Dale jr?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

I can't say, but it would be the toughest job in the sport. Eury said that forever.

john (hamptons)

is not mcgrew, who are the leading candidates for jr's crew chief

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

You interested? Listening to Hendrick you'd think McGrew was the guy. I'm sure he'll take his time and pick the right person, even if he believes it's mcgrew.

kevin (new jersey)

best driver/crew cheif combo was ricky rudd and michael "fatback" mcswain

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Yeah, they dominated the sport. Not.

Matt (Phoenix)

Why is it that NASCAR ?invaded? the Indy Cars? sacred ground (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and became successful and Indy Car does not ?invade? NASCAR?s sacred ground at Daytona? Either the Oval or the road course? I am slowly getting more acquainted with Indy Car and although they compete it intrigues me with they race at some ?NASCAR? venues and the other way around.

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

They went to Indy because it helped take the sport national. Beyond that I can't help you.

Gary (Fort Lee, NJ)

Do you think eventually Nascar will have 4 Super teams-Gibbs/Toyota, Penske/Dodge, Roush/Ford and Henrick/Chevy?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Some believe that is the direction we're headed.

Johnny (Walker)

Would Jr. be doing better if he were racing for JR. Motorsports (on the cup side) and could put his own people around him?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

That is where I believe he finishes his career after the Hendrick deal is done. I'm not convinced he'll be at Childress.

Bobby (SC)

How come Sprint Cup has no more top drivers from NC anymore?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

I asked that question for a story a few years ago. There wasn't a simple explanation. The best I can tell you is drivers are coming from all over the country these days so it makes it tougher for somebody from two states to crack into the top series.

Heather (Michigan)

Maybe Dale Jr would be successful at figure 8 school bus racing?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

That's bad.

Heather (Michigan)

Do you think that Brad K will turn out to be just the next Stremme at Penske?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Nope. I believe he is the real deal and will only make that organization, particularly Kurt Busch, better.

Jason (Tampa)

Looking at overall career. Would you put Jimmy Johnson ahead of Jeff Gordon? I know its more apparent that the #1 hendrick car is the 48 right now.

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

You can't put him there yet. Jeff has one more title and 40 or so more wins. I know he's been doing it for a lot longer, but there was a time when everyone thought Gordon easily would catch Earnhardt and Petty for most titles at seven. He's still working on No. 5.

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

That's all I have time for. Sorry I couldn't get to all of your questions. It's always interesting to hear the thoughts and ideas of the readers. Keeps us on our toes. Until next week, enjoy Martinsville.