ESPN

K. Lee Davis

  (3:00 PM)

Howdy gang. Let's get the Ford Championship Weekend Media Day party started. Just got back from Media Day. What's on your mind?

YAR8pack (Candor)

What the h-e-double hockey sticks!? Where's my boy, Mr. Ed Hinton? Oh well. Here we go. How many of you racing pundits are not going to pick JJ to win it all, AGAIN, in 2010? Seems like everyone picking Cuz Carl for 2009 didn't pan out too well. Of course, Roush falling way behind didn't help any. I guess they couldn't rig the oil cooler to open again. Anyway. My bets are on JJ to whip everyone in 2010....again.

K. Lee Davis

  (3:03 PM)

Mr. Hinton is off the chat today, so you get me. No, not the same, but I'm here in Miami.Second part of your question: I think the pundits (me included) went with the anybody but Jimmie route because four in a row was going against history and Carl looked so good down the stretch. You hit the nail on the head though with the Roush team. Nobody saw that coming, and without offseason testing, how would we?

terrylee vaughn (ware shoals,sc)

so who u got in your top 5 at homestead start with the winner, and jimmie is the man to beat from now on right

K. Lee Davis

  (3:04 PM)

This is usually a Ford party, so I'll go with Biffle, Martin, Edwards, Gordon and Kenseth.

Elaine (Austin)

Don't have any questions for you. I just wanted to say that I am a long time fan of Jimmie (since 2004) and I am very proud to be his fan right now. I think Jimmie is a great driver and a great person. Just beaming - even the haters can't get me down. Go JIMMIE!!!!!

K. Lee Davis

  (3:05 PM)

Jimmie fans are welcome

Pepper (GA)

How do you feel about the 14 and 2 this weekend? They seem to have the 1.5 tracks figured out.

K. Lee Davis

  (3:07 PM)

I don't like the 14 (Tony Stewart) at all right now, and this is a very unusual 1.5 mile track. Don't even call it a cookie cutter. Jimmie Johnson was breaking it down today saying how flat the entry into Turn 1 is and then how in Turn 3 it seems like you're going downhill and then in 4 like you're going uphill. As for Kurt Busch, he should run well. He's been good in recent weeks.

Tyler Mills (NC)

If Jimmie Johnson wins the championship this Sunday, do you consider him as the leader of Hendrick Motorsports, instead of Gordon?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:08 PM)

I think it's still Jeff's team, but to hear JJ, Hendrick and Mark Martin today, it may well be Martin's.

Heather (Denver)

Who do you think will settle scores with Brad K first, Denny, Carl, Bliss, Harvick, Martin, Kurt or Kyle?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:10 PM)

Carl has the temperament, Denny has the seething anger and Harvick has the smoothness to pull it off while making it look like an accident. I'll take Denny.

Chad (Las Vegas)

We know JJ will be celbrating this weekend, most likely. But what about Mr. Hendrick? Finishing 1-2-3 in the Chase is something special and he has to throw a huge party.

K. Lee Davis

  (3:10 PM)

Well, Martin could still finish fourth and Gordon definitely could. But I think Hendrick will be happy if he pulls off a 1-2-3.

Jake (Texas)

We saw the youtube video of Stewart at Phoenix saying, "We're junk. Damnit. Dale Jr that No-Talent SOB". Do you expect Tony to going after Dale like Denny will be settling scores with Bucky Brad?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:12 PM)

Tony and Dale are friends, and that was just heat of the moment stuff. Tony being Tony. That, or Junior, who does have real talent, doesn't seem to have any of it right now.

Matt (Chicago)

Welcome K. Lee! In your opinion, what will be the biggest change in NASCAR this offseason?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:13 PM)

I don't think we'll see any big changes, although the Chase could get tweaked, I suppose. Even then, it would be incremental change.

