ESPN

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

Welcome to what already is a rather spooky week with a successful crew chief being replaced and a driver being arrested. Let's get to the questions before I'm haunted by something else. Fire away.

John (SC)

Perhaps alchohol is a bigger problem then drugs. Why would drivers risk their reputation/sponsorship with so much on the line?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

I am supposing we are talking about Allmendinger here, and I agree. But drivers are humans like the rest of us and make mistakes. Hopefully, AJ can turn this into a positive, speaking to kids about the dangers of driving and drinking or some other community service.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Will the COTs Be in the Nationwide Series Permanently beginning on Saturday February 19,2011 at Daytona?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

That is the understanding. Four races next year and work in the rest in 2011.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Is that true that Danica Patrick will race in the Bahas Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix on Saturday November 14,2009?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

I'll have to check that one out.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will drive for BAM Racing in the 49 Toyota Camary in 2010 Since BAM Racing signed Warner Music Nashville as their sponsorship for the 2010 Sprint Cup Series season?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

There are several decent drivers out there _ Stremme, Sorenson, Labonte and such. Haven't heard anything as of yet. Who would you like to see in the car?

AR (MN)

Which teams od you believe Martin Truex, Jr., Reed Sorenson, and Jamie McMurray will be racing with next season?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Truex is easy. He signed to drive the 56 at Michael Waltrip Racing a few months ago. McMurray is the favorite to replace him at EGR, although the sponsor would prefer somebody else. Sorenson? Nationwide maybe.

Stephen (Alabama)

Which superspeedway is considered by most drivers to be the toughest to navigate? Talladega or Daytona?

David Newton

  (2:07 PM)

Neither are considered especially tough. Daytona requires a better handling car. Dega, as Dale Jr. has said, his mother could drive. Play the video games and see what you think. I've driven the plate tracks and then 1.5 mile tracks and I can tell you the plate tracks are 10 times easier.

Aaron (Nampa, ID)

#48 4 and counting

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Three after this weekend.

Ken (Fontana)

Hey David. Really enjoy the chats thanks. I was wondering does Talladega have lights for night racing?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Nope. Wish they did, but not sure you want to deal with that crowd at night.

Ken (Fontana)

Why doesn't Marty do a chat? Is it because he's hangin at Whisky River with Jr.?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Never thought about it.

Mark (Iowa)

What are the clinch scenarios for Ron Hornaday?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

You would ask me something I haven't studied. If he continues running like he is it really won't matter.

Matt M (Madison, WI)

Any of the drivers ranked 25th or worse in points that you see getting a top 15 this week? I'm trying to avoid the drivers that start and park after a couple laps.

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

How about Waltrip? He's really good at Dega and plate tracks in general.

Jim (Maryland)

Does Tony really think that Hendrick is going to give him an engine equal or better than an engine he gives the 24, 48, 5 or 88? It seems to me his only way to win another championship is to build his own engines.

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

He does and I believe he gets them. If Hendrick gave lesser engines to other teams then he wouldn't be in that business very long.

Jack Trae (Missouri)

When do you think Ron Malec will be given a chance to be a Crew Chief in Cup and with who?

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Most of us believe he would be great for Dale Earnhardt Jr., but he's with a special group right now and seems satisfied with the challenge of winning another title. If I'm Mr. Hendrick, though, I give strong consideration to making the move to the 88.

Frank (Washington DC)

Brad K won and wrecked another driver. Why don't other drivers put him into the wall? He seems like the kind of guy who is ok if it happens to others but would cry if it happened to him.

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Be patient, they will.

RAYGORDON REID ( HAMPTON GA 30228)

QUESTION TO DAVID NEWTON AT 2.20 PM HI DAVID NEWTON WHO YOU HAVE AT TALLADEGA SUNDAY

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

I like Jeff Gordon to finally break through. That team has been scary good without winning a race in a while. After him you've got to consider the usual suspects, Johnson, Stewart, Earnhardt, Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch.

justin ( indiana)

If ratings don't improve during the chase, what do you think NASCAR will do about it?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

I'm not sure they can do much about it. The racing is pretty good in my opinion. I'm really perplexed why the fans aren't tuning in as much as they once did. It can't all be because Jimmie is dominating again and Earnhardt isn't. Got any ideas?

John (Georgia)

With Jimmie wrapping up this years championship already, will he be the next one to win 7 or perhaps more championships?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

He'll be first in line.