Trip (NC)

At Phoenix, when Dale jr wrecked out Stewart, Tony said on the radio, "Dale Jr, that No-Talent SOB". Do you think that is Tony's honest opinion of Dale?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:14 PM)

No.

tarjee (3100links dr)

do u like driving

K. Lee Davis

  (3:15 PM)

Yes. Not fond of my rental car though. Although the satellite radio is nice. NASCAR channel babay!!

Jenifer (LA)

Is the reason Sterwart hasn't done anything since winning The Glen back in Aug. because Henrick pulled the plug on the #14 and #39?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:16 PM)

No, Stewart and Newman likely used it all up making the Chase, same with the 83 of Brian Vickers.And Stewart-Haas Racing overachieved this year. Way overachieved.

Kevin (NJ)

Kyle Busch seems to think that he's the only driver who can beat down the #48 next year. Do you think Kyle will win his first Sprint Cup in 2010?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:18 PM)

I can't pick him until he shows more maturity on and off the track. He has the talent, but I'd take Martin to knock off JJ over Kyle. Although, maybe winning the Nationwide Series will give Kyle the boost to get it done at Cup.

Willie (Texas)

Yesterday on Kyle's NASCAR NOW interview, Kyle said that somebody has to stop the #18 as the reason for cutting back his Nationwide schedule. Do you believe Kyle, Dave and the #18 have the best shot of knocking off #48 next year?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:19 PM)

You man knock off the 48? Again, Kyle has to show more maturity, but stepping back from the full-time Nationwide schedule is a plus.

Fred (al) [via mobile]

Who will be the drivers of the four Braun cars

K. Lee Davis

  (3:20 PM)

Oh wow. Hmmm. Well, I'd sure try to pick up Bobby Labonte. After that, not sure wheer I'd go.

Sklar (Phoenix)

We thought Texas with Kurt and Kyle fighting for the win was the best cup race of the year. What do you think was the best race?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:21 PM)

The first 'Dega race was fantastic. I though the fall Martinsville race was exciting, but too long.

Hurley (Alabama)

It has been reported that Brad K burned his bridges at Henrick. Do you think that Henrick realized that he made a mistake bringing Dale jr, Eury's and Brad k into Henrick?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:22 PM)

I don't think he burned any bridges at Hendrick, and I don't think Hendrick made a mistake bringing in Junior and the Eurys

Kevin (Chicago)

Is Hendrick going to provide the same backing to Stewart again next season?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:23 PM)

Stewart is paying for that backing, it's not a gift. So yes, I would expect that to stay the same until SHR is ready to go it alone. But even then they'd likely form and engine alliance with Hendrick or someone else.

Hurley (Alabama)

Why doesn't Kurt Busch run 10-15 Nascar Nationwide Series races a year like Harvick, Burton, Kensith and those guys?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:24 PM)

Some Cup drivers don't want to do it and some others don't have teams with big Nationwide programs that need their help. Kurt may fit either of those descriptions.

Vernon (Virginia)

Now that it is clear that #24 and #5-forget the #88-aren't up to competiting with the #48, do you expect Mr. H to make huge changes for 2010?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:26 PM)

I doubt he changes much on the 48, 24 or 5. Seems like the 88 changes have occured, so it should be a relatively serent offseason at Hendrick.The bigger issue is the expectation (fear?) of industry-wide layoffs in about a week or two. Will Hendrick be a seller or a buyer for talent?

Sklar (Phoenix)

Do you think Dale jr will finish his driving career at Henricks or will Dale be gone from the #88 in 2011?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:27 PM)

I would bet he is in the 88 beyond 2011 but does not end his career at Hendrick Motorsports.

John (Illinois)

Who do you think will have a better season in 2010, Dale Jr. or Joey Logano?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:28 PM)

I believe in Junior, so I'll pick him. Logano is still about 50 races short of really, really getting it. They could both make the Chase though.

Penny (Naples)

When Harvick leaves Childress next year who do you think would be a good driver for the #29?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:29 PM)

I'd really like to see Scott Riggs get another chance, but with Burton and Bowyer on board, going young makes sense. How about Justin Algaeir?