Chris Nulty (Crestview, FL)

It seems that Jr has more parts failures than the 5, 24 and 48 combined. Do you think it is all due to bad luck or is are the garage rumors about the 88 team not being entirely behind Jr true? If the guys in the shop don't believe in Jr, surely it effects the quality of workmanship.

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

Nobody is sabotaging the car if you are insinuating that. It may be quirky luck. It mayb be the way he drives as opposed to the others. It may be the setup. It's probably a bit of all of them.

Marcus (VA)

Dave, I'm on pins and needles here...When you do you suspect we'll hear something about Jr's CC next year? I believe I'm going to be disappointed and it will be no change. I don't doubt Lance's Knowledge, but I just don't think he's the type of leader Jr. Need's. I'm just hoping They stay mum to let Jimmie get his 4th, and then announce the promotion of Malec.

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

Mr. Hendrick hinted he would like to leave things the same, but I can't imagine if there's not major improvement the next four weeks he won't do something during the offseason. And you're right, they wouldn't do anything with Malec at the expense of Johnson winning the title.

Leo (Connecticut)

Will NASCAR impose a penalty on the Dinger for his DUI bust?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Haven't been able to get an answer from NASCAR. In other sports they have to wait until everything is handled in court. I suppose he could be automatically drug tested each week now, but again NASCAR officials haven't returned phone calls yet.

Rick (Buffalo, NY)

Will Addington remain with JGR knowing that they will be looking to add a possible full-time 4th car in 2011? Or will he look to move to another organization to be on the pit box in Cup in 2010?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

He could do that and run the Nationwide program for a year. I'm not sure how many years he has left on his contract. That will determine a lot.

John (Georgia)

Why is it that the #3 can be held without being used for so long without NASCAR making Childress "use it or lose it" as Petty was told back in '93 or '94? Wait.... is it because RCR makes a TON of money with it still? Why does one get away with it and not the other? Thanks!

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

I believe as long as Childress pays for the rights to that number each year it's his.

John (AZ)

Who is more exciting to watch Jimmie Johnson or Brad Keselowski?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Depends on whether you like to see a finely tuned driver or a young aggressive one. They both are fun to watch in their own right. I'll go with Johnson, though.

kevin (new jersey)

Dave do you feel like casey mears needs at least one full year with the same group of guys around him. I mean he always seems to start out slow and then picks it up late and he either gets released or changes are made.

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

I almost wrecked my car when he guranteed on the radio last week that he would have contended for the Chase had they left Berrier and that team alone. It is tough to be constantly changing crew chiefs and he felt he had a special chemistry with Berrier. Unfortunately, we won't get to find out the answer to your question.

Marcus (VA)

If you were Rick H, would you leave Lance to avoid too much change? Or would you go with the hard working Malec? I think that if anyone could be as meticulous as Knaus it has to be Ron Malec.

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

I'd go with Malec and change the entire crew as Tony Gibson suggested.

Teri (California)

Speaking of alcohol, I would think Dale Jr owning a drinking establishment isn't in his best interest as a driver. He's inadvertantly promoting drinking.

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

So you don't think Kasey Kahne should drive the Budweiser Dodge? Or Kurt Busch the Miller Lite Dodge? And how good for you are those MandMs that Kyle Busch promotes? I think your assessment of things is a bit overstated.

Greg Smith (Grove City Ohio)

I am a Tony Stewart fan but I have say Jimmie and Chad are doing what they are getting paid to do thats WIN. All fans hate them cause they are winning. The fans to new to recall the names of PETTY, EARNHARDT,WALTRIP,GORDON. The sport goes through this from time to time

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

My thoughts exactly. Enjoy the moment is what I say.

kevin (new jersey)

Ken Schrader should drive the bam car because they said he was their driver when they come back

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Not much of a comeback is it?

Chris Nutly (Crestview, FL)

Do you think JGR made the right call replacing Addington? It seems silly to me, the guy has 4 wins. Is it maybe a knee-jerk reaction?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Actually, I agree with the move. Sometimes a pair can go only so far together. In my opinion this pair had gone as far as they were going. Yeah, they win races. But to win championships you have to be consistent, too. They were not.

kevin (new jersey)

David Ragan will win this weekend Book It!!!

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Booked. But you're wrong.

Rick (Mpls)

If Team Childress is leading laps and winning races next year does Harvick really leave? I know it's an "if".

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

If he does he better have a much better situation. Most believe that's Stewart-Haas. We'll see.

Wade (FL)

David, who will be Kurt Busch's crew chief in 2010? Any rumors you know of?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

That's been pretty quiet, actually. Will check into it this weekend.

Evan Johnson (Salt Lake City )

How nervous would you be if you were a chaser leading with one lap to go?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

Those guys don't get nervous in those situations. If they did I'd tell them to find another profession.

William (Mooreesville)

Hendrick does measure engines on the dyno and keeps the "best" ones for HMS team but the difference is 1 or 2 hp between the top 10 engines. HMS is about the team and crew .... plus luck.

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

Can't argue that.

kevin (new jersey)

Come on dave those were lame picks. those are the same people everyone pick every week. talladega is like a crap shoot. be a man and pick someone out of the blue

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Isn't Dale Earnhardt Jr. a longshot these days? Just kidding. OK, I'll go with Kevin Harvick. That team is coming on.

Dakota (Florida)

yes yes

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

I assume you liked the answser.

Evan Johnson (Salt Lake City )

If Malec is named the 88 crew chief do you expect McGrew to be named the car chief gor the 88?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

Wow, you're really digging deep here. Anything is possible.

JAMMER (UTAH)

I'VE NOTICED SOMETHING PRETTY INTERESTING AND WANTED TO GET YOUR THOUGHT. YOU SEE TEAMS SWAPPING CREW CHIEFS BEFORE THE END OF THE SEASON. WHAT EFFECT OF NOT BEING ABLE TO TEST THE COT HAS ON THE REASON WHY THESE TEAMS ARE CHANGING CREW CHIEFS?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

This would have happened either way. It's just the time to make a change as you prepare for next season. But yes, some teams have been hurt by the lack of testing. It's the same for everybody, though, so it's hard to complain about it.

William (Mooreesville)

David how much does having a 40 plus week season that runs into the NFL season hurt? It seems sooooo long ...

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

You're telling me it's long. I've been an advocate for a 32-race schedule, maybe even 30. Start a week or so earlier and end this on Labor Day Weekend.

travis (school)

what is so different about the setup of jimmie johnson's car, to the other competitors.

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

As drivers like to say, it's all in the feel in their butts. So whatever feels good to Jimmie obviously doesn't feel so good to the others. To get more technical than that would require an engineer to answer.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Hey David, I am heading to Talladega for the first time this weekend. Any helpful hints or suggestions?????

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Be careful. The infield can be scary even when it's not Halloween. But make sure you check out the infield/campgrounds. It's part of the allure. If you want good food, drive to Birmingham.

Mike (Hoboken NJ)

Hello David. I'm tired of everyone stating "Jimmie Johnson" is ruining NASCAR. I think it's the exact opposite, what he is about to do, will put him in the same conversation with the likes of Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and Michael Phelps. His name will become synonomus with the sport. And is there a better driver out there to represent NASCAR to the masses? He's clean cut, intelligent, personable, it can help take the "red neck" stigma out of the sport. While the tradionalists may not like it, it's great for all the teams. Let's sit back and enjoy something that may not happen again for a long long long time!

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

I am sick of the complaining as well. I'm with you all the way on this one.

Don (CT)

In my opinoin it's not that the racing is boring, it's a combination of two things. 1) Johnson is killing the competition which makes this part of the season predictible, 2) the broadcasters aren't showing the racing taking place in the pack, they are showing the leader check out.

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

I disagree with both. Johnson has won only six races out of 32. Plenty of other people are winning. And they show racing back in the field a lot from what I've seen, and I've seen a lot.

David (Jackson, KY)

You mentioned that Bass Pro Shops would prefer someone other than McMurray in the #1 car. I assume that means Bobby Labonte. How do you see that eventually playing out?

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Labonte is the name I've been told. Usually sponsors win out, but I'd love to see the owner have the guts to make the call on who he thinks the best driver is.

Wade (FL)

What is the cutoff for drivers who you think are eliminated? Kurt Busch still in it, if JJ wrecks out at Dega?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Anybody past Gordon in third in my opinion is toast.

Moncho (Hatillo)

JJ is the best driver in the Hendrick team Montoya is the best overral.

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Not sure how you came to that conclusion, but I'll disagree. Talk to me when Juan has a couple of titles.