Fred (al) [via mobile]

So who do you think penske is lookin at to crew chief the 12 and do you think will see paul menard driven for RCR

K. Lee Davis

  (3:31 PM)

Menard has a ride somewhere becaue he brings cold hard cash to the table. Penske crew chief for the 12? Man, I don't know. Not sure who is capable that is already in the Penske stable. And Penske likes to go internal when he can.

Virginia (Tx)

No question. Just wanted to say you're doing a magnificent job.

K. Lee Davis

  (3:32 PM)

Are you my old roommate? Seriously, thanks.

Greg (VA)

Do you think Denny Hamlin will seriously compete for the championship next year?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:33 PM)

I love Denny's chances. I think he may be the guy that could challenge the 48 more than any other. But he needs Kyle Busch to be a good and cooperative teammate -- and vice-versa -- to get it done. Jimmie has three teammates all pulling together on and off the track. Denny doesn't, I don't think.

Henry (NYC)

How much truth was reported in The National Enquirer story: PAL: Dale jr in Deaths Spiral?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:34 PM)

I thought it was a joke, frankly. I'm sure he ain't happy this year, but death spiral? C'mon!

Rajiv (LA)

Since Robby Gordon only has funding for the first 6 races will Robby become another Start and Park driver?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:35 PM)

I don't see him wanting to start and park, but Robby usually finds a way. We'll see. I'm hoping he (and a lot of others) dig up some sponsors.

Henning (Germany)

Making the Chase while still not getting "it". Sounds like your expected ceiling for logano are a couple of championships. That true?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:36 PM)

Yes, I expect great things from him starting about the middle of 2011.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will drive the Warner Music of Nashville #49 Toyota for the 2010 Sprint Cup Series?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:38 PM)

That's pretty detailed, so I'll give you a vague answer. Somebody with talent. No, that's no good! I think some of the Nationwide regulars are going to start moving up soon (at least I hope), so I'll throw Algaeir's name out there again.

Henry (NYC)

What changes can Jack Roush make to his teams to get them up to Gibbs, Penske, Henrick level?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:38 PM)

If the new Ford engine is up to snuff, the Fords will be back running up front on a regular basis.

Ricky (Houston)

Dale jr has only won 3 cup races in the last 5 years. At 36 years of age, do you think Dale can win 3 cup races in the next 5 years?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:39 PM)

I think he could win three next year. Look, he's going to break out of it eventually, and when he does, watch out. Did you see Mark Martin winning five times this year?

jose B. (JBB Iraq )

why would the knicks take a chance on a guy that doesnt understand he is not that great player he was once ??

K. Lee Davis

  (3:40 PM)

They're the Knicks? Sorry gang, couldn't resist that one. And jose, if you're in Iraq serving for us, thank you.

Sid (Atlanta)

PLEASE pick Mark to win next yr so Jimmie and Chad will keep the chip on their shoulders! thanks in advance, another longtime 48 fan (since fall '03) ;-)

K. Lee Davis

  (3:42 PM)

Jimmie's won every year we made him the preseason favorite. This year, we picked Carl Edwards. So JJ fans better watch out, because he hasn't won when we picked against him!

Wally (San Diego)

Brad K has wrecked out Denny 5 times, Carl 2 times, Bliss, Allgaier, Mark Martin, Kurt Busch, Boyer, Harvick and Kyle. Do you expect all those guys to be head hunting Brad in 2010?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:43 PM)

Brad will get his when the competition thinks it's necessary ... which may be never.

Jim (Tampa)

We think Aric Almirola is way better than Brad K. How come Aric hasn't gotten a shot with a big team like Penske or Gibbs?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:44 PM)

I like Aric, too. Now he's in a contract dispute with Earnhardt Ganassi, and that never helps. Maybe he will be a Braun driver.