Marcus (VA)

Sorry for redundancy Dave, but people all of a sudden are saying that Hendrick should offer money to Addington to come CC Dale Jr. Isn't Addington just another Lance Mcgrew?

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

If Addington was that good do you think they would have replaced him at JGR? I'm just saying.

Frank (TN)

The popular opinion is that Brad K. will end up with Hendrick in a couple of years. What do you think will happen if he goes to Penske and stinks?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

I don't believe he signed with Penske with the intention of leaving in a few years. That would be three by the length of his contract, by the way. He says he wants to win a title at Penske. I believe him.

Wade (FL)

Is Kurt Busch still in the running for the title?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

Technically.

David (Norfolk)

Lets limit the twice-a-year track visits to 7: Charlotte; Daytona; Talladega; Richmond; Martinsville; Bristol; and Texas or Atlanta...schedule the All-Star race for mid-week of the Charlotte spring race...this gets us down to 30 races and roughly 32 weeks and done on labor Day weekend, preferably at Darlington...twice at Phoenix, Calif, Pocono, Michigan, Dover never has made sense

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

I like the way you think, particularly ending it at Darlington on Labor Day. Maybe that would force ISC to put more money into the track.

Wade (FL)

What are the chances of Steve Addington becoming KURT Busch's crew chief?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Good question, and one I will seek an answer to in Talladega.

Marcus (VA)

Did Dale Jr get the raw end of the deal when he came to Hendrick and they gave Jr the 25 team and Mears the 5 team?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Not really. It's just hard integrating an outsider with a new team. Lots of moving pieces and it takes a lot to get the right chemistry.

Chuck (NY)

Hey David, odd question here. Any word on sponsorship extensions/changes with Jeff Gordon? I read on his website that they might be making an announcement soon. Thanks.

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

They have one year left with DuPont, but there are rumblings the company wants a lesser role. He has some races with National Guard. Otherwise, havent' heard much.

TG (PA)

Eye of Newt, are you and the Mrs dressing up for any halloween parties?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Sadly, no. I'll be alone in Dega. We talked about going as characters from Scooby Do and dressing our dog as Scooby. Last year she went as Sarah Palin and I went as Obama. The year before she was Pricilla and I was Elvis. This year I'll be in my hotel. Sigh.

Scott (Rougemont, NC)

What is your OVER/UNDER on the number of cars involved in the BIG ONE? .... I have 12 ... Have i got a chance?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

You've always got a chance with that number at Dega.

Jeremy (West Des Moines)

In terms of driving ability, who would you consider the best? Since Gordon, Johnson and Stewart are all multiple-time champions and obviously amoung the best, lets leave them out.

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Hmmm. Leaving them out is tough. I'd have to go with Kyle Busch strictly on talent.

Joe (PA)

Heard a rumor on Jayski that Bobby Labonte visited RGM, any use looking more into this?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

He's visited a few places, including there. Something should come out in the next few weeks.

Mike (Talladega)

Who do you think is the better looking female reporter? Nicole Manske (ESPN), Lindsay Czarniak (TNT, NBC), Shannon Spake (ESPN), Jamie Little (ESPN), Krista Voda (FOX), Wendy Venturini (SPEED)

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

They're all beautiful.

Rob (Colorado Springs)

Jr. needs Pops! He is the only one that can calm him down. He doesn't have to be the crew chief, he just needs to be in Jr.'s ear during the race.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Earnhardt has made it pretty clear that won't happen, but somebody with the same demeanor would be good.

Heather (San Diego)

With Harvick only winning 11 cup races and nothing since Daytona 2007 why does anyone consider him a hot property?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Because there are a lot of drivers that would love to have 11 wins and a Daytona 500, and a lot of sponsors are willing to pay for a driver like that. That doesn't make him a great driver, but puts him near the top of the most wanted list when his contract is up next year.

Marcus (VA)

Mike from Hoboken NJ said that Jimmie is taking out the redneck stigma from NASCAR and that it's a good thing. I'm from Royal Oak,MI Not redneck at all....And I think the redneck stigma of NASCAR is what makes it so good, so different. You agree or dissagree? Dale Jr is one of the only guys left that come's from the home of racing, and he's the most popular by far.

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

I tend to think it's popularity is built around the working man's man. It's why Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty were so popular.

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Time to pack for Dega and catch a plane. Thanks to Scott Van Pelt for giving my column on Hallow-Dega props on his afternoon radio show. Make sure you tune into him on SportsCenter. Happy Halloween.