Remy (NJ)

Do you really believe that Dale jr has the talent, motivation, agressiveness, desire, mental toughness and technical know how to run week-in and week-out with The Busch Brothers, Carl, Jimmie, Denny and those guys?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:46 PM)

Talent: Yes.Motivation: Not sure.Agressiveness: Yes.Desire: Probably.Mental toughness: Not right now.Technical know-how: Never did and that is why I think he's never really contended for a title.

Wally (San Diego)

Do you think RCR will become another DEI, Yates or Petty and end up merging with Ganassi or Henricks?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:47 PM)

Not yet, but another two or three seasons on the track like this one and if the economy stays horrible, maybe.

Remy (NJ)

When does the ABC/ESPN, FOX, TNT televison contract expire and why doesn't a single network broadcast all the races?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:49 PM)

The contract runs through 2014, I believe. And no single network would ever pony up what those three entities combined did. And I bet that doesn't happen again, either. There may be three networks showing it, but not at the current price, I would think. And I believe the sport would be better served by being on one newtwork.

Doug (Ohio)

Do you think SHR used up all their stuff to get into the chase? And do you think they will pace themselves to have a better chase next year? Seems like they are a tired bunch now - it is a long season though.

K. Lee Davis

  (3:49 PM)

Yes, I do believe that is what happened as I said eralier in the chat. They may not be much better next year, but that would still be really good.

TG (PA)

Isn't it up to the crew chief to provide the technical know-how for Dale Jr? Do you think Lance is the right crew chief for Dale Jr?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:52 PM)

Only the driver can tell the crew chief what he thinks is wrong, and Dale is awful at it. Listen to JJ sometime when the 48 is running 12th and he's talking to Chad Knaus. Calm, methodical and probing. It's like listening to two horse auction traders looking over a specimen.

Roberto (Miami)

If Juan Pablo Montoya doesnt' win Sunday he will go winless in 2009. Can that be considered a successful season?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:52 PM)

Heck yeah, he made the Chase and for a bad team. He's had an awesome year.

Stu (Virginia)

If you had to choose between camping at ORP/Brickyard or Daytona in July, which would you go with? Trying to plan a road trip for the summer.

K. Lee Davis

  (3:53 PM)

Brickyard, cause I wouldn't want to sweat like that in Daytona in July.

Mark (Orlando)

What will Petty do with all the Dodge stuff now that they are running Fords? Will RPM have an auction?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:55 PM)

Of the engines and body components, certainly. Although not a lot of need for Dodge COT body panels. A lot of the rest is interchangeable.

Nate (Madison)

Should beer companies be allowed to advertise all over Nascar equipment. Drinking and driving just don't mix at all. Not good as a role model.

K. Lee Davis

  (3:56 PM)

Should they advertise all over ballparks where people are going to then drive home? Grow up.

Clinton (Indianapolis)

I hate auto racing It is so boring. Why do people insist on watching it.

K. Lee Davis

  (3:57 PM)

Because of the secret code given to us when the cars run in a certain order between laps 34 and 72. It tells how to avoid people like you.

Laura (Ft Lee, NJ)

Do you think it is ethical or correct for Waltrip and Knaus to go on post-race televison and express opinions about other race teams?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:57 PM)

Sure. You know what you're listening to/watching and neither are journalists. They can say what they want. It's for you to decide whether or not they're credible.

Jake (Texas)

She's right. We never see Penske, Gibbs, Roush, Henrick going on tv talking about other race teams.

Freddie (WPB)

Do you think we will see Krissy Wallace in a SI Swimsuit issue with Danica and Ingrid Gordon?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:58 PM)

No.

Freddie (WPB)

We will be in Charlotte in Dec. Does Dale jr hang out at his bar Whisky River and can you meet Dale there?

K. Lee Davis

  (3:59 PM)

I've heard he can be found there from time to time.

K. Lee Davis

  (4:01 PM)

OK gang, gotta go. Check it all out this weekend. Homestead can put on some great racing and as for the Jimmie Johnson vs. Mark Martin title fight, hey, you never know!